Travel agent question

[CMNJ]

Would you mind messaging me back the name of the TA that has been referenced in this thread? Thanks so much!

Could you also message me. I'd appreciate it

Unfortunately disboards advertising policy does not allow us to name them either in the forum or via PM.

 

[Sue M]

I normally don't use a TA, and you're spiked my curiosity. What kind of gifts?

My agent usually has a room gift that is either in room when we arrive or the day after. Normally a Disney cooler bag stuffed with Disney treats, once also had a Minnie stuffie which now has her home on my dresser!

 

[mommyrosa2]

I have to agree with most of the other posters.

That Labor Day Exclusive is so great and so popular you're not really doing that agency any favors by booking with them.

Indeed, the gift to me is the substantial discount realized with no other agency.

Here's my experience...

Last year I booked my trip for me and DD through a family friend who was an authorized Disney travel agent. I didn't really need help in planning because I love planning my vacations and never use a TA but she knew I was going to Disney and I would see all summer leading up to the trip so I figured why not it would be fun and help her out a bit with a booking. All I wanted was a standard WL room and non hopper tickets. We booked at the rack rate and waited for the discounts. However, she was unable to get the standard room at the discount and had to book me a courtyard view which was more than I wanted to spend. (I made my DD every day of that trip come stand on the balcony to admire the view since we'd really paid for it!)

After the trip was booked and I started my research on DIS I came across those discussing the Labor Day Exclusive deal and I looked into it. The difference was substantial and had exactly what I wanted and more. The deal had my standard room at WL available and non park hopper tickets plus a water park ticket for $800 less than my friend's deal. With the substantial price difference, and both being authorized agencies, I contacted my friend to find out if the other agency was legit and if so could she do any better on the price. She said they indeed are legit and she did take a couple hundred off with her manager's ok but could do no better.

There are differences between these two agencies. For example, my friend's agency is more hands on than that of the Labor Day Exclusive TA. In fact, I did have her book my ADR's and Fast Passes since the MDE is so temperamental and it was new since my last trip to Disney and I figured she'd know how to deal with all its glitches. But, I still did all the planning and just gave her the lists of days and times for each reservation. Also, my friend was available to me throughout the trip in case I had problems but I did not need to contact her just handled whatever I needed myself at that point. Moreover, the night before the trip my friend came by the house with a printed itinerary and gifts for my DD including a Mickey pen and autograph book along with a string bag with Mickey Mouse & TA logo. (I always print out a color coded vacay itinerary that I've created based on my needs so although hers nice it was not something I referenced.)

This year I am taking DD one last time and we are using the Labor Day Deal at the GF so I know first hand that the Labor day TA will book your trip and book your Magical Express Transportation but the rest of the trip is up to you and they have not sent me a gift with 46 days left. But, I am not disappointed at all. I view this agency more like a clearing house for unused convention rooms and tickets and I'll take that deal over using any other TA for a Disney trip.

We have been using this particular TA for the last few years and just to clarify for anyone that is not familiar with them....They can and will book your other stuff IF you ask them to.

I, honestly, can't say enough great things about my particular agent as she's always been available to me even when I'm already on my trip. She always gets back to me in a timely manner and while I don't receive any gifts, nor would I want any, I'm also more than happy to continue to refer folks to her .

 

[maltdizzy]

Would you mind messaging me back the name of the TA that has been referenced in this thread? Thanks so much!

Could you also message me. I'd appreciate it

What CMNJ says is true. Since Dreams Unlimited is major sponsor of the DIS, competitors are (understandably) not promoted. We try and respect that. It's not that people don't want the share the offer.

I only stumbled upon the offer because others kept referring to the "magical deal (they) booked for Labor Day at Walt Disney World," so I Googled it. I'm sure the same would work for you.

 

[momma2ethan]

I do not expect gifts from my TA but she does send them. Last year it was a gift card (I booked during one of her promotions), autograph book, mickey ears and some other small tokens. This year I will be receiving additional gifts cards (again booked during a promotion she did) and anything more than that will just be a bonus. She also sends gifts cards for sending referrals her way.

 

[disdreams77]

I'm sure the agents would love to give gifts....but sometimes the commissions just aren't there. Rule of thumb.....if clients are getting a fab-o deal....then the agents are working on a very low commission