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Post by Belia on Jun 6, 2021 17:09:06 GMT
Has anyone ever used an online specialized Disney travel agent before? What were your experiences? We have airline credits we need to use up (original trip was cancelled due to Covid) and we would really like to go to Disneyland (CA). But I have never been and Disneyland is SUCH a different world than WDW that I'm having trouble knowing where to start. Especially when it comes to hotels. How much time do people really need for a DL vacation?
We would be open to WDW if its significantly cheaper, but not we're just not sure.
I really need someone who is a DL (and WDW, probably) EXPERT EXPERT EXPERT who would be able to find out our preferences & requirements and price out some options for us. And also tell us what our experience will likely be like in terms of crowds and wait times.
How does paying a specialized travel agent like this work? What if we get a trip priced out and decide we can't afford it after all and don't go? Would we still owe a travel agent a fee?
We used Touring Plans for our WDW trip two years ago for their app and self-planning help~ it looks like they might have an online travel agency? They will provide a "quote" for a trip- is that what I want?
I just need specialized help and would love to hear if any of you have ever utilized anything like this and what your experiences were.
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Post by cade387 on Jun 6, 2021 17:12:46 GMT
I think travel agents are super helpful if you are new to Disneyland. I know a couple. I don’t think they open up to outside CA folks just yet (maybe August or September?). You don’t pay any extra to book through a Disney TA.
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Post by Skellinton on Jun 6, 2021 17:22:49 GMT
DL is open now to everyone, but I have no idea how the new ticketing system works. I am trying to go in December, but have to figure out the new system. I have used a TA Everytime I have gone to WDW but never needed one for DL. There aren't as many sit down restaurants and I have never stayed at a DL owned hotel, so it wasn't necessary. I am sure they Disney TA are versed in DL, but I don't think they are utilized very often there because it simply isn't necessary during normal times. I could answer any questions you have about food and restaurants (except for Avengers Campus) as I have eaten at them all and I could even close my eyes and tell you which ride is where and the best route from point A to point B. I normally go for 5 days because I like to do everything and don't want to feel rushed even though I go from open to close. I am no help with ticketing though this time as it is completely different and I have never used the phone to get ride times (those are pretty new). I usually stay at the Candy Cane Inn when I go. It is a bit more of a walk then the Best Western or Tropicana, but the rooms are nicer and the beds super comfy. pennyscraps is a WDW TA still I think, she might be able to tell you what she can do for DL. I don't think anyone can predict crowds and wait times now. They got rid of Annual Passes during the closure and I don't think a replacement is in effect yet. They were closed over a year so there is an insane amount of pent up demand. The lines and crowds look like summer vacation/Christmas level to me, but they are at reduced capacity so it could be due to personal spacing and virtual queues. Avengers Campus is a huge draw right now since it just opened, but with only one new ride (mission breakout is old) who knows how long that will keep people busy AP holders typically made it very crowded in the evening, weekends, school down days etc. |
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Post by momof4grandmaof2 on Jun 6, 2021 17:25:22 GMT
Disneyland opens back up to non California residents on June 15th. I am not a Disney travel agent but have been to Disneyworld at least 30 times and at least 7 to Disneyland. One of my daughters worked at Disney World for awhile. Our Family much prefers Disneyland.For us Disney World is driveable in about 7 hour. For Disneyland we have to fly. My best advice for Disneyland is stay at a hotel that is walkable distance. You do not need any form of transportation. You have one main walk thru entrance and then choose the park you are going to for the day. You don't spend wasted time on a tram from the parking lot or buses from hotels. We went to Tokyo Disney in November 2019 and hope to go to Disney Paris next Summer. Good luck planning your trip.
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Post by Belia on Jun 6, 2021 17:40:16 GMT
We're looking at Spring Break 2022, so we have plenty of time for things to open up more to normal.
What hotels would you recommend? We are a family of 4 with 9 YO and 13 YO boys. My husband is 6'8" tall and my 13 YO is as tall as I am, so we definitely need some space to spread out. Plus I want a hotel with a nice pool / something that feel resort-y. We would definitely like the option to spend time at the hotel.
And can someone explain the Max Pass / Fast Pass thing at DL? I know they don't have it currently, but I'm anticipating that by next spring it might be back.
