Disney Planner... yes or no?

[Nelly2016]

I am an excellent planner. But to keep it on the safe side, I decided to go with an authorized disney travel agent. She's already provided us with quotes and such a couple months ago for our Jan 2017 trip but for some reason, I'm just not getting a good feeling from her. Its not that she's not friendly - she's just not very warm and sometimes, I feel like I'm annoying her with my questions (and theres not many!). I may be completely off base though, as things can get lost in translation over email. The company is recommended by one of the best Disney blogs out there so I'm confident she'll be able to do her job but I'm just not sure what to do. Any advice?

 

[DisneyJoe]

Have you spoken on the phone?

 

[Nelly2016]

Have you spoken on the phone?

Nope. Since room rates have not yet been released for 2017, she said she'll keep me posted and email me when they are. I've had two questions since then (about restaurants and reservations) and I feel rather reserved about asking the questions? I dont know, maybe I just have high standards

 

[DVCPluto]

I'm an authorized Disney TA and I would expect you to feel absolutely comfortable asking any questions you may have. I specifically state in my emails to let me know of any questions or concerns because it's your vacation and I want you to be happy.

I would try talking by phone and see if you get a better feeling. I agree with you that tone is very hard to understand via email.

 

[Nelly2016]

I'm an authorized Disney TA and I would expect you to feel absolutely comfortable asking any questions you may have. I specifically state in my emails to let me know of any questions or concerns because it's your vacation and I want you to be happy.

I would try talking by phone and see if you get a better feeling. I agree with you that tone is very hard to understand via email.

What do you recommend? Should I go with someone else or stick with her as she's already made up a couple of quotes? Do you have any testimonials? Would you be able to help with DVC rentals? One disadvantage is that she does not deal with those. (I only ask because of your username)

 

[Nelly2016]

I'm an authorized Disney TA and I would expect you to feel absolutely comfortable asking any questions you may have. I specifically state in my emails to let me know of any questions or concerns because it's your vacation and I want you to be happy.

I would try talking by phone and see if you get a better feeling. I agree with you that tone is very hard to understand via email.

Also, she hasn't really suggested a phone call so I feel kind of weird asking about it!

 

[DisneyJoe]

Why are you reserved about asking questions or suggesting a phone call? A travel agent provides a service, part of that service is answering questions.

If you aren't comfortable asking this agent questions, what makes you think that you will be more comfortable with another?

 

[Nelly2016]

Why are you reserved about asking questions or suggesting a phone call? A travel agent provides a service, part of that service is answering questions.

If you aren't comfortable asking this agent questions, what makes you think that you will be more comfortable with another?

I think you're misunderstanding me completely. You're right - I shouldn't be uncomfortable asking questions and I never am. But something about her, or the way she is speaking IS somehow making me feel that way. I thank her graciously every time. I would definitely be better with someone who is a bit more friendly and warm, because that is who I am as someone who also works in a customer service field.

 

[DVCPluto]

There's no commission on DVC rentals, so you won't find a Disney TA that can help you. You would need to rent directly with the owner (which is risky) or go through a rental agency. It really depends of what type of resort and room you are looking for to determine if that's a good option.

I have a FB page that I can share if you pm me. Not sure what the "rules" are for advertising myself since I know this site already has sponsors.

Honestly, since she has done some quotes, I would ask for a phone call and have a chat - if only to give her the benefit of the doubt. Ultimately, it's your vacation and hard earned money, so make sure you feel comfortable with whom you are working with.

 

[Nelly2016]

There's no commission on DVC rentals, so you won't find a Disney TA that can help you. You would need to rent directly with the owner (which is risky) or go through a rental agency. It really depends of what type of resort and room you are looking for to determine if that's a good option.

I have a FB page that I can share if you pm me. Not sure what the "rules" are for advertising myself since I know this site already has sponsors.

Honestly, since she has done some quotes, I would ask for a phone call and have a chat - if only to give her the benefit of the doubt. Ultimately, it's your vacation and hard earned money, so make sure you feel comfortable with whom you are working with.

Thats what I think as well. She took the time out, so maybe when the prices are released, I'll ask if we can speak on the phone. I'll PM you if I decide to go another way. Thanks for your help!

 

[DVCPluto]

Thats what I think as well. She took the time out, so maybe when the prices are released, I'll ask if we can speak on the phone. I'll PM you if I decide to go another way. Thanks for your help!

Absolutely!! Anytime Good luck!!

 

[Weather_Lady]

My advice: if you get a bad feeling, don't do it. Go with a planner you feel confident about, or none at all.

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

What kind of questions are you asking her?

