Booking via Disneyworld or disney agent??

[hanksgirl]

I am wanting to know if it is better to book online ourselves or to book with a travel agent that is a disney specialist in our area?? Is there better deals with them or online ??

 

[AngieTank]

I've never worked with a local travel agent but I've compared booking online to calling and they are the same price. If you have questions or are unfamiliar with everything there is to offer than going to a travel agent may be more informative.

 

[akakaty]

So my DBF and I have never been to WDW ever (crazy!) So we went to a travel agent to see if we could get some help planning. Well the lady was super nice but had no freakin clue about WDW!
Now i'm sure it's because she isn't a travel agent specialized in WDW...But I have planned every single thing by myself.
My tip is to DEFINITELY find someone that is a Disney expert...Or do it by yourself. It really hasn't been that hard, especially with the Disboards around.
Have fun!

 

[RHMH]

I am wanting to know if it is better to book online ourselves or to book with a travel agent that is a disney specialist in our area?? Is there better deals with them or online ??

to the Dis-Board. IMO, book on line - then log in and plan, plan and plan. It's fun to watch your Disney page grow and you start your Disney experience there.

Then, come home to the Dis-Board and chat with your Dis-Friends.

 

[kristinesgeorge]

I'll preface this by saying that I am a complete planner and control freak and I opted to use a travel agent for both of our Disney trips. My current TA has been on the phone with Disney on hold for hours, modifying our current reservation to include free dining. That means I don't have to! I also like the advice that she gives - and it is always nice to have a go to person to help you with changes or questions as your trip gets closer.

Just be sure to use a TA who specializes in Disney - there are plenty. Good Luck! If you need a name for a good one, PM me and I will share with you the name of mine and the agency!

Good Luck and Happy Planning!

 

[lovetoscrap]

I think it really depends on how much time you want to dedicate to planning and booking your trip and how much control you feel you need to have.

You absolutely do not NEED a Travel Agent. But there is a a lot to know about booking a WDW vacation which is why this board and so many others exist. Just choosing a resort can cause anxiety! Then there are the discounts. Do you have the time to check the boards every day, even several times a day so you know if a discount comes out for your trip? A good TA will keep on top of that and make changes to your reservations for you immediately if it is to your benefit. Some agents may offer to make Dining Reservations for you, and even help with a daily schedule of suggested things to do based on crowd levels and your needs.

But you lose all control over your reservation. If a discount comes out and you can't reach your TA, you can't make changes. If you decide you want to switch resorts or change your dates it must be done through the TA.

For many of us on the DIS the planning is almost more fun than the actual trip! (hey, I said ALMOST!) People here can spend a year or more planning every little detail of their trip. Or can hop on occasionally to see what is going on as it gets closer to their trip so they have an idea of what to expect.

No matter which you choose just know that WDW isn't really as easy as your local amusement park. There are tons of things to see, do and experience and preplanning can really make a great vacation magical!

 

[FFEMT510]

I've always used a travel agent--but that's mainly so I can pay as I go, but still have reservations locked in. Plus if I ever have a problem, question, or change, it's easier to let my agent handle it.

 

[siskaren]

I've always used a travel agent--but that's mainly so I can pay as I go, but still have reservations locked in.

You can do that when you book online too.