Trying to decide if you want to book your trip on your own or use an agent?
I've got a list of pros/cons of using an agent + some tips to help you find a good one.
I've also got a quick tip for families who want multiple beds so the kids don't have to share a bed in their Disney resort room.
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These are notes from this episode. There's much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.
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Pros and cons of using an agent
People interested in using a Disney travel agent should look at agencies that are authorized Disney Vacation Planner designated. The logo below will appear on the websites of those agencies.
Pros of using a Disney travel agent
- Knowledge. Disney agents have to complete training and most have been on many trips.
- Free to use. Agents are paid a commission by Disney at no additional cost to you.
- Can save you money. Agents know about current promotions and can apply them to your reservation, reducing the cost of your package.
- Agents book dining and special event reservations. Don't want to wake up early 180 days in advance to make reservations? You can let the agents do that for you.
Cons of using a Disney travel agent
- Giving up control. Trusting somebody else with your travel arrangements can be hard for some people.
- Changes go through the agent. You can't make changes to your package by going through Disney. You have to go through your agent.
- Agents have to use Disney systems. Agents can book packages through Disney's systems but can't help you to rent DVC points or get many types of reduced-priced tickets.
Some tips
- Don't use a general agent. General agents almost never know enough about Disney World. If you're a AAA member, use AAA for discounts and not as a source of Disney World knowledge.
- My recommended agent. The agent I recommend is named Cheryl and you can fill out the request a quote form which will be sent right to her or one of her trusted associates.
Quick tip of the day
Families who want to book a room that will allow their kids to sleep in separate beds at Disney World have these options:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge rooms with bunk beds. You'll need to request this on your reservation.
- Art of Animation and All-Star Music suites have 3 sleeping areas including a Master bedroom, pull-out couch and Murphy-style bed.
- Ft. Wilderness Cabins accommodate up to 6 people and have a double bed, bunk beds and a Murphy bed.
- Port Orleans Riverside rooms in the Alligator Bayou section have a trundle that can fit a child up to 10 years old or so.
- Most Deluxe rooms have a daybed in addition to the 2 Queen beds.
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Also making payments instead of paying in full! I am not sure if you can do this through Disney’s website, but with an agent you can make payments on your trip whenever you want and sti have the freedom of making reservations and fastpass+. This way, you don’t have to pay in full with your credit card and pay interest.
Also, booking two rooms is much easier with an agent because everything is automatically linked.
There are many agents at AAA who book nothing but Disney destinations and are extremely well versed in all of the ins and outs of Disney vacations. They provide as much or as little support to their clients as they would like and also monitor the latest discounts for their already booked clients. Discouraging to read such sweeping generalizations.
Agreed! We booked through a AAA agent and she was a life saver. She was very knowledgeable and wormed hard to get us the best discounts for our large party.
Do hotel and flight reservations have to made prior to making dining reservations?
We used an AAA agent specializing in Disney trips back in 2001 and she told us about the dessert party during fantasmic at Disneyland. In 2010 she helped us book all are meals on the dining plan. On our last 2 trips she helped with flights and magical express, but we did our own dining reservations. Now with so many helpful websites- like yours- it’s easier to plan on your own