Why book through a TA?

[Aisling]

From the boards, I see that many, maybe even most, people book directly with CRO and not use a TA. But I'm wondering, is it somehow better to use an agent? Can they get things for you that you can't do on your own, like better room discounts or room requests?

 

[Josephine]

Aisling - There are a lot of good agents out there that really know Disney well. Those are the agents you should book with. They are knowledgeable in everything Disney. They keep up to date with all the discounts, codes. They will update your reservation to the lower rates if they are available for your dates. Some will make your priority seatings for you.

It doesn't cost you anymore then booking yourself. The commission that Disney would pay to a travel agent, they keep when you book yourself.

So if you get all the extra benefits of not having to hold on Disney's phones, not having to keep up on top of the discount and more, there is no reason not to book with a TA specializing in Disney travel.

Here are some that get glowing reviews

dreamsunlimited.com
ourlaughingplace.com
yourmagicaljourneys.com

 

[airhead]

....how easy and fun it is to do it myself! I talked to a LOT of people right here on the DIS before I finally made the decision
that I could do it myself!! I'm so happy I did! I've planned things EXACTLY the way I want and already got some great discounts(if you do decide to make your own ressies,make sure you subscribe to mousesavers.com). The people here are fantastic!! Always ready and willing to lead you thru the process. If you have the time to book it yourself,I say DO IT!!!!

GOOD LUCK!!
Airhead

 

[safetymom]

I agree with Josephine. Many times a TA can make something happen that you can't. If they are a heavy hitter with Disney or the airlines that is even better.

Most people can make their own arrangements but a good travel agent is worth their weight in gold. If something goes wrong you have the travel agent to help you get it straightened out.

 

[mkbroas]

I am using Magical Journeys and they are wonderful. I won't have to worry about chasing codes and changing ressies. Melissa will take care of everything! Now I can do the 1,000's of other things I need to do every day.

 

[JESW]

We still use a travel agent. For one, I can't be bothered to make all the calls and keep track of everything. Our TA has been very good for us - keeping an eye on rates and saving us $$$. We like the fact that everything gets mailed to us in one package and she is just a phone call away to help.

Jill

 

[cmcvean]

I used a AAA travel agent, that was not really an expert on Disney, and it was more of a hassle than anything else. She never knew about any codes, and when they did come out it was on a Sunday and she wasn't working, and CRO wouldn't let me change my reservation because it was done through AAA.

So, this year I'm doing it myself. If I ever used a travel agent for Disney again, it would probably be DU or some of these others people have listed, definately not AAA.

And like the others said, I actually really enjoy doing it myself! Never, ever, would I have tried if it weren't for this board!!!!

 

[kellympmo]

This was the first WDW vacation we used a TA with and we used one of the Disney specializing agencies. When I called last night to CRO to see if there was anything they could do for me because we still haven't received our FTP documents, the CM asked why I used a TA as it obviously complicated matters. I know it is the Disney bottom line speaking, but he said he could understand using AAA because they can get better discounts, but not the others. He ascribed the problems we've had to the fact that we are DC members and the packets don't get mailed out until 21 days before the trip. In our case, it got mailed to the TA who must not have turned it around to us very quickly. I'm sure that most people have great experiences with their TAs and get way more out of them than we did, but when he asked me why I used a TA this time (and DH has asked me numerous times as well), I honestly did not have an answer. For us, we will be planning on our own for future vacations. As others have said, I really do enjoy it and it's less stress (in our opnions).

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

We used DU twice both b/c I didn't want to be hassled with the whole CRO/WDTC thing and to help with PS's and such. Our first experience was great - we loved our agent and she really went to bat for us. She was even at WDW a couple weeks prior to our trip and stopped by the WL (where we were staying) to see about making sure we got a great room!!! Thanks again Misti!!

We were so happy with her that we went through DU again and got a different agent who was nice enough but not as responsive and for me that really made me worry and of the PS we asked for, half were during parade times that I figured out after but not b/c she told us. The point being is that I had thought about asking for an agent switch early on and didn't. DU is great and I would recommend them but make sure you are comfortable with your agent or it will just add stress to your life. We just bought DVC so we won't need an agent anymore but again I would recommend DU.

 

[skiwee1]

I used a AAA TA years ago because I thought they knew what they were talking about. Right before that trip I discovered AOL WDW boards and learned about Tiffany instead of the Mears they push on you. I asked my AAA TA and she knew nothing about TTC or anything else. Ever since then I do everything myself and LOVE it! I am one of those types that finds the planning to be half the fun. I love talking to the CMs at CRO or dining. It just gets me more into the trip. Right now I'm 25 days out before my next trip and really getting bored. I have no more PSs to make, no more itinerary to plan, nothing! I love that part of the trip and really get depressed when I have nothing else to do. At least when I return I can start planning my May trip!

