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travel agent or me
- Thread starter Pooh Face
- Start date
wsapooh
New Member
Well, I am a bit biased here since I am a travel agent. Having said that, I would say... use a travel agent.
Why?
Knowledge. Let a travel agent do the investigating, hunting, and shopping for you. It's our JOB! We get weekley "D-Mail" updates from our Disney reps on the latest news and package specials. If we see that if you put off your trip 2 weeks, that you'll save $200.00 because of a package special, we will tell you.
Some people - especially those on these boards - like to do the investigating themselves because it's part of the fun. It's really a question of whether you enjoy doing that or not.
Most travel agencies charge service fees now. But alot of them will NOT charge if your doing a package with air.
Why?
Knowledge. Let a travel agent do the investigating, hunting, and shopping for you. It's our JOB! We get weekley "D-Mail" updates from our Disney reps on the latest news and package specials. If we see that if you put off your trip 2 weeks, that you'll save $200.00 because of a package special, we will tell you.
Some people - especially those on these boards - like to do the investigating themselves because it's part of the fun. It's really a question of whether you enjoy doing that or not.
Most travel agencies charge service fees now. But alot of them will NOT charge if your doing a package with air.
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AriBelle23
New Member
Hi! I noticed you seem to like Port Orleans French Quarter as well. 
Ummm, We went through a travel agency our very first trip and had SOOO many problems with the whole thing. our travel agnet soemhow messed up the dates at the resort from the airline tickets and just things like that happened with everything. We wanted Port Orleans French Quarter (at the time, it was just called Port Orleans and Riverside was called Dixie Landings) and we were put in Dixie Landings, so we had to deal with that the very first day we got there.
The next 5 trips we booked through Disney and had a WONDERFUL travel planner. (Connie Smith) She was just awesome! Everything went very smoothly, and she got us into the Keys to the Kingdom tour which was very cool and a great deal. I suggest goinbg threough Disney because they know what you want and they know how to make it happen vs. a travel agency who deals with people vacationing all around the real world. But eitehr way you go, you will still have a great time
Ummm, We went through a travel agency our very first trip and had SOOO many problems with the whole thing. our travel agnet soemhow messed up the dates at the resort from the airline tickets and just things like that happened with everything. We wanted Port Orleans French Quarter (at the time, it was just called Port Orleans and Riverside was called Dixie Landings) and we were put in Dixie Landings, so we had to deal with that the very first day we got there.The next 5 trips we booked through Disney and had a WONDERFUL travel planner. (Connie Smith) She was just awesome! Everything went very smoothly, and she got us into the Keys to the Kingdom tour which was very cool and a great deal. I suggest goinbg threough Disney because they know what you want and they know how to make it happen vs. a travel agency who deals with people vacationing all around the real world.
But eitehr way you go, you will still have a great time
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AriBelle23
New Member
Yeah completely! Some travel agencies don;t care as much as others. it also depends how knowledgable the travel agencies are in each destination. For Disney I would much rather go through Disney because I still feel they could be more of a help when it comes to special needs and little things like that...but that's just my opinion. My aunt owns her own travel agency, I know they work very hard there and have a great reputation...but some don;t really care. But that's with any job ya know? I actually want to go to school to be a travel agent...but I think people are so good on computers now a days that they won't need travel agents with in the next 10 years or so...what do you think about that? and do you like your job and is it soemthing you have always wanted to do?
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wsapooh
New Member
I do agree with you and you are absolutley right - there are always people in every profession who do not care at all. You have to find the good apples amongst the bad apples in any service situation. Good travel agents do care and can be just as good (if not better IMHO! :animwink: ) as the vendors themselves. We do deal with special requests and special needs all the time. And, when I book my clients at WDW, I book it through Walt Disney Travel Company. So you're actually getting the expertise of both WDTC AND the travel agent.
Our industry has changed and people do like to book via the computer. But there will always be a place for travel agents. I think we will be around in 10 years. Like I said before, a computer won't necessarily tell you that you could save $$ by putting off the trip a week or so. ALOT of people do not want to take the time to do the reasearch and investigation that it takes to plan a vacation via the computer. We have the tools, time, and resources - internet included - to do it all for you.
Is it something I've always wanted to do? Yes. Do I recommend it? Yes. BUT!! Go to a good school! Don't do one of these 6-8 week program things - you may struggle once you get a job. I actually got a travel degree. I am now a senior agent, the trainer, and assistant to our 3 owners. There are alot of fabulous agents who did the 6-8 week programs that are are out there. But in TODAY'S travel industry, you have to make yourself stand out.
