Booking online vs. Travel Agent

[Stephluva]

Just curious to see if people had better luck with bargains when they booked on their own using various websites or if they went to a Travel Agent (ie Liberty Travel). Any suggestions would be very appretiated! TIA

 

[larryz]

I can't speak to TAs but when I called CRO and asked for FL resident rates I got a 37% discount from rack at the YC, and this was only 4 days out! That was after researching on the web and finding availability, then calling to book at a lower rate than on the web.

 

[rt2dz]

I just wanted to add that sometimes there are discounts that are not advertised (manager specials), or maybe you have a pin attached that didn't get mailed/emailed to you. The only way to check on this is to call in your ressie and ask, "Are there any discounts available on this room during my stay?" They will not offer any discounts without your asking. A TA may or may not do that.

Most TAs will keep up on public codes that come out or apply a pin that you receive and forward to them for you, but you can do that yourself no matter how you originally book.

You also get better cancelation policy on room only ressies when you phone CRO.

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Our travel agent (as I am sure others do also) does several group rates at Disney throughout the year for rooms that are not available to the public.

Then she also keeps up with other codes that come out. You could do all that yourself, but why bother when someone else will for free

She also makes all dining reservations and cruises, etc. I know some people like to do that themselves though. And I was VERY reluctant to let someone else have that control, but it all worked fine and now I'm hooked!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

There are travel agencies that specialize in Disney travel, I would consider them, Dreams Unlimited is one. The only other travel agency I would consider would be AAA, because they offer discounted packages.

I normally book room only and do it myself, and ask for available discounts. Mousesavers is a great website to find what discounts are available also the DIS has a Codes and Rates forum http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93 that can be very helpful.

I NEVER book online, I always call and try to get a discount.

 

[ajcolorado]

Because Disney doesn't release their promotions very far in advance, I've been very wary of booking any Disney packages through travelocity or orbitz. It seems that you save a few dollars that way but the reservations aren't adjustable if a promotion is released. My understanding is that you have to cancel the reservation - which might incur a fee - and rebook.

Travel agencies that book directly with Disney have access to all of the Disney promotions. We've used "Build A Better Mouse Trip" - which only does Disney travel - and they've kept us updated on special promotions. We've actually had our package cost go down. They've done a good job of helping us figure out what we actually need: Is the Water Park, Fun & More option a good value or are we better off with single day admissions? Do we need the park hopper option? Do we want the insurance? What type of room do we want? Etc.

I've also booked directly with Disney and it seems to be fine if you know exactly what you want. Their system seems to default to the highest price option on tickets, rooms, and insurance. People who enjoy researching probably do just fine but I suspect that the average person who just calls Disney ends up paying for features they might not need or use.