High Maintenance or reasonable?

[KeepDreamin]

This is my first cruise and first time using a travel agent. I am not particularly satisfied, but wondering if my expectations are out of line.
I booked our cruise through a TA that specializes in Disney, and also advertises Universal, Sea World, etc.

Overall, the booking has been piecemeal - cruise booked Dec 2015, WDW resort booked Aug 2016 for before and after cruise, park tickets added last week before FP window opened, and DCL transfers requested.

There have been a number of snafus that on there own wouldn't have been a big deal, but cumulatively are starting to make me wonder. For example:
-I inquired about trip insurance and was forwarded the DCL info with the info that I may find better coverage for less with a different company. I ended up buying directly on my own.
-When we made the resort hotel reservations, I requested that the TA apply a payment toward my cruise account. It never happened.
-When we made our resort reservations, our first choice was sold out for the discount. A few weeks later I was checking and found that it had opened up, contacted the TA, and switched it (I am satisfied with this one, very possible I just noticed first.)
-Tried to get tickets ahead of 60-day FP window, but didn't hear back. Ended up buying separately.
-Requested to have DME set up once we had flights. Ended up calling and adding it myself.

On the plus side, the TA was on the ball for our final payment and did register and sign up all for an early port arrival, ticketed meets, BBB, excursions, and adult dining when it opened up at 75 days.

Am I just too high maintenance, or did I select the wrong agent?

 

[squirk]

Well, that's one side of the story, right? Maybe the TA has a different version.

The things you listed above don't sound beyond the pale in terms of asking your TA to do.

Being advised to purchase trip insurance on your own is pretty standard, I think.

Missing your FP window is pretty bad, but as far as the other stuff goes, none of them seem particularly time-sensitive (the discount may have been, but you gave the TA a "pass" on that one). Is it possible they didn't forget about them, but just didn't get to them fast enough for your liking?

I ask because some folks around here will contact a TA on a Sunday morning with a request, and then throw up their hands if things aren't done by noon. I'm not saying that's you, but I think we all have different standards in terms of defining a "timely" response.

 

[xiphoid76]

I don't think you are too high maintenance - does not sound like the best TA for you. You sound like you know what you are doing and what you want - may be best not having a TA at all - that is the way we like to do it now. We like the flexibility and control we have without a TA. Glad you kept on top of them and hope you have a fantastic trip!!

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

On the plus side, the TA was on the ball for our final payment and did register and sign up all for an early port arrival, ticketed meets, BBB, excursions, and adult dining when it opened up at 75 days.

I don't think you have been unreasonable, but I don't think the TA has either. In my experience, if you want everything to be just so, you have to find it yourself and tell the TA about it. If you are fine with whatever they suggest, they can do it for you. I didn't even ask our TA to book our PAT, excursions, etc. I just did it myself. Likewise, I found the travel insurance and flights I wanted and then forwarded the info to the TA, who then booked them for us. That way, I got exactly what I wanted. I booked our hotels too. I don't mind. I like to plan. But the TA was helpful and gave good advice, and sent us all the documents and kept on top of the payments. So it was still good to have one.

To me, it is a trade-off. How much do you want done for you, versus how much do you want do exactly as you wish?

Also, keep in mind that the trip you are going on is pretty involved. Lots of moving parts. Bound to be SOME issues, even if you did it all yourself. At least this way, you have someone to backstop you if something goes wrong.

 

[gotomu212]

I don't think you're unreasonable but I also think you might not be a great fit for a TA (I'm not either so no offense meant). I don't like using TAs for things I can book myself (flights, hotels, cruises). To me it feels like adding another layer or step that doesn't really help me if I'm the one who knows what I want. I would be unsatisfied because they aren't really adding value (which is unfair because they have no clue that I've already got it planned).

Now for big trips to places I know nothing about like our African trip I was all about the TA and loved what they provided- but in that case I had no comfort level with my research and really had a lot of moving parts and transportation needs.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

@KeepDreamin I have to be honest, that is too many moving parts for a so-so TA. For a trip like you're planning, I would do it all myself, EXCEPT if a TA can get me a better price than I can myself. Honestly, I would be livid if I missed my FP+ window!! Sounds like you are doing the bulk of the work yourself and that it has worked out, thankfully. But as I said, unless there are OBCs or resort discounts to be had, this is the kind of vacation I'd be planning myself. I can see why you'd be a bit peeved if you wanted to rely on someone and are doing all the work yourself. So I hope you've benefitted somehow. I will mention however, I have had a very good TA tell me to book my own travel insurance (what Disney offers wouldn't cover all our needs) and my own air since we are not that flexible on our flights/times. I also hope you've received some OBCs. Have a great trip!

