To Travel Agent or Not To Travel Agent for Disney?
Are you a planner when traveling? Or do you prefer to let someone else take the reigns? Do you become overwhelmed when you have too much info being thrown at you? Or do you thrive? Does the thought of having to plan out your vacation to enjoy it annoy you?
Well good news, if you answered yes to ANY single one of these questions, a travel agent is DEFINITELY a good idea when going to Disney World!
And yes, I realize that all of the types of people are different but that is the beauty of it. No matter who you or what level of involvement you want, a Disney Certified Travel Agent will benefit you!
But I like to plan….
I hear ya! Our trip to Disney World was one of my favorite trips to plan! I have done quite a bit of big trip planning, including backpacking through Europe for two months and this was just as time consuming, complex and rewarding.
I absolutely loved doing research, watching videos, listening to books on audio and everything in between when planning for Disney. (Learn more here). But I had questions and lots of them.
There are several parts of the planning and understanding of Disney that are super confusing. Like what are the 3 different meal plans? Where can we eat with them? How do the fastpass tiers work? What is rope drop and the best strategies? And much more.
Often times the ability to understand one concept held up being able to plan a certain aspect of the trip. Sometimes when things are complex, reading about it just doesn’t work for comprehension.
Enter Travel Agent.
**I need to point out that I did not use a travel agent for my first Disney trip because of the special rate I received did not allow for it. But I did have a travel agent friend and Disney cast member that I turned to every time I had a question and needed clarification. So it was basically the same thing!
Benefits of A Certified Disney Travel Agents:
-They are in the know on the news, what’s closing, what’s opening, what’s being refurbished, etc. These can seriously affect how you need to plan and your level of enjoyment while in Disney.
-They are familiar with the restaurants, hotels, shows and attractions and can offer great advice about where to go and what to do based on you and your family’s needs!
-A travel agent knows when there are deals and specials. They can let you know when these are available and sometimes can add the deal to your already booked trip! Think of the savings.
– An agent will remind you of what needs to be done and when. In some cases, they will even be able to do things for you. If you are scatter brained like me, this is an area that can really save you! If you do not do some items timely, you WILL miss out on what you want!
Specific TIMELY details your agent will help you with:
- when your payments are due
- when to book your dining
- booking your fast passes
- putting in hotel requests and preferences
- scheduling your magic Express shuttle
And if you LOVE the planning process, perfect! The travel agent can be involved as little or as much as you would like, just let them know what your expectations are upfront.
It does not hurt to have someone in your corner to help you. To be able to go to with your questions, To be able to guide you.
You would hate to miss being able to go on the ride you have heard all about or missing eating dinner with your daughter’s FAVORITE princess because you missed your window of opportunity or you didn’t understand the process!
And here is one of the best parts: You are not charged extra for their services! They are paid from Disney directly. Since referrals and repeat business if what helps them grow, an agent will do their best to make sure you have a magical trip!
As a side note, I don’t recommend talking to an agent and picking their brain to use them for thier knowledge and then NOT having them book your trip. That is just uncool on so many levels.
An Agent is Worth It!
At the end of the day, I HIGHLY recommend using a DISNEY CERTIFIED Travel Agent. They are the best resource you will have. It does not cost you more. They can keep an eye on rates and other items that you at need. They will help with reservations and fastpasses. Agents are a wealth of information that could and should be tapped into to help your trip go off without a hitch!
Although I did not use a travel agent for our last trip, I already have one for my next one.
There are so many questions to be answered, so much information to take into account. It is INCREDIBLY overwhelming. And for the money you pay to take what for many is a once in a lifetime trip, you should have a well thought out plan so you can enjoy it! Have a Magical Time!
Want to know more about our planning process? Make sure to check out my post here about several really awesome resources that will help you get excited and ready to be Disney bound!
43 Comments
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Charlene
I have not officially used a Disney planner before, but my last two trips with my daughter, planned by Brightspark, were so much more organized than the two times when I went on my own. There is so much that you just don’t know when you just wing it! Lol
admin
This is so true especially for those that it may be their only shot of going!
cathy creech
Never been there but you have some great tips! Thanks
KATIE
I would definitely use a Disney agent if we were to go!
