Best TA's to use for WDW trips?

[Fionasmommy]

We've already booked, but I was just wondering if there are any travel agencies that are consistently on top of Disney codes and discounts and save their clients $$.

Is any certified Disney specialist agency good enough, or do some really go the extra mile?

 

[lvloopingbag]

I use Magical Journeys. They've always gotten me a discount on the first day one has been released and then e-mailed me the good news.

 

[dtuleya]

Dreams Unlimited!!!!! The sponsors of this site are fantastic! Used them for my DCL cruise 2 years ago and am using them for my July trip.

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

We've already booked, but I was just wondering if there are any travel agencies that are consistently on top of Disney codes and discounts and save their clients $$.

Is any certified Disney specialist agency good enough, or do some really go the extra mile?

Why are you asking if you have already booked???

I know of at least 4 that are very good, there are many out there.

It usually comes down to finding the right agent and agency for you.

 

[Fionasmommy]

Why are you asking if you have already booked???

I'm asking because even though I've been completely happy with the agency I'm using, this is my first trip to WDW I have nothing to compare it to. So, I'm curious to know other people's experiences using TA's.

 

[goofy4tink]

A little story...when I first went to WDW, back in '99, I used a 'regular' TA. I thought she had done a good job...until she called me to tell me that she hadn't been able to get me CRT for my dd's 6th b-day. I mean, afterall, she did wait until 4 days after she should have called!!!! And of course, I bought a Disney package, because I didn't know any better.
Then, I found the internet boards. So, I was able to book, getting great discounts. Then, when I went back to work (for a very short time ) I used DU. Well, how fantastic are they!!!! My agent, Shirley, got me every single thing I wanted...from CRT for breakfast to my IllumiNations cruise. I got the best room rate available. I use them every single time I go to WDW when not staying on my DVC pts. I love them. They are right on top of everything....they are WDW specialists!!
So...if you don't have the time, or expertise, to book your own trip, I highly recommmend DU...they are the absolute best.

 

[mlwear]

I'm glad this thread was started...I was trying to figure out the same thing.
I am not one to plan my own trip. I love to read all of this and make the basic decisions, where to stay and some ideas of where to eat, but that's it. I get so overwhelmed.

Last year I used our AAA agent. I can't remember all the details but I think I was told by another agency that they couldn't get the same deal as AAA so just stick with them, something like that.

The AAA agent did just fine, I guess. Everything was booked. We stayed concierge, so they took care of the ADRs. It was a great trip.
But, I never understood any of this...if a new code comes out, the discount wll be reflected in your cost, etc. I don't know if a code came out after we booked, but I am sure that once the price was determined, that was the price.

Would an agent other than AAA be able to book a package that includes Magical Express, Room, Park Hopper Tickets and Dining Plan? My memory is not good, but it seems it was the dining plan that was throwing this off with the other agent, that or they just couldn't beat the AAA rate. Rambling here...but that doesn't seem right..if no one can do better than AAA then how do any Disney Vacation planners stay in business? That can't be it.

OK, HELP. I haven't consulted a TA for our trip this year. DH told me to get the price quotes.

Is it pointless to look beyond AAA? Although, I would explain everything up front and would only ask for quotes, I wouldn't want to waste another TA's time if AAA is really my only option.

 

[dtuleya]

I have always found AAA rates to be higher than booking on my own with codes plus I have never been able to find a AAA agent that was better than these boards (or even 1/4 as good).

Use Dreams Unlimited and you can still book using a AAA discount if one is available.

 

[Marthasor]

Would an agent other than AAA be able to book a package that includes Magical Express, Room, Park Hopper Tickets and Dining Plan? My memory is not good, but it seems it was the dining plan that was throwing this off with the other agent,
QUOTE]


Ah! There's the rub! You are correct. The only way you can get the dining package AND the AAA discount on rooms is through AAA. However, if you are not interested in the dining plan, you can call Disney CRO directly or use any one of the Disney specialist tour agencies and they can book your trip with the AAA room discount, tix, etc. Oh - and anyone staying at a Disney resort can use Magical Express - that's automatically included (at least, right now, until 12/31/06)

I used AAA for our last trip, and, quite honestly, the only time I would ever use them again is if I absolutely HAD to have the dining plan. Otherwise - it was quite a hassle dealing with a TA who really didn't know her Disney stuff.

