Originally posted by DancingBear
--I think most folks are more savvy than you give them credit for. Lots of folks are visiting lots of travel websites to compare hotel prices for lots of locations, not just WDW.
Have you TRIED to book a Disney hotel through the internet outside of disneyworld.com?
*Expedia.com - You can book through them, but not room only. You HAVE to have that infernale Ultimate Hopper Pass.
*Travelocity.com - Sure, they've got the Disney hotels listed, but go ahead and try to book them. It won't work.
*Orbitz.com - no Disney hotels listed
I know there are other sites, but those are the big three.
Even before Expedia went to being able to book only packages, they usually had only rack rates available.
If you want a discount, you HAVE to call 407-W-DISNEY, or book direct through their website.
BUT, have you looked at Disney's booking engine? It's frought with peril for the discount seeker.
First of all, if you don't click on their itty bitty link at the bottom marked "Specials" - you won't get any kind of discount. Did you ever notice that RIGHT at the top is the reservations link, but the specials are no longer linked by a graphic? Just a small text line that you have to scroll down to see.
OKAY - so you've made it past that first hurdle, and are now ready to book! You fill out all your travel information, making SURE that you DON'T check the box that says you're interested in concierge level services, and request a quote. One comes back. Holy HELL it's expensive! Know why? If you're booking a deluxe, you've been given a quote for the premium view with concierge services included! BUT, only if you read the itty bitty print that says you've been offered lagoon view concierge will you know that. If you're booking a moderate or budget - you've been quoted for the premium view or room, whatsoever it may be.
Isn't Disney just GRAND?!
THEN, assuming that you can clear ALL of those hurdles and get a basic room, if a discount code comes out - you can't apply it to your reservation. You have to cancel and book a whole new reservation.
Even savvy travelers need to know the Disney process in order to secure a discounted room - and unless you're looking at these boards or see one of their ads, you're screwed.