Why Magical Journeys (Intercot Sponsor)? [Archive]

mecarroll

06-07-2007, 05:17 PM

For me, Magical Journeys, is a must do every trip. While I love all the details of planning, finding the best deal, researching it, etc., etc., etc., they make things so much easier. Why??? There are several reasons

1. ]They have far more knowledge about Disney than I can ever have - True, most any other travel agency you could go to would have a great deal of knowledge about Disney. But, take a look at MJ’s site. They have a lot of agents that have been doing this for awhile now. And...Disney is their specialty. AAA, for example, does just about anything and will probably not have near the knowledge that MJ would. In addition, each agent may operate independent of each other, but they have each other as resources, if needed. But they all have been to Disney many times and stayed at many of the different resorts. They know the ins and outs. There has not been a question that my agent has not been able to answer

2. They work FOR you - Booking just with Disney.com, you are dealing directly with the company who's mission is to make money. MJ's reputation is based on client satisfaction. The harder they work for you, the more satisfied you are. My agent that I work with at MJ has ALWAYS been very responsive to my questions. Whether its during the day, night, or weekend, she always responds promptly. Is AAA going to be willing to answer your email at 8PM on Saturday night...not likely.

3.They find you the best rate - If read these boards much, you know that Disney releases discounts from time to time. MJ monitors these and as soon as they are released, MJ's agents go to work trying to switch your existing reservation to a discounted one. While you may be sleeping, working, or just surfing the Intercot message board, they are working to get you a better deal. Sometimes they are successful, sometimes they are not. But, they have just as much chance as getting the discount (and probably a better one) than the person who books directly with disney.com.

4. You can still plan – for you plan-o-maniacs, this is for you. You can still plan you days, dining options, activities, and everything else. The extent to which you use them, is totally up to you. Sure there are probably things that they will not do for you, but they do no less than any other agency. I still go onto the Intercot site daily, read all the posts. And, I still email my agent with questions. She is another resource. She never tries to push on me anything that I don’t want to do. She may make a suggestion here and there, but I have never felt like I wasn’t planning my own trip. I feel like I have a bargain hunter out there looking for the best deal for me. Also, I HATE waiting on hold…my agent now has to wait on hold to book my trip, or change it…as I have put my agent through once already.

I cannot say enough good about MJ. THEY ROCK and so does my agent…WENDY!!!!

vamaggie

06-08-2007, 05:35 PM

Ditto to all said above.:thumbsup: MJ is wonderful! I have booked a trip myself (did ok--probably did not get as much as I could have for discounts etc), and booked one through AAA (got some discount, agent gave me wrong info about park tickets, good parking pass for parks) and booked upcoming trip through Debbie at MJ. Will NEVER go it alone or with another TA!!! Magical Journeys' agents are so much more knowledgeable than other TAs (IMHO) and even more than some CMs at Disney(one CM told me the confirmation # I had--from DISNEY!!!!--could not be right because it didn't start with a 3)!! They work FOR you but also work WITH you. They don't cost anything so why would you not want to use them!! I still do all the day to day planning but let MJ help make sure my vacation is as magical as it can be. I'll say it again: They ROCK!!!!:number1:

mickeefan

06-09-2007, 06:02 PM

I think it has already been very well said. I just want to add I was a do it yourself guy for years until a few years ago when I was in way over my head and desperate. I contacted MJ and Wendy came to my rescue doing what I thought was impossible. Since then I have had her make all my room reservations and wouldn't consider doing it any other way.
I think they are the greatest.

Harriet

06-10-2007, 06:04 PM

When I first came into contact with MJ and Nanci Intercot was not known to me. She has always been understanding and knew what my limits where. She always got me the best deal. She make suggestions but never ever pushed me into anything. I always had options to take. I will always use MJ when planning a trip to Disney weather it be DL or WDW or any other trip I may plan in the future. It cost you nothing to use them and DO THE BEST cause thye know DISNEY inside out.:number1::thumbsup:3 cheers:marg::beer::marg:

mttafire

06-11-2007, 10:57 AM

Our next trip will be in May of '10. I know thats 2 years 11 months away BUT when the time comes M.J.'s WILL be where we do our vacation planning. Between them and Intercot i cant see any other way to get the MOST out of your Disney vacation.:mickey:

MushuGrl

06-12-2007, 11:34 AM

And they are SO FUN!!!! Melissa booked our trip and while we were getting all the financial stuff taking care of, we Disney yakked which got me EVEN MORE fired up for the trip!

