Is it better to use a travel agent?

[nancyjvanwyk]

I have been going to Disney for a few years and always do my own planning. But I am wondering if I am missing out on any good discounts by doing it on my own and not using a travel agent who probably looks every day for deals.
If anybody has saved money (probably time too) by using an agent, please let me know. THANKS.

 

[disneyfan55]

I have been going to Disney for a few years and always do my own planning. But I am wondering if I am missing out on any good discounts by doing it on my own and not using a travel agent who probably looks every day for deals.
If anybody has saved money (probably time too) by using an agent, please let me know. THANKS.

I like to make my own reservations and be in control of them if an offer comes out or a code. If you make it with a TA and you hear of a code/discount here or WDW site etc, you have to call them to make any changes. I just like to be in charge of that. Anyway if you are on these boards, you are bound to find out. Mousesavers.com also is very up to date with any discounts etc.

 

[FoodLover]

If you make it with a TA and you hear of a code/discount here or WDW site etc, you have to call them to make any changes.

Not true. All of the Disney Specialist agencies monitor their clients' reservations for new discounts and rebook them as soon as the discounts come out. They are on the phone first thing that morning, rebooking clients.

Mary

 

[sophie832]

DH and I currently in the midst of working with our first TA. There have been pros and cons.

Pros:
-We are West Coasters, so the TA calls WDW reservations at 4am, not us
-No need to remember when payments are due (TA will remind me)
-Yesterday, when all the morning craziness happened, my TA had reservations on hold for us when most people said they had to hold for 45 mins. just to find out their room was unavailable with the discount

Cons:
-So far, no discounts outside of what I already knew about
-Have to go through TA for any and all changes
-She was MIA this morning when the AP discounts came out (even though I told her yesterday that I wanted to go for that discount when it came out)
-Sometimes she seems slightly irritated at all of our changes

Although I think our TA has done a pretty good job so far, I don't think we'll be using a TA again. When I've called WDW Travel with questions, the CMs have been extremely nice and helpful. Plus, I'm the kind of person who constantly worries about upsetting people (I'm neurotic), so I feel bad when I keep pestering my TA.

 

[epcotized]

We have tried both ways. I sometimes enjoy the instant gratification of booking things right away myself. But the travel agent really helped with narrowing down the best options when we stayed offsite.

 

[disneyfan55]

Not true. All of the Disney Specialist agencies monitor their clients' reservations for new discounts and rebook them as soon as the discounts come out. They are on the phone first thing that morning, rebooking clients.

Mary

Are all TA Disney specialists? I have read posters here having problems contacting TAs

 

[aussietravellers]

I have nothing but praise for my TA and I wouldn't book a Disney vacation without her, well without a TA.

We are staying at BC std view and we have been busting to upgrade to a water view room and preferably get a discount. I had also told her that we would be happy to move to YC also should any discount and water view become available.

When the GP rates came out I got an email almost immediately with options for waterviews for our dates at whichever resorts (nothing available at BC or YC). So we said no, we'll just keep what we have.

Well I have just awoken this morning (different time zone in Australia) and there was an email from my superstar wonderful TA saying that she got an AP discount at YC waterview

So personally, for my family, using a Disney specialist TA is much better

 

[Nadjalu]

Not all TA's that book Disney are Disney Specialists.

THere are TA's that have been to classes and continue to update themselves about Disney and all that is the World.

Personally I don't use a TA, I prefer to do my own research and planning. That way I control my vacation.
Have heard to many stories of "can't get a hold of my TA", to my TA isn't answering me, my TA told me this...only to find out they were wrong.

Nope, I am in control of my trip, not someone else.

 

[sophie832]

I have nothing but praise for my TA and I wouldn't book a Disney vacation without her, well without a TA.

We are staying at BC std view and we have been busting to upgrade to a water view room and preferably get a discount. I had also told her that we would be happy to move to YC also should any discount and water view become available.

When the GP rates came out I got an email almost immediately with options for waterviews for our dates at whichever resorts (nothing available at BC or YC). So we said no, we'll just keep what we have.

Well I have just awoken this morning (different time zone in Australia) and there was an email from my superstar wonderful TA saying that she got an AP discount at YC waterview

So personally, for my family, using a Disney specialist TA is much better

Now see, why didn't this happen to me this morning? What you describe is how it should be with a TA, right? They are there to help. That's just not the vibe I'm getting from mine...and I am working with a often-recommended agency.

 

[GovieMom]

Not true. All of the Disney Specialist agencies monitor their clients' reservations for new discounts and rebook them as soon as the discounts come out. They are on the phone first thing that morning, rebooking clients.

Absolutely ... the day the discounts were announced, my TA e-mailed me at 7:14 a.m. about the Free Dining. She's always available, and responds to my
e-mails extremely promptly (usually immediately). She's amazing; I'll never plan a trip without using her. Thanks DisneyDeb!

 

[nstem]

Love my TA. She gets all the discounts, responds to emails asap, books my dining and gives the kids free lanyards with trading pins. I love it costs me nothing and I don't have to the do work.

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

Can I do everything that my TA does? Yes, I can but I still use a TA. I have to be at work really early and can't sit on the phone waiting to get through at work. It is just easier for me to let them do everything. I use Dreams Unlimited (Dan) and he is great! I have never had any problems.

 

[disneyfan55]

Not all TA's that book Disney are Disney Specialists.

THere are TA's that have been to classes and continue to update themselves about Disney and all that is the World.

Personally I don't use a TA, I prefer to do my own research and planning. That way I control my vacation.
Have heard to many stories of "can't get a hold of my TA", to my TA isn't answering me, my TA told me this...only to find out they were wrong.

Nope, I am in control of my trip, not someone else.

That's what I've heard here as well. Sometimes TAs themselves or people making money from them defend them as if you can't do it yourself. I was just giving a broad answer as you are. Thanks. While I have used travel agents to book out of the country with WDW I personnally don't see the need.

 

[mom2t]

Had never used a TA - 12 trips before - but did last time. Learned some new things - but did not like having to go through her for any additions or changes including dining. Booked on my own this time.

 

[trac96]

we have done both as well and i perfer to do it myself. i don't think they get any special information about discounts or anything else. i bet you hear about it on here before they know. plus, using the agent in the past has cost me $45.00 extra because they charged me $15.00 per person to make the arangements. that could of been a dinner one night. so, now i just do my own.