Re: Planning-who to use?

[oliviansmom17]

Any recommendations for travel agencies? Or is it better to use Disney Travel directly? Trying to book December 2008...

 

[maxiesmom]

I use Dreams Unlimited. If you are booking room-only, they will apply any discounted rate you may have--AAA, AP, or a Pin Code. Plus, they will make all of your dining reservations for you.

 

[oliviansmom17]

Thanks for the recommendation! I've used a local agent and Disney direct in the past, but if I want to get to Disney next year, (we're also going in a few weeks : ) ) I need to get the best deal possible to soothe my husbands anxiety!!

 

[KYDisneyFanantic]

I also just recently used Dreams Unlimited to make my reservations. It's so nice to have someone help in all the planning!

 

[HayGan]

I do all my planning myself. I just find it easier. You find lots of great info here to help you get the best deal available!

If you are set on getting a TA, I have heard lots of good things about Dreams Unlimited as well.

 

[mprewitt]

I prefer planning my trips myself. It does take some time, but it's actually fun.

 

[vanillarum]

We used Magical Vacations and we leave in 3 days !! ( My DW and DD leave tomorrow on the train !) Lisa was our TA, and she was great ! Saved us 759.00 on our room !! Good luck and have fun !!

 

[Mickiethepooh]

It can save you some money if you are booking a package to use AAA asuming you have AAA, it may even pay to get AAA to book a package.
As for planning do it all yourself then just use them to book it and be sure to check the details.

 

[bubba73]

I like using AAA. I have been with the same rep for the last three years for my WDW trips and she has been wonderful. She has really taken good care of me and my family going above and beyond the call of duty.

 

[Merryweather]

We've been very happy with YourMagicalJourneys the last six or seven years. You can Google them and request a quote.

 

[fla4fun]

I think it all boils down to how much time you have to put into it. You can book through Disney yourself, and you can watch for codes and get up early to call to see if they can be applied to your reservation. You can call and make your own dining reservations. If you spend much time here at the DIS, you have all the tools available to book the trip yourself.

However, sometimes you just don't have the time. I've got some family stuff going on right now that will be taking most of my spare time for the next few months. I wanted to go to Disney in January. I decided to try Dreams Unlimited this time, even though I've always booked my own trips directly through Disney. I don't have the time right now to watch for the different codes and get up early every day to call to see if something has come out. The best part is, since they get paid a commission by Disney, they don't cost ME anything extra. Even though it's a step out of my comfort zone, I'm so relieved to be leaving the "grunt work" to someone else for this trip. By the time it comes around in January, all I'll have to do is show up and relax.

So financially, there's not a lot of difference in booking yourself or booking through a Disney specialist. But as far as time and convenience, there's a big difference.

 

[mickeysaver]

Personally, I have never used a TA until this trip. We booked with AAA and my TA in PA was great, if you PM me, I would be glad to let you know who I used. However, if you don't have AAA, I do have to put in a plug for Small World Vacations. I have never personally used them, but several of my coworkers have and they have been excellent! They went above and beyond helping to coordinate a grand gathering land and sea family reunion for one of my coworkers. I have heard nothing but good about them. Maggie

 

[labattblue]

I sent an email to a TA at http://www.mei-travel.com/mei/index.php. My initial email received a quick reply(I didn't state what I was looking for in the first email). In a follow-up email where I stated I was looking for help with "room only" reservations for 2008, I received one email a few days later stating that the TA would contact me when 2008 rates are out. Not only was there no suggestion to book a room ahead of time, to ensure a stay at the resort of our choosing, I never heard back from the TA. I booked the room myself and will take care of everything else.

 

[Cool-Beans]

If I wasn't doing it myself and didn't keep up with discounts and such, I'd use someone who specializes in Disney.

I can't vouch for Dreams Unlimited; I never used them. But if I were looking for an agent, I might give them a shot.

 

[MommySue]

We went to Disney in September 2006, and planning to go again in September 2008, and can't wait to use our TA, Mouseforless. Linda was totally wonderful. Called and emailed me every time I needed something, needed to change something and was totally awesome with the ADR's.

 

[mickeymedic]

I've booked through Disney directly and through AAA. But, once I started using Dreams Unlimited, I have not turned back. Their service is FAST!!! And their agents are knowledgeable. You can do as little or as much of the planning yourself as you want. I just booked a package for January. I had contacted DU back in June, asking about booking for January. As soon as the packages were released, they contacted me via email to let me know that we could go ahead with the reservations. Once I paid my deposit, I they made all my ADRs for me - and I got EXACTLY what I wanted!!! This is my 4th trip booked through DU and I'm sure it will not be my last.

 

[nmartin]

I would never ever use a travel agent again to book a disney vacation. I had an experence this week where I wanted to change my resort from All Star Sports to Pop Cent. When we called Disney ourselves, they were more than willing to switch our resort until they found out we booked with a travel agent. Apparently, when you book though a travel agency they own the booking so our travel agent had to call Disney herself. She was not happy about our request so needless to say she would not make the necessary phone calls.

In the end, my husband make several phone calls over a 6 hour period being transfered from person to person. Finally one sweetheart of a women at Disney called our travel agent to verify that a change was made.

Calling ourselves in the beginning to book our trip would have saved major frustration and wasted time. Sometimes travel agents just won't work for you.

Disney was wonderful and went over and above to make our vacation the most enjoyable it could be.

 

[DonnaSue]

I definitely recommend Dreams Unlimited. Both Sue Ellen and Marsha are more than fabulous!!! You should try them!

Donna Sue

 

[wvdislover]

I've used Small World Vacations twice now and would use them again in a heartbeat. My TA, *****, even makes sure my needs are taken care of when she's on vacation.

 

[Hoopfamily]

Go ahead and book yourself, it's just as easy and your not paying anyone for the service. Also if you do it yourself and a better deal comes along, Disney will adjust and refund you for it. With this kind of trip you're probably going to plan things out some and do research. It's more fun to do it on your own I think.
Have a great trip.