It was actually Melissa that led me here three years ago. :thumbsup:

thejens

06-17-2007, 08:49 PM

I have also booked once by myself through Disney and once with Magical Journeys (Wendy). I am a do-it-yourselfer type, but loved letting Wendy help. She was so easy to email at my convenience (rather than wait on hold) and always got back to me rapidly. On my last trip I added a day at the last minute and then whined that I didn't get the value that I wanted at first. Sure enough she came through and found me an opening at ASM eventually. She notified me about an additional promotion (free water parks and quest) was added on to our package. I have no idea if I would have gotten this without her. I use Intercot regularly (okay, obsessively) and I had never heard about the promotion. So, here's another vote for Magical Journeys!

Dedivah

06-18-2007, 11:36 AM

I am very much a do-it-yourselfer. I have booked a Grand Gathering in 2006 and a 2nd Honeymoon for DH and myself 2007 through Disney Reservations.

We have an upcoming Grand Gathering in July of 2009 and even though it is 2 years and 21 days away I will be booking through MJ. I wish I knew about them before. :thumbsup:

Dyanna

06-18-2007, 12:36 PM

After being a little "shy" about using an online travel agency I decided to try MJ. I was contacted back by Terrisue within minutes. Gave her all my information for a pre-booked trip already made thru Disney direct. She took over my entire reservation & even got a better rate in a better hotel. From now on I will always use MJ for all future Disney vacation trips. Terrisue is my hero:number1::thumbsup:

Here we go again...

06-20-2007, 04:48 AM

I never used a travel agent before for anything... then I read about MJ here on Intercot. I decided to give them a try. I sent off for my quote and was partnered with Melissa. I was so paranoid!!! I was scared to death to be turning my precious Disney vacation over to someone I never met and for all I knew was going to take my money and run.

I am sure Melissa hated me at first. I must have called her 20 times before that trip... checking on things or changing resorts.

Needless to say we had no problems at all. As a matter of fact, Melissa saved me over $200 on that first trip alone! After that, I was sold. I would never use anyone but her. There were many times I would get off the plane from a Disney trip and send her an email asking her to start planning our next trip.

Now that we are DVC members I am very sad that I can not use her to book my trips. I hope that changes soon.

Now, I still get to book cruises through her, so I have not lost Melissa for good.

Please consider giving them a chance. Not only does it help Inthercot, but you get to see what a travel agent with a PASSION for Disney can do. :thumbsup:

biodtl

06-20-2007, 12:18 PM

I have a question - has anyone ever compared AAA package rates with MJ? I have used AAA in the past, since my aunt works there. I know MJ can get AAA room rates but not package rates, so I was wondering if anyone has ever had the opportunity to compare the two. We will probably do an 8-night stay (arrive early sat, leave early sun), 8-day park-hopper, DDP.

I am planning my fall 2008 trip and I want the best rates, obviously. And since it's not a problem for me to NOT use AAA (my aunt is in group travel but she books us as a favor, so it wouldn't hurt her if we went elsewhere), I would definitely consider MJ, given all the positive feedback.

Any info would be appreciated - Thanks!

Strmchsr

06-20-2007, 12:35 PM

AAA packages must be booked directly through AAA. The AAA discount on the package may not be combined with any offer released by Disney. It is one or the other.

Magical Journeys initially books packages at WDW's current rate and then monitor for any discounts that may be applied. The main difference btw YMJ and AAA is that they are internet based and do not work traditional hours, they are on the phones when Disney opens on a discount day and are available for emergencies, etc during "non traditional" work hours.

So, as for whether MJ's packages are better or the AAA discount it's really impossible to say since you don't know year to year which discounts Disney will offer. Generally, though, most people I talk to say that the Disney discount during value season (it depends on when in the fall you're going as to whether its value season or not) will beat the AAA discount, but AAA is great if you're going during a time when Disney hasn't released a special package.

biodtl

06-20-2007, 02:27 PM

Generally, though, most people I talk to say that the Disney discount during value season (it depends on when in the fall you're going as to whether its value season or not) will beat the AAA discount, but AAA is great if you're going during a time when Disney hasn't released a special package.

Thanks! It will most likely be early October, which falls (according to this year's matrix) right after value season. I guess I'll have to think about it some more before I decide.

Strmchsr

06-20-2007, 03:51 PM

It will most likely be early October, which falls (according to this year's matrix) right after value season.

Disney does still sometimes do public discounts even outside of the listed "value" season. October 2006 had a nice discount. Click here (http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/discounts/historicdiscounts.asp)to see the historical discounts.

biodtl

06-20-2007, 03:59 PM

Thanks again. It's amazing that you can spend hours and hours here and keep getting new information.

IceCreamlover

06-22-2007, 03:12 PM

I LOVE MAGICAL JOURNEYS!!! My t/a Debbie is so so so efficient!

Hull-onian

06-24-2007, 06:12 AM

MJ is the best. I got in a bind and Melissa got me out it. She worked her magic. :thumbsup:

Mousefever

06-28-2007, 02:02 PM

Because they are knowledgable, accessible, friendly, and they save me money!

