Booking a Disney hotel through "hotels.com"?

[dwellsbct]

Has anyone done this? I tried to get the Florida resident rate for any Value resort for my upcomming trip at the end of March but couldn't. Then I checked Hotels.com for an (GASP) off site hotel and they had "All-Star Sports" for a price higher than the Disney Fl Resident rate but well below the disney rack rate, I called disney to see if they'd match it and was told no that Hotels.com buys a block of rooms and they sell them for what they want and Disney won't match it. So I went through Hotels.com and am hoping everything turns out OK. Has anyone else done this?

[agingerbugg]

I have gotten rooms through hotels.com before, not at Disney, but other places and never had a problem.

[boilerbabe]

No, I've never used hotels.com before. I've either booked directly through Disney or through a travel agent. You should be fine! I know travel agents buy a block of rooms, it's the same idea. Also, Southwest Vacations. I'm not sure why Disney won't match prices though?!

[js3901]

I'm not sure why Disney won't match prices though?!

probably because it's Disney.

in reality, sites like Hotels.com, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc, can have these "deals" because they get the people who buy the "full" package - airfare, hotel, rental car. that's how they make their money.

I've never used one of those travel sites for my trips to Disney. I usually book through AAA. never had a problem, if there's any reduction in price or a new promotion during your trip they will call and see if you want to take advantage of it, and great perks/discounts.

[spodie]

I've booked other rooms through Hotels.com and have never had a problem. Their customer service is pretty good - I'm sure that's because they have competitors (Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz, etc) and want to keep as many customers as they can.

[disneydreamer58]

I have used Hotels.com numerous times and have never had a problem. Though I have never used it for Disney Hotels. I usually book those through Disney.com and I am sure I pay more by doing so but I think hotels.com is a very reputable company. Good luck!

[jenjolt]

I agree with everyone else! I have heard a few testimonials of people using hotels.com and got a great deal and room at Disney! You should have no problem as long as you have the reservation!! Hope you have a great trip!

[MetalRage]

We've booked through them for disney and never had a problem with the Florida rate. You should be fine

[dwellsbct]

Thank you to all who replied. Look for me in DAK on 3/26/09 . I'll be the one walking around with the goofy grin and my princess/fiance'/birthday girl, holing my hand

[dwellsbct]

UPDATE: I know I should have posted this update a long time ago for those that read this post.... everything went fine using "Hotels.com" no problems at all.

[boilerbabe]

That's good to know, thanks!

[DoctorK]

My only concern would be the more-restrictive cancellation/change policy if you're not going through WDW.

[boilerbabe]

Also, a downside would be if you use your Disney Visa like we do, I don't think if you booked through hotels.com it would cound as a vacation package and you probably would not get the 0% financing for 6 months.

[disneylizzy]

There are some great rates on hotels.com, and they are known to be reputable so I would def. book w/ them.

The only bummer is that you can't get dining plan unless you book w/ Disney directly

[viking245]

This...

My only concern would be the more-restrictive cancellation/change policy if you're not going through WDW.

and the lack of

...0% financing for 6 months.

...and

...that you can't get dining plan unless you book w/ Disney directly.

are some pretty big concerns I'd have.


But if you're committed to go, have it budgeted and aren't using the dining plan...