Wait. You mean this isn’t a Disney movie?
Okay then, well, let me tell you how planning really went down.
Planning Take 1
The first steps were really smooth. I searched for our plane tickets through kayak.com and bought a pair of United tickets. CB and I did our own research, pricing different options, including staying off-Disney Resort at a Downtown Disney hotel.
Then I got an online quote from Small World Vacations, a specialized Disney-certified travel agency that were recommended by MouseSavers.com. The SWV quote came out to be a few hundred dollars lower than anything comparable we could’ve cobbled together. So I booked my trip through the agency. Best of all, the service is free.
I have never worked with a travel agent before – but I am SO GLAD I did this time (you’ll see exactly why in a few moments). There are so many different types of vacation packages, dining plans, ticket options that I wanted to have a professional in my corner. My agent was friendly and knowledgeable. She didn’t try to upsell us. There was no pressure, just a lot of helpful information. I liked that.
Planning Take 2
Then, today, after our tickets and packages were booked, CB called me to let me know that he got his vacation dates mixed up by a week. *blink* So that’s when I went into the Rescheduling Mode. United charges $150 a person to change / cancel a flight (not to mention their automated voice recognition system annoyed the heck out of me). I managed to rebook us on a flight that is cheaper than our original flight, but with the change fee the flights came out to be around $70 more than our original cost.
Then, the package cost more too, because of the difference in dates. So, the grand total of our vacation will come out to be $3,400. CB very nicely offered to pay for the change fees, so I think my part will be slightly less at $1,600. The trip is still doable, and I’m still excited. This was just a snafu that fortunately got resolved with some (but not insurmountable) mental stress and financial pain.
Why I Am Glad I Worked With Small World Vacations
My agent at Small World Vacations was great. She immediately called Disney and rescheduled our package and managed to get the $50 Disney change fee waived. Having a professional Disney planner working with me helped me stay calm. I don’t want to imagine trying to navigate the Disney system on my own. Now that all this planning is done, I am going to start daydreaming about the lovely sit-down dinners we’re going to have.
Moral of the Story
Make sure of your vacation dates before you book. And I highly recommend Small World Vacations. At least one good thing came of this change in schedule – we’ll be spending Christmas Day at Disney World!
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Glad everything worked out-I don’t use small world, but I love Mousesavers. You may be interested in reading my post on saving money on a Disney vacation here
I’m glad you got it worked out and that you have such a great trip with CB planned before you go to China. Dying to hear about that!
I’ve never had much desire to go to Disney World again (I went when I was very young) and haven’t been to Disney Land yet. Do you know any tips for going to disney land on the cheap? MouseSavers?
@SP – Disneyland is having a promotion where you can get a free ticket on the day of your birthday for 2009. Otherwise, you can wait until the Spring when they usually have a 2-Fer deal (admissions to Disneyland and California Adventure (on 2 separate days) for the price of one ticket). I think in 2010 Disneyland is also having a “volunteer and you get one free ticket” deal.
HI!
The Dining Plan is AWESOME! We have used it both times this year and it was well worth it. Make sure you call ASAP and set up your Sit Down Reservations. Especially since your going during Christmas. What resort are you staying at? We have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside (May) and Animal Kingdom (Just last month). When you go to Magic Kingdom, right when you walk in to the left is the Information Center, check it out lots of helpful info about hours and special events for the day, and free buttons! Have a great trip!
hi courtney, how did you like staying at animal kingdom, any animal smells?? also how was going in the month of may?? we are planning but not sure when to go march or may. also whether the extra cost to stay at a moderate hotel (carribean beach) as opposed to value (all star music) is worth it. we have a 5 yr old daughter. thanks for your insight.
vanessa
Make sure you check out the Disney Boardwalk – it often gets overlooked but is a lot of fun. They have some great restaurants (Spoodles has the best Mediterranean food, SO good), a dueling piano bar (Jellyrolls) and you have to get ice cream at the Beach Club. Plus, then you can take the ferry over to Epcot for the fireworks show, it is hands down the best one and not to be missed (although Magic Kingdom is great too). If you have any Disney questions, drop me a line as I’ve been 5 times and know some good insider tips, like where to stand for fireworks and where to find the characters (if you’re into the character-picture thing). You’re going to have a great time – don’t worry about haters, go enjoy Disney!
When you book tickets on most airline website or travel website (expedia, orbitz, etc) you have 24 hours to call the customer service line and get your tix canceled w/o fees (even when the tickets are non-refundable). I got a ticket refunded when the website was having loading issues causing me to buy a ticket for the wrong date.