P.S. Wendy rules! Superstar!(Mary Katherine Gallagher style)

:dory:

ryca1dreams

07-02-2007, 02:45 PM

I have used Magical Journeys for my most recent 3 trips and they have provided excellent service. I usually like to have control and plan everything. Karen has been great at taking that part of the process and saving me time and money so I can do the fun planning for my vacation. She still keeps me in the loop and answers all my questions quickly. Thanks Karen.

Santuitman

07-05-2007, 02:42 PM

Magical Journeys and Karen have been great for us. Karen was even able to get the free dining plan booked for for our next trip even though I was only able to give her sketchy info due to a personal emergency. Additionally she has been patient with my sometimes endless stream of questions. When we booked with MJ two yaers ago we had never even heard of free dining but when it came out she contacted us and asked if we wanted to change our ressie and then did so without a problem.
Thanks Karen and MJ:thumbsup:

Cinderelley

07-07-2007, 02:54 PM

Our first trip was a family reunion with 15 people. I was in way over my head, so when I heard all the great things people on intercot said about MJ, I contacted them. Debbie was great about all the questions, changes, confusion that came with the large group. Since then, I've contacted Debbie every time we were planning a trip and she's handled everything perfectly every time. In fact, on our last trip, the airline really messed with our plans at the last minute. I e-mailed Debbie, and even though we had to rush out of the house two minutes after I e-mailed her, I knew she would take care of everything. DH was very nervous about the changes and DME, etc., but I relaxed and told him Debbie would take care of it. No problems when we arrived!

Donalds Duckie

07-08-2007, 09:54 AM

Magical Journeys (MJ) is an absolute for me for ANY Disney trip.:thumbsup:

My first two trips to DisneyWorld were before I knew of Intercot or MJ. Thankfully, Disney Club was around then so I got a good discount but I had to do all the work. I will never miss having to deal with CMs for every aspect of my trip. I'm not bashing CMs by any means, but it seems that not all WDW Travel CMs have the same information at the same time.:confused:

As mentioned in a previous post, MJ works for you. You contact MJ and they take it from there. :cloud9: You simply go on with your life while your MJ agent crunches numbers, calls CMs, books your reservation, tracks discounts or specials, etc. Also previously mentioned, there is plenty for serious planners to plan (air travel, dining, tours, special events, days in the parks, etc.).

Regarding AAA discounts, MJ can get AAA discounts for room only, just not on packages. A year or so ago I got the bright idea to try an "excellent AAA agent" that someone referred to me. LOL, I couldn't get off that call quickly enough. I knew more about Disney pricing and packages than that AAA agent knew. This being said, for me personally, I would rather pay a higher difference between an AAA package savings and whatever discount(s) MJ could get and have total peace of mind knowing I am getting good information, that I will not have any surprises upon arrival at Disney, and excellent customer service along the way.

Through my years using MJ I've used 3 MJ agents and I received the same consistent, high level of customer service from each agent. Sadly, I have had to cancel a couple of trips due to work and MJ has never given me a bit of grief for having to cancel. That is more appreciated than I can express because having to cancel a Disney trip is difficult enough on it's own.

In closing, I will add that I have used many travel agents and travel companies through the years booking business travel. I have never experienced the consisent, friendly, top notch customer service that I have received from MJ. They leave no detail unfinished.

Rock on MJ! Thanks for all you do for so many of us!:mickey:

mdricks

07-10-2007, 04:35 PM

I am a planning junkie. I dont mind chasing deals and replanning my trip 50times before i settle on my final arrangements. I would constantly check the various websites and our travel arrangements were in a constant stae of flux. It drove my wife crazy.

Now MJ (Debbie) is my surrogote wife. I can plan and replan and rethink and i would swear the more i sweat it the more fun MJ has. I will be looking at a just released, new deal for a price reduction on a website and my inbox will ring with an MJ email informing me that the ressie has already been changed and they have saved me money. And my real wife just sits back and figures out what DTD shop to spend it in.

The old addage is true,
Do one thing and do it right!:thumbsup:

disneyduggan

07-13-2007, 02:58 PM

So lets say my goal is to book a spring break trip for my family (which it is) and I want to go through MJ (which I think I do).

Rates aren't out for that time period yet right -- so how does that work?

When you decide on a package...do you place a downpayment or pay if full?

How does the payement aspect work if they search out a better deal?

Do you need to keep contacting them asking for them to find a deal for you or do they initiate?

I know I could fill out the online quote form, but want to make sure that going through their service is right for me.

Thanks in advance to all in the know! :mickey:

Santuitman

07-13-2007, 03:45 PM

Hello
They may have rates in advance.
To hold the package it is Disney's standard deposit which, I think is $200. You probably don't want to pay in full because MJ will keep checking rates and if something better comes up MJ will let you know and ask you if you want to change your ressie. If you were paid in full I don't think Disney would refund any of it. They have done an excellent job at notifing us of better rates/packages!

