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I'm going to Disney World

Our expert advises readers on the best Disney packages, the cheapest Tokyo-London flights and finding that authentic tamale south of the border.

Editor's Note:Donald D. Groff welcomes questions of general and not-so-general interest. Send questions and comments to TravelAdvisor. A selection of them will be answered each week in this space. He cannot reply personally.

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By Donald D. Groff

July 29, 1999 | We're bound for Disney World. How can we get the best deal on a package?

Getting a Disney World deal that's right for you depends on what you want -- when you want to travel, for how long, where you want to stay and what you're willing to pay. There are certain travel agencies that can offer better packages from Disney, either because they have "preferred supplier" agreements or sell a lot of Disney vacations. American Express is one, AAA is another.

American Express has a Disney section under "Vacation specials and cruises," including package descriptions. The AAA site directs you to its nearest office, where you can inquire about Disney packages.

Quite a few sites offer Disney hints and ads from companies promoting Disney deals, including Destination Disney. The site has a section on discount travel tips.

In any case, if you want to get the best deal, you're going to have to do some homework. A little research will give you something to compare with any package that an agency offers. There are many publications that can help you do this, including the book "Fielding's Walt Disney World & Orlando Area Theme Parks," by David Swanson (Fielding Worldwide, 1997). It has an especially revealing chapter called "By Package Tour," which illustrates the steps you need to take to ensure the best deal.

Among other guides:

  • "The Cheapskate's Unauthorized Guide to Walt Disney World: Time-Saving Techniques and the Best Values in Lodging, Food, and Shopping," by Michael D. Lewis and Debbi Lacey (Citadel Press, revised 1999).

  • "Econoguide '99: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Epcot, and Other Major Central Florida Attractions (Econoguide '96)," by Corey Sandler (Contemporary Books, 1998).

    How can I get from Tokyo to London as cheaply and quickly as possible?

    Try STA -- Student Travel Association, a network that specializes in student travel but also can book for others. STA has four Tokyo offices. (Click on "About STA Travel," then "STA Worldwide Offices.") Even if they can't help you with a student ticket, they'll know the current lowball airfares and, with luck, can advise you on where to get them. STA has more than 200 offices in over 40 countries.

    Tokyo-London is a very busy route and besides sale fares, it's prime territory for consolidators -- the discounters that help airlines fill empty seats. The most thorough consumer source of information on these consolidators, including where they fly, is the book "Fly for Less: The Ultimate Guide to Bargain Airfares," by Gary E. Schmidt (Travel Publishing Inc., 3rd edition 1998).

    For each consolidator the book provides a history, tells which airlines it has contracts with and reports on destinations and toll-free numbers from within the United States. More than 20 consolidators work with airlines that fly into London, including AESU Inc., Trans Am Travel and Tickets Direct.

    . Next page | How do I find the authentic Mexican food?



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