Hi... I am new here... looks like a great site and I am trying to get some info for my Aug '08 trip to Disney World.

I am going back and forth between booking everything myself, using Disney's website and Southwest Airlines, and using a travel agent. Does anyone have any input/advice as to which way is better? Can you get better deals from one verses the other? I know that there are some Disney specialist travel agencies out there, has anyone had a good experience, and do they charge for their services?

Thanks in advance!

jfoofj

Welcome to MP!

From my take, going through a TA is not going to save you a lot of money. However, they are still worth looking into as sometimes they can provide you with more personalized service and maybe a perk or two.

Some people like using AAA as a way to save money but if you do some searching around here, the quality of service and knowledge varies from awesome to crappy.

In most cases, I call Disney directly (not via the website) and book my airfare myself from the airlines website. It has worked out very well and I think their service has improved greatly over the past few years.

Also, check out Mousesavers.com for tips on how to save on your next trip.

The key thing here is shop around. Compare apples-to-apples, taxes and fees included, different package costs from different vendors. Pick the best one that suits you and your needs.

Travel agents do not charge for booking anything but airfare, and I know the Disney Specialist TA I've used (Small World, which is a sponsor here at MousePad) doesn't book airfare for you, so they don't charge anything.

What I like about using them is that if a discount is coming out, they will TRY to apply those discounts to your reservation right away, and I don't have to keep on top of that.

Thanks for the input. The last time I went I booked myself, and got a Disney Visa card discount because I asked the Disney rep if there was one currently (I don't think she was going to tell me if I didn't ask...) and there was, but there aren't currently any discounts. I do like the fact that the TA will keep an eye out for applicable discounts and apply them, so I won't have to keep looking.

Thanks for the input. The last time I went I booked myself, and got a Disney Visa card discount because I asked the Disney rep if there was one currently (I don't think she was going to tell me if I didn't ask...) and there was, but there aren't currently any discounts. I do like the fact that the TA will keep an eye out for applicable discounts and apply them, so I won't have to keep looking.
The basic rule at the Disney call centers is the agents are not to volunteer any discount information. If you ask for information about a specific discount, such as "Is there a discount if I use my Disney Visa Card?" they must tell you. But just asking "Are there any discounts available?" will get a "no" answer.

Even as a former travel agent, I'd say, you won't save much, if anything by using a TA these days. The internet is so full of information and deals for Walt Disney World that with a little research, you'll do fine on your own. Now, I'd still use a TA for trips that aren't as well known or if you don't have the time to plan out all the little details. But as another TA said, you'll get a sur-charge for booking air, and some other travel as well. Commisssions aren't what they used to be! (none on air)

Go to www.mousesavers.com to see some of the latest deals out there. Everyone here on MousePlanet will be able to answer most of your questions and help you make decisions if you need help. Obviously, we are all on here because we are Disney fans and love to offer suggestions! :)

I did all the research I could...then, because I didn't want there to be any hassles, I booked through the Disney website. THEN, I realized...hmmm...AAA might have been better. Well guess what?!? Not only did they save me about $200, they also transferred my reservation into their care. I still get everything disney (I'm driving there - so no airfaire) and save money. Life is good, everything is in a neat little bundle, and if there's a screw-up...I have fallbacks! (not that I expect one)
I'm pretty anal about doing everything myself. I had worked in the travel industry during the 90's and I know a lot of the tricks. The best part of the travel agent is the neat little package your vacation comes in. This is only the second time I've ever used a TA but it was worth it.

BTW...when are you going to be there in August? My son and I are staying at Pop Century and will be there from 8/3 - 8/9.:D

As to what value-adds you might get from using a Disney specialist travel agent, you might want to listen to Episode 26 (http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=pc070705pc) of the MouseStation podcast (http://www.mouseplanet.com/misc.php?pg=podcast), where we ask Sue Pisaturo of Small World Vacations that specific question. (Incidentally, that was the last long, once-weekly episode of the show. We're now doing multiple, shorter shows each week.)