Should I use a travel agent

[aeenser]

We will be doing our first Disney Cruise next fall. I am a DVC member and am very familiar with WDW reservation systems. Are the systems for the cruises that different as far as transportation, dinners and excursions? Is there any benefit to us using a travel agent to help us with that? We will be spending a couple nights at WDW before and after with our DVC membership so I will already being doing our reservations for those days.

 

[bibbidibobbidibecky]

I'm not sure if things are different if you are booking with points, but the DCL is the only type of vacation where I do use a travel agent and that's only because they get you on board credit (OBC). If you aren't familiar with that, it's essentially free money to use on board however you want...tips, drinks, shopping etc. I find that Dreams Unlimited (affiliated with this board) gives the most OBC.

Beyond the initial booking, you are in charge of booking your own excursions, Palo, etc. and will be able to log onto the DCL site and manage your reservation. Hope this helps!

 

[princesskayla]

I think using a travel agent for the OBC is not worth the added hassle. Anytime you want to do anything with your reservation, you are at the mercy of your travel agent to do this. I had a bad one and it took two weeks for them to apply my final payment, extra time to get my documents and I wasn't able to grab secret porthole rooms that opened up because my travel agent didn't respond to my calls or emails right away. By the time I got a hold of her and explained what I wanted and she got around to talking with Disney, the rooms had been taken. But if I had done the reservation myself, I would have had those secret porthole rooms.

The only time it worth using a TA is if you go to Target or Sam's Club to get Disney gift cards to pay off your cruise, then you can email a copy of the cards and they can spend hours on the phone to pay off your cruise instead of you. Then it is probably worth it. That's my 2cents.

 

[Anisum]

I personally agree with @princesskayla . I've used TAs in the past and even with great ones I find that I just like to be in control and if that means sacrificing some onboard credit I'm willing to do so and will find savings elsewhere.

 

[aeenser]

Thanks everyone! Anyone have anything I must do while abroad the dream?

 

[jrabbit]

Anyone have anything I must do while abroad the dream?

• Have Fun
• Don't stress about the cruise - it almost takes care of itself
• try new foods - if you don't like something, your servers will bring you something else
• you can't do it all - but SLEEP is for AFTER the cruise
• Mainstage shows (in Walt Disney Theater) at time opposite of your dinner time
• the shows inbetween the dinner seatings
• the late night show adult shows late night (10:30/10:45pm-ish) in Evolution
• Lounger on deck 4 in the shade watching the ocean slip by (or napping is good too)
• I think they have recently added Satellite Falls up on deck 13 forward - is a great place to sit in some water and be in the sun or shade if you want.(Adults only)
• Mid Ship Detective Agency - fun way to find your way around the ship
• Pirates deck party and fireworks
• Sail away party (free) with a cool drink (extra charge, adult and kid versions)
• etc...

 

[tvguy]

I personally agree with @princesskayla . I've used TAs in the past and even with great ones I find that I just like to be in control and if that means sacrificing some onboard credit I'm willing to do so and will find savings elsewhere.

Personal preference really.
For people like anisum and princesskayla, they feel they are giving up control. People like me don't feel we give up any control by allowing a professional to do on the work for free. I'm glad to let them wait on hold for me with Disney, the airlline the hotel etc, and a good TA will clear everything with a client, so you are still 100% in control.
ONly thing I had to do was confirm that what was booked was what I wanted, and write the check.

 

[Billinaz]

Costco. You get the best return in the form of a costco cash card. No OBC even comes close. You can get your reservation all set up then give the reservation number to costco and they take care of the payments. You get the best of both worlds, the reservation the way you want it set up and a cash card on your return.

 

[Debbie]

Personal preference really.
For people like anisum and princesskayla, they feel they are giving up control. People like me don't feel we give up any control by allowing a professional to do on the work for free. I'm glad to let them wait on hold for me with Disney, the airlline the hotel etc, and a good TA will clear everything with a client, so you are still 100% in control.
Only thing I had to do was confirm that what was booked was what I wanted, and write the check.

