Which Travel Agent is Best

alandjen · 07-12-2009

So, we're thinking about an Easter 2010 trip with our 3 kids (6yo twins and a 4 yo). Ideally we'd like to squeeze into the Contemporary so that we're on a monorail.

In the past we've always booked our vacations directly with Disney, but in order to keep costs down we really want to power-shop and take advantage of every code/discount/whatever we can.

I'm curious about your recommendation for the various Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. Several of them promise to apply newly-released codes to existing reservations, but I'd like to know who does it best.

Also, how does AAA stack up? I've heard that they have some offers that may not be available elsewhere?

staceyheis · 07-12-2009

I use Small World Vacations and they seem to really be on top of the codes and looking for the best deal for your situation.

**DisneyTeacher** · 07-12-2009

This site is owned by Mouseketrips. There are a lot of members that have used them and have very good things to say about the service.

alandjen · 07-12-2009

Mouseketrips is definitely on our list to call this week.

**cinderbella** · 07-13-2009

Mouseketrips. They are great, accessible and are on the ball with all the codes.

disneymania · 07-13-2009

lOVE kINGDOM kONSULTANTS ( ASK FOR tAMMY, SHE'S AWESOME!!) sHE ACTUALLY CHECKS FOR BETTER TIMES FOR adr'S EVERYDAY!!!!

smee57 · 07-13-2009

I've used Mouseketrips and Small World Vacations and was very happy with both.

timon71 · 07-13-2009

I am going to throw the CURVE. I am with Magical Memories Travel and I feel that all the agencies do a GREAT job on here. The simple fact being, the agents on here LOVE DISNEY. We all got into it because we love to make everyone's trip Magical and fun. SO I feel that however you chose, you will not go wrong.

mommyof2 · 07-13-2009

We've used MOuseketrips!!

CaraMia · 07-14-2009

I have been using Magical Journeys....Terrisue. She has always been able to apply discounts for us before we even know about them. She also checks dining reservations for us . Definitely recommend her.

alandjen · 07-14-2009

Thanks to all. I've heard back from Mouseketrips, Magical Journeys and AAA that none of them can book anything until Disney releases the 2010 rates (hopefully in just a couple of weeks).

That's gotta be true since I'm hearing it from everyone, but it seems pretty screwed up that you can book directly but they won't open things up to TAs.

Turnwrench · 07-14-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by alandjen

That's gotta be true since I'm hearing it from everyone, but it seems pretty screwed up that you can book directly but they won't open things up to TAs.

While you can technically book directly, what Disney doesn't tell you is that you're still not able to book a package or get the exact price. What happens is that Disney opens up room-only bookings a little less than 2 years in advance. So you can book your room, but they'll tell you that the rate is not guaranteed and won't be until the rates for the year of your travel are released. Then when package rates are released you have to call back and get the adjusted room rate and convert the reservation from room-only to a package.

Most folks don't find it to be worthwhile to book rooms before the rates are released because the total cost is not confirmed, the conversion from oon-only to package isn't done automatically, there's changing and switching around of the deposits, and it's more of a pain than it's worth.

Just ask whichever travel agent you decide on to put you on their list to be contacted when the 2010 rates come out and they should take care of everything for you from there.

alandjen · 07-15-2009

The CM we spoke too was actually pretty clear about the fact that he couldn't quote us the actual price we'd be paying since those rates haven't come out yet.

I suppose the only advantage there is is that you can lock in a room at the resort of your choice early on if you're afraid that room for that week might get booked up if you wait until that year's rates are released.

tinkerbelle24 · 07-15-2009

I never use a TA. I always book everything myself. I always get to apply any codes to my reservation and I usually come out ahead.

rlcarmichael · 07-16-2009

I've never used Mousetrips (I have DVC) but they are a Disney ONLY travel agency.

That should speak volumes.