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Post by oliquig on Jun 6, 2021 17:48:47 GMT
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Post by Belia on Jun 6, 2021 18:01:05 GMT
Thanks for sharing that- I'm on my way out the door now but I'll check her FB out when I get home! |
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Post by freecharlie on Jun 6, 2021 18:05:11 GMT
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Post by momof4grandmaof2 on Jun 6, 2021 18:09:42 GMT
We're looking at Spring Break 2022, so we have plenty of time for things to open up more to normal. What hotels would you recommend? We are a family of 4 with 9 YO and 13 YO boys. My husband is 6'8" tall and my 13 YO is as tall as I am, so we definitely need some space to spread out. Plus I want a hotel with a nice pool / something that feel resort-y. We would definitely like the option to spend time at the hotel. And can someone explain the Max Pass / Fast Pass thing at DL? I know they don't have it currently, but I'm anticipating that by next spring it might be back. The Maxpas/fastpass at Disneyland allows you to make your fast pass reservations on your phone rather than go to the kiosk. It also lets you download and print all your disney pictures from that day. We think $20 per day per person was a bit much so we paid for one person to have it so we could have the pictures and the person that had it could make fast passes for things other people did not ride. If you google search hotels near disneyland and look at the map you walk into Disneyland basically across the street from the IHOP on South Harbor Blvd. It will also put up prices of hotels around there and just search from there. Our needs were very different than yours as our trip consisted of all girls and we never once used a hotel pool. We stay in the park open till close every day. |
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tanya2
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1604
Posts: 4,423 
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Post by tanya2 on Jun 6, 2021 18:31:04 GMT
Following this thread since DD & I were talking about doing a girls trip to WDW next spring, and we were wondering about using a travel agent too
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Post by PolarGreen12 on Jun 6, 2021 18:37:19 GMT
Has anyone ever used an online specialized Disney travel agent before? What were your experiences? We have airline credits we need to use up (original trip was cancelled due to Covid) and we would really like to go to Disneyland (CA). But I have never been and Disneyland is SUCH a different world than WDW that I'm having trouble knowing where to start. Especially when it comes to hotels. How much time do people really need for a DL vacation? We would be open to WDW if its significantly cheaper, but not we're just not sure. I really need someone who is a DL (and WDW, probably) EXPERT EXPERT EXPERT who would be able to find out our preferences & requirements and price out some options for us. And also tell us what our experience will likely be like in terms of crowds and wait times. How does paying a specialized travel agent like this work? What if we get a trip priced out and decide we can't afford it after all and don't go? Would we still owe a travel agent a fee? We used Touring Plans for our WDW trip two years ago for their app and self-planning help~ it looks like they might have an online travel agency? They will provide a "quote" for a trip- is that what I want? I just need specialized help and would love to hear if any of you have ever utilized anything like this and what your experiences were. I follow a local to me IG account that is a Disney Travel Agent. Her IG is @mousegrown she’s super informative. She is there on a learning trip right now. Her email to get quotes is eliz@vactioneer.com |
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jun 6, 2021 20:06:59 GMT
I like staying at a Disney property hotel when I want to use the pool and have a resort feel. The Grand Californian is the nicest ($$$) with an entrance right into California Adventure. The Disneyland hotel is my favorite because it’s a little old-school but still nice. I did not care for Paradise Pier. The elevators were broken and the distance from the hotel to the entrance or transportation was really far. It would have been better to stay across the street at the Best Western Park Place or the Park Vue and save money.
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Post by Skellinton on Jun 6, 2021 20:14:33 GMT
I have no advice on hotels because I am only in the room 7 hours or so and don’t do anything but sleep and get ready there. For a nice pool you will likely have to stay at one of the Disney properties. Disney California would be my pick, it is lovely and the access to the CA park from there is pretty great. It is super spendy though.
