Book on my own or use a travel agent?

[Z28KatCar]

Hey all, I have been searching the threads but have been unable to find the answer to a few questions.


First, we are going to book a trip for July 2013 for 2 weeks at the AK CL. I know that I can book room only right now but figured we wait a bit until the 2013 prices came out between June and August then book and transfer over to a vacation package once those are released next year. Anyhow, I digress, I have always book online (packages) or by phone (room only) but after reading about Dreams Unlimited, I was considering using them. I don't need them to do my ADR's as the IPOs will do that. They advertise that they are constantly watching to get you a better deal even after they have booked your trip for you. Usually I do this myself, but its time consuming. I'm thinking they probably get the information directly from Disney as soon as it is available and probably have some travel agent exclusive deals as well. So by using a travel agent, they should save me a ton of time and hassle, yet still be the best rate, possibly better than I would get on my own?

I would really appreciate any input you folks are willing to share regarding your experiences and which way you prefer to book your reservations.

2nd question, I have always tipped the mousekeepers but this is our first CL stay. I see that we can purchase things for the CMs up to $75 but no tipping. So my question is what do you purchase for CMs? Which CMs do you buy something for just the ones that are good to you or do you do something for all of them? When do you do it... When something exceptional was done for you and your family or wait till the end?

Sorry, about all the questions but your answers are very much appreciated. I love reading the threads they are a huge help!

Thank you!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Years ago with our first Disney stay, I went with a travel agent because it all seemed too overwhelming.

I found out after (from visiting boards) that I could have gotten things much more inexpensively by following the advice of seasoned Disneyphiles.

I'd say, if you know enough to be dangerous, have at it yourself. You know the basic routes to discounts, so check those avenues and ask questions until you get the info you need.

Half the fun of a Disney vacation is the planning.

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Hey all, I have been searching the threads but have been unable to find the answer to a few questions.


First, we are going to book a trip for July 2013 for 2 weeks at the AK CL. I know that I can book room only right now but figured we wait a bit until the 2013 prices came out between June and August then book and transfer over to a vacation package once those are released next year. Anyhow, I digress, I have always book online (packages) or by phone (room only) but after reading about Dreams Unlimited, I was considering using them. I don't need them to do my ADR's as the IPOs will do that. They advertise that they are constantly watching to get you a better deal even after they have booked your trip for you. Usually I do this myself, but its time consuming. I'm thinking they probably get the information directly from Disney as soon as it is available and probably have some travel agent exclusive deals as well. So by using a travel agent, they should save me a ton of time and hassle, yet still be the best rate, possibly better than I would get on my own?

I would really appreciate any input you folks are willing to share regarding your experiences and which way you prefer to book your reservations.

2nd question, I have always tipped the mousekeepers but this is our first CL stay. I see that we can purchase things for the CMs up to $75 but no tipping. So my question is what do you purchase for CMs? Which CMs do you buy something for just the ones that are good to you or do you do something for all of them? When do you do it... When something exceptional was done for you and your family or wait till the end?

Sorry, about all the questions but your answers are very much appreciated. I love reading the threads they are a huge help!

Thank you!

I would book your own. I thought it was overwhelming too BUT found out so many little helpful hints that have made wonderful vacations. If I left it in the hands of someone else, it may not have meant so much Happy planning!!!! And planning is half the fun!

 

[tinkbyday]

I, too, used a travel agent for our first trip and found out much later that I did not pay the lowest price and really missed out on half of the fun of a WDW vacation - the planning!

Now, that being said, if you don't enjoy or have time for the planning, then that wouldn't apply and maybe that is what works best for you.

 

[rn448698]

I book my own vacations (I know enough to be dangerous), and I do not provide gifts to any CMs. Your best bet is to note the names of CMs who provide you with amazing service and write to WDW upon your return. As for tipping, that's a can of worms I'm not going to open.