Good luck

Strmchsr

07-13-2007, 03:47 PM

Rates aren't out for that time period yet right -- so how does that work?

You can book a room 400+ days in advance. When the new year rates are released (end of this month or first of august) MJ can then help you convert over to a package.

When you decide on a package...do you place a downpayment or pay if full?

Down payment is fine. It's $200/room deposit and then full payment is due 45 days before arrival. In the intermittent time you can pay as much or little as you wish.

How does the payement aspect work if they search out a better deal?

If you've paid in full, Disney will refund you. If not, then you just pay the new amount. usually if you think a package might be released during your vacation time it's best not to pay in full up front and see if they release a special. It's always easier to pay less up front than try to get a refund later.

Do you need to keep contacting them asking for them to find a deal for you or do they initiate?

They automatically apply new specials for their clients when they are released, if it saves you money. You don't have to do anything. It's one of the parts of MJ that is so wonderful. If there's any questions about whether or not to apply it they'll contact you. However, the MJ agents don't mind you contacting them with any questions. It's what they're there for, so feel free to do it as often as you need.

disneyduggan

07-13-2007, 04:53 PM

Thanks for the helpful replies. I think I will move forward with my plans!:mickey:

countrycharmer

07-15-2007, 09:02 AM

How about this....two years ago we were snowed OUT of coming home!

We woke up on the morning we were to check out, were called by husband's work to be told that ALL airports were closed because they had terrible storm in New England. Well, we did not know what to do, did not want to stay in airport waiting, went to front desk and were told they had no room. Called our Magical Journeys person who called front desk for us. She got us our room for three more nights.

When we went to front desk with info she gave us, they said we could stay, but would have to pay "current" room rate...we went on a 99.00 per night rate....it would have gone up to almost 200.00 a night. I picked up cell phone and called Karen...she said give the phone to whomever was handling us....she spoke to them and they gave us the extra nights at the rate we had checked in for originally!!

That is why they are Magical!!

nikki12974

07-19-2007, 04:49 PM

:mickey:Hi, I was just wondering how long it took to hear back from MJ, once you submitted your request for a quote.

Beast_fanatic

07-19-2007, 10:51 PM

:mickey:Hi, I was just wondering how long it took to hear back from MJ, once you submitted your request for a quote.

Your question was answered in your other post (http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=110586).

animalkingdomguy

07-26-2007, 08:10 AM

Because Magical Journeys consultants work like crazy to help their clients. They train, sweat and worry over every last vacation quote and aren't satisfied until they have helped you get the very best Disney vacation at the lowest possible price. Trust me when I say these ladies work hard long days, most everyday, so that folks can get the vacation of their dreams.

TBY2225

07-27-2007, 12:38 PM

Magical Journeys in the best! We had booked though a travel agent and they were not able to get us the free dining in September at the resort we wanted. We called Nanci at MJ and she was able to get us what we wanted and also gave us some other great advice! My husband was so impressed. He said that Nanci not only was very helpful, but she was extremely nice as well. This was the day free dining was announced so I am sure she was very busy! He said that he will no longer go through anyone else for WDW trips. He only wishes that they booked other vacations as well.

Figgyluv03

08-01-2007, 08:22 PM

I just submitted my information at lunch and already had a message from Terrisue in my inbox when I got home! I'm soo excited and I'm loving all the possitive feedback from intercot family! Thanks you guys! I wouldn't have such a great TA from anyone else! You guys are the greatest!!!:number1:

DizNee143

08-02-2007, 03:30 PM

i was a little iffy myself...but wow they are great...im in the middle of planning my second trip with them..and i want everything to be perfect since its my Honeymoon im planning...i still have over a year..and i swear by the time it comes i think Wendy is going to hate me...i ask her sooo many questions..but she is so helpful..and i cant believe how fast she gets back to me...i feel like she is only working for me...shes that quick!! im hooked now...
i just wish there was a way i could thank Wendy for everything she has and probably will do for me...im gonna owe her the world by the time im done annoying her for the next year!!..
but anyway..i figured i would give it a try..that was just last year..and it turned out to be a very good thing...it doesnt hurt to try...and im glad i did...:mickey:
MJ and Wendy are great!! :thumbsup:

BMan62

08-08-2007, 09:02 AM

As a previous poster said, I am a 'serial planner' myself and tend to spend way too much time trying to track down bargains on our trips. I enjoy it because it keeps the excitement of an upcoming WDW trip going for me.

Unfortunately, I do not have all the resources that my new friend at Magical Journeys (Denise) has and may miss something.

Now, I can sit back and relax, knowing that I will get the best deal available for our Sept. '08 excursion.

