Travel Agent or do it yourself?

[sanjacprof]

Every time we have traveled in the past, I have booked everything myself by searching the internet. We have NEVER stayed on site and I would really love to. What's the best way to do that? I've gone to Disneyworld.com and did it without flights and it was quite expensive. Would it be better to go through a travel agent? Thanks for your advice.

 

[OhioFamily]

Every time we have traveled in the past, I have booked everything myself by searching the internet. We have NEVER stayed on site and I would really love to. What's the best way to do that? I've gone to Disneyworld.com and did it without flights and it was quite expensive. Would it be better to go through a travel agent? Thanks for your advice.

I did get quotes from Dreamsunlimitedtravel.com

They were quite fast and easy. If you are looking to stay on-site that might be a better plan for you. They will keep an eye out for any specials that might come up and apply them to your trip. Makes it easier for you.

 

[karibritt01]

If you are a AAA member, they provide a travel agent free of charge. They also discount the room portion of your trip. We pay $100/yr for AAA+, and saved almost $300 on our trip. Also, using a travel agent, I simply emailed her my requests. She set everything up for me and emailed me my confirmation numbers. Much less hassle than waiting on the phone and trying to work it out myself!

Keep in mind the 'perks' of staying onsite... no parking fees, free transportation, DDP, EMH. Also, you didn't say how long you planned to stay. Last year we considered a 4 or 5 day trip to save money, then realized it was very little to bump up to the 7 day trip.

 

[SaraMc]

We booked our flight online, but we called Disneyworld 407-wdisney and booked everything with them. We had a code but it was for free hoping and plusses on our tickets, we are going in off seaon.
I did however once everything was booked go into our local flightcentre and get quotes on the price of the same flight we were on. She quoted double what we got the flight for.

 

[hvivona]

We used a travel agent the past two years, but the price was the same as what I got on the disney site. We just like that someone else does it and saves us the headache.

 

[Elmo888]

I did everything myself. I just watched for discount codes at mousesavers.com, and when one came out for the time of our trip, I applied it and saved $400. You can book your trip through 407WDISNEY, and, when a code comes out, call them ASAP and ask them to apply it.

As another poster stated, check the dates of your trip. Disney resorts have different seasons with different rates. Value season is the least expensive, and it goes up from there.

Check http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/disney-rates-2007.htm

A travel agent is not necessarily going to save money. A good Disney specialist travel agent will also watch for the discount codes, but you could do the same thing. The travel agent will also make ADRs (advanced dining reservations) and know the best location at the resort for your room request, etc. I would look at them for knowledge, but not necessarily to save money.

 

[Tam1067]

We saved over $400 last July by using AAA, so if you're a member and planning to go during a popular time when there are rarely discount codes, AAA would be your best bet.

 

[UTgirl]

I used Small World Vacations to book my WDW vacation. She has handle almost everything - she even offered suggestions for restaurants and activities. She also watches for the updated codes for me and will apply those when applicable.

This is the first time I've used them but so far so good. I let you know for sure after May ;>

 

[minnieandtink]

We used Linda at the magic for less travel. She was wonderful and will watch for discounts to come out then notifiy you. There was no charge for her service, she made adrs and everything - was very knowledgeable and helpful with suggestions to meet our needs. I will definitely use her again.

 

[nettii]

I bought our air fair which was a steal 49$ each way from Michigan!
And I booked the rest with TA and got it $500 cheaper than the Disney site, it was the same thing last year! Thanks Christina!(Thats our TA!)
Good Luck Have aGREAT trip

 

[tacomaranch]

I use Sandy at InstImpressions. She really does take the headache out of planning for me. She lets me change my mind at least 3 times and she is always on the lookout of the deal at Disney. She sends free lanyards and pins for the kids and I love her way of making me feel that I don't ask for too much, when I know I am high maintenance.

She is the best.