Would you book with DU or Disney direct?

[MsWitty1]

I just received a quote from Dreams Unlimited and it seemed really easy. I am torn whether it is better to book with them or to take care of the reservations with Disney directly. Any feedback?

Looking for pros- and cons. If you prefer one over the other please let me know why!

thanks to the best message board group anywhere!!

 

[kandmwedding]

I prefer DU. They'll give you the same level of service (or maybe even better) than Disney will, and will go to the added trouble of checking back regularly for cheaper rates. They will also take care of calling to make all your PSes for you, which means no long distance phone calls or waking up for a 7am call. Since they don't charge for their services you really can't lose with them. I definitely recommend them after planning 4 trips with them!

 

[tiggersmom2]

I have NEVER used a TA, I always book my own room and PS. For this trip.....I got 2 rooms at POR for 4 nights at 700.00! It is so easy to watch for deals and book everything myself.

 

[the kabuki]

This is the first trip I've ever used a TA for our upcoming 1st cruise. He had much better pricing than booking directly with Disney.

 

[dudspizza]

I personally like to do things on my own. I have total control of my reservation. If you use a TA, they own your reservation and you have to go through them to make requests or changes.

Duds

 

[vanyel]

This is my first trip booking with a ta and I doubt that I'll ever do it myself again. I'm using Wendy from Magical Journies and she has been amazingly helpful. Plus, I really like her!

I still do all the planning and researching because I want to but she makes all the calls and watches for the discounts for my time frame. Can't beat it!

 

[cbird]

I prefer DU. They'll give you the same level of service (or maybe even better) than Disney will, and will go to the added trouble of checking back regularly for cheaper rates. They will also take care of calling to make all your PSes for you, which means no long distance phone calls or waking up for a 7am call. Since they don't charge for their services you really can't lose with them. I definitely recommend them after planning 4 trips with them!

I agree with all these points. Also you still are in charge of all the plannning they just do all the work. Cant beat it.

 

[Sammy]

I have control issues so I book all our vacations myself ; that being said, if I ever did use a TA for a Disney vacation, I would use DU. I hear nothing but good things about their services and seem to go that extra mile in looking for codes and making their clients happy.

Whichever you decide to do, have a magical trip!

Sammy

 

[java]

I am using DU for the first time this trip- they have gotten me the AP rates and added days to my trip all without a problem. I didn't have to make a single call to Disney(that of course makes me nervous..but I'll let you know when I get back)

 

[Melrosgirl]

Book with DU. You have nothing to lose. Even if you cancel.

 

[swilphil]

Go with DU. I've done both and DU is much easier. They are also very reliable. I like the wepage they have where you request your PSs.

 

[mlwear]

I checked DU before making a deposit with AAA. The package (6 nights with dining and tickets) was over $500 cheaper going with AAA. I have since been told that if you book directly with Disney you can still get the AAA discount. If you don't already have a membership, it could pay for itself several times over. I'd look into that.

 

[dmslush]

I go with DU! I like having someone else worry about the PS, watching for discounts, and all of the other stuff that goes along with it.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

I checked DU before making a deposit with AAA. The package (6 nights with dining and tickets) was over $500 cheaper going with AAA. I have since been told that if you book directly with Disney you can still get the AAA discount. If you don't already have a membership, it could pay for itself several times over. I'd look into that.

This is due to the Dining plan - DU and other Disney-specialist agencies like Dream Come True Vacations (my recommendation), and even when booking with Disney directly, you can't get the AAA discount combined with Dining - only AAA can do that.

 

[NCombs]

I went with DU for our next trip. I must say I am very much a Type A in-charge person but they have been great.

Here are the reasons I went this route:

1) They deal with CRO which can be an adventure in itself at times
2) Reading about how difficult it can be to get through to CRO when discounts become available really steered me DU's direction-they do it for you
3) I tell them the PS's I want and they get them for me
4) I've been getting great emails from my agent (in fact I just got done reading the latest) about the latest Disney news-new attraction reviews, any new discounts (for example, AP holders can now get a discount on La Nouba tickets), recommended excursions, etc. It is really very helpful.

 

[BethC1952]

I always use DU and have never had a problem. They keep an eye out for discounts and codes so I don't have to worry (even remembering that we're AP holders and want non-smoking rooms), they booked my PS's for me with no problems, arranged my transfers (even at the last minute for my BIL, who totally forgot that he had to get from the airport to the resort to the ship, and he's a limo driver!). They've answered all of my questions quickly.

Beth

 

[patsal]

I've done both, but I enjoy using DU, and since trying them I have used them each time I needed lodging at WDW. I love that they will check for codes and get them for you as well as the PS's. I used to do all the work and make sure everything was magical for my family. It is noce to have someone create a bit of magic for me!

 

[rcraw45425]

Another vote for DU and I am very compulsive about my Disney planning. I still plan and then get with Sue Ellen and get her input. She advised me against booking a view room at the YC, had me ask for an upgrade. Got it, saved me a few hundred $$. Same with the GF, free upgrade again. Plus, they are constantly calling WDW so they can ofter get you hard to get PS' a lot easier than you can. And you can always get your own PS and then just email them and they add them to your itinerary.

 

[sista]

Okay, so can someone clue me in. I really loathe calling CR, do you book through DU for just Disney resorts, or must this include airtravel? How much do they charge to get you AP rates and call for PS? I would love to know more.

 

[Sammie]

Some people enjoy the work of booking a Disney vacation and it can be work. If you want the ease of letting someone else do it, then go with DU and let them do all the work and you just enjoy the ease of that.