Should I switch my reservation to a TA?

[gr8tdame]

I booked the bounceback last year directly through Disney.
I usually called @180+10 at 7 a.m and have always been able to get Le Cellier, Coral reef etc.
This year with the changes to 90 day mark and online booking by TAs would it be better to switch to a TA. My 90 day mark is June 20. We will be a WDW Sept18-Oct 13 .... 15 nights.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Condorman]

I booked the bounceback last year directly through Disney.
I usually called @180+10 at 7 a.m and have always been able to get Le Cellier, Coral reef etc.
This year with the changes to 90 day mark and online booking by TAs would it be better to switch to a TA. My 90 day mark is June 20. We will be a WDW Sept18-Oct 13 .... 15 nights.
Any advice would be appreciated.

You're over-thinking the process. Yes, with it being 90+10 instead of 180+10 you are competing with many more people who want the same coveted tables as you. However, switching to a TA and paying them extra doesn't guarantee you'll get those tables. I've said this a hundred times and I'll repeat it until I'm blue in the face: Whenever you hear someone say Ohana, Le Cellier, Chef Mickey's and Coral Reef were completely booked solid for the entire week of their stay, that just isn't true. All it means is the table size that person wanted at the times they needed were unavailable. They wanted a table for 5, 6 or 7 and only tables for 2, 4 and 10 were available, and Disney Dining does not give out a table for 10 to a party of 6. If you call at 7:00 am, you're more than likely to be on hold for 30-40 minutes. I would wait until 9-10:00 am EST, get right thru and do your best.

For every horror story I have read on these boards about someone not getting the ADRs of their dreams, I have read a story detailing one's success. Good luck.

 

[marciemi]

That would be my thought as well. I booked directly through Disney and felt kind of "cheated" that I didn't have the advantages TA's do. That said, however, you really would need to have a TA you had a lot of faith in, especially if you're used to doing everything yourself. Would you really be able to find someone at this point who would be willing to stay up until midnight, or get up at the crack of dawn, in order to make your ADR's for you? Would you want them calling you then to ask about changes/alternatives? I just couldn't give up that autonomy and put my trust in someone else, especially if you were just calling them now (rather than someone you'd known and trusted for many years). I called on my day 90 and got everything we wanted (although it took a few days to get a decent 'Ohana time for dinner). If you're flexible, you may be better off doing it yourself, especially in terms of making backup choices on the fly.

 

[LindyN]

You're over-thinking the process. Yes, with it being 90+10 instead of 180+10 you are competing with many more people who want the same coveted tables as you. However, switching to a TA and paying them extra doesn't guarantee you'll get those tables. I've said this a hundred times and I'll repeat it until I'm blue in the face: Whenever you hear someone say Ohana, Le Cellier, Chef Mickey's and Coral Reef were completely booked solid for the entire week of their stay, that just isn't true. All it means is the table size that person wanted at the times they needed were unavailable. They wanted a table for 5, 6 or 7 and only tables for 2, 4 and 10 were available, and Disney Dining does not give out a table for 10 to a party of 6. If you call at 7:00 am, you're more than likely to be on hold for 30-40 minutes. I would wait until 9-10:00 am EST, get right thru and do your best.

For every horror story I have read on these boards about someone not getting the ADRs of their dreams, I have read a story detailing one's success. Good luck.

The vast majority of TAs whos specialize in Disney DO NOT HAVE ADDITIONAL FEES. You should not pay any more when you book Disney with a TA, but you need to check the fine print of the agency. TAs provide a service, and the quality of the service depends upon the TA. A TA should work with their client, and not "take over"--but that also depends upon the agent and the agency. Many people book with a TA for ADRs and codes. The agency will have the reservation but its still the same trip at the same price. The guest just can not call disney regarding the reservation when a TA is on the trip.

A TA should save you time, and many save you time and money too.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

The vast majority of TAs whos specialize in Disney DO NOT HAVE ADDITIONAL FEES. You should not pay any more when you book Disney with a TA, but you need to check the fine print of the agency. TAs provide a service, and the quality of the service depends upon the TA. A TA should work with their client, and not "take over"--but that also depends upon the agent and the agency. Many people book with a TA for ADRs and codes. The agency will have the reservation but its still the same trip at the same price. The guest just can not call disney regarding the reservation when a TA is on the trip.

