What is the best way to book a trip to Disney World?

Question

It would be for two adults only.

Answer 1

If you are planning to go to the parks, then you should consider getting a package at Disney. You generally save a few dollars by doing the tickets and room seperately, in the beginning. However, Disney usually offers a code that will drop the rates (not sure of when you are going) and lower your costs. The code can be a free night on your stay with passes, it can be a free ticket upgrade, free dining, or just a percentage off of the room. So, after you get the discount on the package, you save more getting everything together than buying them seperately. Also, that will give you a few little extras in your package, the option to purcahse the dining plan which can save you money on your food, etc. So, after everything is said and done, you will usually save more, a lot more, doing the package.


Now, as for as the best site and/or best place to get discounted rates. You can find room onlys all over the internet, but you are only able to get the packages with Disney or a travel agent. Sites like Orbitz, Priceline, etc. all offer rooms for Disney at "discounted" rates. Now, here is my experience with these sites. After hearing how everyone is able to get really great rates for the Disney resorts on these sites, I went to the more popular sites and I priced out the same stay at each one as well as with my travel agent. In the end, the price my agent quoted me, at full rate, was actually less than the other sites. It usually was a few dollars, but a few were around $30 higher, but the thing is that this was without any discount from Disney at all. If I were to apply any discount, I would be saving a significant amount using my travel agent than booking with those sites.

Now, the problem with these sites is that after you book your reservation, you are pretty much on your own. The customer service is very poor and you can wait on hold for hours trying to get an answer. These sites are not good if you have any questions, may possibly change, etc. Also, you aren't able to book a package, so you can't get the added benefits of getting the package. So it doesn't always save you money.

So, in my opinion the best thing to do is book either directly with Disney or with a travel agent. Either way you will be spending the same amount, since agents don't charge anything to work with them. With Disney you basically call in or book it online and then take care of everything with them. You can also call in with questions and things like that, but it does usually take some time and sometimes the answers can take a while to get. Overall, they can be pretty helpful, with the exception of a few agents. Also, remember you will need to keep track of any codes, payment dates, book dining reservations, etc. With an agent you will have someone that has a lot of experience with Disney, that will take care of everything for you. I work a lot and I also travel a lot, but in my free time I frequent Disney. So, I don't really have the time keep an eye out for codes, book my dinings when they become available, research questions, etc. But, I can pop an e-mail to my agent, even when I'm traveling, and get a response right back, many times almost immediately. I know the information is accurate and I also know that anything I need will be taken care of. And, the tours, dining, etc I want area always booked for me, so I don't have to worry about that either.

If you do book on your own, you may want to find some reliable websites online as well as one or two books (recommend Birnbaums and Passporter, with Passporter being my second choice) This way you will have fairly accurate and up to date info, with the internet sites usually being a little more up to date. However, always be careful when doing your own research, especially when using less known sources. Try to verify your information with several resources before taking it as fact. And be very careful when asking on message boards and even sites like Answers, sometimes the answers you receive are not always as accurate as they may seem.


But sites like Orbitz, Pricelines, Travelocity, etc. are all sites that you can look for rooms. Just be careful that you are not paying a higher rate than you can get with Disney. And be sure to read all the fine print of the site before booking so you know what you are getting into and be sure to check over your reservation several times before you book it and also make sure it is correct after you book it. I would, if it was me, definitely go with Disney or a travel agent to be on the safe side.

Good luck with your planning, if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me.

Answer 2

For great tips on Walt Disney World, like best restaurants and things of that nature, this is a great website:

www.allearsnet.com

May I recommend Polynesian, if you are going to be staying on site? And I recommend that you do stay on site. There is nothing like staying on Disney property to really capture all the magic.

While you are taking the above Advice which I think is first rate, I would recommend you also look into a comprehensive Disney package which includes park tickets and Dining, there are plenty of great restaurants on property and I think the Dining plan is a great value…if you do some research and pick the best restuarants. Also the more days you stay the better the break Disney gives you on the park tickets..

Answer 3

I have found the best way to book a vacation for Disney is through the Disney website. They have the best deals on tickets and lodging. They also have great suggestions for a romantic vacation without kids. I have looked at other websites for ticket discounts and Disney still came out cheaper. Have fun planning.

Answer 4

I always did my own reservations, for everything. My sister used a travel agent the first time she ever went (way before my family), but once I took over the job--and later, my daughter--we do things ourselves.

I called and made air reservations first, then made arrangements for the room. The people at Disney are so helpful! They will walk you through it, should you select this option. We only reserved a rental car the first year we ever went, but I made those reservations , too. Only 3 phone calls...well, 2 now, that we don't rent.

Disney transportation to and from the parks is fine, and costs nothing. But can be crowded, and therefore--slower, at peak hours.

An agent, of course is always easiest and simplest. With them, you have one-stop vacation shopping. They will put together the package per your requst, you pay, and they will turn over to you a complete set-up for one joy-filled vacation.

Hope you discover what works for you.

Answer 5

Either dial 1-407-WDISNEY or use AAA if you are a member.

For great tips on Walt Disney World, like best restaurants and things of that nature, this is a great website:

www.allearsnet.com

May I recommend Polynesian, if you are going to be staying on site? And I recommend that you do stay on site. There is nothing like staying on Disney property to really capture all the magic.

Good luck!

Answer 6

If you would like to sign up for the Disney Dining Plan, then you'll have to book your hotel and park tickets with Disney directly (note: the dining plan is an excellent money saver)! If not, then you can book through a travel agent. I recommend lastminutetravel.com or through AAA if you have a membership. They can save you hundreds on your vacation!
If you would like help planning your trip or if you would like to read up on some fun tips and ideas which are updated monthly, check out our Disney Vacation Planning Services website at:
http://www.easybreezyplanning.com
Have a wonderful trip!

Answer 7

Definitely you can save money by getting a package deal either thru a travel agent or Disney itself.

If you stay at Disney you may not even need a car (especially w no little ones) so that saves some money right there.

Check out http://www.orlandofunvacation.com

Answer 8

Book into a Disney Hotel as there are many benefits to staying on property. Purchase tickets in advance too, as getting tickets inadvance saves money and time! If you want to make reservations for dinner do it now. If you want to see Circus Soliel, order tickets before your trip.

There are many ways to book.

I suggest booking into a Disney Resort as there are many benefits to staying on property such as transportation and Extra Magic Hours. Purchase tickets in advance too, as getting tickets in advance saves money and time! If you want to make reservations for dinner do it now. If you want to see La Nouba, order tickets before your trip.

There are many ways to book:

I am a Disney Vacation Planner. You can go to my site of www.yourrequestconcierge.com or contact me at [phone]. I offer a one-stop travel planning. I can book tickets, reservations, and rooms. I also offer a suggested itinerary to maximize your time.

Another way is to go online at www.disneyworld.com.

The best Guests Relations desk is in Downtown Disney’s Market Place. Short lines and helpful cast members.

There is more to Disney World than the four parks. Take in all the things you want out of a special vacation. Make the vacation yours and enjoy.

Mary Pat

Answer 9

Go too the web site , they have a free DVD that helps plan a vacation. Great place to start. Enjoy

Answer 10

go online to the disney website and book it..
or you can go on travel websites..
or just google that you are traveling to disney