Throwing in the towel - recommend an agent

[Jazztoon]

My head is going to explode trying to figure this all out. I already have flights, but nothing else. We plan to travel end of February. I need a travel agent to do this for me so I can move on with my life LOL. I'm reading about Dreams Unlimited (someone mentioned an agent named "Beth" but at the website, there are two Beths). I also heard about Small World Vacations that is recommended on mousesavers. And my hubby asked, "why aren't you just booking straight through Disney?" and I said "because I assume they won't give me lowest price" and he said "you don't know that." So also wondering if Disney has their own "travel agents" to set it all up for me and will it cost me more or less or the same?

If you could recommend specific agents at the above agencies (or other agency you've used and liked), I would appreciate it. Often, it's not the agency, but the specific agent that ends up being good or bad. Ideally, I'd like an agency where i can pay directly to Disney because I don't want my money shuffled around too much. Also, an agency that will show help me compare my options staying on-site vs. off-site would be great (I'm open to either). And an agency that can help set up dining and all the quirky weird things Disney seems to offer that I know nothing about ... seriously, I'm reading all these acronyms about "get the x, y, z" and "book the a, b, c" and I just don't know what people mean So the agent that knows that I don't even know anything will be the best agent, since I can't ask them to handle things I don't even know need to be handled!

Thank you for any suggestions on specific agents you could provide (or warnings on agents/ agencies to stay away from).

 

[kathie859]

My head is going to explode trying to figure this all out. I already have flights, but nothing else. We plan to travel end of February. I need a travel agent to do this for me so I can move on with my life LOL. I'm reading about Dreams Unlimited (someone mentioned an agent named "Beth" but at the website, there are two Beths). I also heard about Small World Vacations that is recommended on mousesavers. And my hubby asked, "why aren't you just booking straight through Disney?" and I said "because I assume they won't give me lowest price" and he said "you don't know that." So also wondering if Disney has their own "travel agents" to set it all up for me and will it cost me more or less or the same?

If you could recommend specific agents at the above agencies (or other agency you've used and liked), I would appreciate it. Often, it's not the agency, but the specific agent that ends up being good or bad. Ideally, I'd like an agency where i can pay directly to Disney because I don't want my money shuffled around too much. Also, an agency that will show help me compare my options staying on-site vs. off-site would be great (I'm open to either). And an agency that can help set up dining and all the quirky weird things Disney seems to offer that I know nothing about ... seriously, I'm reading all these acronyms about "get the x, y, z" and "book the a, b, c" and I just don't know what people mean So the agent that knows that I don't even know anything will be the best agent, since I can't ask them to handle things I don't even know need to be handled!

Thank you for any suggestions on specific agents you could provide (or warnings on agents/ agencies to stay away from).

I've used Dreams Unlimited for a Disney cruise--I always did my own resort reservations but wouldn't hesitate to recommend DU.Merri was our agent and she was GREAT!

OTOH, I've used AAA for a European cruise last year (not Dcl) and was ok with them. I used AAA to price a 2 week Hawaii cruise and they came back more expensive than me making the reservation directly with Holland America so I did it myself!

If planning isn't your thing and time is an issue, by all means call DU.

 

[Jazztoon]

Thanks, Kathy!

Looking through DU website for a phone number to call, but am missing it ... do they only work online?

Edited to say I found the answer in their FAQ - they only work through internet and email. Should I be concerned about that?

Since we are an Internet based company we find it much more efficient to do business through email and/or our automated systems. Many people are skeptical that any company can provide good customer service this way, but we invite you to read some of the comments our clients have sent us in our "What our clients are saying about us" section. Most of our clients are very pleasantly surprised with the level of service, timeliness of responses and individual attention we provide. If you have questions that you feel will not be answered by submitted a reservation request please feel free to write to us at xxx and we will get back to you ASAP. If you still feel you need to speak to someone you can call us toll free at 1-888-374-0494. Please be advised that this number has been established primarily for payments and general questions about our service - no one there will be able to check resort availability or provide you with pricing. That can only be done through the forms here.

 

[SusieBea]

Hi Ho Travel - Holly.

 

[Alesia]

I used Beth Czada at DU and she did a great job. She stayed on top of new discounts as they became available and got all of the ADRs I wanted.

 

[starjazz]

We used AAA and we're pleased. Couple nice perks going with them like premium parking, private fireworks viewing area, and private character meet and greet, plus the travel insurance stuff.

Regarding off-site vs. on-site, I'd say it depends on your group size, but I'm guessing most here will be all about on-site. We went that way too - even with a group of 10!

Good luck!

 

[siskaren]

If you go here, it shows two deals that are available during your time frame.

 

[kathie859]

Thanks, Kathy!

Looking through DU website for a phone number to call, but am missing it ... do they only work online?

Edited to say I found the answer in their FAQ - they only work through internet and email. Should I be concerned about that?

Absolutely no worry! I emailed Merri a few times at really oddball times (think Sunday night late) and she emailed me right back! I was shocked at the great response. I believe DU has offsite options as well.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've booked something like 8 cruises, 20 hotel nights and an ABD trip through Dreams Unlimited. Yes, we are very satisfied with their service. They are also the same people that bring you these DIS Boards so its nice to support them.

 

[MikeyTex]

Dreams Unlimited - Kim Harkness..........the best thing that happened is that I gave her my ADR preferences and she made the rezzies!!!

 

[jmclester]

I used Beth Czada at DU and she did a great job. She stayed on top of new discounts as they became available and got all of the ADRs I wanted.

"My" Beth was Beth Fejer and she also did an outstanding job. Sounds like DU is top notch no matter who you get. There is a place for returning guests to ask for the same agent too.

