| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 90.1 | | INDMKT::GOLDBERG | Len Goldberg | Mon May 01 1989 17:45 | 18 |
| � I found that it was very difficult to find a travel agent who knew much
� about the place (much to my surprise).
Not much surprise actually. WDW does not pay commissions to travel
agents for booking their hotels. With a year round occupancy of
over 80% I wouldn't either.
Check the travel section of the Sunday paper for packages. Crimson
Travel and Filenes Basement Travel Outlet always seem to have ads
for Orlando. For the reason stated above, however, few of these
include accommodations inside the park. You might also call Delta.
Some of their packages include WDW accommodations, and they do pay
travel agents commissions for booking.
The other place I would look is in the Magic Kingdom Members Guide.
They have packages both inside the park and at the WDW Hotel Plaza.
Most include room, admissions, and some or all meals. See Note
2 for details.
|
| 90.2 | No problem! | EUCLID::OWEN | You Are the Everything | Tue May 02 1989 08:38 | 17 |
| Last minute plans to go to WDW can usually be made on Sunday. This
is because Sunday is the day that most people cancel their
reservations. You may log about a dozen calls to Florida, but
usually this method will work.
We made our reservations 2 weeks before we left. If you want to
stay on WDW property, take anything you can get. Once you are a
resort guest, you shouldn't have much problem changing you reservation
to where you really want to stay, or adding more nights. But it
may take a few calls to WDW to do it.
One more thing, don't tell anyone about this method. 8^) We don't
want the whole world knowing our secrets, do we?
Good Luck
Steve O
|
| 90.3 | | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Tue May 02 1989 08:55 | 26 |
| rep to <<< Note 90.0 by GEMVAX::WRIGHT >>>
> Does anyone know of a travel agency/agent in the
> maynard/Sudbury/Marlboro area that is particularly knowledgable
> of EPCOT/WDW?
Well after dealing with travel agents for my Honemoon trip to WDW area
back in '77, the only agency I've found to be knowledgeable on WDW is
the Magic Kingdom Club travel Center and it affiliated public side
Walt Disney World Travel Center (sp?) which was mention in another
note.
Basicly when dealing with a Disney vacation I found that if staying on
site, that after getting your confirmed lodging reservations, you can
have the MKC take care of your flight and car reservations as well (Did
this in '84 and '87). Otherwise if your are staying off site it is
better to do one of 2 things go the package route thru Crimson and such
since they have done everything for you or just book everything your
self, since agencies seem to have a hard time or just don't want to get
into specialized vacation plans to Orlando. In '82 after getting
frustrated going the travel agency route and since I was staying off
site, I decided to do all the booking myself, since at the time by
doing alot of research I was able to do better than the package deal on
the air/room/car.
Claude
|
| 90.4 | Wishing Upon A Star... | GEMVAX::WRIGHT | | Tue May 02 1989 09:47 | 17 |
| Thanks for the quick replies (as time IS a factor here!).
Those were some interesting facts - you're right - NO WONDER they
don't go out of their way to sell Disney when they don't get commissons
(of course, Disney doesn't require it at 80% occupancy!).
I will go with the Sunday cancellation/calling directly approach
(and don't worry, I won't divulge the secret of this method :)
By the way, I'm assuming that I call the resorts/airlines directly
(?)
I imagine that the opening of the MGM park won't help matters much
- and I must confess, it's what inspired us to think about going
again - with our vacation time only three weeks away. There's just
something about that place....
--Katie
|
| 90.5 | | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Tue May 02 1989 10:07 | 15 |
| > By the way, I'm assuming that I call the resorts/airlines directly
> (?)
If your planning on staying at WDW then call the MKC # listed in 2.*
(since they'll be able to tell you whats available on site) , and have
your MKC chapter # ready and if you get confirmed lodging let them get
your plane and car reservations as well, otherwise you assume right.
