TA necessary or not?

[email_shell]

Besides helping book ADRs, what are the added benefits of a TA? Trying to determine if I am not making any ADRs, if I should still book through one rather than directly.

TIA


Michelle

 

[plutospalforever]

Besides helping book ADRs, what are the added benefits of a TA? Trying to determine if I am not making any ADRs, if I should still book through one rather than directly.

TIA

Michelle

I have used a Disney Authorized Vacation Planner my last 4 trips. The main reason I use one is if a promo comes out such as free dining, then she will automatically call Disney and have it added to my ressie. This is important to me because between my work not allowing us to carry phones and my kids' schedules, I may not be able to call first thing. They also usually give a token of appreciation like a Disney gift card or in room gift. Sometimes I make all my own ADRs but if its a hard to get one, I may have her try as well. This trip we both tried for BOG-she got a 6:30 and all I got was an 8:30. I kept hers and cancelled mine.

 

[cmwade77]

I have used a Disney Authorized Vacation Planner my last 4 trips. The main reason I use one is if a promo comes out such as free dining, then she will automatically call Disney and have it added to my ressie. This is important to me because between my work not allowing us to carry phones and my kids' schedules, I may not be able to call first thing. They also usually give a token of appreciation like a Disney gift card or in room gift. Sometimes I make all my own ADRs but if its a hard to get one, I may have her try as well. This trip we both tried for BOG-she got a 6:30 and all I got was an 8:30. I kept hers and cancelled mine.

We did a walk-up for BOG a couple days ago and waited only about 25 minutes or so! We got done right as the fireworks were starting and since we weren't interested (despite the bridge being a great spot) as we live near Disneyland and they have a much better show in our opinion, we went to Enchanted Tales with Belle and it only had a 10 minute wait for the next show!

Now, we obviously ate later than 6:30, but I just want people to know that it's possible.

As for the OP's question, if I am not using DVC points and getting a discount that they can't help with, I always book through a travel agent. It's nice to send a simple email with when we want to do what and let them get it for us. Also, they do usually give something extra, which can be a nice bonus. Additionally, they make sure all of the paperwork is correct and fix it if it isn't, such as missing flight information from Magical Express, etc.

 

[winnieatepooh]

Last year I used a AAA TA and while in theory I received a few added benefits (special parking, preferred fireworks viewing) none of these things actually panned out - We do not rent a car, and when I called to book the fireworks viewing they were already full. I then relied on the TA for having all of my information in order and calling me in a timely manner. This year I booked directly through Disney and I couldn't be happier. I even booked my flight with them. I was on the phone for less than 10 minutes and had everything booked. They emailed me all of my confirmation numbers so I could link it to my online Disney account and keep track of everything myself.

Also my TA didn't give me the option to book my ADR's for me - plus I would rather book them myself to make sure I get the exact place and time I want have the best selection. So really for me there were no benefits and I'm glad to have done it myself now. The process was very easy and stress free, and maybe this way I'll eventually receive one of those coveted PIN codes for future discounts!

 

[theholmesbunch]

Like the others have stated using a TA is not neccessary, but can make the planning easier. If you are looking for pricing for multiple resorts they can do this for you. Most agencies do offer perks. If you send me a pm I can give you the name of an agent I have used.

 

[davedmaine]

If you know your way around the internet at all, you don't need a TA. You can find the deals on your own with a little searching.
And for the record, I can't understand why anyone would use a TA to book an ADR; I really can't.

 

[theholmesbunch]

It all depends on if they are running a special when you are going. Some travel agencies get a discount on rooms below what you can find yourself on the internet.

 

[ajfd]

And for the record, I can't understand why anyone would use a TA to book an ADR; I really can't.

When we decided to go to WDW only 6 weeks ahead of time, we couldn't get any ADR we wanted via Disney's site; we spent a lot of time trying different days and times and had nothing to show for it.

We decided that if we couldn't get the bulk of our ADRs we would postpone the trip by 6 months.

We then sent the list to a TA that was recommended to us by a friend and she got us all but one. Total time invested on our part: 1 minute to write the email. Without her, there would have been no trip (which would have been sad given how much fun we had).