Cindy
I have a travel agent that I love! I tell him what I want. And he makes it all happen and saves me money over making my own arrangements.
Diane Kurzava
I had no idea these was so much involved in taking a Disney trip! A travel guide is a great idea.
jen
very useful information for planning Disney. It’s helpful to have someone who knows the intricacies of the business
Cindy
I have gotten away from using travel agents but I think there is still a lot of value in using one. Particularly if you don’t travel often or are very busy and cannot take the time to put in the planning. There is a lot of time spent in planning and executing a vacation.
admin
Yes! I don’t think an agent is always needed but for this type of trip and depending your needs, it is definitely an asset.
Debbie
I love the advise of not using a travel agent, if you aren’t going to use them (to book)! Yes uncool.
admin
I used to be one (although not for disney trips). It isn’t fair to use someone to do a bunch of stuff and then drop them. Especially when it really doesn’t cost you anything to use them.
Tricia Snow
Wow I thought I could just go online and do this. What a great idea to get a planner! There is so much to think about!
admin
You can definitely do it on your own. It is just A LOT of work and can be quite overwhelming. So an agent can help relieve A LOT of stress. 🙂 you can also check out my other article about planning as a resource
jody
I have always wanted to go to Walt Disney. I think it would be alot of fun hopefully we will get to go someday.Thank you for sharing .
admin
Now that I have been I definitely think everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetimes. I hope you get a chance soon!
Holly
Great advice, Disney vacations can be a lot of fun if you get what you are expecting..Using a planner will definitely help!
Ramae Hamrin
I would love to use a travel agent for a Disney trip. Any idea how much extra it costs, in general?
admin
For the trip or an agent? The agent is free. The trip really depends on how long, how many people, their ages and what you include. I have a really great recommendation for an agent if you are interested.
Tiffany
Agree – if you have never done Disney it can be quite overwhelming – find someone to help navigate the Disney magic!
Jennifer
Sounds like a good idea to get to know the parks for your best experience
Debbi H
Yes! My niece is a Disney Certified Travel agent and former Disney employee, and she is so helpful. I love all of the insider tips and savings we were able to score due to her knowledge. Great tips!
Sandi
I plan a lot of out trips, but I love my travel agent. She is on top of the big trips and is a wealth of information.
Sydney Delong
The next big Disney trip I go on, i will use a travel agent! They have a ton of knowledge and resources!
Lisa
I love Disney and it really is a a big trip to plan!
vanessa
I never considered a TA, but you’ve made some convincing points.
Kendra
Such a great idea. I’ll definitely do that when we decide to visit Disney!
Stacey Billingsley
I love planning Disney trips, but I know some are overwhelmed. Travel agents are a great help to people who don’t want to do all the planning!
judean
I think to go to a travel agent after I have done my own research to see if I get a better deal or more perks. I am not a Disney fan but do all inclusive and cruise and usually the agent gets a better $$than I do.
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
Great info!
April Key C. Rode
I do agree that agents are well trained by each establishment and can help the process of planning our trip. Great information here and a great reminder for others to take the leap and save their time.
Noelle
There is so much involved in planning a Disney Trip. We have a lot of food allergies in our family, so that’s another consideration. The chefs are great at the sit-down restaurants, but it does help to plan ahead. Many people don’t know this, but you can email the Disney Chefs ahead of time if you have a special concern with your diet.
admin
That is fantastic! Good to know for many people with different food needs! Thank you
Heather
Great info. I do all our planning for the parks, as we are there 4-5 times a year and DVC. However, I have an agent plan for the cruises and Adventures by Disney.
Michele
Such great info! Disney can be so intimidating!
Angela
We live close to Disneyland and visit often. I never thought to use a TA but when we go back to Disney World, I think we will. thanks
Lisa
We will definitely use a travel agent next time that we go to Disney!
Annette Durbin
This looks like a fabulous trip!! Love seeing those smiles in the first picture.
admin
Thank you!
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Manish Ambaliya
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
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