BTW if staying on site, the operator will take the info for air and car
reservation and forward this info to another operator trained in this
aspect, and he/she will return a call to you later within a day or 2
and work this aspect of the trip with you (at least this is how it
worked for me)
Claude
|
| 90.6 | Question | RVAX::SMITH | | Tue May 02 1989 10:31 | 12 |
| In the past, I have either gone to WDW on a package deal, or booked
everything myself. The thought of letting the MKC take care of flight
and car reservations sounds great, but what do they do about price?
What I mean is, do they shop around for you for the best price,
or just take what they get? Do they just get you a non-stop flight
on the day you request at $350.00 RT, or would they put you on a
one stop flight for $275.00. Will they get you a Hertz or Avis car
for their regular weekly rate of $200 (exagerated), or something
through General for $89.00.
Steve
|
| 90.7 | | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Tue May 02 1989 11:28 | 29 |
| rep to <<< Note 90.6 by RVAX::SMITH >>>
> The thought of letting the MKC take care of flight
> and car reservations sounds great, but what do they do about price?
Airfare, the last 2 trips, they actually shopped for the best price
available for the various airlines serving Boston and Manchester NH to
Orlando. All I specified was best price from either airport, flight
could be Non-stop or 1-stop (same plane, non-connecting) but I didn't
want any connecting flights (hate to loose the luggage). She came back
later and gave me the list of flight available and their $'s. I ended
up flying Peidmont last time for around $209 round trip (1 stop in
Newark?) from Boston. Turned out the flight was overbooked and they
were looking for volunters and giving away a free rt fare, if I wasn't
on the World Vacation plan starting that afternoon I would of gone for
it, otherwise I was thinking Disney, and you all know how that feels
;^).
Rental Car, Of course they would like to book you on National (offical
car rental and all) but on the '84 trip I had them search for the best
price on a list of rental agencies I gave them (Avis, Hertz, Alamo,
Budget, National, ie. the National chains) and ended up with Alamo,
since I ended up cancelling my airfare and flew People (what a mistake,
felt like cattle moooo mooo ;^)) and flew to Melbourne (East coast) and
Alomo was the cheapest from there at the time. Otherwise on the last
trip I booke thru National from the Care Care Center, for the last 2
days of my trip.
Claude
|
| 90.8 | disclaimer | ATE012::CLAUDE | Claude G. Berube | Tue May 02 1989 12:25 | 7 |
| Let me just add, that the experiences I listed here were in the past
and with the way Disney has changed procedures for things (ala dinner
reservation in Epcot) please call the MKC number etc for the latest
info on getting them to make Car/Air reservations as well.
Claude
|
| 90.9 | 800 Number for WDW Travel Center | INDMKT::GOLDBERG | Len Goldberg ...198 Days | Tue May 02 1989 12:37 | 13 |
| The MKC Membership Guide lists TWO phone numbers for the Florida
Travel Center:
Walt Disney World Accommodations and Vacation
Plan Reservations: (407) 824-2600
Premier's Cruise and Walt Disney World Week,
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Delta Airlines,
Car Rental and Other Airline Reservations:
(800) 334-4017
So save your pennies for your trip and use the 800 number to book
your flights cars etc.
|
| 90.10 | Venture Travel for WDW | RATTLE::TLAPOINTE | | Wed May 03 1989 09:49 | 14 |
| I talked to my sister in-law last night, who happens to be a travel
agent. She told me that Disney does pay commission (10%) for any
bookings thru local agencies. She's booked many trips in the past
year with no complaints..... If you'd like to contact her, here's
the details:
Venture Travel
33 Walnut St
Winchendon, MA 01475
(508) 297-3084
ask for Lori Campbell
FYI: Winchendon is only apx. 45 minutes from the Maynard area.
|
| 90.11 | Confirmed Reservations..... | GEMVAX::WRIGHT | | Wed May 03 1989 11:09 | 26 |
|
Thank you for the information. However, as it turns out, I did
a lot of investigating yesterday and I found out that, as you said,
they now do get a commission - which seems right.
