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Why Savvy Families Skip Expedia and Book Direct at Encore Resort

The Encore Resort Blog
April 1, 2025
April 1, 2025

When it comes to planning a family vacation to Orlando, the way you book your stay matters more than you might think. While third-party platforms like Expedia offer quick and easy reservation options, booking directly with Encore Resort at Reunion unlocks exclusive perks and added peace of mind that make your getaway smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s why families who book direct have a better, more carefree experience.

Expedia vs. Direct Booking: What’s the Difference?

Happy family having fun at the Encore Resort water park

Orlando is filled with places to stay, but not all booking options offer the same value or experience. Third-party websites like Expedia may seem convenient, but they can come with unexpected costs, unclear policies, and limited access to everything Encore Resort has to offer.

Booking direct through Encore’s official website gives you more control over your reservation, plus added benefits you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the best way to ensure your family can focus on what matters most — making memories together.

1. Pricing: No Hidden Fees, Just More Value

One of the biggest surprises families encounter when booking through sites like Expedia is how quickly costs can add up. What may look like a lower nightly rate often ends up being more expensive after service fees and other charges are added. In many cases, these fees aren’t obvious until you reach the final checkout page.

When you book directly with Encore Resort, the price you see is the price you pay. There are no hidden third-party fees or surprise charges. Plus, you’ll have access to special promotions, package deals, and flexible reservation policies that make it easier to plan the perfect vacation within your budget.

Large family having fun in their Encore Resort home private pool
Happy father and daughter dining together at Finns Restaurant

2. Resort Perks & Amenities: Full Access for Your Family

Booking through a third-party site might mean missing out on some of the best parts of staying at Encore Resort. Third-party reservations may not include key resort perks or access to family-friendly amenities like water park passes, dining credits, or exclusive promotions.

When you book direct, you can be confident that your family will enjoy everything Encore has to offer. From our private water park and on-site dining to our concierge services and family activity programs, direct booking ensures that nothing is left out of your vacation experience. You can even customize your stay by choosing the vacation home layout and features that fit your family’s needs.

3. Customer Support: Friendly, Personalized Service

If plans change or you need assistance with your reservation, third-party platforms often leave you stuck navigating through generic customer service lines. Requests for changes, cancellations, or special needs typically have to go through Expedia’s support team, which can lead to delays and communication gaps.

When you book directly with Encore Resort, help is just a phone call or email away. Our dedicated Guest Services Team is right here on property, ready to assist you quickly and personally. Whether you need to adjust your reservation or add something special to your stay, you’ll always be speaking directly to someone who knows the resort and is focused on making your family’s vacation easy and enjoyable.

A member of the Encore Resort Concierge Team shows a family of guests points of interest on a resort map.

4. Exclusive Savings & Special Offers

While Expedia occasionally offers standard discounts, they don’t give you access to the exclusive deals available through Encore Resort’s website. Families who book direct enjoy access to special offers, including extended stay discounts, seasonal promotions, and package deals that bundle in resort perks like welcome baskets or restaurant credits.

For larger families or longer vacations, these direct booking offers often result in significant savings—making your Orlando getaway even more affordable and fun.

The Bottom Line: Why Direct Booking Is Best

At the end of the day, both Expedia and Encore Resort’s official website can help you reserve your vacation home — but the experience that follows is entirely different. Booking direct provides your family with full resort access, clear pricing, friendly support, and exclusive perks you won’t get through third-party platforms.

For a stress-free, seamless family vacation filled with fun, flexibility, and extra value, booking directly with Encore Resort at Reunion is the smart choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of booking direct with Encore Resort?
Direct bookings provide full resort access, transparent pricing, flexible policies, and exclusive family-friendly offers not available on third-party sites.

2. Does booking through Expedia include all resort perks?
Not always. Some Expedia bookings may limit access to certain amenities or come with unexpected fees.

3. How can I save money by booking direct?
Booking direct helps you avoid third-party service fees and gives you access to Encore’s exclusive promotions, package deals, and extended stay discounts.

4. Can I modify or cancel my reservation more easily if I book direct?
Yes! Direct bookings offer more flexibility and easier communication with Encore Resort’s on-site Guest Services Team.

5. What’s the best way to book a family vacation home at Encore Resort?
The best way is to book directly through Encore Resort’s official website to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience with full access to all resort amenities.

Ready to Book Your Family Getaway?

Make your family vacation planning easy and worry-free.

Book directly (opens in a new tab) with Encore Resort at Reunion and unlock exclusive rates, special packages, and the full resort experience your family will love.

Max Luna in a swim suit and Sammy the Surfer T-shirt

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