Travel agent versus self booking?

[smitty6203]

I am curious if anyone has an opinion about the benefits of booking though an agent v. booking myself with dicount codes? ?? Also, Comtemporary v. Wilderness lodge? Any advice or tips would be appreciated. We want to get the most mouse for our money. Our kids will be 2 and 5 when we go in Dec 2004. There is so much information out there it is totally overwhelming.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by smitty6203
I am curious if anyone has an opinion about the benefits of booking though an agent v. booking myself with dicount codes? ?? Also, Comtemporary v. Wilderness lodge? Any advice or tips would be appreciated. We want to get the most mouse for our money. Our kids will be 2 and 5 when we go in Dec 2004. There is so much information out there it is totally overwhelming.

For a Disney trip I think you can do better doing it yourself. There is lots of advice and money savings tips right here. It is info overload at first, but, keep reading, you will get in the groove.

I like WL, it is very rustic and warm where the Contemp is very modern and sort of cold, that is just MHO.

 

[vhoffman]

The Contemporary is on the monorail, while WL isn't and is located some distance from everything. If I had to choose between the two, I'd go for the Contemporary. Also, concerning travel agents--I've always done better on my own. I've always heard that travel agents can find the best deals and discounts, but its been my experience that they do the opposite. They just get the rack rate at hotels. Since their comission is based on the purchase price, why should they work harder for less? I tried booking an Hawaiian vacation through AAA, and they didn't even apply the AAA discount! They just give you a total price,but when you insist they break it down per item you can see how you can do better yourself. For our Hawaiian vacation, AAA quoted me a price of almost $10,000. I got almost the exact same accomodations, etc., for around $4000. The only differences I made were changes in the view--AAA got me ocean view when I stated we only wanted standard, economy instead of full-size rent car, etc. I found AAA totally ignored my specifications and just went for the highest price. I guess some people don't bother to comparision shop, or figure that's the best price so why bother.

I have, however, found good rates through travel agents for one-item purchases, such as hotel. We got some great rates through Dreams Unlimited. But there again, comparision shop. they don't always have the best prices either. Basically I consider all-inclusive packages through travel agencies a rip off. Best to do your homework.

 

[safetymom]

If it's your first trip I recommend a travel agent. Then when you are familiar with where things are and you have some ideas go ahead and book everything on your own. Your time costs money too and sometimes you can save a lot by doing it yourself.

 

[disneysteve]

I think you can do better almost every time by booking yourself. Years ago, hotels, airlines, etc. used to pay generous commissions to travel agents, which got passed on to customers in the form of good deals. Now, commissions have dried up and traditional travel agents don't have much to offer except the convenience factor. Go online and make a couple of phone calls and you'll do fine.

Steve

 

[bethnburke]

I generally do it myself but this time I booked my room only reservation through Magic for less travel. I have had a great experience with them. When the new discount codes came out they booked new reservations for me and even checked different WDW hotels to get the best price. I have been really impressed with the value they have added and it hasnt cost me anything extra - in fact it probably saved me $150 since I didnt have time to call and check rates when the new codes came out.

 

[MELSMICE]

If you're looking to save money do it yourself. If you want convenience and the ease of having someone do everything for you, use a travel agent.

Think about it - unless you are getting a package that includes meals, all you need is airfare, hotel & tickets. Airfare can be done on the phone or over the Internet, hotel over the phone or Internet & tickets you can get at your local Disney store, Internet or when you get to WDW.

It's really not hard to do it yourself.

As far as which resort. Each one has different things to offer. WL is only a boat ride away from the MK or TTC. You can walk to MK from the Contemporary. Contemporary theming is very rhetro (I think). WL has a very rustic and "warm" theme to it. The WL has more "cut-outs" and "crevices". The Contemporary pool is more in the shape of a Mickey head (don't know if that's the actual shape) but the pool is very large, lots of tables, chairs & lounges & a fun slide. I know you can rent water mice & other boats from the Contemporary - not sure about the WL. The Contemporary has a great game room for kids.

Again, each resort has different things to offer. It all depends on what you are looking for.

 

[TomM]

I would book the trip myself. I saved a friend $700 by giving them a code off of Mousesavers.com. With this forum you can learn everything you need to know plus and planning is a lot of the fun. You can pick up Park Hopper passes through AAA for a little discount. If I could pick a resort, I would stay at the Wilderness Lodge. Besides Disney, we love to camp (we camp at Disney also) A nice boat ride takes you to the MK then you can hop a monorail to Epcot. Buses run from WL also. A boat can take you to Fort Wilderness for the evening movie & campfire from the Contemporary or Wilderness Lodge. Have fun planning.
Tom

 

[Cheshire Figment]

For transportation the Contemporary is much more convenient than Wilderness. The rooms in the Contemporary are about 25% larger than those in Wilderness. The Contemporary comes with two Qeen size beds plus a day bed. In Wilderness you can get a room with a Queen size plus a bunk bed for the children (the 2yo on the lower bunk and the 5yo on top).

Genrally you are best off handling reservations yourself. Note that if you book "room only" through Disney you want to use CRO (Central Reservations) as opposed to Disney Travel Company. It is the same phone line, however CRO can be much more flexable if you have to change or cancel reservations.