I visited the American Express office that handles Digital's business
(and personal) travel, and I found them (agent named Susan) to be
VERY helpful; in fact, she just called me this morning to say that
she has a confirmed reservation for us (my husband and me) at the
Carribean Beach Resort - within the timeframe we were hoping for!
Needless to say, I am very happy.
We will be there for five nights (17th - 21st of May).
Looking forward to seeing the MGM park (Time Magazine had a glowing
two-page review in the lastest issue, by the way) and staying on
Disney property for the first time (second time to WDW).
Thank's for all the input!
I would love any suggestions re: staying at the Caribbean (I have
seen the note dovoted to it in this file).
Two weeks and counting.....
--Katie
|
| 90.12 | Error of Commission | INDMKT::GOLDBERG | Len Goldberg ...-192 | Mon May 08 1989 18:18 | 48 |
| re: .10
I stand corrected. Apparently Disney does now pay travel agent
commissions. My information was old, from several years ago when
my wife worked as a travel agent, and then for a hotel chain that
has a property in the Orlando area.
Careful reading of the *1989* version of the Birnbaum guide reveals
the following:
SHOULD YOU USE A TRAVEL AGENT?
All of sudden, out answer has changed from an
unqualified "maybe" to an emphatic "probably". The
reason for our change of heart is the change in Disney
commission policy.
Except for the first few months of operation of Walt
Disney World, the Disney powers-that-be refused to
pay commissions to travel agents because the Disney-
owned and operated hotels were functioning at nearly
100% occupancy - without any bookings from travel
agents. [This is almost unheard of in the travel
business - LG] The situation changed dramatically
in mid-1988.
With the opening of the Grand Floridian Resort in
July 1988, the scheduled opening of the Caribbean
Beach Resort in October 1988, and the construction
of several other new hotels and villa accommodations,
the Disney organization now welcomes reservations
from travel agents - and pays them appropriate
commission for their bookings. So there is no reason
not to use a travel agent; the old agent reluctance
to book Disney-owned hotels (due to absence of
compensation is gone, and there is no better source
of complete details on all the varied package and
tour options. What's more, all this information
is provided at absolutely the right price - free
- since all travel agent compensation is paid by
the travel supplier. In this case that supplier
may be The Walt Disney Travel Company, Delta Air
Lines, American Express, and others.
You should still also check out the Magic Kingdom Club packages,
as I believe these are still not commissionable.
|
| 90.13 | READ THE TRAVEL AGENTS "FINE PRINT" | RVAX::SMITH | | Thu May 11 1989 14:52 | 8 |
|
Last weekend, Crimson travel had an add in the Sunday paper for
1 week at WDW. Their price was something like $299.00 for 7 nites
hotel, airfare, and rental car. Admission to WDW was seperate. They
were charging $170 for a 4 day passport to MK,EPCOT, and MGM. Does
this seem like somewhat of a ripoff to anyone??????
Steve
|
| 90.14 | | INDMKT::GOLDBERG | Len Goldberg...-189 | Thu May 11 1989 15:59 | 10 |
|
� Does this seem like somewhat of a ripoff to anyone??????
Well, the price of a 4-day passport is $97+tax for the general public.
Your MKC discounted price is $92+tax. If you can buy the air/hotel/car
from Crimson and the passport from Disney, it may not be a bad deal.
If you are required to pay $78 extra for your admission just to get the
travel package it may not be such a good deal.
|
| 90.15 | are you sure it was just for WDW? | WEDOIT::BERUBE | Claude G. Berube | Thu May 11 1989 16:13 | 13 |
| re last 2
Are you sure the fine print didn't list Sea World etc as part of the
price alonf with WDW?
Last time I check into Crimson (long time ago) the sightseeing package
included 3 days WDW, 1 day Sea World, 1 day Busch Gardens and someplace
else (Cypress Gardens?).
Don't forget the Florida Tax which is usually seperate from the $299
fare and listed in the fine print.
