Question in regards to Fairytale Dreams & Destinations

[roscoepc1]

You are probably referring to the fact that they are an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency or part of Disney's Earmarked program. These agencies sell many Disney trips and have signed a contract stating that they will place a high priority on selling the Disney Destinations. In return, Disney gives them special education and marketing benefits.

Thank you! That IS what I meant, I just couldn't think of the correct terminology. They are able to offer deals etc that Joe Blow travel agencies can't....

 

[minnie56]

Any licensed travel agency that is registered with Disney has access to the same 'deals'. No one gets a better price. Where the difference is is behind the scenes. If the agency does huge Disney numbers..the commission rate to the agencies is higher. Nothing different as far as the travelling public can obtain.

 

[tone.def]

Thank you! That IS what I meant, I just couldn't think of the correct terminology. They are able to offer deals etc that Joe Blow travel agencies can't....

No no, that's not true. It's not that they can't offer, it's they don't know how - before I found FDD, I found a lot of travel agents who knew squat about Disney and how to book it.
On that note though - did you see that Canadians have access to free dining dates in August and September 2012 that Americans don't? The dates were in FDD's late newsletter I got. So it's either a Canadian thing or an FDD thing?

 

[minnie56]

It's a Disney promotion geared to Canadians, not an agency offering..

 

[drag n' fly]

Maybe the mods could start a sticky allowing travel agencies and agents an opportunity to equally advertise their services on the Dis...jus sayin

 

[Susan2771]

On that note though - did you see that Canadians have access to free dining dates in August and September 2012 that Americans don't? The dates were in FDD's late newsletter I got. So it's either a Canadian thing or an FDD thing?

That's right. Just like residents in the UK get region specific discounts we cannot get here in North America, certain regions in the States will get discounts targeted to people who live in those regions. Vacation brands will offer residency discounts and you have to live in that area to be able to get it. Cruise lines do the same thing by offering discounts that are specific to guests that live in a certain state or province. Tour operators will do the same thing as well, offering a limited time discount for an all-incluisve package to a specific resort for travellers that travel out of a certain airport.

If you go to a travel agency and encounter an agent that is unfamilar with the Disney product, it is very simple to just ask who in the office is a Disney specialist and ask to work with them. There are a number of Disney certified specialists in travel agencies across Canada who would be very happy to help travellers with their Disney vacations.

 

[minnie56]

That's right. Just like residents in the UK get region specific discounts we cannot get here in North America, certain regions in the States will get discounts targeted to people who live in those regions. Vacation brands will offer residency discounts and you have to live in that area to be able to get it. Cruise lines do the same thing by offering discounts that are specific to guests that live in a certain state or province. Tour operators will do the same thing as well, offering a limited time discount for an all-incluisve package to a specific resort for travellers that travel out of a certain airport.

If you go to a travel agency and encounter an agent that is unfamilar with the Disney product, it is very simple to just ask who in the office is a Disney specialist and ask to work with them. There are a number of Disney certified specialists in travel agencies across Canada who would be very happy to help travellers with their Disney vacations.

Indeed. Look how many promos Disney offer specific only to Florida residents through the year..drums up some business in various demographics. It comes back to what I said previously, finding the right fit in an agent that is savvy enough to look around for you for the best price and what meets your needs wherever and whomever they be
.
And hopefully, if you are in Canada they are as well. That's ideal.

 

[VeroBeach]

Maybe the mods could start a sticky allowing travel agencies and agents an opportunity to equally advertise their services on the Dis..

Won't happen as long as the DIS has a TA sponsor.

 

[fivebyfive]

It's a Disney promotion geared to Canadians, not an agency offering..

Are you sure? I requested a quote from US agency (Dream Come True Vacations) and they weren't able to give me the Free Dining offer for August 25th - September 2nd, 2012. I even told them I was an Ontario resident.

 

[Susan595]

OP I also used Fairy Tale Dreams and my agent was Sharon, she's sent me multiple emails trying to swoon me over to her and the new company she's with but in the end with all my ADR's made and only 45 days out I have decided to stick with FTD's Kathryn has taken over my reservation and has been great. I did like Sharon though, she had a great sense of humor of me being on here and being a freak about PINs and discounts, at times I probably drove her nuts. Next time IF I planned a disney vaca I'd do it all myself I only used the TA in the first place because I had never been and was a virgin. Now that I'm so educated * insert eye roll * I don't think I"d need that again.

 

[Susan2771]

Are you sure? I requested a quote from US agency (Dream Come True Vacations) and they weren't able to give me the Free Dining offer for August 25th - September 2nd, 2012. I even told them I was an Ontario resident.

It is very possible that as a US agency, they do not have access to the Canadian travel agent booking engine which would have the rates and promotions for Canadians. As a Canadian agent, I do not have access to the American travel agent booking engine. As a US agency, they wouldn't be aware of promotions for Canadian citizens.

That date you are looking at is available for free dining. If the resort you are considering still has availability, I'm not sure since I don't know what resort you are interested in.

 

[Disney Addicted]

Susan's correct. There is FD during that time-frame for Canadians only. I helped a friend book a Sept 2012 trip at POP. She received QS free and paid the extra to upgrade to DDP.

If your US TA cannot book the Canadian only FD, then I suggest you book your trip yourself through Disney, or use a Canadian TA. I also recommend Fairytale Dreams & Destinations!

 

[Lil Bo Peep]

...........

 

[fivebyfive]

It is very possible that as a US agency, they do not have access to the Canadian travel agent booking engine which would have the rates and promotions for Canadians.

Understood, but then that goes against what Minnie56 said. If the US agency does not have access to a promotion for Canadians, then doesn't that mean said offer is only available via a Canadian agency or Disney direct?

If that's the case, then it IS an agency (or Disney direct) offering.

 

[minnie56]

Unless it is a specific U.S resident offering..a Canadian agency can access the same promotions and then it can be booked by a Canadian agency but not in the booking system, only via phone and as long as the client meets the residency requirements. That according to Disney..