Travel Agents and Discount Codes

[dsarah]

Can't decide if we should book with a travel agent for our January trip to Disney World or do it on our own. We would like the Contemporary Tower rooms for our group, but we really want to actively look for and pursue any future discount codes.

Most travel agents say they check daily for discounts to apply to a client's existing reservation, but do they really?? What incentive do they have to spend a lot of time checking for discounts if a lower price results in less commission for them?

I would love to book with a travel agent for the convenience of not having to check on discounts and call CRO all the time. But if there is a chance that they may not actively pursue the discounts, I would rather do it myself.

Would appreciate comments regarding discounts from those who have used a travel agent vs. doing it themselves.

Thank you!

 

[helenk]

I used Dreams Unlimted for my trip in June and the agent was able to first get our rooms at the AAA rate, then the Disney Visa rate and finally the AP rates. So yes I'd say that they really do keep a look out for the good rates for you.
I usually like to do the reservations myself but we had 3 rooms so I figured it was less stressful for someone else to keep an eye out.
I liked using Dreams Unlimited so much that I am using them again for my trip in December and I only booked one room this time.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

I have booked many trips myself, and have also used Dreams Unlimited and others. On my last trip in June, I used Joe at Dream Come True Vacations, and he automatically applied codes for me and saved me over $390!

Joe was always very quick to respond to our emails and questions, usually within the hour, depending on the time of day.

Most travel agents say they check daily for discounts to apply to a client's existing reservation, but do they really?? What incentive do they have to spend a lot of time checking for discounts if a lower price results in less commission for them?

Customer happiness makes a customer more likely to be a repeat customer, and one that will refer new business to the agency - I know that I will gladly use Dream Come True Vacations again for future trips.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

We used Small World Vacations from mousesaver.com and they saved us a ton of money by revising our reservations two times.
Don't use a regular travel agent no matter what they tell you. Only the Disney specialists like Small World and Dreams Unlimited (there are others) really know how to get the discounts and work hard to get you the best price.
Small World even made all our priority seatings for us. All this is FREE!!!!!
Save yourself a lot of time and maybe some aggravation by checking out one of these Disney specialists. I'll never try to do it myself again. It's really not worth my time or energy.


ps....Don't think at by using AAA travel that you can get a discount. You might or might not.

 

[Herbie]

go with a T/A

if you have a problem,,,,you are not on your own...give them the code you want, they can get you the same deal.

 

[Robundrh2o]

We are using Dreams Unlimited and would highly recommend Susan. From what I've read on this board the TA's at DU watch for the updates for you and then apply it to your trip. Another bonus they provide is doing all of your PS calling for you. We are getting close to the PS calling for Cindy's breakfast and I am not worrying about getting up at 7:00 am to work the phone since DU is doing it all for us.

 

[jaygatz]

Go with a Travel Agent! We use Your Magical Journeys--Karen P. She/they are wonderful. It took me a while to believe that what they do is legit as I thought like you--why would they try so hard to lower our price if it cuts their commissions? Well, they do. Every trip up until this one (knock on wood with fingers crossed holding a rabbit's foot) I have been able to get an AP rate or code applied no problem. It is so nice to come home in the evening to an email telling you how much you saved that day because your TA is working hard for you. To illustrate how Karen does it, read this about our current ressie-- I received an email the day before the 5+2 promotion came out giving me a heads up that it was coming. Karen said that she would price it and get back to me when it was available. The next evening I had a quote in my inbox. It was that easy. I didn't go with that special since we decided to buy APs, however that gives you an idea how it works. When the codes come out the TA will snag it for you.