How do you prefer to book a great last minute rate? Through Disney first or travel agent first

[JohnDaleswife]

If you see a great last minute rate online, do you book it directly with Disney and then transfer it to your preferred travel agent, or do you just contact your travel agent to book it for you?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We booked OGT and VGT prices once, and we booked through a TA.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Travel agent all the way, so we get an onboard credit. If you transfer it, you often lose part of the onboard credit.

 

[Alexle2007]

I have booked both of my VGT cruises myself and never have transferred them.

 

[bumbershoot]

The only TA I use is www.costcotravel.com, and I can book it through their website. I don't play the "contact the TA" game. I book directly or I don't use one. (though with Costco and Disney you don't actually lose any of the OBC when you transfer, unlike most TAs)

 

[JohnDaleswife]

Thats what I was wondering. Book yourself, get the good rate, transfer it, get a reduced OBC or let a TA handle it to begin with and risk not getting the rate, but getting the full OBC.

 

[Ofinn]

I don't think you can transfer a res after PIF date.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I don't think you can transfer a res after PIF date.

True. Once the cruise is paid for, in theory, the TA has no more work.

 

[IAMASTITCHER]

One followup comment, if you book directly with Disney and then request transfer to a TA, Disney may not allow for the transfer.

 

[xlxo]

To increase the likihood of a great rate.... consider cruising when it's not busy (ie when kids are in school).

 

[JohnDaleswife]

So the best bet would be to get with your preferred travel agent about 2-3 weeks before the "anticipated" release of the OGT and VGT rates of the date you would like and just let her keep an eye open for them? Tell her what cruise, whether you would like and OGT or VGT and just let her book? (if those last minutes rates are released of course)

 

[Ofinn]

Just make sure you have a ta that is on top of things. The gt rates can sometimes go fast. If you use costco you can book a gt through their website.

 

[Kimberly1]

It would depend on your TA. I've had 2. The first would usually take about 24 hours to get back with me. I would be leery of allowing her to book a last minute deal. My current one - barely over an hour tops. I'd trust her. I also have her phone number that I don't really use, but I have it for those instances when time does matter.

 

[ludari]

I always use my TA for all of my cruises. My TA is easy to reach, caters to my requests/changes, plus I also get OBC.

 

[shburks]

You really need to pick one or the other! A last minute deal is going to come up after the PIF date and you cannot transfer to a TA after you've paid in full. If you have a TA who is easily accessible and/or quick to reply, I'd go TA and get their benefits like OBC.

 

[over50visits]

If you see a great last minute rate online, do you book it directly with Disney and then transfer it to your preferred travel agent, or do you just contact your travel agent to book it for you?

Although we just book with DCL, you would get fine service from a good TA. Just be sure it is one that will answer the phone, NOT use email. Last minute rates sell out or change quickly, and all you need is to see your rate disappear while you're waiting for your TA to email you back. Too many stories about that happening.

 

[Bree]

Although we just book with DCL, you would get fine service from a good TA. Just be sure it is one that will answer the phone, NOT use email. Last minute rates sell out or change quickly, and all you need is to see your rate disappear while you're waiting for your TA to email you back. Too many stories about that happening.

My TA through Dreams Unlimited is email only. She is awesome and always on top of things. I think the longest I have had to wait for a reply was an hour because she was at the grocery store when I emailed her.

 

[JohnDaleswife]

Costco has the rates as far as an incentive to book with them, but you can't pay with Disney Gift Cards, can you?