Travel Agency Discount?

[5bound4wdw]

This may have already been discussed, but I was wondering if anyone can explain how a travel agency can have "agency exclusive" offers that are so much cheaper than Disney's? Seems too good to be true sometimes!

 

[smiths02]

Someone else might chime in here, but my guess was that the ones that are reputable are reserving blocks of rooms like how a convention would work, so you are, in essence, getting convention rates.

Sometimes, there are more restrictions as to type of ticket, dining plan, cancellation, etc., so you have to look at that. Also, you don't control the reservation (you can control your FP+ and ADRs and such, but you can't call and make changes to your reservation with Disney).

 

[mhconley]

Someone else might chime in here, but my guess was that the ones that are reputable are reserving blocks of rooms like how a convention would work, so you are, in essence, getting convention rates.

Sometimes, there are more restrictions as to type of ticket, dining plan, cancellation, etc., so you have to look at that. Also, you don't control the reservation (you can control your FP+ and ADRs and such, but you can't call and make changes to your reservation with Disney).

That is how the magical deal works. They buy blocks of rooms at group & convention rates. All room or ticket changes must be dome through the TA before you travel. No adding park hopper or extra days once you are there. And no DDP. You do control ADRs and FP+, though.

For the almost 54% discount we got I can live with the restrictions.

Martin

 

[Eastern]

One agent told me that their rates were actually higher than Disney's at first, and they lowered them to be competitive. I assume the agency takes less of a commission.

 

[5bound4wdw]

Thanks everyone. mhconley, I also booked, but my DH is convinced there are going to be problems. We have never used a TA before, nevermind one offering an "agency exclusive". I too am OK with the restrictions at the price we got! Who knows, after this we may never book directly with Disney again!

 

[disdreams77]

That is how the magical deal works. They buy blocks of rooms at group & convention rates. All room or ticket changes must be dome through the TA before you travel. No adding park hopper or extra days once you are there. And no DDP. You do control ADRs and FP+, though.

For the almost 54% discount we got I can live with the restrictions.

Martin

Actually some of the agency exclusives CAN include the dining plan. You just have to ask which ones they are. I have inquired about several and most for 2015 do not but a couple do come with the dining plan. Just thought I would add that thought. Also, all TA reservations have to have the changes made by the TA…..not just these type of reservations. There really is no difference in these reservations and regular TA reservations except that you cannot change tickets onsite. I have traveled with them several times. But if you don't want those restrictions you can just get a room only and book your own tickets. Just an idea….

 

[donkeyandshrek]

Disney offers several options to travel agents. Some include the dining plan and they do even offer the option of letting the customer call the Disney group line for payment. Like someone mentioned, you can just book the room only and handle the rest yourself.

 

[SeattleJen]

I'm so confused! I can't seem to find any agents with discounts at all. Recommendations?

 

[thisismyusername]

Thanks everyone. mhconley, I also booked, but my DH is convinced there are going to be problems. We have never used a TA before, nevermind one offering an "agency exclusive". I too am OK with the restrictions at the price we got! Who knows, after this we may never book directly with Disney again!

FWIW, we had a great experience with them. It wasn't very personalized service, but I don't really need a lot of hand holding when it comes to Disney.

 

[mudman]

I asked for a quote on a room only and got the same rate as Disney as my response. I wasn't impressed.
Orbitz was a better deal for me. It was the week between Xmas and NYE.

 

[Donna3271]

Hi,
I booked an agency exclusive at a deluxe for the Marathon this Jan. The price was so cheap. I was able to buy my park tickets independent from the agent through rundisney and add to MDE. No problems there.

I booked room only through the agency. I did not ask for dining.

 

[crbrnc]

Can you "purchase" a dining plan on your own if it isn't offered??

 

[vicki_c]

Can you "purchase" a dining plan on your own if it isn't offered??

No you cannot.

 

[Fsudisney]

We used the "magical deal" this past Labor Day at Beach Club and had no problems at all! We have already booked with them for the Poly next Labor Day!

 

[jperrot1]

Actually some of the agency exclusives CAN include the dining plan. You just have to ask which ones they are. I have inquired about several and most for 2015 do not but a couple do come with the dining plan. Just thought I would add that thought. Also, all TA reservations have to have the changes made by the TA…..not just these type of reservations. There really is no difference in these reservations and regular TA reservations except that you cannot change tickets onsite. I have traveled with them several times. But if you don't want those restrictions you can just get a room only and book your own tickets. Just an idea….

That's exactly what we did. Booked room only and getting tickets elsewhere. Very magical indeed.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Disney sells a block of rooms to the agent, who resells them. That's why you can book room only and can't have a dining plan on some of the offers.

For a dining plan to be included, the agency has to be able to book a package reservation through Disney on your behalf.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I asked for a quote on a room only and got the same rate as Disney as my response. I wasn't impressed.
Orbitz was a better deal for me. It was the week between Xmas and NYE.

Agency exclusives deals are seasonal and typically only certain resorts/rooms are offered. Not all agencies offer them. If you contacted an agency that is offering one during that time period and you asked for a resort/room category that isn't in the discount inventory, yes, you will be quoted the same rate as Disney.