Claude
|
| 90.16 | Passport Ripoff | USMFG::GHIGGINS | | Thu May 11 1989 16:14 | 7 |
|
I have the Crimson package for $299. It includes the airfare and
accomadations, but no rental car. The childrens price is $199, with
2 adults. I did not purchase any extras with Crimson, ie attraction
tickets, side tours. This is where you get ripped off (I think).
George
|
| 90.17 | When in doubt....ask!!!! | RVAX::SMITH | | Fri May 12 1989 13:43 | 6 |
| I know the admission tickets didn't include anything else. I called
and asked. I will call again and ask why they are charging that
price. Tax was not taken into consideration, however I THINK the
add said that was included along with transfers, etc.
Steve
|
| 90.18 | Just called back | RVAX::SMITH | | Fri May 12 1989 13:56 | 14 |
| Well, I just called them back and apparently they quote prices
in the paper, but you have to call and ask all kinds of questions
to find out what the prices apply too.
The paper said $299 plus $170 for admission tickets. The $299 price
is for what they call "tour A". The $170 includes Sea World and
Cypress Gardens but only goes along with "tour B" which is $339,
not $299. They also said a car is NOT included. That could be my
mistake. I may still have the paper at home. I'll have to check.
With all the traveling I've done, this doesn't really come as any
surprise, but it still aggrevates me.
Steve
|
| 90.19 | Good or bad idea? | AKOV12::CJACQUES | Everything's coming up roses | Thu Jan 04 1990 16:45 | 9 |
| I just booked at trip through American Express Travel in Maynard.
They had a package through Paragon Tours, that is costing us
$299 for air/car/hotel. We have to pay for our pass separately.
We are staying off-site, on International Drive.
Has anyone taken this charter? Any horror stories. Please tell
me now, so there will be no surprises.
cj *->
|
| 90.20 | | RATTLE::TLAPOINTE | | Mon Jan 08 1990 10:20 | 8 |
| We've gone to WDW thru Paragon before...... nothing really bad to
report..... where on I-drive are you staying? We stayed at the Quality
Inn on I-drive.
Over all we looked at it as cheap week that was worth it.....
Tony
|
| 90.21 | | AKOV12::CJACQUES | Everything's coming up roses | Mon Jan 08 1990 13:17 | 6 |
| I haven't received my acknowlegement, and flight info from Paragon
as yet, but the travel agent did say we would *most likely* be booked
at the Quality Inn on I-drive. If they are full, then they will be
booking us at a similar hotel.
cj *->
|
| 90.22 | | RATTLE::TLAPOINTE | | Tue Jan 09 1990 09:10 | 17 |
| RE: Quality Inn
This place is not great...... basically clean, nothing fancy, an
awkward layout for the complex. I'd give it 1, maybe 1 1/2 stars.
We tried their breakfast buffet the first morning..... wife hated it
so we didn't try it again.
Also ask for extra towels!!!!! they must think you'll share
them.....
The Quality Plaza on I-drive looked much better but unfortunately we
didn't get that one on the strip.... some others on the flight down did
and I assume they ended up with better accomadations....
Tony
|
| 90.23 | QUALITY VS GROSNEVOR | RHODES::NEWFELL | | Mon Jan 15 1990 16:05 | 20 |
| Having stayed at both the Quality Inn on I-Drive and the Grosvenor
at WDW Village I would have to say that both hotels yes are equal.
We stayed at the Quality Inn our first time down, May 87, I found
it to be clean, neat and well kept, service was good. We did eat
breakfast in the restaurant there and it was nothing to write home
about, but generally we just showered and slept there in the room
so it was good.
Last May 88 we stayed at the Grosvenor at a higher rate and was
very disappointed in the room and the service. When we requested
towels we waited 2 hours to get them and there were only two hand
towels. When we complained nothing was done.
So as you can see price does not mean quality.
This year we were going to go on a cruise but cancelled out and
are going to the World again, 3rd time in 3 years. We are staying
at the Caribbean, so I will let eveyone know how it turns out.
