Grand Getaways Travel

[mom2febgirls]

Anyone know anything about them? Would you recommend them or suggest I make my own plans?

 

[fam4jc]

Sorry, I haven't heard of them before. Did you get a referal to them? Are they disney specialists? If they aren't disney specialists, I wouldn't use them to book a Disney trip. Jmo

 

[salbythec]

I am using them now for my WDW vacation. I am very pleased and Courtney has gone over and beyond for us. I usually do it all myself but its been great having her watch the codes and do the PS"s.

 

[Conkozan]

I dealt with the owner for last years trip and ended up switching. I received poor service, and no replies to my emails or calls. It seemed like once she had my booking for her commission she ignored me.


Stay with one of the established agencies, such as Dreams, that sponsors these wonderful boards.

 

[byrdsgal]

I have to agree with you, Conkozan. I booked a cruise with one of the agents who is now with Grand Getaways. Once I booked with her, response time to my emails was very slow and I was given incorrect information. She apparently had no experience in booking cruises, while claiming to be an expert. She told me that the adults in our party only needed a driver's license for ID. Thanks goodness, due to my reading on the cruise board here on the DIS, this was cleared up before we sailed, because we needed either a passport or birth certificate with raised seal along with a license. She also promised me main dining since I have an 18 month old, and we ended up with 2nd dining. Luckily, we were able to have this changed once on the ship.

I am booked with Dreams Unlimited for my next cruise and I am completely satisfied with the service and expertise my agent has given me so far.

 

[petchie]

Play it safe and go with Dreams or one of the established agencies.

 

[allenp]

I never heard of this agency before. I am thinking of contacting a travel agent for our trip in June so I don't have to worry about applying discounts. I am thinking of using Dreams Unlimited.

 

[LukenDC]

Most people here have had good experiences with Dreams Unlimited, Small World, and Magical Vacations. Each agency does things a little differently and offers different perks, so it is best to review their services thoroughly before making a selection. Good luck!

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

Grand Getaways Travel was started by two agents who used to be with Magical Journeys. Both are Disney specialists who have completed the Disney College of Knowledge. I had originally booked w/ Courtney while she was still w/ Magical Journeys. Before my vacation, she began GGT. I had the opportunity to stay with MJ or transfer my ressie to GGT. Courtney gave me such awesome, personal service that I chose to transfer my ressie to GGT just to keep her as my TA. She went above & beyond to make our vacation magical! She send my DS a b'day card from "Buzz" to say that he was excited that DS would be visiting him soon. She sent a separate card to DD from "Cinderella" saying that she & Sleeping Beauty couldn't wait to see her again. Made their days!! Communication was excellent! She replied to my emails even at night! And if I ever needed to talk to her on the phone, she was always available. I plan to use her services when we go back to WDW next year!

 

[Conkozan]

I tried so hard not to have to post the dirty details, it does not belong here, but I must.

If the fact that they worked for Magical Journeys is supposed to give them credibility, to me it doesn't. My booking was with Magical Journeys and Courtney was my agent. The service from her was so poor I contacted the owner and she took over my account. I received wonderful service from her. Had a wonderful trip, and am planning another. I have my cruise booking with Dreams since they had group space and a lower price.

Yes, Grand Getaways started their own agency after leaving, in fact that was why they left.

There is more to that story as well.

Courtney had less than 2 months experience when I worked with her, so she started an agency with having been in the business about 6 months. I want an agent who has more experience, and the ability to handle any issue that arrives. At 6 months, the full knowledge of any job is not there.

They gave their employer no notice that they were leaving. I want an agent with more integrity.

They tried to take the clients that had been supplied to them by Magical Journeys. I want an agent with higher morals. The owner, more concerned for the client than anything else, allowed the transfers to occur for those wishing (like you). She did not have to do that, but definitely traveled the higher road IMHO.

So, just because she worked for Magical Journeys, and started her own agency does not mean her service has improved, her integrity restored or her morals strengthened.

 

[Luv_Tink]

I completely agree with Conkozan. I've heard all the dirt on how these agents left Magical Journeys and am not at all impressed with their ethics at all. Not only had Courtney only been an agent for about 6 months, but Maureen had only been with Magical Journeys for about 2 months before the two split with only hours notice that they were starting their own agency. In fact, they already had their website set up before giving notice.

I did have a booking through Grand Getaways before I knew all the dirt that went down and I have to say I was completely unimpressed with their follow through. E-mails were never returned in a timely manner and we almost lost a great rate for our trip due to the lack of service. And this was for a room only reservation. I would hate to see how they handled a more complicated situation than ours.

Also, note that Grand Getaways does not have their own IATA/CLIA number like the long standing Disney agencies such as Dreams Unlimited, Magical Journeys, MouseEar Vacations and Small World. This means that the host agency could fold due to unkown financial circumstances, etc. and the clients would be left high and dry.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

I have never been flamed on these boards and didn't intend to be this time. I just presented my experience with and opinion of Courtney and Grand Getaways. I, too, know there is more to the story. I also tried to leave out any nasty details. But, since you started it, I'll share mine. The owner of MJ didn't so nicely transfer my reservations to Courtney, even after I had requested her to do so by email and filling out two transfer forms. A lawyer had to be involved. In the meantime, I received numerous nasty emails from the owner of MJ and at least one of her staff, trying to scare me into staying with them. I was a bit panicked at first, as this was the first time I'd ever used a TA. Courtney kept me updated and informed through the entire process. I never felt that I was not taken care of, and my vacation went off without a hitch. Personally, after the harrassment I felt from MJ, I wouldn't book with them if they were the last agency on the earth!

I am sorry that you had a poor experience with Courtney. If you want to bash her or her customer service, that's one thing. But bashing another poster because I had an excellent experience with her is ridiculous.

 

[Conkozan]

Then perhaps you should not have used the Name of the agency to lend them credence.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

I was simply giving background info, not lauding MJ. Doesn't matter. You'll believe what you want to believe and I'll believe what I want to believe. So further debate is a waste of everyone's time.

 

[Luv_Tink]

I have never been flamed on these boards and didn't intend to be this time. I just presented my experience with and opinion of Courtney and Grand Getaways.

I don't see where anyone is flaming you at all. We also are simply sharing our experiences and opinions of the agents and agency asked about.

 

[salbythec]

Every time someone has a postive experinece with this agencey are you going to bash them? I think we all the idea that you were not happy to say the least! We have the point now let it drop.

 

[Conkozan]

The feeble tremble before opinion, the foolish defy it, the wise judge it. (Jeane Platiere)

 

[Luv_Tink]

Every time someone has a postive experinece with this agencey are you going to bash them? I think we all the idea that you were not happy to say the least! We have the point now let it drop.

The original poster asked if anyone had experience with this agency. We are simply sharing our experiences just like you are. Why is you can share your good experience and those of us who have had bad experiences should keep our mouths shut. The original poster has a right to receive an informed opinion from anyone, good or bad.

 

[SueEllen]

Just a reminder that personal attacks will not be tolerated per DIS posting guidelines. Please try to keep your post on topic.

Thanks for understanding.
Sue Ellen

 

[mom2febgirls]

Thanks all for your experiences.

I am a bit concerned. I, too, made my reservation through Magical Journeys based on the recommendation of a friend. When I got the news that the agents were switching I figured it was no big deal to stay with them. But I want to be sure that these agents are watching codes so I don't have to worry about it.

I think I'm stuck though since my reservation is already made, right?