 

[jrabbit]

We gave up on TA's a LONG time ago!!

They take your money (deposit) and then put it in the bank for months and months and then 30 days before you need the hotel, book it then. OK so this was when you could actually earn money in a bank savings account We found this out the hard way one time when the TA forgot to book our hotel and there was no room in the inn for us.

Like others have said, it sounds like you know what you are doing. It's easy to cut out the middle man. Sometimes the middle man gives you kick backs from hotels (not likely) and the cruise (not Disney).

I have enjoyed the looking and the planning of our vacations for many many years - even before the internet because as usable as it is now.

 

[bumbershoot]

They take your money (deposit) and then put it in the bank for months and months and then 30 days before you need the hotel, book it then.

For the good Disney TAs they don't do that. You can see the charge FROM Disney, not from the TA.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

You are not high maintenance, you are working with, in my opinion, a non-detailed Disney TA.

Long ago I tried receiving a quote from an agency that is highly recommended by a certain Disney newsletter. In my request I very specifically requested one particular thing that was we absolutely wanted. Our quote arrived without that one thing. It was obvious to me then and there that the person on the other end of my email wasn't as detailed oriented as myself, and I passed on their "service".

There are some amazing agents out there that I now know of, so it makes me sad when guests are not receiving top notch service from the one with which they are working.

Good luck to you.

 

[OKW Lover]

Picking a good Disney TA isn't always easy. Just because a TA has all these beautiful posters on their wall doesn't mean they really know Disney. Especially true for the large, national agencies like Costco or AAA (yes, they really are a travel agent). Going with a Disney specialist TA will get you an agent that really understands the ins and outs of Disney and listens to their clients.

The sponsor of these DIS Boards, Dreams Unlimited Travel, has always been good at monitoring reservations for better deals. When discounts are announced its not unusual at all for them to automatically re-book you at the better rate.

 

[jrabbit]

For the good Disney TAs they don't do that. You can see the charge FROM Disney, not from the TA.

this was NOT a Disney Specialist TA. That happened way back in the mid 1980's. We then found a GREAT TA that took care of us for the next 12 years.

 

[JW9DVC]

This is my first cruise and first time using a travel agent. I am not particularly satisfied, but wondering if my expectations are out of line.
I booked our cruise through a TA that specializes in Disney, and also advertises Universal, Sea World, etc.

Overall, the booking has been piecemeal - cruise booked Dec 2015, WDW resort booked Aug 2016 for before and after cruise, park tickets added last week before FP window opened, and DCL transfers requested.

There have been a number of snafus that on there own wouldn't have been a big deal, but cumulatively are starting to make me wonder. For example:
-I inquired about trip insurance and was forwarded the DCL info with the info that I may find better coverage for less with a different company. I ended up buying directly on my own.
-When we made the resort hotel reservations, I requested that the TA apply a payment toward my cruise account. It never happened.
-When we made our resort reservations, our first choice was sold out for the discount. A few weeks later I was checking and found that it had opened up, contacted the TA, and switched it (I am satisfied with this one, very possible I just noticed first.)
-Tried to get tickets ahead of 60-day FP window, but didn't hear back. Ended up buying separately.
-Requested to have DME set up once we had flights. Ended up calling and adding it myself.

On the plus side, the TA was on the ball for our final payment and did register and sign up all for an early port arrival, ticketed meets, BBB, excursions, and adult dining when it opened up at 75 days.

Am I just too high maintenance, or did I select the wrong agent?

As you can see. All those are easily done. I love Costco Travel for this as I like to set myself up. For you next cruise do an on board booking. Don't list your current TA. Add Costco before the 30 days and transfer to them.

 

[KeepDreamin]

Thank you for the thoughtful replies.

I am fairly comfortable with most things related to WDW, but was just hesitant to book directly (or with Costco) since it is our first cruise and most we have ever spent on a vacation.

Live and learn.

So if we find that we love DCL and choose to book a future cruise onboard, how do I go about removing our current TA for the next one and/or switching it to Costco?

