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Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: May 2nd, 2014, 1:50 pm
by amyeliza
Hi Everyone!

I was curious which way most of you book your WDW vacation. I usually book online or over the phone. This upcoming trip in June, I booked through AAA. I'm traveling with a co-worker, so this was her preference. I won't go that route again, even though we saved $20 a piece. AAA doesn't do any extras...and you have to go through them for all changes. Perhaps it just our agent.

I listen to a podcast called Mouse Chat. They are travel agents from Pixie Vacations and I've considered using them. What are your thoughts? Have you had good experiences or do you prefer to book online or via telephone?

I'm planning a trip in May, 2015. I haven't decided which way to go.

Thanks,
Amy :D

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: May 2nd, 2014, 5:08 pm
by Admin
I tend to book direct, but a good specialist travel agent will give you the best of both worlds in that they will try to find you any discounts that can be applied, but the booking is still changeable within Disney's regular terms and conditions. The best ones will even modify your booking later should any better deals come along.

I tend to recommend the folks over at MEI/MouseFanTravel (http://mousefantravel.com) as I know the owner and some of the staff there, and they are a very reputable and helpful organisation, and they are also recommended and used by WDW Today, The WDW Radio Show, and AllEars.net - and as far as I'm concerned, that's high praise indeed.

However if you've got one which you want to try then go ahead and give them a call. Or why not ask for quotes from both, and see how you feel about each of them?

Andre

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: May 5th, 2014, 5:30 pm
by ethicaladdict
I've booked our WDW trip various ways over the years - my favorite by far is MEI MouseFan Travel!! My agent is Deb Gordon and she's fantastic!

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: May 14th, 2014, 8:50 am
by amyeliza
Thank you, both. I appreciate it!

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: May 26th, 2014, 1:26 pm
by garyrhodes
I only believe on online booking because travel agent ask for more money including lots of taxes, rentals and facilities. If you book online then get some discount and best deals on kids meal.

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: September 8th, 2014, 2:10 pm
by disneyseniors
Just had to do my first post and give my 2 cents worth on this subject too:) I always use a travel agent. We are lucky to have a certified Disney travel agent in our town. She is fantastic. She is so enthusiastic about all things Disney and shares our love of it too. She is up to date at all times about changes, offers, and numerous other things that we need to know. We get fantastic package deals through her and really good rates on plane tickets. We have her phone number to call if we ever have a problem, question, etc. while in Disney. Haven't had to use it yet. I checked online and her travel packages are cheaper than what you can book yourself, plus we get a Disney gift with every reservation. It was a huge Disney tote one year, and a really nice photo album another time. All papers that are needed are put together in a file and a plastic case for us. She goes over everything in the package for us 2 weeks before we leave. I can't say enough about our travel agent! She goes the extra mile with every request we have had. She doesn't just say, "can't do that" and quit!!! I don't know if all Disney certified travel agents are that way, but they should be. If we used a regular travel agent, I don't know if we could get all the good deals and service we get from a certified Disney TA. Hope this helps :)

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: March 2nd, 2019, 7:12 am
by Thorpy
Admin wrote: May 2nd, 2014, 5:08 pm I tend to book direct, but a good specialist travel agent will give you the best of both worlds in that they will try to find you any discounts that can be applied, but the booking is still changeable within Disney's regular terms and conditions. The best ones will even modify your booking later should any better deals come along.

I tend to recommend the folks over at MEI/MouseFanTravel (http://mousefantravel.com) as I know the owner and some of the staff there, and they are a very reputable and helpful organisation, and they are also recommended and used by WDW Today, The WDW Radio Show, and AllEars.net - and as far as I'm concerned, that's high praise indeed.

However if you've got one which you want to try then go ahead and give them a call. Or why not ask for quotes from both, and see how you feel about each of them?

Andre
I still miss the old WDWtoday podcast !

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: March 2nd, 2019, 7:23 am
by Admin
Thorpy wrote: March 2nd, 2019, 7:12 am I still miss the old WDWtoday podcast !
Me too! Mike, Mike, Len and Matt. Those were the days.

Andre

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: April 25th, 2020, 4:23 am
by Thorpy
Admin wrote: March 2nd, 2019, 7:23 am
Thorpy wrote: March 2nd, 2019, 7:12 am I still miss the old WDWtoday podcast !
Me too! Mike, Mike, Len and Matt. Those were the days.

Andre
I saw you in the chat the other night for the "experiment". I linked from twitter so wasn't able to add comments...but it's been the lockdown highlight for me so far!

Re: Travel Agent or Online Booking Yourself

Posted: April 25th, 2020, 6:09 am
by Admin
Thorpy wrote: April 25th, 2020, 4:23 am I saw you in the chat the other night for the "experiment". I linked from twitter so wasn't able to add comments...but it's been the lockdown highlight for me so far!
It's like the Beatles have reunited! :)

Andre