07-12-2009	#1 (permalink)
alandjen Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Montgomeryville, PA Posts: 326	Which Travel Agent is Best So, we're thinking about an Easter 2010 trip with our 3 kids (6yo twins and a 4 yo). Ideally we'd like to squeeze into the Contemporary so that we're on a monorail. In the past we've always booked our vacations directly with Disney, but in order to keep costs down we really want to power-shop and take advantage of every code/discount/whatever we can. I'm curious about your recommendation for the various Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. Several of them promise to apply newly-released codes to existing reservations, but I'd like to know who does it best. Also, how does AAA stack up? I've heard that they have some offers that may not be available elsewhere? __________________ 3/92: Int'l Drive 8/92: Int'l Drive 3/94: Int'l Drive 4/96: Grand Floridian Concierge (Castle View) 11/96: Disneyland 12/96: Wilderness Lodge 11/97: Dixie Landings 3/98: Disneyland 4/99: Grand Floridian Concierge (Castle View) 7/99: Disneyland 5/00: Boardwalk 5/01: Boardwalk 2/02: Boardwalk 5/03: Coronado Springs 5/05: DoubleTree @ Downtown Disney 9/06: Contemporary 10/07:Contemporary My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our Bay Lake Tower Trip! 222 days 16 hours 48 minutes

07-12-2009	#2 (permalink)
staceyheis Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 191	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best I use Small World Vacations and they seem to really be on top of the codes and looking for the best deal for your situation. Last edited by staceyheis; 07-13-2009 at 12:43 AM.

07-12-2009	#3 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,309	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best This site is owned by Mouseketrips. There are a lot of members that have used them and have very good things to say about the service. __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 239 days 10 hours 48 minutes

07-12-2009	#4 (permalink)
alandjen Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Montgomeryville, PA Posts: 326	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best Mouseketrips is definitely on our list to call this week. __________________ 3/92: Int'l Drive 8/92: Int'l Drive 3/94: Int'l Drive 4/96: Grand Floridian Concierge (Castle View) 11/96: Disneyland 12/96: Wilderness Lodge 11/97: Dixie Landings 3/98: Disneyland 4/99: Grand Floridian Concierge (Castle View) 7/99: Disneyland 5/00: Boardwalk 5/01: Boardwalk 2/02: Boardwalk 5/03: Coronado Springs 5/05: DoubleTree @ Downtown Disney 9/06: Contemporary 10/07:Contemporary My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our Bay Lake Tower Trip! 222 days 16 hours 48 minutes

07-13-2009	#5 (permalink)
cinderbella Crackhead Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: south carolina Posts: 7,226	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best Mouseketrips. They are great, accessible and are on the ball with all the codes. __________________ WDW Restaurants and Resorts Moderator Bella I Deltaco. My Disney Countdown Counting down to: A baby is coming!!!! The baby is here..or at least it should be soon.

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Budget Tips
Which Travel Agent is Best

07-13-2009	#6 (permalink)
disneymania Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Colden ,NY Posts: 267	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best lOVE kINGDOM kONSULTANTS ( ASK FOR tAMMY, SHE'S AWESOME!!) sHE ACTUALLY CHECKS FOR BETTER TIMES FOR adr'S EVERYDAY!!!!

07-13-2009	#7 (permalink)
smee57 it'S MEE Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,935	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best I've used Mouseketrips and Small World Vacations and was very happy with both. __________________ "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be." Anne Frank "Middle age is when you've met so many people that every new person you meet reminds you of someone else." Ogden Nash *Is there anyplace happier than Disney World?*

07-13-2009	#8 (permalink)
timon71 Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 76	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best I am going to throw the CURVE. I am with Magical Memories Travel and I feel that all the agencies do a GREAT job on here. The simple fact being, the agents on here LOVE DISNEY. We all got into it because we love to make everyone's trip Magical and fun. SO I feel that however you chose, you will not go wrong. __________________ The Angoffs--Me,DW,DD,DS Next WDW trip late summer 09---conference @ Y & B

07-13-2009	#9 (permalink)
mommyof2 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 420	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best We've used MOuseketrips!! __________________ Billi My Disney Countdown Counting down to: My brother is getting married!!!!!!! 24 days 20 hours 48 minutes

07-14-2009	#10 (permalink)
CaraMia Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 935	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best I have been using Magical Journeys....Terrisue. She has always been able to apply discounts for us before we even know about them. She also checks dining reservations for us . Definitely recommend her.

