Has this happened to you?

[candleonwater]

I asked my agent about switching resorts, but was told, since it's Christmas time that I'm going, there was nothing else available... called Disney myself... and there's plenty to choose from... do I tell the agent this, do I book it myself?

 

[candleonwater]

Oh, and I narrowed the choice down to CSR, PO FQ, and PO Riverside... having never stayed anywhere but ASMovies and Beach Club... what would you recommend?

 

[grover]

Book it yourself or get a new agent-doesn't seem they know what they are talking about. You will probably save yourself a few bucks doing it yourself!! Check out mousesavers.com for codes that can save you alot of money!


Grover in Winnipeg

 

[dennisnlisab96]

I always book myself. I have always found it to be less expensive to do it myself.




CR 1972
CR 1975
CR 1984
POR 1992
CBR 1993
ASM 1994
*** 1995
ASM 1998
WL 1999
ASM 2001
GF

 

[idontknow]

Yep, get that refund after booking yourself into a WDW resort. There are a lot of TAs that book WDW vacations and do not have a clue. Years ago (pre DIS) I opened up the phone book and started with AAAAAA travel and didn't stop until I had called ZZZZZtravel. I started the conversations the same way: Hi, may I speak to your WDW expert? Most of them asked "what?" I said never mind and hung up. They few that said they experts, really didn't know any more than I did. (If I didn't already know more)

That is not to say that all TAs are bad at what they do. There are some really incredible TAs out there! But, they can be hard to find. Since you have found the DIS, why not book everthing yourself? You have more info that most of CRO. LOL

 

[PamNC]

I say book it yourself. I just don't understand the benefit to using a travel agent. It's not like you get a lower price by going through an agent.

I like dealing directly with CRO.

 

[cassie]

I also agree......book it yourself. You don't need and un-informed ta. It will save you money...first time there I used a ta. It was so expenseive, and she told me Disney doesn't come cheap!! Well, I found these boards after my trip, and I book everything myself now.

Of the choices you gave, I love POR. It's a beautiful resort and has a boat to DTD.

 

[eeyore0062]

Doesn't sound like your TA wants to be bothered. Call and get your own ressies and cancel your trip with the TA, you may end up with a better deal anyway!

 

[candleonwater]

Okay, so I booked it with CRO... PO FQ... I think my daughter will love it - she wasn't happy that we were staying at ASMovies (the little snob only wants to stay at Beach Club... ) now to work up the courage to contact the agent and cancel that portion of the trip!

 

[jldriscoll]

Have courage (I say that, but I'm a big chicken when it comes to stuff like that too)

If the TA balks, remind him (her) They didn't WANT to rebook for you!! You gave them a chance!!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[SamanthaL]

If the TA didn't want to do his/her job than I would have no problem calling and canceling.
I also would probably let her know how easy it was and if I was able to get a discount.
What do you need a TA for when you have us!?

 

[scarlett873]

did your agent actually book your trip with walt disney travel company? it's a small possibility that she used another tour company and that tour company doesn't have rooms available at the other resorts...each tour company that sells onsite disney is only alotted a certain number of rooms to seel. so disney may have rooms available, but the other company (i.e. funjet vacations or american airlines vacations or whoever she used) may not...

i was a travel agent up until last year. it sounds like you just found a lazy agent. i always took extra special care of my disney clients! they were usually the most fun!! while i never claimed to be a disney "expert" at least i knew where to get the answers i needed!! and i knew where to look to get my clients the least expensive deals...so not every agent is expensive to use...

make sure that if you cancel the booking you have with the agent, that there are NO PENALTY FEES...some tour companies will charge you for cancellations...i know that my agency had a $25.00 cancelled booking fee in addition to what the tour company would charge...

good luck and have a great trip!!

 

[las3888]

That's why I never use a T/A anymore. Perhaps for those who don't like to do any research it may be fine, but the fact that you are here on these boards tells me that you probably know more about WDW than your agent does.

Good luck!

 

[eeyore0062]

Okay, so I booked it with CRO... PO FQ... I think my daughter will love it - she wasn't happy that we were staying at ASMovies (the little snob only wants to stay at Beach Club... ) now to work up the courage to contact the agent and cancel that portion of the trip!

Bravo for your DD... she is showing impeccable taste---lol!!!

I think she will like PO-FQ... it is quite beautiful, and quaint. Also, there are 2 themed pools from which to choose, and you can take the boat to DTD in the evenings. We are staying there in October, and visited there when we were there 2 weeks ago. I fell in love with it!

As for the AS... they are my last choice, too... so don't give the girl a hard time. It is hard for most adults to go from deluxe to value, so who can blame her for not wanting to give up the convenience, that pool, and the great decor?

As for the TA, you definitely did the right thing... no wonder so many Travel agencies have been going under, when it is so easy for us to make our own arrangements, get deals and not have to put up with the middle man! You would think they would bend over backwards to serve you, considering it may cost them their livelyhood down the line.

I am glad you had such an easy time of it.. now get on the phone and cancel your trip with the TA... and if he asks why, let him know EXACTLY why!

Have a great trip!

 

[karensi]

I'm usually a chicken too however, I think that I would call and tell the TA that I was cancelling, when they ask why, tell them that they weren't able to get you into PO and that you did it on your own! I think that you should let them know that there unwillingness to go the extra step for you was the cause of your cancelling!

 

[Gillian]

It's tough to be a travel agent these days, but that's no excuse for not helping customers who will help you GET PAID!!

A friend of mine had trouble recently. She got package quotes but called back to ask for room only. The TA said it would take a WEEK to get the prices! AND, when she finally called my friend back, she quoted them a package with transfers and insurance. One of the reasons my friend wanted room only was to avoid Mears. The TA just didn't get it.

 

[candleonwater]

I usually do book my own vacations... but I used this ta since I had booked my DCL cruise though them, and just wanted to keep everything together.

I'm getting more and more excited about this trip... my daughter said she's will to try it as long as the pool has a slide (thank goodness it does!)

Thanks for all the info... and support!