What is the benefit of booking with Disney directly vs Travel Agent?

[anonymousegirl]

I got a quote from my local TA and the online TA that I am using and for the same cabin on the Fantasy, the local TA could only offer me $25 plus the $25 that Disney offers for booking online yet the online TA offered me $250 plus the $25 that Disney offers. Huge difference. Most TAs do base it on the price of the cruise but apparently my local TA does not...:eek:

 

The obc is often negotiated a year in advance and is based on the total volume an agency does with the cruise line. So a huge online agency can often offer more obc than a smaller local agency.

 

In both cases, you have to deal with the agency and agents hours and the possiblity of errors being made by the TA. In exchange, the agent will handle all the details, big and small, of the cruise, and often makes a cruise better (but maybe not cheaper).

[milton333]

I guess I've never really needed anything that only a personalized TA could provide. Before I book, I research prices, itineraries, and cabins. I know where I want to dine. I can make upcharge dining reservations, book excursions, spa, etc., online with the cruise line. The only change I've ever made after booking is when my parents or in-laws decide to join us, and then we link our reservations for dining purposes.

 

Bottom line, I don't need a very hands-on TA. But of course I'll be happy to take OBC, no deposit, Costco cash card, etc.

[tweis]

The obc is often negotiated a year in advance and is based on the total volume an agency does with the cruise line. So a huge online agency can often offer more obc than a smaller local agency.

 

In both cases, you have to deal with the agency and agents hours and the possiblity of errors being made by the TA. In exchange, the agent will handle all the details, big and small, of the cruise, and often makes a cruise better (but maybe not cheaper).

 

I do not require much from my TA. I already knew my dates, category, room number, dining time and I will select my own excursions/adult dining. The ONLY reason I booked with a TA for my next 2 cruises is for the OBC. My agent responds nights, weekends and holidays. My cruise is not costing me a penny more by using a TA. Actually I am saving money because of the $275 OBC I am receiving.

[tweis]

I guess I've never really needed anything that only a personalized TA could provide. Before I book, I research prices, itineraries, and cabins. I know where I want to dine. I can make upcharge dining reservations, book excursions, spa, etc., online with the cruise line. The only change I've ever made after booking is when my parents or in-laws decide to join us, and then we link our reservations for dining purposes.

 

Bottom line, I don't need a very hands-on TA. But of course I'll be happy to take OBC, no deposit, Costco cash card, etc.

 

Exactly. The only reason I booked with a TA for my next 2 cruises is strictly for the OBC. However, if I do have a problem, I am confident that she can handle it. :)

[DillWaters]

I got the $25 OBC when I booked directly through DCL, but I almost feel insulted by it. We spent over $15,000 on our reservation and they are kicking back $25 to us?? Wow, really going out of their way to make us feel special, aren't they.

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I would say the DCL cruise savvy people will be contacting their DCL specialist TAs now to get on waitlists for the next release of 2014 cruises due very soon.

 

TA do the hard work for you, you do not need to be hanging on the phone for hours, or be processing your cruise online on the website and as it gets to the payment it crashes or charges your credit card twice. The TAs seem to get the best rooms, and get in early somehow, mine have always got me what I wanted.

 

I am on a waitlist now for Summer 2014.

[alaska_planner]

our first two disney cruises, i booked directly with DCL

 

i booked my most recent cruise in october, 2012 with a TA.

 

i got an onboard credit with my TA and also a beautiful stateroom gift.

 

In addition, i had to change that reservation 4 times (over the course of 3 years) - my TA handled the changes without any problem (i don't know if the same would have been true with DCL, but my TA took care of it immediately and without issue).

 

i was very pleased with the service i received from my TA.

[candlegirl]

Please excuse my ignorance. I have never used a travel agent, but I'm thinking about using an online TA for the OBC. If we use a TA, do we fill out the online checkin, port arrival time, book excursions and Palo or does the TA? I had to cancel our cruise the week we were set to sail due to medical issues, but I had make changes to excursions and dining time numerous times before cancelling. Also, in that case where I had to cancel, would I have had to send an email to the TA for them to cancel or could I call? I can't imagine having to wait for someone else to do it. I'm a little type A. May not be the best route for me. Thanks in advance.

[Shmoo here]

Please excuse my ignorance. I have never used a travel agent, but I'm thinking about using an online TA for the OBC. If we use a TA, do we fill out the online checkin, port arrival time, book excursions and Palo or does the TA? I had to cancel our cruise the week we were set to sail due to medical issues, but I had make changes to excursions and dining time numerous times before cancelling. Also, in that case where I had to cancel, would I have had to send an email to the TA for them to cancel or could I call? I can't imagine having to wait for someone else to do it. I'm a little type A. May not be the best route for me. Thanks in advance.

 

You will do your own online checkin/book excursions/Palo/etc. The TA will handle any financial/room/dining issues.

 

I believe to cancel the TA would have to do it.

[candlegirl]

You will do your own online checkin/book excursions/Palo/etc. The TA will handle any financial/room/dining issues.

 

I believe to cancel the TA would have to do it.

 

Thanks for the quick response.