Booking Online vs Calling vs Travel Agency

[SGMCO]

I've never used a TA for a Dis trip and this is next trip will the
2nd trip that I've done everything myself
(I find it to be the funnest part--I don't want
anybody else to have the fun).

The 1st time (last year) that I book a Disney Vacation
I found it very easy to do. Before I called I educated myself
on how much things cost on the Web and was able
to call and get everything that I wanted and it was
very, very easy. I didn't feel intimedated one bit even
though I was still wet behind the ears.

I love having all of the control on the planning part and
the instant gratification of doing it myself.
I sure if you decide to do all of the planning yourself-
you will understand what I'm talking about.

 

[wvdislover]

DD is starting preschool in the fall and I am paranoid that she will get some sort of virus and have to cancel our trip

Have you thought about purchasing trip insurance? That should cover at least most of the expenses, should anything happen.

 

[Nwfdrool]

Have you thought about purchasing trip insurance? That should cover at least most of the expenses, should anything happen.

Well, if we had to cancel our trip last minute, we would only lose out on $200 per the cancellation fee but we would get the rest of our balance refunded. I thought that is what I understood. Also, I also read that Disney would give us credit from having to cancel our airfare as well? Can someone verify all of this? We booked a MYW package and purchased our airfare separately.

 

[Jrabbit910]

I to look and shop around online and then call Disney to book the trip. With the experiences I have had; the travel agent I used stunk... I had to call them and tell them what deals where happening and the prices I had. It bothered me so much that I cant see myself not doing my homework first.
I hear alot of good things about dreamsunlimited but I think to myself are you really getting a better deal? Someone has to make money... no?

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

If you didn't purchase the Disney trip insurance (or some other type) you only lose $200 by cancelling your package at the last minute. Since it cost around $129 and we are driving we didn't buy it.

However, you must purchase the Disney (or some other type) trip insurance to get anything back on your plane tickets unless they are refundable. Be sure you check with your TA or airline to be sure exactly what you are covered for if you cancel.

You may also want to check to see about trip interruption, emergency medical etc. insurance with your TA.

When our kids started daycare they picked up everything that went around so I personally would err on the side of caution.

 

[disneydave]

I book it myself by calling; but always do the research online first. I have tried booking through a TA twice and ended up canceling as AP rates came out and I booked us at a large savings.... got an email from the TA several days after the AP rates came out about there being some discounts available but none at the resort of my choosing....I wonder if that was because I had already booked the AP rate at my resort.

Plus, I like to be in control of all the decisions.

 

[Trekker]

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[wvdislover]

Oops--sorry! I was just using it as a discussion, and didn't think of it being construed as an advertisement.

 

[mrmagicmph]

We used a travel agent last year for our hunnymoon trip (not the one who is a sponsor here on the Dis, just because we didn't happen to know about them then) and they were "ok". However, this year's trip, we used a different agent (again, not the sponsor one, but that's because this one in particular came with a specific recommendation) and I can tell you that she's been WONDERFUL!

This year's trip, the travel agency had a special rate that we were using at WL. Well, with the various special rates that have come out over the past few weeks, each time, I checked with her & she said that their rate was still better than the special. However, today, with the newest ones out (the ones that end on 9/29, the day we arrive at WDW), I just happened to check on the Disney website (I needed SOMETHING to clear my head after doing a ton of bookkeeping tasks [I'm not a bookkeeper, I don't play one on TV, but it seems like today was the day to have to pretend to be one!]), I found that WL was about $20-30/night cheaper than the rate that we'd gotten from her. After a few emails back & forth, not only did we rebook with that rate, we got the discounted package, including DDP & tickets, and still saved money compared to what we'd originally been planning.

Could I have done this all back & forth with Disney? Yes, if I didn't mind making it my full day's project. However, I didn't have the whole day to waste on it. Instead, with probably about 20 minutes spent specifically on emails back & forth with her, I got it all done. Am I happy with it all? You bet! Will I use her again for my next WDW trip? You bet!

Enjoy the Magic!

 

[Eoywin]

This is our first trip as adults, so I was a little overwhelmed when I started looking into it (nearly a year ago!).

Because I was a little lost, I opted to go the Travel Agent route, and I have to say I have the best TA ever!

She made all our ADR's, has helped will all our questions, gave great suggestions, and got us a discount yesterday that saved us a ton of money!

When we do another trip, I'll definately use my TA again, because I still get to plan but she helps with alot of it which makes things easier on me.

 

[maxiesmom]

I have used Dreams Unlimited for my last 4 trips to Disney World, and I love them. They can book room only for my AAA rate, and if any codes or AP rates come out (I have an AP too) they automatically apply the lower rate. Plus, I just e-mail my Dreams TA all of my dining wants, and she makes the ressies for me. Especially nice for all of those hard to get ones, like Le Ceiller and the Castle. I have also changed my mind about which resort I want to stay at, after making my reservation, and she takes care of that for me too.

I never book a package that includes airfare, because if I have a problem at the airport, I don't want to have to waste my time trying to contact the travel agency. Most airlines will not help you if you have a problem and you booked your airfare thru a travel agency. Your TA has to deal with them.

I still do a lot of reaserch myself, just because I like to. But I let my Dreams TA take care of the details for me.

 

[Brave teacher]

I use the www.disneyworld.com website to play around and get price quotes. I then call 407-W-DISNEY to speak with a live person and book the reservation. After the reservation is made, I make payments online by going to www.disneyworld.com and clicking on My Disney Vacation. I made over 40 payments on my 2007 vacation that way and NEVER had a problem.

This is exactly what I do. I keep my quote screen open for the vacation I am trying to book so that I have everything I want in front of me as I book.

 

[cmwade77]

I generally use Disneyworld.com to check things out and then call our travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations and she gets us the best deal, even if a lower price comes out later on, even when others can't get it.