Our industry has changed and people do like to book via the computer. But there will always be a place for travel agents. I think we will be around in 10 years. Like I said before, a computer won't necessarily tell you that you could save $$ by putting off the trip a week or so. ALOT of people do not want to take the time to do the reasearch and investigation that it takes to plan a vacation via the computer. We have the tools, time, and resources - internet included - to do it all for you.
Is it something I've always wanted to do? Yes. Do I recommend it? Yes. BUT!! Go to a good school! Don't do one of these 6-8 week program things - you may struggle once you get a job. I actually got a travel degree. I am now a senior agent, the trainer, and assistant to our 3 owners. There are alot of fabulous agents who did the 6-8 week programs that are are out there. But in TODAY'S travel industry, you have to make yourself stand out.
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AriBelle23
New Member
Well, I would LOVE to be a travel agent. I would also like to graduate from the college of Disney Knowledge That would be very cool I think. My huge struggle right now is convincing my WHOLE family on my dads side that I don't want to be a lawyer, doctor, or teacher. I simply could not handle the schooling for any of those. I am already a piano/music teacher and director with after school programs and I can barley handle those kids! I could never do it full time. I really want to be a travel agent and I was thinking about Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin. That seems to be a pretty good school. My best friend is there now in her second year for veterinary technician. She loves it! I was really considering this until my whole family talked me out of it. I would be going for the 2 year associate degree. But who knows, my dad just doesn't think travel agents will be needed in the future. You make an excellent point though. I might just have to bring that up in the next big family feud on my education. Thanks for your help!:sohappy:
That would be very cool I think. My huge struggle right now is convincing my WHOLE family on my dads side that I don't want to be a lawyer, doctor, or teacher. I simply could not handle the schooling for any of those. I am already a piano/music teacher and director with after school programs and I can barley handle those kids! I could never do it full time. I really want to be a travel agent and I was thinking about Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin. That seems to be a pretty good school. My best friend is there now in her second year for veterinary technician. She loves it! I was really considering this until my whole family talked me out of it. I would be going for the 2 year associate degree. But who knows, my dad just doesn't think travel agents will be needed in the future. You make an excellent point though. I might just have to bring that up in the next big family feud on my education. Thanks for your help!:sohappy:
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Dwarful
Well-Known Member
well poohfaced, if you like to do the research, then go for it yourself. Although if you are very busy, then I would suggest contacting Kingodom Consultants here on the board, Pam seems to know all the deals and the ins and outs of getting people what they are wanting.
I love to keep things separate and unfortunately around my area the agents pushed the all inclusive packages which isn't something my family needs. But then to try and help you save money they would have you go off site/vs. helping you find a better rate/offer code etc. at an onsite resort.
I know it didn't really help you out too much, but it really comes down to
"do you have the time to invest in the research to get the best deals?" if not then contact Pam!
I love to keep things separate and unfortunately around my area the agents pushed the all inclusive packages which isn't something my family needs. But then to try and help you save money they would have you go off site/vs. helping you find a better rate/offer code etc. at an onsite resort.
I know it didn't really help you out too much, but it really comes down to
"do you have the time to invest in the research to get the best deals?" if not then contact Pam!
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wannabeBelle
Well-Known Member
Hey there all Nice to se everyone chiming in on this. Now as for my two cents:
WSAPooh: you are truly a diamond among the stones!!!! I actually spoke to a couple in the Animal Kingdom when I was there last in August. I overheard them saying that there wouldnt be anythng for their 4 yr old to do in EPCOT so maybe they should just skip it and go back to MK. I politely chimed in and asked them who had told them such nonsense. They said it was their travel agent. I told her that no agent ( with a few notable exceptions) could know the parks the way I do. I then proceeded to tell them EVERYTHING their daughter could do, rides, attractions, the kidcot fun stations in the countries etc. They were so happy. They asked if I worked for Disney, I told them no I am just a fan!!
I also helped two young ladies I work with to save a bunch of money with a package special that Disney was running at the time. The Travel Agent that they used was from a rather large company here in the NYC area and all he was interested in was booking for the highest possible commision. Finally I printed out the page from the Disney website circled the code, circled the number and told the girls that if he didnt match the price I was getting or do better, cancel and I would help them book it all on their own!! He ultimately booked it for them at the price I quoted the girls!!!
