Direct vs. a Travel Agent

Vermonter

Vermonter

New Member
Are there any advantages to using a travel agent vs. calling Disney directly? I know there is at least one agent on this forum that is thought very highly of, so I was curious as to the benefit. I recently ran the numbers on the Disney website and the package rate does look attractive. Room and tickets are what they are, but the airfare is actually cheaper than if I go to the airline site for a quote. <O:p</O:p

<O:p</O:p

Thanks in advance for any feedback.<O:p</O:p

 
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Aurora_25

Aurora_25

Well-Known Member
Personally, I love going through a Travel Agent- it just makes it easier on me- I don't have to keep up with getting a good rate- if they make a good rate available- changing my reservations to have the better rate- keeping track of when I can make PS reservations for all the places I want to eat, just knowing all that is taken care of for me is so wonderful- especially since I am a huge planner, but I hate to do all the calling and checking.
Pam at Kingdom Konsultants is the one we all rave about- she is wonderful and I am so glad we booked with her. It's free of charge to you and she always finds the best rate possible for your stay.
 
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ClemsonTigger

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy
Vermonter said:
Are there any advantages to using a travel agent vs. calling Disney directly? I know there is at least one agent on this forum that is thought very highly of, so I was curious as to the benefit. I recently ran the numbers on the Disney website and the package rate does look attractive. Room and tickets are what they are, but the airfare is actually cheaper than if I go to the airline site for a quote. <O:p</O:p

<O:p</O:p

Thanks in advance for any feedback.<O:p</O:p
Click to expand...

Generally I consider myself pretty up on thinks and being stubbornly independent, I have done it myself for years. It does take a lot of energy to keep up on all details and discounts to do it for yourself.

With that said, I have used Pam at Kingdom Konsultants as she can offer (at least) the same prices as I can get for myself, with the added benefit of keeping up on all discounts and specials the she often is able to apply even before we know about them.

For those that are not self proclaimed Disney "know it all's" (like me :rolleyes: ), Pam (or any good agent that specializes in Disney) can add a lot to the preplanning to make your trip much more comfortable and complete. They can also add additional features that you may not know of or think about (like tours, Hoop de do Review, special entertainment packages, special seasonal events and the like).

So for a more relaxing, best value plan, Pam and other good agents (there are many that don't know anything more than Orlando airport and hotel rooms however) can add a lot to your vacation plans and minimize the cost.
 
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barnum42

barnum42

New Member
Never stayed on property, usualy do separates off-site via on-line or phone agents as the UK high street ones are no longer competitive. I tried them last year and they were still about £150 more than the price I got on-line.

Were I to stay onsite, I'd see what I could get from UK sources as a comparison then ask Kingdom Konsultants as she has a great reputation from lots of people who have used her services.
 
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shoppingnut

shoppingnut

Active Member
barnum42 said:
Never stayed on property, usualy do separates off-site via on-line or phone agents as the UK high street ones are no longer competitive. I tried them last year and they were still about £150 more than the price I got on-line.

Were I to stay onsite, I'd see what I could get from UK sources as a comparison then ask Kingdom Konsultants as she has a great reputation from lots of people who have used her services.
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I have a friend from the UK who is staying at the Poly hotel for 21 nights and the price that they were quoted in the UK compared to what Pam quoted them here was considerably less, so they booked through Pam. This might be because it is being quoted in US$ and because you guys get such a good exchange rate against our $ it might work to your benefit.

It can never hurt to check the prices against one another, it doesn't cost you anything but an email to Pam. And remember Pam can also book hotels off property too, she is a full service travel agent, not just exclusive to booking disney properties.
 
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CAPTAIN HOOK

CAPTAIN HOOK

Well-Known Member
Us Brits get ripped off through most travel companys. Did you know that its cheaper to book a British Airways flight in the USA than it is in the UK (same destination & departure points, dates, times, routes etc) :mad:
We try to book as much as possible independently
 
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Nansafan

Nansafan

Active Member
We have done both routes, travel agent and self-booking. When our trusted friend and trusted travel agent Marlene retired, we started self-booking. This year we used Pam and have nothing but great things to say about her. We did do our airfare ourselves just because we did. I do most of the airline reservations for my bosses so I don't mind the internet research for the airfare and I'm very comfortable on the airline websites.
 
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Vermonter

Vermonter

New Member
Original Poster
Please correct me if I've been given erroneous information here, but I've been told that the travel agents are always looking to get you the best rates they can and in doing that they do not book your flight, room, etc. Because of that you risk not getting a flight or room of your choosing if it fills while the agent is waiting/ searching. If true, then that concerns me.
 
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ClemsonTigger

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy
Vermonter said:
Please correct me if I've been given erroneous information here, but I've been told that the travel agents are always looking to get you the best rates they can and in doing that they do not book your flight, room, etc. Because of that you risk not getting a flight or room of your choosing if it fills while the agent is waiting/ searching. If true, then that concerns me.
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That isn't true of most good agents. With rooms and other details, they can rebook without penalty, so they want to book right away to guarantee the spot, then can comfortably change later. I always book as soon as I have dates confirmed which is always before AP rates are published...then Pam magically rebooks on the new rate before I even know AP has been released. :D

With airfares it is a little different as best fares are usually restricted and carry a penalty for change. Most agents will suggest you bite the bullet and book to assure your space. Chances are that rates will not change significantly to make it worth your while to change. Generally speaking, the best rates are to be had either booking well in advance or at the very last minute (the latter not being compatible with a Disney vacation).
 
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wannabeBelle

wannabeBelle

Well-Known Member
And sometimes booking well in advance isnt a good thing either. I have often found that booking between a month and two months out is about the best deals I can find for my dates. Belle
 
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Kingdom Konsultant

Kingdom Konsultant

WDWMAGIC Board Sponsor
Premium Member
WDWMAGIC Sponsor
With airfare I have a wonderful search engine that will pull up not only the ariport that you want to fly out of but the ones that are located nearby. FI if I look at Newark it will pull up JFK and LaGuardia. It pulls up by cheapest rate ( I have it set on that) for all airlines departing that airport. It also pulls up Expedia and Orbitz.

Barnum if you want me to ever run the numbers for you, send me and e-mail. I do book a lot of UK travelers from the forums. It makes it easier for them when calling in for dining also. I do it for them. :lol:


Vermonter I await your call. I am here today playing catch up since I was away for a few days, so if you get the machine, please leave a message and please make mention of your forum name.

Pam
 
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barnum42

barnum42

New Member
Kingdom Konsultant said:
Barnum if you want me to ever run the numbers for you, send me and e-mail. I do book a lot of UK travelers from the forums. It makes it easier for them when calling in for dining also. I do it for them. :lol:
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Will do. Do you deal with off-site hotels too?
 
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Vermonter

Vermonter

New Member
Original Poster
Kingdom Konsultant said:
Vermonter I await your call. I am here today playing catch up since I was away for a few days, so if you get the machine, please leave a message and please make mention of your forum name.

Pam
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I'll be calling in just a second.
 
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