What to expect

[Disney_mississauga]

I am looking at going to Disney world in mid Jan 2009 with MDW and 2 boys.

I think we will stay at Pop Century, but what should I expect from a Disney travel agent. Should I go with a package deal (air, hotel, rental). What do they offer that I can't do myself (without alot of time and effort).

I know this is a vague question but MDW is very sceptical booking with a US agency.

 

[purplepeg]

I have never booked with a Disney agent but It's not that hard to book everything yourself. This place is a great source of information for any questions you may have. I like the package option, not including air. It's raelly convenient for having your room key, dininig, charging priveliges, all on the same card. Do some research on where you want to dine and make those ressies 180 days out if you can. I know, not the answer you were looking for.

 

[lisalonglash]

I am looking at going to Disney world in mid Jan 2009 with MDW and 2 boys.

I think we will stay at Pop Century, but what should I expect from a Disney travel agent. Should I go with a package deal (air, hotel, rental). What do they offer that I can't do myself (without alot of time and effort).

I know this is a vague question but MDW is very sceptical booking with a US agency.

You should expect the following from a Disney specialist travel agent:

~ knowledgeable advice concerning all things related to Disney
~ saving your sanity by booking everything for you, including any dining reservations
~ staying on top of any offers WDW puts out and letting you know asap
~ being available for any questions you may have

So, basically, a Disney specialist TA should save you time, money and stress!

Our TA is Canadian-based and she's wonderful! We have a Grand Gathering coming up in October and she has delivered all the above and more...

If you'd like her contact info, please PM me

 

[disneyfan2]

Is this a first trip? You can book through CAA and get a discount(if you don't have a memberhsip, you can buy an -al-a carte membership for around $30) no auto coverage, but use of all other services for 1 yr. However, if there are ever codes released to the general public, the discount works the same. I used CAA TA but did alot of planning on my own, and just used the TA to make the changes. i preferred to book my own dining reservations. But TA did everything else. Another suggestion is to fly out of Buffalo instead of Pearson if that is possible. In Jan you can easily get flights $200pp incl all taxes. And Buffalo airport is way easier and less Busy then Pearson. It really is worth the drive to Buffalo. (Feb 08 our flights were $160 pp )

 

[drakes]

Last trip (2007) we used a TA- not a Disney Specialist, but a TA none the less and had a great trip. My personality dictates I do the research so I know what is going on when I arrive at my vacation destination, not by someones word of mouth.

I asked for a quote this year from Disney TA for our 2009 trip. I then called Disney myself. I got far more answers from Disney myself than from the Disney TA. The Disney TA was very vague and only providing my with service that I can do myself, I seemed to know more than she did ???? Possibly because I am a disney addict and freak and read anything disney like it's my life source.

But because our family is disney-centric we will be planning and booking this trip ourselves. Last year we did all our dinner reservations, and plans because this worked for us.

One thing I noticed with the disney TA was the info was relayed to me and then I had to relay to the family, and then we decided. It is much easier for me or DH to speak with Disney directly and book our ressies and if something comes up while on the phone we book it, without any delays and adjust our plans accordingly.

My research made our trip last year! My family was amazed at the timing we had, we saw everything , made our close by dining reservations and were never running late due to lines etc.

Disney is the one place where you are the master of your trip ! If you want a good time, rely on yourself and stay positive. It really is alot of fun to plan and very rewarding !

Stick around these boards, ask questions and read read read. People here know more than anyone else on the subject!

If you are planning for Jan 2009 (when we are going) you have lots of time to make this trip as wonderful as you want.