Why do you use a Travel Agent?

[DisneyGeek2000]

I was just wondering why you use a travel agent for booking your Disney trip....looking forward to your answers.

Michael

I always have used a TA for my trips. If you are one that never uses one, maybe you could post a poll - Why don't you use a TA?

 

[Honeybehr1]

I used AAA the last time but found that she got horrible res. for a couple of our dinners so I ended up calling and getting better times. I did only use them for the Disney portion and not transportation. I got much better rates by doing it myself with tips from the boards - SUV for under $190 for a week.

The last time we went, I did all the leg work and got a decent price as well but it was more stress but I always plan all our non-disney vacations and have alot of fun doing it. I always strive to get a cheaper price. Such a challenge.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

we always use AAA Chicago. we love our TA

 

[famouschinesec]

I would never dream of using a travel agent.

1) Our second trip to Disney is this March/April. We will stay at Shades of Green just like we did in November 2004. Because this is a military property the travel agent can't book it; only we can.
2) We fly Southwest Airlines from Baltimore (BWI) to Orlando (MCO). Using the Ding program, I got roundrip air for $87 per person. I don't know for a fact, but I doubt a travel agent A) books for Southwest or B) is watching the Ding as closely as I am.
3) Most importantly: unless a travel agent is a pure Disney specialist, which some might claim to be, but may not be, they probably are not reading and digesting the Dis-boards as well as I am for all the wealth of information out there from people who have been there, done that, recently; and who are more than happy to share the info.

When I do travel and have to use a travel agent; I do my research, figure out what I want, tell the travel agent, and then have them book it.

 

[Markstudy]

Last trip, I called Disney's 800 # and booked the trip myself.

With a few quick checks of the best deals to watch for from Disboards and a few of the other boards.. I got a great rate.

Am I missing anything not using a TA ?

For my next trip I planned to do the same. I just like to cut out the middle-man and keep all my business dealings directly with Disney, in case I ever have a problem while I'm on my vaction?

 

[emma'smom]

I booked using a AAA travel agent to get the discount...but I had to walk her through the details and I seemed to know far more than she did about resorts/rooms, etc. (and all this before I discovered DIS).

 

[airtime]

We don't use a TA. We drive. We usually stay offsite in a timeshare. We just would not have any use for their services.

 

[pezpam]

I've booked on my own, used AAA, and used Small World Vacations (Stephanie at SWV). Frankly, they've all worked out well, but which I choose depends on my needs for that specific trip and which way I can get the best price.

For Feb, I have to be in LA anyway and decided to add on a few days at DL while we're there. My local AAA TA was a big help - she knew more about the DL hotels and packages than I did, even after asking questions here on the DIS. The discount I got with her helped, too. However, others have complained about their AAA TA and I think a lot depends on the particular TA.

I booked one trip directly with Disney and had no problems other than having to talk to a couple of different CMs before getting one who knew how to book the package I was asking about...... sigh.....

Truly, I prefer to get ahold of Stephanie at SWV in general. All I have to do is email her my dates and preferences and I get an email back with all of my info, confirmation numbers, etc. Easy-peasy for no extra cost. In fact, if there are new codes out, she'd be watching more closely than I would and would be able to grab it while the grabbing was good. With WDW not offering as many codes lately, I still like the convenience. I usually know what I want and could book directly, but it's nice to be able to spend 2 minutes writing an email and having it all done instead of spending who knows how long on the phone and on hold waiting for various CMs.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I ONLY use my local travel agent to get the air fare.
My park hopper ticket I get at our local Disney Store.
My Moderate Disney resort I get through Dreams Unlimited
If I get a a Disney Vacation Club resort, I do the private rental of DVC points through The DIS rental board.

I used to think this all might be stressful - but it's not at all.

 

[dixiedizfan]

I had always made our own reservations prior to going last month, but decided to give Your Magical Jouneys a try, since it's free. Deb was wonderful ... we got the package with dining, and she made the calls to Disney for our resort reservations (including requests) and ADRs. For dining I would give her a time frame, say any time between 5:30 and 6:30, and she would then e-mail me back with our ADR time and confirmation number. I must have changed my mind over two dozen times at least about which restaurant and time, and she gladly took care of all those changes ... saving me tons of time on the phone. Definitely will use them next trip!

 

[Pryncess'mom]

I have done both, and for different reasons. The first time we went, we used AAA. Not everything went smoothly, the TA messed some things up that we were able to fix before we got there.

for trips after that, I did everything myself, through Disney. No problems, but I also had the time to do it because I was booking everything during the summer when school is out and I am not at work.

this trip I used Dreams Unlimited( DU, a sponser of this site!!) So easy! It's not that I can't do it myself, and get the same prices. It's the convenience of not getting up early to be on the phone for ADR's, etc.....

deb

 

[pepe of ohio]

I agree with Markstudy. We've been to WDW over 30 visits since 1977 and have never used a TA. Why ? Why pay someone for something you critque for yourself. They can not get you anything better. Disney does not give them discounts or perks. I basically know what we want, make the call to CRO and get my confirm number.. Not all that tough, they ask if they can do anything else and sometimes we might make a dinner reservation but we usually do that once we're there. Our plans sometimes change and we like to be flexible in our iternary so we never book the whole trip ahead of time and never had any trouble getting reservations where we want to dine. The Hoop De Do we book as soon as possible, only one that needs taken care of far out. TA's can not get ticket discounts and at check in that can be taken care of real easy, no big decision there. So what do you feel you get from paying a TA for? Might be easier for some people but its just a middleman and I prefer to get my info right from the horses mouth, Disney Central Reservations.

