Should you book vacation with Travel agent or by yourself?

[Mickeycrazy]

Hello,
We're heading to Disney World feb. 1, 2003 (sounds so far off),
we are talking to a travel agent currently, but can we do better by ourselves? My wife can get tickets cheaper (she works for FEDEX), but what about room rates?
Any help is appreciated.
Todd

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

JMHO, but, I think you can do better yourself. Keep reading here, there are a lot of helpful hints to save money.

 

[B3LM]

JMHO, too, but I prefer to do everything myself. These boards are a tremendous help, too!

Beth

 

[Mom B]

Hi. I also wondered whether it would be a good idea to book all of our vacation on my own or go through the travel agent we had used before. Mostly by coincidence and circumstance, we are ending up doing a little bit of both.

I started out early watching Expedia and Travelocity for air fares; ended up booking our own (directly through the airline) when they showed a really good rate. Yet I was too nervous about doing it all myself, forgetting an important detail, etc.

Fortunately, we have a great relationship with our travel agent, whom we've used before (and she used to be my day care provider when the kids were little). She was okay with us doing some of it on our own, and she just handles the things I asked her to do (for example, our "Park and Fly" reservations for the night before the trip and our weekend reservations in Coca Beach after we leave Disney property) and she can give us advice when we need it.

We could have gotten our park passes through her, but I got better rates though Disney Club. We got better airfare rates than she could get. We rented DVC points on our own for most of our stay. She booked our single night at ASMo at the Disney Club rate. So it's a real mixture.

She did ask that we get together a month or so before the trip and make sure all the arrangements are together on the itinerary (I try to keep her informed when I make reservations on my own as we go, though).

I think she's really being understanding and accommodating (that's what customer service is all about), but in effect I'm doing a lot of the work (couldn't leave it alone anyway) and she's getting credit for the trip, so hopefully it works out okay for all of us.

Maybe this wouldn't work for some, but so far we seem to be doing okay.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Maybe I'm having an atypically bad experience, but I will probably never use a travel agent again. She told me that she could get me the same room rate as I could with DC, but once the trip was booked it turned out to be rack rate. Then, when new discounts were offered, she told me that I was stuck with the reservation that I'd made, or face a service charge of $50 per person to change it (and this is with trip insurance). She arranged for Mears after I'd told her I'd booked Tiffany Town Car. I considered cancelling entirely and rebooking everything myself, but to be honest, I'm worn out. Everything has been paid in full for months, too, so I'm just waiting to enjoy WDW and trying not to think about all the money I could have saved. BTW, this agent is from a reputable travel agency.

I'm positive that the tips I've picked up here will enable me to do much better than any travel agency for future trips. However you decide, good luck!

Lori

 

[DisneyDazed]

Def book on your own. Last year we went to disney with our friends. They booked thru the travel agent and we booked by ourselves thanks to these boards! They stayed at the all stars for 8 days with park hopper tickets, while we stayed at CBR for 14 days and purchased 2 PAPs! Their airfare had a connecting flight, ours was direct. When all was saiad and done with all the tickets airfare rooms, they spent almost about $800 to $1000 more than we did and we had the better vacation!

 

[drgnfly30]

Definately do it yourself...I actually had my friend at work cancel her booking through the travel agent when I booked her room at POR & saved her $900 on that alone! She was so grateful she returned with a Tinkerbell gift for me (my favorite!) Disney is expensive no matter how you add it up but to me every penny saved is a penny towards my next trip! Good luck!
Christine

 

[disneychic]

Definately do it yourself!! If you're on these boards, you can find some amazing codes for resort discounts, budget tips, etc. I think you can do a much better job on your own. Especially if you're internet savy (which you must be, you're on the DIS boards!) Being on the internet, you have the opportunity to really find alot of things out regarding discounts, pricing, and you'll be able to really find lots of things out about resorts, which one would suit your family best, best prices, location, etc. I'd say go for it and do it yourself!

 

[BELLA1]

There are sooo many ways to save money.
I know that the boards can be overwhelming with information. But, there are lots of great money saving tips.

And, lots of great people who are willing to help!! Check out MONEY SAVING CODES

 

[Sammy]

Another vote for do it yourself! When I was a WDW "newbie" planning first family trip, I booked through a travel agent. Was quoted a price of $5,500 for airfare, room, tix for family of 5 (this was for value season!). Found these boards, booked entire vacation myself and cancelled travel agent ressie. The entire trip, <i>including all food and spending $$'s</i> ended up costing $3,800 for 9 days!!! There is soooooo much info on these boards and on Mousesavers.....you can save yourself a bundle!!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Ummm call me crazy, but my Dreams agent on my last trip did a wonderful job for me. I asked her about codes all the time, but she told me with packages they weren't available. With room only she said she would have definitely kept an eye out for me. I'm going with Dreams again for my trip next May, but I will also be looking for those codes at the Allstars for $49 a night...hope I can find them!!

 

[Gillian]

We used dreams for most of our trip, and did some of it ourselves (airfare, car rental). They are wonderful! Plus it helps out the boards, which wouldn't be here if we didn't support them.

Our agent has been great at helping plan everything, and they are always looking for a better deal for you. There is no penalty for changing to a better rate, as there is with a traditional travel agency, unless Disney charges a fee (like if it's too close to the trip).

Here is a thread from Pete with links to Dreams and DISavers:
http://disboards.com/announcement.php?s=&forumid=12

Happy planning!

 

[Mickeycrazy]

We used dreams for most of our trip, and did some of it ourselves (airfare, car rental). They are wonderful! Plus it helps out the boards, which wouldn't be here if we didn't support them.

We're going to do a combination also. Our agent is handling room and air, we're doing tickets (my wife gets a great deal-she works for a corporate sponsor), and transfers. Our agent seems great, and since this is our first ime since 1990 we want the easiest way possible, with hte fewest headaches. In 2 years we may try to take on more.
Todd