Using TA = more likely to get discount when announced?

[jenjersnap]

Ok, I really have to get a move on this Poly ressie in 12/05! I just dont know whether I should make it myself or go through a TA. We want to do LVC and will be desperate for a discount - any discount, we're willing to get an AP or whatever it takes - and fear they will be in short supply. I don't know much about TAs - do the Disney specialists have an "in" that makes them more likely to get through and receive discounts or do you think just calling and calling myself will yield the same results?

We booked our upcoming trip through a TA and, though she got us the room-only code we were looking for, it hasn't been a terrific experience. Not being able to handle my own ressies and discuss them with Disney CM myself bugs me. And, I don't think this TA is particularly interested in a high level of customer satisfaction. We'd need to find a new agent for this trip in 2005. If I booked them myself and later decided to use a TA, can I transfer them? Anybody know?

Thanks so much for any advice. I'd like to hear any and all experiences.

 

[TammiMcMan]

If you are going with a travel agent, I highly recommend Dreams Unlimited. They are sponsors of the DIS and they absolutely share our obsession with Disney. I used them for the first time a few trips ago and they are fantastic. My agent Susan got me a great deal on GF concierge and she was wonderful to work with. I love that we can talk via e-mail and I can go online and view my reservation easily on their web site. Even making payments is a snap and you see your balance. They can make your priority seating arrangements and also work out an itinerary for you. With all the horror stories that I've been reading on these boards about CRO, I don't know how much confidence I'd have in dealing with them directly.

Here is the website if you'd like to check them out www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com . They'll start you out with a no obligations quote and you can go from there.

Tammi

 

[jenjersnap]

Hi Tammi. We are using DU for our cruise and got a terrific price (compared to other quotes I gathered). My issue with DU is that I was told I had to have a cruise TA and a WDW TA; wasn't sure yet how I felt about dealing with two separate people for what, is in essence, the same trip. I still might utilize them, just not sure. Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[tink2]

My personal preference is to do it myself. My family has done its own bookings for 4 trips now with no problems. While the first trip we were clueless, the next two trips were during Thanksgiving week- blackout dates for codes mainly, this next trip we are going in Dec. and got a code. Actually, I ended up calling and asking about any available codes- I had read here about e-mails, and the cm gave me the discount. He volunteered the code and I even told him I thought it was an e-mail only, he said a lot of times if you just call and ask about available codes, they'll give you those too.
I think if you read these boards enough, you should be fine doing it yourself. My goodness, the second a new code is released, it is announced on here- the code is given if it is for the public too. I just like doing it myself- of course I am a control freak by nature! I also like discussing the details witht he cm myself. I don't know, I just trust myself more than I do someone else.
However, I know several who have gone through travel agents b/c they didn't want the hassle of it all- they didn't see the fun in planning!!! They also all ended up spending way more than I do- way more. They didn't do their homework and the TA didn't offer up info. about UPH tickets- which they all got and none of them used - should have gotten regular park hoppers. etc.
Good luck!!!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Jen, that's funny because I had a similar situation. I did the trip first and worked with an awesome TA there. When I booked the cruise, I went right back to her, but she said she only handled land and that I had to work with someone else on the cruise. I ended up with another great agent and quite a few of our e-mails were personal and didn't have anything to do with the vacation The agents know each other and talk amongst themselves, so I really didn't have any problems. I can see where you're coming from though, that yours is basically all the same trip.

There's a gentleman on the DIS boards who I think might be in charge of Dreams Unlimited. His screen name is WebmasterJohn and I've seen him respond to some of the DU specific posts. It might be worthwhile to send him an e-mail and see if anyone on the staff has experience with both land/sea reservations and that you'd feel more comfortable working with a single agent for your vacation. I did a search and here is his e-mail address john@dreamsunlimitedtravel.com . Perhaps if it's a concern that many clients have, they will make some changes and have staff that will handle this type of booking.

Tammi

 

[Kallison]

I would never recomment a regular TA but definitely go with DU. They are experts on Disney trips. I always use Cathy Miller, she is super.

 

[Cinderella37]

This is our first time using a travel agent and we're using DU. Ann has already been delightful. It's nice to receive an email this far out just asking if we need anything. We're very impressed!