Pros/cons re: using travel agent

[Nutmeg2016]

Hello,

I'm considering using a TA to book an early 2017 WDW trip. I've booked them directly through Disney in the past, but I'm hoping to snag a room-only discount, if possible, and have read that travel agents can help secure these. FYI, I do typically receive PIN codes for summer and fall travel, but don't recall getting one for late winter/early spring (are they ever released then?).

Curious to hear about experiences with travel agents, e.g. has your TA helped you secure a discount? Any negative experiences, e.g. have you felt you would have better off booking on your own?

Appreciate any other insights re: pros/cons to using a TA.

Many thanks!

P.S. I'm new to the board, hope I've posted in right place, etc. . .

 

[jbharr1]

I've done both. Used TA to get a deal that can't be mentioned here. If not for that I'd probably just do it myself. I don't think they have any more access to room only discounts than I do.

 

[Shellyb84]

I've also done both. I use a TA when they have a deal better than any other discount I can get. Otherwise, I just book it myself.

 

[cutigerlady]

I have done both. I have been able to secure discounts that beat the publicly available discounts from Disney by using a travel agent or in some cases been able to secure the specific room category I really wanted. I would highly recommend that if you are going to use a travel agent, do your research. There are really good agents out there, but there are some that are not. When you use a travel agent, the agent owns the reservation with Disney. They will have to make all modifications for you, add magical express information, and will process your payments. If you are booking with the hopes of applying a discount later, make sure you understand how that works. I always book at a rate I am okay with paying, so I'm not worried about this. Make sure you understand the rules about canceling your reservation and when exactly the final payment is due. Sometimes to get that better rate, your payoff date may be earlier and you might not be able to change your plans. Sometimes you might have to pay the entire amount upfront.

If you don't want to deal with booking your dining and FPs, many travel agents will do it for you. I've never asked them to do this, because I like being in control of this part of my trip. I have also found that the more information you give the travel agent, the better. I was very open about the fact that on one trip we are traveling with my parents and price is a much bigger issue for them. They want a deluxe for the price of a moderate. She worked to find the best deluxe option for us and gave me enough information for my parents to feel comfortable that this was the best price we would likely get. I've had to change the dates of a trip because of my son's sports schedule and she worked really hard to find us an alternate resort, well past when the discounts for that time frame had past.

Good Luck!

 

[MsThumper]

I have always done everything myself, but for the first time have used a TA to get a deal (room-only) that I didn't think I would have a chance at getting for Nov. 2016. Basically all they are doing is getting me the room and I will do ADR's and fastpasses myself. I already have my disney confirmation number.

I understand that some travel agencies book blocks of rooms, so they can offer good discounts.

I also had two trips already this year that I booked through Orbitz, and since I was able to "stack" an Orbitz discount on top of the discount that was being offered through Disney, it was a better price than booking through Disney directly.

 

[Babsy]

It really depends upon the TA and the agency policies. However, assuming that you get a great TA, here is my Pro/con list:

Pros:
* TA Might have a discount not available through Disney directly
* TA can keep checking for better discounts for you so, if you are busy, that is something that you don't have to worry about
* some TA's will book ADR's and FP+, again saving you some time

Cons:
* you don't own your reservation, the TA does! This alone stops me from using a TA. If you want to make a time sensitive change to your reservation and you cannot get a hold of your TA, you CANNOT make the change yourself. This has happened to me and it was very upsetting. We lost out on a big discount on what we really wanted. NO TA is going to be as interested as I am in getting me the very best deal. Many good TA's will try, but they are likely doing the same for multiple clients. Where does your name fall on the list that she is trying to help? I am always the first, the one and the only on mine
* some TA's charge cancellation/change fees not charged by Disney
* once you have booked with a TA, if it doesn't work out, it can be a nightmare
* I prefer to have control of my own reservations. I often change my mind about where I want to stay. A TA only knows what I tell them, they can't read my mind. If discounts become available for something other than what I initially wanted, she might not know to change to something else that IS available that I would LOVE. Also, I feel guilty about asking someone to keep working on changes multiple times for me.

Bottom line:
A TA might save you time and money. OTOH, a TA might COST you time and money.
I used to use a TA for all bookings. However, I don't anymore. IME, they are more trouble FOR ME, than they are worth. YMMV.

 

[fieldfam4]

It really depends upon the TA and the agency policies. However, assuming that you get a great TA, here is my Pro/con list:

Pros:
* TA Might have a discount not available through Disney directly
* TA can keep checking for better discounts for you so, if you are busy, that is something that you don't have to worry about
* some TA's will book ADR's and FP+, again saving you some time

Cons:
* you don't own your reservation, the TA does! This alone stops me from using a TA. If you want to make a time sensitive change to your reservation and you cannot get a hold of your TA, you CANNOT make the change yourself. This has happened to me and it was very upsetting. We lost out on a big discount on what we really wanted. NO TA is going to be as interested as I am in getting me the very best deal. Many good TA's will try, but they are likely doing the same for multiple clients. Where does your name fall on the list that she is trying to help? I am always the first, the one and the only on mine
* some TA's charge cancellation/change fees not charged by Disney
* once you have booked with a TA, if it doesn't work out, it can be a nightmare
* I prefer to have control of my own reservations. I often change my mind about where I want to stay. A TA only knows what I tell them, they can't read my mind. If discounts become available for something other than what I initially wanted, she might not know to change to something else that IS available that I would LOVE. Also, I feel guilty about asking someone to keep working on changes multiple times for me.

