using a TA for your trip planning/booking

[Disneymom83]

Anyone here use a TA to book/ plan their Disney trip? I never have but seem where some are doing so. Thing is a lot of TAs are saying the benefit to using them is just so I don't have to and to get all reservations for dinner. I like planning. So for me im not so sure what the benefit would be. Also I'm a bit concerned I may get scammed by someone claiming their a TA but they aren't really one. Or maybe I miss out on a good deal or dining reservation because they waited till the last minute to try to schedule it. I've read stories where that has happened to people.

So what are your thoughts?

 

[JaymeC]

I'm a TA. And to be honest, people on the disboards would not get as much from my services as the people I usually end up with (first trip, or trip every few years who do not like doing research/planning). I've also heard stories about others who lost out deals to their clients and what not by not being proactive. I don't have that particular problem and I ensure that I'm getting my clients the best deal possible, but that comes back to ensuring you're working with a TA you can trust. The same applies to dining.

To answer your question on what a good TA can bring to the table... for my family traveling next week I made their dining reservations, offered them my input on the best options, and did their Fastpass+ reservations for them because they didn't want to bother with it. I also customized their MBs to their specifications. I dropped off a package for them with their MDE login information and a write up of all their reservations along with a suggested itinerary, list of where and when the characters are, and many other tip sheets. I also included an autograph book and coloring book for their daughter just for kicks. To THAT family I'm a great asset. To someone who knows the ins and outs already? Maybe not so much. But I do do the best I can for every client.

 

[Disneymom83]

Sounds like you planned a wonderful vacation for them I guess since I've been to Disney so many times and I honestly enjoy planning and such, it wouldn't be any different if I did it or a TA.

But I agree if you aren't familiar with where you're going or you just don't want to plan then a TA would be a wonderful asset.

 

[caravarela]

I have planned all of our trips and enjoy doing it, but our last trip I booked with a TA who is an acquaintance of mine (our kids went to prek together) and had an excellent experience. I still booked all our dining, but for the couple hard to find ADRs I was looking for, it was nice to have someone else checking too. She also made calls for me so I didn't have to, like to ask about a discount and to check pirates league availability.

I still felt like I had total control, but I had some nice perks. I think if you have a reliable and knowledgable TA there is no downside. Many TAs give little gifts too. Mine sent the nice park maps, planning DVD, a dry erase countdown magnet, and a castle pin when we booked, and then a $50 Disney gift card the week before our trip. I've seen other TAs do gifts like a personalized tote bag, free stroller rental, etc. it cost me nothing and helped her out so I'd say it was a win-win!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[eyor44]

I am a TA also. I helped others with their trips for a few years now and am the "go to Disney person" at my full time job. A friend of mine own's an agency that specializes in Disney. She knew what I did and I actually sent people to her who wanted help actually booking their trips. She wanted me to come on board with her so I let her booked a couple of my trips so I could see what the experience was for the guest. I am like you and prefer to handle all of my own dining ADRs, etc. I let her book the trip and then she gave me the reservation number so I could book all of my dining. Her agency got credit for my trip and I had the control I wanted. I now do the same for my clients. I do as much or as little for them that they want. My clients are in complete control.
A couple things to remember. When booking with a TA, they will watch for discounts that might apply to your trip, they can answer questions or make suggestions to help you trip be even better.
Also, you are helping someone with their job. The price is the same whether you book with Disney or with a TA. Disney pays the TA a commission. A reputable TA will never charge you to book a trip.

 

[eyor44]

I am a TA also. I helped others with their trips for a few years now and am the "go to Disney person" at my full time job. A friend of mine own's an agency that specializes in Disney. She knew what I did and I actually sent people to her who wanted help actually booking their trips. She wanted me to come on board with her so I let her booked a couple of my trips so I could see what the experience was for the guest. I am like you and prefer to handle all of my own dining ADRs, etc. I let her book the trip and then she gave me the reservation number so I could book all of my dining. Her agency got credit for my trip and I had the control I wanted. I now do the same for my clients. I do as much or as little for them that they want. My clients are in complete control.
A couple things to remember. When booking with a TA, they will watch for discounts that might apply to your trip, they can answer questions or make suggestions to help you trip be even better.
Also, you are helping someone with their job. The price is the same whether you book with Disney or with a TA. Disney pays the TA a commission. A reputable TA will never charge you to book a trip.

 

[kayladan04]

I too am a Travel agent. I love planning! I like to suggest activities or dining that my clients don't think about. I also che k for discounts and can apply them if they would help lower your price. I also like to send personalized emails that include tips, hours & extra magic hours, suggestions, ect.

 

[StirlingSilver83]

I booked my trip through AAA, but the just booked my resort, tickets for the parks, dining plan, and my memory maker. I took care of everything else which was really only booking the adrs, and scheduling some other stuff we wanted to do.

 

[WDWAurora]

I used Kathy Werling though dreams unlimited for my recent trip. The owners of dreams own dis boards. She was on top of discounts and I didn't have to keep checking. I would just get an email with a reservation update and the price would be lower. Worked great for me! She was also able to get all of the adrs I requested and I didn't have to do anything.

 

[chris31997]

I used a TA. One because I'm in Japan and the time differance is a killer and international calls Our TA, helped with payments, ordering a gift for the cruise and linking reservations. Two to help coordinate for a huge surprise family for our kids.

 

[danceintherain]

We've used a TA twice, and both experiences were perfectly fine. The first time was more involved, she booked everything, including dining reservations. I think I did end up micro-managing the process a little too much, but it was fine.

The second time was through an acquaintance, and I mostly did it so she could get the commission. I think I booked all my ADRs myself, but I told her to keep a look out for a better BoG time (I booked inside the 180 day window).
She sent me a cute package of goodies a few weeks before my trip, and dealt with the situation when our luggage tags didn't come in.

Ultimately, I hate making phone calls, so I like having someone else make them for me.

 

[Disneymom83]

Thank you All for your responses! I guess if I choose to use a TA I'll just have to find one who is reputable.

 

[thekohouts]

If you decide to use one, find one that has an actual agency website. Then, find out if they actually work for them. Then, find out if they are an "Earmarked" agency. Earmarked agency are just Disney authorized agencies that habe completed their Disney training and have given superior service in the eyes of Disney. We are actually an "Earmarked" agency.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I would only use a TA that offered a great discount that I couldn't get on my own. Other than that I like booking my own vacation.

 

[MommysGotItAll]

I have planned all of our trips and enjoy doing it, but our last trip I booked with a TA who is an acquaintance of mine (our kids went to prek together) and had an excellent experience. I still booked all our dining, but for the couple hard to find ADRs I was looking for, it was nice to have someone else checking too. She also made calls for me so I didn't have to, like to ask about a discount and to check pirates league availability.

I still felt like I had total control, but I had some nice perks. I think if you have a reliable and knowledgable TA there is no downside. Many TAs give little gifts too. Mine sent the nice park maps, planning DVD, a dry erase countdown magnet, and a castle pin when we booked, and then a $50 Disney gift card the week before our trip. I've seen other TAs do gifts like a personalized tote bag, free stroller rental, etc. it cost me nothing and helped her out so I'd say it was a win-win!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

May I ask who you used? Thanks in advance!