Where do YOU book your Disney Vacation

[janelle]

I have always booked our Disney Vacation through Disney. I have read some comments that others do not do this. Does anyone have some advice on where to book your disney trip? I am really scared about booking through someone and it being a scam or my tickets won't work or something like that.

What companies have you used to book your vacation?

Was there a big price difference?

Can you still add extras like the Water Parks to the ticket at Disney World?

I have been fortunate the past two times I have gone to get the dining plan free, is this only something disney offers? Or is there another deal out there that is just as good as this one?

Are there companies we should stay away from?

Thanks for your help everyone!

[tanya]

I have only been through Disney directly but do know that you can still book with companies and get the free dining, water parks, etc....

I am looking into becoming a travel agent myself and have researched a few companies. Pixie Vacations and Dreams Come True Vacations are two that I have looked at before. I do know that Pixie has a montly newsletter.

[heathermgc]

I booked my last vacation with Dreams Unlimited Travel because I needed a travel agent to get the 40% off lodging deal they were having last December. They were great and made all our dining reservations for us. I would love to book a Disney hotel through Expedia because they seem to be so much cheaper than booking through Disney but I don't know if I would still be able to get the luggage service Disney provides.

[peaches05]

I have booked vacations through WDW and travel agencies. I have also booked through Travelocity.com. The only thing is that I do not know about the Disney transportation and DDP. I have not booked thoughs through anyone before. I did save money with Travelocity. You do have to pay everything upfront from what I know. It is not like going through the travel agency where you can. I hope this helps.

[pixiesharon]

If you book through a Disney Travel consultant, you get everything you would get if you book through Disney. No agency should EVER charge you for thier services. If they do, they are NOT legit. Certified Disney Travel Specialists actually go through the Disney's College of Knowledge. They make their money from the commission that Disney Pays the agent.

The benefit to using a person like this is that many times, they have Disney Extras such as dining coupons, arcade credits, discounts on mini golf etc.

But the biggest benefit is price monitoring. The Disney Travel Consultant gets to know you and they know the latest promotions. If you book, and a better promotion comes along, they get you your money back or get you a cheaper price on your vacation. Disney will NEVER call you to let you know that there is a better promo going on. But a Disney Travel Consultant will!

Finally, Disney travel consultants can help with as much or as little planning as you like. They can create custom itineraries. They can help you with dining, plan special events and more. And it doesn't cost you a dime more.

[janelle]

Thanks for the details. Where do you find a Disney Travel Consultant?

[zoemariesmamma]

I booked through AAA...same discount as booking through Disney, but got a $25 gc for booking during AAA month (Jan) and a few other extras like arcade credits, special parade viewing (which fills up fast and we didn't get to use), and I believe an extra photo only for AAA members. She also booked a few of my dining reservations when we had to change the dates of our trip.

[thepracticalplanne]

If you are booking your Disney vacation through a travel agent, PLEASE use a Disney travel specialist. There is SO much detail and knowledge that go into booking a Disney vacation, choose wisely! Also choose the RIGHT agent for you. If personal service is important than pick and agent who's going to be available for your every need. Also, I encourage you to read reviews on agents you are considering and see how people who have already booked with them feel.

[Mickey by Matt Travel]

I used to book directly through Disney and figured that they would be the cheapest. Once I became an authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I found that I have access to other booking sites to save more money. For example, Southwest Vacations gives you an extra $250 off your vacation package on top of the 30% room discount. Now, I look at several places and specials before booking. Of coarse, when I have to book vacation club trips, I have to go through Disney.

[atotty]

If I'm booking a package, I always use Deb Chambers at themouseforless.com I've used a couple of agencies and she's been the best. Always on top of all the discounts, dining reservations, etc. I've used her several times and even had my husband;s boss book through her so I'm totally confidant in her abilities and she is a certified Disney TA.

If I'm booking hotel only, I usually do it myself and keep checking discount codes from themouseforless.com . However Deb can do that, too.

If I am not buying a package, I always buy my tickets through undercovertourist.com 's link in themouseforless's newsletter. They are great. I've also heard good things about mapleleadtickets.com , but haven't ever used them.

[dawn]

The best part of booking your vacation package through a Disney Authorized Vacation Planner is the Service and perks. When you book direct with The Walt Disney Travel Company you will never speak to the same person. If you need any questions answered most of the agents that work there are based out of Tampa not Orlando. Also if you ask a lot of them have never been to Walt Disney World. Using a Disney Specialist will give you the best of both worlds. They book direct with the Walt Disney Travel Company & Most agencies will offer you some kind of additional Discount in addition to the current Disney Promotions that are being offered. I am a Disney College of Knowledge Graduate. When you book with us you will always speak to the same agent every time you call or need your questions answered. If there is a question we can not answer when you call, be assured we will find you the answer you need. Most of our agents are regulars to Walt Disney World and know the secrets and ins and outs to make sure that you are getting the best out of your vacation. With the least amount of stress. Some of them are even past & present cast members. It is like having your own personal concierge for FREE! Disney pays us direct to make your Dreams Come True. You will usually pay less with us then direct with Disney. So check us out at www.destinationsinflorida.com - For all your Travel Needs.