Next on my agenda is ADR's and La Nouba tickets!!!!! I already have March 28, 2008 on my calendar for making ADR's!!!

glenpreece

08-12-2007, 12:13 PM

My question is if you go with MJ do you get the special disney luggage tags????

Donalds Duckie

08-12-2007, 01:06 PM

My question is if you go with MJ do you get the special disney luggage tags????

If you buy a package you do, not if you buy room only. I've booked my first two packages years ago myself and packages with MJ. I received everything with the package I booked through MJ that I would have received if I'd booked it myself.

Go fo it! You'll never go back to Disney without MJ!

scooterca42

08-12-2007, 04:47 PM

And additionally, I was just off email with my amazing MJ rep - she will be making certain our papers (which are essential for the trip) are not with the luggage tags (which are not) when she sends them across the border, as she knows that Canadian Customs sometimes holds the papers when they're with the tags. For some reason they don't like the tags. I don't know if every MJ person knows this but I certainly didn't, and I appreciated the extra effort to make certain we have the required documents.:number1:

traceyo1

08-12-2007, 04:57 PM

Strmchsr

08-12-2007, 05:01 PM

I have read the posts here but I didn't see anyone mention payment for the trip. Do we pay Magical Journeys and they pay Disney or do we pay Disney direct? I wanted to use my Disney Visa and get the benefit of 6 months 0% interest. Also I got the fax to transfer my reservation to MJ, that seems scary. I haven't read anything bad about them but before I transfer, I want to make sure about the payment procedures.

MJ handles your payment. They take your credit card info, and, yes, you can use your Disney Visa, and pass along that info to Disney who then charges your card. MJ doesn't actually process the payment. No need for concern. I've never heard of a problem with payment through MJ.

vamaggie

08-18-2007, 07:04 PM

If anyone has any doubts about having MJ handle your Disney vacation plans, read the thread in Accomodations about the Disney offers for this coming fall. So many folks have been able to save money, (or get upgrades and still save money) without having to do anything thanks to the great MJ agents (who by this weekend are probably all exhausted!!). We booked with MJ and got a discount while we were at the beach on vacation thanks to Debbie! They are awesome and I will never book a Disney vacation without them again!!!

vamaggie

08-18-2007, 07:06 PM

I have read the posts here but I didn't see anyone mention payment for the trip. Do we pay Magical Journeys and they pay Disney or do we pay Disney direct? I wanted to use my Disney Visa and get the benefit of 6 months 0% interest. Also I got the fax to transfer my reservation to MJ, that seems scary. I haven't read anything bad about them but before I transfer, I want to make sure about the payment procedures.

All you do is give your MJ agent your Disney Visa number.It will get processed by Disney and appear on your statement as a charge from Disney. MJ does not take any direct payments. You will get the 6 mo 0% interest even if you use MJ. Go for it--you won't regret it!

The Flying Dutchman

08-18-2007, 07:09 PM

The Mrs. and I have already set up our trip through MJ and are all set to go in Sept (mid to late sept.) The final payment has already been paid. My question is whether or not we can still add on tickets to Mickey's not so scary Halloween party? Do we contact WDW ourselves or do we have to go through MJ?
Thanks!

Strmchsr

08-18-2007, 08:38 PM

You get the tickets for MNSSHP yourself. They are an extra event. You can get them from the Disney website or by calling the main reservation number.

glenpreece

08-18-2007, 11:24 PM

BigRedDad

08-29-2007, 09:16 AM

Here is a recent reason. My family is from south FL. My parents still live there and have the Seasonal Passes. He told me about one site that does WDW travel. I told him about MJ. He called and was told they only handle 3 or more days. They were planning on going for 2. MJ got him the same resort with preferred room for 3 nights for the same price as 2. They are now going to the FWF for an extra day for "free". The other agent he told me about couldn't/wouldn't have known or done that.

Jenemmy

08-29-2007, 09:27 AM

I have been to WDW about 17 times in my life and planned them all myself. Two days ago, I booked our next trip through Magical Journeys. Debbie has been AMAZING so far.....I can send her an e-mail and have a response back in an incredibly short time. Chatting with her on the phone while making the deposit arrangements was like talking to an old friend. I just can't get over the service I have already received. I'm a true believer, now and Debbie will be part of my future Disney planning for as long as she will have me!:thumbsup:

Tx. Mom

09-02-2007, 03:38 PM

i booked our trip myself after HOURS of research, and now think i should've used MJ!! We are going in late Jan. 08 and have only put downmy $200 deposit w/ a new Disney Visa. Can my reservations be switched to MJ? Will i loose my $200?

Also, do you know if the 6 months, no interest is only good for the first payment cycle or can i book the rest of the trip later and still have 6 months?? Is any purchase 6 months no interst or just a trip?

Strmchsr

09-02-2007, 04:33 PM

Can my reservations be switched to MJ? Will i loose my $200?

