Question about Travel Agents

[dreamteacher]

your oppenion is it ok to "shop around" for travel agents? what I mean is who can give you the best deal. I am just wanting quotes right now to see what the price range will be not acculally going to take a trip. so is it ok?

 

[tigsmom]

If we're talking about a trip to WDW, why not use their site to price out a trip? We do that all the time. Doesn't seem fair to me to take up somebody's time if you aren't ready to book. *shrugs* but thats just me. :wave:

 

[dreamteacher]

yes WDW I did but I also want to see who (travel Agents or me) can get the best deal.

 

[tigsmom]

Well there are codes out there, AAA discount etc. I think a Travel Agent would be the best bet... but I wouldn't call until I was ready.
Pam, from Kingdom Konsultants is our resident genius...shes a hard worker and will book & re book to get the best deal.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Generally speaking, there are no "deals" out there that aren't available direct from Disney. I don't believe any travel agent can get you a better price than what you can find online with some minor exceptions.

There are periodic special deals that are available to all but require your diligence in tracking them down. A good travel agent will do that for you.

I also support using KingdomKonsultants as I have never heard a complaint about her work from anyone here (and you know how critical WE are!).

One other thought to consider...whomever you make your reservation through, Disney direct, AAA, travel agent or whatever, ANY changes will have to be made through that party. If you did AAA, don't call Disney with a request....

So if you do not consider yourself saavy enough to keep track of promotions, I would suggest you use Pam or another travel agent you know and trust.

 

[wannabeBelle]

I think I understand your question. The answer is there is no cheaper way to get Disney than through Disney's own website unless you have AAA which does offer a discount. A travel agent cant undercut Disney themselves as that is the price that they are getting quoted to them over the phone from Disney, so in essence they are calling the same number and getting the same people you would!!! Pam of Kingdom Konsultants is great as far as finding any discounts that you may be eligible for, but if all you are looking to do is price a package right now, Id suggest you use the Disney website for Resort & Ticket pricing. Belle

 

[Master Yoda]

Belle is correct. There is no travel agent out there that has an inside track to special rates at Disney. Many years ago there were several places that purchased unused tickets from people and resold them at a discounted price. That practice has always been illegal and Disney’s biometrics scans have virtually eliminated the possibility of that ever being possible again. Your best bet is to check pricing thru Disney’s website and when you are ready to book go through AAA (providing you are a member) or Pam at Kingdom Konsultants. Pam knows all the discount codes out there and if there is one that applies to you she will find it. From my experience the discounts offered thru AAA are not as good as AP or Fl resident discounts the only exception being the Disney cruise.

 

[longfamily]

actually, we have always checked our travel agent prices against the Disney Website prices and every time we have saved a tiny bit over $2000 by booking with the agent. Take into consideration that we have always booked a really expensive package, but I don't see why there would not be the same discount, percentage-wise on anything else.

Plus, you're helping a travel agent make a commision

 

[wannabeBelle]

actually, we have always checked our travel agent prices against the Disney Website prices and every time we have saved a tiny bit over $2000 by booking with the agent. Take into consideration that we have always booked a really expensive package, but I don't see why there would not be the same discount, percentage-wise on anything else.

Plus, you're helping a travel agent make a commision

$2000???? That is a tremendous difference!!! Unless you are comparing a non discounted rate to a AAA discount rate or something, I dont see how this could be possible. Were you including flights in this comparison?? I usually have found that my agent can find a better deal of flights than Disney can, so that may be a part of it. I just cant see how that would be possible?? Any ideas on that?? Belle

 

[dreamteacher]

thanks for your input but you are not answering my qeustion is it alright (Ethical) to ask two or three Travel agents at one time?

 

[wannab@dis]

thanks for your input but you are not answering my qeustion is it alright (Ethical) to ask two or three Travel agents at one time?

As a consumer, you are always entitled to price shop! A travel agent is no different. Shop to your hearts content and don't feel pressured by any agent. It's their job to check prices and if they provide a better service or price, then they will get your business. If a travel agent doesn't want to give you a price because you may not buy immediately, then I say they are a travel agent who doesn't deserve your business.

 

[wannabeBelle]

As a consumer, you are always entitled to price shop! A travel agent is no different. Shop to your hearts content and don't feel pressured by any agent. It's their job to check prices and if they provide a better service or price, then they will get your business. If a travel agent doesn't want to give you a price because you may not buy immediately, then I say they are a travel agent who doesn't deserve your business.

