Booked myself.. switching to a travel agent question..

[Microcell]

A month or so ago I checked out a travel agent to see what kind of rates I could get through a travel agency, and at the time it was just rack rate, so I decided to book myself when the 4/3 deal came out.

I got an email today from a travel agent telling me about the deal and I told her if she could do better she could have my business, and she looked and got the same rate I did but told me I could switch my existing reservation to her agency and she could get me a $50.00 giftcard.

Has anyone done this? I am very fearful of losing the reservation I already have so it may not be worth the $50.00 to me.

How would she get paid? I would assume she wouldn't be getting paid by me or what would be the point of me switching.

I also would like control of the dining reservations because I have a vested interest, but would be happy to switch after 10/27 to give her business and to get a giftcard but only if it is proven that barring normal human error this is risk free.

Are there additional benefits of going with a TA that I am not thinking of?

Thanks ahead for any advice.

 

[VeroBeach]

Travel agents get paid a commission by Disney. She is giving you the $50 out of that commission.

You retain control of your dining.

 

[marcielm]

Many travel agents are willing to do itinerary planning and such in addition to making your dining ressies. I understand you wanting control over those, but you might ask your TA if she is willing to get up at the crack of dawn to make them for you to ensure that you get the ones you want.

What will happen is the TA will send you a form for you to fill out that will be sent to Disney. The reservation won't change, just the ownership of the reservation. You will keep the same ressie number. Disney pays the commission, and it won't happen until after the date of travel.

I believe you can still make your own dining reservations, even if she has ownership of the ressie. You might call her and verify this as well. I have a client that has done some tweaking on their dining ADR's (he was able to cancel some, but also asked me to cancel 2 others). He also was able to pick up another rest. in place of one we tried to get.

 

[Microcell]

Ok thanks for the info!