A TA should save you time, and many save you time and money too.

Well said, Lindy. I know several TA's in my agency that are getting up at 3:00 am for those hard to get ADR's for clients.

A good TA watches specials for you, reliably makes your ADR's, and much much more.

 

[Condorman]

The vast majority of TAs whos specialize in Disney DO NOT HAVE ADDITIONAL FEES. You should not pay any more when you book Disney with a TA, but you need to check the fine print of the agency. TAs provide a service, and the quality of the service depends upon the TA. A TA should work with their client, and not "take over"--but that also depends upon the agent and the agency. Many people book with a TA for ADRs and codes. The agency will have the reservation but its still the same trip at the same price. The guest just can not call disney regarding the reservation when a TA is on the trip.

A TA should save you time, and many save you time and money too.

Well said, Lindy. I know several TA's in my agency that are getting up at 3:00 am for those hard to get ADR's for clients.

A good TA watches specials for you, reliably makes your ADR's, and much much more.

That's fine. But many do charge fees, and as you stated one should check the fine print. Unless a TA is in your head, and knows how gung-ho you are about getting ADRs, and knows all the alternative spots and times and itinerary changes you are willing to make, one is better off calling themselves. Most TAs will not get up at 3:00 am. You mention that several will -- three, maybe five -- but that's because you post on these boards and ADRs are a serious matter to you. Thousands of TAs would not show that sort of dedication, and if you asked them to do so they would likely charge an additional fee. There was a time, 10-20 years ago and beyond when TAs were the best, and in some cases, the only choice in travel. With the proliferation of the internet in the past 10 years, there is nothing a TA can do that a traveler performing their own due diligence cannot perform themselves, saving time and money, and perhaps learning a little something during the process. I'm not knocking TAs. To each his own. I just laugh at the idea of someone going with a TA specifically to get ADRs.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

That's fine. But many do charge fees, and as you stated one should check the fine print. Unless a TA is in your head, and knows how gung-ho you are about getting ADRs, and knows all the alternative spots and times and itinerary changes you are willing to make, one is better off calling themselves. Most TAs will not get up at 3:00 am. You mention that several will -- three, maybe five -- but that's because you post on these boards and ADRs are a serious matter to you. Thousands of TAs would not show that sort of dedication, and if you asked them to do so they would likely charge an additional fee. There was a time, 10-20 years ago and beyond when TAs were the best, and in some cases, the only choice in travel. With the proliferation of the internet in the past 10 years, there is nothing a TA can do that a traveler performing their own due diligence cannot perform themselves, saving time and money, and perhaps learning a little something during the process. I'm not knocking TAs. To each his own. I just laugh at the idea of someone going with a TA specifically to get ADRs.

I definitely agree, most will not. That's why if you want to use a TA, you need to find a great TA, one that specializes in Disney.

I also understand wanting to do it all on your own too. I did it for years on my own. You're right, I've never known someone to switch to a TA just for ADR's, but it can save you a ton of time.

When I make ADR's for someone I have a very detailed list. First choices with time ranges. Backups, etc. Once I understand what a client wants, I can make some informed decisions on the rare occasions I can't find something.

 

[Paradise East]

I booked the bounceback last year directly through Disney.
I usually called @180+10 at 7 a.m and have always been able to get Le Cellier, Coral reef etc.
This year with the changes to 90 day mark and online booking by TAs would it be better to switch to a TA. My 90 day mark is June 20. We will be a WDW Sept18-Oct 13 .... 15 nights.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Now I'm confused.....
My reading of the above quote is that the OP has already made her ressie by a bounceback offer and the time to make the ADR's is June 20. And she is thinking of "switching " the reservation to a TA.
Why would ANY TA take this resevation. The TA will not, as least I think not, make a commission from Disney as this is already an existing ressie and she will not make any commission from making the ADR's.
Did I miss something somewhere ?

 

[Avonlady1001]

Now I'm confused.....
My reading of the above quote is that the OP has already made her ressie by a bounceback offer and the time to make the ADR's is June 20. And she is thinking of "switching " the reservation to a TA.
Why would ANY TA take this resevation. The TA will not, as least I think not, make a commission from Disney as this is already an existing ressie and she will not make any commission from making the ADR's.
Did I miss something somewhere ?

