Don't want to cut my travel agent out, but don't want to miss the code...

[bellarella]

Can you all help me?

I don't want to cut my AAA travel agent out of the loop because she has been helpful, but I don't want to miss out on the code that is supposed to break tomorrow at 7am for January.

She currently has two rooms at WL on hold for me with the AAA rate. They are MYW + Dining packages. They are just holds right now, I don't need to put a deposit until November 13. Now, I don't believe she starts work until 9 am tomorrow (EST), so does that mean I will probably miss the availability on the code if I don't call in myself tomorrow first thing and book on my own? I would hate to cut her out, but with two rooms the savings could be significant.

Also, right now we have courtyard view rooms. Frankly I would prefer a standard or woods view, but it seems none are available. If I do get the code and a "lower" room becomes available will I be able to get it at the code rate, or will it be at the regular rate? My AAA agent said with the AAA rate, as long as it becomes available before final payment, I can switch down at the AAA rate. I'm wondering how the code rate works.

Thanks!

 

[kevin75]

i don't know about your question, but i understand the TA bit. my local TA was very helpful and was really trying to get me to book my trip, but i found everything cheaper than what she had found it. sometimes it just comes down to saving some $$

 

[princesspwrhr]

If you're really happy with your TA and want her to have her commision, but still want to jump on the code when the lines open at 7am tomorrow you can transfer your reservation to her. What you do is call and book your vacation. Then type up a letter or email stating all of your information and giving your TA permission to transfer the reservation to her system. Send it to your TA and she can take care of the rest. It would be the same as if she had booked it from that point on where she has 'ownership' of the reservation and is the only one who can make changes. You can do this with any vacation as long as the trip is not paid for in full.

 

[debm]

As a Disney Planner myself, try to give your Travel Agent a chance if she has worked hard for you. If the person knows what they are doing they should be able to get you the best deal out there. Many of my clients have already priced their trip elsewhere but still let me book their trip because they know I will help them with hints, dining, and just someone to talk with as they are trying to make decisions about what to do. It doesn't cost them any more to use me. So for the poster that said they found it cheaper than their TA --it may have been a case of them giving you a water view or something extra on your tickets. I've found that that can happen many times because the TA doesn't know much about Disney and just books what they think they should, not that they are trying to make a more expensive trip, thus more commission. It is just a case of not knowing. Really depends on the TA. If they seem to know a lot about Disney, use them, because they may throw some good hints and save you some money along the way.

Good luck with your decision. I'm waiting till tomorrow in hopes that I can apply the code to reservations that I have booked so I can surprise my clients with a better deal!!!