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

[lisalonglash]

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

I think both the Disney College of Knowledge and frequent trips are both really important in terms of knowing that the TA you choose really knows what they're talking about and is able to get you the best available deal and accurate information. Good thing our TA is well-versed on both counts!

 

[minnie56]

The CDK I suppose can give a bare bones guideline to resorts/parks etc etc..but it doesn't come remotely close to first hand experience. As for deals..again..those would be obtained by being in the know as far as the website (agents) and promotional emails from the Disney sales managers. Of course--many also frequent these boards to get the word on the 'street'...

You have to have the Disney passion to sell it well...no learning guide can give you that.

 

[CdnCarrie]

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

Making ADRs online would not take any longer than posting on the DIS.

 

[lisalonglash]

You have to have the Disney passion to sell it well...no learning guide can give you that.

Absolutely agree! True Disney passion is what you want in your TA for sure!

 

[taylor3297]

I have booked trips on my own and used a TA. My last 2 trips I used a friend who works for Mouse Fan Travel. It doesn't cost me anymore than if I had booked through Disney myself.

We were going to be out of town when our 180 day window opened for our Dec. 2010 trip. Also, we would not have access to a phone or computer to make our ADR's. So it was nice that she could do it for us. She was able to get every single restaurant and time we wanted.

My last trip in September 2011, she also booked my trip. At first I booked the Pop but then decided that I might want to stay at POFQ. She was quick in pricing everything for us and again, made our ADR's. If was nice not having to worry about it.

While we were waiting for our flight to Orlando, I saw a family that had the yellow Me tags on their carry on luggage. I knew that wasn't right so I asked them why. They were told by their TA (who happened to be a family member of theirs) that they could just drop off their carry ons at the ME desk and that ME would take all their luggage to their hotel. They then were going to catch a cab and go straight to Seaworld.

Boy were they surprised when I told them it didn't work that way.

 

[Disney Addicted]

Making ADRs online would not take any longer than posting on the DIS.

Yes, however not everyone can make them on their 180 day. It always falls on a school morning for me. I'm too busy waking, feeding breakfast, making lunches, and getting kids to school. Not just mine, but daycare kids as well. By the time I could sit down at the computer to make my ADRs (9am), the time slots I want would be gone for my favorite TS's. My TA makes my initial ADRs, and from then on I make any changes, additions or cancellations. Works great!!

Once I wanted more days added on our reservation. Website and CMs insisted the resort was full. My TA was able to add the extra days on without any problems.

Not everyone wants/needs a TA to book for them. But it works out well for others.

 

[tone.def]

Making ADRs online would not take any longer than posting on the DIS.

No question. But it's the itinerary prep I don't have the time for. I don't make excel sheets, I scribble all my details on the backs of pieces of paper and I can't be bothered to organize what day Fantasmic is on and what day there isn't Wishes.

Using a TA is obviously not for you, you want to be self-sufficient, in control and that's super cool, but using one is for me and loads of other people and that should be cool too, no?

 

[fivebyfive]

Not everyone wants/needs a TA to book for them. But it works out well for others.

Exactly! Each to their own...