So disappointed with Dream Unlimited!

[shatzjsl]

I used DU because of all the good things I heard on this board but I am very unimpressed. The only thing they have done for me is take my room payment. I ended up making my own PS's (my choice because by 2:00 p.m. on my 90 day mark the 1st PS hadn't been made). I have received absolutely no communication from my agent, Susan, except for replies to my e-mails. I am leaving in three weeks and the only thing on my itinerary are EMH parks and the PS's that I made and sent her the information on.

This is the first time I have used a TA for a trip and I'll just say that it is a good thing I'm not paying them anything or I would be requesting a refund.

 

[mommykds]

I am sorry to hear that it didn't go well for you. I have been very apprehensive about using any TA as I am a control freak, but there were alot of good things on the board about them.

Glad you got your ps's no matter how..have fun!

 

[scanne]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I am really surprised because I've had such AMAZING experiences with DU! I would go to their main web page and find the phone number and ask to speak with a manager. My main reason for using DU was that my agent (Shirley) makes all of my PS's (or ADR's), keeps looking for AP rates and helps coordinate it all. I've used DU for two past trips and I'm currently planning 2 more with Shirley right now.

I really am disappointed that you didn't receive the service that they're known for. If you are willing to try them again, you can request an agent and I highly recommend Shirley!

Hope you can get some answers if you call them directly.

 

[shatzjsl]

I don't have an AP or AAA so maybe she feels like she has done all she can for me.

I won't use them again.

 

[Papillon]

There's no way I WOULDN'T use a TA. I used Small World for two trips now, and they are great. They g ot my AP rate for my trip this May, took care of all of the ME hassle, got AP rates for MVMCP this November, got BCV booked for a very tight time (Thanksgiving - 10 nights - 7 people!). I would absolutely have a stroke if I had to do all of that phone calling myself, with the un-educated CMs, unfriendly CMs, etc. TAs are worth their weight in gold.

 

[scubalisa]

I am so sorry to hear that. Can you change TA's at DU? We have been working with Barbara and she has been very proactive with communication and precise with all of the small details like including Michey confetti in our receipt, booking all of our PS's, and emailing pictures of Disney without being asked. She even sent a letter with small surprises to my girls from Cinderella and Snow White. Her name is BARBARA WRIGHT. Maybe you can change to her if you ask a supervisor. I hope so. Have a great trip!

 

[Tissa]

I feel the same way you do but about my Small World agent. Nothing but reply e-mails saying ok I'll apply your payment. I won't use a TA next time.

 

[java]

I am so sorry to hear that. Can you change TA's at DU? We have been working with Barbara and she has been very proactive with communication and precise with all of the small details like including Michey confetti in our receipt, booking all of our PS's, and emailing pictures of Disney without being asked. She even sent a letter with small surprises to my girls from Cinderella and Snow White. Her name is BARBARA WRIGHT. Maybe you can change to her if you ask a supervisor. I hope so. Have a great trip!

What receipt??? Now I am nervous all I have received are email confirms.

 

[Tinkaroo]

I'm sorry to hear that, too! I'm using DU for the 1st time on my upcoming Nov/Dec trip. I used a different agency for my April trip, and although it all worked out in the end, I was looking for better service. Plus, they did have a cancellation policy which I didn't like.

I took a recommendation for a particular DU agent on these boards, and am keeping my fingers crossed! She hasn't initiated a lot of contact yet, but I'm hoping that's just because it might be a bit "early". I do really want to utilize them for my AR's because it will be a really busy time at work for me. (I did however go ahead and get my MVMCP tix and LTT ressie, since they came out over a weekend, and I wanted to be sure I got what I wanted.)

I guess time will tell!! For those that have had such great experiences, did you have to keep after your agent, or did they make all the effort?

 

[MPLsDad]

When I first got bit by the Disney bug, I tried to contact DU 2 times by email but never got a personal reply to actually book a trip. In the interim, I read the boards and started planning myself. Now I'm addicted to the planning and will never use a travel agent! While I can't thank DU for a wonderfully planned trip, I can thank them for starting me off on a very rewarding hobby!

 

[foxfire]

I'm so sorry about that for you. I've read a lot of good things about DU & a few that had experiences like yours. The difference must be in the rep that works with you...

I've only used a TA once & that was through AAA. I had no problem with them but I guess I just prefer being hands on with my travel arrangements. Many don't want to deal with everything but I don't mind.

I do hope you have a great time on your trip!

 

[MomofKatie]

I feel the same as you about my TA with Magical Journeys. I thought I'd get updates, but so far the only time I hear from her is when I ask for info or send in a payment.

