If you’re considering a Disney vacation or have gone on one in recent years, you likely already know that it can be extremely overwhelming to plan. Advanced dining reservations, FastPasses, Dessert Parties, After Hours Events, and Holiday Events are just a handful of the many things you need to account for, and those are just for Walt Disney World. Many of these items need to be dealt with months in advance of your trip, and good planning can often mean the difference between a truly memorable vacation and a stressful mess.
Luckily, there are many ways to ease the stress of planning a Disney vacation, one of which is working with an experienced travel agent. A good agent will help you with everything from deciding where to stay, to booking all your advanced reservations, and everything in between. And best of all, the service is free (as in no fee), and could even save you money. Read on to learn more.
1. Knowledge
All Disney travel agents have to successfully pass the Disney College of Knowledge (Disney’s course that ensures all of their agents are up to snuff), and have to be up-to-date each year on the new content. Disney is constantly changing or updating their parks, resorts, pricing, and policies, and a great travel agent will know that and help you plan a great trip around any changes.
It would stink to book a reservation at your dream hotel, only to show up and find out the pool is closed for your entire visit, due to renovations. A travel agent will help you navigate the best time to visit based on your wants and needs.
2. Free
What most guests don’t realize is that my services as a travel agent are completely free. The prices I quote for you are the same prices you would find if you booked your trip on your own. Disney pays the agent’s commission, you pay nothing for the service.
From a value standpoint it’s an absolute win-win for everyone involved. You get my expert help at no additional charge, I get compensated for my time and effort, and Disney gets a new customer that will be more likely to have a great experience.
3. Savings
Discounts are released periodically throughout the year and for various seasons. As a travel agent, I receive these notifications early in the morning and will spend my time on the phone or web trying to save you money if the discount applies to your trip. Even if you book a package prior to a discount being released, I can still apply the discount to your package, as long as your visit falls within the restrictions of that discount.
Agents can spend up to 2 hours on hold for a discount that a lot of people are trying to get. You aren’t just saving money, but you are saving time. It is my job to spend those hours on hold, not yours.
4. Books Dining and FastPass+ for you
As I mentioned before, the thought of booking dining reservations 6 months before your trip seems overwhelming. ADRs – also known as Advanced Dining Reservations – are one of the most important details to Disney vacation planning for anyone looking for character dining experiences or signature dining. Dining reservations can be reserved 180 days in advance.
As a travel agent I will be able to assist you with all of this. I can also book your dining reservations for you. If this is something you prefer to do on your own, you will certainly be able to, but most prefer to have their agent do it on their behalf.
Not only do you have to make dining reservations, you have to make advanced FastPasses. I will explain the FastPass+ (FP+) process and can also book them for you. FastPass+ reservations are available to book online through your My Disney Experience account 60 days in advance for guests staying in Walt Disney World resort hotels. The FastPass+ system can be confusing as there is a tiered system in Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I will help you navigate this system and figure out which FP+ works best for your family.
Interested in Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Building a lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, an After Hours event, Dessert Party or Holiday event? I can talk through these events with you and book them as well.
5. Concierge Type Service
Once your vacation is booked, the customer service does not end. As a travel agent, I can help with things like strollers or wheelchair rentals and Airport transfers. Need some help navigating the parks? No problem, I’ll help plan your park touring, giving you detailed layouts of the parks, and figuring out character locations. Finally, I’ve got your back for any special Birthday or Anniversary plans, Schedule Tee Times or Spa Services.
6. Point of Contact during your trip
When you arrive at Walt Disney World you may realize that you’ve forgotten your itinerary at home. I will be able to answer any calls or texts regarding your trip. Did you forget where you need to meet for your Dessert Party? Did the My Disney Experience app crash and you can’t remember what time your dinner at Cinderella’s Castle is? I will be available to get you that information, or any other info you may need while visiting Disney.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully this post has helped you learn a bit more about what it’s like to work with a Disney travel agent and why you might want to do so for your next vacation. Planning anything can be a drag, and my goal is ultimately to take the stress out so you can focus on having a great experience with your family or friends.
If you’re ready to start booking your next Disney Parks vacation, Disney Cruise, Adventures by Disney, or Aulani, please fill out this quick form and I’ll get back to you ASAP to get started.