Travel Agent or Nah?

[7KLucky]

Hello Experts!

We just booked a trip for next Christmas. We aren't old pros like many of you but I'm proud of our list of Disney vacations. We always have a great time. I follow calendars, make dining minute I can, book my rides, etc...
I was recently approached by a friend who stated I MUST have a travel agent to survive Christmas season (I'm a total rookie here). Is that true?
Thx for your thoughts...

 

[tiggerdad]

Nope, not true. It can certainly make it easier in some aspects but if you book your dining and rides at the immediate opening dates you shouldn't have any more issue than any other Disney trip.

It will be busier than any other time, but certainly not MUST have a TA territory.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Nope, not true. It can certainly make it easier in some aspects but if you book your dining and rides at the immediate opening dates you shouldn't have any more issue than any other Disney trip.

1) Totally agree.
2) However, if you are really worried, sure, go ahead and use a travel agent (aka: "TA").
. . . just remember, travel agents do not have a Silver Bullet, and can't do things the General Public couldn't do
. . . the difference is they do things often enough, that some questions or tasks are almost automatic to them
3) To some guests, using a TA does bring a piece of mind.
4) But, when in doubt, ask questions here and you get everything answered to your satisfaction.

 

[7KLucky]

Thank you! She is a very nice young lady, I just think we have a lot of fun plotting, planning, and wading through posts on here. Changing my resort isn't an option and I don't see there being a huge price drop when it's for Christmas....

 

[peg110]

I agree with the others. A Travel Agent can make things easier but you have to know that things are not totally under your control. I thin TRS's response definitely is accurate.

If you are a details oriented person, then you can certainly handle it. I don't think my DW would even consider a TA. She actually did book a trip once with a TA (to Disney) and then 3 days latter cancelled it because every time she changed her mind about something (which is a lot with over a year to go on the trip) she would have to call the TA to make the change. So she just decided that she would do it herself.

Again, if you are okay with someone else having all the control (with your guidance of course) and you don't really have the time (or desire) to take care of those things yourself, then a TA could be ideal. It's just not for us.

 

[FortForever]

I only use TAs for cruises because they can usually get better prices and some perks like onboard credit, that I can't get on my own. Never thought of using them for Disney.

 

[5kidsmommy]

I would never use a TA for Disney. Disney makes it so easy to do everything on your own, especially if you are even slightly able to use the internet. I've heard too many horror stories and I'm a bit of a control freak. I see the benefit for people who have never been to Disney. Or someone who has no clue about what resort to stay in. But if you know you're staying at the Fort and you know how to book dining you are set. If you are worried about touring strategies invent in one of the touring plan sites. But really TAs aren't magic, they won't be any more able to get you dining or FP+ than you are.

Don't get me wrong TAs give a wonderful service to people that need them but I just don't see the benefit of using one at Disney. Also it will be crowded during Christmas, be aware of that, rope drop and you'll be able to do plenty. Good luck!

 

[jaredjohn4]

I book everything myself except air. I drive the camper and set it up, then go to the airport to pick up various family members when they fly in. If a storm comes through and closes an airport or delays flights and it's not me that is flying, I want someone I can call to help me get the rest of the family to Florida and back.

 

[AdamEfimoff]

I use virtuoso travel for luxury VA for my trip. VA is good when you can get free club for the price of a standard room. For budget travel not so much.