Travel Agent Benefits? About This Page:

[hawkeyearcher]

So, for our 2012 trip, I am contemplating using a travel agent for the first time. My question is, what are the benefits to using a travel agent? I know that they keep an eye out for new discounts to apply to your reservations, but do you receive any kind of a discount aside from that? Also, I like the fact that I can make payments to Disney and not pay the entire amount up front. Is that an option with agents? I know that many of passporters use (and some of you ARE) travel agents. I just really don't know a thing about how it works. I am just trying to figure out if it would be easier working with an agent when we are pondering paying for a trip with 7 people (all Disney adults)...

Thanks

[Caldercup]

Some agencies have package discounts that are specific to them, or little add-ons from the agency.

Generally though, you can book exactly the same things they can.

Mainly I love using a TA for the attention to detail they can provide. If I'm too busy to watch for specials, or hop on line/the phone the moment they're released, the TA is there to take care of that for me.

[kitchenfairy]

I have been trying to decide the same thing, and i think for me I will go with a TA. i just spoke with the one i will be using today,i have to put down a200$ per room deposit and need to be paid in full 45 days before. which i think is the same as booking directly with disney. Plus it is to early to book our airline, so she will be able to keep a watch on that and grad it when it comes out. plus because there are 8 of us, she is booking us a grand gathering, which i wouldn't have known or thought to do. Good luck!

[Sue M.]

When I've used a TA, I could make payments, I would just send TA an e mail asking her to make a payment with my Visa, and it's done.

[tibe]

I used a TA for my April vacation, but I have to say that I was not impressed. I wanted someone who had more Disney experience. She was able to answer most of the questions, but it seemed like she had not been at WDW in a while and couldn't give me half of tidbits I picked up from this site on my own.

I probably will go with a TA next time, but I think I would look a little closer and make sure that they have Disney knowledge. I want to know that they are looking after me and my vacation. After all it's a pretty chunk of change and want my money's worth!

[aliceinwdw]

I think if I were to ever feel the need to relinquish control of my Disney vacation planning to a TA (it may happen some day! ), I would definitely be sure to utilize an "authorized Disney vacation planning" TA (because who better to do it for me? )!

And if anyone is really trying to find a TA for an upcoming trip to Disney, try checking out the listing of travel agents here on the boards -- and don't be shy about asking questions down in the TA forum if you have general travel questions, Disney-related travel questions, etc.

[am03rn]

Originally Posted by aliceinwdw

And if anyone is really trying to find a TA for an upcoming trip to Disney, try checking out the listing of travel agents here on the boards -- and don't be shy about asking questions down in the TA forum if you have general travel questions, Disney-related travel questions, etc.

Thanks for posting this reply, it's exactly what I needed!!

[JuliB57]

I had always planned my Disney trips myself until the last one. I found the most wonderful travel agent, Jan @ MEI-Travel. She is fantastic! She took care of every detail of the trip. All I did was tell her what I wanted or asked about options and she took care of it. She also planned several of my friends trips because I recommended her. She is currently helping me with my next Disney trip in January 2012. I will never try to take care of all the details myself again!

[JenniferLynneRose521]

I had been thinking of this too...we used a local TA and all ent smooth, but I am unsure if they looked for specials....will look into the TA's on here and see if any are in my area

[2princessmom]

I use a TA and I love my TA. I have been working with him for over 12 years now. He is part of my family and has helped plan all my Disney trips. He has been there to solve problems that arise, make reservations when I couldn't and give me advice on my choices since he goes to Disney several times a year. He is very knowledgeable and I love working with him!

[steevemartin1]

There are no big benefits as far as i think because they only facilitate you that they can give you discount.And another benefit is that they offer all inclusive holidays packages.

[magic mickey]

Originally Posted by JenniferLynneRose521

I had been thinking of this too...we used a local TA and all ent smooth, but I am unsure if they looked for specials....will look into the TA's on here and see if any are in my area

Jenn, they don't necessarily have to be from your area. My TA lives in Florida and I live in CT. I either email her or phone her with questions or requests. I think for a WDW vacation you really need a Disney specialized TA.

[Caldercup]

Hear, hear! A Disney Authorized Travel Planner is the only way to go.

My fav agency has ladies who are located all across the country and, although we've traveled together at various points over the years, I just email them when I'm booking something.

[yalibrarian]

Having booked through Disney, AAA, and with a Disney travel specialist, I say go with one of the agents from the list here on PassPorter. The agency we use is listed (TMFL), but all of them are specialists and should give you excellent service. Our agent, Jessica, has made my life so much easier because she handles all the bookings, including most meals if we want; watches for discounts, even after we've booked; and untangles any problems that come up even after we have arrived. We work with her totally online. I give my cc for the deposit, then pay it off by the 45 day deadline. Easy!

I still plan and research our trip, and then tell her what we'd like. Her quick service saves me time, and she's saved us $$$ over the last 5 years, in one case by suggesting we move our trip by a single day--which saved us over $300.00. And her services are free!