Actually, we are leaving 10 weeks from today. I CAN'T WAIT!
|
| 90.24 | DISNEY TRAVEL COMPANY PACKAGE | IAMOK::BEALS | | Fri Feb 02 1990 12:48 | 45 |
| On my recent trip to WDW I booked a package from the WALT DISNEY TRAVEL
COMPANY via a local travel agent. We booked a 7 night "RESORT MAGIC"
plan and added an extra night. Briefly what this plan included:
Car rental from NATIONAL, which was easily upgraded
to a MINI-VAN
Eight nights at a WDW resort hotel, we chose CBR (cheapest)
Unlimited use of WDW transportation system
Unlimited admission to all 3 parks for 9 days
2 sets of coupons, each, for lunch at selected
restraunts inside the parks
A coupon for an "Early riser" special which was for a 7:30
admission to MK from a special bus that drove right up to
the Main St entrance from CBR, this also included a free
character breakfast at the tomorrowland terrace.
Using the travel agent was also a good idea because I added a lot of
extras to my plan that they took care of for me they were:
reserving the hoop-de-doo
reserving to Polynesian luau
reserving the character breakfast at the empress lilly
limo to and from Logan from my house
Air Tickets, (delta non stop to Orlando)
They also watched the Air ticket prices for me. Back In September I
paid them 1 check for all expenses listed above, (except for the WDW
shows). When I picked up my kit 2 days before we left, the first thing
they gave me was a refund check for $178.00 due to the reduction in air
fare.
Maybe I just lucked out with a good travel agent, but I certainly
recommend using one.
Forrest...
|
| 90.25 | Is the price right?\ | COEM::SCOPA | The Major | Mon Feb 05 1990 11:03 | 1 |
| What's this thing costing?
|
| 90.26 | cost | IAMOK::BEALS | | Mon Feb 05 1990 12:51 | 13 |
| RE: -1
If you are talking about my note (.24), the cost of the Walt Disney
Travel Company "RESORT MAGIC" package was $1698.00. This price was
four 2 adult, 2 children, 7 night package plus an extra night at CBR,
rental car upgraded to a mini-van. This was the "off-season" price.
The On-season price is more but I do not know how much. The price is
cheaper if you do not want the car rental, but do want transportation
to and from the airport. Also even cheaper if you are driving
yourself. I am sure that most travel agencies will have the 1990
information brochure.
Forrest...
|
| 90.27 | NEED THE BEST TRAVEL AGENCY | JUPITR::MJUBINVILLE | | Sat Mar 02 1991 07:44 | 16 |
|
Hi,
I will be going to disney and other attractions next february and
i was wondering who has the best package to go down there, that is
cheap but get alot for your money. Just looking for air,hotel,car, and
would like to stay inside disney world.
One more question: When do they start and stop the electric parade?
I saw it once in april and I went down in May and they didn't have it.
thx,
Mike
|
| 90.28 | Try 'em all | COEM::SCOPA | MAJOR | Mon Mar 04 1991 13:46 | 10 |
| Mike,
You really should check all travel agencies out but most people swear
by Crimson Travel.
As far as the ELP is concerned I believe it doesn't start up on a
nightly basis until TMK is open until late at night. I think we're
talking May or June....of course weekends may be different.
Mike
|
| 90.29 | WDW, here we come! | KAHALA::PRESTON | | Fri Dec 27 1991 16:03 | 18 |
| My wife and I have been talking for months about going back to WDW
(we went in '87) for a REAL vacation (we haven't gone anywhere but the
in-law's Winnipesaukee condo since we started having kids). We decided
that since our finances are still intact after Christmas, we'd try for
a 5 day package, over a weekend in January, while I'm between semesters
at school. We knew it would be a close call with only a few weeks
notice, but Crimson (now Thomas Cook) was able to put one together for
us thru Delta Certified Travel.
I had one MAJOR disappointment this time around with Crimson, and I'm
not at all sure that we got anywhere near the best price, but it's hard
to be choosey when you're going in less than three weeks...
I'm going to do a little checking tonight, and get back with a report
on our experience with Crimson in a later reply to this topic. Stay
tuned..!
Ed
|