Planning any vacation can be a bit stressful. Booking this trip with a Disney travel agent can be a great solution that may end up saving you a lot of money and time without sacrificing any of the fun. A trip to Disney can be enhanced with the use of a Disney travel agent. There are some questions you should be asking them along the way to best convey and achieve your ideal vacation.
There are both some general questions you will want to ask when using any travel agent. Especially ones that are more specific to a Disney vacation. We will cover both so you have all the information you need when using a travel agent!
1. When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Disney?
Like any vacation, there may be some times of the year when going can be less expensive and less crowded. A Disney travel agent will have experience in understanding trends. They will be able to advise you on a time of the year that works best for your budget and needs. For Disney specifically, hotels and ticket prices will be slightly less expensive in the off-season.
People typically enjoy Disney all year long. However, around the holidays on weekends can be particularly expensive with ticket pricing and hotels. Working with a Disney travel agent will help you to choose a time. They will work within your schedule, but your budget as well.
Even though going during a holiday time is usually easiest for a family with kids in school or those who work. However, you should try to avoid these times as they are the most expensive and crowded:
- New Years
- Spring Break
- Memorial Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
These cheaper times are typically less crowded, making your wait times shorter for you to enjoy in the parks.
2. Do I Need Travel Insurance?
If you are flying to get to Disney, travel insurance may be a good solution for your group. A Disney travel agent can guide you through Disney’s Travel Insurance and Protection Program if you are staying on the property. They use a third party to cover your trip and the agent can show you the situations in which you can get your trip refunded.
Oftentimes you don’t have to book tickets until really close to your trip (60+ days prior). Usually you will lose the money there if you need to cancel the trip for any reason. Ask the agent about travel insurance and their recommendations for protecting your vacation.
3. What Extra Offers Can You Give Me Instead of Booking on My Own?
Beyond booking your hotels and tickets, a travel agent can be worth it for the tips and planning services they provide. Getting you there is one thing, but filling your day with lots of activities and giving you recommendations can make your experience more worthwhile. These travel agents are experienced in understanding what people would enjoy doing on their vacation.
Especially if it is your first time to the parks or staying on the property, you want to use an agent. You can gain all sorts of useful information about FastPass strategies, itinerary planning, must-see experiences in different parks, find and reserve great restaurants, and make your Disney trip even better than planning it on your own.
Another benefit of working with a travel agent is the relationships they have established. Whether it is with resorts and other vendors that can enhance your trip. This may mean discounted rooms and airfare, extra amenities at the hotels, and other perks they’ve accumulated!
4. Have They Experienced the Package or Experience They Are Selling?
Make sure you ask the travel agent if they have experienced the recommendations they are making. Ask for more details about certain components of packages they are offering. It’s hard to buy into something if the travel agent hasn’t actually done it themselves. This is why it’s great to book with an agent who has spent a lot of time in the parks. Also ask when the last time they were at the park.
There are many changes made to the parks. You want someone with the most up to date information. This is best understood by those who have experienced the changes themselves! You want to work with someone you can trust and will help bring the most value to you.
5. How Available Are They to Answer Questions and Requests?
You want a Disney travel agent who is going to have enough time for you. Not just getting your trip booked, but also being available to help you with anything you’ll need for the trip. They should be checking in with you more and more as your trip comes closer. Also, they should be available throughout the time you are there in case you encounter any issues.
You can ask them how many clients they are currently working with. As well as, how many hours they dedicate to their job planning Disney vacations. It may not be their full-time job and you want to ensure they will be there when you need them!
6. Do They Operate on Their Own or A Team?
Another question related to their time demands, having a team and agents that are specifically focused on Disney trip planning is helpful. You want someone who will be dedicated to you. Having a team of Disney agents can give you a wealth of experience.
Sometimes having a team can also be convoluted and may suggest a much larger operation. This may mean too many clients so working with a single agent that works on their own can be beneficial as well. It all depends on your preferences and what you are looking for!
7. Are There Extra Fees Working with A Travel Agent?
This really depends on the agent you are working with! Some agents are paid by vendors or Disney to book with specific hotels and restaurants at great rates, while others may charge a small fee if they feel their services are worth a little extra. You should ask the travel agent their fees before you decide to book with them.
It is also important to be upfront about your budget so that an agent can best plan a vacation to your specifications and needs.
8. Are They An Authorized Disney Vacation Planners?
Disney works with travel agents and planners that they trust to help people book their vacations. Ones that are authorized have experience working in this industry and have proven that they can plan great vacations for guests of the Disney parks! While this certification is not necessary for a good trip, it may give you a little more confidence in booking with them.
Being a certified travel agent in general is also a good sign as it means that they can fight to get you the best deals and refunds or protection if anything happens on your trip.
9. What Should I Bring with Me on My Trip?
Your travel agent should be knowledgeable about the parks and surrounding area. Being able to give you advice on what you should bring with you on your trip, is important too. This may include travel documents if you are visiting from out of the country, clothing suggestions for likely weather when you visit. Practical things like an extra charging block for your phone are some of the useful thing they can advise.
They will be able to give you all this information before your trip, but it is always good to ask so you make sure you don’t forget anything important. The agent has hopefully been to the park often and can guide you on how to make the trip more comfortable and convenient with the proper preparations.
10. Why Should You Book with A Disney Travel Agent?
Other than convenience, deals, and trip security, booking with a Disney travel agent is beneficial because you are working with someone who is passionate about Disney. Those who work as agents love Disney themselves and they find joy in planning magical experiences and vacations for others. This means that they are going to give you their best in coming up with fun things to do for every type of Disney guests and their preferences.
Try to book with a Disney travel agent who really embodies this excitement about Disney. Because they are the ones who are going to give you the most memorable experience. Ask them why they became a travel agent. Try to get to know them a little so you can get a better feel for what it will be like working with them.
Planning a Trip with A Disney Travel Agent
If you are looking for a thoughtfully planned vacation. One that gives you plenty of personal service and attention. And one that from the start of planning through the time of your trip. You should be working with a travel agent is a great option for you. You can get some of the best deals from experienced agents who can help cater your trip to any budget.
With the Holiday Season over with, now is the perfect time to start planning your next Disney or Universal Vacation. For help planning and booking your next Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a Disney Authorized Travel Genie with Magic Lamp Vacations and my services are free!
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