Travel agent or not?

[skullsplitter]

We are considering our first Disney Cruise. I've noticed the onboard credits deals with some of the travel agencies. Are there are any downsides to using an agency versus just booking the trip on our own?

[caribbeandreaming]

We used a travel agent for our first cruise, but didn't for our upcoming one in May. There hasn't been much difference for us in using one vs. not using one because our reservations and transportation are pretty straight-forward. Next time I'm definitely booking with a travel agent though b/c of the OBC.

[tweis]

Originally Posted by skullsplitter

We are considering our first Disney Cruise. I've noticed the onboard credits deals with some of the travel agencies. Are there are any downsides to using an agency versus just booking the trip on our own?

I prefer to use a TA to get the OBC. Once I book with the TA if I have any questions/problems/changes I cannot call DCL, my TA has to take care of it which I prefer but others do not like giving up "control" of their reservation. I still complete my online checkin/select my PAT/book excursions/dining so I really don't feel as if I'm giving anything up. Any problems my TA has to deal with instead of me.

[LuvENDisney]

We just booked our first cruise. We did it through Dreams Unlimited because of the OBC. I also looked into booking through Costco and with them they give you Costco dollars. Happy planning!

[MissDaisyofTexas]

The main downside to using a travel agent is that you cannot modify your reservation yourself online or by phone; your travel agent must do that for you. Not a big deal if your travel agent is easily accessible.

Definitely choose an agent that gives an onboard credit!

[nzdisneymom]

We like using a TA so I don't have to keep up with everything - she takes care of things for us. However, if I have questions about something, I have to ask her to find out (but she's super and very responsive) - DCL doesn't like to talk to you about your reservation if you have a TA. If you want to make payments, your TA has to do it on your behalf.

[lanejudy]

As others have said, the TA will need to act on your behalf for any questions, changes, modifications regarding the reservation - DCL won't even speak to you.

So make sure you select a TA that you can reach easily (phone, email, whatever your preference) and who is responsive - worst thing is a TA who don't respond to emails or phone messages when you need them.

Enjoy your cruise!

[kfamilylovesdisney]

If its not your first cruise, when you book onboard you get 10% off your next cruise and an OBC.

I'm not sure that a travel agent can manage that booking....

Does anyone know?

[caribbeandreaming]

Originally Posted by kfamilylovesdisney

If its not your first cruise, when you book onboard you get 10% off your next cruise and an OBC.

I'm not sure that a travel agent can manage that booking....

Does anyone know?

I think a travel agent can take over that reservation, but it must be done within 30 days of the booking (I think the old rule was you could change it whenever).

[tweis]

Originally Posted by kfamilylovesdisney

If its not your first cruise, when you book onboard you get 10% off your next cruise and an OBC.

I'm not sure that a travel agent can manage that booking....

Does anyone know?

Yes, a TA can manage that booking. If you know which TA you want to use it is best to NAME that TA while making the booking. You can transfer it to a TA within 30 days of making the reservation but most TAs offer a reduced OBC for transferred reservations.

[MikeAndNick]

I have used a travel agent for the last 10 years. I have not found a downside yet. My travel agent is a small travel agency that is open 7 days a week and specializes in Disney. I like the fact that they are the ones that talk to Disney, because they are the expert and Disney knows who they are because they talk to Disney every day. You can do everything on your own and never have a problem. When they come in handy is when you have problems, you have someone with power on your side.

[lanejudy]

Originally Posted by kfamilylovesdisney

If its not your first cruise, when you book onboard you get 10% off your next cruise and an OBC.

I'm not sure that a travel agent can manage that booking....

Does anyone know?

You can name the TA while onboard, or you have 30 days to transfer it to a TA. Some TA's tier the OBC they offer with a reduced amount for a transferred reservation, which is why you might want to name the TA right from the start. Make sure you have all of their contact info with you; if that same TA handled the reservation for the cruise you are currently on, they can pull it up.

Enjoy your cruise!

[OKW Lover]

We've used a TA for all of our 8 DCL cruises, with 2 more in the works. I can't think of a downside. The upside is the on board credit of course.

Dreams Unlimited is the owner/sponsor of the DISBoards and I like using them for their good service and to support the boards.

[mommaof1]

We just booked our first Disney cruise with a travel agent. After all is said and done I wish we would have booked ourselves. Our TA did not offer any on board credit, did not inform us about anything on the cruise.. we learned everything after we booked and joined this forum. Now to make payments or change anything we have to call her. It might just be that she is not the best TA but next time I will definitely call around and see what other agents offer because if it's nothing I'm just booking it myself.

[gumbo1009]

Originally Posted by tweis

Yes, a TA can manage that booking. If you know which TA you want to use it is best to NAME that TA while making the booking. You can transfer it to a TA within 30 days of making the reservation but most TAs offer a reduced OBC for transferred reservations.

Question - if you list the TA when you do an OBB does the TA offer their usual OBC or do they treat it like a transferred reservation (and so offer reduced OBC). Does anyone know?