 

[Kimberle]

I do not use TA's any more, not since the internet.

I have used them in the past, several different ones. I found they give me a handful of brochures & tell me to pick. Then they book exactly what is on the brochure. No help in selecting hotels, no location recomendations, etc.

I can do much better on my own. Besides, I really enjoy the research.

I'm sure there are many good, knowledgeable TA's around, I just haven't found any. And I do not want to take the chance of a "mediocore" vacation.

 

[DrTomorrow]

I agree that a great TA is a valuable find, and can probably do some things better than I can. However, most TAs are average or poor; I know I can do better than average, and a poor one can really screw things up. Of course, when I say "I can do better", I mean "I and the Internet/DIS/WDWIG can do better".

However, I will usually use a TA the first time or two I go to a new place (WDW, Las Vegas, next January our first cruise), because I figure they know more than a rank beginner. Once I get the feel of the place, though, I do it myself; no one else has my best interests at heart as much as I do. Plus, I sorta don't like to give up the control; if I do need to change something, I don't like the middleman.

 

[goofy4tink]

I used a regular old TA in '99, my first trip. I didn't know any better at the time. The agent knew very little about WDW specifically. Even called at day 56 for CRT!!! The next trip, in '01, with another family, I did all the planning myself. Well with you guys and Deb W. And did very well. My trip this past August I used DU. I had just gone back to work on a sub basis and couldn't get online or the phone. So, Shirley did all that for me. SHe got every single thing I wanted, at the time I requested it. And the packet they send you just before your trip was really beneficial, even for someone who thought they knew quite a bit about WDW!!
We also are in the middle of buying DVC so won't be needing a TA again. But I sure wouldn't hesitate to use DU or recommend them to a friend. If you don't have the available time to be online or on the phone they are a godsend!!!

 

[travelgoddess]

I try not to get offended, but as a travel professional for 15yrs
I can't help but to get a little upset. There are good and bad
travel agents, just like good and bad teachers,accountants, etc..
I specialize in Disney travel and cruise travel, we use all the codes, we also do priority seatings for our clients, and also help
them with times for parades and fireworks, etc....
I have attended both MNSSHP, and MVMCP, and express to my
clients how wonderful these are.
The internet has it's positives, but we need to support each
others careers, and deal with real live people who know what
they are doing. We have no service fees for Disney travel.
Sorry to go on so long, I love this board and use it daily, I have
met alot of truly wonderful people here, but I have to stick up
for my career, it's not just a job for me, I truly love what I do.

 

[Aisling]

I try not to get offended, but as a travel professional for 15yrs I can't help to get a little upset.

I'm the OP. I'm sorry that people's opinions and experiences upset you.

I started this thread because I needed information. I was on the verge of booking and I needed to know if I could get special or better deals if I went through a travel agent. The people on these boards would know the answer to this.

 

[Montana Minnies]

Hi All
Being from Montana we use a travel agent. This was the first year we went through AAA and for the short notice I gave her, the TA did an excellent job! My sister and I had such a great time that we are going again next year using the same agent with a group of 8. ( But then who wouldn't have fun at WDW!)
Whether you do it yourself or go through a TA have a great time! I know we will. I can hardly wait for August 2004 to get here!
"Montana Minnies"
Enid

 

[Krisu]

I usually book myself, but am using one for a trip next summer. I am on these boards a lot but I want someone who will stay on top of the codes. I think it is also up to the consumer to find ones that specialize in Disney

 

[photobob]

I used Magical Journeys for my last trip and it was fantastic. I changed my reservation 6 times and didn't make a single phone call. The reason I changed so much was finding new codes, plus I had two email codes that were great rates and finally settled on POFQ and then it closed and I ended getting upgraded to YC. The only thing I had to do was email info to the TA and she handled everything. I still had all the control I needed but she did all the footwork. I'll do it again next time with no hesitation.

 

[missypie]

I've heard that TAs get paid a commission by the various vendors. Is the commission based on what the traveler actually pays, or on rack rate? You can see where I'm going. What is the TA's incentive to get you the absolute lowest price, if it not only causes them more work, but lowers their commission?

 

[BuzzMe]

Commission is paid on the rate that is paid by the customer. At our agency the incentive for getting our customers the best possible rate is repeat business! If we provide our customers with great deals and excellent customer service, they reward us with more business.