 

[cruiser21]

I've booked and taken 21 cruises. We've done multiple trips to WDW, Univerasal and DL. We've traveled all over Europe and North America, and I am using a TA for the first time. We're going to WDW in May and the TA was offering a price I couldn't get through Disney. It's the only reason I'm using a TA. It's been a pretty good experience, but I'd still rather manage it on my own. I'm kind of a control freak so the OBC is never enough for me to give up control.

 

[cmph]

So if we find that we love DCL and choose to book a future cruise onboard, how do I go about removing our current TA for the next one and/or switching it to Costco?

The on-board vacation planning CM directly asked me if I wanted to keep my TA as the agent. It's not automatic; but if they don't ask, definitely speak up so it's not set up that way.

 

[MunFam]

I just let my IATA expire. I was a travel agent for many years, but I did corporate work. Honestly, the reason I never did personal travel was because it was all about the commission check and I just felt wrong not offering a client the best deal (and then not getting a good commission or no commission at all after I put hours and hours in to planning their trip). I think that is the real challenge that so many agents face these days is trying to provide that stellar service, but the bottom line is the only thing paying them is a commission, so do they book another trip for someone or do they monitor your travel rates or FP times or whatever. Its a catch 22.

When I did do personal travel, I always charged a flat rate directly to my client...and then offered any "commissions" that I got in SR credits or dining credits or room upgrades, blah, blah, blah....

So to answer your question, I do not think you were being high maintenance as a client, but at the same time, I understand why the agent likely missed a few details that were important to you (but didnt make her money). The travel insurance blows my mind because that is one of the easiest and fastest ways to make a commission.

 

[Shanti]

This is my first cruise and first time using a travel agent. I am not particularly satisfied, but wondering if my expectations are out of line.
I booked our cruise through a TA that specializes in Disney, and also advertises Universal, Sea World, etc.

Overall, the booking has been piecemeal - cruise booked Dec 2015, WDW resort booked Aug 2016 for before and after cruise, park tickets added last week before FP window opened, and DCL transfers requested.

There have been a number of snafus that on there own wouldn't have been a big deal, but cumulatively are starting to make me wonder. For example:
-I inquired about trip insurance and was forwarded the DCL info with the info that I may find better coverage for less with a different company. I ended up buying directly on my own.
-When we made the resort hotel reservations, I requested that the TA apply a payment toward my cruise account. It never happened.
-When we made our resort reservations, our first choice was sold out for the discount. A few weeks later I was checking and found that it had opened up, contacted the TA, and switched it (I am satisfied with this one, very possible I just noticed first.)
-Tried to get tickets ahead of 60-day FP window, but didn't hear back. Ended up buying separately.
-Requested to have DME set up once we had flights. Ended up calling and adding it myself.

On the plus side, the TA was on the ball for our final payment and did register and sign up all for an early port arrival, ticketed meets, BBB, excursions, and adult dining when it opened up at 75 days.

Am I just too high maintenance, or did I select the wrong agent?

It doesn't sound like great service to me. Adequate, perhaps, but not great. You get what you pay for, though. This is why I don't use travel agents.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

You want high maintenance allow me to introduce myself lol.. Our TA was perfect. I asked so many questions , made so many requests etc but she did them all in a prompt and polite manner. I was actually embrassed! But she was beyond helpful. I think the TA is wrong for you.

 

[murmer]

We have tried 2 travel agents from 2 different companies (we tried the first on our universal/wdw trip last summer since we knew we wanted a ta for our cruise). 1st was not as responsive, basically handed us the website and said figure it out (asked about dining and what are known to be good dining venues), did not book the dining, basically just got us the same deal we could have gotten online and never helped us with the rest. So we switched and the new ta responds faster than I expect (I expect about 24 hours I have been hearing from her within hours). She is willing to answer my mundane questions. She sends me information before I ask for it. We will be using her again for sure! So sometimes it takes a few tries to find someone who works in the style that works for you.

 

[msmama]

I'm using a TA for my upcoming cruise, but I don't like it. The only reason I'm doing it is for the OBC.

She's fine, answers questions, but like you said, she doesn't seem to have information that I don't have (which, I would gather is because of these boards - I feel like most of us here, would know as much, or more, than actual travel professionals). I can't speak to the WDW part, as I would never even consider using a TA for that.

Seems like she did okay on the Cruise side but let it slide on the Parks side. Maybe it was a miscommunication somewhere along the way. (Or maybe TA is more comfortable with cruises than parks). Anyway, try to focus on the positives (I assume you're getting OBC or something?) and have fun!