Travel agent or not?

[Raya]

We're planning a trip from the East Coast for Halloween. We're WDW regulars but are pretty clueless about DL. We know what hotel we want to stay in and have a vague idea on tickets/special tours. Should we get a travel agent or try to plan this ourselves? I'm concerned because I don't know things like how far in advance I need reservation for Blue Bayou, how to get hotel discounts (which might not exist), the cost difference between ticket types, and so on. Considering the distance, I guess this will turn into an expensive trip, would a TA be helpful or does it only seem overwhelming because we haven't gotten started yet?

 

[Winnowill]

You don't need a travel agent, especially if you're WDW regulars. If staying on-site or with a Good Neighbor, you can book everything online or through Disney Travel (I've always had good experiences with them). You can book ADRs starting 60 days ahead of the day you want them, but they're not nearly the hysterical "Must be at the computer right when my window opens or I'm screwed!" thing that, say, Be Our Guest is.

 

[Geemo]

I do better making my own reservations. The times we have used a TA, there have been problems.
I find I can save a few dollars booking and making all my own arrangements. Plus I know what has been booked.

Trying to correct the TA's errors while on vacation is something I don't want to do again!! It's time consuming and a real pain.

For each trip I plan, I make a calendar to help with the timing of booking things.

I'm also going for Halloween 2017.
I already have my hotel booked. I'm watching the airfares right now, hoping they go a little lower. When they do I'll book.
July Disney will announce dates for the Mickey's Halloween Parties.

I have my calendar marked at the 60 day point. At this point I'll make any tour reservation and ADR's we'll need.

It's not that difficult.

geemo

 

[BobaDuck]

I used a Disney travel agent for my upcoming trip this month. Like you I am a WDW vet but I have never been to DL. I am a very hands on person so I was nervous about using a travel agent. I have to say the experience has been very pleasant. I am still able to make the reservations I want when I want and I just send the information to my travel agent. If I make a mistake or if he has any insight he will email me right away and I use his advise to make adjustments or decision. Since it does not cost anything I would certainly recommend using a travel agent. Nothing wrong with having a pair of veteran eyes looking over your decisions.

 

[ktlm]

You don't need a travel agent. DL is easy compared to WDW. You can find everything you need to know on these boards. Dining reservations open up 60 days before your trip. Being a WDW vet, before you could book online, I used to call right at that 60 day mark. They used to laugh at me and know instantly (or probably the computer told them) that I was a WDW vet. Just book your reservations at 60 days (or wait until the last day of your trip is 60 days out and book them all) to be safe and then you can play around with them later. Dining really doesn't book up as fast; and aside from the most popular places there are typically openings somewhere decent the day of; and CS in our opinion is much better at DLR than it is at WDW. Being of the WDW mindset- I still book right at 60 days and I get online every day to book the day that is 60 days out instead of waiting a few days and booking everything at once. Total overkill, but it makes me less nervous- I don't do it right when the window opens- I just do it at some point that day and occasionally I even forget- "gasp"- and do a couple of days the next day.

For hotel discounts, it is just like WDW, where you can click on places to stay and then on "view offers and discounts". You can also keep an eye on these boards because someone will typically post when they come out. They are generally not as good as what you can find at WDW. It is not unusual for us to spend the same amount for 4 nights at DLR (resort and tickets) as we do for 7 or 8 nights deluxe at WDW.

Once you get started it is not overwhelming at all. We love DLR in part because it is so simple and low stress to plan a trip as opposed to what WDW has turned into since FP+.

As a WDW vet-one tip is to get hoppers. DLR is like one big park- it is 5 minutes to get out of DL and into CA and you don't have to even go through bag check to hop between parks. Also, in the fall the fireworks and shows do not always run every day- so you need to keep an eye on the schedule. Fireworks often only run on weekends after the summer season is over. If you are looking for a splurge- the World of Color Dessert Package is pretty great-- WOC is standing only- but if you do the dessert package you get a table with CHAIRS, food, drink and a decent view. We thought it was money well spent. Have fun!!!

 

[Geemo]

In October DL hours will be shorter due to the MHP's.
Just something to keep in mind as you plan.

 

[cp11]

I agree, you do not need a TA. Getawaytoday.com has tickets, hotels, and tickets for another parks and attractions, even tickets for Anaheim transportation if you need them, all at a discount. You can also day a layaway plan for $125 and make payments, but there is a $50 service fee. We've never had any issues with them.

Also, you can jump onto Disneyland.com and make dinner reservations 60 days in advance. We don't typically make reservations and do everything on the fly.

That's one big reason why we haven't done WDW, I hate the thought of having to pre-plan everything.

 

[Mousequake]

I personally don't see the downside of using a TA. Any reputable one is going to find you exactly the same prices, and cut down on the time you'd spend researching yourself. Sure, you could use the boards to find everything you need. But a lot of time, the convenience of having someone do all that for you is really nice. I liken it to hiring a housekeeper-- sure, I could do it myself, but it would take twice as long, and it probably won't be done as well because they know all the ins and outs of cleaning. I have a great one i've used many times.

 

[Geemo]

If I had a great TravelAgent I'd stick with them too.

We used AAA Travel Agents that were Disney Specialist for three different package trips.
The first time they screw up on our flight for the five of us.
Another time they sent one park tickets not the hoppers I paid for. Didn't notice until trying to park hop and denied entry.
The last time was incorrect hotel booking. Paid for GCH and docs were for DHL.
Thankfully I had copies of my order and what I paid for to confirm it was their error.
This is why I prefer to do my own booking now.

If you use a TravelAgent DOUBLE check everything in the package.
Using one is best for some but not for me.
Geemo

 

[MillauFr]

I have not found any travel agents that can get you 55% discounts at Disneyland unlike Disneyworld. Disneyworld I will always use a travel agent to get the exclusive discounts. Disneyland I just book myself.

 

[LoverDisney]

We are going to DL for the first time in December. I decided to use Costco Travel because they are offering a gift card and the photopass for free. If you are a member they may be worth checking out.

 

[DL_Forever]

We are going to DL for the first time in December. I decided to use Costco Travel because they are offering a gift card and the photopass for free. If you are a member they may be worth checking out.

I agree, if you have a Costco membership they have some really good packages for DL. You sometimes can get a character meal included at no charge or even a discounted price depending on their current deal.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

You'll find lots of good information here to help you find your bearings and get started with your trip planning: A DLR Guide for WDW Vets.

 

[gottalovepluto]

As many have said you don't need a TA, BUT would you be more comfortable with a TA? Would it bring you some peace of mind? If so use a TA! This is your vacation so do whatever will be least stressful to you.