What is a Vacation Planner? And why would I need one?
I get a lot of questions about how a Vacation Planner works and why someone would use one rather than just booking through Disney direct or using a travel website. So I thought I would address some key points to clarify, and hopefully motivate you to use a Vacation Planner (preferably me!) when you book your next Disney vacation. This is a dream job for me, and I will work hard to make sure you have a fantastic vacation! A Vacation Planner works closely with you to work out every aspect of your vacation, from the initial booking to being available for questions or help while you are on your trip. The benefits of working with a vacation planner are endless, but the big ones (It's free! Experienced advice! Savings!) are outlined here. Whether this is your first trip or your hundredth, I can help make your vacation dreams come true!
I do not work for Disney.
I work as an outside agent who is allowed to access the Disney travel planning software and information. What does that mean? I’m not a Disney employee, I don’t get any employee perks, but I book your travel exactly as would happen if you were to book over the phone or Disney website – but with several differences that are to your advantage which I cover later in this post. As an outside agent, I do get compensated for each booking – and I’ll say it multiple times here, it’s not added on to your vacation costs. The best analogy I can come up with is that of an outside sales rep - I promote and sell their product, and they compensate me for doing so, without having to pay the overhead costs of actually having another employee on their payroll.
It does not cost more to book through me than it would if you booked direct through Disney.
If you would like to check, ask me for a quote, then call Disney and ask them for the exact same quote. Just please call me back to book the trip! I try to detail what is included on the quote, such as a base pass or a park hopper, but these things may vary the prices slightly – so if you do get a different price, ask me why. Little details - like selecting a park hopper versus a base ticket - can make a difference in the final price, so we can compare and discover what's important for you and your family. The reason I ask you to book through me, rather than direct through Disney, is so I can offer you my concierge level service for free - assistance with dining reservations, coordinating Magical Express, making fast pass selections, etc. I do not get compensated for simply assisting with the dining reservations, or offering advice on when to travel, or helping explain MDE - Disney compensates me for travel booked, not the other services that I include as added value to my clients.
You pay Disney directly.
I will ask you for credit card information, but it’s only to make the deposit on your reservation and to guarantee your dining reservations. If you allow me access to your My Disney Experience account, I save the credit card number in your account for the reservation guarantees, but I’ll also save it in your file in case you need me to book something extra for you – Pirate’s League, a fireworks cruise, special event tickets or Bippity Boppity Boutique, for example, need a credit card to book. Once you leave on your vacation, I will destroy any record I have of your credit card number, so when you book your next vacation, I’ll ask for it again. So again, you know there are not extra fees that my agency is adding on – Disney will charge your credit card and not the travel agency. When your balance is due, I’ll remind you and I can make the final payment for you. I can also make periodic payments leading up to the 45 days for you, a lot of clients like being able to do payment plans to spread the costs out. If you aren't comfortable giving someone your credit card number, we can work around that - using Disney gift cards is a great option!
There are multiple benefits to booking through a Vacation Planner.
If you book through a website or over the phone with Disney, once you pay your deposit, you are done. If you plan with a Vacation Planner, I’ll stay engaged with you and help you throughout the process. I’ll remind you when your 180 day mark is approaching and review dining options to decide what suits your family best, and then I can help you figure out which days you should do which ADR's. We will talk about Fast Pass options and how best to utilize your first 3. We can review how crowded you should expect it to be, and how best to avoid the crowds. I have tools that I use to review the park hours and the projected crowd levels, so we will plan your days so you are not running from Chef Mickey’s to Animal Kingdom, then over to Epcot for dinner. If you arrive in Disney and have a question, I’m still here to answer it! So my services are complete, from booking until you enjoy your vacation – booking elsewhere simply gets you a reservation.
You decide how much or how little I plan for you.
