New and looking for travel agent advice

[tmli]

I would advise to treat choosing a travel agent like any other professional you "hire". Interview them, ask questions....have you been to Disneyworld? How often? Have the first sit down or conversation with them, if they don't know any more than you ask to speak to someone else or try another agency.

I know many of us here would rather book themselves, but there are TA's out there who can do a great job. They specialize in Disney Travel, you'll know them....for many of them Disney is a lifestyle not just a job.

 

[Cary and Mo]

I know that you're looking for a Canadian contact, however, I just have to tell you what an easy and economical deal we got through booking a package with Southwest (Southwest.com). We used a travel agent when we went down in 2006 as it was our first family trip and we were under the impression that it's "safer" to book through an agent. Long story short, we got ripped off. We could have saved money by doing it ourselves online. I will never use an agent ever again - not with today's technology.

In a nutshell, we booked this package in November of last year. Going down a week before March break here for five nights at the Port Orleans Riverside with 4 day park hopper, water park, and more passes, Disney Dining plan, Magical Express, and non stop return flights out of BUF (great flight times that give us a full day there on day one and all morning there on the last day).....whole package for two adults and one 8 year old was $2,800 CAD. Only thing we'll have to pay for is souvenirs, one meal a day, and bloody sunscreen because we're only allowed to carry so little in our bags due to the new liquids restriction (so, budget $50 for an 8 ounce bottle of sunscreen LOL!)

I've had a few questions from Southwest in the meantime and their customer support line is AWESOME! You never have to be on hold for very long and they are VERY POLITE. I have never flown with them before but read good things. No assigned seats though so the earlier you check in the better your chances are of boarding in group A which is boarded earlier.

 

[Regina]

I've been asked to clear up a few things.

First, we don't read PM's. I don't even know if it's possible to do so, but it most definitely is not being done.

Second, while we don't expect everyone to know who/what's been blocked, it's often fairly obvious when it isn't an innocent mistake. When we see that it was intentional, we will consider it a guideline violation.

Finally, the DIS is based on trip planning. There are many agencies/car services/cruise companies, etc. which are discussed freely. It is only when we discover that someone with a vested interest in the company is conducting business on the DIS that we remove them and block their site. Sometimes its blatant and sometimes the recommendations that appear from satisfied clients are merely an alter ego created to 'rave' about a company. (Always something to keep in mind when reading reviews.)

I hope this puts an end to some of the speculation. Simply put, when the DIS is used to conduct your own company's business, you're no longer welcome.

Fortunately, most companies know, respect and understand this guideline.