What do you think about this advice from a Travel Agent?

[dopeyluvsgrumpy]

We booked with a travel agent once and I never will again. We booked with CAA to get the special extras they offered and had nothing but problems. The TA even booked the wrong room. When we got back and called to complain about our reservation the manager went through the agents notes and verified she booked incorrectly, but she was pregnant and so could be expected to make mistakes!!!!!!!

 

[monkey30]

I think most general TA's don't have a clue about WDW. We would only consider using a Disney Authorized Vacation Planner. They specialize in Disney Vacations and in my experience do know all about Disney.

Some do some don't! Just like not all TAs know everything about Europe or even the states you have to shop around!

 

[sstarke]

I feel for TA's who sell Disney along with a whole host of other destinations. Disney is so big that remembering all the details along with Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and a whole bunch of other places to visit can be a challenge! Hats off to them if they can keep the geography straight!

DH and I booked once a loooong time ago with a TA and the experience was so so, but we forgave and moved on. Our next trip we booked ourselves. No biggie

 

[Sue M]

I can't think of a single reason to book through a travel agent that provides any benefit other than keeping them in a job. Other than that it is far better and easier and usually cheaper to book separately by yourself.

In the past I've used 2 different Disney Authorized Vacation Planners, for my first 3 or 4 WDW trips. Because planning a WDW vacation is a bit involved. And making sure you are getting the best deal, esp when multiple discounts would come out.

They also know the minute WDW puts out a new promo, and if it's a better deal for you will automatically apply it to your res. And make dining and any other res. you need. Tours, etc.

A good planner will help you plan your vacay, and give you lots of advice, esp. useful for newbies to WDW, and those who work long hours, and don't have the time to track WDW promos.
I have recieved great service from the TAs I've used.

Now I do book my own because I enjoy planning. I don't feel it's any cheaper booking myself, as I can get the same deals the TA gets booking with WDW. The price of a room is the same booking thru TA or yourself staying on site. And I've always booked my own air.

 

[xipetotec]

I feel for TA's who sell Disney along with a whole host of other destinations. Disney is so big that remembering all the details along with Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and a whole bunch of other places to visit can be a challenge! Hats off to them if they can keep the geography straight!

DH and I booked once a loooong time ago with a TA and the experience was so so, but we forgave and moved on. Our next trip we booked ourselves. No biggie

Okay, that's a good point. But you wouldn't sell someone a trip to Las Vegas and tell them they can take a short walk to Hollywood. What I mean is yeah okay maybe they don't know all the details, but they can't make stuff up. If they don't know a certain thing, they shouldn't say anything. That will lead to a very unhappy customer.

 

[sstarke]

Okay, that's a good point. But you wouldn't sell someone a trip to Las Vegas and tell them they can take a short walk to Hollywood. What I mean is yeah okay maybe they don't know all the details, but they can't make stuff up. If they don't know a certain thing, they shouldn't say anything. That will lead to a very unhappy customer.

I agree! Why is it the phrase, "I don't know" is so hard for us to say!

I genuinely hope that in our experience, when our TA misadvised us on a few details it was because they were at some point misadvised as well (that wouldn't be a first!) and not because they were too afraid to say to us "I'll look into and get back to you." Perhaps the pressure of giving timely answers to clients result in a poorly researched response in our case.

Either way, I think all I'm getting at is everyone makes errors in their profession - we didn't let it get to us in our situation is all. And if I don't get some coffee soon I am liable to make an error in my own job today!

I need some java!

 

[xipetotec]

I agree! Why is it the phrase, "I don't know" is so hard for us to say!

I genuinely hope that in our experience, when our TA misadvised us on a few details it was because they were at some point misadvised as well (that wouldn't be a first!) and not because they were too afraid to say to us "I'll look into and get back to you." Perhaps the pressure of giving timely answers to clients result in a poorly researched response in our case.

Either way, I think all I'm getting at is everyone makes errors in their profession - we didn't let it get to us in our situation is all. And if I don't get some coffee soon I am liable to make an error in my own job today!

I need some java!

Yes, either a rush to "make the sale" as it were. OR he genuinely believed there was a train that went from Epcot to all parks... which is just... wrong.


P.S. user name with "Stark" in it, but supporting Daenarys Targaryan (user pic)?

 

[fivebyfive]

Yes, either a rush to "make the sale" as it were.

I couldn't agree more.

But I don't feel it's their fault in every case. With today's fast paced world of BlackBerry's/iPhones and more, the consumer expects quick responses from people in EVERY industry or else...they give their business elsewhere.

Heck, I've lost track of the number of posts I've read right here on the DIS about people complaining that they didn't hear back from their DU TA within an hour or two. Even one expecting a response at 10:30pm. SAD.

 

[glenpreece]

Don`t you just get so steamed when you here about people giving out false WDW info or tips. It drives me crazy

 

[sstarke]

I couldn't agree more.

But I don't feel it's their fault in every case. With today's fast paced world of BlackBerry's/iPhones and more, the consumer expects quick responses from people in EVERY industry or else...they give their business elsewhere.

