Better rooms and service?

[MystikPiglit]

I received a brochure from the WaltDisneyTravelCompany that says - "We don't just sell Disney, we are Disney".

So I wondered - "Do you get a nicer room by booking through them (or directly with WDW) than if you book through another travel company?"

Does anyone have any thoughts about this, or perhaps experience of it happening?

[JuniorMickey]

I think I got a great location when I booked through a TA in December at Pop. Last May I booked direct and got a great room at POFQ. I don't see a difference. It's all up to the room assigner

[MystikPiglit]

Thanks, JM.

We've always had good rooms too but as I've always been through Virgin I didn't know if a 'Disney' booking would get any preferential treatment.

The WDTC prices seem a bit dearer so I thought perhaps they offered something the other companies don't?

[BevW]

Either that or begging and pleading might work too. :lol:

[JuniorMickey]

MP - I don't book packages :) I have an AP and as a FL resident I have good chances at discount codes. I've booked with both Cinderella and Mickeymac and also direct with Disney.

[MystikPiglit]

I don't actually know of anyone who has booked through the WDTC so it would be interesting to hear from them......
:overhere: Is there anyone out there who has?

[MPHARJ]

I have booked directly through Disney for the past 4 years (including this years trip) and in 1999, last year is the first time we had a room I was disappointed in. It was at ASMovies, we were in the Mighty Ducks area, the only thing nice we were 1st floor and on the end, but we used ASMusic's buses and food court because they were right across the street. The previous 2 years the room location was nice and in 99 at the WL, we couldn't have asked for a better location. :hehe: As for being more expensive, I have not been able to find a package or any other offers that even come close to the price I get from Disney.I have looked and searched I am sure it is different for FL residents and those of you from the UK etc... but for me it doesn't pay, because the other packages either don't off the dining plan and they don't offer the new service Disney is starting in May with the pick up at the airport. I have been quite happy. :D

[JuniorMickey]

My room only have been with the WDTC, just not packages. I like going through a TA because I don't have to worry about calling back to add a discount code. Cinderella and Mickeymac do that for you :thumbs:

[MystikPiglit]

I'm still in the middle of struggling with a DIY holiday..:confused:

Just going with a package is looking really good at the moment..:rolleyes:

[OKWTink]

MystikPiglit, I used a TA when I booked my first holiday of length at the BC. That TA had purchased a block of rooms and they were in very nice locations.

So, that might be part of it. If the TA buys blocks, then you could get a very nice room.

On the other hand, I've always had very nice rooms when I booked them myself for BC.

Other than that first time, I've only ever booked rooms (the first time was a package, non-meals).

[tajainaz]

MP, keep in mind that the WDW TC rack rates (plus tax) are for the room, which includes 2 adults and 2 children at most of the resorts. I've noticed that many quotes from TAs (not Cinderella or Mickeymac unless you book a package) tend to be "per person", so you'll need to be sure you're comparing identical information.

Sometimes you can find a package that is a very good value.

I'm a spreadsheet person, but you can research and compare data any way that works for you (index cards, individual sheets of paper, etc.).

Select the dates you can travel, research the airfare for those dates (it probably will change, but it gives you a starting point) for each person in your group. Note the airfare, including all fees and taxes for each person individually.

Select the WDW resorts where you would like to stay during those dates and the rack rates (plus tax) for each day based on your group.

Continue doing the same for each segment--ground transportation at home and WDW, food (use the menus on this site for basic planning) and park tickets.

Then contact TAs or holiday companies and get quotes for the same time period, same resort, same tickets, etc., separately and as a package. Have them break down the package so you know exactly what is in it.

It's really just a lot of slogging through muck! :)

[MystikPiglit]

Thanks everyone. Seems the general opinion is that there is no difference in the type of rooms whichever method they are booked by. That's good to know. :)


Taja - thanks for tips. Could you just pop over to the UK and show me how to do it so well...:D