Online, Phone Call or Travel Agent?

[Vavy]

In your experience, have you found it to be cheaper to book online, by phone or through a travel agent? Have you found one to have benifits over the other?

We used AAA in '08 and it worked out great - no problems at all. Very positive experience. I was, however, wondering if I should book otherwise for my next trip. We are planning on going back in June, but , because of work schedules we were only able to get the dates nailed down today - so we want to book as soon as possible.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Muppet_Girl]

I like to do online research and print out quotes. Then I call already having that knowledge in my back pocket.

 

[DisneyWisher]

I like online for packages actually for room only too. With packages booked online you get a free photopass pic. I know there are also things like a voucher for a keychain, $15 voucher for Planet Hollywood, 30 min arcade card. I don't use TA because I prefer to speak with Disney personally so if there are any changes I can handle it right away. Nothing against TA but I just prefer to do it myself.

I especially like online the first day of the general code for Free Dining, no waiting for the phone lines to open. I can get online at 5am and book at that time.

 

[jimmiej]

I try to do my homework regarding any current discounts. Then, I call & make my own ressies. As a pp said, I like being in control.

However, if I was going to use a TA, I'd go with a Disney specialist like Dreams Unlimited. Those folks are experts & know all the options.

 

[Alesia]

I used a TA through Dreams Unlimited. Since I don't have free long distance, it was much cheaper to email my TA instead of calling Disney every time I wanted to make a change. My TA also kept an eye out for discounts and applied them.

 

[pepe of ohio]

All done on the phone with AAA discount, AP discount or a code. Disney has the reservation or you do. Never a problem on the phone up dating, adding days or getting info and canceling. Rather talk to a human being, they have helped us alot over the years, suggesting the best deal. I've done alittle checking, such as with AAA office, Dreams Unlimited etc. and the quotes are just about the same as booking with Disney direct, so why bother.

 

[Legacy]

The Dreams Unlimited folks have been nothing but outstanding for us! Beth Fejer did ours, and she booked our ADRs, got every single one of them, made umpteen changes for us, and even looked out for us when some other discounts came up and saved us much $$$$ by crediting our acct for the difference.. I highly recommend Dreams Unlimited!! Why do all of this work yourself when they do it just as good or better!

We leave in 4 more days, and thanks to DU, our planning has been COMPLETELY stress free!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I always do ours online or over the phone, since ADR's are now available online its a dream. I only call when I am using a PIN or something special that I can't do online (love the passholder site now too!). like F! package or a tour. I like knowing that if there is a mistake made when we show up and don't get the right type of room, have the wrong dates, etc that I made the mistake, I need to be the one in control. I check and double check everything periodically, keep up and print all confirmations before I go, and havn't had an issue yet.

I am not saying this to sound conceited or anything so please don't take it that way, I've never found at TA that knew as much about Disney (including pricing & promotions) that I did so I just can't see letting someone else book all that stuff for me, when I know how to do it myself.

 

[LaRosaLoca]

The Dreams Unlimited folks have been nothing but outstanding for us! Beth Fejer did ours, and she booked our ADRs, got every single one of them, made umpteen changes for us, and even looked out for us when some other discounts came up and saved us much $$$$ by crediting our acct for the difference.. I highly recommend Dreams Unlimited!! Why do all of this work yourself when they do it just as good or better!

We leave in 4 more days, and thanks to DU, our planning has been COMPLETELY stress free!

DU was recommended to me by a Disney fanatic friend who goes every year. Every year he has used them and always had a positive experience.

So far my experience has been very positive. Mindy not only was able to change around the initial dates of my quote (because we're indecisive!) but also recommend savings for us.

However, what I'm really looking forward to is having DU book the ADRs and help us coordinate other events to celebrate our anniversary. I get so lost in details that this vacation would be so much more stressful without their help. I definitely recommend using them.

 

[cmaee]

I always price out our options online and then I will call and make the reservation. I like being able to speak to someone directly. I have always made requests when I book, ie. room location, grand gathering group, campsite loop request, so I feel more comfortable doing it over the phone.

 

[Rootskate]

I always book everything myself. I much prefer being able to make changes, etc on my own without having to go through a third party.

 

[gigglz32]

Hi ppl,
yea I feel the same way you do that I need to know that I got all the dates I wanted & the resort I wanted, but I guess I should hire you to do the discount section for me. The promotions is the only thing that I still haven't gotten a hand on.