Is there any reason NOT to book with a travel agent?

[jdrobinson06]

I don't know if I'm allowed to say....wouldn't want to break any disboards rules.

Very true! We too use DU and have been very happy with our initial planning stages.

 

[tink1970]

I'm super happy with DU too! I don't mind a bit calling and giving someone at Disney my DVA...just wanted to clear that up. Happy that DU doesn't mind my doing it...win-win.

 

[xlxo]

Not sure if sites like Expedia count as a travel agent.... when planning a trip, I use Expedia to get an idea of prices and availability... especially when I want to also compare the competition.

Then I go looking for a travel agent.... I like to speak to someone in person. Sadly when problems/questions develop.... not all travel agents work 24/7.

 

[bumbershoot]

When I had a different TA I could not use my Disney Vacation Account. I don't know if this was her/her company's rule or if DCL has changed

I bet DVA was new when you did this, and since then everyone has figured out DVA's rules better.

I don't know if I'm allowed to say....wouldn't want to break any disboards rules.

Put in the URL for the TA. If it comes through like www.costcotravel.com or www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com, it's OK! If it comes through looking like www.xxxxxxx.com, then it's not.

Not sure if sites like Expedia count as a travel agent.... when planning a trip, I use Expedia to get an idea of prices and availability... especially when I want to also compare the competition.

They would count as a TA, and that's one I would not use. They just aren't available enough. The biggest TA I'll go with is Costco, and that's b/c I feel I get a big enough benefit to make up for having to be on hold first for them and then for DCL while the Costco rep calls them. But Expedia etc? Nah. Wouldn't do it.

 

[bumbershoot]

They can call DCL right when you see it, they dont have to look.

I don't really understand what you're saying here.

I book the cabin I want with DCL and name Costco as the travel agent. I email DCL a form that gives Costco the reservation and make my deposit and payments with Costco.

This way I get my opening day choice and dont have to worry about a TA not getting it done in time.

So you're transferring it?

With that, you're in a unique situation, because Costco Travel allows the full Cash Card (the full benefit they give) for transfers. Other TAs do NOT. Since the change a few years ago, other TAs cut the OBC etc in half. For some reason Costco didn't. They are unique.

 

[Aliceacc]

Let me sing the praises of our travel agent, Tracey H.

For this trip:
- She moved us (with my permission) from the Beach Club to the Boardwalk. Still walkable from Epcot and DHS, still Deluxe, still sleeps 5. But she saved us $800.

- She phoned in our ADRs on the 180 day mark at 7 am. We got BOG, Le Cellier, everything we wanted.

- When I was considering changing our trip to save money, she came up with 4 or 5 different scenarios for me, and priced each out.

- On Saturday morning (our 60 day mark) I was at a hotel a few states from home, trying to do FPs via my Ipad. I was having no luck getting things done, and there was a 90 minute wait by phone. I emailed Tracey for recommendations. She got in, and got me exactly what we wanted. She got us the brand new Jungle Book dining package, got us a FP for the brand new Frozen Ever After, and the rest of what we wanted: Soarin', Test Track, 7DMT, Space, Splash, you name it, all at the times I wanted. It was because of Tracey's blast email to her clients that I was aware that we could book the Jungle Book package or Frozen Ever After starting Saturday. (I'm usually pretty much on top of that stuff, but I wasn't home.)

For past trips:
- In 2014 I checked my email one day from my 10:30 study hall. Tracey had (with my permission) moved us from the Beach Club to the Yacht Club (yes, they're in the same building) and saved us $1000.

-With her help, we have never NOT gotten any ADR we wanted. Ever.

- She knows her stuff. When I ask for an opinion, I know it will be an educated opinion.

She replies to emails quickly. She does everything I ask of her. She's made our WDW trips easier, more economical, and a bit more special.

 

[cheermom2four]

Honestly, after two cruises and no benefits (OBC or nothing) , I'm not using one next time. I'm one of those indecisive persons and switched staterooms a lot after researching and researching the perfect location LOL (yes, OCD when it comes to planning) and it was a pain to have to try to get a hold of them and have them change it. I dont mind paying directly to DCL, booking my own room etc. I may use one ONLY if there is an incentive, otherwise, it really is pointless since I'm such a planner/researcher.