07-14-2009	#11 (permalink)
alandjen Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Montgomeryville, PA Posts: 326	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best Thanks to all. I've heard back from Mouseketrips, Magical Journeys and AAA that none of them can book anything until Disney releases the 2010 rates (hopefully in just a couple of weeks). That's gotta be true since I'm hearing it from everyone, but it seems pretty screwed up that you can book directly but they won't open things up to TAs. __________________ 3/92: Int'l Drive 8/92: Int'l Drive 3/94: Int'l Drive 4/96: Grand Floridian Concierge (Castle View) 11/96: Disneyland 12/96: Wilderness Lodge 11/97: Dixie Landings 3/98: Disneyland 4/99: Grand Floridian Concierge (Castle View) 7/99: Disneyland 5/00: Boardwalk 5/01: Boardwalk 2/02: Boardwalk 5/03: Coronado Springs 5/05: DoubleTree @ Downtown Disney 9/06: Contemporary 10/07:Contemporary My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our Bay Lake Tower Trip! 222 days 16 hours 48 minutes

07-15-2009	#13 (permalink)
alandjen Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Montgomeryville, PA Posts: 326	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best The CM we spoke too was actually pretty clear about the fact that he couldn't quote us the actual price we'd be paying since those rates haven't come out yet. I suppose the only advantage there is is that you can lock in a room at the resort of your choice early on if you're afraid that room for that week might get booked up if you wait until that year's rates are released. __________________ 3/92: Int'l Drive 8/92: Int'l Drive 3/94: Int'l Drive 4/96: Grand Floridian Concierge (Castle View) 11/96: Disneyland 12/96: Wilderness Lodge 11/97: Dixie Landings 3/98: Disneyland 4/99: Grand Floridian Concierge (Castle View) 7/99: Disneyland 5/00: Boardwalk 5/01: Boardwalk 2/02: Boardwalk 5/03: Coronado Springs 5/05: DoubleTree @ Downtown Disney 9/06: Contemporary 10/07:Contemporary My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Our Bay Lake Tower Trip! 222 days 16 hours 48 minutes

07-15-2009	#14 (permalink)
tinkerbelle24 Cant wait till MNSSHP Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: West Deptford NJ Posts: 5,445	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best I never use a TA. I always book everything myself. I always get to apply any codes to my reservation and I usually come out ahead. __________________ Always looking for a reason to go to Disney! 1992~CBR 2001~CBR 2003~ASMovies 05~ASMovies 07~ASSports March08~my Bday trip Best Western Lakeside May08~ POR Dec08~ Disney Hilton Head Island Dec08/Jan09~ SSR Sept09~Madisons Bday trip Pop Century My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Madisons bday in Disney,MNSSHP, Ohanas,Kona for the first time,MB meet,BBB for the first time and the list goes on Having a blast with Madison for her 9 day non stop bday party

07-16-2009	#15 (permalink)
rlcarmichael Too many DVC points? NST Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chesapeake VA Posts: 1,997	Re: Which Travel Agent is Best I've never used Mousetrips (I have DVC) but they are a Disney ONLY travel agency. That should speak volumes. __________________ Richard Carmichael, Chesapeake VA DVC Member BLT, VGC & SSR 2009 SSR(x2), AKV, BWV, BLT(x2), VB, DCL Magic; 2008-SSR, WLV, OKW YC; 2007-YC, GF: DCL Wonder; 2006-SSR, SoG, Poly; 2005- Poly (x2), Orange Lake; 1999-Courtyard LB; Disney Inn (RIP - now SoG) '90, '88, '86 Make-A-Wish Volunteer www.wish.org My Wish - no Wish Kids to send to see THE* Mouse.* 2nd Fav Org - Give Kids The World Village www.gktw.org My Disney Countdown Counting down to: BLT Mk Christmas Trip 16 days 0 hours 33 minutes

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