Travel Agent or DIY?

[PrincessEmilysMommy]

Ok, should I go through a travel agency for the best deal (we will need airfare, hotel, tickets) to go to Universal/Seaworld or could I do just as well planning this myself?

Thanks

 

[MALE*RN*777]

When we went to the travel agency they looked up on the computer the same websites I could at home. They had nothing special to offer me and was kind of rude and refused to answer any questions if I didn't book through them. I can understand that they get paid for the booking but its the attitude that bothered me. If they couldn't or didn't know the answer they would call the place to find out the question. Again something I could have done myself. I bet you could learn just as much if not more from asking questions here on the DIS Forum and you could always call to confirm the answers. You can find out answers to questions you probably wouldn't have even thought of. Good Luck...

 

[damo]

Absolutely DIY!!! We'll help.

 

[bubba's mom]

i agree....DIY!!! we can help answer any questions you have and we can help you thru it.....

 

[LukenDC]

Planning for UO is not nearly as complex as planning for WDW. I have my travel agent book my stay at Portofino because I want her to have the commission, but I could easily plan the whole trip myself in a couple of minutes.

 

[Dagny]

If you have a good travel agent, then I would definitely use him/her. TA commissions come from the destination (ie Disney or Universal) so you are receiving personalized service without paying extra prices. Also, even if you don't technically "need" them for this trip, it is always nice to throw them a commission once in a while.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Why not use the travel agency that sponsors these boards?

It's Dreams Unlimited Travel. Here's their web site:

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com

At least give them a try.

And, no, I don't work for them.

 

[Melanie230]

What damo said...DIY and we will help!

 

[macraven]

i have done it a few ways.

the best for me is doing it myself. it's part of the thrill of making the trip.

i did go with AAA once and got a better discount for the disney portion of my trip. had to go thru 2 different locations first as the first one i called knew very little, the second specialized in disney.

when it came to the UO portion of my trip, i used the universal package one time for a special promo.

all other times, i did it and get additional tips here from those that help others.

i love the planning for a trip. i go for 14 nights and do a split stay with disney and universal.

with universal resorts services, they will tell you the specials or promos they have and help you choose the best for you. this is good if you have never taken an universal trip.
with disney, they do not offer you that help if you go thru there disney travel company.

i will say this.
if i knew of one of the universal homies that was a travel agent, i would help them out with my hrh booking so they could earn a commission.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Kelly's probably right but most of us that visit these boards find the planning to be almost as fun as the trip and are worried that a TA would take some of the fun out.

 

[robvia]

DIY. If you're reading this board, then you're taking the time to find the best deals on your own. Travel agents are for people who don't want to spend the time planning everything.

 

[Dagny]

Why not use the travel agency that sponsors these boards?

It's Dreams Unlimited Travel. Here's their web site:

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com

At least give them a try.

And, no, I don't work for them.

Funny you should mention this, Dreams is about to "officially" expand its services to include Universal destinations.

 

[keishashadow]

I always get my best quote & ask AAA TA if they can match or beat it; hasn't happened yet.

I've encountered far more restictive downpayment & cancellation policies too when working with TA.

To the OP, these guys know it ALL; you're in good hands.