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Thread: Booking through Travelocity??

  1. #1

    Booking through Travelocity??

    As I was sitting here bored today and planning for our May 2013 Visit, I noticed while on Travelocity travel site that you can also book your room as well as flight into a package deal. So I went along with it and it gave me the option for WDW resorts so I clicked on it and most the Values and some Moderate's were priced way low than if you called WDW and booked yourself. My question is: if anyone ever did this and if so, did it go well with check in or would you not do it again? I know I would need to buy tickets ourselves but didnt know if this was a real savings or something that should not be done. Thanks


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  3. #2
    Read Everything-Assume Nothing GusMan's Avatar
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    Personally, I've heard people say that you can do it that way through them, but dont try to change your reservation at all - including if you want to try to add discount codes, promo codes, or change things around.

    Sometimes when you get a quote is too low, you have to question it. I would stick with Disney directly or through a Disney TA.

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  4. #3
    Happiness is that smile MammaSilva's Avatar
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    I have to second gusman here, unless your travel is in stone and I mean STONE, no worries on better discounts, having to change so much as a travel TIME much less date, then I wouldn't recommend using any of the travel sites. I have had several family members use them and then have something happen and for example, my niece came home on military emergency leave and we got her the best flight price thru travelocity, then while she was home something happened and she needed to get back to her home port (Navy) NOW...the airlines wouldn't even talk to us, they said the ticket agent had to make the changes...it cost us over 100 in fees PLUS the additional cost of her airfare and that was ONLY after spending HOURS on the phone with different levels of managers to get approval for any changes....it so wasn't worth it.

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  5. #4

    That does not sound good. I have always bought plane tickets through Travelocity but when a pop up jumped up and said I could save if I bundled with the Pop I thought that's cool. But I did NOT think what would happen if I had request or had to change Resorts. So with that in mind I think I will call Disney and at least make my room ressie myself.


  6. #5
    Gravity release me... tappenfeat's Avatar
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    Once you book, there's no changes. I book a car rental all the time with Hotwire, but I would be nervous to book a whole package. Perhaps there's discounts you can use on MouseSavers or if you have AAA you can find some nice discounts. There's always ways. OR maybe magically you will be sent a pin code? I love those!!! MouseSavers is a great way to go, if you are not subscribed, yet...it's free! I just received their latest on DVC Resorts and renting points.

    Nice to see you back, Leslie!!!




    Stephanie

  7. #6

    Thank you Tappenfeat. But I had a Legal first name change and it is now Leah. I just cant figure out how to change it on here yet. LOL I'll keep working on that. Yup on all set up with there newsletter and updates. I'm sooo excited to be going back again. Woot...


  8. #7
    Happiness is that smile MammaSilva's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Leslie View Post
    Thank you Tappenfeat. But I had a Legal first name change and it is now Leah. I just cant figure out how to change it on here yet. LOL I'll keep working on that. Yup on all set up with there newsletter and updates. I'm sooo excited to be going back again. Woot...

    Leah, all you need to do to change your user name is to contact one of the admins. They can help you change your user name easily.
    Life is too short to wake up with regrets ~So love the people who treat you right
    Forget about those who don't ~ Believe everything happens for a reason.
    If you get a chance, take it If it changes your life, let it ~Nobody said life would be easy,
    they just promised it would most likely be worth it~ remember, Sometimes Miracles Hide

  9. #8

    Oh cool thanks, I will do just that. I wondered why it wouldnt let me change my name but could change everything else.


  10. #9

    Leah, I usually book our WDW trips through South West (swavacations.com),but have used travelocity on other occasions. Regardless of what company I go with I always purchase cancellation insurance. I have never had a problem where I needed to cancel or alter original plans (except for hurricane Katrina - we were scheduled to fly out to DL the following Sat. they returned all of our money even the non- refundable part, we had to fax them some info but the money was reapplied to my Visa same day they received the fax. That was travelocity.). I usually book everything together - r/t airfare, hotel, park passes, before DME- even shuttle service. This type of package plan works for me. Plus with all the info linked together it's easier to find something like one or two confirmation codes instead of a confirmation code for each part of the trip. But you have to do what works best for you. I wouldn't trust some travel company I'd never heard of with my money and I NEVER agree to ANY package without reading the cancellation policy a few times to be familiar with it. If you do find a cheaper rate somewhere else will it be worth the trouble you have to go through to save a few dollars? Some companies will refund you the difference or give you a credit just to keep your business. Fine print, read it, know it, don't be screwed by it. Good luck with your planning!

    TulaBelle
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  11. #10

    My mantra is: "When you book on your own, then you're on your own" which applies to making dining reservations, dealing with problems, etc. Online agencies will place your order, and then, they're done with you. Support is not their strong suit. Some travel agencies are like this and are not as concerned with customer service as they are with making new bookings; you have to have a relationship with your TA to know the difference.

