To use a TA or book myself?

[MataHari22]

I have always booked a package through a TA (flights, room, tickets) because I wanted to get the best price, but with this trip, she couldn't do any better than I did on my own. I still had her book my package. I don't think I would ever allow someone to make my ADR and FP+ selections. I would be afraid it wouldn't get done right. I guess I'm too controlling. Plus, with all the help on here, I end up knowing a lot more than a lot of the TA I have come across know, but I cannot say I've come across an actual certified Disney TA. So, I do all my ADRs and FP+.

 

[LoverDisney]

I used a TA for our first trip because I didn't know what I was doing and it was a bit overwhelming. The downside is that the TA had control over my ressie so all changes had to go through her. Now that I know the process I book the trips myself and plus I like to have the control to make changes when I want.

 

[ErinsMommy]

TA sometimes have discounts you otherwise couldn't get on your own - and although they control the reservation you can make your own ADR and FPs.

 

[amandals2007]

when you book on your own you are giving more money to disney, help out small business and book with the a TA. my dad books my uncles trip and he can go into it and look at it and even change some things on it if he wants on his own and hes in control of all his own ressies and FP+.

 

[dugthetalkingdog]

My daughter and I enjoy booking our own trips even when we go on a Disney Cruises. We like booking our own ADR's and fastpass. A TA will not be on the computer at midnight trying to score ADR at
BOG or fastpass for Mine Train. First trip I did use a TA, never again.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I book my own i like to be in control and it's especially easy to do everything in your own now a days

 

[vanyel]

I have gone with a TA my last 2 trips and was very happy. I don't have time to be on hold to get discounts now nor do I want to. I think I'm more comfortable with it though since I know exactly what I want. I still do all the planning then leave the booking up to her. I do book my own adrs and fast passes though and I enjoy doing that.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

TA sometimes have discounts you otherwise couldn't get on your own - and although they control the reservation you can make your own ADR and FPs.

Like what - where are all these amazing discounts that only a TA can get me?

 

[Laura Kelly]

Like what - where are all these amazing discounts that only a TA can get me?

I'm curious too, bc I was told they don't get special discounts.
I'm considering letting the TA I've been working with book it, but I'll do my ADRs and FPs. To be honest, I'm concerned bc she has to ask someone else or takes days to answer questions I've had.
Since then I've read the Unofficial Guide to WDW and read hundreds of threads and blogs so I feel I'm pretty knowledgable now.

 

[CaryHaven]

We're planning our first trip for April 2016 and I'm so torn between booking it myself or using an agent. I'm having a hard time relinquishing control and trusting her to book my ADRs or making sure a discount is applied.
Thoughts? Opinions?

I would definitely do it myself. I've used a TA in the past, and it's so much easier to do it myself when I want it done, day or night. I can get any questions answered at lots of forums/sites and also check new deals as they come out.

 

[JenSop]

I think it really comes down to personal preference and how much each person wants to do for themselves. Your TA just books the package or room, as mentioned above. They can also help you with ADRs and FPs, but you can also do those on your own - make and change them as much as you like. But booking through a TA just helps someone earn a living - and it doesn't cost anything more. Also as mentioned, TAs can switch your booking to a promo (when released and applicable) - the real Disney experts know about promos and the corresponding dates. They'll be the ones to sit on hold for three hours when you don't want to.

 

[rainboots]

I may use a TA this year, only because I will be in a very remote cabin w/no cell/internet svc at our 180. And before I choose one, that will be my first question - will you make my ADRs when my window opens? I made all of mine the last time and got everything I wanted, so I will be pretty particular. (We go in Feb, so while ADRs are still a challenge, it may be easier than other times of the year).

 

[ErinsMommy]

Like what - where are all these amazing discounts that only a TA can get me?

Didnt say they were amazing - but when we went for DH's 50th AAA picked up our reservation and saved us approximately $500 in doing so.

 

[wdwfanva]

I've been using a TA for most of my trips, not that I can't do it myself, but she is fantastic !!! She was able to get ADRs I couldn't get and made a few FP+ selections I was having trouble getting. She also turns control over to me so I do have more control. One trip Disney said I didn't have a ressie when checking in (had confirmation email in hand). One phone call to TA and it was straightened out. I like having someone other than Disney to fall back on when there is any problem .

 

[amandals2007]

My daughter and I enjoy booking our own trips even when we go on a Disney Cruises. We like booking our own ADR's and fastpass. A TA will not be on the computer at midnight trying to score ADR at
BOG or fastpass for Mine Train. First trip I did use a TA, never again.

no they wont be on the phone doing that because they let you do it

 

[jsrj21]

I must say that I've used Dreams Unlimited for my last 2 trips [had used AAA previously] and it has gone without a hitch...great communication and they will set everything up for you...if you wish. Personally, I set up my own ADR's...but just because I just LOVE going on to MDE and doing it myself. The prices are the same and they're always on the lookout to see if they can save you money. In the end, I also do it because I've received so much help and information from the boards and the podcast that it's my way of saying thank you.

Good luck!

 

[Rhetts1stWDW]

My daughter and I enjoy booking our own trips even when we go on a Disney Cruises. We like booking our own ADR's and fastpass. A TA will not be on the computer at midnight trying to score ADR at
BOG or fastpass for Mine Train. First trip I did use a TA, never again.

I have to disagree. Maybe some won't be the TA I am using for this trip most definitely will. She already has for us, more than once. She booked our ADRs at 6am at our 180day mark and when I wanted to change and sent her a message at 10pm randomly one night she was immediately on top of it.

I think TAs are a great tool as long as you do your research and pick a good one.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I've always just booked it myself. It's easy to do.

Now if I ever get to go to Europe, then I'll use a TA but for United States trips - it'll always be me booking it.

 

[22Tink]

I book everything myself, even though I have a good friend who's a TA. I love the researching and planning that goes into a trip. I'm also not prepared to give control over to someone else. I'm sure there are great TAs out there, I just prefer to do it in my own. Happy planning!!

 

[secretpantssam]

I always do it myself....but I'm a bit of a control freak. I like being able to see all options available with dining and stuff when making my decisions