 

[graceandhayes]

We took our first WDW trip the last week of Feb 2012. I booked everything, on-site resort (Polynesian), dining plan, tickets, ADRs, through Dana with Destinations in Florida. She was recommended by a co-worker. I was very pleased with the advice she gave both on pricing and extras.

We were so happy with our trip that I contacted her immediately after we returned to talk about booking for Feb 2013. We booked our family for Feb 2013 as soon as the packages came out. Since then we have rebooked when the spring specials came out. Dana compared the cost of both specials and got us the best deal. Then my parents decided they wanted to go with us, and my father is retired military. Dana changed our reservation again and booked our resort and dining plan for us and my parents at the military discount rate. She has been amazing and gracious every time I call or email with changes.

I have learned so much through the WDW site, easywdw, dis, etc that while I had Dana book our room and dining plan, I handled all of our ADRs myself for 2013. Next time I probably will not work with a TA and just book the whole trip myself. I love sharing what I have learned, and learning more about WDW every day from the experts on the forums.

With all that being said, for first timers I would recommend at least consulting with a TA. There is so much to learn about a WDW vacation it can get overwhelming until you have that first trip and really understand the whole WDW way. There really is no disadvantage to using a TA - unless you are a control freak like me. There should be no additional cost with using a TA. They are paid a commission by Disney, and should not charge you anything for their services.

Also, use this forum and easywdw to research and ask questions. Most of us understand the stress and confusion that comes with booking for the first time. (The acronyms are enough to drive you crazy until you learn them) Most important is try not to let planning stress you out. I now love planning our vacation, and researching all things WDW. Be careful - it can be addicting and become an obsession. My wife panics anytime someone mentions WDW in front of me, and rolls her eyes when I start talking Disney speak.

 

[Herfnerd]

We book thru AAA - have had the same TA for years and she knows our likes. She's booked cruises, international trips and our latest Disney trip this coming January - does a great job. And as a PP stated, they do give some decent perks.

 

[Millie12591]

Mouse World Travel is who I'm using this year.
I know all the in's and out's for a Disney trip but I'm good friends with a gal I know from this agency so why not give her the commission she could earn and not have the headache that goes along with making the plans! Although, truth be told....I really like making the plans, I'd just rather my friend make the commission from it.

Brook Wozniak is my very dear friend who I had book my trip, she's amazing.
I have a lot of friends who have booked through her and they've all been very happy with her, I can't say enough good things about her myself, as an agent as well as a person.
She will handle everything for you and even send you an itinerary with all kinds of information for you trip and park plans!! She really is amazing, she goes above and beyond for all her clients. She plans as though she is planning for her own family.

She's on FB...
Brook Wozniak - Vacation Specialist with Mouse World Travel

 

[JustMeFran]

Most likley too late but I *LOVE* our agent at Dreams Unlimited.
Kim Harkness
kim@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com

Enjoy and good luck!

-Fran =)

 

[rwdavis2]

Mouse World Travel is who I'm using this year.
I know all the in's and out's for a Disney trip but I'm good friends with a gal I know from this agency so why not give her the commission she could earn and not have the headache that goes along with making the plans! Although, truth be told....I really like making the plans, I'd just rather my friend make the commission from it.

Brook Wozniak is my very dear friend who I had book my trip, she's amazing.
I have a lot of friends who have booked through her and they've all been very happy with her, I can't say enough good things about her myself, as an agent as well as a person.
She will handle everything for you and even send you an itinerary with all kinds of information for you trip and park plans!! She really is amazing, she goes above and beyond for all her clients. She plans as though she is planning for her own family.

She's on FB...
Brook Wozniak - Vacation Specialist with Mouse World Travel

We used Mouse World for the trip 2 weeks ago and the one next year. Wendy, and she give you her phone numbers. PM me for details.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm enjoying using Mouse Unlimited for our cruise, and I had previously transferred a room only booking to them.

While a GOOD Disney-focused TA will know all the deals, just reading here and paying attention to the disneyworld website will show you the deals. You can book directly and still get things changed around.

From what I've noticed with my TA, I give her my CC info, and she gives it to Disney. I, myself, do not pay Disney, but she does it for me. I cannot call Disney and do stuff with my reservation...the TA owns the reservation and we don't get to call to do things with the reservation. It is the trade off for having a TA.

On the other hand, I recently saw an amazing price on an upgraded room for our cruise. By the time we decided to go for it and I sent an email off to my TA, I could not see the same price on disneycruise.com. She wrote back, I gave her more CC info, and even though I could not have booked that rate any longer, the Disney person she spoke with at Disney cruise was able to get that rate back. I doubt if I could have convinced them to do that. Very helpful.

That said, I don't normally use a TA for hotel stays. The most I did (apart from the one transferred stay) was to book a package through Walt Disney Travel Company at Disneyland for our first real stay there.

 

[GoofyMomInOhio]

We used Mouse World for the trip 2 weeks ago and the one next year. Wendy, and she give you her phone numbers. PM me for details.

This is who we used on our last trip too! Wendy is awesome and even emailed me while she was on vacation at Disney.

 

[Mammaz]

I used Beth Czada at DU and she did a great job. She stayed on top of new discounts as they became available and got all of the ADRs I wanted.

I have used Beth twice and LOVE her. She is great even when I change our ADR or plans weekly! LOL!

 

[Kristina]

Is someone who is always on the Disboards, and listens to the DisUnplugged every week I want to support these people so I always, always book with Dreams Unlimited and I've got to say, I've always been thrilled with the service and attention to detail that my vacation plans have received!

My Dreams TA is Stacey and I highly recommend her !