 

[GovieMom]

On our last trip I used a TA (from a different agency, but still a Disney one). A couple months after our trip was all booked and in order, she e-mailed me in the evening saying there would be Free Dining offered during our trip, and that with my consent (of course!) she would switch us over to that package. Turns out that the free dining discount hadn't been released to the general public yet, but since the TAs find out first, she took the liberty of acting on it for us right away. Also a few years ago when we stayed at AKL, we were booked in a water-view room. She contacted us later saying she was able to get us a savannah-view room for a bit less money. LOVE using Disney TAs!!

 

[pwdebbie]

We used a TA for our first two trips but for the third (most recent) trip, I did it myself. Everything worked out great for us. Doing our next trip myself also. I like the fact that I "own" my reservation and don't have to do everything through the TA.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

If you have a good TA whose agency specializes in Disney, most likely they will keep up with the deals and adjust your package when a discount comes out. I would guess the people who did not get the best deal booked through an agency that didn't specialize in Disney.

And, as a TA, I can tell you with certainty that TAs do NOT know any more about when discounts are going to come out than us on the DIS! It's all just speculation until the morning it's released!

 

[msminnieears]

I have used Small World TA and they would contact me when a discount was available. I love them and will probably use them again. I usually book all my own dining reservation just so I can be in charge of them and make any quick decisions that need to be made.

 

[Sue M]

Those using a TA that said they didn't get the best deal prob. didn't use a WDW specialized TA, but a general one.

I have used Disney Authorized Vacation Planners (TAs) my first few trips, and always got the best deal possible. They know the minute WDW released a promo, and if it would save us $ it was automatically applied to our res.
They did the Disney Math to work out what the best promo was for us, free Dining, room discount, etc. Depending on resort level & # of people, one will be better then the other.

So if you don't have the time to track discounts, I'd go with Dreams Unlimited, and not worry about anything

Staying CL, you can tip mousekeeping. It's the other CL staff they are referring to. I don't bring gifts for the CL lounge staff or desk staff, they all do a wonderful job. I just make sure I thank them, and am appreciative for their help.

 

[mickeynut1]

I prefer to book on my own. I like being in control of my reservation where I can talk to Disney myself should I want to change dates, resorts, apply a discount code, etc. rather than having to call or email an agent and wait for them to get back to me. Also, as others have said, planning is half the fun for me and I love doing it. But with that said, if you are limited on time/or and have no desire to make calls or keep up with discounts, then a TA that specializes in Disney might be the way for you go. Good luck with whichever you choose and happy planning .

 

[Z28KatCar]

Thank you all for your help! Not sure what I'm going to do yet but I'm so excited about the trip. July seems like forever away right now!

 

[CanadianPaco]

I booked with a CAA (Canadian equivalent to AAA) for our first trip. She had us fly into Sanford rather than Orlando??? First clue that I should've done some research. First and last time we used a TA.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I have booked all of my own trips (since 2000), I would way rather be able to instantly make changes myself, rather than waiting to get in touch with TA, then waiting to hear back as to whether the change went through, etc...it would drive me nuts but, I am a control freak.

 

[Z28KatCar]

So I thought I would add an update. I went with Beth at Dreams Unlimited and so far it has been a wonderful experience. She has also booked my inlaws trip. We are also working with IPO at AKL for all our dining ressies and they have been great about answering questions. I'm such a control freak and this is very new to give up this much control. I figure if I'm going to stay CL, I should utilize the services they offer.

 

[gbanshee]

So I thought I would add an update. I went with Beth at Dreams Unlimited and so far it has been a wonderful experience. She has also booked my inlaws trip. We are also working with IPO at AKL for all our dining ressies and they have been great about answering questions. I'm such a control freak and this is very new to give up this much control. I figure if I'm going to stay CL, I should utilize the services they offer.

Glad you are supporting them and it is working well. Keeping small business alive supports all of us.

It always kills me when you see everyone saying you do not need a travel agent, then later see the same people griping about being laid off and outsourcing of jobs. I feel badly for them, but they have done the same thing by booking direct and cutting out travel agents.

Disney is Disney and will survive. By booking with an agent you put money into a real persons pockets who will spend it on groceries, dance lessons, at the mall etc. and thus keeping other people at work!