Travel Agent with DVC rental?

[mysticmanordreams]

Hello! We are planning our first disney trip for next year, and are planning to rent DVC points for our accommodations. I know that TAs work off commission from Disney, but because we aren't planning on booking a room through them (or a dining plan), I'm wondering if they would still work with us? Is there any gain for them? We can get by with a touringplans itinerary or something I'm sure, but it would be nice to have the extra help. Anyone know? Thanks!

 

[LJSquishy]

No, they'd be working for free so you're on your own!

 

[Lvsdisney]

Hello! We are planning our first disney trip for next year, and are planning to rent DVC points for our accommodations. I know that TAs work off commission from Disney, but because we aren't planning on booking a room through them (or a dining plan), I'm wondering if they would still work with us? Is there any gain for them? We can get by with a touringplans itinerary or something I'm sure, but it would be nice to have the extra help. Anyone know? Thanks!

Renting DVC points goes through the owner of those points. There are companies that will connect you with the owners to rent the points, but they are not your typical travel agents. Not sure what you'd want out of a TA except to maybe book your ADRs or FPs? You can always do that on your own. I don't think a TA would do those things if you weren't booking a trip (room and all) through them. I will say, some TAs can offer really good deals that may be almost the same or a little more than renting points. It may be worth it to book through them if you want the ADR and FP help.

 

[kaytieeldr]

but because we aren't planning on booking a room through them (or a dining plan), I'm wondering if they would still work with us? Is there any gain for them?

Zero gain for a TA. Instead, they would be working for free.

What is your expectation from a Travel Agent?

 

[cmarsh31]

If you purchase your park tickets through the TA, some of them may be willing to help you plan.

 

[Marionnette]

If you rent directly from an owner on the Rent/Trade Board, they may be willing to walk you through booking FPs and making ADRs but they couldn’t do it for you. Some are more helpful than others. However, the agencies will only handle adding a dining plan to your reservation.

 

[mysticmanordreams]

Zero gain for a TA. Instead, they would be working for free.

What is your expectation from a Travel Agent?

I think we would benefit from their help with FPs, ADRs, and general planning advice since we are totally new to the whole thing. But I totally get that those things are perks for booking with them, so it makes sense that they wouldn't have any incentive to help. Thank you!

 

[mysticmanordreams]

If you rent directly from an owner on the Rent/Trade Board, they may be willing to walk you through booking FPs and making ADRs but they couldn’t do it for you. Some are more helpful than others. However, the agencies will only handle adding a dining plan to your reservation.

Thanks for the tip I think that we would be able to navigate the whole thing enough to not have to rely on them, but it's good to know that some are willing to provide some guidance!

 

[mysticmanordreams]

If you purchase your park tickets through the TA, some of them may be willing to help you plan.

Thanks! I was wondering if they made a commission on the tickets.....I think I will reach out to one or two and see if that is the case.

 

[cmarsh31]

Thanks! I was wondering if they made a commission on the tickets.....I think I will reach out to one or two and see if that is the case.

As long as it's 3 days or more, they do but some agents choose not to book tickets only. They can also book Memory Maker for you. They can't book the dining plan. That has to be done through the DVC owner (same with Magical Express)

 

[DebbieB]

I believe there are agents who charge a planning fee when there is no room booking.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Commission is 10%. Disney travel specialists typically work for agencies which take 40-60% of that. I agree witj whoever suggested contacting a couple of agencies and asking what they're willing to do. Don't be surprised if they decline.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

There is a rental company that receives $4.00 per point that he rents for you. Just to give you an idea how much they make.

 

[wendow]

Thanks! I was wondering if they made a commission on the tickets.....I think I will reach out to one or two and see if that is the case.

I work as a Disney TA. I typically plan for my clients. I've not had a client yet who wanted to handle everything themselves as most as first time (or been a long time) guests. The work involved can be a lot depending on which restaurants they are wanting and the size of their party. Securing FP for everyone is definitely a lot of work as I am in CO so I get up at 5am to make their FP. This is something you will want to discuss with anyone you get a quote from. Many TA's will say that they will book your ADRs and FPs but they do it during normal business hours. Unfortunately that can be the difference in getting a FP and not getting one so make sure you hire someone who will take care of your trip like it's their own.

Don't be surprised if TA's expect you to pay a booking fee or 'admin fee' for their planning services. Commission on just tickets isn't all that much after taxes and fees.

 

[mysticmanordreams]

I work as a Disney TA. I typically plan for my clients. I've not had a client yet who wanted to handle everything themselves as most as first time (or been a long time) guests. The work involved can be a lot depending on which restaurants they are wanting and the size of their party. Securing FP for everyone is definitely a lot of work as I am in CO so I get up at 5am to make their FP. This is something you will want to discuss with anyone you get a quote from. Many TA's will say that they will book your ADRs and FPs but they do it during normal business hours. Unfortunately that can be the difference in getting a FP and not getting one so make sure you hire someone who will take care of your trip like it's their own.

Don't be surprised if TA's expect you to pay a booking fee or 'admin fee' for their planning services. Commission on just tickets isn't all that much after taxes and fees.

Awesome, thanks so much for the insight/info! That is really helpful - I think that we will probably just stick to planning/booking ourselves and trying to use the forums and touringplans as much as we can. Probably not worth bothering an agent over. Thanks again!

 

[mysticmanordreams]

thanks everyone for your responses! Looks like we will plan to DIY this trip

 

[wendow]

thanks everyone for your responses! Looks like we will plan to DIY this trip

This board is a great resource. You will be fine!!