Any reason not to book with a (well known) TA?

[Mikeb1892]

Any reason not to book a cruise with a TA as opposed to straight through Disney? Pricing seems to be the same, but we get OBC with the TA. Please let me know your thoughts.

 

[lanejudy]

Pricing should always be the same with a TA or direct with DCL. Payments, any changes (room, passengers, date, etc.) must be done through the TA. But you can still do your own online check-in and such. It's mostly just personal preference whether people like to use a TA or not. As you've noted, some TAs offer onboard credit.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[RedSox68]

Pricing should always be the same with a TA or direct with DCL. Payments, any changes (room, passengers, date, etc.) must be done through the TA. But you can still do your own online check-in and such. It's mostly just personal preference whether people like to use a TA or not. As you've noted, some TAs offer onboard credit.

Enjoy your cruise!

THIS. I love getting the onboard credit from the TA and working with them, but if you want ot be hands on with your reservation and get immediate results and answers, then a TA wouldn't work for you.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Until recently I didn't know I could use a travel agent and still check in online myself, add my own on boat activities AND get the Disney OBB credit and then the TA credit in addition.

We sail in May so my plan is to book a placeholder then transfer to dreams unlimited before paying it off.

 

[lanejudy]

We sail in May so my plan is to book a placeholder then transfer to dreams unlimited before paying it off.

All transfers must be done within 30 days of initial booking -- and that includes placeholders. Don't wait until just prior to PIF.

Enjoy your cruises!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

All transfers must be done within 30 days of initial booking -- and that includes placeholders. Don't wait until just prior to PIF.

Enjoy your cruises!

And, typically, a transferred reservation gets a lower OBC than if the reservation was booked directly through the TA to start with. Except for Costco.

 

[LSUfan4444]

All transfers must be done within 30 days of initial booking -- and that includes placeholders. Don't wait until just prior to PIF.

Enjoy your cruises!

Thanks, I was planning on coming home and paying the cruise off right away so the 30 days shouldnt be an issue but I appreciate it, thats something else I didn't know.

 

[Mikeb1892]

Does Disney offer OBC only at certain times? When I price out the cruise through DCL direct, I see no mention of an OBC.

 

[minorthr]

Does Disney offer OBC only at certain times? When I price out the cruise through DCL direct, I see no mention of an OBC.

I dont believe they ever offer OBC unless you are booking a cruise via an onboard booking.

 

[kylaura]

We used a travel agent for the first time on a cruise we're getting ready to go on in April. It was much easier than I expected and I got to do my own online check-in and book excursions and experiences.

 

[pearljammer]

I attempted a TA once and her response time was horrible. She seemed to be on a lot of vacations herself I transferred back to Disney and happy as at least I get their time when needed. While I lost $100 extra on board credit it wasn't worth the headache of having the frustration of no response! I don't imagine this is the norm.

 

[Mikeb1892]

I attempted a TA once and her response time was horrible. She seemed to be on a lot of vacations herself I transferred back to Disney and happy as at least I get their time when needed. While I lost $100 extra on board credit it wasn't worth the headache of having the frustration of no response! I don't imagine this is the norm.

Sorry this happened to you. So far, or TA has been fantastic, maybe we got lucky?

 

[tink1970]

I've used two different companies (including DU) as well as booked last minute "wow this is a decent/good rate" myself. The reason I switched from one well known Disney approved company to DU was the same as PP...the TA was taking longer and longer to respond and by the end I was having to work through her company to call to beg to pay for my vacation. It was way too many hoops. Since I appreciate the work TAs do as well as the OBB, I took a chance and started using DU. My ta is good and usually responds within 24-48 hours. Plus I like the website which is very user friendly for payments. I've given up being a control freak (for the most part) and don't mind someone else handling details.

So I'd say the down sides potentially are a perceived/real loss of control over the reservation and not having a good fit with the TA. Other than that, feel like it can be a positive experience!

 

[OKW Lover]

The selection of a TA can make a real difference. You really need a TA that has in-depth knowledge of DCL. More than just a "fam" cruise. We use Dreams Unlimited Travel, the sponsor of the DIS boards.

 

[ctc221]

Any reason not to book a cruise with a TA as opposed to straight through Disney? Pricing seems to be the same, but we get OBC with the TA. Please let me know your thoughts.

Our cruise bookings are generally straight-forward so we use Costco travel because they give the biggest incentives I've seen (in the form of Costco gift cards). If you shop at Costco, this is generally the most cost-effective way of booking (no pun intended).

The actual price for the cruise is the same.

 

[Billinaz]

We have used Costco since we found out they give 8 to 9 % of your cruise cost back in a cash card. For our next cruise it is a $1045 card.

In general you dont use the TA for much anyway. You really only need them to change dates or cabins, and that can be done in a phone call.

You do all the excursions and extras, etc online on the DCL website as soon as your sail date gets closer.

 

[LSUfan4444]

We have used Costco since we found out they give 8 to 9 % of your cruise cost back in a cash card. For our next cruise it is a $1045 card.

In general you dont use the TA for much anyway. You really only need them to change dates or cabins, and that can be done in a phone call.

You do all the excursions and extras, etc online on the DCL website as soon as your sail date gets closer.

With Costco does the rewards come on a cash card that can be used anywhere or is it a costco card?

Whats the details with this? Is it as simple as being a Costco member, booking through Costso and them sending you a "cash card" worth 85-9% of your cruise?

 

[cruisehopeful]

With Costco does the rewards come on a cash card that can be used anywhere or is it a costco card?

Whats the details with this? Is it as simple as being a Costco member, booking through Costso and them sending you a "cash card" worth 85-9% of your cruise?

I booked on short notice through Costco once. They sent me a Costco Cash Card a few weeks after the cruise. I used it at Costco and didn't ask if I could cash it out to use somewhere else. You can go through the booking process online without actually booking and see exactly how much the Cost Cash Card will be. DCL only pays travel agents 10% of the cruise fare (for normal travel agents). Costco must have some leverage with DCL to be able to offer such a high rebate or they just don't care that they aren't making any money on the cruise.

 

[over50visits]

THIS. I love getting the onboard credit from the TA and working with them, but if you want ot be hands on with your reservation and get immediate results and answers, then a TA wouldn't work for you.

I think that depends on the TA. If you want immediate answers, you need a TA who will answer your calls, talk over questions, and make any changes you want immediately. It can be just as seamless as working directly with DCL if you have the right TA. OBCs are nice, but nothing's free! You can lose personal communication and more importantly responsiveness when you need it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am happy with Tracy at DU and would recommend her.