 

[steves100]

The Cash card you get from Costco is it only to be used at Costco? or any place?

We are Platinum and the 1st 8 cruises we didnt know about transferring to Costco!!!!!

What a waste!!!

 

[cheermom2four]

We are Platinum and the 1st 8 cruises we didnt know about transferring to Costco!!!!!

So do you have to do the room changing etc thru costco just like a regular TA or are they just used for incentives but no need to pay through them, or do any changes. How is their response time if you do have to make changes through them vs just calling a CM?

 

[steves100]

So do you have to do the room changing etc thru costco just like a regular TA or are they just used for incentives but no need to pay through them, or do any changes. How is their response time if you do have to make changes through them vs just calling a CM?

Yes, if you want to change a room you would need to do it w Costco. We usually book book on the ship, DCL just puts down Costco as the travel agent. We never have changed our room once we have reserved it.

 

[tvguy]

DW and her sisters recently went on a cruise they booked through a travel agent (great deal--pre-cruise stay at a 4-star hotel, lots of add-on packages while on the cruise, etc.). Her biggest source of frustration was trying to find out info ahead of time and the cruise line not wanting to deal with her directly because she booked through the travel agent. Maybe other cruise lines handle it differently, but that was DW's biggest headache. It could've been avoided if she'd booked directly with the cruise line, but she wouldn't have got as a good deal, either (she checked beforehand), so there were pros and cons for her.

The Travel Agent should have been the one to get the info for you. I know some people feel they give up a little control with a travel agent, but since the travel agent has to clear everything with you, the end result is the same. Instead of YOU spending time on hold with DCL asking a question, your travel agent does that. The cost of the trip is identical.

 

[lilmissfoodie]

Another reason not to use a TA is if you want to use DVC points to book your cruise. DCL doesn't allow it (same for ABD).

 

[darnheather]

No. Get the best perk you can. All the payments ultimately go thru DCL, and in the rare event you want to move cabins, the TA can do it with you on the phone at the same time with DCL.

We used to get an OBC form a TA but it was pretty low compared to the Cash card we get from Costco. It is 8-9% of your cruise cost. In our case we have gotten a $900 cash card when all we would get from a TA is $150 OBC...

Do I need to have a costco membership to book through them? That kind of cash card would make it worth it to have the membership but I don't have one atm and want to book Thursday.

 

[dcassetta]

Do I need to have a costco membership to book through them? That kind of cash card would make it worth it to have the membership but I don't have one atm and want to book Thursday.

To use Costco travel services, you do need to be a member. But, you can sign up online and have the membership by Thursday.

 

[Hundredacre]

I know someone has already mentioned this but when you use Costco, do you just pay through their website or do you call an agent and they do it? And can you pay with disney gift cards through costco?

 

[darnheather]

We are Platinum and the 1st 8 cruises we didnt know about transferring to Costco!!!!!

What a waste!!!

Can I book online myself and then transfer to Costco?

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Can I book online myself and then transfer to Costco?

Yes you can! Costco gave us an awesome cash gift card - however with Costco your getting a static experience unlike with Dreams who you know Tracy will do her best to ensure youre getting personal touch to your agent.

 

[darnheather]

Yes you can! Costco gave us an awesome cash gift card - however with Costco your getting a static experience unlike with Dreams who you know Tracy will do her best to ensure youre getting personal touch to your agent.

Well I've never used Dreams, my last TA was just ok. My spouse has been on me to join Costco so this might be good incentive and convince him that the cruises are not that bad.

 

[Billinaz]

Can I book online myself and then transfer to Costco?

Just tell DCL you want to name Costco as your TA. You will have to email them a form that transfers the booking to Costco then you pay your deposit and cruise balance through Costco.

 

[Turk February]

Will a TA be able to pay my initial deposit with my DVA? That's currently where all my Disney savings is and I'd love to use that on Thursday to book.