In my recent experience, I only need a travel agent to book the best deal available at the time, and be on top of making changes when deals are released.

January historically means room discounts or the play, stay, and dine packages. A Disney travel agent should be letting you know the moment those are released and making any changes immediately.

Beyond that, you can probably get answers to your questions by asking here.

 

[Nelly2016]

My advice: if you get a bad feeling, don't do it. Go with a planner you feel confident about, or none at all.

Thats what I was thinking. I spoke to one over a year ago that I really liked but the trip didn't work out. I've emailed her and will go with the one that gets me the best trip!

 

[Nelly2016]

What kind of questions are you asking her?

In my recent experience, I only need a travel agent to book the best deal available at the time, and be on top of making changes when deals are released.

January historically means room discounts or the play, stay, and dine packages. A Disney travel agent should be letting you know the moment those are released and making any changes immediately.

Beyond that, you can probably get answers to your questions by asking here.

I asked if she was available to help with restaurant recommendations, or is that something we do on our own. Most of my questions were very simple! I can find most answers on my own, its true, the only questions I asked her were things I wanted to be really sure of or had to do with her services!

 

[wannabeBelle]

The trips could be identical pricing and all, but you need to feel comfortable with the planner you are working with. If you cant ask her a question and feel like you are being a bother, you should go with another planner!!! Marie

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

I asked if she was available to help with restaurant recommendations, or is that something we do on our own. Most of my questions were very simple! I can find most answers on my own, its true, the only questions I asked her were things I wanted to be really sure of or had to do with her services!

I would expect a good Disney travel agent to give you a bit of advice on restaurant recommendations, but I've always found it better to decide those on my own to be honest.

Whether you ask for those recommendations from your agent, or ask here, my advice is to be specific in what you want. There are a lot of restaurants at WDW, and so often I see a thread asking "where should I eat?" and 30 people give 30 different answers*.

Things to consider are: what is your budget when it comes to a table service meal? Are you willing to travel to a hotel to eat, or do you want to stick to the parks? Do you like buffets, or not? Do you want character meals? What kind of food do you want? How important is the atmosphere of the restaurant?

*except for Ohana. Everyone loves Ohana.

 

[Nelly2016]

I would expect a good Disney travel agent to give you a bit of advice on restaurant recommendations, but I've always found it better to decide those on my own to be honest.

Whether you ask for those recommendations from your agent, or ask here, my advice is to be specific in what you want. There are a lot of restaurants at WDW, and so often I see a thread asking "where should I eat?" and 30 people give 30 different answers*.

Things to consider are: what is your budget when it comes to a table service meal? Are you willing to travel to a hotel to eat, or do you want to stick to the parks? Do you like buffets, or not? Do you want character meals? What kind of food do you want? How important is the atmosphere of the restaurant?

*except for Ohana. Everyone loves Ohana.

There are five of us. We are trying to keep costs low everywhere except dinners. While we would not like anything that is extremely expensive, we're trying to pinpoint restaurants that are disney themed, great for first timers and good food. Ohana is definitely on our list, as well as Be Our Guest.

 

[PinnySmart]

There's no commission on DVC rentals, so you won't find a Disney TA that can help you. You would need to rent directly with the owner (which is risky) or go through a rental agency. It really depends of what type of resort and room you are looking for to determine if that's a good option.

I have a FB page that I can share if you pm me. Not sure what the "rules" are for advertising myself since I know this site already has sponsors.

Honestly, since she has done some quotes, I would ask for a phone call and have a chat - if only to give her the benefit of the doubt. Ultimately, it's your vacation and hard earned money, so make sure you feel comfortable with whom you are working with.

Renting from and owner is risky? Not entirely true. I am an owner and have been renting my points for several years and have not had one single issue. My contract is very well written and I explain each and every word if the renter asks. I add the dining plan and make any changes they need made as soon as requested. I guess since TA's don't make commission off of DVC rentals they would say that renting from an owner is risky. I save my renters a significant amount because there is no middle man. It may be risky renting from some owners but I think you are painting with a broad brush.

 

[Nelly2016]

Renting from and owner is risky? Not entirely true. I am an owner and have been renting my points for several years and have not had one single issue. My contract is very well written and I explain each and every word if the renter asks. I add the dining plan and make any changes they need made as soon as requested. I guess since TA's don't make commission off of DVC rentals they would say that renting from an owner is risky. I save my renters a significant amount because there is no middle man. It may be risky renting from some owners but I think you are painting with a broad brush.

You're right - I've heard nothing but good things about the whole process. My only worry is the actual process - its so confusing! I'm looking into Boardwalk Inn! Any tips?