Travel Agent?

[Xcited4Disney]

Just curious. Do most members here use travel agents to plan their vacations or do it yourself? I'm planning my 1st trip (as an adult) and am using an agent to get a package deal. I'm not too experienced. What do you do?

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Since most travel agents know little about WDW, and I was tired of looking for deals and codes, we decided to use a Disney specialist. We found Small World Vacations on mousesaver.com. They did a great job in lowering our initial AAA discount two times as better deals were released. We ended up saving $800.00 thanks to them. Small World kept looking daily for better deals and it saved me a lot of time and hassle. They also made all our dining reservations for us which is great since I don't like to spend what can be an eternity on the phone with Disney Dining. Great people and great service. Cant beat the price...FREE..............
We will always use them for future trips...WDWVacations.com.

 

[Nancyg56]

We used Keith from Mouseketrips, and were very happy with his service. He spent a great deal of time answering numerous questions, and researching options so that we could determine the best way for our family. We had a family member who was not sure of her budget, and he was very helpful in this area. He then watched for any discounts that applied to us, although I cannot remember the discount amount, as my DD handled all of the TA transactions.

 

[ChristyJ]

I planned our entire first trip and was able to get the WL for something like $120. a night-I also was able to get all of the PS I wanted (including Cindy's breakfast). BUT, I was on the phone & computer non-stop (although I did enjoy the rush of getting the good deals & seatings!! ).

For our second trip, I'm using a Magical Memories. I just have a feeling that they can get us a better deal than I can get on my own. Our trip isn't until 11/30/06 and booking through them already saved me about $50.00, plus I got a free subscription to TourGuideMike. I'm confident that our savings will be MUCH more if there are any deals to be had during our travel dates!

 

[Minerva]

I planned my own trip but used an agent to book the trip and make my ADRs. She did exactly what I asked her to do and when a discount came out she was the one on the phone with Disney for over an hour to get it, not me. That alone was worth using a travel agent. I got an email just before I left for work telling me she'd gotten me the dicount. There is no way I'd have been able to do that and get ready for work at the same time. Since it doesn't cost me a penny to use an agent I'll continue to use one but only one who specializes in Disney like the DU and TMFL agents.

 

[safetymom]

Dreams Unlimited is a great travel agency to work with. They are great about keeping an eye on rates and getting ADR's.

 

[LukenDC]

I use a travel agent (Disney is the only trip for which I use an agent). The travel agent is more on top of new deals and discounts than I am. She also makes all of the reservations for dining, shows, and airport transfers which is a big plus. I really don't have time to spend on the phone with Disney and it is so easy to simply send her an e-mail or call her with instructions.

Even though I use a travel agent, I do all of my own planning. I choose where to stay, what parks to visit, where to eat, what special shows or tours to see. Using a travel agent has in no way diminished my enjoyment of the planning process and I still feel very much in control of my trip.

 

[d4est]

This is our first family trip. I used AAA. My first TA was horrible. Now I have a great TA thru a different AAA branch. She has been great. That said, I don't think I would use a TA in the future.

I don't like the lack of control. I don't like not being able to look up my vacation online (at Disneyworld.com). I want to be able to see it. Once you use a TA, you can't do anything to your ressie...any changes, additions, payments etc must be made by (thru) the TA.

**This is just a personal preference.

 

[GuardMusic]

I plan mine, my friends, my family's, etc. If I didn't require a futt-time job with benefits, I would quit my current job and work for Small World Vacations or similar TA. I'm too detailed (anal) to leave my trip planning to someone else.

We are using Vacations 2 Go for our Jan. 06 land/sea package. This is my first land/sea and first cruise in 10 years, so I didn't want to mess it up. They came recommended by a good friend who cruises ALL the time. I work with Tina Parsons and she is INCREDIBLE! The best part is she works 2nd shift (1pm-10pm?), so I can call her after work!

Gayle

 

[westcliffemom]

I plan and book myself. I enjoy making the arrangements and having control over the outcome. I usually can find great prices/deals through the info here and mousesavers.

 

[mainewmn]

No matter where or where I go I can always do better myself then what a TA can do for me.

 

[Xcited4Disney]

Thanks everyone for your replies!

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

I always planned all our trips by myself. For our upcoming disney cruise I decided to try a travel agent (did Small World Vacations). When you first inquire you fill out a form with preferences and if you are an AP holder, or military, or FL resident, etc. I got a call last week that the military discounts had come out and our cruise vacation was now 1700 dollars cheaper . I am kicking myself for not having used a travel agent before this. It has made my life much easier.

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

We have always used a Disney-specialist travel agent, the one we have used for our last 2 trips was Dreams Come True Vacations - Joe and Kathryn were both a great help in planning and getting us everything we wanted.

Michael

 

[cobbler]

Never used a travel agent. I think I would know more than most of them.