Time is money, even for the person who makes his own reservations, so why go and give that to someone else by reserving with a TA after doing the hard work? I'm just totally confused now. I think I personally would drive myself nuts finding out about codes and waiting (or calling) to see if my TA found them too. Please tell me if I'm missing something! TIA!
As with anything, a knowledgeable consumer is less likely to be disappointed with their selections after purchase. A vacation is no different. I don't see a need to drive yourself nuts finding out about codes unless you enjoy that. If you have a knowledgeable TA they already know them, but some clients like to be positive they are getting a good deal - and some TAs may not be familair with the latest disney codes as well. As you can imagine, even with advance notice, there's still a lot to keep up with and not every TA lives and breathes Disney. Many TAs do share a portion of their commission in the form of welcome gifts sent to cabins, bon voyage baskets, or perhaps even a simple thank you note, with a gift card tucked into your documents when we send them, for a pizza delivery you can use the night before you leave, or when you return, so you don't have to clean the kitchen.
IMO - There are many advantages for using a TA though, even if you know what you want - many TAs have working relationships with managers at resorts or cruise lines which can help having clients get those magical upgrades everybody hopes for at check-in. I've had quite a few clients who received cabin & room upgrades, were invited to a VIP breakfast/cocktails/ect with the manager/captain/?, or were offered VIP seating for an event to celebrate a special occassion or recognize an especially difficult year after calling ahead to alert a resort that a guest would be arriving. It isn't guaranteed, and it doesn't happen all the time but it's nice to have someone on your side who can make those calls/knows who to talk to - especially when things go wrong.
TAs can also work with wholesalers who have an allottment and may have packages left at the resort or price you're looking for even after Disney Travel Co is sold out.
Even with a wdw TA discount, if I want a certain resort room for my own vacation and can't find availabilty thru Disney, I'll call a wholesaler and book my room with them instead of staying somewhere we may not be happy with.
TAs,
In your opinion, what Deluxes would have the most availability in early summer?
I'm curious to know the 2-3 slowest booking resorts on the property during this time period.
-NL
We typically travel June/July. From what I've seen, for values it's ASports, moderates - POR, and deluxe - AKL and BWI.
Oh, and you can nearly always do Saratoga Springs...
Epcot resorts - BC nearly always sells out before YC unless there's a big convention that week. BWI is usually available whenever I look.
MK resorts - GF is normally the last with rooms available. Poly and CR seem to fill first, followed by WL.
so I keep checking their job postings with fingers crossed! 
