• On Jul 21, 2021
    Lisa from MD Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Is it better to book with a travel agent or on my own? If I book on my own and a discount becomes available, how do I get the discount?

    Hi Lisa! Welcome back to planDisney.

    I see you are planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort in 2022. You have lots of time to plan and dream about this visit and make it practically perfect in every way - I'm excited for you!

    I have a good friend who also happens to be a fantastic Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and I often use her travel agent services to book my Disney Resorts Collection hotel reservations. Authorized Disney Vacation Planners' services are at no cost to the Guest, and they are your partner in planning. I find it very convenient to have someone take care of all my plans - my agent even makes my dining reservations, although you would need to find out which services are offered when selecting your travel agent. When new Special Offers are released, good agents are "on it," and spend their early mornings checking their clients' reservations to apply the offers if applicable. It's a great feeling to get the email from your planner telling you that you're saving money!

    I do recommend using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for your Disney planning, especially if you are new or unfamiliar with recent changes. However, if you love to get deep into planning like your friends here at planDisney, you will probably enjoy doing it all yourself. That's a personal call! If you do decide to use a travel agent, do your research. Is the agency Earmarked, meaning they have booked a certain volume of vacations? What do their reviews say? Carefully read their website to learn more about the agency's story and focus, and feel free to reach out with questions. 

    If you book on your own and see a new Special Offer come out that applies to your visit, you should first go to My Disney Experience and look at your reservation under "Resort Hotel." If you're able to modify online, you'll see a "Change Reservation" button - follow the steps, and if new offers are available that apply to your reservation, you'll see them there. You can also call (407) 939-1936 and a Cast Member will be happy to assist you. Although hold times can be long, I like to call and speak with Cast Members because I think I get the best variety of options and can ask questions - plus, I love the Disney Parks hold music!

    If you decide to plan your Walt Disney World Resort vacation yourself, your friends at planDisney are here to help! We know you can go the distance and book an epic visit, and we have lots of tips and videos on our Panel Extras page and on Instagram. The Disney Parks Blog is a great resource for planning, news, and fun stories (I keep a constant "to-eat" list on my phone that I update when I read their food stories). Have fun with your planning, and we will see you real soon!

    Wishing you a magical vacation,
    Robyn
thumbnail image for Robyn

Meet the Panelist: Robyn, Virginia

Hi there! I'm Robyn, and I am so excited to share my love of all things Disney with you! My proud military family loves going on Disney adventures that include enchanting moments, laughter and happy tears, and all the pineapple and Mickey-shaped snacks we can find. It's my pleasure to help you plan the most magical and unforgettable vacation in the Disney Parks. Learn More About Robyn

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