Why the DISBoards are better than my TA...

[AlexandNessa]

I just cancelled the "land" portion of my Land/Sea Reservation because after reading the boards, it seemed like the only advantage of booking the Land & Sea together as a package was that you were checked in for the cruise at the hotel, and you only had to do one check-in.

It seemed like we could have more resort flexibility, package, and discount options if we booked the room separately from the cruise. My TA simply said, "True," but she wasn't exactly thrilled about cancelling this on our behalf. She claimed our rebate wouldn't be as high, but for the whole $50, I think I'll risk it. She wasn't exactly in a huff, but she wasn't as friendly or helpful as I'd hoped. I was suprised this agency got so many rave reviews on mousesavers! Anyway, I'm getting much better advice on the DISBoards, so thanks!

 

[Kim&Chris]

I agree 1000%! I've gotten more info from these boards than any other person (TA or not).

Like you, I had also booked a Land/Sea for 2006, but after researching the benefits (thanks to the replies of people on these boards), I realized that the benefits were minimal, and cancelled.

These boards are truly invaluable.

 

[Michelle2]

I agree as well. There have been times when I have known not only more than TA's but occasionally more than CMs themselves. All due to information from these boards, or finding out myself.

I think you are making a great decision about the Land and Sea. We never were booked for it, because we wanted a longer cruise and a longer WDW stay, but it seems like a more flexible decision. Now you can stay however long you want!

 

[mommasita]

Without a doubt, this is the best place for info...First hand information is impossible to beat, and if we do now know, then we know who does..

 

[WDWLVR]

I would slightly disagree, but that's because my TA is Dreams who sponsors this boards! I've got the best of both worlds.

 

[Joan1]

I just cancelled the "land" portion of my Land/Sea Reservation because after reading the boards, it seemed like the only advantage of booking the Land & Sea together as a package was that you were checked in for the cruise at the hotel, and you only had to do one check-in.

It seemed like we could have more resort flexibility, package, and discount options if we booked the room separately from the cruise. My TA simply said, "True," but she wasn't exactly thrilled about cancelling this on our behalf. She claimed our rebate wouldn't be as high, but for the whole $50, I think I'll risk it. She wasn't exactly in a huff, but she wasn't as friendly or helpful as I'd hoped. I was suprised this agency got so many rave reviews on mousesavers! Anyway, I'm getting much better advice on the DISBoards, so thanks!

It really depends as sometimes when I have priced a land/ sea package and the land portion is discounted.

 

[kcashner]

The bottom line as to land/sea being cheaper is "it depends." You really have to price it both ways. There are several big places that MAY result in savings--first, the choice of resort. The resort rooms frequently go on special rates. You may be happy with a lower tier of resort than links to your stateroom category--in that case, you'll save even at regular rates. WDW tickets--you might want a more basic ticket than is included with your land/sea package. Again, depending on your choices, this can result in a savings. Currently, the Disney Dining plan at WDW is a great deal. It's not part of the land/sea.

The things to watch for--if you book air thru DCL and book a resort stay on your own, this is an "air deviation" which incurs a $50 per person charge. Obviously, if you book your own air, this isn't an issue. If you book the trips separately, the DCL insurance won't cover your land portion--you will want to look at possibly purchasing independent travel insurance.

Yes, you generally learn more there than thru your TA. THe best line I ever got from my TA when I asked a question was, "You'll probably want to look that up on the internet!" Like what am I paying you for, honey????

 

[SueEllen]

Just a quick FYI on this--If you are staying in a cat 7 or higher (with a deluxe resort) it *usually* is less expensive to do the land/sea package than splitting the stay. With the moderate resorts and lower categories it's not as much of a difference.

I have saved clients a lot by booking the land/sea over booking these as seperate components.

The best option is to price it out both ways and see where you save the most.

Sue Ellen

 

[LucEeyore]

I have booked Land/Sea beginning on Dec 1, 2005 and even pricing it out and looking on my on and with the travel agent we were able to get a better rate using the agent and Land/Sea. The Disney dining is not currently available but we were told by our travel agent that she would try again to book that at a later date.

On the flip side of that, if we had decided to go in January 2006, it would have been less expensive to book separate.
As the readers are saying, check both before booking.

 

[Buddy Bear]

I have yet to understand why people use TAs. I usually research my vacation options so thoroughly that a TA is either at a loss or can add nothing of value.

I have asked several TAs including the owner of a very well known travel agent on this board the same question...why should I use your services? No one cares to respond or has a valid answer.

The fact of the matter is that most travel agents make their money on people who have no inclination to arrange their travel plans.

In reality, most travel agents perform a great service, but not for those who enjoy making their own travel arrangements.

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Buddy Bear,

I understand your post and agree with it to a certain extent. There are, however, instances in which it does make sense to use a TA.

For example, we just recently booked our 9/16/06 trip on the Magic. I priced it myself through DCL (2 cat 8 rooms for 4 people total) for $4745. I then requested quotes from several TAs recommended here and other places. Most of the quotes I received were within a $100 or so of DCL and I would not have bothered using a TA for that kind of savings. Dreams Unlimited, however, had a group booking price available for our cruise so their quote came in at $3845 - a savings of $900 (nearly 20%) over DCL. That represents a HUGE savings for us and we felt it was definitely worth going with a TA to save that kind of money.

That said, in the past I have gotten quotes from DU for other cruises and/or Disney vacations and have not generally found their prices to be much different than what I can book myself. So it does pay to consider using a TA - if you happen to find one that has a particularly good deal on your vacation. It should also be said that some people actually like having someone else to work out the details for them so as long as the price is the same or even only slightly lower. I generally prefer to do all the work myself but for $900 I will compromise this time

However you decide to book your vacation, being an informed customer is always the best strategy. Reading the guide books, spending lots of time on discussion boards etc. - it helps you know what to expect and to prevent negative surprises. It also lessens the chance of missing out on opportunities (like booking Palo in advance) that many TAs don't know the ins-and-outs of like we all do here.

So, to answer your questions, some people use TAs to save money and others use them to save work. They can do both but neither are guaranteed every time.

 

[jgalecpa]

Unfortunately, with the progress of technology, some people actually find their jobs nearly obsolete.

To a large extent, this includes the travel agent business.

As a Catholic Family that travelled, we always grew up having a "Family priest" and a "family travel agent".

However, it is crazy to book your air flights with a TA now, generally, given the internet.

There are times a TA is handy, so I still have one, and she is terrific. Especially if I am doing an "open-jaw" flight (I still am not sure what that is), or going from here to there to there to here on a trip.

BUT, for cruises, I have definitely found some TA's excel at this service. They can give you perqs/gifts/ deals that are hard to get elsewhere.

AAA is very good.

Dreams unlimited seems terrific.

I find that I discover loads of things here, then I call my Cruise TA to get it done.


I can document that tips from these boards saved me about $800 on my first cruise and $1000 on my second


Jim