Book thru wdw.com or travel site?
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Book thru wdw.com or travel site?
| Wed, 05-24-2006 - 4:56pm |
Newbie to walt disney world. Family of 4. My daughter will be 7 and son will almost be 5. I figure it's now or never. Now I have to convince dh of that. ;) Looking to go in sept/oct and found decent rates on the wdw site. Is it best book the vacation through them? Or should I look at other online travel sites such as expedia, ect? or is a local travel agent the way to go? Thanks for the advice. ~Laura

Welcome!
I always book directly through WDW, over the phone. You can also book online, but I prefer to call. If you're going to use a Travel Agent, I would make sure to find a Disney Specialist TA. They usually don't charge a fee and they have to go through Disney training to know what they're talking about. AAA and most local regular TA's don't seem to know much about Disney.
I've never used a TA, but we have a Disney-specialist TA here on this board, or there are also other companies out there. Someone will probably post with the names of those as well.
Stick around, and feel free to post any questions you have, we love to answer!
Steph
I guess I was mainly wondering where will I get the better deal? A TA, an online travel site, or WDW.com?
I got this price rate thru WDW.com
sept 29-oct 3 (4 nights)
3 day tickets for 4 (2 kids)
budget hotel at disney
food plan
just under $1100. I was pretty pleased with that quote. But wondering if I could do better elsewhere or if there were cost saving tips.
Thanks
~Laura
The only advantage a good TA provides you is peace of mind. For Disney, we don't get any special codes or promotions that the general public can't find out about.
Your right I didn't do the park hop or add on the insurance. I didn't think about it being hurricane season. Do most people spend the extra $100+ for insurance?. That extra cost makes me cringe. ;) I decided against the park hop. Not so sure we'd take advantage of going from one park to another on our first visit. With the 3-dayer I thought we'd to animal kingdom, MGM and of course magic kingdom. Not sure what order yet is bast.
I have dh getting me some WDW guide books from the library today so I can get some more info. I did get a view the planning CD from WDW. The kids loved it.
If I book this online can I go back and add on the dining reservations? I thought I saw somewhere that I had to book before June 5th to get the free food plan. I know it will take me longer then till then to decide where all to eat.
Another question that I've wondered now that I've gotten into searching through things. If we stay at the value resort can we go around an visit, see a show or eat at the other resorts? Also the free food plan does that include character meals?
Ok, that's my questions for now. You're doll to take the time to help. :) I so greatly appreicate ya'alls help.
Yes, you have to book by June 4th to get the free dining.
I would get the room booked and get your dining booked as fast as you can. You want to be able to eat at decent times, not 9pm with kids.
We are going 9/24-9/30. I bought the insurance - only because it is hurricane season and if it is bad this year and something happens I want my money back for another time. I am praying we don't have to use it.
Everyone here is really helpful so make sure you hang around and read as much as you can here.
Sarah
I would definitely recommend the trip insurance. If you don't, and a hurricane (or any other catastrophe, such as medical emergency, accident, whatever) happens, you're out everything you paid for the trip, and they don't owe you a thing back. If you have the insurance, you'll get your $$ back (or at least most of it, less the cost of insurance, someone please correct me if I'm wrong) or you can reschedule.
Steph