Switching TAs within agency after quote?

[mrsgthatsme]

I recently requested a quote for our cruise from one of the Disney exclusive travel agencies. I am feeling a little nervous about booking with the agent who gave me the quote since she made several fairly major mistakes on the quote. then I requested she change the errors and send me a new quote and it is been two days with no response. If I contact a different TA within that same agency will they be able to see that she already started working with me and not be able to work with me? I wasn't sure if the agents within the agency were connected in any way or if they were just each on their own. At this point I'd really like to just use my local agent but she does not offer any onboard credit.

 

[ludari]

I think two days with no response is unacceptable. I know when I call my TA and call later and get a different TA they never send me back to the original TA. They just grab my file, read the notes and asks how can they help me. Obviously I don't know which TA you are using but I live in SoCal and use a TA in Florida and they seem to always be around to answer my calls regardless if the time difference. Send me a PM if you want the name of my TA.

 

[ktb2002]

One thing to keep in mind, TAs might be swamped right now due to cancellations and changes because of the hurricane. Disney exclusive TAs are also dealing with WDW reservations. I'd definitely reach out to another agent though based on the major mistakes with he quote. Wouldn't hurt to email the owner of the agency if possible and express your concerns.

 

[cmph]

Does the agency have an owner/manager you could contact directly to ask for a switch?

I agree the agents all need some leeway on returning messages this week for sure, b/c Irma changes are going to take up all of their time. However, I wouldn't be happy with the "major mistakes" part, and if you don't know the agent personally - I would want to switch too. One mistake, ok, no biggie, but a few? Especially if they directly affecting the, well, PRICE part of the quote (wrong cabin category, etc) - that's not very promising.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

I recently requested a quote for our cruise from one of the Disney exclusive travel agencies. I am feeling a little nervous about booking with the agent who gave me the quote since she made several fairly major mistakes on the quote. then I requested she change the errors and send me a new quote and it is been two days with no response. If I contact a different TA within that same agency will they be able to see that she already started working with me and not be able to work with me? I wasn't sure if the agents within the agency were connected in any way or if they were just each on their own. At this point I'd really like to just use my local agent but she does not offer any onboard credit.

Not sure if you used Dreams Unlimited Travel for your quote but if so please email me directly at John@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com and I will be happy to assist you.

 

[mrsgthatsme]

It wasn't Dreams Unlimited, but thanks for offering to help! That's a good point that the hurricane issues are probably swamping the TAs right now. It's been over 48 hrs now since I asked for the adjusted quote with the right information. Is this excessive even given the hurricane or should I give her a little more time?

 

[NS8VN]

If you check out the Irma thread in the WDW forum you will see that currently the hold time is 6+ hours to talk with Disney. Assuming your TA has any clients scheduled this week they may well have several phone lines going at once trying to get everything sorted out for their clients and it is just a mess. If they also helped them book travel that is just even more of a nightmare. While getting you the information you asked for is important, right now it simply has to be given the lowest priority. I would definitely consider giving this a few days to blow over (pun not intended) before pursuing the cruise.

As far as when you do continue the process, you are free to choose any agent at any agency up until you actually book the cruise. I would take in to account the mess the agent you are currently working with is dealing with and give her another chance, but if your gut is still telling you to work with someone else before you actually book then that is entirely up to you whether you work with that person or not.

 

[bumbershoot]

At this point I'd really like to just use my local agent but she does not offer any onboard credit.

Any of the agencies will give you basically the same quote. The only difference is in perks.

I personally don't do the quote nonsense. I go to a site and I book. That means I either use Disney direct or I go through costcotravel.com. And since the latter gives excellent perks in the form of a Costco gift card once I cruise, I'm good with them.

If I have to get a quote, can't get ahold of anyone, and can get good perks elsewhere, I'm going elsewhere.

 

[mrsgthatsme]

Thanks to all for your thoughts. Honestly, the only reason I am waiting to book through this TA is the $150 OBC and the fact that my understanding is that she will monitor for future sales or price drops before the sailing. I know exactly which cabin I want and have no issue doing it myself, but I hate to give up $150 OBC.

 

[lanejudy]

she will monitor for future sales or price drops before the sailing

Just be aware that such things are quite rare for DCL. DCL's pricing model increases fares as more staterooms are booked. The specials they do offer usually after the PIF (pay in full) date and are subject to cancellation penalty. Any adjustments in port fees or taxes will automatically be refunded to all passengers. But the OBC may be worth waiting a few days.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[mrsgthatsme]

Good to know. I hadn't thought of Costco. Any downside to booking through them over an exclusive Disney TA? Looks like the Costco card they'd give me would be more than the OBC.