How do you plan your trip - Travel agency?

[rford]

Hello!! Our last trip was 3 1/2 years ago and I did all the planning but was wondering if using a travel agency is better/easier? We are planning another trip next June and I'm starting to get things together. Has any one ever used Kingdom Magic Vacations? I tried doing a search but couldn't find any current post. I am planning on staying at the Fort again for 9 days this trip!! Thanks!!!!

 

[jbrostek]

when it comes to staying at the fort, we just call Disney direct. Going through an agent has never gotten us any discounts on our stay plus we usually setup a grand gathering for 3-5 sites.

 

[CDNCruiser]

We always use a Travel Agent - my wife called Disney directly for our first 20 trips or so, then we let our favorite travel agent take over.

Suzi has booked our last 30+ Disney trips and Disney cruises - at no cost to us, and she has gotten us discounts almost every time. Especially at the Fort - we always get AAA or AP rates at the Fort.

Any of the agencies which specialize in Disney vacations can and will save you a bundle!

 

[k_reile]

We always use a Travel Agent - my wife called Disney directly for our first 20 trips or so, then we let our favorite travel agent take over.

Suzi has booked our last 30+ Disney trips and Disney cruises - at no cost to us, and she has gotten us discounts almost every time. Especially at the Fort - we always get AAA or AP rates at the Fort.

Any of the agencies which specialize in Disney vacations can and will save you a bundle!

This is correct! I am a Disney Travel agent and there should never be any cost to you! If you need help planning, PM me and I would love to help you out. I am not with an agency related with this site so I do not want to give it out publicly! We stayed last November at the Fort in a premium site. We had a 38 ft fifth wheel and we had plenty of space.

I'm hoping to get my husband on board for another Fort trip soon! We are at the dealership right now picking up our brand new travel trailer!! Shouldn't be too hard since my DH loved the Fort!!

 

[Flametamr]

I always book myself. I enjoy the planning it keeps me busy at work.

 

[parmtoo]

I always book everything myself. I enjoy it! It helps keep me busy and pass the time before the trip
I've gotten discounts for FW, and other resorts on my own. Just ask, AAA, military, and some room only discounts for the general public.

 

[rford]

Thank you for all your advice!! It was a blast last time planning everything myself so I guess I should get busy on it again for next June. Thanks again everyone!!

 

[mikron]

We own both a motor coach and DVC points. We have camped and stayed at all the Disney Florida resorts and always make our own plans. With the internate IMO you don't need an agent to get good deals.

 

[B.B. Sots]

We have always booked through Dreams Unlimited Travel (the Dis Sponsor). We always request Stacey Wood as does my entire family, my boss and most of the people I work with that travel to WDW.

We booked for the cabins through her last time and also got front row at Hoop dee doo.

It does not cost a thing and she is willing to call to make our ADR's which in itself is a Time Saver for us...

We have been given discounts twice after we have booked because Stacey saw the savings come through the wire.

As it does not cost a thing, I always recommend trying it but it is always a matter of preference and control for many people.

 

[thegoofyfamily]

I've always booked my own by calling directly or booking online. I received a referral to an agent when I was struggling to get a certain date and that agent didn't return my phone calls or emails. At the time, that agent was very busy booking at the Fort and didn't have time to get back to me. Now that same agent is practically begging people to call since business has dried up. AAA and AP's are the best ways to get discounts. Not saying not to use an agent, but you can get the same deal going direct.

 

[retired and happy]

We deal through an agent. She has been able to find space when we couldn't, and spends the time on the phone (or whatever magic she uses) to get us what we need.

 

[tinan]

IMO I think it boils down to personal preference. I think if you're someone who knows exactly what you want and won't change anything, using a travel agent is a great idea! My family, on the other hand, at times changes our minds with what we want and I feel that handling the reservations on my own is much better for us. We worked with a travel agent once before and I didn't like it. She did a great job and it was nothing against her, I just like to have more control over our reservations. I like being able to call Disney directly and I didn't feel I had that as much with the agent.

 

[gillenkl]

I like to have control of my reservations so I make them myself. We used a travel agent once and I saw the available discounts (thanks to stalking disboards) before the travel agent.

 

[DisneyMomma04]

My MIL used a regular travel agent for our first trip (DISASTER!!)....then I found Deb! She is a Godsend!! LOVE her! I've used her for all our other trips! I even let her make our dining reservations! It is SO nice not to worry about applying/getting discounts or making reservations. And it doesn't cost me a dime! PM me and I'll give you her info, if you'd like!!

 

[Tiggerkmp]

I'm having trouble getting another site added for a family reunion the end of January. I am unable to PM anyone (not enough posts??) so could someone who knows a travel agent who can book campsites PM me some information? Thanks!

Karen