Travel Agent Question

[mukorasirish]

Hello,

Who do you all use for a travel agent? I am having a terrible time getting the one I chose to respond and am looking for some help. I am planning a big trip for our family in July 2017. While I know package prices have not been released we wanted to book our room so we got exactly what we want. It is our 20th Anniversary, my son's 10th birthday and our daughter's high school graduation. We are planning a stay at the Poly - club level park view. Initially we were going to stay 9 days and then do a cruise but decided to do 16 days at the Poly instead. We reserved the room only and I have been trying for over a week to contact the travel agent to increase the stay but they are not responding to email or phone messages. I like to do most of the meal planning and such so I really just need someone that will respond when I do have an issue.
Thanks so much!!

 

[4forWDW]

I've used Dreams Unlimited Travel numerous times and have really liked their service.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't use a travel agent for a hotel stay.

But since you do, and you're asking...what do you WANT from the TA? it will make a difference in responses. Do you just want someone to book the bare bones? Do you want someone for hand-holding and assistance the whole time? Do you want someone to hear your preferences then book the entire thing, including ADRs? There are different levels of service, and if you want a certain service you need to book a TA that does that.

While I know package prices have not been released we wanted to book our room so we got exactly what we want.

If it's a package you want, booking the room isn't necessarily going to get you that room when packages come out.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

should be noted that DIS is operated by a travel agent, and they don't often allow many references to the competition (possibly understandably so). So if you are seeing names and things starred out here, it is because the admins have banned mention of them. You might see recommendations for the owning agency, but you might not be able to see a lot of other names on here.

If you already have a room only reservation you'd have to change that to a package anyway, if what you really want is a package. It won't technically be the same reservation. You'd have to have your deposit returned and pay a new deposit. They might be able to hold the dates for you though. If you want a new travel agent, maybe select one that specializes in Disney and knows how Disney works.

 

[sscott87]

Dreams Unlimited has been great for our experiences. We used them on our first trip back in 2010, again late last year in planning/pricing a trip that we unfortunately couldn't make happen due to work schedules, and again last week in planning last-second for a trip Memorial Day weekend. For us, they've been great every time in meeting our needs. We have an idea each time of what we're looking for, a few preferred resorts, know what we're doing regarding meal plan and tickets, and looking for a little extra input/advice on the best way to make things work. Really just wanting an agent who can take our 90% solution for what we want, give a few options, and book everything we've decided on. It's great to have that single point of reference rather than attempting to work with different people to book different things, and of course, the travel agents may very in experience but they still have more knowledge on the details than we do. Never have had any issue communicating via email with Dreams Unlimited agents, as it's about preferred for me to work on plans throughout the work day.

As already stated, this site happens to be owned by the very same TA, so there may be a little bias there in what you see posted. Really though, the best advice is to know what you and your family are expecting in a travel agent, look up a few, and see who you think will meet your needs best.

 

[shruley]

We'd used 3 different travel agents before using Dreams Unlimited. Honestly, we finally found what we were looking for in Dreams Unlimited and haven't tried anyone else since. We used whoever was associated with All Ears at one time, but didn't really feel like they were trying to give me any options other than what I asked for (a room at the Poly is $XXX) instead of with DU we got "with this deal we could upgrade you to XX for not much more than you are paying now. Or we could add on DDP or something for that price if we moved you here." They were very responsive in answering my emails and did dining reservations (including the Castle.) I am OCD in my planning but I'm ok letting someone else call Disney or deal with their website instead of me! We use Stacy at Dreams Unlimited. She was great for our first trip, and now I just email her directly. Love that after several years, she's still there.

 

[mocame]

I have used Dreams Unlimited but this trip I am using The Magic For Less Travel. I have had a good experience with both agencies but I feel more comfortable with The Magic For Less. Not sure why, except they seemed more "personable" than the agent I used for Dreams Unlimited. Just my personal opinion.

Each travel company will help you with how much or how little you want them to do. Just make sure whatever travel agent you use, they are an authorized Disney vacation planner. Not all travel agents know a lot about Disney.