How to tell if a WDW travel agency/agent is legitimate?

[itlldofarm]

I feel foolish for having doubts if this travel company is legit, especially after giving them a $200 deposit but I figured I better soon find out if it's real or not before I lose all our money. I thought by asking here with all the endless Disney knowledge someone could help me. I'm trying to find out if "Enchanted Destinations" is a legitimate travel agency for Walt Disney World. Although they have Authorized Disney Vacation Planners listed on their website in this day & age that could be fake. I'm really at a lost, I've called Walt Disney World directly & they directed me to call the Florida Better Business Bureau who said they have no records of this company but emailed me the Enchanted Destinations site. I then called AAA travel because Enchanted Destinations has on their website about AAA discounts but AAA couldn't help either. I did contact the author of Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World & the author was very nice & helpful, he felt if the billing showed up that it was charged to the Walt DisneyWorld Company & not Enchanted Destinations I should be fine. When I checked my Discover bill it was charged to WDTC RESERVATIONS - WDW O FL, so I assume I'm okay. Has anyone here on this forum used Enchanted Destinations or shed some light on how to tell if an online travel agency is the real deal? Thank you for your time & help, sincerely, Lisa

[vicki_c]

I have not personally heard of them, but that doesn't mean anything - there are a zillion travel agents out there to book Disney and short of a personal recommendation from someone, I wouldn't know one from another. But based on what you wrote regarding what showed on your credit card, I think you are okay. Do you have some kind of confirmation from the TA? Disney doesn't send your package materials until about a month out, and they will be sent to the TA who will then have to send them to you, but I assume you have some kind of receipt from the TA for your deposit?

I'm not sure what else to say - I would probably be trying to speak to someone at the TA to put your mind more at ease.

PS - I checked out their website after posting above - it looks pretty legit to me - they even list the names of all the owners and the TAs right on the website, which is often a rarity in online TAs. It doesn't look at all like a fly by night place - based on looking at it. Both the owners say they have completed the Disney College of Knowledge, which is good.

[josh]

Looks and sounds perfectly legit. WDTC is the Walt Disney Travel Company and that's what should show up on your statement.

[blyday]

Did your TA send you an email confirmation from Disney?? I know that whenever I book a trip for a client, Disney emails me a confirmation which I immediately forward to my clients to look over and check to make sure that everything was entered correctly etc. Your TA should have received the same type of an email and forwarded it to you.

I agree that as long as your charges went directly to Disney, that you are fine. When an agent makes the booking, the deposit is made right then and there so once they click the submit button, your credit card information goes directly to Disney. The fact that your charge is with Disney and no the TA indicates that this is exactly what they did. That means that Disney has your deposit and the reservation is made with Disney and there is no way for the TA to even access that money again in any way, shape or form.

Like Vicki said, there are thousands of TAs out there and agencies. I myself work as an independent Agent so I don't work with any other agents......I am my own agency. There are thousands of home based agencies out there just like mine in addition to agencies like the one that you booked with. Just because they don't have a big following or are listed with BBB does not make them illegitimate.....so I honestly feel like you are fine and that you have nothing to worry about.

[Brandie]

Do they know what a "secret porthole" is?

[itlldofarm]

Thank you everyone for your input, I let out a sigh of relief now : ) I have personally spoken with my travel agent & she's been very nice & helpful, I guess I'm a bit paranoid. I did receive an invoice, is this what you're talking about blyday? And Brandie, should my travel agent know what a "secret porthole" is? I myself have no idea what that is or means? Thank you again everyone for your help, sincerely, Lisa

[itlldofarm]

Oops, I just went back & pulled up my invoice email from my travel agent & when I opened the pdf it is indeed a confirmation : )

[blyday]

Oops, I just went back & pulled up my invoice email from my travel agent & when I opened the pdf it is indeed a confirmation : )

sounds like you are set to go!!!!!

[Brandie]

Brandie, should my travel agent know what a "secret porthole" is? I myself have no idea.

Your Disney travel agent should know what that is. It pertains to cruises, so don't worry about it. I'm dealing with a travel agent who doesn't know what one is and it is a continued source of frustration. Well, not that she
doesn't know that, but that she doesn't know anything about Disney. That's an issue for the rant thread, however.

Glad you've gotten comfortable with your TA!