To Travel Agent or Not To Travel Agent?

[Swilcox]

I am in the preplanning process for an eight day trip to DW. It will be my family's first trip and I'm trying to decide if I should use a travel agent or not. I know that they are free and that they can book your room early. Do they offer any other perks? Are they worth it?


Here is a bit of information us.

Our trip would be during October 2017
We are a family of 8 (Me, DH, DSis, DBIL, DM, DF, DD5, DN5)
We would like to stay in POR in the Royal Rooms
We need 2 rooms that are connected (I understand we might not get this. Would a TA help?)
We would like to do several Character Meals (On the DDP)
We would like tickets to MNSSHP
We would like to book the BBB
We would like to book a Personal VIP Tour

What do you think, TA or No TA?

 

[kjs1976]

I wouldn't say they can book your room early. They generally receive the same discounts as the public, unless they offer a convention rate or a special promotion through their agency only. If you want to trust someone to do all the work for you, then yes, I'd go with an agent that SPECIALIZES in WDW planning. I'd also google "magical disney world discount" to find the travel agency that gives the best discounts and can't be mentioned my name on this forum. Many people on this forum have used them, including myself, and they tend to give some of the best discounts on rooms and tickets.

You can book the rest of the stuff by yourself and therefore have more control over it. However, some people like to hand the planning over to a WDW travel pro, so it them comes down to personal preference.

 

[rwdavis2]

Since you have a very long time before you can book this you could probably become almost as knowledgeable as most TAs. IMHO, the biggest advantage is they can stay on the lookout for new or upcoming discounts.

We used one for 2 different trips and it was fine. But I only let them book MVMCP, rooms and a discounted dining plan. I did everything else myself. By inserting a third party between you and Disney it's possible (although unlikely) to have communication problems.

Again, since you have so much time do some of your own research. You really can't book anything for at least a year.

 

[To the honeypots]

The only reason I use a travel agent is for the magical deal from the company who can't be discussed. I book the room (steeply discounted) and tickets through them and do the rest myself. I do agree given the amount of time prior to your trip that you can become very knowledgable on your own.

 

[theyoungs07]

Why can't a certain TA be named on this forum? People can talk about UT, MJ...etc, why not this other mystery one? Are they doing something that is not above-board?

 

[rwdavis2]

Why can't a certain TA be named on this forum? People can talk about UT, MJ...etc, why not this other mystery one? Are they doing something that is not above-board?

(Correct me if I'm wrong) but I believe they had been actively promoting there services and the owner of this board owns Dreams Unlimited Travel. I would not let them promote it either. Let them start their own BBS.

 

[Fantabulously Cherry]

This is the 11th trip I have planned. I have always gone through AAA because they would handle everything and we had a good rapport with our agent. However, planning this trip has been a struggle. Our agent got a new position and recommended a new person. Right from the beginning, I was not impressed. She was not a Disney expert. In fact, I knew more about WDW than she did. She also refused to handle our dinner reservations, telling us to do it online. I know it's easier now, but I didn't like how it came across. After this, I've resolved to handle my next trips directly through Disney. If you do go through a travel agent, make sure they are a Disney expert! Lesson learned there.

 

[katepass72]

I have done both (booked myself AND used a travel agent). I'm sure it depends on the travel agent, but mine specializes in Disney (and only Disney). She has been absolutely fantastic. I still book my own ADR's because that gives me just enough to do to satisfy the control freak in me, but she definitely offers that service as well. With as many people as you are taking and all that you want to do, I think a good travel agent would be a very valuable resource. Sounds like a fun trip - enjoy!!

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I have had good and bad experiences with TAs. You really just have to find the right one, if you are going to use one. Some will not book things like ADRs and Tours. Some know NOTHING about Disney. Others are great know what they are talking about and will go the extra mile for you. So if you would prefer not to do it all on your own, get a TA, but be very careful when selecting one.

 

[amandals2007]

If you book directly through disney you are using a travel company, just like if you would book through a TA. With disney you call the number and you just get a different TA on the phone everytime. My dad is a travel agent for an ear marked company, meaning disney approves of them as a certified seller of disney. my dads company he works for is actually the largest seller of disney besides disney. when you have a TA you contact the same person every time and they get to know you and can help make better decisions for you and your family. also, all travel agencies make a commission off of you, if you book through disney it goes to disney if you book through a TA they get the commission. Disney just wants your money, the TA will make sure you get the best deal, even if it means a lower commission because they are hoping you will rebook with them again or refer people to them. If you book through disney and deal comes out thats better than what you have they wont rebook you unless you call, with a TA they will rebook it for you. My dad started working for his company after we booked our own for a while through disney, then went through this company then he started working for the company. he had to go through disney college of knowledge to work there so he knows everything there is to know about disney and booking disney.

even if my dad didnt work for this company, i would never book my vacation though disney directly or any other company directly, because i want a more personal and human experience with a private travel company.

 

[samsteele]

I would use a TA to book my room reservation and magic your way package (if using). Should you have a problem at Disney, a TA can be invaluable for assistance and possibly refund issues. Try to get a recommendation(s) from friends and family if at all possible for specific, named travel agents at an agency. Book your own ADRs, special hard ticket parties and FP+ to minimize communication issues, lost opportunities and to ensure you get what you want. Very few TA's actually book these extras because of time constraints and even fewer do it well and competently.

 

[hedberg1661]

I would absolutely use a TA: AKA Dreams Unlimited. They provide a great service and it doesn't cost you a thing.

 

[James Thick]

Personally, I completely avoid the whole travel agent thing. Part of the fun of the whole Disney trip is doing all the planning yourself. With the internet, and sites such as this, you can find a great deal and get all the info you need anyway.

Jimmy Thick- Its almost therapy...

 

[theyoungs07]

I used one for my upcoming trip, but just to book the hotel, tickets, and ddp. I did the rest myself because it is kinda fun. My TA applied a discount the day/minute/hour that it was available and I didn't have to worry about it, that was nice. They offered a nice packet of information that would be extremely valuable to newbies. We also received some portable chargers that will come in handy for our iphones while in the parks. They wouldn't cost much to buy myself, but it was a nice gesture. It was nice to have one person to contact instead of a phone bank at Disney.

 

[MammerJammer]

The only reason why we used a TA is because of the heavily discounted room rate (not available through Disney). I booked everything else myself.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

This will be my 5th trip to WDW and my first time using a TA. I am only using a TA because of the magical deal. I get the room and tickets through them at an amazing rate and then do everything else myself.

 

[lustergirl]

<<<books everything myself. I like to be in control of everything.

 

[grecorj]

Honestly, I could have used the guidance of the TA I use now back when I arranged our first extended family trip in 2007. She's incredibly knowledgeable about WDW and willing to help with anything related to the trip (except plane tickets). Plus as others have said a good TA will offer agency exclusives that you couldn't get yourself (room/park tickets).

 

[kmoore7]

I always booked everything myself. I like the whole nine yards that goes with it. This site has been invaluable in regards to that. I guess it's a sickness most of us have

 

[lllGurulll]

I did one of the disney unlimited travel agents once and really regretted it. I hate waiting for people to do something when I can do it faster. Never again. I prefer to plan my own trips.