I asked if she would make PSs for us, and she emailed back that, well, she could, but her main job was to look for codes, and she didn't think she would be able to call for me at the 90 day mark. Seems like a cop-out to me, as codes have all but stopped altogether. I emailed back and told her not to bother- I would go ahead and do them myself. She seemed happy to have me do it.

I think from now on, I will stick to making my travel arrangements myself. The ONLY thing I haven't done myself for this trip was call Disney!

 

[Marseeya]

I was going to go through DU, but the TA who got my reservation dates didn't answer half of my e-mails and was just generally unenthusiastic about it. Needless to say, I didn't book through them.

 

[llrain]

why does anyone even use a travel agent to book anything disney when disney has their own makeshift travel service either via their web or call in...
arent u paying more by using an agent??? are u nuts or something??

I think with a name like disney people cant be that uninformed of booking direct..can they

 

[Grammy]

Wow! I'm sorry to hear some of you haven't had good experiences with your agents. I had always been a do it myself person untill we started doing big multi-generational trips. I use Magical Memories and they have been wonderful. On a trip where we did not have APs and it started looking like there would be no non-AP room only codes my agent emailed me that she had checked into what it would cost of me to join my local AAA and how much it would save me. She actually took care of securing the code and then signing me up for AAA so all I had to do was give her the go ahead and wait for my card to arrive in the mail! When they've known we were considering an AP she called the morning codes were released and had already run the numbers to tell me how much it would cost total with and without purchasing APs. We got an email when new restaurants were added to the dining plan and another when MNSSHP tickets went on sale. I always get a reminder email about 100 days before I go that my 90 window is coming up and do I want her to book anything.

I had used Magical Journeys before and they always got me a good deal and were very pleasant and professional so I had no complaints at all and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them but I wanted someone to do my PSs as well and I can say that I am very pleased with the level of service from Magical Memories!

 

[cbird]

After more than 10 trips to WDW I used DU for the first time this trip. My agent is Ann and she has been great. I got an AP rate(although Marla secured this as Ann was away) with no hassles and then they managed to upgrade the room also on an AP rate. They have also made 2 PS dates for me and put in room requests at Disney. Everything I asked for has been done. Of course when I havn't asked for anything they dont contact me. Fair enough what would they say? I will definately use them again for my next trip in March.

 

[Tinkaroo]

why does anyone even use a travel agent to book anything disney when disney has their own makeshift travel service either via their web or call in...
arent u paying more by using an agent??? are u nuts or something??

I think with a name like disney people cant be that uninformed of booking direct..can they

Most TA's specializing in Disney do not charge any fees for using their service. They earn their commission through Disney. Some don't even charge cancellation policies, beyond those Disney has in place - DU being one of these.

For an uninformed traveler, or for someone that doesn't want to necessarily keep up with all the dates and make long distance calls to Disney all the time, a TA can be a good thing. I know it was nice for me in March when the AP codes came out for beyond 4/16 and people were on hold for hours, my TA was able to secure my AP rate for me with no effort on my part.

It's all personal preference. But, I would NOT call us nuts.

 

[rcraw45425]

llrain, actualy no, you do not pay anything to DU to use their service. Their agents are compensated by Disney for booking rooms/packages. OP, I have used Sue Ellen with Dreams for two trips so far and booked a third for June, then felt the need to cancel and reschedule it for October. IN all my emai ltransactions with Sue ELlen and Dreams in general I have found them to be extremely courteous and helpful. I am so sorry that you have had a bad experience with one of their agents. I agree with a previous poster in that maybe you should call them or contact them some way and explain your situation they could change your TA. Sue Ellen has gone, IMO, above and beyond for me and my family in booking all of our trips so far. When she was unavailable due to illness or being away I receved an email from either someone in the company or in the case of illness, her husband, who was trying to fill in for her if necessary. I hope that everything works out for you and that you have a magical vacation!

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I've booked my Nov-Dec. trip with DU through Sue Ellen too. So far so good She was the first to email me a quote, which happened to be the best quote I received. I'm sorry that you haven't had the best luck with her. I do know that she had been having some email problems a few weeks ago, but I felt like she was going above and beyond to alert people to the situation. Perhaps the emails she didn't respond to (or you didn't get) were because of this?

In any event, have a great time

 

[bengalbelle]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I am really surprised because I've had such AMAZING experiences with DU! I would go to their main web page and find the phone number and ask to speak with a manager. My main reason for using DU was that my agent (Shirley) makes all of my PS's (or ADR's), keeps looking for AP rates and helps coordinate it all. I've used DU for two past trips and I'm currently planning 2 more with Shirley right now.

I really am disappointed that you didn't receive the service that they're known for. If you are willing to try them again, you can request an agent and I highly recommend Shirley!

Hope you can get some answers if you call them directly.

Yay!! I'm working with Shirley for the first time. Glad to hear this

OP, sorry it didn't work out.