What are benefits of using a TA to book WDW?

[1PrincessMomma1]

Can anyone tell me? The quote is the same as from CRO so why should I use one? I don't make ADR's.
Thanks

 

[Jrabbit910]

i think you are going to get alot of mixed reviews on this... but I personally dont like using a travel agent... in years past I have noticed I was calling up my ta to let them know of the specials that came out and i was the one always booking my adrs....
HOWEVER... some ta's are really good and if a special does come out after you booked they will notify you and if they can save you money they will!

 

[Mickeys_n_me]

There really are no benefits, they can do the leg work for you and to some that is worth it. - Find the cheapest flights. Find the deals. Give their opinion on where is best for you to stay etc - But with the internet it has become easier for us to do it ourselves. So IMO there is none.

 

[1PrincessMomma1]

Thanks. Thats pretty much what I thought. I will book on my own.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We deal straight with Disney CRO, I rather deals with the horses head than the other end, thats information, been to the world 39 times and still do all the work right through CRO, never any problems, so why throw a 3rd party in the mix and keep checking on them ?

 

[Baltazar]

For first or second timers it's good because they are loaded with good advice.

I have a real good Disney agent and anytime a deal came out, I would email her and she would tell me I was already changed to that. She was a life saver on this last one cause it was a Magical gathering and she did everything.

They are god-awful for cheap airfare, though.

 

[1PrincessMomma1]

Thanks. I'm not a 1st or 2nd timer we have gone twice a year every year since 2000 and once a year before that. Well into the double digits but we don't stay onsite usually since we have family there. We'd like the kids to experience onsite once and I thought a TA might get us a better deal but it does not seem to be the case.

 

[ktkerber]

It seems using a TA is more aggravation that it is worth. I practically had to nag mine to get her to call about the Visa discount back in Aug. She gave me attitude and told me our dates were in the backout dates and we would not be to take advantage of the discount. Guess what, she was wrong! We did get the discount. Seems to me she just didn't want to be bothered. Never again!!
You can't make any changes to your reservations without calling the TA. I hated that!! You can't even call Disney and ask a question about your reservation yourself. Your TA has to do that. I spent alot of my time educating the TA on the different things Disney has or does. I shouldn't know more than my TA who claims to be a "Disney Specialist" and has been trained at DW. Just my honest opinion.
I will never use a TA for Disney again.

 

[shiralex]

The disneyworld.com website is very user friendly. I booked our trip that is 57days away!!!! on it. A word of advice...make sure the computer you use to book it with has a printer attached! Also, save any and all papers associated with your trip in case you have to cancel it. I found out the hard way...
I think when you book your trip this way, the travel insurance comes with it.

Have fun planning your trip!! I am!!

Helen

 

[luvsTink]

Ok, gotta throw in my two cents worth! Disclaimer: I am a travel agent with a specialty in Disney travel...that said...
Your experience will depend greatly on the agent. Some agents are simply data entry people that will just make your ressie, on the other end of the spectrum are agents (like myself and others) that are really travel "consultants", that is, we spend time to understand the traveler and make recommendations about resort, travel times, dining, events, etc etc etc. Some folks love to spend hours pouring over websites to figure out the best itinerary for their family (me)...some folks don't or simply do not have enough time (my sister-in-law). I will give you an example of some info I was able to help a client with today....this family is making their first trip to WDW. They are not sure how their child will react to characters so they are a bit hesitant to book a character meal....but, they are also concerned that if they wait too long they will not be able to get into one. With my knowledge and experience I was able to tell him that Cape May's breakfast is fairly easy to get into during some travel times (in January you can often get in the day of!)....it is also very very yummy and much more subdued than Chef MIckey's, and others. It personally took me 6 years and 5 trips before I figured that one out!
So...as always, your mileage will vary, but a good travel planner is worth WAY more than the money you pay them....which should be ZERO dollars more than booking yourself.
Thanks for listening!
Anne

 

[Baltazar]

My travel agent's name is Anne, from Small World Vacations.

Like I said, If your new to Disney, a travel agent is loaded with great advice.

 

[NewRocDad]

When it comes to non-WDW travel, I never use a travel agent. I'm a bit of a travel-research junkie/control freak, so I like to know all the details myself and by the time I know all the details, who needs a travel agent? Now here comes the big but...

BUT, when it comes to WDW travel, I use the AAA travel agency and save 10% on all costs for WDW hotel rooms and park passes. I joined AAA a few years ago, and I've only used the car-related benefits once or twice, but I just booked our second trip to WDW with them, and the savings are significant. In fact, you might look into what a AAA membership would cost. I'm guessing that your savings on your WDW vacation might be greater than the cost of a membership (I think it is $58 for your first year, $48 per year afterwards).

That's my fifty cents worth of free advice!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I love booking on my own. For me it's much easier. I usually book everything seperately since it has saved me money in the past.

Plus I'd probably drive a TA crazy since I'd keep checking for discount codes and calling the TA to be sure they know about them.

I am a AAA member so I save money that way even if I don't find any extra discount codes.

We don't normally do TS - just one or two per trip so we have never booked a complete package.

Have fun with whatever you decide.

 

[luvsTink]

Balatzar...what a coincidence....my name is Anne, but I am not with Small World, even though I hear they are very good.

I sure understand the control freak/know every detail trip planning philosophy...that is what got me here (the DIS) and HERE (travel consultant)

Anne