Heck, I've lost track of the number of posts I've read right here on the DIS about people complaining that they didn't hear back from their DU TA within an hour or two. Even one expecting a response at 10:30pm. SAD.

So true! Maybe it's fear of losing an existing client! I've read (alright, lurked ) for a long time around here - I've seen quite a few debates whether to stick with a TA when the responses are delayed. Tough industry. I don't envy them.

Time can be a bugger in my industry too. I'm going to look into providing space travel to regular people - at least if I'm only 1 of maybe 3 companies (countries?!) that can do it safely time won't be jeopardizing my income. Move over Mr. Branson

 

[SydandPaige'sMom]

OMG! I wonder if your friend used the same TA that my friend did! She was telling me all about the train that they were going to take that goes to all the parks?? Wha??? She also let me know that They are a quick walk from P.O.F.Q (where they are staying) to Epcot. Wha???

She's also advised me that they don't need to get to Hollywood Studios early to get her sons signed up for Jedi Training, because they were already booked into it? And that they have front row, center seats for some Lightning McQueen show and he gets to hold the remote because it's his birthday (now we didn't spend much time at HS so I mean I guess those last two are possible...but from everything I've read, not probable)

I just don't want their first trip ruined by a TA that has no idea what they are talking about, but she seems to think her TA would certainly know more than I.

 

[KNovacovschi]

I generally book through a TA but would like to look into using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. What I am wondering though is are they only available online or are there any physical locations to go into. I usually use Trip Central and find that the costs are the exact same as I find online through Disney they just don't help with the planning aspect.

 

[tone.def]

There is an office in Bolton, Ontario. All they sell is disney - that's my TA. I normally just deal by phone and email though with her.

 

[lisalonglash]

There is an office in Bolton, Ontario. All they sell is disney - that's my TA. I normally just deal by phone and email though with her.

Our Disney specialist TA is in Bolton, ON too - probably the same one, as they are AWESOME! We are in BC and communicate with them via phone and email. They absolutely make our Disney vacations smoother and more fun - we wouldn't go to any Disney park or Disney Adventure without using them as our TA!!!

 

[mellie mel]

I am a TA and have extensive knowledge of Disney. I personally will be making my 10th visit to the World in March with my family.

You have to find a TA that you are comfortable working with. They should be knowledgeable in the area you are wanting to travel, or have someone in their agency that is who can assist in the planning of your trip.

My Disney suggestion is to ask the TA if they are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. I am and it is one of the first things I did as an agent. (because I am a Disneyaholic).

TA's all start somewhere. Sounds like the one that gave the advice in this post does not have any knowledge of the destination. I would suggest parking at the park you are visiting each day and moving your car. It will be faster than transport system and you do not have to pay more than once a day.

 

[KNovacovschi]

There is an office in Bolton, Ontario. All they sell is disney - that's my TA. I normally just deal by phone and email though with her.

I actually took your advice and looked them up. They are called Fairy Tale Destinations. I booked with them last week for our Oct trip. So far I am extremly impressed. I correspond through email and phone as I am not able to get to them in their business hours. I am looking forward to working with them over the next 8 mths. Just a quick question though. Do you do your ADR's through them or do you contact Disney yourself?

 

[tone.def]

Do you do your ADR's through them or do you contact Disney yourself?

Oh they do. Thankfully - I don't have the time for that stuff.

 

[Disney Addicted]

I also deal with Fairytale Dreams & Destinations. Awesome company and love my TA there! Mine makes my ADRs for me as well. I give her a list of the restaurants, dates and times I want. She makes them as soon as online reservations open, and e-mails me the ADR info. After that I can revise, cancel or book new ones as I want.

 

[minnie56]

I am a TA and have extensive knowledge of Disney. I personally will be making my 10th visit to the World in March with my family.

You have to find a TA that you are comfortable working with. They should be knowledgeable in the area you are wanting to travel, or have someone in their agency that is who can assist in the planning of your trip.

My Disney suggestion is to ask the TA if they are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. I am and it is one of the first things I did as an agent. (because I am a Disneyaholic).

TA's all start somewhere. Sounds like the one that gave the advice in this post does not have any knowledge of the destination. I would suggest parking at the park you are visiting each day and moving your car. It will be faster than transport system and you do not have to pay more than once a day.

I am afraid the 'Disney College of Knowledge' is not an ideal guage of what someone knows about Disney. Far better that someone who is in the business of selling all things Disney is themself a very frequent visitor to Disney and knows first hand what they are all about!

Reading the words does little... JMO

 

[lisalonglash]

I actually took your advice and looked them up. They are called Fairy Tale Destinations. I booked with them last week for our Oct trip. So far I am extremly impressed. I correspond through email and phone as I am not able to get to them in their business hours. I am looking forward to working with them over the next 8 mths. Just a quick question though. Do you do your ADR's through them or do you contact Disney yourself?

You won't regret booking with them - they are absolutely the best! I just tell them what ADRs we'd like (dates, times, restaurants) and they do all the work It's easy to communicate any changes we decide to make too.