Also, depending on how many days you expoect to stay, it might be worthwhile for one person to get an Annual Pass to take advantage oif AP rates (which can be as much as a 45% discount for the room).

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I have to disagree with most here about travel agents, but hey that's just me.
I, like many others have used Dreams Unlimited (a travel agency dedicated STRICTLY to Disney trips), and they have ALWAYS done their best to find the best rates possible for the time I am going. Those codes mentioned by another, Dreams will look out for you also and will usually already have them applied before your email is sent asking them about it.
Also, I don't like making a lot of long distance phone calls for PS ressies and that's another reason I use Dreams. My agent gets me every PS I want with many, many changes before heading out on my trip. I only do room only ressies as I have figured out packages aren't the best deal for my money.
So I'm different, I like travel agents, but ONLY Dreams Unlimited Travel. I will use them everytime I have to trip to Disney.

 

[DisneyWorldHereICome]

I used this site to plan my up coming trip (DCL) it was a great reference.... shopthemouse.com

 

[DisneyBill]

Since you mentioned WL, (VWL is a DVC property) I think it is worth looking in to renting points from a DVC member. !st part of December is low point cost, and you can generally rent points for $10.00 each. (plus no Florida hotel tax) Take a look at the DVC rent trade board on DIS. However, book early because the low point cost makes this time attractive to DVC members. Just my 2cents worth.

 

[topgumm]

I vote for the "do it yourself" route. Although I have really benefited from having a travel agent do one trip to DL for me and one to WDW so I had time to figure out what I liked, where I would want to stay and time to read up right here! Now I would definitely try on my own. But I would think you could do your best while you had a travel agent also looking to see who could come up with the best deal!

 

[KathleenFL]

As a veteran DISer, "Disney Nut", and Travel Agent, I use the info I've gained here, & at all the other sites we all know & love, to plan a great trip, & get the best deal, for my clients at Disney.....Yes, the commission is important, but I'm not going to make them spend more money, just to make a few extra bucks......The way I feel about it: I'd rather have clients who are satisfied & happy with my vacation planning for them (I even lucked out, & got the Cinderella Bkfst. for someone last week!).....From a business side, they'll probably use me for their next trip......AND I really love planning Disney trips...It really feels good to help people "Experience the Magic".

I think that it's important to use a travel agent that is a Disney Specialist.....Disney actually has a College of Disney Knowledge for TAs.... And, more important, to use an agent who seems to enjoy planning a Disney trip-----

A good travel agent can really take the hassle out of the "Nuts & Bolts" part of the trip, leaving you to plan the fun stuff...........

Ok, now I'll come down off my soapbox, & give my opinion re. Contemporary vs. Wilderness Lodge.......I know there are pluses for Cont (on monorail, bigger rooms), I've always found it cold, myself....WL has a boat to MK, FW & Cont, the atmosphere is great for both you & the kids, & they have a lot of activities for children there.

Have you considered a cabin at FW? We spent Thanksgiving week there, & loved it! It has a separate bedroom, full kitchen, dining area, living room with TV/VCR, & a deck with picnic table & charcoal grill. Lots of stuff to do with the kids, & most of the campsites are really decked out with Christmas decorations in December.....There's a boat to MK, & the bus system is good there, but if you can fit it into your budget, renting a golf cart really makes it easy, & fun, getting around....Just a thought.

Whatever you decide, you're going at the best time of year, I think--Have a great trip!

 

[Minnie Mare]

I always do my homework before deciding whether I am going with a TA or booking it myself. I check prices and add it up doing it myself and then it check with a TA. I was very pleased with the rate I received from Dreams Unlimited for this trip! So basically I do both.

Hmmm, WL or CR? That's a toughie. Having stayed at both and enjoying both it's a hard choice. They have very different atmospheres. We had a standard view room at WL, the room was not large, but the lobby was incredible. We also enjoyed the themed pool and the geyser. The room at the CR was very large (not sure if I like the decor though) and we loved the convenience of it all. The monorail was an elevator ride away and it was fun to walk the concourse. The game room is huge, my kids loved it. The pool is OK, but not as charming as the themed pools at other resorts. So both resorts have there pluses!

Now, after reading my post I think I have been of no help what so ever

 

[Doug123]

Book on your own! Check out a few places on your own, like www.mousesavers.com, for the latest discount offerings. A little bit of research will save you a lot of money. Plus, it's fun!

 

[topgumm]

KathleenFL,
When looking for a travel agent, how do you find one who has been to the Disney training?

My agent seemed excited at first but became very hard to communicate with after I paid for the trip.(actually has always been somewhat hard to communicate with in general) She insisted we only use email because it was easier for her! Then she didn't return email very quickly. I do appreciate the help with general info and she has found a good deal for this trip coming up. When I would ask questions about what I was learning on this web site, she seemed to become defensive. I felt like we were collaborating but I think she felt like I was questioning her abilities. Which was not my intention at all.

Thanks for your insight and comments.

 

[suevee]

If you get as much enjoyment out of the anticipation and making order out of chaos as I do- then plan your own. For ease of transportation stay at the CR with your two little ones. There is nothing like walking to MK and the monorail back is great! You can take a boat ride over to WL to see all the other things. I stayed at the WL once by myself and loved it! BUT it did take a long time to get anywhere. With grouchy, tired, little ones in tow this could put a dint in the magic. What ever you choose have a great time!!!!