Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
7. TRAVEL AGENTS
Travel agents are active players in the market and are particularly
good sources of information on time-limited special programs and discounts. In our
opinion, a good travel agent is the best friend a traveler can have. And though we at
The Unofficial Guides know a thing or two about the travel industry, we always give
our agent a chance to beat any deal we find. If our agent can't beat the deal, we let her
book it if she can receive commission from it. In other words, we create a relationship
that gives her plenty of incentive to really roll up her sleeves and work on our behalf.
As you might expect, some travel agents and agencies specialize, sometimes ex-
clusively, in selling Disneyland and Walt Disney World. These agents have spent an
incredibleamountoftimeatbothresortsandhavecompletedextensiveDisneyeduca-
tion programs. They are usually the most Disney-knowledgeable agents in the travel
industry.Mostofthesespecialists andtheiragenciesdisplaythe“Earmarked” logoin-
dicating that they are Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. These Disney specialists
are so good that we use them ourselves. They save us time and money, sometimes lots
of both. The best of the best include
Sue Pisaturo,
whom we've used many times and
who is a contributor to this guide
(sue@wdwvacations.com)
and
Tracy Desjardin
(tdwdwtravel@comcast.net).
8. ORGANIZATIONS AND AUTO CLUBS
Disney has developed time-limited programs
with some auto clubs and other organizations. Recently, for example, AAA members
were offered 10%-20% savings on Disney hotels and discounts on Disney package
vacations. Such deals come and go, but the market suggests that there will be more in
the future. If you're a member of AARP, AAA, or any travel or auto club, ask whether
the group has a program before shopping elsewhere.
