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| Disney Travel Agent Dawn Burns with her husband and Mickey |
I have taken my family to Disney World twice and I have been three times to Disney World and once to Disneyland. I have been lucky in each time I have traveled to Disney either alone or with my family, I have gone as part of a business conference, which made traveling decisions much easier and helped defer lots of trip expenses.
Planning a trip to Disney World, Disneyland or going on a Disney Cruise can be a lot of work and getting a good deal is the only way that most families can afford to go.
For Dawn Burns, being a Disney Travel Agent is the best job in the world...
Local metro Detroit area Disney Travel Agent Dawn Burns is working to make it easier and cheaper for families to take a Disney trip. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Dawn has been married for 23 years to her best friend and the couple have a daughter who is currently an honor student at EMU. Dawn is a self professed "Disney Fanatic" who has been to Disney World 16 times, and loves all things Disney!
"For me, being a Disney Travel Planner is not a job it's a passion" says Dawn. "I decided to become a Disney Travel Planner during an anniversary trip my husband and I took without our daughter. I remember looking around at the Magic Kingdom at all the families who seemed so overwhelmed and unsure what to do. I realized I wanted to share my vast Disney knowledge and help families make the most of their Disney vacations. It's the best job and I love it!"
Since going to Disney can be an expensive trip, I asked Dawn some of the questions that I had about working with a Disney Travel Agent to get the best deal. Here are her answers...
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| Travel Agent Dawn Burns at Disney with Pooh Bear |
Dawn: As a Disney Travel Planner I feel it is part of my job to make sure each family gets the best value possible. I am constantly watching for new discounts to be released so that I can notify potential clients or have the discount applied to a client's existing reservation. This not only saves my clients money but it also saves them time. They don't have to be "on hold" with Disney for an hour or two to have the discount applied. Another way a Disney Travel Planner can save you money is that he/she knows which seasons are peak vs value which can affect what you pay for your hotel room and for your dining.
FIML: How are Disney Travel Agents paid?
Dawn: Disney Travel Agents are paid a commission by Disney. Using a travel agent does not cost the client anything extra but it does provide extra perks. As a Disney Travel Planner I offer concierge level service at no additional cost. I make all dining reservations, tour reservations and anything else a family might need such as a stroller or an ecv. I also like to send each family a small thank you gift to let them know how much I appreciate their business.
FIML: Should I work with a Disney Travel Agent in my hometown or does it matter where the agent is located?
Dawn: As long as you are working with a knowledgeable Disney Travel Planner I don't think it matters where they are located. The Internet and cell phones make it very easy to work with people from all over. I am located in Michigan but I work with clients from across the country. The key is that the Travel Planner knows Disney, just because someone is a travel agent it doesn't mean they are informed and experienced serving all destinations. Disney World and Disneyland have so much to offer that you want to use someone who knows their stuff and will share that information with you and your family.
FIML: I hate trying to figure out the cheapest airfare when traveling. Can a Disney agent help with the scheduling of all aspects of a Disney trip including the airfare?
Dawn: When booking airfare for your Disney vacation it can be included as part of your package or booked separately. My own feeling is that I am more than happy to assist my clients with booking their flights or letting them take care of that if that is their preference. I want whatever makes it easiest for you! People may not know that Disney provides complimentary bus service to and from the Orlando airport to all guests staying at Disney resorts. This is a wonderful money saver and it means the fun starts as soon as you land in Orlando! Your family will be greeted by Disney cast members wearing Mickey gloves and then you'll be escorted down the "red carpet" where you'll wait for the luxury motorcoach that will whisk you to your resort. To keep the kids entertained a movie will play during your short ride to your hotel!
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| Yummy Disney Dining - Photo credit: Dawn Burns |
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| More Yummy Disney Dining - Photo credit: Dawn Burns |
Dawn: My biggest money saving tip is to take advantage of Disney World's "free dining". We all love getting things for free and free dining is an amazing value. The travel dates for this offer are August 25-September 29, 2012. Guests staying at a Disney World "Moderate" or "Deluxe" hotel get the basic dining plan for free. This plan gives you a Table Service Meal, a Counter Service Meal, and a snack per person per night of your stay. The meals even include your non-alcoholic beverage and dessert! Guests who book a stay at a Disney "Value" resort get the "Quick Service" dining plan for free. That plan gives you 2 counter service meals and 1 snack per night booked. Both plans include a refillable mug that will come in handy with the Florida heat! This offer must be booked by May 18th but anyone interested in this terrific offer should move quickly as there is limited availability and rooms fill quickly.
Contact Dawn Burns on her Facebook Page for Dawn Travels.
One FREEISMYLIFE reader will win a $20 Disney Gift Card courtesy of Disney Travel Agent Dawn Burns - HOLLA to the FREE!!!
TO ENTER
- Fill out the information in the form below.
- One entry per person please. Duplicate entries will be removed.
- USA addresses only.
- The contest ends on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 at 11:59 am EST.
- One winner will be selected by random number generation.
- Prize will be fulfilled to winner by Dawn Burns.
(5) EXTRA GIVEAWAY ENTRIES
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following Dawn Travels on Facebook.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Facebook.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Twitter.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for answering the Disney Travel question at this link.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for tweeting the following message on Twitter " I entered the @freeismylife $20 Disney Gift Card giveaway courtesy of Dawn Travels http://bit.ly/zAdPO7 "
Enjoy!
Random.org has spoken!!! Out of 218 entries, Random.org has picked #70. Congratulations to the winner of the $20 Disney Gift Card from Dawn Travels - Rebecca C. of Spanish Fork, UT
