Do you book directly with Disney or through a Travel Agent? Recommendations?

[Cynister]

Please no responses from travel agencies. I'm looking for feedback from people who have booked their vacations either directly with Disney or a travel agency & are willing to share their experiences.

I've booked through Disney directly before & had no issues whatsoever. However I've noticed in a few posts & blogs here & there that some people book through travel agencies & get extra bonuses or discounts. Has anyone had this happen? Do you have any travel agencies you'd recommend because of it? Do you prefer booking directly through Disney?

A bit of background...I will be looking for a package deal, I will be staying onsite, I will not be renting a car. Are there pros & cons of either that you'd share?

Thanks!

 

[It's A Happy Day]

The best answer I can give you is based on my own experience... I despise booking WDW through TA's - the one time I did it I ended up booking through what seemed to be a non-Disney loving TA. She may have just been in the wrong field, had a bad day, whatever, but she was less than enthusiastic about booking my trip, was not aware of any discounts that I was aware of, and didn't do what I've read other TA's have done (IE: make ADR's for us). This was the 1st year of the free dining offer. I called WDW to alter my reservation - add the free dining promotion - and was told by WDW that I had to go through my TA. I called the TA and she informed that she had never heard of such a discount. After much persuasion, she finally "offered" to call WDW to confirm that I was hearing false rumors. She called me back a couple moments later saying that yes, I was right BUT I'd have to forfeit the $50 DISCOUNT I already had on the reservation.... Hmmmm give up $50 for free dining for the WHOLE trip!!!

I'm not saying there aren't great ones out there but for me.... I'll book my own.

My biggest question to you is do you like having control over your plans and making changes or are you comfortable letting someone else do the leg work for you? Part of my problem is I like having the control. Especially on a trip I'm paying several thousand dollars for. Maybe someday I'll try one of the ones my friends speak well of but for now.... I plan, plan, and plan some more.

 

[GoofyJen]

My TA is amazing. She was up at the crack if dawn booked all my ADRs. Anytime there has been a promo she emails me with the details and her recommendation. She turned me in to this board. I will so use her for all my trips.