A lot of people tell me they don’t use a travel planner because they want full control over their vacation, they want to make their ADR’s and FP choices, etc. Others would prefer to give their dates, hotel choice and credit card number and be contacted when it’s all booked, dining, FP+ and all. Wherever you fit on that scale, you can still use a Vacation Planner! I’m happy to do as much or as little as you prefer, but if you book through me, I’m always available if you have a question or need help with something along the way. Isn’t it better to have that in your back pocket in case you need it? You can ask me to stay up until midnight to try and get you an Anna & Elsa fast pass for your vacation, you can’t ask the website to do that for you!
I’ve been to Disney. A lot.
I get teased constantly by friends and family members over how often I go to Disney World (or “home” as I prefer to think of it), but at the end of the day, I know the answer to almost any question you have, or I can find the answer easily. My own experiences make it easy for me to help you plan your visit, and I still get excited talking about it and helping you plan it. This isn’t just a job, I’m an Annual Passholder and love it, and I get excited sharing that love with you.
I’m a military spouse
All those confusing military discounts? The Shades of Green versus Disney resort debate? The Armed Forces Salute versus Stars and Stripes tickets? I can help you with all of that. I’ve used them, stayed at both types of resorts, and understand all the ticket options. I know the rules, the pros and cons to everything, and can help you make the best decision for your family.
I can help you save money.
Another thing the website or phone bank won’t do for you – they won’t keep checking to see if there is a better deal available. If you book through me, I’ll check often, and I’ll apply any special offers that area announced to your account. How nice would it be to wake up one morning to an email saying you just saved a lot of money? I know when these deals are coming, so I can be one of the first to get it applied to your reservation, and you don't have to worry about checking constantly!
We listen to our clients.
One of the first things that we added, at the request of busy clients, was the ability to send payment information through our secure website. We get it - it's hard to find the time and quiet to make a phone call to share credit card information! We want to keep your information secure, and make it as easy as possible to book your vacation! If it's easier to work over email and the website, that's fine. If you prefer to talk on the phone, not a problem. And if we aren't doing something that you would appreciate, just let us know and we will work on it!
Goodies
One of my favorite parts of planning a trip is when I get your pre-trip care package together for you before your trip. We don't offer booking incentives, because we want you to be as excited to work with us as we are to work with you - but when your trip comes you can expect a surprise as our thank you for planning with us. Some things I send will make your trip easier, some will be fun gifts, and some will be useful - I rarely send the same thing twice in a row, so you never know what it might be!
Your happiness is my best advertising!
So of course I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you have a magical vacation! If you are staying off-property or using DVC points for your vacation but would like to receive the same services, please contact me to discuss!
I do not work for Disney.
I work as an outside agent who is allowed to access the Disney travel planning software and information. What does that mean? I’m not a Disney employee, I don’t get any employee perks, but I book your travel exactly as would happen if you were to book over the phone or Disney website – but with several differences that are to your advantage which I cover later in this post. As an outside agent, I do get compensated for each booking – and I’ll say it multiple times here, it’s not added on to your vacation costs. The best analogy I can come up with is that of an outside sales rep - I promote and sell their product, and they compensate me for doing so, without having to pay the overhead costs of actually having another employee on their payroll.
It does not cost more to book through me than it would if you booked direct through Disney.
If you would like to check, ask me for a quote, then call Disney and ask them for the exact same quote. Just please call me back to book the trip! I try to detail what is included on the quote, such as a base pass or a park hopper, but these things may vary the prices slightly – so if you do get a different price, ask me why. Little details - like selecting a park hopper versus a base ticket - can make a difference in the final price, so we can compare and discover what's important for you and your family. The reason I ask you to book through me, rather than direct through Disney, is so I can offer you my concierge level service for free - assistance with dining reservations, coordinating Magical Express, making fast pass selections, etc. I do not get compensated for simply assisting with the dining reservations, or offering advice on when to travel, or helping explain MDE - Disney compensates me for travel booked, not the other services that I include as added value to my clients.
You pay Disney directly.
