Not sure if correct board... but what is your go to Disney Travel Agency?

[lsumatt72]

Having been a WDW lifer, we are looking to make our first venture to DLR next year and would like to use an agency that is knowledgeable and readily available when needed.

 

[OKW Lover]

Well....these DISBoards are sponsored by Dreams Unlimited Travel. We've booked several trips through them.

 

[lsumatt72]

haha i know! just want to get opinions on all options

 

[buzznina]

That is the only TA that you can be named on the DIS, we use a different one.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I think if you searched travel agencies on this board, many, reputable EarMarked agencies will pop up in threads - Dreams Unlimited, obviously, being one of them. I would suggest e-mailing a few and specifically asking to work with a TA with DLR experience. You will find, within agencies, even those that deal with Disney Destinations, you will have some TA's whose strong points are WDW, DL, DCL, etc. Any good EarMarked Agency will pair you with a TA that fits your DLR experience request.

 

[Lynne M]

That is the only TA that you can be named on the DIS, we use a different one.

That's not the case, other travel agencies can be discussed. Occasionally, a business is blocked from posting on the board because of violations of board rules. Those business may not be discussed on the DISboards (we don't want to give free advertising to companies that don't abide by our rules).

When referencing a travel agency or any other business, we require that you use the full URL of the business. That way, our board filter will catch and block any business name that can't be discussed here.

 

[Huff]

What is the benefit of booking thru a TA? I've found mostly the same deals or better booking direct for hotel and airfare. I also did not like the fact that making changes required going thru the TA. When I need changes, especially air reservations made quickly a TA is not always available.

 

[Sue M]

What is the benefit of booking thru a TA? I've found mostly the same deals or better booking direct for hotel and airfare. I also did not like the fact that making changes required going thru the TA. When I need changes, especially air reservations made quickly a TA is not always available.

I always book my own air. I use a TA because it’s easier for me to let them deal with Disney to book resort. They also will automatically get you a better rate if one comes out. Making payments is as simple as sending a quick email. Or making any changes. And I don’t have to wake up extra early as I’m in a different time zone, and stay on hold 1-2 hrscwhen discounts are released.
Just make sure whoever you book with is an Earmarked agency. As with anything you will find some agencies are better than others, or agents within an agency vary. So I’d speak on the phone with new agent first and discuss your expectations with him/her to see if you are compatible and can work together. I look at it as a joint partnership.

 

[mickey1968]

Do agents have to book FP+ and dining at the crack of dawn too or do they have a different process?

 

[dansdad]

Do agents have to book FP+ and dining at the crack of dawn too or do they have a different process?

Same process.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

What is the benefit of booking thru a TA? I've found mostly the same deals or better booking direct for hotel and airfare. I also did not like the fact that making changes required going thru the TA. When I need changes, especially air reservations made quickly a TA is not always available.

I, personally, think using a TA is good if they can offer you a better discount, some OBC (in the case of DCL) or if you are newbie and need some hand holding during the process. WDW is so big and, for a first timer, can be incredibly overwhelming. Plus, a lot of people simply don't have the time (or interest) to research the way many of us do on these boards. A good TA can make the process a lot smoother and, if they have vast, first-hand knowledge of the destination, it can be very helpful. If you are a seasoned Disney traveler, using a TA may not be of benefit. I would never book air through a TA or a third-party site - I agree with you, air changes, sometimes need to be made quickly and it's best, IMHO, to deal directly with the airline in that situation.

 

[lsumatt72]

For me, I will also be booking airfare and ground transport on my own. Just having been to DLR, I will need help with hotel recs and we also want to do a tour of LA one day so I figure they'd be good for finding me the right one. Plus, they can stay up to date with discounts like others have said, which I don't really have time to do

 

[bumbershoot]

For me, I will also be booking airfare and ground transport on my own. Just having been to DLR, I will need help with hotel recs and we also want to do a tour of LA one day so I figure they'd be good for finding me the right one. Plus, they can stay up to date with discounts like others have said, which I don't really have time to do

I would head to the Disneyland forum here and do some reading and asking. These are common questions.

I would rather get the advice of 200 people who have been there done that than hope the one ta I’ve hired knows their stuff.