book myself or switch to TA?

[daraddg]

I contacted 2 companies about trip estimates,one wrote back giving the same price I could find on my own and the other came back with a higher price. I decided to book on my own if I couldn't save anything and eliminate the middle man and forgot about it as well as which one was which.
I got a followup email yesturday from one asking if I was still interested and if not why (did I book myself, use someone else etc)So I explained the above ,told them what I booked etc....they said I could switch my ressie over to them at no cost to me, I would get a couple small freebies as well(neck wallet and autograph book) and would have the advantage of them booking my ADAs and keeping an eye open for other discounts.
I currently have a trip booked for 8/25/11-8/31/11(during the free dining promo) at AKL upgraded to the Deluxe DDP and a 6 day base tic for 2 adults 1 child after deposit and insurance I owe $2885.33...we are driving so do not need help with airfare or transportation.
So the question is, should I keep it as is or get involved with the TA? Since all is booked I don't know if there is an advantage to changing,does anyone think there is a chance a better package will come up that they would find?

 

[ssawka]

Personally, I would not switch to a TA for a WDW trip. There really is not much to booking at WDW, whether you do a package deal or al a carte. The negative thing about using a TA is that you give up control of your reservation. Basically, Disney will not talk to you about your reservation. Everything will have to go through the TA. Now if you were talking about a cruise or a foreign tour, that's a different story as TA's will often give you "kick backs", but for WDW, don't sweat it and do it yourself.

 

[daraddg]

Thanks!

 

[eeyorethegreat]

I'll go the opposite way of SSawka. I look at it this way: I price everything out myself. I k now all the discounts and the times I want my ADRS at but I use a TA because I figure someone besides just Disney ought to benefit from all the money I am spending. I actually have built up a great friendship with my TA and that hs been an added bonus. TAs are great especially if you have a lot of quetions or you don't want to spend all the time on the phone on hold trying to book things yourself. I love doing that sort of thing but like I said I really feel that someone ought to benefit so I give my TA my business and she gets a bit of a comission.

Also this site wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the the sponsor Dreams Unlimited which is a travel agency. I'll admit that my TA is from a different company only because I wasn't involved in Dis at the time I started booking with a TA.

Its a personal choice and you have to feel comfortable with your TA but I wouldn't knock the idea just because you can do it on your own. A good TA will make all the changes you need promptly.

 

[pyrxtc]

I think since you already have it all booked then keep it to yourself. You retain control over your reservation and all the details. Then there are no issues with not being able to contact or not getting calls back when you want/need to change something. If you switch it to a TA, then you can no longer adjust anything without going thru them.

 

[ready123go]

I agree with Ssawka & pyrxtc, I would stick with what you have booked, then you can change it around as you like (I change our ADR two or three times) with out having to deal with a third party.

 

[disneygirl 17]

I usually book myself - not because I don't want to use a TA but the TA's I try to use take forever to get back with me. I email for a quote and it takes over a day for them to get back with me and it makes me feel like my package could sell out. I am going to try dreams next...they have a great reputation (as well all know). I also like the fact that they really try to save the client money when packages come out.

I have also transferred my vacations over to TA's before...once I get closer to the trip - I feel like someone should make money off it.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

Personally, I'd never use a TA(no slight against people who do or TA themselve), but I just like to be in control of my booking myself. I don't want to have to go through someone else for everything. If I need to change something or add something, I can do it myself and not have to wait around to get it done by TA or wait around to hear back from one. For me -- IMO-- it's so much easier and I feel better doing it myself.

 

[LisaNJ25]

I use a TA I absolutely love. Yes, the price is the same but she makes my adrs and some other extra special touches. I have had nothing but positive experiences with her. I also know if there is a problem during my trip she will call and deal with in and I wont have to take time out of my trip. She also proves lanyards with trading pins for the kids on your reservations.

 

[clutter]

I have a friend that has a TA she loves. She gave another friend her info to book a trip to Disney with us.

I got emails reminding me to check-in ahead of time, to give me information about the trip, etc. She did not get them. Had no clue about checking in online, wasn't sure where her coupon book was, etc.

For me, I'd rather do it myself because I can look for a dining reservation in 3 minutes at a quiet time at work or in the middle of the night. For my friend, she'd rather have the TA, because she can leave a message to do such and so, but couldn't talk to her except during business hours, during which she's super crazed.

So it's just a matter of preference.