You should be able to. Just email then and ask. I think there are certain types of reservations they can't switch, but most they can. And, no, you wouldn't lose your $200.

woo5539

09-05-2007, 07:51 PM

I'm so hesitant about giving out my credit card info. I'm booking my trip thru MJ for the first time. I never heard of them before finding this site a few weeks ago.

DisneyOtaku

09-05-2007, 10:39 PM

I'm so hesitant about giving out my credit card info. I'm booking my trip thru MJ for the first time. I never heard of them before finding this site a few weeks ago.

I was worried about that too. But you have to realize, the credit card info is needed no matter what route you go. This is my first time booking through MJ (first time booking a WDW trip period, actually) and I have had no problems. In fact, I feel safer with MJ for some reason.

On top of that, I've had to make two changes to my trip (move the trip back a day and take someone off my package) and it was done in NO TIME. I have much love and respect for Wendy :number1:

Dsnygirl

09-06-2007, 03:43 AM

:mickey: We love MJ... we used them for our first trip as a family last May, and although I'd originally booked w/ AAA, I ended up switching b/c they just did a better job handling the details, and were MUCH more personal to deal with.
This year, we used them for our upcoming trip in October, and did a room-only reservation, waiting and hoping for a special to come out. Well, of course one did - while we were on vacation!! But, I'd e-mailed my agent Debbie to let her know we'd be out of town, and she got in touch w/ us by phone and e-mail, and then put us in touch w/ Nanci b/c she was going to be out of town when we got back - and we got the special!! Saved us $200... TOTALLY worth it!! They are awesome, and I'll never look elsewhere!! :thumbsup:

Beast_fanatic

09-06-2007, 10:56 PM

Despite the fact that we're only 29 days from our vacation, and I had long since given up on the idea of getting in on the Fall special, Debbie perservered and prevailed! :cheer:

So, now instead of the AAA rate (for a king room) at POR running us $1770 for 10 nights, we now have a standard room at POR with 10-day park hoppers AND the dining plan for $2437. Debbie totally rocks! :thumbsup:

So, as I've always said, MJ will do their very best to get you the best price for your stay, and I definitely think that's true!

kaerbear178

09-12-2007, 08:46 PM

I have been having trouble paying for my Dec Honeymoon. I contacted Wendy to see if we could be moved to a value and she figured out a way to keep me at CB and extend my payment. She previously got me the package discount and didn't want me to lose it. She dropped my package down to the minimum - room + 1 day tickets, allowing us to put the tickets and possibly dining back on closer to our departure date! I wouldn't be going without her!

LibertyTreeGal

09-22-2007, 10:06 PM

Using Magical Journeys with Terrisue has made planning this vacation so much easier. Oh my goodness, I can't even tell you how nice it was -- she booked my WDW trip and my Universal Orlando trip too. I won't ever go without her again. All I had to figure out was my ADR's!!!

AND she was actually able to get us the Fall special discount, even though Beach Club was booked to the gills. Saved us over $300, yeah!

Knitty Kitty

09-25-2007, 10:15 AM

This is going to be a combo post - why Magical Journeys rocks and me doing the sneaky happy dance of joy. :joy:

Wendy at MJ has been working with my BFF and I to plan a trip for early December. Sadly, life intervened quite rudely with my friend and her family will not be able to join us. (The silver lining is they have a wonderful new car!)

Due to some scheduling changes, Wendy was able to book a room only ressie for me, DS and my DBF so that we will be getting to CBR on the night of the 3rd and have 5 full length park days instead of only 4 and a nice laid back departure day! The best park is DS and DBF don't know yet. I'm keeping it to myself till we get there. :D It's a little thing to be so happy about, but it's just the kind of amazing service that Magical Journeys provides.

Pipalotta

09-28-2007, 04:30 PM

When I started planning our Jan 08 trip back in April I sent for a quote and was matched up with Terrisue. At the time she couldnt give me too much information since the new rates had not come out yet. She was very helpful with what she could tell me though. When the rates came out me and my family talked about if we should do the dinning plan or not. Terrisue emailed me as soon as the rates were released. When we decided to do room only I figured that I could go about doing that my self. Well boy was I upset when the value we had our hearts set on since April was now showing no rooms (which also makes me nervous that it will be CROWDED!!) I promptly emailed Terrisue and she found me a room. Oh what a life saver! I was able to do everything online through email and didnt have to worry about being put on hold or long distance charges!

So even if you are doing room only Magical Journeys is the way to go. Hey it is free so why not?

lovenmickey

10-01-2007, 03:26 PM

I am not even sure if this is the right place to post this, but I need to send out my greatest thanks to TerriSue at MJ's. She has been unbelievable to deal with. This past weekend we almost had to cancel our trip due to financial problems, I emailed her and she came up with some great ways for us to lower the cost of our upcoming trip and now we can afford to go. I cant thank her enough for all of her hard work and helping us through this difficult time. She is Number 1 in our book! Thanks again Terrisue!!

