Travel agent and reality

[cah5525]

Yes but when I call at 7 am...I'm the only one I'm concerned about - an agent may have multiple clients that need modifications. You are awesome to do that for your clients but we know not all will go out of their way like that.

 

[Sphinx610]

Hi there!

Out travel agent has told us that once our disney vacation is booked, it is booked, no changes.However, I have read that if there is a promotion added after we boom that disney will adjust our price. Which is true here? I do not want to miss out on a great room rate promotion or dining package!

Sorry but the TA is wrong! Cancel your booking and go with a Disney specialist. Disney will absolutely change it to add the discount. You can change without penalty until 45 days ahead I believe. Any Disney TA worth their salt will change it for you to get the discount. They should be keeping an eye on the offers for you and telling YOU about the discounts. Sorry to hear, but I wouldn't book w that TA...

 

[Sphinx610]

Sorry but I think it is a bit harsh to accuse the TA of lying. Do either of you personally know the TA in question? While certainly there is a possibility that the TA is lying, it could be that he/she is mistaken, new, or unfortunately ignorant of Disney policies.

Well what the agent told the op is untrue... So... Either way I wouldn't want to book or recommend someone else book with someone who didn't know that basic piece of information...

 

[undertheradar]

Well what the agent told the op is untrue... So... Either way I wouldn't want to book or recommend someone else book with someone who didn't know that basic piece of information...

With the OP providing the details that this was a package including airfare, it is possible that the airline or tour company that created the package that was quoted doesn't allow changes to the package. Not every discount is able to be applied to every booking and it is possible that the package the OP is quoted is involved in a tour company block of rooms.

 

[Jonathan Swift]

What travel agent is this? I want to never make the mistake of using them.

 

[eyor44]

OP, please know that if you are unhappy with your TA you can change to a different one, even a different company. There is something about professional courtesy of taking another TA's bookings, but if the person is clearly not doing their job who should be able to find one to help you.

I know a very good group of TAs who are checking their clients trips constantly for discounts and will make the changes before clients even realize it to save them money. Or if the dates are off just a bit will help them change everything if the value is there for the client.

Yes, commission is involved, but I would rather have a happy client who would consider using me again in the future, than a bit higher commission one time.

Also, even if you have completely paid for a trip and a discount comes out, Disney will refund you the difference.

 

[gwynne]

Thank you all for the tips and comments. I contacted our TA again today and asked the same question can we change things if disney comes out with a promo, and again she said unfortunately no, it's a waiting game. She is pushing for me to book a package with west jet or aircanada , maybe that's the reason we can't change or maybe it's a commission thing, however thanks to all you helpful folks, I will do as much of the legwork as possible and find a new TA when our feb prices are released, hopefully soon!
** also the TA is telling me that a package with flight will less expensive by far but flights will land late...from what I've seen, flights separately so far are cheaper and earlier , mind you our vacation is beginning February so I can't be sure about that statement yet**
Thank you all!

It's your trip, your vacation. I can't see a good reason to continue the relationship with this TA. Sometimes the best thing to do is to call or email and just say our plans have changed and cancel.
Then book with someone who gives you accurate answers, or better yet, just book it yourself. It's easy.

 

[jenny105]

Sorry but I think it is a bit harsh to accuse the TA of lying. Do either of you personally know the TA in question? While certainly there is a possibility that the TA is lying, it could be that he/she is mistaken, new, or unfortunately ignorant of Disney policies.

I don't think it's harsh. I'm not saying she needs to be aware of every single company's policy but Disney is a big one. She needs to educate herself.

Thank you all for the tips and comments. I contacted our TA again today and asked the same question can we change things if disney comes out with a promo, and again she said unfortunately no, it's a waiting game. She is pushing for me to book a package with west jet or aircanada , maybe that's the reason we can't change or maybe it's a commission thing, however thanks to all you helpful folks, I will do as much of the legwork as possible and find a new TA when our feb prices are released, hopefully soon!
** also the TA is telling me that a package with flight will less expensive by far but flights will land late...from what I've seen, flights separately so far are cheaper and earlier , mind you our vacation is beginning February so I can't be sure about that statement yet**
Thank you all!

She shouldn't be pushing you to a certain company just because she makes more commission off it. That's unethical and obviously not what you want. I book directly through the Disney TA site and I would never book anywhere else for Disney! They're so easy to deal with.

 

[Mama Who]

Sorry but I think it is a bit harsh to accuse the TA of lying. Do either of you personally know the TA in question? While certainly there is a possibility that the TA is lying, it could be that he/she is mistaken, new, or unfortunately ignorant of Disney policies.

You're right. She might just be grossly incompetent. That's not really better.

 

[mm1971]

Hi there!

Out travel agent has told us that once our disney vacation is booked, it is booked, no changes.However, I have read that if there is a promotion added after we boom that disney will adjust our price. Which is true here? I do not want to miss out on a great room rate promotion or dining package!

Either find a new TA that specializes in Disney or book it yourself. Disney allows changes up until 45 days prior to your arrival without any problems. Inside the 45 day window, the charge $50 for any changes. So even if you are a few days out and can save more than the $50 fee it makes sense to change.

Good luck, but definitely don't use this agent.

 

[budafam]

I would stop using them immediately, especially if they're pushing you to book when the packages for 2014 haven't even been released yet. I consider myself one of the "good TA's" that will get up at 5am to make reservations or change packages to save more money (even giving me less commission). I used to book my own trips (never used a TA) but now that I know what TA's can do (and will do), I wish I had used one. You can control as much (or as little) of your reservation as you want to. You can handle all of the dining if you want or you can have the TA do it. You can both be on the lookout for a certain reservation (which is what I would love) and a lot of them give out free gifts and gift cards if you book through them. Just make sure the one you are using knows what they're doing

 

[Nadmars]

Thanks to everyone! I have found an awesome TA through all the advice and looking forward to booking

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi there!

Out travel agent has told us that once our disney vacation is booked, it is booked, no changes.However, I have read that if there is a promotion added after we boom that disney will adjust our price. Which is true here? I do not want to miss out on a great room rate promotion or dining package!

Change travel agents.

Unless you have some super duper special promotion, that's wrong information.

I've added PIN codes several times.

PM me if you want a travel agent reccommendation.

ETA-- ooops, didn't see that last post.

 

[MSSANDRA]

WDW is so simply and easy to book on your own and you deal directly with WDW. Now there are a few CM's that might have mis-information, but overall you are much safer at getting better information. We always book a package and I always call WDW direct. Many time a kind CM will share her own personal knowledge or give a heads up of a better deal. We have called back and changed resorts, changed ADRS etc. I do make all ADRS on line now but I have called for those in the past. I LOVE talking to WDW people and it starts the magic! Flights, I book on line after the leg work. Not hard at all! Maybe try it yourself once and see.