Travel Agent or do it yourself?

[LaraK]

What is the cheapest, most efficient way to book? I want very specific reservations (the only thing I'm unsure of is whether or not to add the dining package). I want to change resorts mid-week and will have to put my tickets on the first hote's package. We used AAA last year and were not pleased. What have you found to be the best way to go?

 

[dudspizza]

What is the cheapest, most efficient way to book? I want very specific reservations (the only thing I'm unsure of is whether or not to add the dining package). I want to change resorts mid-week and will have to put my tickets on the first hote's package. We used AAA last year and were not pleased. What have you found to be the best way to go?

I always do it myself... I am totally in charge that way.

Duds

 

[tmt martins]

I still even with DVC book my cash AP rates on my own always have . But I have the time and means( DIS) to do the research that a TA will do for you. If somethng ever happened that I was stressed for time I would have no problem finding a Disney TA.

 

[Bibbidybobbidy]

I am booking through a travel agent. I still have to do some homework, but I have found a ta to be very useful at sorting out some questions; like the dining plan (I decided to take it) and making adr's (they have more time and knowledge on this adventure).

 

[NC State]

I always do it myself... I am totally in charge that way.

I agree, with mousesavers.com I can catch all the discounts.

 

[antmaril]

I always do it myself. I want total control and if you regularly check this board and mousesavers, you will be knowledgeable about any available deals.

 

[InstImpres]

This comes up pretty regularly. Here are a few old threads you can read:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1155759

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1047806

 

[Faerie]

I have an awesome TA who makes it possible for me not to have to code watch. She called me and gave me a heads up of Free Dining 2 days before it was announced on mousesavers.

That said - I make all my ADRs. I need control of that.

 

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

I'm a big ole control freak so I do it myself.

 

[Joan1]

I agree, with mousesavers.com I can catch all the discounts.

Keep in mind that 95% of the discounts posted on Mousesavers comes from travel agents based on who she thanks for the information whenever I happen to read it. Don't rule out travel agents all together. Yes some people are better off doing it themselves but saying "don't use a travel agent you don't need one" or "definitely use a travel agent" isn't correct for everyone as it depends on their personality, time available to research, etc.

 

[always quiet]

I guess you can say that I use an agent..........I AM the agent! Got the best job in the world. I spend my days booking Disney vacations and not only do I get to put all the wonderful things I learned on the boards to great use, they actually pay me for this!

 

[sjw4870]

I never use a TA for any trip. I used to occassionally call them for rates/packages but it was almost always cheaper to do it myself.

 

[emh1129]

I am planning this trip myself.. I'm really into every little detail, so I thought this was the best way

 

[fabumouse]

I really like to do both. I use the services of the TA, but change things around when it's convenient for me. Why make the phone calls that you don't need to? I'm lazy that way.

 

[klh999]

I have done it myself and used a travel agent from this board. I have to say that I would do it myself next time. My travel agent made a couple of vital mistakes that made my vacation stressful!!!

 

[kimberh]

I always do it myself. If you are doing a split stay and are doing the Disney Dining Plan you have to have a ticket purchase at both stays. It can be a one day ticket so plan on that. The dining plan will follow the hotel you are in.

 

[fabumouse]

I My travel agent made a couple of vital mistakes that made my vacation stressful!!!

I wasn't all that impressed with my last TA either - what vital mistakes do you mean??

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We went through Disney initially and booked room only. Then when packages came out we transferred our ressies to our local AAA ofc. Now I'm wishing I did it myself. Don't get me wrong - our TA has been fine. But with all the information available on this board and other resources I really feel I could have done it myself.

At the time, I was intimidated about booking airfare so I decided to go w/AAA and let them do that. But in researching airfare on my own - its really no big deal. Plus I was nervous that I'd screw something up and this is my kids' first trip to WDW!

I do enjoy the fact that my TA has years of experience and she has a lot of advice and recommendations. So I guess overall I've enjoyed working w/her but next time I'll probably do it myself. Good luck!