How to Book?

[MindyMouse]

This might be a stupid question - but we are ready to book our Nov. trip. We decided on Port Orleans French Quarter - (any info about that place would also be great!). How do people usually book? I also browse intercot.com - and they all suggest using a travel agent.

Right now I think I am just going to book the room. Still not sure about the Dining Plan etc.

Thanks!
Mindy

[Hedy]

I loved POFQ! The benights are great, it's small, and it only has 1 bus stop.
I used to always book myself (I have control issues), but I just started using a travel agent (I use the Magic for less, and one on occasion I used Dreams Unlimitied). I mainly am using travel agents because they offer to check any discounts for me.

[schaery]

POFQ is really neat, same for POR.

I think it really depends on how much time and control you want to have over your trip. I always book my own as I guess I'm a control freak as far as vacations go. I frequently check for discounts, change ADR's, etc., and I just prefer doing it all myself. If you have a Disney Visa or AAA membership, there are normally discounts for using those cards when booking. I have booked bot packages and room only reservations. The only problem I've found with booking a room only was last year when I booked room only with AAA then ordered tickets through another service as it ended up being cheaper than a package. Even though I decided that the dining plan wasn't a good bargain for me, I later found out that you can only get the dining plan if you've purchased a package. You can book a room only, and later change it to a package though.

Several Disney-recognized travel agencies on the net do offer little extras for using their service that you may be interested in so I'd check out a few agencies before deciding on one if you go that route.

Happy Trip Planning.

[fourfoxesinpa]

I have booked on my own so can't say benefit of using a travel agent. With the advertised package, I don't know that they could give me a better deal and I like the idea of being able to call WDW directly for any room preferences, etc. rather than depend on a travel agent.

But, check out www.portorleans.org for lots of great info about the resort. I'm really looking forward to staying there in June - looks like a great place.

[catnapfan]

Our 1st four trips to WDW I booked through a local travel agent. That was fine except they weren't disney specialists and it always seemed like I knew more then they did about the different hotels and deals available. What I liked about using the local travel agent was the one time we had a problem (airline said they had no seat reservation for DS) I just called up our agent and she took care of it immediately.

Our last trip this past August I booked myself online right through Disney. This was fast and easy and the way I intend to book future vacations. We booked a package with 5 nights at POFQ and the free dining promo that was going on at the time. We had no problems at all.

As for the POFQ- this was our 2nd stay there. It is DH's fav resort, I like it but prefer CSR a little more. We love the size of POFQ (even the farthest room is only a 5 minute walk from the food court and pool) The resort is very peaceful and beautiful. We love the boat ride to Downtown Disney and POR- something the value and other moderate resorts can't offer. The one thing I don't like about POFQ is that there are no quiet pools. At the other resorts I much prefer the quiet pools to the main pool. Of course my only child is now 14 and really doesn't care about the slides and themed pools. If you have younger children the main pool is a must at any resort. POFQ has a really cool sea serpent slide!

Let me know if you have any questions.

[arob414]

We love POFQ, too. Stayed there, last trip. It is beautiful plus small enough that everything is just a few minutes away. We stayed in Building 5, which is across from the pool and laundry. Just a few minutes from the restraunt and little shop (which we somehow had to visit, everyday). Bus stop was not much further. We flew and used the bus (or, boat) to go everywhere. That was our first time without a car. From watching, as we travelled around the world, POFQ seemed the easiest to travel to and from.

You have me all excited about returning, but I think we will be getting a new car, so Disney will have to wait.

[MindyMouse]

Thanks for all of the quick responses! I think we are set to book this week for POFQ. Has anyone else gone in November? We are planning on going Nov. 10th (travel day only) to Nov. 17th. I assume that is a good number of days? Tues. to Tues. We will get a 7 day pass. Just one child - she will be almost 5 at the time...

I think I will end up booking through a travel agent online that just does Disney Trips - so they are very familiar with Disney and will be on top of things when the special discounts come around.

Thanks again!
Mindy

[Pooh's Pal]

MindyMouse, Congrats on your upcoming trip, I'm sure it will be Magical.

I've booked a few ways in the past, booked through my local AAA office and through an on line agent specializing in Disney vacations; such as; SmallWorldVacations. Most recently I helped a friend book with DreamsUnlimited, although it seemed I helped her more than the agent did, lol.
I've heard many good things about YourMagicalJourneys, MouseFanTravel and Mouseketrips but have never used any of these, just visited their sites.

You could also look through SR and Southwest Vacations if they fly out of your home airport....and you'll get credit too. Or look at the other travel booking sites through SR. OR You could just book either online or by phone directly to Disney like many of us do.

Good luck, planning is SO much fun!

[T1nkrules]

POFQ is awesome and well worth the stay! I've used AAA and also booked travel myself...I usually use a travel agent though (AAA) and they have some perks...I guess there are pros and cons both ways...but HAVE FUN!!!!!

:party:

[schaery]

POFQ is awesome and well worth the stay! I've used AAA and also booked travel myself...I usually use a travel agent though (AAA) and they have some perks...I guess there are pros and cons both ways...but HAVE FUN!!!!!

:party:

Mind if I hijack the thread a minute? I've used my AAA card for discount but not actually used a AAA agent. What are the perks for using the agent?

[MindyMouse]

Thanks Again!

I am most likely going to use a specific travel agent that was recommened on intercot. They only book Disney Vacations, so the day the perks/discounts come out - they know about it and can apply it to your reservation.

Anyone go in November? Most people say the crowds are very low, but have heard a few people on boards say it was 60 minute waits and they couldn't get Fast passes on some rides. We are now looking at Wed. Nov. 11th to Wed. Nov. 18th.

The only other times I have gone is end of August/ Beginning of Sept., but really don't want to deal with the heat then (now that I am travelling with a 4 yr. old).

Thanks Again!

[arob414]

I haven't been there quite that late but we have been several times in Oct and on into the first 8-10 days of Nov. Crowds were great, just needed to pack for warm and cool weather.