    Another good phrase is "if something seems too good to be true, it probably is" but many online companies 'hook' people with offering discounted rates that usually end up not being such a discount when everything else gets added in. I often see ads that say, "Visit XXX for only $XX per day!" which is really enticing, but it is nothing more than a hook because it's the per-day rate before mandatory fees and taxes are added in. People get excited about that type of marketing and after investing a bit of time in the booking process, they tend to complete it because they're already down that path; that's what those online companies are counting on, even when the end price is much different than what the consumer originally thought they'd be paying. Every once in awhile, I do the math, and I figure out that the 'hook' pricing is equal to what's available elsewhere, or even more expensive, but I'll tell you, people really focus on that 'per day' aspect and think they are really getting a deal. Isn't it better to tell people the total that they are going to pay, what amount is going to show up on their credit card bill up front?

    I always encourage travel insurance, no matter what, because life is unexpected. Having insurance has saved me thousands of dollars due to unexpected circumstances.

    As far as name changes go, particularly with airlines, you really have to be specific when you are making your reservation to have the name exactly as it will appear on photo ID, along with a birth date. These are airline rules, not just something Expedia or any other travel vendor imposes. So, for example, if you use the name Cindy with your friends and you book your flight using that name, but Cinderella is the name on your passport, you could be turned away at the airport for an incorrect name and not allowed to get on the plane. TSA is funny like that and not in a ha-ha kind of way.

    Mary@MasterpieceTravels.com

  12. #11

    Thanks you for your insight. This week I got my new drivers license, Social Security card and all Credit cards in my new name and you cant mess up Leah to bad. So I think TSA will let me by. As for ressie and whom to use. I will think about a TA but the last one I used messed everything up and nothing was right when we got there. So I'm a little TA shy right now.


  13. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by mkraemer View Post
    As far as name changes go, particularly with airlines, you really have to be specific when you are making your reservation to have the name exactly as it will appear on photo ID, along with a birth date. These are airline rules, not just something Expedia or any other travel vendor imposes. So, for example, if you use the name Cindy with your friends and you book your flight using that name, but Cinderella is the name on your passport, you could be turned away at the airport for an incorrect name and not allowed to get on the plane. TSA is funny like that and not in a ha-ha kind of way.
    This is definately true. A few years ago we were traveling with my MIL who goes by a shortened name, which is what I gave when I ordered the plane tickets. Fortunately we realized this before we got to the airport and I had enough time to correct the issue, but I had to jump through numerous hoops to get it corrected. It did also cause some issues when checking in.
    I don't know and I don't care if It's a Small World. It's a nice day when you wake up in Disneyland.


  14. #13
    Gravity release me... tappenfeat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Leslie View Post
    Thanks you for your insight. This week I got my new drivers license, Social Security card and all Credit cards in my new name and you cant mess up Leah to bad. So I think TSA will let me by. As for ressie and whom to use. I will think about a TA but the last one I used messed everything up and nothing was right when we got there. So I'm a little TA shy right now.
    Leah,

    I know a FANTASTIC TA...who I have used now for the last 2 WDW trips and a Cruise.... (Mary)...She's on the ball and very trust worthy. I could book my own trips, but Mary does everything for me and I don't have to worry about it. I just give her my details and she gets the job done. I have booked my own ADR's, but if I have any questions...she's right there to answer any concerns.



    Stephanie

  15. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by Leslie View Post
    Thanks you for your insight. This week I got my new drivers license, Social Security card and all Credit cards in my new name and you cant mess up Leah to bad. So I think TSA will let me by. As for ressie and whom to use. I will think about a TA but the last one I used messed everything up and nothing was right when we got there. So I'm a little TA shy right now.
    I think that trust is a huge aspect of any relationship, so if you've had a negative relationship in the past, it's perfectly understandable to be hesitant about jumping back into the waters.


    Quote Originally Posted by tappenfeat View Post
    Leah,

    I know a FANTASTIC TA...who I have used now for the last 2 WDW trips and a Cruise.... (Mary)...She's on the ball and very trust worthy. I could book my own trips, but Mary does everything for me and I don't have to worry about it. I just give her my details and she gets the job done. I have booked my own ADR's, but if I have any questions...she's right there to answer any concerns.
    Thanks so much!!! I always love/appreciate such positive feedback!
    Mary@MasterpieceTravels.com

  16. #15

    Thank you, I totally understand what your saying. The TA i had was so bad she spelled our names wrong, no request was noted or given, even wrong departure date and somehow forgot to tell me about a discount I could have gotten in on. But the wonderful Disney cast members must of felt bad for me and was able to switch things around for me. Then when we got home I had emailed her with my complaints and never heard from her again. You really have to know and trust your TA especialty since giving them credit card information.


  17. #16
    Ready for MA World Explorers! Drince88's Avatar
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    I'm just curious- was this unsatisfactory TA from a Disney-specialist travel agency? If so, even if it was a while ago, I'd send a note to the owner (you should be able to find an address on their website) because of the Disney-specialist TA's I've used (happily) I KNOW the owner would like to know if someone had no intention of using them in the future.

    If they weren't Disney-specialists - it just emphasizes to me that the Disney specialist really do earn that Disney seal of approval and stick by my advice to ONLY use Disney-specialists unless you have an otherwise stellar relationship with a TA.

