Hiya, Dan, and welcome to planDisney! We're here to answer all your planning questions and offer tips because helping Guests have amazing and magical visits is our goal. I'm so glad you found us! It looks like you are a great researcher and planner yourself, so let's see what we can discover about travel agencies.
As you probably know, Disney's EarMarked Program ranks travel agencies based on meeting specific qualifications, maintaining current training, and demonstrating high sales. Although the levels can change, there are currently five levels, with Diamond being the highest. I believe that reaching Diamond status means that a travel agency has ranked at the top in vacation sales.
Dan, I've never used a travel agent, but I know many Disney lovers who do. It's a personal choice you have to make for yourself. I like being in control of my itinerary, and I know what my family will enjoy more than anyone else. Travel agents certainly do much of the work, but they often have to make last-minute decisions for you. If you decide to use an agency, give them as many details about your family as possible. But I think you'd do a great job
planning a visit to
Walt Disney World Resort on your own! And you have planDisney to help!
Best of luck with any upcoming visits on the horizon, Dan. Life seems a bit out of balance unless I have a Disney trip on the books. Please
stop back by planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine