Booking through Travel Agent vs. WDW

[heidijot]

Good Morning,

I am beginning to plan a BIG Disney trip in July 2006 and am considering a split between ASMu and Wilderness Lodge, 10 days with a 5/5 split. I was wondering if anyone has had a better experience booking through WDW or through a travel agent. And if you have had better luck with WDW do you have a name of a CM who has helped you??

Thanks,

Heidi

 

[momof2minnies]

Booking with WDW is always easier... Just had an awful experience with a TA booking a Disney cruise. The CMs at WDW in CRO are in a telephone bank and are at several locations and you will never get the same one twice. The names they use are also fake and given to them by the company. I don't actually know the purpose of that. Good Luck and have fun.
Linda

 

[momof2minnies]

Heidi,
Just noticed you were from MA. is it snowing like crazy where you are? Can't wait to leave here on Mar. 2nd for the cruise and WDW.
Linda

 

[kellypooh]

The last time I went to WDW, I booked through AAA. This time, we're going through Small World Vacations (found 'em through Mousesavers). I like using the TA because not only will they book your room or package, they will make all your PS ressies and take care of other details as well. That way I can spend my time trying to figure out how to keep from overpacking!
Some people believe "if you want something done right, do it yourself" and others believe in delegating....depends on how hands on you want to be! Either way, have fun on your vacation!

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

I use Dream Come True Vacations - and many others use Dreams Unlimited sponsors of these boards.

Dream Come True takes care of watching for deals, applying discounts when they are released, PS's, etc.

If you book thru Disney, you need to do this yourself - it depends on how much control and work you want to have.

 

[Tinkerbelll]

Book through Disney! In my experience, TA's don't have much of the correct information on Disney resorts, tickets, etc. I use travel agents for all of my vacations except for WDW. And just my advice, if you’re staying for 10 nights, you should look into getting Annual Passes. They are the best thing we ever did, and they paid for themselves in our first trip! We got amazing resort discounts, dining discounts, and even discounts on our souvenirs! It was amazing! We love our AP's. I would suggest them to anyone staying 8 days or longer...Have fun!!!!

 

[soccermom5]

I booked through Dis . with a postcard with booking through AAA would i have been able to get the postcard rate pluss additional savings?

 

[BWgirl]

Book through Disney! In my experience, TA's don't have much of the correct information on Disney resorts, tickets, etc. I use travel agents for all of my vacations except for WDW.

I don't think this is entirely true. Quite the opposite actually. Many people on the boards have reported getting incorrect information from CM's and differenct CM's say different things. I worked with a travel agent at Small World Vacations and I've also worked with AAA before, and there was no comparison. My agent at Small World knew the ins and outs of Disney, she had stayed at many resorts and was up to date on changes and important information. I don't think they would have a lucrative business if they were dealing out incorrect information regularly on resorts and tickets...it's their job!!

 

[Strings]

I am using Dreams Unlimited for this trip. I am not available at 7AM for calling. My agent takes care of PS, and she is looking for room discounts for me. I have been really impressed with DU.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

I am using Dreams Unlimited for this trip. I am not available at 7AM for calling. My agent takes care of PS, and she is looking for room discounts for me. I have been really impressed with DU.

Totally agree with Strings on this! DU was great for us on our December trip... they booked the room, later secured the code discount the day it became available, booked all PSs including Candlelight Processional for us, etc. I can't do the 7 am calling thing and to be honest, it was great to make our choices and have someone else to follow through on the legwork! Some folks love the chase of getting all the codes and PSs themselves. I know my shortcomings -- that whole piece just stresses me out!

 

[BWgirl]

... they booked the room, later secured the code discount the day it became available, booked all PSs including Candlelight Processional for us, etc. I can't do the 7 am calling thing and to be honest, it was great to make our choices and have someone else to follow through on the legwork! Some folks love the chase of getting all the codes and PSs themselves. I know my shortcomings -- that whole piece just stresses me out!

ITA I am not good at that stuff either! I never know what the "best" deal is, or when to call for PS's.

to the TA's that do this for us!

 

[rcraw45425]

until this last trip three weeks ago. I turned everything over to Sue Ellen at Dreams Unlimited, I don't think I'll ever book myself again. I remember being on the phone starting at 7AM last fall when the October codes came out. Spent 65 minutes, luckily on Disney's dime . Almost was late getting the girls to school, not good. Dreams continues to look for better deals and codes for you. At the last minute Sue Ellen found me the Yacht Club for $227 a night tax included, awesome rate for Superbowl weekend. Before we even took this trip I had already turned our April trip over to her. She is prompt in replying to my many emails and has filled every one of my requests!

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

TA all the way! Joe or Kathryn at Dream Come True Vacations - great service, they get back to you quickly to answer any questions that I have.

 

[Focusdude]

I am another DU fan! I booked everything myself last year (I am a little bit of a control freak!). This year - I have what I want mapped out for my DU agent - and am going to let her do it! I have not had very friendly CMs either (I book tee times as well as PS) - I will not miss having to call at 7:00 AM for six days in a row!