SallyP

10-06-2007, 08:08 AM

We live 2 hours from the House of Mouse so although I have asked Debbie at MJ for help with WDW reservations it isn't very often.
We usually just get in the car and go :car: :blush:

What I would like to add is that Debbie has helped me with a Disneyland trip (my first ever) and we had an ablsolutely wonderful time thanks to Debbie's help and suggestions with arrangements!

Now she is being the Oh So Patient one with me on an Adventure By Disney booking.
She answers question after question in an expedient and thorough manner.
Grazie Debbie!
So now we will be traveling to Italy and I know Debbie will be a phone call away if we need her!

MJ is the travel agency of any Disney Destination, Cruise or Adventure! :mickey:

kim1st

10-06-2007, 06:19 PM

Wow - I really wish I had thought to use MJ instead of booking directly through Disney. I don't even want to think about the money I could have saved!

A couple of questions...

Do they book air? For pretty much all airlines? (We really like to fly Jet Blue.)

Are they able to look at the flights and sort of arrange your trip so that you get the best deal on airfare? (We don't necessarily care whether we travel weekday, weekend, etc.)

Ditto for hotel or package pricing? We'd like to go sometime in the fall (probably while MNSSHP is running) but beyond that we're not too picky about dates.

I'm assuming you're still on your own for ADRs, right?

Are there also deals/better rates/specials, etc. offered for the deluxe resorts, or is that pretty much only for the value resorts???

THANKS!!!!

Strmchsr

10-06-2007, 07:15 PM

A couple of questions...Do they book air? For pretty much all airlines? (We really like to fly Jet Blue.)

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think so. You're usually better off using the airline website to book your own airfare anyway.

Are they able to look at the flights and sort of arrange your trip so that you get the best deal on airfare? (We don't necessarily care whether we travel weekday, weekend, etc.)
See above, though you can usually do that on the airline's website. I know you can on SW.

Ditto for hotel or package pricing? We'd like to go sometime in the fall (probably while MNSSHP is running) but beyond that we're not too picky about dates.

This is where they excel. They can absolutely help you get all the discounts available and warn you now that Disney has gone to by day pricing if your trip will overlap between value and regular seasons.

I'm assuming you're still on your own for ADRs, right?

Yep. Gotta make your own there.

Are there also deals/better rates/specials, etc. offered for the deluxe resorts, or is that pretty much only for the value resorts???
No, they have discounts for deluxe resorts, too. I suggest you get with an MJ agent ASAP and they can help you get started. It's never too early too look at your options!

crltkcagle

10-07-2007, 03:30 PM

I was very iffy about mj. i was first contacted by debbie kuhns. she found a wonderful package for me and asked for my credit card info for the deposit. i wrote her an email asking her if she was crazy. how could possible give out my credit card number to someone i never met or spoken with? she assured me that she was a valid mj agent and i could call her if i felt better doing it that way. LOL well i just booked my grandma's trip and am getting ready to book our second from debbie. she is wonderful and always responds to my emails promptly. i love mj!:minnie:

kim1st

10-07-2007, 07:47 PM

I suggest you get with an MJ agent ASAP and they can help you get started. It's never too early too look at your options!

Thanks - will do!

:mickey:

FatherForce

10-09-2007, 01:01 PM

Just a quick addition to the overwhelming praise for MJ and Nanci in Particular.

She puts up with me and my family's incessant emails with inane questions with patience and good humor.

I'll never work with another TA again.

You can't make me!

BMan62

10-09-2007, 03:48 PM

DW IM'd me this morning about trying to plan a trip the week following Thanksgiving. I shot off an e-mail to Denise at MJ and within a few hours, and a few e-mails, we are booked for 7 nights/8 days in the Happiest Place On Earth!

I did a little research myself, in between e-mails, and Denise/MJ saved us in the neighborhood of $200 vs. the best deal I could find online!

Thank you, Denise & MJ!!!!!

youngOx96

10-15-2007, 04:48 PM

MJ truly rocks! Let me tell you all a little story about how MJ helped me out in a jam.

In Feb. 2007, my wife and I booked our Disney vacation through a local travel agent for Sept. 2007 in anticipation of the Free Dining being offered again. We explained to our t/a that should the free dining be offered we would need to re-book our trip so we could take advantage of the offer. The t/a was very "wet behind the ears" when it came to anything Disney. When the Free Dining was announced, our t/a dropped the ball. Despite being told about the upcoming announcement by my wife and I, our T/A did not start working to re-book our vacation until 11:00AM the morning the Free Dining was announced. Needless to say, once she finally started working on things, she quickly found out that everything was sold out - at least that's what she told us. So, we eneded up canceling our booking with that agency in the hope that we might be able to salvage something on our own.