Bottom line:
A TA might save you time and money. OTOH, a TA might COST you time and money.
I used to use a TA for all bookings. However, I don't anymore. IME, they are more trouble FOR ME, than they are worth. YMMV.

I agree totally with Babs!

 

[buzznina]

I use to book all our WDW trips myself, but the last couple I have gotten a TA exclusive deal that was by far much better then anything I could have gotten on my own. Once the reservation is made, the only thing that I have to have the TA do, is if I want to change the days, dates or resort. My TA has always gotten back to me within the same day, so to say the least I have been extremely happy with them.

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree totally with Babs!

Me too!

 

[Nutmeg2016]

Thanks so much for the extremely helpful replies, everyone!

Babsy, you totally hit the nail on the head re: why I'm not sure about a TA, as I'm hesitant to relinquish control of (possibly) securing a room-only discount to someone else. I know these get snagged up extremely quickly once released, and if a TA has a big roster to clients, they can't possibly make everyone an equal priority. If I was really busy with a job, etc. it might make sense, but I'm a SAHM at the moment so, generally, I'm available to jump on the phone at 7 AM and be persistent (or whatever the procedure is. . . ).

Botton line, I think I'll shop around for TA deals (once Disney releases 2017 rates) and if I can't find a good one, I'll book on my own and keep my fingers crossed for securing a RO discount later on. . . (I guess I should pop over to the discount forum to get up to speed : - ).

Thanks again!​

 

[tami82]

I have a travel agent and she has been wonderful in responding to emails. I also got a much much better deal than I would have on my own.

 

[tseitel]

I use to book all our WDW trips myself, but the last couple I have gotten a TA exclusive deal that was by far much better then anything I could have gotten on my own. Once the reservation is made, the only thing that I have to have the TA do, is if I want to change the days, dates or resort. My TA has always gotten back to me within the same day, so to say the least I have been extremely happy with them.

This exactly!!!

 

[abarriger]

I have always booked myself-- I enjoy the challenge. This year I requested a quote-- and the travel agency was significantly less expensive than the discounted rate I received from Disney and they threw in free water park tickets. Honestly I would prefer to book myself-- I had an issue getting the reservation to link with MDE, which the TA solved quickly, but it stressed me out-- but it saved me money and that wins in my book!

 

[Hm707]

For those that use TAs do you use someone local to you or someone online?

 

[Shanti]

Thanks so much for the extremely helpful replies, everyone!

Babsy, you totally hit the nail on the head re: why I'm not sure about a TA, as I'm hesitant to relinquish control of (possibly) securing a room-only discount to someone else. I know these get snagged up extremely quickly once released, and if a TA has a big roster to clients, they can't possibly make everyone an equal priority. If I was really busy with a job, etc. it might make sense, but I'm a SAHM at the moment so, generally, I'm available to jump on the phone at 7 AM and be persistent (or whatever the procedure is. . . ).

Botton line, I think I'll shop around for TA deals (once Disney releases 2017 rates) and if I can't find a good one, I'll book on my own and keep my fingers crossed for securing a RO discount later on. . . (I guess I should pop over to the discount forum to get up to speed : - ).

Thanks again!​

I've never had a hard time getting a room-only discount (use them for every trip), and I never use a TA. I think you'll be fine.

 

[EmmyKay]

The good thing about having a TA is that when discounts are released, you don't have to sit on hold with Disney for hours. I have used one for 2 trips - one I got a room discount, one free dining and I didn't have to do a thing. I work full time so this was an enormous convenience for me.

 

[BabiesDaddy]

Saved $1500 through travel agent for the exact same trip booked through Disney. Needless to say, I'll always check with my travel agent in the future before booking any future trips.

 

[Sue M]

I have done both, but I work full time and find it easier to use my TA. She is on the phone the moment the lines open getting me the discounts when released. And it's her, not me on hold or dealing with crashed web site. I live on the west coast and don't want to get up at 4:00am to phone when discounts are released. And to make payments I don't have to log in to web site and get my cc out to enter. All I have to do is send a quick email to her.
I do my own ADRs and FPs. But I will be getting up at 4:00am tomorrow to do my FPs

 

[VisionDisney]

If the TA is knowledgeable about Disney, then you can have a great experience but if they are not, which most are not, then you would be better to do it yourself. I am a TA and work for a large agency and sometimes I cringe when I see some agents booking their clients.

 

[Hm707]

So can anyone point me to a reputable TA?