Pros and cons of using a Disney vacation planner ?

[Sydneykatesmama]

Several of my friends have used a Disney vacation planner to help plan their trip. This will be our first trip to WDW and I'm overwhelmed by all the choices ( resort, dining plan or not, parks to visit, etc).

Are there any real cons to using a vacation planner ?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Yes. They "own" the reservation until such time as you check in. Any changes to anything must go through them.

 

[stalkingmickey]

I plan all our vacations myself except disney!!! If someone else can do all the call and leg work and i dont have to pay them why not!!!
for example you want to eat at BOG or CRT then you need to be online or on the phone at 7am sharp on day you can make your dining reservation its like calling for concert tickets!! its crazy
another example for our jan trip when the discount was released my TY was on phone at 7am holding for hours to apply to my reservation.
A big reason for me is disney pays them so when i book at least someone else is getting a cut of the pie and not just disney....if i had to pay for a TA service I would not use them....love my TA she is great and understand my narotic planning and always repsonds quickly....except when she will be on the disney dream at sea!!!

 

[Alesia]

Do you mean a vacation planner or a travel agent?

 

[stalkingmickey]

Do you mean a vacation planner or a travel agent?

The Disney travel agents are vacation planners in my book since they not only book your trip but will help you with suggestion on things to see and do and also make your all your additional reservations (dining, shows, special events)

 

[Alesia]

The Disney travel agents are vacation planners in my book since they not only book your trip but will help you with suggestion on things to see and do and also make your all your additional reservations (dining, shows, special events)

Well, yes, many travel agents do provide trip planning assistance, but they are actually two completely different things.

A travel agent is an authorized professional who does not charge the client, but rather makes a commission from the airline and hotels or resorts.

A vacation planner often doesn't have any professional training and is not authorized to receive a commission - they make their money by charging the client.

I would consider using a travel agent, depending on the circumstances. I would not waste my money on a vacation planner.

 

[Sydneykatesmama]

The vacation planner doesn't charge a fee. I have no clue how to make all the reservations . I think we'll go with her for a more " worry-free" planning experience

 

[stalkingmickey]

well my vacation planner is a licensed travel agent who specializes in disney vacations only. she gets paid a percenatge from disney for our trips. sounds to me she is one in the same