Find Right Travel Agent?

[Jedi5]

Hi everyone.

Looking to book a trip to WDW for December.
If I google "disney vacation", the results are overwhelming!!
What should I look for in a good TA?

thanx

 

[nu2dvc]

There are lots of good Agencies that specialize in Disney Vacation Planning. I think that is important...that Disney be their niche, not just one of the many destinations they focus on. There is just too much to stay on top of for the average agent who isn't a specialist.

In the least, look for an authorized Disney Vacation Planner...although that isn't necessarily a hard distinction to earn, it's something.

I would look for an agency that is clearly "Disney-focused". I also prefer one where I can contact the agent who looks good to me - not just submit a form and have it decided for me. I like if there is a toll-free number I can call, and not just a request for a quote form to fill out. That feels very cold to me. I don't know, maybe it's just me.

Good luck and happy planning. Smart idea to enlist the help of an agent. They will do all the legwork for you and you can relax and have fun and know that a pro is on the job! (and hold them accountable too!)

 

[Jedi5]

Thanks for the great advice.

Are there any TA's that are highly recommended by Disboards?
Every time I google... well information overload... and ....
let's just say I have aspirin handy.

 

[everythingisplastic]

I've never used a travel agent before. I always assumed it would cost more, but I recently heard that travel agents aren't technically supposed to charge you for their services. Can someone explain this for me? Sorry for my ignorance!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Thanks for the great advice.

Are there any TA's that are highly recommended by Disboards?
Every time I google... well information overload... and ....
let's just say I have aspirin handy.

The DIS is sponsored by Dreams Unlimited. They specialize in Disney and do a great job taking care of you. I think the link is at the top of the page.

I've never used a travel agent before. I always assumed it would cost more, but I recently heard that travel agents aren't technically supposed to charge you for their services. Can someone explain this for me? Sorry for my ignorance!

Travel agents are paid by the companies that they book trips with (like Disney). They don't charge you any more than you would pay to book it yourself and in some cases may be able to get you a better deal. I think that sometimes they may charge a small fee since airlines don't pay commisions anymore. My sister loves using a travel agent to book her cruises and vacations.

 

[vanillarum]

Our last 2 trips to the world, we have used Magical Vacations for our TA, and we will do so again for our trip in July '10. Lisa there is great, and it's easier fro me if I let them make all the phone calls, etc. Good luck.

 

[JOEYDIS]

I can say I have used Laure at **********. She was very professional and knowlegeable for our trip in Aug. We stayed at the Treehouse Villas during Free dining and it was great. I called her a million times with questions and she was always happpy to help. She seemed more like a friend than someone wanting just to make commission. They also do not charge any fees and they take care of everything. She has a toll free number if you need it 1-888-214-6954. I hope this helps.

 

[cosmicrays]

I use Kelly at Travel with the Magic. She has been wonderful. I can contact her by email and her toll free number 800-670-4312. We got a welcome packet with maps, coloring sheets and other information for our vacation and free autograph books for the kids. Her services are free and she really helped us alot with itinerary planning and with our dining.

good luck

 

[ajpa]

I have a TA (Kathy) who is great. She does the disney stuff and the universal stuff but I did my own airline tickets (I wanted more control) and my own adrs.
(I have heard of TAs doing ADRs but I can't imagine the amount of work that would be for them -- which client would they do first; anyway I would rather do them myself).
What I like is that she always gets back to me promptly whether by phone or email and never seems the least bit cranky, and she looks for the best deals and actually advises us against it when the price is too high or the crowds too large.

I won't say the agency since it is a sponsor of another board, and I picked them before I was a DIS member. I think there are probably great TAs at any number of agencies, and if you pick a reputable agency which does all disney stuff you will likely find a good TA.