Hi Karin!
Welcome to planDisney! I’m so glad you stopped by, as I think many other Guests have this question as well. I even just had a conversation on this topic with a coworker last week.
You have two main options. The first is that you can
call and speak with a Cast Member at the Walt Disney World Travel Company who can assist you with booking your
Disney Resort Collection Hotel room, your
theme park tickets, and
park reservations. If you are within 60 days of your trip, they can also assist with booking meals. If you have an idea of where you want to stay but just don’t like using the
online method this can be an option for you. Do keep in mind that hold times can be long, and this method works best if you already know what you want to book. But this is not what I recommend.
The other option is to use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. If you aren’t sure where to begin and are wanting one-on-one trip planning assistance, this is the way to go. An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is a travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations and has received training from Disney. Look for a group that is “EarMarked” for the best service. Many Guests mistakenly believe that using a travel agent means that the trip costs more, but this is not the case. The travel agent books you at the same rate as you could book yourself online! But a Travel Agent can get multiple quotes for you, recommend specific resorts and restaurants based on your needs and likes, and can even book your dining reservations for you when you are 60 days before check-in. (Not all planners do this, so be sure to ask if they offer meal booking when you decide who to work with.) Some travel agents can also book airfare and arrange ground transportation or car rental if needed.
A quick search with your favorite search engine for the term “ Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” should yield multiple options to choose from. And as you make decisions on resorts, restaurants, and more, know you can submit questions here on planDisney for our trips, tricks, and advice! I hope this answer is helpful, Karin. Wishing you a magical visit to the
Walt Disney World Resort!- Kate