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rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,123
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Post by rickmer on Jun 6, 2021 21:02:21 GMT
i follow the disunplugged on youtube (they have audio only podcasts of the same shows). they have been talking about disneyland lately and yes, it is open to out of state guests now i understand. I like staying at a Disney property hotel when I want to use the pool and have a resort feel. The Grand Californian is the nicest ($$$) with an entrance right into California Adventure. The Disneyland hotel is my favorite because it’s a little old-school but still nice. I did not care for Paradise Pier. The elevators were broken and the distance from the hotel to the entrance or transportation was really far. It would have been better to stay across the street at the Best Western Park Place or the Park Vue and save money. this made me laugh as pete (on the owners of the travel agency that puts out all the disunplugged content) was just ranting about this the other day. does not like paradise pier, never did. and asked why anyone would ever stay there when the other two are just so significantly superior. also he mentioned that it was not a disney built hotel and was purchased and disney tried to put "lipstick on a pig". i enjoy their podcasts, very knowledgable and entertaining as well. they also have a message board that is *very* active and has threads on all things disney. participants are great and provide lots of help!! disboards message board <-link to disneyland specific board |
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jun 6, 2021 21:58:28 GMT
i follow the disunplugged on youtube (they have audio only podcasts of the same shows). they have been talking about disneyland lately and yes, it is open to out of state guests now i understand. I like staying at a Disney property hotel when I want to use the pool and have a resort feel. The Grand Californian is the nicest ($$$) with an entrance right into California Adventure. The Disneyland hotel is my favorite because it’s a little old-school but still nice. I did not care for Paradise Pier. The elevators were broken and the distance from the hotel to the entrance or transportation was really far. It would have been better to stay across the street at the Best Western Park Place or the Park Vue and save money. this made me laugh as pete (on the owners of the travel agency that puts out all the disunplugged content) was just ranting about this the other day. does not like paradise pier, never did. and asked why anyone would ever stay there when the other two are just so significantly superior. also he mentioned that it was not a disney built hotel and was purchased and disney tried to put "lipstick on a pig". i enjoy their podcasts, very knowledgable and entertaining as well. they also have a message board that is *very* active and has threads on all things disney. participants are great and provide lots of help!! disboards message board <-link to disneyland specific board I think I would like Pete then because I was being polite in my original post. It’s a shithole 🙂 |
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Post by bearmom on Jun 6, 2021 22:00:01 GMT
i follow the disunplugged on youtube (they have audio only podcasts of the same shows). they have been talking about disneyland lately and yes, it is open to out of state guests now i understand. I like staying at a Disney property hotel when I want to use the pool and have a resort feel. The Grand Californian is the nicest ($$$) with an entrance right into California Adventure. The Disneyland hotel is my favorite because it’s a little old-school but still nice. I did not care for Paradise Pier. The elevators were broken and the distance from the hotel to the entrance or transportation was really far. It would have been better to stay across the street at the Best Western Park Place or the Park Vue and save money. this made me laugh as pete (on the owners of the travel agency that puts out all the disunplugged content) was just ranting about this the other day. does not like paradise pier, never did. and asked why anyone would ever stay there when the other two are just so significantly superior. also he mentioned that it was not a disney built hotel and was purchased and disney tried to put "lipstick on a pig". i enjoy their podcasts, very knowledgable and entertaining as well. they also have a message board that is *very* active and has threads on all things disney. participants are great and provide lots of help!! disboards message board <-link to disneyland specific board The Disboards are awesome and I have used them for booking some of our trips when I don’t want to take care of everything myself. Currently have a trip booked with them for next May. |
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Post by Alexxussss on Jun 6, 2021 22:29:27 GMT
As others suggested, it is best to stay within walking distance...so easy to get to the two parks and Downtown Disney on foot. If you want a nice hotel with a resort feel the two Disney hotels (not Paradise Pier) are the only real option (close walking distance). I’m rarely in the room so I usually just stay across the street.
The ease of park hopping and access to DD all on foot is one of the reasons I love DL so much!
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Post by dualmaestra on Jun 6, 2021 22:33:52 GMT
We're looking at Spring Break 2022, so we have plenty of time for things to open up more to normal. What hotels would you recommend? We are a family of 4 with 9 YO and 13 YO boys. My husband is 6'8" tall and my 13 YO is as tall as I am, so we definitely need some space to spread out. Plus I want a hotel with a nice pool / something that feel resort-y. We would definitely like the option to spend time at the hotel. And can someone explain the Max Pass / Fast Pass thing at DL? I know they don't have it currently, but I'm anticipating that by next spring it might be back. I am local to DL and have never used a travel agent. Only been to WDW once and am so thankful I used an agent as it is so different. Many things are very different right now at DL since it has not been opened very long and all the COVID restrictions. Hoping it gets back to normal soon. Right now, there are no MaxPass/fast pass options available (since reopening). Not sure if/when they will be back. When they were available, you could have one for an eligible ride at a time. The Max Pass you paid extra, and you could select on the DL app. As far as hotels, I have never stayed in one because I live about 30 minutes away. I do belong to several DL groups where many are mentioned. Disneyland only has 3 hotels. There are many hotels within walking distance, some not within walking distance but have shuttles to DL (from what I hear, most shuttles are not running right now). The only hotel in the area I have stayed in was for a conference, The Sheraton. About 2-3 miles away. We took the shuttle into Downtown Disney for Dinner. We did pay for the shuttle though. So that might be something to look into when you do decide to book. I am not sure how to add an image, but if you Google, "map of hotels around disneyland" you will be able to see all the hotels that are across the street and within walking distance. Hope it helps some. |
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Post by pennyscraps on Jul 12, 2021 13:04:42 GMT
Thank you @skellinton and freecharlie. It's always heartwarming to be referred. So very kind of you. Sorry, Bella, that I didn't log in sooner, but always here to help. penny@dreamdepartures.com. Thanks. |
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Sarah*H
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,978
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Post by Sarah*H on Jul 12, 2021 13:56:34 GMT
One of my best friends is a Disney Travel Agent. To be honest, I have planned umpteen Disney trips on my own and as long as you do the research (and it's a LOT of research) you can do it yourself. But it doesn't cost anything to have an agent do it and they are definitely knowledgeable about all things Disney and can do the heavy lifting for ADRs, fast passes, etc. When they announced last week that they were reopening all of the resorts, we asked my friend to get us booked and she was up at the crack of dawn to do it as soon as the site was taking reservations. When/if fast passes come back, we'll use her to book those as well.
I think if you don't know a lot about how Disney vacation planning works, it's very helpful to use a Disney agent.
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Post by Really Red on Jul 12, 2021 15:03:29 GMT
Disneyland opens back up to non California residents on June 15th. I am not a Disney travel agent but have been to Disneyworld at least 30 times and at least 7 to Disneyland. One of my daughters worked at Disney World for awhile. Our Family much prefers Disneyland.For us Disney World is driveable in about 7 hour. For Disneyland we have to fly. My best advice for Disneyland is stay at a hotel that is walkable distance. You do not need any form of transportation. You have one main walk thru entrance and then choose the park you are going to for the day. You don't spend wasted time on a tram from the parking lot or buses from hotels. We went to Tokyo Disney in November 2019 and hope to go to Disney Paris next Summer. Good luck planning your trip. Holy stinking moly. I hope you had an annual pass. Do you take your grandkids? Are there other places you like to go? 30 times!! |
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Post by momof4grandmaof2 on Jul 12, 2021 20:35:57 GMT
No annual pass but before they discontinued them we purchased the 10 day no expiration park hoppers with 10 free water park days. our cost for those tickets were about $600 so we are getting into Disney with a hopper ticket for $60 a day. Our trips will be very few when they are gone.Yes 20 of those trips have been with my 2 grand children. Several of those being before they were 3 so they were free. Also I had a daughter that did the college program so several trips were free. The daughter that worked at Disney and I went to Disney Tokyo in November 2019. She is Disney crazy. We have been other places, Hawaii, Canada and probably about 30 states. Some of our trips to Disney may have been just 1 or 2 days so thankfully we are only about a 7 hour drive.
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Post by beaglemom on Jul 12, 2021 20:47:31 GMT
Breanne at World of Wonder Travel Agency is phenomenal! We have used her for 3 WDW trips and multiple Disneyland trips. She knows all the ins and outs and always gets us the best deal. I will always use her if I need to book anything Disney or Universal related. She is also an amazing human! |
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Post by rahnee on Jul 13, 2021 7:55:31 GMT
We use Tracy at Travel on a Dream. We are based in Australia and she is in the United States. We've used her for our last 4 trips to the US all of which have included Disney and a cruise. We have always been really happy.
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Post by its me mg on Jul 13, 2021 12:33:52 GMT
Disneyland is still at reduced capacity, but the powers-that-be aren't really disclosing what that means. Wait times have been minimal despite the elimination of Fast Passes.
The Avenger's Campus opened up with a "stand-by" line for people who wanted to check it out. It is now just open to roam freely, but in order to get on Web Slingers you'll need a reservation. Boarding slots open 2x a day.
You need a reservation to get into the parks, but they're not too hard to get. As of right now, park hopping is regulated. You get a "starting park" where you begin your day and as of 1PM that day you are free to park hop as much as you want.
They just brought back fireworks, so the resort is seeing some normalcy return. We're also seeing the Haunted Mansion is going down for refurbishment soon which is hopefully for the Haunted Mansion Holiday overall. Ironically, the ride just got a lot of work done because the overlay damaged the attraction.
The Matterhorn just reopened and we're seeing a lot of restaurants reopening.
Even if capacity limits increase a bit there are now enough things open that you probably wouldn't "feel" it.
It has been really hard to get food in the parks with the recent reopening - a lot of places were closed like the Hungry Bear restaurant and Rancho Del Zocolo.
I think you'll find as your dates get closer things will be pretty much "normal".
The only thing to consider is we're all holding our breath waiting to see what the Delta variant is going to due to our currently lifted restrictions.
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