Question about using a travel agent

[twinmamaplusone]

We are getting ready to book a 4 night/5 day trip in September for 5 of us. I was just wondering if there is any advantage to using a travel agent? I called disney for some prices and then priced them out with a TA and it seemed to save a little money but then I just priced out with disney direct again and they're quoting me the exact same price as the TA. Is there ever any savings if you book through them instead of disney? (We were using Small World Vacations, which I found through mouse savers)

Thanks!

 

[amygphillips]

The big advantage to using a travel agent is they are the ones calling to book everything. So when free dining came out there was several hours on hold.... My TA sat on hold while I went about my business. The downside is if u book with a TA u have to always change things through them. So it most cases it is wonderful...unless your TA doesn't get back with you quickly and do things when asked. Also they do watch for deals to come out and can apply them to your reservations.

 

[MandiC]

I booked with a AAA Magic Creator, they can get you AAA prices even if you aren't AAA. Honestly the biggest advantage was when new promotions came out she was the one to wake up early and sit on hold for hours to get a new, lower price. It was our first trip and if I had any questions she was there to answer! Once we booked with her I didn't *have* to do anything. I did, because I like planning I made all our FP selections. She was willing to help as little or as much as I wanted.

 

[twinmamaplusone]

Thanks guys. Just called AAA. I'll see what they quote me.

Thanks again!

 

[PrincessWhite]

As a Disney TA myself some of the perks that are offered to clients that Disney doesn't are the following:
-Booking your ADR's for you
-Discount monitoring. If a discount is released then it will be applied to your reservation to help save you the most money as possible. AAA, military, and pin code discounts can also be applied by the TA.
-Concierge service such as detailed itinerary specifically for your family
-Extra perks that are some times offered such as book with a TA and receive a Disney gift card.
-Special items sent up until your trip is taken.

All of these things I listed will be different from agent to agent and the agency used. Hope this helps if you haven't made your decision yet!

 

[tbia]

We are getting ready to book a 4 night/5 day trip in September for 5 of us. I was just wondering if there is any advantage to using a travel agent? I called disney for some prices and then priced them out with a TA and it seemed to save a little money but then I just priced out with disney direct again and they're quoting me the exact same price as the TA. Is there ever any savings if you book through them instead of disney? (We were using Small World Vacations, which I found through mouse savers)

Thanks!

As one who uses an agent, let me ask you this....

Is there a DISadvantage to using a travel agent? If you don't have to pay extra, why not have an extra set of eyes, ears and hands helping you make all the plans.

My first trip, benefitted greatly from using a TA, this time....ehh, not so much, at least not yet, but what if a discount DOES come out, the week I am at the beach or something? My TA takes care of me.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Aliceacc]

My travel agent applied the Summer special discount to our trip while I was at work. I checked my email at 10:30 and found that my bottom line had gone down by just over $1,000.

She booked my ADRs while I was at work. We got BOG and the dessert party.

For us, it's a nobrainer

 

[twinmamaplusone]

I have decided to use the TA from AAA. The price was exactly the same, but she called me back promptly and seemed very willing to help with anything that needed (the other TA would only communicate via email, even when I asked to be called). She also said that she would watch out for new deals and offers that could save us money. I don't know if she will book out FP+ stuff for us or not, but I will ask!