I will ask you for credit card information, but it’s only to make the deposit on your reservation and to guarantee your dining reservations. If you allow me access to your My Disney Experience account, I save the credit card number in your account for the reservation guarantees, but I’ll also save it in your file in case you need me to book something extra for you – Pirate’s League, a fireworks cruise, special event tickets or Bippity Boppity Boutique, for example, need a credit card to book. Once you leave on your vacation, I will destroy any record I have of your credit card number, so when you book your next vacation, I’ll ask for it again. So again, you know there are not extra fees that my agency is adding on – Disney will charge your credit card and not the travel agency. When your balance is due, I’ll remind you and I can make the final payment for you. I can also make periodic payments leading up to the 45 days for you, a lot of clients like being able to do payment plans to spread the costs out. If you aren't comfortable giving someone your credit card number, we can work around that - using Disney gift cards is a great option!
There are multiple benefits to booking through a Vacation Planner.
If you book through a website or over the phone with Disney, once you pay your deposit, you are done. If you plan with a Vacation Planner, I’ll stay engaged with you and help you throughout the process. I’ll remind you when your 180 day mark is approaching and review dining options to decide what suits your family best, and then I can help you figure out which days you should do which ADR's. We will talk about Fast Pass options and how best to utilize your first 3. We can review how crowded you should expect it to be, and how best to avoid the crowds. I have tools that I use to review the park hours and the projected crowd levels, so we will plan your days so you are not running from Chef Mickey’s to Animal Kingdom, then over to Epcot for dinner. If you arrive in Disney and have a question, I’m still here to answer it! So my services are complete, from booking until you enjoy your vacation – booking elsewhere simply gets you a reservation.
You decide how much or how little I plan for you.
A lot of people tell me they don’t use a travel planner because they want full control over their vacation, they want to make their ADR’s and FP choices, etc. Others would prefer to give their dates, hotel choice and credit card number and be contacted when it’s all booked, dining, FP+ and all. Wherever you fit on that scale, you can still use a Vacation Planner! I’m happy to do as much or as little as you prefer, but if you book through me, I’m always available if you have a question or need help with something along the way. Isn’t it better to have that in your back pocket in case you need it? You can ask me to stay up until midnight to try and get you an Anna & Elsa fast pass for your vacation, you can’t ask the website to do that for you!
I’ve been to Disney. A lot.
I get teased constantly by friends and family members over how often I go to Disney World (or “home” as I prefer to think of it), but at the end of the day, I know the answer to almost any question you have, or I can find the answer easily. My own experiences make it easy for me to help you plan your visit, and I still get excited talking about it and helping you plan it. This isn’t just a job, I’m an Annual Passholder and love it, and I get excited sharing that love with you.
I’m a military spouse
All those confusing military discounts? The Shades of Green versus Disney resort debate? The Armed Forces Salute versus Stars and Stripes tickets? I can help you with all of that. I’ve used them, stayed at both types of resorts, and understand all the ticket options. I know the rules, the pros and cons to everything, and can help you make the best decision for your family.
I can help you save money.
Another thing the website or phone bank won’t do for you – they won’t keep checking to see if there is a better deal available. If you book through me, I’ll check often, and I’ll apply any special offers that area announced to your account. How nice would it be to wake up one morning to an email saying you just saved a lot of money? I know when these deals are coming, so I can be one of the first to get it applied to your reservation, and you don't have to worry about checking constantly!
We listen to our clients.
One of the first things that we added, at the request of busy clients, was the ability to send payment information through our secure website. We get it - it's hard to find the time and quiet to make a phone call to share credit card information! We want to keep your information secure, and make it as easy as possible to book your vacation! If it's easier to work over email and the website, that's fine. If you prefer to talk on the phone, not a problem. And if we aren't doing something that you would appreciate, just let us know and we will work on it!
Goodies
One of my favorite parts of planning a trip is when I get your pre-trip care package together for you before your trip. We don't offer booking incentives, because we want you to be as excited to work with us as we are to work with you - but when your trip comes you can expect a surprise as our thank you for planning with us. Some things I send will make your trip easier, some will be fun gifts, and some will be useful - I rarely send the same thing twice in a row, so you never know what it might be!
Your happiness is my best advertising!
So of course I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you have a magical vacation! If you are staying off-property or using DVC points for your vacation but would like to receive the same services, please contact me to discuss!