 

[mlwear]

Trying to not veer too much from the OP. But, no real reason to start a new thread.
Marthasor is exactly right. Non-AAA TA can't discount the dining plan package. I got two quotes today. One from AAA and one from DU.
DH wants to use the dining plan again this year. He liked having most things paid up front. I'm sure there is some savings, too.
So, of course, with the dining plan package AAA has the better price. My math shows about a 10% discount.
But DU said although they cannot guarantee that there would be any discounts that they work hard to find them and apply them to our cost.

So, I'm wondering if anyone has experience they would like to share concerning past bookings and discounts. I guess what I'm getting at is are there good odds that there will be some sort of discount that will save me at least 10% between now and end of August. Of course, there are no guarantees, I understand that.

The AAA booking last year was described well by Marthasor. I worked with someone without much Disney experience. It was actually funny at some times when she had Disney on one phone and me on the other. I would ask a question, she would ask Disney, then give me the answer (even though I could her it through the receiver anyway ) The AAA TA was very nice, but she didn't do anything special. Nonetheless, we had a great vacation. So, should I just take the AAA 10% discount, go with DU and hope a discount comes out, or try to talk DH out of the dining plan.
THIS is precisely why I use a TA. I don't like to stress this much over details.

I have appreciated all of your comments. I am grateful for any additional advice.

 

[Fionasmommy]

I guess what I'm getting at is are there good odds that there will be some sort of discount that will save me at least 10% between now and end of August. Of course, there are no guarantees, I understand that.

That is exactly what I've been wondering! At this point, because we really want Dining, I think we're better off working with a TA that specializes in Disney, even if it means rack rate for the room. I'm pretty hopeful that a code will come out, though. And it's nice to know that your TA will be watching out for codes too!

 

[quietgirll]

ive used small world vacations, and was SO impressed with them...everything i wanted, i got---bless her heart, i know she was probably sick of me...but she never made me feel like it...lol...

 

[triplet88822]

Last year we went for the first time in October. Thanks to the DIS boards I got a great deal. I have done the same thing for our trip in May. I book a room only AAA and then sit back and wait. While I am waiting, I get a quote from AAA for everything that I want. Last year I had to wait until 3 weeks before our vacation for a code to come out. I compare the code to the AAA rate and then change my reservation accordingly!

In October we stayed at POFQ, 6 day parkhopper with dining! I am 30yrs old and this was my first Disny trip with DS - 5 and DH. I am now addicted. My DH thinks I am crazy!!

 

[Conkozan]

I had too many problems with AAA to ever go back to them for anything other than a triptik. (and I have had those messed up once too).

Disney normally releases discounts. Dreams and the other Specialist agencies will have you switched to the special before AAA even opens that day.


I am waiting for the day specials are released.

I will be in bed, my reservation will be changed, an email will be sent to me with the discount before I awake. My agent that specializes in Disney is on the phone at 7am working for me.

Then all the people who booked with any regular agency will be freaking out that their agent is not in until 9am. Then these people will call Disney directly and book another package with the discount on their own so they don't miss out, thus tying up rooms once again with duplicate bookings.

It is not the rate you start out with, it is the rate you end up with that matters.

 

[boomhauer]

I think the best travel agent one can have for Disney is themself. If you have a computer, simply check Mousesavers every day, and if there's any discounts out there, they'll be on there.

A Disney trip can consist of several changes and adjustements. I've dealt with some very nice agents in the past, but the bottom line is - If it needs to be done right away, only the person who books the trip can make the change - That person should be you.

There's only 1 person who knows EVERY aspect of your Disney vacation that you are looking for, and that's you. I'd rather deal with Disney directly, and know that everything I want is being conveyed to them.

