Booking on line or thru Travel Agent?

[Dynamite626]

Is there any differences between booking your trip online thru the Disney site or using a travel agent. I have used an agent for the last two trips but it wasn't a Disney specialist. The prices were the same as what was online.

 

[brightonpratts]

Honestly with as good as the Disney site is about letting you know exactly what is available and how well they can organize your transportation and meal plans or dinner reservations, I would not bother with an agent.

I think an agent is best if you are going overseas or to a place where you can't get good information - but even the Disneys cruise ship is great to book online yourself!

 

[Disneyevery2years]

they are always cheaper by a few bucks!$$$$$

 

[retlt72]

The prices are the same, but a travel agent has the time to keep on top of things such as if Disney decides to offer a deal that covers the period of your trip. An agent knows the ins and outs and just makes things a little easier for you. We usually do it ourselves but this year since we are going at Christmas and Disney may or may not offer any incentives depending on the economy and as bookings go, we went the travel agent route, so that she can keep an eye out for any deals or discounts that could pop up. Also if you do go the travel agent route, be sure to use one that specializes in Disney!

 

[mickey&minnie04]

We have done it both ways and honestly we won't be using a TA again for a DIsney trip. Our TA agent really did not know much about Disney, I was telling her things that needed to be booked or telling her the info she had was not right (she can tell you every detail about any island though!). One time we were there to pick up some paperwork and someone walked in that said they wanted info on Disney and started asking her questions. She actually told them that I would know better and had me answering their questions. So from then on I just did it myself. Plus, i like to know everything is right and if i do it myself I know it is.

 

[Svhadden]

We've *always* booked through an agent (an authorized Disney vacation planner). I don't have time to check back for special offers or deals, but my agent does. More than once, she's rebooked us for lower rates, better rooms, etc.

And I love the convenience of giving her our ADR's months in advance and not having to worry about them. She does it all. I get my travel doc's about a month in advance, show up at the resort, and that's it. LOVE LOVE LOVE our agent/travel company.

 

[Dynamite626]

Thanks for the input. Since I don't believe we can get a better deal then we have now, 35% of our room or Free Dining, I may just go for it and book on line.
The agent I used before is the mother of one of our fellow church members, so I used her just for that fact. She mainly does cruises, but has always been very helpful.

Thanks all.

Now where to stay?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Honestly with as good as the Disney site is about letting you know exactly what is available and how well they can organize your transportation and meal plans or dinner reservations, I would not bother with an agent.

I think an agent is best if you are going overseas or to a place where you can't get good information - but even the Disneys cruise ship is great to book online yourself!

Yes, they're easy to book yourself but I like a TA for that. Not for fear that we won't get the best deal. We usually book onboard and that gives guests a 10% discount plus and onboard credit (amount varies depending on # of DCL cruises you've taken) My TA adds to that too. Can't beat it anywhere.
So if we take a 7nt cruise, besides the discount, DCL gives us $275 and our TA gives us $200 in onboard credits. It's really a huge help to pay for excursions, pictures, tips, shopping, etc.

Also when DCL stopped adding a fuel surcharge to new bookings (a few yrs ago) but wouldn't remove it from those already booked, my TA called and had it dropped off our 2009 & 2010 7 nt cruises, saving us several hundred $. Those who booked directly with DCL had no advocate on their side.

 

[carye1]

I just booked our trip yesterday through AAA, and we got a great deal. We are going to be at WDW for 8 days in December, and using AAA is saving me about $600.00 versus the pricing I was getting online - even using the Disney website.

 

[jennipooh]

AAA

they are always cheaper by a few bucks!$$$$$

Also - they have extra perks like the storytime, fireworks viewing, diamond parking, diamond card and today I got $75 gift card for using them on top of the free dining promotion.

 

[Alesia]

I always use a TA. If it's going to cost me the same either way, why not let someone else make some money from it? I would recommend a good Disney specialist, though. Check Dreams Unlimited. They are fantastic.