do you use a travel agent or book direct with disney? About This Page:

[bcuinohio]

Originally Posted by Take me to the Mouse

We also did both it depends who has the better deal ! I some times find codes or there is a special going on. But I find that when I deal with a TA I feel like I am bothering them when I change things. So I tend to want to deal with Disney when we go. This time I missed the buy 4 get 3 special this summer so we went with AAA for at least alittle taken off. I try to save where ever I can my husband gets a kick out of me ! Thare is NO WAY I'm going to pay full price ! Good luck hope you find some deals !

Check for room discount codes on Mousesavers. You might still be able to save more than the AAA discount.

[Aliceacc]

This is my 2nd trip in 2 years, and I'm a psychotic planner. At this point, I could most certainly do it myself.

But the economy is in a freefall. If I can give my travel agent the business at no cost to myself, I think using a travel agent is the way to go. .. kind of paying the Magic forward just a little.

[Jennifer2003]

Originally Posted by Aliceacc

If I can give my travel agent the business at no cost to myself, I think using a travel agent is the way to go. .. kind of paying the Magic forward just a little.

[srsatkowiak]

When we go to WDW, I book myslef online because everything is really simple and i=I am a control freak. However if I were to do a split stay or was really too busy to book things myself I would have no issue using a TA (Disney specialist).

We used a TA to book our DCL vacation this year because I was not familiar with it and they had some really good deals to take advantage of. I have been very happy so far!

Personally if it is your first time and you are not familiar with the system I would use a TA (Disney specialist). I think it would be a great way to learn the ropes.

[srsatkowiak]

Originally Posted by Aliceacc

This is my 2nd trip in 2 years, and I'm a psychotic planner. At this point, I could most certainly do it myself.

But the economy is in a freefall. If I can give my travel agent the business at no cost to myself, I think using a travel agent is the way to go. .. kind of paying the Magic forward just a little.

I agree with this 100%

[guitardiva]

I use o be a TA with AAA, so I have friends that still work for them . I usually get the deal together and book through them IF there is a discount or credit involved.

[Take me to the Mouse]

Originally Posted by lukeandbrookesmom

You should never feel that way when using a TA! My thoughts are that this is what I'm here for - to make changes, suggestions, share my thoughts and experiences and to help my clients plan. Some clients like to make their own ADRs, some want me to do it, some book their own air - everyone is different and I respect that.

That's conforting to here. I don't want to be a pain in the butt for the TA's I'm the type of person who changes her mind alot I mean sometimes alot !!! Example this trip I changed my flight twice (first time my friend did'nt book a straight flight and the second time long story short we wanted to arrive earlier !! ) Other times adding requests and mis. things I for got to mention. Let's just say I drive you guys nuts !!!

[Take me to the Mouse]

Originally Posted by bcuinohio

Check for room discount codes on Mousesavers. You might still be able to save more than the AAA discount.

Thanks. I did find a code on line and AAA used it but could'nt use the AAA also. We still saved more and I got our meal plan upgraded to boot !

[ShellingConnie]

Any trips anywhere in the US, I do it myself. I like doing the research and keeping control myself.

But I think when DH and I start traveling abroad (my goal is when I turn 50, I want to start seeing the world.), I'll probably look for a travel agent to handle those trips if they ever happen. LOL

[midwifemom]

I booked through a TA the first time we went, and she did great! This time around though, I found the Passporter site and I am much more Disney savvy, so I opted to do it myself. I think both ways are fine, but I would agree that if you use a TA, make it one who knows their Disney stuff!

Good luck!
Midwifemom

[Tricia Davids]

We used to use a AAA TA but I still ended up doing most of the planning and reservations myself and if a new discount came out after I had booked, it was too bad.
This year we are using a TA from the boards associated with MEI & Mouse Fan Travel who specializes in Disney. She is beyond wonderful and has done so many nice things for us including applying two new discounts to our upcoming trip, making and checking on our ADRs for us and putting up with all my questions!

[AGentlRose]

I do it myself, because I like to be able to keep on top of my own requests.

I had a bad experience with a TA not for Disney but for a Hawaiian trip. Nothing like being thousands of miles from home, being 3 time zones apart and the TA gone from work for the weekend. Needless to say, we didn't get what we paid for and by the time I was able to contact TA, we were leaving the following day.

[Jennifer2003]

We used to use a AAA TA but I still ended up doing most of the planning and reservations myself and if a new discount came out after I had booked, it was too bad.

Sorry you had this experience. Sounds like a bad agent, honestly. I'm always able to modify the package to a Disney promo if there is availability.

[jodileigh]

Originally Posted by lyonmommy

We have used a TA each time we went to WDW, and have done fine in the past. For this trip however, I discovered that there are some things Disney won't tell you because you booked through a TA - like questions about your reservations and certain things. I didn't know this before and I wasn't thrilled. Our TA does not specialize in WDW and I know significantly more about it than she does. I think that she does an adequate job, but since she is not "into" WDW like us. I don't think she "gets it". Does that make sense? In her defense, I am always reading and researching things about "the world".

For our trip after 09, I will use a TA that specializes in WDW - especially now that they can do the ADRs. I will look forward to talking to someone who understands what we want and why. It will also be cool to get the best deals!!

Just curious here, had you had trouble getting you adr's done through your TA previously?? I've been using one since 2004 and she's always made all my adr's for me. Granted, Francine does specialize in WDW so maybe that makes the difference?? Just curious!

[lyonmommy]

We didn't ask our TA to make reservations for ADRs in the past. Didn't ask her this time either. Sadly, I would not trust her with really trying very hard to get what we want.

Since your TA specializes in WDW, you are all set!

Still looking forward to an awesome trip, though!