Book thru travel agent? How do you book?

[kuzco-like]

Reading the responses here, it appears that most people are looking for a deal. This is extremely valid. Who wants to pay more than they have to? But for me, one of the major advantages of using a travel agent is similar to what lisalonglash explained in her reply: you have an expert on your side.

Waaaaaay back in the '90s, five friends and I went to Disneyland. We booked through a travel agent. When we got to the hotel, there was an issue (I can't remember what it was, but it wasn't anything too serious). I used the hotel's phone to call my travel agent, who spoke with the hotel for just a few minutes, and sorted the issue. Yes, we could have probably sorted the problem ourselves, but having the travel agent do it meant that there was no stress for me.

Full confession: My mother worked for this agency (Uniglobe) in business travel. Sure, we could have received special treatment because of my mother's association with the travel agency. However, I don't think so. Her job was to sell businesses on using her travel agency for business travel, and subsequently pleasure travel as well. Part of her challenge was to sell the idea of using a travel agency to take-charge business owners who were accustomed to doing things themselves (with the "if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself" mentality). The main benefits that she pointed out to these people were:

• travel agents are industry insiders, and therefore they get insider rates
• if anything goes wrong, you have an industry insider on your side to advocate for you
• the agents are well travelled, and can answer questions, advise, and suggest because they and their fellow travel agents have been there and done everything
• once you establish a relationship with your travel agent, and they know you, your travel habits, and your interests, they can watch for deals and special trips
• it's just easier, and doesn't cost you any more or less

I've probably forgotten a few. But for me, these are the main benefits.

It's important to note that all of this depends on the travel agent. Some of the stories I've read here suggest that people have had bad travel agents. It happens. But if you listen to the podcast, you know that some travel agents never rest, and are focused on getting the best deals and experiences for their clients.

In case you haven't guessed, I have always used a travel agent and always will.

 

[cilluzzibyebye]

Do you consider AAA a travel agent? I used an online service and they were great(booked dining reseration and very responsive). However, this time I used AAA and found out that since we were doing Club Level IPO would do reservations then the price difference was $1700(3 families/total of 11 people). Quite a difference. Is there something I am missing using AAA to find out later???

 

[momof2gr8kids]

If you book a package through a travel agent, do they have to make the dining reservations for you?

I like to change mine a couple hundred times, lol. Plus I do my planning early in am or late evening, when I have some quiet time. Would hate to have to wait to get a hold of a TA to book something.

 

[Susan2771]

If you book a package through a travel agent, do they have to make the dining reservations for you?

No, when using a travel agent, a guest is free to make there own dining reservations all on there own. If you prefer that the agent makes the reservation for you or would like their input on different dining venues, I'm sure they will be happy to make it for you or share their information especially if they are a certified Disney specialist.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

We are very comfortable booking travel for ourselves, but for any Disney trip, I would NOT book it any other way than through our incredible Canadian Disney-specialist travel agent! They know as much as humanly possible about all things Disney (they only book Disney travel) and can do as much or as little as you like (booking your ADRs, trip advice, etc.). They will also automatically apply whatever available discount will save you the most money.

Honestly, using an expert TA is not just for those who are newbies and/or don't have the time to research their trip themselves. We are not newbies and are quite good and experienced with our travel research. However, our TA is a MUST for our Disney trips - we appreciate her knowledge, advice and genuine concern that our family has the best time possible!

Just my two cents

I concur with Lisa! If I remember correctly we use the same travel agent and her business is awesome. PM if anyone wants the business name.

BUT and this is a big BUT she specializes in Disney. I once booked thru CAA because it was high season and I figured that was the best discount I would be able to get and boy was I sorry. I knew way more than the agents at my local CAA and luckily I was on top of them.

 

[tamarabannon]

I would NEVER book a disney trip without my awesome Disney TA at Fairytale Dreams and Destinations. We use Christine Fiorelli. It's her company, and she only books Disney stuff.

Though it costs NO extra than on the site, Christine plans our days and dinners based on our preferences, makes changes etc.

She makes ALL of our dinner reservations based on requests and which park on one day. This eliminates the need for a park hopper and criss crossing parks etc.

Furthermore, she books within the available deals, adds pin codes etc. as needed to get you the BEST deal you can.

I don't have to spend hours trying to add free dining or discounts, or with disney dining to add reservations etc. She does all that for me. She really rocks!

 

[momtoamulan]

I would NEVER book a disney trip without my awesome Disney TA at Fairytale Dreams and Destinations. We use Christine Fiorelli. It's her company, and she only books Disney stuff.

Though it costs NO extra than on the site, Christine plans our days and dinners based on our preferences, makes changes etc.

She makes ALL of our dinner reservations based on requests and which park on one day. This eliminates the need for a park hopper and criss crossing parks etc.

Furthermore, she books within the available deals, adds pin codes etc. as needed to get you the BEST deal you can.

I don't have to spend hours trying to add free dining or discounts, or with disney dining to add reservations etc. She does all that for me. She really rocks!

