What are the benefits of booking with a travel agency?

[teachermommy78]

I see a lot of travel agencies listing that they specialize in Disney vacations. Can someone tell me the benefit of booking through them rather than going through Disney yourself?

 

[Hootch]

expertise and they usually get the discounts slightly earlier. Whether they get them early or not, they have many customers depending on them for the information so they know as soon as they come out.

They do not have access to any discounts that are not available to the public, but they have the tools, experience and knowledge to decipher the many various Disney offers.

They don't charge for the service but are compensated by the operators. I think it's worthwhile to understand the basics even if you use a TA. They rely on your inputs to help you plan your vacation.

 

[ToddyLu]

For many people who do not like the planning themselves they can make your ADRs and everything. There are specific educational programs that one goes through to be "Disney Certified".

 

[Dismom55]

I have used a TA for our upcoming trip and past 2 trips. It was a blessing. While I have made it my mission to learn all the ins and outs of planning and getting the ADRs and other items, it was heaven sent to simply tell my TA what and when and let her do the work. It is also nice to know I have a back up, perhaps I get busy and miss a discount that I am eliglble for, I know my TA will get if for me. I also do not have to guess about something, I simply e-mail my TA and get a reliable answer, I then compare that answer with those I read here on the boards and other places. I costs me nothing, actually I personally think I earn a bit of something as I usually get a little something from my TA for using her. This trip it is a $75 Disney gift card.

Some like to do all the work themselves, I simply do not, I do plan and love to plan, but I let my TA execute my plan. Have been very very happy with her.

 

[LynneyPooh]

Not a whole lot of difference. The trip cost will be the same either way. The good part of a TA is they will do all the work for you, and you have someone to call to help you if there are any problems. I booked my 2nd and 3rd trips w/ a TA. I went back in the fall to book my Jan trip and she had retired. I did it all myself. It would have been nice if I had a TA to help me get a flight home early when the ice storm hit the SE, instead I spent about 4 hours trying to get it done myself
That said, I'm working on my June trip now, and since I haven't found a TA that "gets" me, and my disney obsession, I'm doing it myself. Since the DIS gives me so much info, I'm the client they don't want to deal with

The previous advice from other posters is good advice. DDP/ room promo's won't help me this go 'round as we're camping....

 

[kayjaybe]

Hmmm...maybe I didn't do it right when I checked out pricing on the Disney site, but my TA was able to get me a lower price.

When I priced Poly with the dining plan & 7-day hoppers on the Disney site, but without airfare, it came to the same price as what I got through the TA including airfare.

Also, our TA has a direct charter flight and special transportation when you land in Florida. They handle all the bags, including carry-ons, and take you right to MK. They provide your tickets before you go so you don't need to check in at all before visiting the parks.

They are also providing free parking at our home airport, 1 free day at a waterpark, a buffet breakfast one day at HS, and we get the first ride of the day on Toy Story that day.

Again, maybe I didn't price it quite right through the website, but the TA seemed like a great deal in my situation.

 

[kycanonist]

I'm another one that is all for a Certified Disney agent...

Basically, you can pay the same amount for having an agent do all of your work for you (like ADR's, getting your room area 3 weeks in advance, and your online check in two weeks ahead) and they get the small percentage, or you can pay for the thing through Disney directly, they pocket the percentage, and you have to do everything yourself.

 

[tarheeltink]

AGREED! I'm a travel agent, and I love planning Disney vacations for people. The client pays the same whether they book with me or with Disney directly, but for those who have never been before, don't like to plan, don't know where to get started, etc... they get so much more out of their vacations when using a travel agent who truly knows Disney.

I'm another one that is all for a Certified Disney agent...

Basically, you can pay the same amount for having an agent do all of your work for you (like ADR's, getting your room area 3 weeks in advance, and your online check in two weeks ahead) and they get the small percentage, or you can pay for the thing through Disney directly, they pocket the percentage, and you have to do everything yourself.

 

[Jazcat]

I am a travel agent and I am the go to person, if there a problem I can call and try to get it fixed. I can book ADR's and for those that have not gone can give advise. It's a drug for me talking Disney and planning trips perfect job for me. We took a course called Disney College of Knowledge it further our knowledge.

 

[eribriggs]

As many others have said, it doesn't cost you A THING and you don't have to do the work - we do it for you! Also, there are little, special extras we supply that you don't get booking directly with Disney and planning yourself.

 

[waffles77]

I have used a TA many times in the past. We are going in May and for the first time I decided to try it myself. I can tell you that I will be using the TA in the future too.

Each time I have called Disney (and there have been several times), I am usually on the phone with them for at least an hour or more. Having a TA do the legwork for you is a much easier way to plan!

There are too many other variables that you need to set when going to Disney - tps, adrs, airline ressies, etc that its easier if you can lighten your load a little bit!

 

[moniqueelaine]

That was my favorite part of the trip all the planning, but then again I always thought it would be so cool to be a travel agent, how great would that be to plan vacations for a living?? I had a blast reading all the books, making ressies for meals..I am not one that has to plan the whole day out we kind of just do that on the day...The only thing really planned is the meals....We make them early enough were we could get to the fireworks and parades, etc.

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

Have you found any differences between travel agencies and, say, AAA, with Disney direct? Just curious.

 

[retired and happy]

We always use DisTrips (Sandy). We do not get a reduced rate but there is no charge for their services. They also made a donation to The Dream House For Medically Fragile Children when someone books with them and mentions the Dream House. (Very worthwhile cause). Sandy and her group will do everything possible to get your reservation when you want it as they will call Disney every day several times a day. They have always been able to get ours even for our extended stay in December-January. You can get information by sending an e-mail to Sandy (distrips@aol.com). Good Luck. Tell them Judy Hammett
recommended them and if you use them, please tell them
you know about the Dream House. Thanks and God Bless.

 

[Brandilovesdisney]

There are so many reasons to use a TA (many of them listed above). The big one for me is the time spent on the phone. While I love to call Disney (when I get through right away) and hear - "Welcome Home" or "Have Yourself a Magical Day", the day the deals come out and everyone is calling to get things like Free Dining added to their reservation, I am very happy it is my TA on the phone and not me

 

[jandm]

I have used a TA for our upcoming trip and past 2 trips. It was a blessing. While I have made it my mission to learn all the ins and outs of planning and getting the ADRs and other items, it was heaven sent to simply tell my TA what and when and let her do the work. It is also nice to know I have a back up, perhaps I get busy and miss a discount that I am eliglble for, I know my TA will get if for me. I also do not have to guess about something, I simply e-mail my TA and get a reliable answer, I then compare that answer with those I read here on the boards and other places. I costs me nothing, actually I personally think I earn a bit of something as I usually get a little something from my TA for using her. This trip it is a $75 Disney gift card.

Some like to do all the work themselves, I simply do not, I do plan and love to plan, but I let my TA execute my plan. Have been very very happy with her.

Who do you use?

 

[jjsmom]

Just like everything else in this world, you pay for convenience. That's what travel agents do. I'm a control freak and half the fun is getting it together myself. I think I missed the boat. People are constantly asking me about WDW, knowing I've made so MANY trips, in various forms. I would love to be privvy to all the TA discounts & perks, though... LOL. ...nothing but love to all TA's.

 

[Amunet]

I don't use a TA but I very much promote using one. The reason I don't is because I'm trying to become a TA myself Once I finish my BA I'm hoping to be trained/hired as a TA ^_^ I also want to specialize in Disney! So right now, I try to learn as much as I can by myself with all the planning and learning ^_^