Enter Nanci at MJ. Luckily my wife had heard all of the positive feedback about MJ and told me to call. When I called, I got in touch with Nanci who was able to get us exactly what we wanted WITH the free dining at the resort we wanted. Without MJ and Nanci, we would not have had such a great vacation this year. That's why we will use MJ for our Disney vacations in the future.

THANK YOU Nanci, you are AWESOME!!!:thumbsup:

BriarRose0708

10-17-2007, 10:56 AM

...or, Why I LOVE Magical Journeys

I was planning my first full Disney vacation and had no clue where to start. I didn't know a Dining Plan from a Fastpass. Thanks to the fine folks at INTERCOT I was pointed in the direction of Magical Journeys.

After surfing their extensive and extremely informative website (WHAT? Their services are FREE??) I was sold. I filled out the questionaire and within a few hours I got a response back from my MJ agent Wendy. Wendy ROCKS! All the ladies at MJ are fantastic. It was so simple to book my vacation and Wendy answered all my neophyte silly questions. The only time I had to call Disney directly was to make ADRs.

The best part about their services is that any time a discount was announced Wendy sent me an e-mail to ask if I wanted to apply it. She also worked super hard to get me a discount just a few weeks before my trip.

I'll always book with Magical Journeys from now on for my Disney vacations! Thank you Nanci, Wendy, Melissa, Karen, and everyone else who work so hard to make our vacations as magical as possible!

Ian

10-19-2007, 04:25 PM

Somehow I missed this thread before now, which is odd because I never miss a chance to extoll the virtues of MJT!!

Our MJT agent, Karen, has attained something near mythical status in our household. Why?

Here, let me demonstrate with a sample email string between Karen and myself:

Hi Karen! We're thinking of taking a trip to Disney World again. Could you price out Beach Club, Poly, Contemporary, Yacht Club, Swan, Dolphin, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and any other hotel I forgot to ask about?

Sure, Ian! No problem! I just need to know how many people are traveling with you and your dates!

Oh yeah, right. Sorry about that. There's four of us and we're thinking of April 29th to May 5th.

Okay I got your prices back. They're $x, $y, $z, $a, $b, $c, $d, and $e

Oh wow, hmmm ... Maybe I should try moderates instead. Can you price out Caribbean Beach, POFQ, POR, and Pop for me, please?

Sure!

Thanks, Karen. Sorry to be a pain!

Oh, you're not a pain trust me! I got your quotes. It's $f, $g, $h, and $i

Oh I forgot to ask ... is that with or without the DDP? Because we want the DDP.

Sorry ... They're without the DDP. Let me re-price those again for you.

Okay now they're such-and-such a price.

Okay, Karen thanks! Let me talk it over with DW and after she tells me to take the cheapest one I'll get back to you and ask you to book Pop

Sounds good, Ian. I look forward to hearing from you!

So you see how this goes now? Notice how she never once tells me to SHUT UP AND MAKE UP YOUR MIND??? Or HOW ABOUT GIVING ME ALL YOUR INFORMATION AT ONCE YOU DOOFUS!!??!!

She's so patient!

But the best part comes later ... when you get this email ...

Hi, Ian. Just wanted to let you know that I was able to re-book your April stay under a new code that came out today. Your new rate is $i - $450

How great is that??? For doing absolutely nothing more than being associated with such a wonderful agency, I save myself $450!

What more could you ask for, really? And don't think Karen is the only one who's like this. I've met most of the MJT ladies and trust me ... they're all that good!

Santuitman

10-19-2007, 04:44 PM

I thought I was the only one with the endless questions for Karen!! Who btw always answers them patiently.

Thanks Karen and MJs

iDisney

11-01-2007, 03:40 PM

I am going to ask a potentially dumb question but... if MJ's services are free, how do these fine folks get paid?

KarenP

11-01-2007, 04:10 PM

I am going to ask a potentially dumb question but... if MJ's services are free, how do these fine folks get paid?

Hi noone! We get paid a commission from Disney.

iDisney

11-01-2007, 08:34 PM

I figured that it had to be something along those lines! Just one of those odd little thoughts that popped into my head!

JPL

11-01-2007, 08:39 PM

Notice how she never once tells me to SHUT UP AND MAKE UP YOUR MIND??? Or HOW ABOUT GIVING ME ALL YOUR INFORMATION AT ONCE YOU DOOFUS!!??!!

Karen
You have my permission to say this to Ian and I'm sure many others who know him well will agree:thumbsup: If it got out that this was sais you might even increase business;)

Seriously
I just like to bother Wendy it's fun :razz:

Ok really serious now

I simply love the fact that by sending 1 e-mail with dates and my need someone else does all the leg work for me. I know I will get the resort I want most of the time and the best possible deal available:thumbsup: