Any advantages to using a travel agent

[Jenntx]

Ready to book our 4th trip to The World-question for Disney experts.We have always booked directly online through WDW.Any advantages to using a Disney travel agent?I am a BIG planner so I like to fill in all the details & ADRs. Thanks for your help!

 

[emilyindisney]

My family has booked twice with a AAA agent, and both times she was great! For my upcoming trip, the TA booked the trip package and took care of some of the odds and ends like ME. We did the ADRs, rental care, and flights ourselves which worked out great. That way, she watched for better package deals to come out so we saved the most money but I still got to have a hand in all the planning. I know other people like to really be in control of their trip but I feel like this is the way to go for me!

 

[Hopefully]

If you are going to use a TA, make sure it is an agency that specilizes in Disney.
One major advantage is that they are able to keep an eye out for discounts as they are released and apply them to your existing reservatation. Doing that in a timely manner can save you money.
I usually book myself, but I have used a Disney specialist a few times and it always saved me some money.

 

[Jenntx]

Thanks Ladies! If I plan to go with a TA - where can I find a list of Disney approved TA list?

 

[magicalmoments4]

We have gone twice to Dis and have used I'm All Ears Vacations. The first time was the owner who planned it and the second time was my good friend who now works for the owner. They are Outside Disney Travel Agents, and are awesome!! You don't pay them a commission because Disney actually pays them! The first time Karen, planned everything for us, and the second trip I gave a little more input. We are going December 2013 and I'm hoping to have more hands on this time.

 

[appledown]

I've used Small World Vacations twice and can't recommend them highly enough.

 

[Kimberle]

This trip, I'm using a TA from Dreams Unlimited (board's owners). She saved me 15% with a AAA discount. I was unable to book this discount on my own. You can still make your own ADR's even if you use a TA. Just forward the confir. #'s, and s/he will add them to your itinary.

 

[OKW Lover]

If the OP is into the details and likes control, then there really isn't much advantage to using a TA.

However, a knowledgable TA is a very valuable resource for those that don't know a lot about WDW since the TA will be aware of the latest deals and can monitor for better prices.

Dreams Unlimited is the sponsor/owner of the DIS Boards and we like to support them when we need TA services.

 

[emilyindisney]

Thanks Ladies! If I plan to go with a TA - where can I find a list of Disney approved TA list?

If you're a AAA member, call them and ask for their Disney specialist. If you don't like the first person you talk to, call back and you'll get someone different. Granted, you won't always get the person from the office closest to you, but if you go with someone further away, they'll send your packet to your local office.

 

[AubieGirl]

We've used Small World Vacations four times now and love love love them! Heather is fabulous!!

 

[HouseMother]

I'm considering using one for our trip next year. I'm always afraid that there is going to be a better deal that I don't know about. Our trip last year was relatively inexpensive even with the dining plan and park hopper passes, so I'm kind of spoiled. I planned that trip myself, though, so I guess I would do okay.

 

[dansdad]

I'm considering using one for our trip next year. I'm always afraid that there is going to be a better deal that I don't know about. Our trip last year was relatively inexpensive even with the dining plan and park hopper passes, so I'm kind of spoiled. I planned that trip myself, though, so I guess I would do okay.

There are no super secret discounts you can't find out about. If you check the discount section here on the DIS and mousesavers, you'll be fine.

 

[El Perro]

There are no super secret discounts you can't find out about. If you check the discount section here on the DIS and mousesavers, you'll be fine.

All of this. You can pretty much get the best deal on your own if you do the research here and other sites.

 

[momto3gr8boys]

There are no super secret discounts you can't find out about. If you check the discount section here on the DIS and mousesavers, you'll be fine.

All of this. You can pretty much get the best deal on your own if you do the research here and other sites.

I would usually say the same thing and have always booked on my own. However, I have the BC booked for Aug. with no promotions as of right now. I came across a deal (through these boards) from magical vacations travel and am now saving $1440 on that booking (five nights...I also have four nights at Poly but I am still waiting on that quote). And the best part is if Disney comes out with a promotion which saves even more, they will switch the ressie. They will give me a confim # so I can make my own ADRs and use the 180+10 option. After a ton of reading on here this morning, for the first time I realizing you can do better than direct.