Disney Website vs. Travel Agent?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Disney Website vs. Travel Agent?
9
Wed, 01-17-2007 - 2:18pm

So what do you recommend for a first time visitor to Disney?

andrea1.gif picture by ascherm 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 01-17-2007 - 2:45pm

I've done it both ways. I think for a first timer, using a TA would be easier. Be sure they are a Disney Specialist. We're using AAA this time around, because at the time I booked, there were no codes or discounts and the AAA discount was better than none at all. Within the past week, however, a new code came out for the free hopper/water park option, so I called our agent and she priced it out for us to see which discount is better. We ended up going with the new code and saved $50 and added the WP option (we already had purchased the hopping option). Our AAA agent is fantastic and knows Disney like the back of her hand with her eyes closed. I actually sat and chatted with her for way longer than a normal client would...she appreciated that I was as big of a "freak" as she is! I booked my own airfare though, because I knew I could get a better deal with an online discount.

Keep your eyes out for codes (I like mousesavers) and if one comes out for your dates, you can have your TA call to use it.

If you do choose to book yourself, it's not difficult. You can keep your eyes out for discounts and codes, research what you want as far as resorts/tickets/meal plan (or if you want a room only rate or a package...if you want the dining plan, you need to book a package) and call the Disney number direct.

I'm sure you'll continue to get alot of support on here too!

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2006
Wed, 01-17-2007 - 8:22pm
I would go through the travel agent. Before you book, double check pricing on tickets, air, and hotel and compare to what they find. I was there in December and I was so busy playing the travel agent I didn't have as much fun as the rest of the group. Don't worry - I was hosting my family and my in laws with a hotel change in the middle of it all for a total of nine people...and a three month old...and a conference for work. Like you, I am a control freak and wanted to plan everything out. If you feel bad about relinquishing power, don't worry. You still have to make advanced dining reservations and plan which days you will go to which park and what rides and shows to get on at what times.
Avatar for 4thekids2001
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 10:20am

We jsut booked with AAA for a trip in June, where do you find the codes for the free hopper/waterpark option? We booked the waterpark already.

Thanks, Amy

Avatar for 4thekids2001
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 10:36am

Nevermind just saw that it's only good till June 2 we go the 7-14.

Amy

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2005
Thu, 01-18-2007 - 10:58pm

It all depends on the Travel Agent.

Val, Co-CL Disney Vacations

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 8:25am

Thanks Val - Everyone on this board has been wonderful - I have gotten so much information from them all - and Sonya - well I can tell she is VERY knowledgable....Wonder if I can hire her.... Sonya?


Couple of questions - Should all Disney TA's be graduates of the College of Knowledge?

andrea1.gif picture by ascherm 

Avatar for shelb31
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2006
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 8:47am

If I were going to use a TA, I would definitely choose Sonya.

Disney 2010
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2001
Fri, 01-19-2007 - 9:57am

I agree!! I used Sonya and she is just fabulous!!!! I am grateful for her and for finding the board so that I could learn the do's and dont's!


Melissa






Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2005
Sat, 01-20-2007 - 12:19am

I think if a TA calls him/herself a Disney Specialist than he/she has to be a grad of the Disney College of Knowledge - otherwise, they might just "think" they're a Disney Specialist LOL


I have to say that if I were going to book a trip today with a TA, I would contact Sonya b/c she really does know EVERYTHING!!!! It amazes me the info that she has stored in that brain of hers! I'm okay at finding links at AllEars and I can give you a few Been There Done That tales but ask that girl where something is located in the World and she will tell you exactly where it is, the best way to get to it, what it is next to and even what it used to be LOL And tix and packages - she knows it all! So, yeah, we're tooting her horn but if I needed a Disney TA for myself or a friend, I'd refer them to Sonya.

Val



WDW Trips: April '72, June '85, June '91 - offsite; May '03 - VWL, Nov '04 - BCV, May '05 - VWL, March '06

Val, Co-CL Disney Vacations