[Linda]

What is the best place to put in your reservation requests?
Walt Disney Travel or CRO?

I have used WDT many times with no problems. What about CRO? I keep reading that this may be a better place to work with.

HELP!

[mickey]

The difference between the two is that WDW Travel is actually a reseller, so everything they sell is technically a "package". Also, the cancellation policies are different. If you book through CRO, you have up until 5 days prior to arrival to cancel, with WDW Travel, you have until 45 days.

At Mouseketrips, we always go through CRO unless we are booking a package that includes tickets and airfare. You can book room only through CRO and add length of stay park passes, but that is all that CRO sells.

[Linda]

So, which is easier to get what you want?

We are looking at a trip from Dec. 31, 2003 to Jan 4, 2004. There will be 6 of us, needing three rooms. Currently looking at POR but would like to perhaps be able to upgrad to Poly as we get closer and new codes comes out. Of course, if I could get a good deal now on the Poly we would book it immediately!!

We want the pass included as well as Mears transportation, but at this point will book our own flights. Many have reward miles they want to use.

Tell me about "length of stay" passes? Price and how it compares to the regular tickets available in the package.

[mickey]

I usually find that CRO is easier to get what you want, but they both have their own block of rooms, so it depends on who has a room available.

Length of stay passes are the same tickets that are available as part of a Dream Maker package. If you book through CRO room only and add the tickets, it is the same price as booking a Dream Maker package through WDW Travel, but the package gives you a couple of small things not included in the room only. It is a toss-up if you want the relaxed cancellation or the small items with the package.

If you book through any decent Disney only travel agent, they should be able to rebook your room for you when any discounts are released. If you want to stay at the Poly, and over New Years Eve, I would book it now. Historically, there haven't been any discounts between 12/25 and 1/1. You should be able to get your last 3 or 4 days discounted, but you wil have to make two reservations, and hence, length of stay passes will be not as economical as just buying hopper passes. Right now, there are some small discounts available, such as Disney Club or AAA, which would amount to about a 10% deal, but that is about as much as I expect to see over Christmas. You could also stay at POR the first couple of nigths, and then at the Poly the last couple that you expect to be discounted.