Bottom line is not every agent cares as you appear to. I know Pam of Kingdom Konsultant, who is a sponsor of the boards, also cares about getting her clients the best possible deal. I tend to think you are the exception, not the rule. My advice to people I know is, Check with me first. I will tell you whatever specials etc I know about and give a good price quote. Take that to a travel agent. They then have to match or beat the price I quoted. If the agent is anything like you, it should be no problem as I usually get my info from the Disney website or if I hear of any other offers. As I am NOT a travel agent, an agent may know about specials that we just dont have access to. So far it has seemed towork out!!! I just wish more agents cared more about the clients as you seem to. Kudos on a job well done!! Belle
WSAPooh: you are truly a diamond among the stones!!!! I actually spoke to a couple in the Animal Kingdom when I was there last in August. I overheard them saying that there wouldnt be anythng for their 4 yr old to do in EPCOT so maybe they should just skip it and go back to MK. I politely chimed in and asked them who had told them such nonsense. They said it was their travel agent. I told her that no agent ( with a few notable exceptions) could know the parks the way I do. I then proceeded to tell them EVERYTHING their daughter could do, rides, attractions, the kidcot fun stations in the countries etc. They were so happy. They asked if I worked for Disney, I told them no I am just a fan!!
I also helped two young ladies I work with to save a bunch of money with a package special that Disney was running at the time. The Travel Agent that they used was from a rather large company here in the NYC area and all he was interested in was booking for the highest possible commision. Finally I printed out the page from the Disney website circled the code, circled the number and told the girls that if he didnt match the price I was getting or do better, cancel and I would help them book it all on their own!! He ultimately booked it for them at the price I quoted the girls!!!
Bottom line is not every agent cares as you appear to. I know Pam of Kingdom Konsultant, who is a sponsor of the boards, also cares about getting her clients the best possible deal. I tend to think you are the exception, not the rule. My advice to people I know is, Check with me first. I will tell you whatever specials etc I know about and give a good price quote. Take that to a travel agent. They then have to match or beat the price I quoted. If the agent is anything like you, it should be no problem as I usually get my info from the Disney website or if I hear of any other offers. As I am NOT a travel agent, an agent may know about specials that we just dont have access to. So far it has seemed towork out!!! I just wish more agents cared more about the clients as you seem to. Kudos on a job well done!! Belle
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Last year I went to a Travel Agent she was very good but
it cost me 1,114.00 I though it was a good buy.
This year I did it myself with Air Fare the Hotel and the
tickets to the Parks 990.00 Dallars not a big saving but it
was a saving and I would do it again next year.
it cost me 1,114.00 I though it was a good buy.
This year I did it myself with Air Fare the Hotel and the
tickets to the Parks 990.00 Dallars not a big saving but it
was a saving and I would do it again next year.
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wsapooh
New Member
Sorry that you guys have run into problems. But just remember that any intelligent travel agent would know that a 1 time high commision is no match for a happy and satisfied customer who will return again and again. Any agent who thinks otherwise will find themselves out of a job very quickly these days. Be selective in picking a travel agent and always ask for a person who specializes in the area you want to visit. The biggest travel agency isn't always the best. If you choose to use a travel agent, talk to friends and family and get suggestions as to who they might recommend.
Cost comparisons from year to year are like comparing apples to oranges. Air costs change day to day. Packages are discounted for some dates but not others. These rates changes are done by the vendors themselves and not the travel agent.
Best of luck to everyone in their pursuit of the best deal!
It can be quite a game!
Cost comparisons from year to year are like comparing apples to oranges. Air costs change day to day. Packages are discounted for some dates but not others. These rates changes are done by the vendors themselves and not the travel agent.
Best of luck to everyone in their pursuit of the best deal!
It can be quite a game!
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I have to agree with Belle here. I have used local travel agents over the years and been very disappointed. I have been scammed by many into paying way too much for a room, when I found out later what I could have paid (once I got into booking it myself). I have also used Pam's services many times and found her to be very sensitive to getting the best deal for her clients. I am actually leaving again in a few weeks to Disney, thanks to Pam. I just think it is so much easier to call someone and let them do all the work, if you can find someone you trust...that is the biggest part. Now I don't have to watch for the deals, spend all that time and money waiting on the phone, or stressing over if another, better price comes along...she does it for me automatically. Love using a travel agent now, wouldn't have it any other way! Good luck in whichever way you decide to go, just make sure you can trust who you choose and then sit back and relax...afterall, this is your Disney vacation! Have a great time.
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Thanks for the plug Dwarful and Mitzer. I do try to get the lowest prices for my clients and I never try to push the all inclusive deals. A lot of times they just do not meet with the clients needs.
I say use a travel agent like myself who knows the parks, the hotels and how to save you money. Before I became an agent I too had a bad experience with a travel agency. (not once but twice) So I can understand the problems many of you face.
Pam
I say use a travel agent like myself who knows the parks, the hotels and how to save you money. Before I became an agent I too had a bad experience with a travel agency. (not once but twice) So I can understand the problems many of you face.
Pam
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