I wanted to get Dis-ers opinions before I call...

[WildernessBride]

I was wondering if I could get a few opinions about what I should do concerning a problem I am having. I booked by Christmas 2008 vacation with a TA back in August, don't ask me why except I thought she may do better than me on getting a good deal. I booked a bunk bed courtyard view at WL with dining. My DH and I originally wanted a woods bunk bed room but none were available and being the impatient person that I am, I went ahead and booked the courtyard. Time has marched on and I decided that I wanted to add deluxe dining, so I decided to ask my TA to check on the new price and I also checked the website myself to see what that "upgrade" would cost and I just discovered it is significantly less that what my TA told me deluxe dining would be. She quoted approx. 5,950. and I got 5750.00. I didn't think TAs charged any fees directly to the customer. My question is should I ask my TA to check prices on my ressie and try to get a new rate or should I just take my lumps and pay the higher rate!!! I am upset because I have already paid $2000.00 on this vacation and I wanted to save anywhere I could. Please help, I need advice before I decide to call her. Thanks in advance for any and all opinions!!!!

 

[WildernessBride]

HELP!!!!

 

[bubba]

I would definitely take your calculations to your TA and have him/her recheck figures. Why pay more than you have to ? The TA is already being paid commission on all components of your trip, and so shouldn't be charging you fees over and above. Good luck !

 

[belleandthebeast]

Before you call, make sure the price you have and the price she has includes all the same amenties (dining, insurance, etc). Insurance on a reservation for a family with 2 adults (children are included) should be about $119.90.

That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to ask. Please don't pay the higher rate without asking. You'll be kicking yourself later if the better rate was there and you didn't ask.

Good luck!

 

[WildernessBride]

Thank you, I just don't want to be annoying or sound pushy, but I am paying a great deal of money for this holiday and I want to get the best deal possible. I just don't know why I get timid about asking questions that I have every right to!!

 

[WildernessBride]

I just needed to reassure myself that I was doing the right thing in asking her! You are right I will definately be kicking myself later if I don't ask now!! Thanks for the votes of confidence!

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I would ask the travel agent if they charge you any fees or if they are in fact paid by the Hotels etc. NOT ALL TAs are free to use.
IF this one says they do not charge fees, ask if there is a cancellation fee they are imposing, Disney will not charge you one at this point.
end of call one.
next go online or call Disney and see if what you want is available for your dates, if you don't want the insurance be sure to say so it is added automatically. be sure your ticket choices are the same, hoppers, with or with out Water parks etc. expiring or not. and the dining plan you want.
If you can get it and it is less than what you have, then BOOK IT.
THEN call your agent back and cancel the package with them. you will need a $200. deposit to book the new one and you will have to wait, usually a few days but sometimes more for the return of your $2000. but you can then apply it to the new reservation. and you now have full control of the reservation and call to get any codes that might come out etc.
Don't forget to make all your ADRs at 180 days out.
Oh one caveat = In call number one, ask about insurance if they charged you for it, some insurance is paid up front and not refundable no matter what.

 

[WildernessBride]

Thanks for the info, I am really not sure if she did charge us for the travel insurance at the start, I am going to go back through my paperwork. But I really like the idea of cancelling out and rebooking, it is driving me crqazy that I can't check the website for info about my ressie and I loved to do that for our June 07 vacation. I should have known better, I am a hands on type of person, but i thought the two of us working for a great vacation would even be better. However, I now know I prefer the "do it yourself" approach!!

 

[Guzzi]

You should absolutely call your travel agent and explain what you found and ask why the rates are different.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Please call your TA! I would cancel...if you can get all your $ back...and re book yourself...and YOU are in control of YOUR reservation Some TA's are fantastic...but if you are feeling uneasy or uncomfortable...address it with them first...
Good Luck

 

[WildernessBride]

Please call your TA! I would cancel...if you can get all your $ back...and re book yourself...and YOU are in control of YOUR reservation Some TA's are fantastic...but if you are feeling uneasy or uncomfortable...address it with them first...
Good Luck

I think that is what I should have done from the beginning, you live and you learn I guess. I am gonna rebook so I can feel better about this whole thing, I truly appreciate all of the feed back,thanks!!!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I wouldn't let that large amount in differences so unasked. It's your money and you have every right to know where the money is going. I have learned over the years to stick up for myself and so now I ask questions. Besides just think of the "fun" things you could do with that money in your pocket!

 

[WildernessBride]

Besides just think of the "fun" things you could do with that money in your pocket!

My thoughts exactly!!!! Disney has a direct line to my pocket as it is!!!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Keep us posted

 

[WildernessBride]

Definately!

 

[Matt'sMom]

Did your figure include taxes & trip insurance? And have you double checked to make certain both the quote and your figure include exactly the same ticket options (hopper, wp&more, etc.)?

Sometimes people forget to figure those things in, and believe me they can make a big difference in your final total due.

Once you are certain that you have indeed priced out an identical package, with tax and insurance figured in correctly, then I would confront your TA. Ask if the agency charges any fees up front. Also ask her to break down your package quote so that you can see exactly what you are paying for each component.

If things still don't jive, then take action. But I'd give the TA an opportunity to explain the differences in price first. If she figured in something additional to the package that you did not want included, she may be able to quote you a MYW Package that is more to your liking (and in line with the figures you came up with on your own).

 

[WildernessBride]

Did your figure include taxes & trip insurance? And have you double checked to make certain both the quote and your figure include exactly the same ticket options (hopper, wp&more, etc.)?

Sometimes people forget to figure those things in, and believe me they can make a big difference in your final total due.

Once you are certain that you have indeed priced out an identical package, with tax and insurance figured in correctly, then I would confront your TA. Ask if the agency charges any fees up front. Also ask her to break down your package quote so that you can see exactly what you are paying for each component.

If things still don't jive, then take action. But I'd give the TA an opportunity to explain the differences in price first. If she figured in something additional to the package that you did not want included, she may be able to quote you a MYW Package that is more to your liking (and in line with the figures you came up with on your own).

Just a side note... my 3year old DS saw your son's pic in the pirate costume and really loved it!!! He's going through a stage where he is constantly wearing his eye patch and carrying the sword we bought him in WDW!!! You are right, I am going over all of my stuff now just to make sure there isn't a reason why the numbers differ. I haven't called yet, I want all of my ducks in a row. I really need to find out if there is a fee the TA is charging for her service. i don't want to call and THEN realize I made an error in calculating stuff, then I will feel like a total dummy!!!! But, apparently I am a control freak when it comes to planning my vacation, so maybe I need to reconsider the whole TA thing in the first place. I just thought that a Christmas vacation would require some expert advice, but I love planning too (how many times did I mention that! )!!!!

However, the best thing is, as you said, to give the TA a chance to explain to me what exactly I have booked and I will go from there. Thanks for the good advice!!

 

[Gary M]

If you belong to AAA check for room discounts. You don't have to go through a AAA travel agent to get the discount.