. This year, she said there was no free dining for Canadians..so, we went through CAA..which offered it...otherwise, we would have used her....

 

[tamarabannon]

Really?? Hmmmm that might change things!

 

[momtoamulan]

If you book a package through a travel agent, do they have to make the dining reservations for you?

I like to change mine a couple hundred times, lol. Plus I do my planning early in am or late evening, when I have some quiet time. Would hate to have to wait to get a hold of a TA to book something.

Of places we would like t eat...and rough time frames..they couldnt get one meal...otherwise, she did well.

 

[lisalonglash]

. This year, she said there was no free dining for Canadians..so, we went through CAA..which offered it...otherwise, we would have used her....

Not trying to offend, but all current Canadian resident discounts are available to all Canadian travel agents and there is no way any Fairytale Dreams agent would not have had knowledge of and access to a current discount. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding...

 

[momtoamulan]

I asked about free dining, they said it wasnt being offered to canadians at the time...when I had asked an american site, they said yes...dropped in at CAA! And they were offering it....

About 2 months later, I received an email from them saying free dining was being offered...i had already booked with CAA...oh well....

I am the girl that shops around for some sort of deal, as Disney can be pricey without one....


I dont have any issues with any travel companies..since we have done disney a couple of times, I know that we need free dining, or a really good deal on the resort to make our trip doable....

 

[tamarabannon]

I just spoke with Christine this morning -- I discussed this thread with her -- She said that if she said anything about a deal not being available, it would have been that it was not available at that time. She will not confirm/deny rumours about upcoming discounts, nor will she book with the promise of those discounts coming through.

CAA may have offered that discount on their own, but if your dates fit into a current offer, she'd have booked it with that discount.

Hoping this clarifies a little, even though again, it's second hand.

As I said, we've never had a problem. Pretty much every opportunity we asked for was available. Not every, but many. If we couldn't get a time, she'd ask about an alternate time etc.

I could not imagine doing all the work myself. Disney pays her commission, and she earns every penny, IMO.

 

[damo]

We never use a travel agent. I much prefer to do it myself.

 

[dreamingdarcy]

I just spoke with Christine this morning -- I discussed this thread with her -- She said that if she said anything about a deal not being available, it would have been that it was not available at that time. She will not confirm/deny rumours about upcoming discounts, nor will she book with the promise of those discounts coming through.

CAA may have offered that discount on their own, but if your dates fit into a current offer, she'd have booked it with that discount.

Hoping this clarifies a little, even though again, it's second hand.

As I said, we've never had a problem. Pretty much every opportunity we asked for was available. Not every, but many. If we couldn't get a time, she'd ask about an alternate time etc.

I could not imagine doing all the work myself. Disney pays her commission, and she earns every penny, IMO.

Can't imagine she would admit to making a mistake. Most companies try to cover those things up. Why would they be any different.

 

[lisalonglash]

Can't imagine she would admit to making a mistake. Most companies try to cover those things up. Why would they be any different.

They would "be any different" because they are different - they know every facet of everything Disney and always put their customers first. Your cynicism isn't warranted here IMHO

 

[dangler]

The last couple trips we have booked ourselves! Last year we did the online check-in and it was wonderful!!! Doing the same for our upcoming trip

 

[KNovacovschi]

We used Fairytale Dreams & Destinations for our trip this time. Last time we went through Trip Central. I'm extremely satisfied with who we went through this time. They are strictly a Disney TA & are registered through TICO. We were unlucky that we booked in October during a blackout date. I didn't think we would be eligible for anything during that week so I haven't been watching for anything. Well on Monday I received an email from my TA stating that Disney released a room only discount & since I already paid in full would be receiving a discount. Now don't get me wrong I know this was released to the general public but I didn't know that until after. He just applied it & then let me know. If you are looking for a TA I would definitely suggest Fairytale Dreams & Destinations.

 

[dreamingdarcy]

They would "be any different" because they are different - they know every facet of everything Disney and always put their customers first. Your cynicism isn't warranted here IMHO

I was merely pointing out the fact that just because she said it never happened, can't be verified that it didn't. I never said that they didn't know Disney nor did I say that they didn't put their customers first. People can make mistakes. Even companies that are known for their impeccible service.

It just made me chuckle when I read the comment that because this person said it didn't happen that that absolutely meant it didn't.

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

I booked out 1st trip with a travel agent - back when I knew nothing about WDW. Now, like you said, you can do it all online yourself. I like having the control - and planning it part of the fun for me. That way there are no surprises. Rooms, tickets, meal reservations can all be done online with Disney. Airline tickets - I always research first - because if your too rigid in your dates, the prices can vary significantly. Once I see flights at a price I can live with, I book them right away and then make my Disney reservations afterwards.

 

[mcoaddict]

I book directly through the Disney website. I love their payment options of putting down the $200 deposit and having time to pay off the rest. I like having all my reservation info tied together on their website and being able to check it out constantly. If the price changes they will adjust it and I have found the customer service people to be very helpful when I have had to call.