I believe if the TA takes over an existing ressie, they DO get the commission. (Maybe a TA can confirm or correct?) When I made my bounceback ressie while in Disney, my sister (who is my TA) called Disney & took it over...she made the commission. They do NOT make commission on ADR's...they do it as a courtesy.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I believe if the TA takes over an existing ressie, they DO get the commission. (Maybe a TA can confirm or correct?) When I made my bounceback ressie while in Disney, my sister (who is my TA) called Disney & took it over...she made the commission. They do NOT make commission on ADR's...they do it as a courtesy.

That is correct.

 

[etraible]

Sorry to digress and go off topic, but I have to ask Disneyfalcon - did you take those awesome photographs??? They're amazing.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Sorry to digress and go off topic, but I have to ask Disneyfalcon - did you take those awesome photographs??? They're amazing.

Thanks etraible! I did! Photography is a hobby of mine, and Disney provides the greatest photo ops!

 

[Paradise East]

I believe if the TA takes over an existing ressie, they DO get the commission. (Maybe a TA can confirm or correct?) When I made my bounceback ressie while in Disney, my sister (who is my TA) called Disney & took it over...she made the commission. They do NOT make commission on ADR's...they do it as a courtesy.

Very interesting ...
Thanks for the clarification.
We learn something new every day.
So I guess that means the Disney Travel Co. agents work on a salary basis (hourly or weekly) because it would be kinda rotten if I make my ressie through them and their commission was recinded and given to a TA if I gave my existing ressie to another agent.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

I book it myself

 

[Sandy321]

Isnt there a theory, or rumor that the TA's can book adr's online and the thought is maybe they are getting the hard to get ressies because of the online reservation system?

 

[shruley]

I've used 3 different TAs for my last 3 Disney trips and have never paid anything extra. I would never book a vacation on my own again. The one trip was a Cruise, but I had my TA do all my ADRs for the other 2 trips, and I think they did better than I would have. The first trip I know my TA was up calling right at 7 am or whenever, because she got my CRT breakfast! This time with the online booking she has, let's just say she had all my ADRs done before I would've even be allowed to call myself. She got me everything I wanted at the exact times, including Chef Mickey's the night after our arrival. (That was probably our hardest to get.) She also got us dinner in the castle arrival night, Norway Princess Dinner, Prime Time Cafe on a Fantasmic night. She also ordered my birthday cake for me, added the birthday notations on the ADR. Now I admit I am a control freak, but I do NOT miss getting up at 6 am to make these calls. And with my job, I'd have to be late for work to be able to call right away. I don't get people who put down using a TA? Same with free dining, I have booked with her ahead of time but told her I was really hoping for free dining, and I believe she had my reservation switched over to the FD before I even woke up the day the code was released. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Avonlady1001]

Isnt there a theory, or rumor that the TA's can book adr's online and the thought is maybe they are getting the hard to get ressies because of the online reservation system?

It's not a theory or a rumor. The TA online res system is working. Even the TA online system can't guarantee you will get everything you want, though. It's the same system the Disney people are using...same availability. Only difference is the TA doens't have to wait on hold first. Some people think they have an "edge" right now...don't know if that's really true. I think right now, it's a lot of luck.

 

[marcielm]

Just an FYI... a TA can't take over the ressie if it's paid in full. And I agree with other posters, find one who likes to plan Disney trips, and is willing to be up and making ADR's for you. There are a few out there that do it for the love of planning Disney.

 

[vgrandy]

I've been very happy with my TA. I don't know how but she got my ADRs made before my 90 day mark. I am arriving 9/3 and my ressies were made 6/1. I got LeCellier, CRT, Ohana and HDDR as well as others.

 

[LindyN]

It's not a theory or a rumor. The TA online res system is working. Even the TA online system can't guarantee you will get everything you want, though. It's the same system the Disney people are using...same availability. Only difference is the TA doens't have to wait on hold first. Some people think they have an "edge" right now...don't know if that's really true. I think right now, it's a lot of luck.

Its not luck... its persistence and skill. The system is very quirky.

I've had some conversations with my guests about where, when, and what time, and their alternatives, so I have been able to get them what they wanted.