 

[yellowfish78]

Everyone has different expriences with TA's. Just like you are doing research here for Disney, you also have to do research to find a good TA. Just make sure you ask for someone that know's their Disney information. If you find out your agent is asking someone else, don't feel bad asking to switch over to the other person. (It'll teach them that they need to learn Disney better!)And don't forget that room codes cannot normally be applied to packages.

 

[moxiecola]

How much is too much to expect from travel agents? I went with my family in October and booked through Small World. It seems like the only thing they did for us was book our trip?
I was busy working as was my wife, so we had to scramble at the last minute to get any dinner reservations, and I missed out on the Pirate Cruise (for kids) that was one of the main things we wanted the kids to get to do because we were not watching the calendar close enough.
I realize that we need to be more careful next time we go, but I thought that going through a travel agent that specialized in Disney, they would either take care of some of those things for you, or at least give you reminders of when you should start calling on advanced reservations.
We are starting to look at going again so I want to make sure we do things right this time.

Thanks

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

How much is too much to expect from travel agents?

I realize that we need to be more careful next time we go, but I thought that going through a travel agent that specialized in Disney, they would either take care of some of those things for you, or at least give you reminders of when you should start calling on advanced reservations.

Many will - and then some do only what you ask of them.

Did you let them know what types of things you are interested in? Did they ask?

When did you book your last trip? The booking windows changed back in the fall from 90 days to 180 days - I know that threw me off after all these years.

There are many Disney specialist agents out there - I am sure that their services vary greatly - I have even heard stories of differences in levels of service between agents in the same agency - which shouldn't happen, IMHO.

Good luck!

Michael

 

[bclover]

How much is too much to expect from travel agents? I went with my family in October and booked through Small World. It seems like the only thing they did for us was book our trip?
I was busy working as was my wife, so we had to scramble at the last minute to get any dinner reservations, and I missed out on the Pirate Cruise (for kids) that was one of the main things we wanted the kids to get to do because we were not watching the calendar close enough.
I realize that we need to be more careful next time we go, but I thought that going through a travel agent that specialized in Disney, they would either take care of some of those things for you, or at least give you reminders of when you should start calling on advanced reservations.
We are starting to look at going again so I want to make sure we do things right this time.

Thanks

Wow. I am very surprised. I have booked several trips with Small World, and have referred many friends and family members who say they will never go anywhere else. Some trips have been packages and some room only reservations with AAA discount. We have always received exceptional service. Every time I have paid a deposit, I have gotten an email saying that she has called Disney to apply payment and then, within 1 - 3 weeks, I have received a packet of infomation in the mail with my confirmation, favorite websites to go to, resort and park information, even information on the "Docs on Call" medical services! No matter how much my trip was costing, she has gone above and beyond the call of duty in my eyes. She made my dining reservations when I asked, and was a wealth of information, answering my many emails, and offering advice whenever I asked. She always kept me informed if there was an offer or discount released that I could benefit from.

I think some people tend to think that travel agents have no other clients and are sitting at their desks with one reservation to deal with - theirs. This just isn't the case. I think you have to be a bit proactive when it comes to asking for help or information. TA's are not mind readers. They cannot possibly remind every client they have of every special event that their kids may or may not want to do. My agent has provided me with links to different sites where I could research all the things there are to do, then I called her with my choices. I don't expect any more than that.

Moxie, was your reservation a room only reservation or a package? If it was a room ony reservation, what should she have reminded you to do? Your final payment was due at check in. If it was a package, I would be very surprised to hear she didn't send a reminder email. As far as dining, did she let you know that dining needed to be made 90 days out? Did you ask for help and not get it? It's one thing to ask for advice or information, and not hear back, but to think that they are going to constantly remind you that you need to make dining, or reserve a kids activity without you specifically asking them ahead of time to do that, in my opinion, is unreasonable. Just my two cents, of course.

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

As far as dining, did she let you know that dining needed to be made 90 days out?

FYI, this is now 180 days.

Michael