Yes, that is how I feel. I am fortunate to have dealt with good TA's for DCL, HAL, NL, and, even, recently for WDW (great deals that I've booked before Disney even comes out with them). I could easily do the work, and I still book any 'extras' for the cruise myself. Only payment is different, and that is as easy as pie.

 

[aeenser]

If i used a travel agent would i still be able to change on shore activities myself or book an extra reservation for a special dinner or spa or do they do this for you? I assume I can change anything through the navigator app.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If i used a travel agent would i still be able to change on shore activities myself or book an extra reservation for a special dinner or spa or do they do this for you? I assume I can change anything through the navigator app.

All the TA handles is any monetary exchanges/concerns. Manages the basic reservation. You can book your own excursions/adult dining, and do your own online check in when your window opens. Or you can ask your TA to do it.

You can only book one each brunch&dinner at Palo&Remy precruise. For additional reservations you have to wait until you are onboard.

 

[MarlaSingersLaundry]

Costco. You get the best return in the form of a costco cash card. No OBC even comes close. You can get your reservation all set up then give the reservation number to costco and they take care of the payments. You get the best of both worlds, the reservation the way you want it set up and a cash card on your return.

Can you explane this a little more please? I can book and then call Costco and they take over my reservation?

 

[orion2185]

All the TA handles is any monetary exchanges/concerns. Manages the basic reservation. You can book your own excursions/adult dining, and do your own online check in when your window opens. Or you can ask your TA to do it.

You can only book one each brunch&dinner at Palo&Remy precruise. For additional reservations you have to wait until you are onboard.

we have only had experiences with Dreams Unlimited Travel (which is hands down AMAZING!!)

agree with PrincessShmoo

the TA only handles the monetary exchanges. Meaning you can't call DCL direct yourself to apply payment. This has to be done via your TA

However....

all excursions, dining, spa and so forth....can be done by US (not the TA...unless you request assistance with those)

we log onto DCL website...and make our excursion, dining, spa etc bookings.
We also can complete online check in
order any stateroom gifts etc

just like anyone else does.

so why not take advantage of a TA and Dreams Unlimited Travels generous onboard booking credits.


As far as the other posters go....don't know why your giving up control.
you just can't make a payment yourself.... and sorry TA....they can wait on hold...not me.
everything else you can do.


We use to have the mindset of why anyone would use any kind of travel agent. Without going into long story...we are entertainers and tour worldwide. We make all the tour bookings, flights, hotels, visas and other logistical arrangements for our cast/crew/performers. So we are well versed in multiple areas of travel.
Never "thought" we needed a travel agent...as we are more than capable to handle these details.

Fastforward to start of this year...we got married at Castaway Cay and decided using a dedicated TA would be much easier for our guest/family.... Then having us deal with everyone
as Majority of our guest came internationally from all over...to many specific details to handle

WE WILL NEVER NOT USE A TRAVEL AGENT!!!!

Tracey H @ Dreams Unlimited Travel is amazing!!
so many great tips and she is such a knowledge bank for all things Disney.

Dreams is an online TA
but Tracey is lighting quick at emails...often replying very quickly...or at least a quick note to let you know that she's looking into things.

I guess TA really come down to the person as they are a service biz
I'm sure there are loads of poor TA's out there...but that was not our experience with Dreams or Tracey H


If your on the fence about using a TA...the only way to know what your missing...is to give them a chance.
you guessed it...we recommend (and we normally never recommend anything) Dreams Unlimited Travel and Tracey H (but heard all their agents are just as great as Tracey)

even if you don't think a TA is for you...take advantage of the free on board credits
its extra spending money whilst on the ship...and who does not like free or extra money?

all you have to do is give up the ability to make a payment yourself over the phone direct with DCL

You still have to log into Dreams travel system and lodge your payment online
so you still get that "I'm making a payment...this is real feeling"