How much would you pay?

[kimbe21]

For a Disney vacation planner? Someone who sits down with you finds out your interests and when you when to vacation and then plans everything for you. I'm talking about booking hotel/renting DVC points, ADRs, tickets, airfare, rental cars, "extras", creating a customized touring plan based on your travel party and coordinating every last detail. Also, someone who can give you all the "insider" tips and secrets to navigating the parks like a pro. And most importantly finding you the best possible deal (using ebates, travel web sites, Disney promotions, authorized discounted ticket dealers, etc.).

I know most of us here are Disney fanatics and most of the fun is in the planning but I have found so many people who hate the details and just want to show up for vacation and have everything taken care of.

Would the average middle class family pay for this or just the super rich?

Curious to hear your thoughts.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I would pay zero.
2) If I didn't know, I'd just go to a decent travel agent.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

1) I would pay zero.
2) If I didn't know, I'd just go to a decent travel agent.

This exactly. I actually don't know anyone who would pay. My friends just ask around friends.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Zero. That's what TA's are for and they get paid by Disney. There are good ones who will do that very thing you are describing.

 

[powellrj]

Nothing and I don't know anyone who would pay anyone. Travel agents are free for the customer so why would anyone pay someone to plan a trip for them.

 

[kimbe21]

I'm not saying I would pay someone to plan my trip either but I do know people who would. I used a TA once to book a large family vacation and would not do it again because I like to "have control" of all my reservations.

I know there are plenty of authorized TA that Disney pays to book and plan your trip but I'm not sure they find the best possible deals. Do TA use discount web sites or do they book directly through Disney? If it is through Disney then I know they aren't getting the best deal because I have researched and most deals are not booked through Disney (I'm sure that is not a surprise to anyone!). I'm not a TA so i don't know how they do it.

I'm not trying to start an argument here just trying to get some other Disney expert opinions!

 

[wiigirl]

1) I would pay zero.
2) If I didn't know, I'd just go to a decent travel agent.

This!

 

[GAGirlInVA]

Zero.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I know there are plenty of authorized TA that Disney pays to book and plan your trip but I'm not sure they find the best possible deals.
. . . TA's do get the best deals

Do TA use discount web sites or do they book directly through Disney?
. . . yes
. . . unless they go through a TA Wholesaler (like GO-GO Tours)

If it is through Disney then I know they aren't getting the best deal because I have researched
. . . incorrect
. . . Disney gives the best deals to the TA's
. . . although some might get a little extra based upon volume

and most deals are not booked through Disney (I'm sure that is not a surprise to anyone!).
. . . yes, the TA's do go through Disney

NOTE: TA's get the same deal (with minor exceptions). It just depends
upon how much they want to pass along to you. As an example, let's say
the room is discounted 50% to the TA. The TA could charge you full rate
or anything up to the 50%. Or, if they are selling other things for profit,
they might give you 60% off on the room.

 

[kathie859]

For some of my travels (and I travel a lot) I occasionally use a TA who helps me plan; however, I'd never pay for the service. That goes for Disney trips or a vacation to a foreign country.

 

[Maddie2]

I have to agree, I would not pay for someone else to plan my vacation either. There are plenty of good Disney TA's that get paid by Disney. I have chosen that route for some trips - and I've planned/booked some trips by myself too.

I don't know that even most super rich people would pay for these services. In my experience, even the rich like to be in control. I also know some rich folks that even if you did plan everything out for them, they would not use most of it. The rich people I know are super busy in their daily lives and would not want to "follow a schedule" during vacation.

Whereas most of us regular folks like to squeeze value out of our vacations (ie: do as much as we can), many wealthier folks aren't looking for that. They just want to relax and have fun - less structured and more carefree.

 

[gillenkl]

1) I would pay zero.
2) If I didn't know, I'd just go to a decent travel agent.

This!

 

[sissy_ib]

I'm not saying I would pay someone to plan my trip either but I do know people who would. I used a TA once to book a large family vacation and would not do it again because I like to "have control" of all my reservations.

I know there are plenty of authorized TA that Disney pays to book and plan your trip but I'm not sure they find the best possible deals. Do TA use discount web sites or do they book directly through Disney? If it is through Disney then I know they aren't getting the best deal because I have researched and most deals are not booked through Disney (I'm sure that is not a surprise to anyone!). I'm not a TA so i don't know how they do it.

I'm not trying to start an argument here just trying to get some other Disney expert opinions!

The best deals are the % off room discounts and for some families free dining. My TA is always posting on her FB page when a new deal is out and she always get those for her clients even if they are already booked she changes it. The only better deals I know of are military discounts and maybe Florida resident, which a TA can also book if the person qualifies. Disney has the best deals on Disney. Expedia, and any other sites have better deals than Disney rack rate but not Disney specials.

ETA: I just read what Rusty Scupper said, I forgot about things like TA room blocks. I know for special events like the Run Disney events TAs can get great deals not available to the public but you usually need some kind of package.

 

[dminnie]

Zero.
And I wouldn't use a TA. I like to plan our vacations. There's plenty of information in books and on the internet to help with it. I know myself and family best. I couldn't have someone else, based on just a little information about us, decide how we spend our vacation and our vacation money. Part of the anticipation/fun of a trip is to plan it too.

 

[MomToOne]

Put me on the zero list too.

BUT...this list is completely, totally the wrong survey group for this question. Folks are on Disboards because they are willing to research their trip, and figure out details for themselves. And the folks on the BUDGET board esp. are looking out for their money, to ensure they get the most for their dollar - I believe most of us are even more unlikely to pay someone for a service we can do ourselves, and think anyone who would pay for such a service is just plain nuts

 

[Marionnette]

For a Disney vacation planner? Someone who sits down with you finds out your interests and when you when to vacation and then plans everything for you. I'm talking about booking hotel/renting DVC points, ADRs, tickets, airfare, rental cars, "extras", creating a customized touring plan based on your travel party and coordinating every last detail. Also, someone who can give you all the "insider" tips and secrets to navigating the parks like a pro. And most importantly finding you the best possible deal (using ebates, travel web sites, Disney promotions, authorized discounted ticket dealers, etc.).

I know most of us here are Disney fanatics and most of the fun is in the planning but I have found so many people who hate the details and just want to show up for vacation and have everything taken care of.

Would the average middle class family pay for this or just the super rich?

Curious to hear your thoughts.

How much would the "average middle class family" pay? Nothing. They would most likely do a little research on their own when they plan a vacation of that magnitude.

The super-rich pay for private tour guides to "navigate the parks like a pro". They don't bother with self-annointed Disney experts when they can afford the real thing.

Maybe you should try blogging or writing an e-book instead? A lot of people make serious money through their Disney writing. You could dole out money-saving advice and inside tips that way and make a little cash.

 

[Poohforyou]

I don't find the need to pay anyone to help with a vacation with the exception of some overseas destinations. With the internet there just isn't a reason to pay for something I can easily do myself.

 

[Burnedout]

Zero. Most people I know research and talk to friends. None would pay a non ta for help. Besides ta's are accountable for their clients.

 

[dimimi]

I would pay "zero" or puchase "tourguidemike" who helped me alot and was about $25

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Nothing. A lot of the information is available online for free, and a good TA can help with the discounts if you can't find them yourself.

I plan trips for friends all the time, giving touring plans, hotel recommendations, tips, guidelines, etc. I do it for free.