    Cathy

  18. #17

    Actually Cathy, if memory serves me right they did claim to be legal Disney TA'S. I'm going to go through all my stuff from that year to get on there website since I cant remember off hand and see if I can write to the top person. Not that I want anything from them or anything free but like you said to let them know what happened and I will not be using them again or recommend them as well. And leave it to that and move on to a new one.


  19. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by Drince88 View Post
    I'm just curious- was this unsatisfactory TA from a Disney-specialist travel agency? If so, even if it was a while ago, I'd send a note to the owner (you should be able to find an address on their website) because of the Disney-specialist TA's I've used (happily) I KNOW the owner would like to know if someone had no intention of using them in the future.

    If they weren't Disney-specialists - it just emphasizes to me that the Disney specialist really do earn that Disney seal of approval and stick by my advice to ONLY use Disney-specialists unless you have an otherwise stellar relationship with a TA.
    This is really a good point, Cathy. There are literally thousands of 'Disney' travel agencies that have popped up over the years, but many of them are not authorized Disney vacation planners, which means they meet Disney's criteria, have trained agents and high standards, and do a substantial amount of Disney business. Agencies who have the authorized Disney vacation planner status are allowed by Disney to use that logo on their websites (for example, at the bottom of my MouseEarVacations' webpage).

    That designation provides assurance that the agency is solid and the TA you're working with is knowledgeable about Disney destinations.

    However, I will qualify that some large 'big box' agencies that do a volume business have that designation, but the individual agents do not necessarily have adequate Disney training and experience. Last year, for example, at the EarMarked conference, I met some agents from a large agency (and I am refraining from using their name here) who had only been to Disneyland, never to WDW or on the Disney Cruise Line. I was flabbergasted that they were able to attend but it was by virtue of the size of the agency.
    Mary@MasterpieceTravels.com

  20. #19

    ^Interesting read Mary - some of that I did not know. And I would like to add something to what you posted.

    I have been posting at MP long enough to know a number of MP members often work with you to arrange their Disney trips and these members come away very satisfied with your services. Also (and this is key for me) you are one of the very few authorized Disney vacation planners/TAs who post often on a Disney forum (MP in this case), giving freely of your time and expertise and sharing valuable insights about Disney vacation travel.

    While I am one of those people who finds trip planning quite enjoyable (and so I have not yet engaged you for your TA expertise), I do know that if there came a time that I didn't want to book the details of a Disney trip, I'm planning on turning to you for help.

    “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” - Roy Disney

  21. #20
    Happiness is that smile MammaSilva's Avatar
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    Not that Mary will toot her own horn but others can, in fact Mary has been a member of MP long before she actually became an official TA...she's very kind and helpful. I started planning a trip of the lifetime for us and had to postpone due to unavoidable issues and she was and is as gracious as ever. She's the ONLY Disney TA I'd consider if I was planning a trip to the World or a cruise. I'm just saying....

    Life is too short to wake up with regrets ~So love the people who treat you right
    Forget about those who don't ~ Believe everything happens for a reason.
    If you get a chance, take it If it changes your life, let it ~Nobody said life would be easy,
    they just promised it would most likely be worth it~ remember, Sometimes Miracles Hide

  22. #21

    Gee guys, thank you!! I appreciate your kind words very much, and MP has always been a really special place for me, filled with terrific people. I love what I do, and I am lucky enough to have a job where I can help make people's dreams come true (OK, it sounds hokey, but if you guys don't know what I mean, nobody will!!). You are the best, and you made my day!!

    Mary@MasterpieceTravels.com

  23. #22
    Gravity release me... tappenfeat's Avatar
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    I'll repeat it again...Mary is a GREAT and Magical TA!




    Stephanie

  24. #23
    Out of this world for Disney DwarfPlanet's Avatar
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    I planned a trip through Expedia to DLR one year and learned to never do it again. The flight we had booked on was cancelled and we were told the new flight that we would be on, but the problem was it was on a different airline and the tickets were never transferred over. One of the reasons I dislike American airlines so much is we ended up having a United rep behind the American counter showing them how to transfer tickets (there were three American reps all clueless). Then I called Expedia numerous times during the trip asking if the flights had been fixed on the way back, and worrying about that vice having fun. Needless to say the tickets were again not transferred. We ended up getting back okay but it was not a very fun trip for me, so I will never again book a trip like this through Expedia or Travelocity.

    "Although we think it's DOPEY that Pluto has been downgraded to a dwarf planet, which has made some people GRUMPY and others just SLEEPY, we are not BASHFUL in saying we would be HAPPY if Disney's Pluto would join us as an 8th dwarf. We think this is just what the DOC ordered and is nothing to SNEEZE at."

  25. #24

    And the counter to that is that I've always used Expedia, and many times they've done a great job at fixing a problem with an itinerary. I'm really impressed with how they've always gone overboard to fix the problem, and most times waiving any fee for change in the process.

    The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.
    - James Taylor

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