Should Travel Agents have to be certified by Disney to sell Disney?

[2Tiggies]

This is not a question for which I am seeking a definitive answer, but something that has sprung to mind on many occasions, particularly over the last few months. A post by Diswolves on another thread today prompted me to open this for discussion. Mods, please feel free to move or remove if you feel this is inappropriate.


Here is my point of view on it:

For many years now, Disney has required a little more from the person booking, be that an agent or the individual doing a DIY, than your average trip. Between ever changing rules for ADRs, changes to magical express, dining plans, upgrades, park tickets ....... I don't need to tell anyone on here just how much research and constant updating goes into a Disney trip.

The recent changes with the roll out of MDE seem to have prompted a stream of issues with third party bookings for Disney packages, making it difficult for the guests to carry out even the most fundamental tasks required, such as linking reservations, getting the correct format booking reference (now not applicable for some bookings) and making ADRs when the window opens.

This is less of an issue in the USA where there are dedicated Disney agents like Dreams Unlimited for example, who seem to be well versed and trained in all things Disney.

So this begs the question: Should Disney UK make it mandatory that a certain level of training and updating be undertaken and travel agents wishing to sell packages be compelled to register/become specialist Disney Agents?

Discuss. 3, 2, 1 .... GO

 

[Elise79]

In the US they do have authorised agents and it would be something I would like to see them bring over here.

I feel for people who book packages and just don't any of the stuff they need to - they must come back never wanting to return.

 

[2Tiggies]

I feel for people who book packages and just don't any of the stuff they need to - they must come back never wanting to return.

I agree! And I personally know someone to whom this has happened and they have no plans to return. Ever. It's all very well to say that people must do their homework but many book and then go find out about the place in detail afterwards. And in theory there should be nothing wrong with that, but what we are seeing on the DIS are people who are doing that. They sign up to come and find out what they need to know, making the effort and then discover that now that their trip is booked, this newfound knowledge serves only to frustrating by highlighting what they must do, now know they should do and can't do because the agent is clueless.

 

[flortlebap]

From what I've seen on the US boards, even their TAs don't seem to understand what they are talking about lol!

Nothing can prepare you for WDW like the experience of having many trips under your belt though, IMO. I'm still learning new things every year. And I dare say I'm much more qualified than some of the WDW TAs

 

[buttercup1982]

I wish I had gone direct with Disney, I decided to go with a travel agent as it was such a lot of money I could always hold them accountable haha. Little would I know they were the cause of the problem!

 

[Zeebs]

I don't think WDW cares to be honest. I don't think repeat visitors is where they focus, new uneducated (to Disney not thick) people will always go to Disney, if they have a crappy time because they didn't research then Disney still has their money and a new family will be coming along soon for their first trip. Some will still have a great time and will return with the knowledge to do it a bit, but some will never go again.

Kirsten

 

[DISWolves]

I agree that all TA's selling Disney holidays should have a certain level of knowledge of how the current systems operate. A friends family are making a first time trip in September, and together during a number of social evenings, have discussed tha various aspect of a Disney trip. Parks - Transport - Accomodation - Dining - Fastpasses etc and this has helped ease the stress of trying to maximise the enjoyment of their three week stay. Why we cannot label all with the same tag, as I have said in a previous post, there is a lot more knowledge on these boards than in any travel agents. Maybe a structured seminar prepared and presented by Disney to a higher level of TA's, who in turn can then pass the lessons down to the various stores.

 

[VailaTigger]

I think all TA's should know what they are selling - whether it's WDW or anywhere else in the world.
Not necessarily have been to the places (though personal knowledge is priceless) but have at least done their research.

My first trip to WDW we booked with Virgin, had an amazing time, had a hurricane, and also had 9/11... We didn't know any of the stuff we know now, but still had an amazing holiday. However there were things we paid for which we now know we didn't need to, and the same with some things we did.

I've been lucky enough to have visited 5 times now, which for my friends and family makes me a veteran, but I know so little!! I learn something new on here every day.

Long reply to basically say, yes, I agree, training and research should be part of a TA's job.

 

[joolz1910]

This is why I was happy to book with Val - she has been herself numerous times and is an expert on Disney.

Being on the Dis should be compulsory for anyone considering booking a WDW trip.

 

[chmurf]

I will play devil's advocate here.

One could argue that before asking TAs to know what they're talking about, Disney could make sure that their CMs all know what they're talking about in the first place.

I'm always amazed at how unreliable Cast Members can be when you ask questions.
As long as you know what you want, i.e. booking a restaurant, tour, room, package and so on, then you are okay (most of the time).
But, ask a Cast Member about a policiy (recently, the actual paper prints on the PP+) and you'll get so many different and conflicting answers that you feel sorry you asked.

Of course TAs are always 3 steps behind, but with the everchanging policies and systems, even CMs can be 2 steps behind.

I think it's difficult to ask for a certain level of knowledge from TAs when Disney itself has trouble keeping all their Cast Members up to speed.

This doesn't mean they should not require that level of knowledge, it just means that they should start at home.

Now, my opinion is that whoever is booking through a TA instead of Disney direct is only asking for trouble (I'm not saying it's wrong, or whatever, I'm just saying that talking to the boss is often more efficient that having your message delivered to the barista at the starbucks across the road where the boss's intern goes get the coffee every morning)

 

[scoobydooby]

Where ever you go on holiday, if you know MORE about it that the travel agent does, you instantly realise they know very little about any of their destinations. It would be good if we had specialist Disney agents like they have in the US, because they really do know their stuff.

 

[zippy99]

I must confess we have booked through a couple of TAs (first choice & Virgin) we have found it easier to book thru WDTC as technology has progressed

Part of me thinks that MDE is an advert to use WDTC over others - just for the peace of mind. As a seasoned visitor I would much prefer to pay an extra bit and know that I have my reservation number and no stress for making my FastPasses + bookings or ADRs.

In fairness though, the majority of people (like me when I booked with Virgin and payed £160 for transfers to POFQ) do not know any better so can't miss out as they were not aware.

Everyone's circumstances are different but for us our time is more important than shaving off a few £££s here and there to get a cheaper deal and have the stress of trying to link things up.

Please be aware I am not implying that not booking with WDTC is the cheapest and. That for some a package may afford greater savings. But I believe you get what you put in - any seasoned visitor who knows their stuff should be asking these questions of a TA if you are a novice you do t know what you are missing....

A large % of disney guests do not use FastPasses, have no idea of touring strategies yet still have a great time and for those of us in The know ..... Make sure you book with someone who understands - the only reason not to book with WDTC is price so you should therefore consider the value of the additional work you need to put in against any saving.