Book through DIsney or an agent?

[oiralinde]

How many of you book your vacations directly through Disney versus going through a travel agent? Pros cons of each?

I am not sure what to do. Previously we always booked through AAA, but someone recommended a different travel agent to me while my SIL always does it through Disney herself. I just don't know what is cheapest or best.

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

[jmartinez1895]

I always booked myself through Disney, but for our next trip I have used AAA. I personally like the control of doing it myself, but our AAA agent was able to save us a few hundred dollars and we think we will enjoy the added perks of using AAA ( such as the fireworks viewing area and the character story time). \

 

[OKW Lover]

If you do book through a TA be sure its one that specializes in Disney. Don't assume that just because they have a big Disney sign in their window that they really know anything about Disney. Even within a particular agency, like AAA, each agent has varying levels of familiarity. Before you book, be sure to talk to the agent that will be handling your booking and see how much they really know about Disney.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I will tell you that I did not see a difference with AAA when we just went. We were two families going and my friend booked through AAA and we went through Disney - the costs were exactly the same - not a penny different. I usually always go with Disney and like the flexibility. Although my friend did not have any issues - but it didn't save her anything - maybe it was the time that we went - in August.

 

[consumermonkey]

Hiya,

In the UK, we have cash-back web-sites, and I am sure the US is no different.

I booked my WDW holiday with WDW directly, but via a cashback link. This resulted in a 3% cashback worth about $200 extra spending money.

Just a suggestion for maybe a sweetener to the individual who books.

 

[MichelleAMouse]

I always booked myself through Disney, but for our next trip I have used AAA. I personally like the control of doing it myself, but our AAA agent was able to save us a few hundred dollars and we think we will enjoy the added perks of using AAA ( such as the fireworks viewing area and the character story time). \

I like to do AAA for this reason myself.

 

[MHSweb79]

I will tell you that I did not see a difference with AAA when we just went. We were two families going and my friend booked through AAA and we went through Disney - the costs were exactly the same - not a penny different. I usually always go with Disney and like the flexibility. Although my friend did not have any issues - but it didn't save her anything - maybe it was the time that we went - in August.

Well, if you both got free dining then you both had to purchase full-price packages, so the price would be the same.

If you were to book room-only or a package with no restrictions then you would get any available AAA discounts. Usually it's something like 15% off the room, depending upon where you're staying.

I've used AAA and I've booked myself and other than a discount, it's pretty much the same. One other advantage is that if you are renting a car, AAA has the Diamond Parking pass, which gives you access to a closer area of the parking lots at the parks. You are usually next to the handicapped parking area.

 

[dvcwannabe]

We have always used a Disney Agent (Small World). She is so helpful. I like it because they go ahead and apply discounts as they come in and I don't have to try and keep up with it. Plus she gets a commission.

 

[stitchsx3]

We use travel agent (mei &mouse), we didn't have to make dining reservations or keep up with discounts. We received free dining in NOv and had to do a room only for one night and we would up with a discount on that too which I didn't know about.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

I always book through the Disney website. I hate to give the control to someone else. I get a satisfaction from doing it myself. My husband laughs at me but I am kind of a control freak like that.

 

[Malibelle]

I am a Disney TA and I always tell people to use a good TA. Here is why. Wether you book through Disney or the TA you should get the same price. The difference is the TA will get a commission from Disney plus you get a personalized planner you can go to anytime to ask questions and maybe get some unexpected surprises and planning tips. If you book yourself you are still paying the commission but Disney just keeps it and you don't get a personalized planner. It's up to you how much you want to let you TA plan your trip. Some clients I plan everything but others I just book their trip, watch for discounts and answer questions. They love being able to send me an email with a question then calling Disney and waiting in the phone que just to get someone to answer their questions . A good Disney TA are very knowledgable and wouldn't be a Disney TA if they were not passionate about it and want to help others .