Travel Agent vs Booking separately?

[Jo-Anne]

My first WDW vacation, I used a travel agent to book a package and then after I returned home, I found this fabulous board and realized all the savings I missed! All future trips to WDW, I've booked hotel, air and car all separately, and probably save about $1,000/trip vs a travel agency package. Now I'm thinking about my first cruise....what should I do? Are there significant savings to be had to book cruise, air and transfers separately, or should I put my vacations in the hands of one of the experienced Disney agencies like Dreams Unlimited etc? Thoughts?

 

[outahere]

DU could probably save you money on the cruise portion, but I would suggest booking your air and transfers separately. If you book air through the cruise line, you are "at their mercy" as far as schedules go. DU may be able to help you with the air, but I've found that I can get some pretty good fares by booking directly through the airlines' web sites. Depending on how many people are traveling, the DCL transfers can get pretty pricey, so you might want to check into renting a car or one of the limo services.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I see what you are saying, most travel agents just pull up the package you want on their system, quote you the rack-rate, book it, and thats it..... However, I imagine that a GOOD travel agent, who specializes in Disney, like DU and others... would be able do a better job and get you the best rates.

I too would recommend booking your airfare separately from your cruise package, even if you have a good TA booking it for you. Also, I understand that booking the Land and Sea portions of your trip can sometimes save some cash. Especially if you, or your TA, can find and take advantage of special rates.

One thing that I like about using a TA that specializes in Disney.... You will work personally with that agent, and they will know exactly how to get what you want. Dealing with Disney is what they do! Seems better to me than being at the mercy of dialing the Disney/DCL 800 numbers and dealing with whatever unknown person, and hoping that they will be able to help you every time you need to ask a question or make an arrangement.

 

[cjsmith]

I have always booked all of my travel on my own and prefer it. I actually did the last 3 cruises myself with DCL, but this time around I let AAA take it over. I have regretted it ever since. I can't check my reservations on line, they won't discuss anything in regards to my reservation with me when I call DCL, yet I still had to book all of my own excursions, etc. Now I come to find out that I will get my documents so much later than if I had just left it on my own since it has to go to AAA's group desk and then is sent to each individual agent. The only positive thing is the free drink mug. But even that has a catch, i frankly would have rather spent my own money and had gotten the sticker so I didn't have to lug the mug around on my 7 day cruise. I guess if I had saved some money, I would be happy, but the FL resident price was the same either way and now I don't have control!!!
Carolyn

 

[joyfull]

I decided to book our cruise with a TA....now I wish I hadn't ! I found all of the deals myself and then had to ask my TA to call and get them for me. It just became a big hassel. When I complained to my TA she told me that we aren't the type of people that NEEDED a TA. Last night I called to find out how much more it would cost to get adjoining rooms. It was only going to cost us 120.00 more. But because I have a TA I couldn't change my reservation. By the time I got a hold of my TA today, the side by side rooms were taken! (Not a good day for me)