 

[hopesmommy]

For me, Jessica at Mouse For Less was the best last September. She got me the free dining after I booked, got all my ADRs except for Cindy's, and gave me tips about being at the parks with my DD3 and my DH who just had back surgery. I did not have to pay her. They were cheaper than Disney direct. She was able to extend our flights without staying at the hotel (went to FIL's the following weekend). The money I saved in calling for the ADRs and not have to hassle with airfare was worth it for me. I have recommended her to my Dsis, who has never used a TA. My Dsis definately agrees with not having the hassle. Yes we could take the time to find the best deal on airfare, hotels, car rentals, tickets, etc. But honestly we don't have the time. I am a SAHM of one and just planning the trip took over 5 months. My Dsis thought I was crazy until she started hers with only 2 months before the trip.

 

[labdogs42]

I'm trying Small World Vacations for my trip this year. I know that if any discounts are released before I leave, they will get them for me. I liked that they were recommended by mouseSavers. I've used another travel agent before and I've booked a trip myself. Since it didn't cost any more, I thought I'd try Small World. I really like my agent (Andrea) so far and she helped me decide to stay at the Beach Club. I'll let you know how the experience was after I go in May!

BTW, I'm booking my own ADR's and I did my own airfare and rental car. I just used Small World for the room and MYW tickets.

 

[Windy City Heather]

I do all the planning and pricing and then let me travel agent book everything. This way I have a travel agent to back me up if something goes wrong. I was book on the big red boat the week after it went bankrupt. My travel agent booked the cruise but I booked the air. She could only help me fix the cruise but not the air. She does it all now.

 

[goofy4tink]

Mostly I book my own trips. I've stopped using a TA to book my airfare. But, when I was working, I didn't want to miss any of those AP rates or CRT...so, DU did it for me!!! No way could I have been on the phone with Disney, on hold for long periods of time. DU doesn't charge me anything...they get paid by Disney I believe. They get me those AP rates as soon as they come up. I have booked a CRT and an IllumiNations cruise with them....I've tried doing both on my own and have not gotten what I needed. Shirley got me what I needed.
So, I guess that if you have the time to sit at the computer, and sit on hold with CRO, listening to Disney music, then go for it. But, if you have to work or can't give up the time for research/booking, then use a specialized Disney TA...but be sure they are Disney specific. I used one for our very first trip to WDW (didn't know any better) and it was atrocious...just awful. She gave me wrong info, bad PS times since she called too late. Use one of the TA you see here...I love DU!!!

 

[wrldpossibility]

I agree with Markstudy. We've been to WDW over 30 visits since 1977 and have never used a TA. Why ? Why pay someone for something you critque for yourself. They can not get you anything better. Disney does not give them discounts or perks. I basically know what we want, make the call to CRO and get my confirm number.. Not all that tough, they ask if they can do anything else and sometimes we might make a dinner reservation but we usually do that once we're there. Our plans sometimes change and we like to be flexible in our iternary so we never book the whole trip ahead of time and never had any trouble getting reservations where we want to dine. The Hoop De Do we book as soon as possible, only one that needs taken care of far out. TA's can not get ticket discounts and at check in that can be taken care of real easy, no big decision there. So what do you feel you get from paying a TA for? Might be easier for some people but its just a middleman and I prefer to get my info right from the horses mouth, Disney Central Reservations.

Pepe,
I may be mis-reading your post, but just so you are aware, you don't pay a TA. It's a free service. I'm using DU, and am very happy with my agent. I agree with you about being able to do the same thing yourself in general, but I'm just afraid I might miss a discount she can find. And stay really involved...I'm just glad to not be on the phone making ADRs with three little children underfoot!

 

[eblack0409]

My AAA agent is absolutely fabulous!!!!! She goes to Disney at least 5 times a year...she knows all the new info....plus the AAA discount helps with budgeting....she also calls us when a new promotion comes out...she's great!!!!

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

Thanks for all of the responses and the voting in the poll! I appreciate it. Its very interesting to read all of the many reasons that people use or don't use a TA.

Michael

 

[pepe of ohio]

Pepe,
I may be mis-reading your post, but just so you are aware, you don't pay a TA. It's a free service. I'm using DU, and am very happy with my agent. I agree with you about being able to do the same thing yourself in general, but I'm just afraid I might miss a discount she can find. And stay really involved...I'm just glad to not be on the phone making ADRs with three little children underfoot!

You might not think you're paying for the service, since you don't get a TA bill, but they don't sit in an office building and work for free. It's there, you just don't see it.