I agree with you Waanb@Dis however please understand that by consulting a travel agent, you are asking them to do price comparisons on your behalf. This all takes time and research. If all someone is doing is looking to price out a trip and possibly not book at all, it may not be fair to that agent(s). To simply price a trip as I have said before I would certainly use the Disney website or contact Disney directly. If you are seriously considering a trip booking, I would say to certainly shop around to agents or Disney themselves, and book the best deal but make sure that all the components for one package are included in the ones you are comparing it to!!!! Belle

 

[dreamteacher]

AS of right now I plan on booking for the summer of 2008 but that is too far away for any specific stuff and that is why I just want a quote to give me a estimate of if I went right now what would it cost

 

[wannabeBelle]

AS of right now I plan on booking for the summer of 2008 but that is too far away for any specific stuff and that is why I just want a quote to give me a estimate of if I went right now what would it cost

I dont think anyone can give you an accurate estimate for that far out. But as you said if you want to price a trip for now with no discounts, personally I would use the Disneyworld website, as it gives you all the options that are available and you can peruse it at your leisure. Please remember between now and 2008 the whole make up of a package may change so these numbers may be useless. Belle

 

[mom_rules]

I have several travel agencies that I work with, but always with the intention of booking that trip if the price is right. They all know this going in-sometimes they win, sometimes I end up booking it myself because I can get the better deal. If you are just looking for price comparisons for a maybe trip, try using some of the online booking sites for an idea. When it gets closer to your date then yes, get several quotes and go with the trusted names, best price theory. Sometimes you can get a great deal but lousy service (not worth a couple of bucks for the hassle). Depends on how much you want to be involved-if you are type A like me, you want to know everything and be in control of everything. Make sure you find someone you can work with. (I don't like unknowns and hassles so I usually try to stay concierge and let them book everything in advance for me).

 

[wannab@dis]

I agree with you Waanb@Dis however please understand that by consulting a travel agent, you are asking them to do price comparisons on your behalf. This all takes time and research. If all someone is doing is looking to price out a trip and possibly not book at all, it may not be fair to that agent(s). To simply price a trip as I have said before I would certainly use the Disney website or contact Disney directly. If you are seriously considering a trip booking, I would say to certainly shop around to agents or Disney themselves, and book the best deal but make sure that all the components for one package are included in the ones you are comparing it to!!!! Belle

I always book my own Disney trips. It seems pretty easy for me to get it done and I'm always here so I know about the latest discounts. Plus, it's part of the fun!

However, for other trips, I may or may not use a travel agent. If I'm ready to go on a trip then I'll start the comparisons. Anyone that is hesitant about giving me a price without an immediate booking is not worth MY trouble. If they are not willing to do a little work for the possiblity of getting my business, then they won't get my business.

I price out services for customers all the time and do so without knowing whether we will get a job or not. It's part of business and good customer service.

 

[wannabeBelle]

I just think there are too many unknowns at this point to accurately price out this trip. When any reputable agent prices a trip, they try to be as accurate as they can. For a trip in 2008, that wouldnt be possible. Sure an agent ( or the person themselves) can probably give a guestimate based on today's rates, knowledge, packages, ticket structure etc, but all of that will most likely change!!! Just look at the radical change that happened from 12/31/2004 to 1/5/05!!! WOW!!!! Also please remember airlines prices literally change hour to hour!!!! I Am simply trying to point out that this may not be the best way of gathering this information, not trying to discourage anyone!!! Belle

 

[dreamteacher]

I just think there are too many unknowns at this point to accurately price out this trip. When any reputable agent prices a trip, they try to be as accurate as they can. For a trip in 2008, that wouldnt be possible. Sure an agent ( or the person themselves) can probably give a guestimate based on today's rates, knowledge, packages, ticket structure etc, but all of that will most likely change!!! Just look at the radical change that happened from 12/31/2004 to 1/5/05!!! WOW!!!! Also please remember airlines prices literally change hour to hour!!!! I Am simply trying to point out that this may not be the best way of gathering this information, not trying to discourage anyone!!! Belle

I understand all that and that is why I say for like next year even though I am not going until 2008. I know it is a long way off and I am really doing this for my mom but I would aslo like to know about the price range for next year so we know at least we have to save up that much and about 1000 to 5000 more because of prices going up EX GAS. hahaha

 

[longfamily]

$2000???? That is a tremendous difference!!! Unless you are comparing a non discounted rate to a AAA discount rate or something, I dont see how this could be possible. Were you including flights in this comparison?? I usually have found that my agent can find a better deal of flights than Disney can, so that may be a part of it. I just cant see how that would be possible?? Any ideas on that?? Belle

We never book air until the discounts really come into effect (closer to the trip) and typically book the trip a year ahead of time. Now realize, we typically book, in the past, the Platinum or equivilent. Cost are pretty high to begin with, hence the larger $$$ discount. What basically happens is, we go see the Travel agent, she makes some calls, she never books on-line, and we end up with a much cheaper route. The only extra that we book at this time is Limo transfer. But, she usually books it through Disney so I can't imagine that this would effect the outcome at all. I have a suspicion that agents are given special deals not available on the Disney site. I will be happy to ask though.

 

[wannabeBelle]

We never book air until the discounts really come into effect (closer to the trip) and typically book the trip a year ahead of time. Now realize, we typically book, in the past, the Platinum or equivilent. Cost are pretty high to begin with, hence the larger $$$ discount. What basically happens is, we go see the Travel agent, she makes some calls, she never books on-line, and we end up with a much cheaper route. The only extra that we book at this time is Limo transfer. But, she usually books it through Disney so I can't imagine that this would effect the outcome at all. I have a suspicion that agents are given special deals not available on the Disney site. I will be happy to ask though.

Thanks!!! That would be great!!! I am always on the lookout for the latest & greatest deals. My friends will usually come to me when they want to know anything about Disney particularly pricing!!! Thanks for the info!! Belle