Use a TA or Book Ourselves?

[annasmama]

We're planning a Magical Gathering trip to Disney next April, and we're not sure if we should use a TA, someone from AAA or just deal directly w/ Disney. I've talked to a person from AAA, but she didn't seem to know a lot about Disney. I've also been in email contact w/ someone from Mouse Ear Vacations. They seem very nice and knowledgeable. Has anyone dealt w/ this company before? Does anyone have any good or bad thoughts on them? My other option is to deal w/ Disney directly, but I'm wondering if I'll get the best deal I can if I do it myself.

TIA for your opinions!

Amanda

 

[epcotking]

You're going to get a better sense of magic and knowledge from a Disney rep. They're kind and friendly, and really will try to get you the best deal for your money.

 

[Bbgrizzle]

Book yourself. I've always found travel agents a little shifty. And can I just say. . . .

 

[DLBDS]

I'm using Small World Vacations, Inc. Give them a try. They are Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. Go to the website and get a free quote.

www.wdwvacations.com

Quote taken from SWV, Inc. website.....

"Small World Vacations agents listen to you and discuss your special Disney vacation itinerary including theme park touring, advanced /dining reservations, plans, etc.

We help you maximize your time and have fun!
We are real people searching for real deals for you.
There is never a charge for our service.

Small World Vacation agents know how to save time, headaches and money on your Disney vacation!

We constantly monitor your reservation for discounts and will try to lower your price whenever possible."


Editing to add....Here's their page on Magical Gatherings:

http://www.wdwvacations.com/magicalgatherings.htm

 

[sjams]

Used Small World Vacations for my trip in June of '05 and LOVED them. The gal we had was very helpful and very knowledgable. It was the 1st time in 10 years that we had gone so it was nice to have someone who knew the system, parks, hotels, etc. help! Comforting to know it was all taken care of.

Good luck!

 

[kcrew]

This is what I do: I search out the best deal myself (because in my experience I always find something lower than the TA) and have the TA book it for me, after I seek out the TA that will give me the most incentive. For instance for my upcoming trip I am getting $100 Disney Dollars, autograph books, pens, lanyards, and pins for my kids. I could have easily booked it myself, but way not get the extras..win/win.

 

[munchkin bunchkin]

I have also used Small World Vacations and loved it! They are not TA's but are Disney specialists and as the other post stated, are very knowledgable ! I find it makes sense for me to use them as I don't have alot of time to be on the phone -all I do is tell her what I want ( resort, tickets and dining ressies and she does it for me)the only thing they don't do is airline resevations .Best of all there is no charge for their services !

 

[Mickey Man2]

I have always used a TA. I use a local agent that is very knowledgable about Disney. So far she has done a great job.
Getting ready to book a Disney Cruise with her soon.

 

[Donald is #1]

I have always used my AAA travel agent. She seems very knowledgable about Disney. I'm assuming that if you use small world travels, you can't get an AAA discount. Is this true?

 

[annasmama]

Thank you everyone!

I did initially look into Small World. Mouse Ears appealed to me mainly b/c they also only do Disney Vacations, they are certified w/ Disney and they claim to have booked 30,000 Disney vacations. I figured they must know what they're doing, right? After I gave them my trip info, I got an email back from a lady named Joy. She gave me her office number and her cell number so I can call her. She will book my airfare, make my dining reservations for me, and said that if Disney offers my package at a cheaper rate, she will change my package to the lower price. And they give a Disney gift to everyone in our group. So, it sounds pretty good up front. I want to make sure that no one has any horror stories about them.

Thanks!
Amanda

Oh yea, they also don't charge for their service. The website says they get paid by Disney.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

We booked our trip thru AAA, and I found that if you are looking to have some control over upgrades, downgrades, special requests and the such; I would advise that you deal directly with Disney. I have had to have the middleman on every question or move that I have made. Disney can not talk to me, other than to answer hypothetical questions, they can not talk directly to me about my ressie. I have learned my lesson, in the future I will deal directly with Disney, sometimes you get what you pay for.