How do I know if my Disney agent is legit? The biggest thing you need to look for is if the agency itself is EAR-marked and has its Authorized Disney Vacation Planner status.
People Also Ask
A legitimate travel agent should have a physical address you can verify. It could be a warning sign if the agent only has a P.O. Box or a virtual office. Before booking with a travel agent, check their online reviews on websites such as TripAdvisor or Trustpilot.
Interestingly, many travelers discover that their trip is actually CHEAPER than if they had booked it on their own; their travel agent often offers suggestions on discounts and package deals that the traveler might not have known about otherwise.
Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner can take the stress out of planning a Walt Disney World vacation, which is complicated and overwhelming for first-timer tourists. Travel agent can make the process easier by booking reservations, making itineraries, securing discounts, and more.
Why? Disney pays the agent for you. Each agent gets a commission from Disney for the bookings they've made on your behalf. That's why most Disney travel agencies have a policy of not charging their clients any sort of itinerary planning fee — because they're already getting paid.
Do Disney travel agents have to find their own clients? Some agencies pay to advertise their brand – at no cost to their agents – so this certainly is a bonus from an agent's standpoint. However, for the most part, Disney travel agents (especially part-time agents) are responsible for finding their own clients.
Why use a travel agent instead of booking online? Simply put, you'll have a better trip, without the stress of planning your trip alone. A travel agent can accommodate your interests, budget and time frame with their wealth of knowledge and expertise to make sure that you get the most out of your trip.
Complaints about travel agents and travel agenciesIf you are using an online booking service, complain to their customer service department. If your complaint is not resolved, you can contact: The state consumer protection office where you live or where the travel company is located. Your local Better Business Bureau.
A Travel Agent Can Handle the Unexpected. Between weather delays, natural disasters, flight cancellations, lost luggage and much more, a lot can happen on vacation. Travel agents act as the traveler's advocate in the event something goes wrong, helping navigate the challenge of making any necessary itinerary changes.
Agency Information: Is the agency an Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and if so, at what level? (The levels are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.)
Generally, leisure travel agencies' main revenue is from commissions vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.
Generally not, and especially not for short distances. For the most part, any discount you'd get from using a travel agent would be for a combined package. Still, it never hurts to ask if your travel agent can get you a deal on your flight.
The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.
Because travel agents are often working with airlines, hotels, cruises, tour companies, and more on multiple clients over multiple years, they're able to negotiate better deals and access better discounts than you'd be able to on your own. Think of it as bulk buying.
Buying a Disney World vacation package means you must purchase your hotel room and either dining or tickets or both for each person in the party directly from Disney, with those components priced and sold together as a “package.” Normal Disney vacation packages are not discounted; prices are more-or-less consistent ...
Travel Agents Can Save Your MoneyHere's a really big reason why you should book Disney Cruises through a travel agent. They can save you money because they already know what discounts are available and how to get you a better deal.
With close connections to airlines, hotels, and tour guides, travel agents often have access to special deals and preferential pricing you won't find on your own. They know about seasonal deals, low-cost specials, and unique experiences that would be hard for you to find building your trip online yourself.