When I use a TA...

[yaya74]

I am sorry if this has been asked before:

I am thinking about using a TA to help me plan my trip... It is more than I can handle right now. But what holds me back is the question of "security," especially my cc information. Most of these TAs are online and I don't get to see them in person. How can I verify that a TA is legitimate? Also, If I use a TA, is there something that I would not be able to do by myself???

A personal friend of mine recommended me a TA yesterday. I emailed the TA yesterday (Saturday) but have not heard anything back from her. I wonder if she takes off on weekend.... The wait is nerve wrecking. There is another TA highly recommended by the local moms group.. She responds to messages and emails within a few hours... I wonder which one I should pick.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[Robo]

Then, why choose an "on-line" TA?

OTOH...

There is the fact that the DISboards (this site) is affiliated with a major, reliable TA with much experience (obviously) with WDW.

Click HERE.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

Personally, I would not use an "on-line" travel agent. The only travel agent that I would use would be one that I could go visit and sit down face to face with.
We plan our own trips, but we have used a travel agent before. We used Triple A (AAA). We went to the "AAA" office and sat down in person to plan our trip.
I would find a travel agent you can go visit and sit down with. Perhaps check with the Better Business Bureau.

 

[yaya74]

Then, why choose an "on-line" TA?

Robo, good question. I should rephrase to say that I don't know of any TA who has an actual person in my area. I don't have AAA membership and I don't want to pay the membership for this trip.

 

[Robo]

Robo, good question. I should rephrase to say that I don't know of any TA who has an actual person in my area. I don't have AAA membership and I don't want to pay the membership for this trip.

You don't need to be a member of AAA to use "AAA Travel."

 

[BadPinkTink]

if you are using an online TA or for that matter ANY online shopping, you need to make sure
1. the website has HTTPS not just HTTP in the web address.For example, go to Facebook, you will see HTTPS and a little green lock beside the address. The S stands for secure, it means that the website uses encryption when it collects data such as credit card information

2. The website has a VERIFIED BY VISA logo . This means the website is signed up to the Visa Verification Program, which protects online payments and transactions

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I think you are going the safe route here. Choosing a TA with whom friends or acquaintances have good experiences with. Personally, I would not send cc info through e-mail and would ask if you can have a phone conversation to convey that type of information. Quite frankly, I like a TA who will work both over the phone and through e-mail. Have you contacted the TA recommended by the moms group? There is no harm in contacting both agents and then going with the one you feel most comfortable with!

 

[yaya74]

Thank you all for the recommendation. I have used DreamsUnlimited back in 2002.... I wonder if I should use them again. Among all the TAs whom I have contacted, DU is the only company that is BBB credited..

 

[doconeill]

I use DreamsUnlimited for my Cruise and Universal bookings (I am DVC so don't generally need help with Disney )

Disclaimer - I'm actually friends with a number of them now - but was not when I started

 

[Dbktmc]

I have used reputable "online only" travel agents for the past two trips. While my agent has always responded to me rather quickly, I really miss the possibility of just picking up the phone and talking something out. In fact, I think that I am moving on to a different agency next time.

 

[IrishNYC]

I used a friend who is a TA with a company that specializes in Disney. I paid for 100% of my trip with Disney gift cards. I emailed her at her company email address, and she called the numbers in to Disney.

 

[Dayzy]

I used someone who was suggested to me by the mom of one of my son's friends. She is a few towns over and I spoke to her on the phone and then met her afterwards. But also, if you go to my town's FB page and ask, I know there's at least 5 local Disney travel agents.

 

[yaya74]

Thank you all for the suggestion. I am in the process of transferring my res to Dreams Unlimited. I feel more comfortable with DU than other agents. The agent from DU replies very fast too... Keeping my fingers and toes crossed.