disney travel agent training answers

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent (2024 Update)

How do you become a Disney travel agent? Over 3,000 people search this question every month on Google.

That’s why, in this definitive guide, I’ll explain the pros and cons of specializing in Disney travel. Then, I’ll show you the exact steps you need to take to pursue this career path.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

How to become a disney travel agent: 10-step process, faqs about becoming a disney travel agent, conclusion: is being a disney travel agent worth it.

For this article, I interviewed the owner of one of the best-performing Disney-focused travel agencies in the country. He told me what he looks for when hiring new agents. He also shared the traits and habits of his most successful agents.

I also relied on my personal experience. I spent nearly seven years as a Cast Member planning vacations at one of Disney’s reservation call centers. During that time I trained hundreds of other agents on how to do the job, too.

By the time you’ve finished this article, you’ll have all the information you need to be successful at booking and planning Disney vacations for others.

1. Make a Good Income

Travel agents who focus on Disney vacations can make good money if they’re willing to put in the effort. This is a career in which what you put into it directly influences what you get out of it.

Being a Disney Travel agent is a job , not a hobby. You are paid to provide excellent service to your clients.

You can make good money in this profession, but it depends on how many trips you book and how much those trips cost.

That’s because Disney vacation planners do not receive a salary or hourly wage. They instead receive commission for each trip they book.

The agents who are most successful are those who:

• Are self-starters
• Treat it as a full-time career
• Build up a reliable client base
• Regularly market themselves and build a social media following
• Work with an agency that offers a favorable commission structure

We’ll discuss commissions in-depth later in this article.

2. Do What You Love

If you are a Disney fanatic, being a Disney travel agent may sound like the ultimate dream. You spend each work day thinking about, talking about, researching, and booking Disney Destinations.

What could be more rewarding than getting paid to do what you love?

You’re already obsessed with Disney – Imagine getting paid for it!

You’ll get a “dose of Disney” every day while planning magical vacations for your clients.

I can tell you from personal experience: booking a trip for someone else is almost as exciting as booking your own. And getting paid to do it makes it even better!

3. Work from Home… or Wherever!

One of the best benefits of a job booking Disney Vacations is that you can work from wherever you like (within reason).

For most people, this means setting up a quiet corner or extra room in their home to serve as their “office.”

Set up your workspace however you like it — it’s your home, after all!

But it doesn’t necessarily have to be work-from-home.

Some agents are full-time RVers who find that “home is where you park it.” Others might have a favorite café or local park where they do their best work. I know of at least one travel advisor near Orlando who sometimes works from Magic Kingdom or EPCOT!

Pretty much any place in the United States is fair game. It just needs to be reasonably quiet and have decent internet/phone service.

You probably won’t be allowed to work from HQ at Men in Black: Alien Attack. But you might be able to visit!

4. Work Flexible Hours

Travel agents generally have the freedom to set their own schedule.

Prefer a day shift? More of a night owl? Need to pick up the kids from school? The flexibility of being a travel agent makes it all possible.

Just keep in mind that flexibility goes both ways. Clients may contact you early or late. There will be days you must be up at 6:00 AM Eastern Time to get the best possible dining reservations for a client. And your agency might have mandatory meetings or other scheduling expectations.

5. Receive Potential Tax Benefits

When booking Disney is your business, then visiting Disney can be a business expense!

Any Disney vacation you go on may be tax-deductible as a research expense if certain conditions are met. This ends up being a great perk for anyone that already spends a lot of time at Disney destinations.

Setting sail on another research trip

Other business expenses, such as office supplies and phone bills, may also be deductible.

Disclaimer: We are not accountants. Please consult an expert before attempting to write off these expenses.

6. Get Free Tickets and Discounts

Agents who sell travel are eligible to receive freebies and discounted travel opportunities.

Free Disney and Universal Tickets

Each graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge (Disney’s online training program) receives a free one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket each year.

Tickets are “on the mouse” for travel agents (once per year)

Travel agents who complete the Universal and U training program receive a free 3-Day Universal Orlando ticket.

Your agency may also receive Comp Tickets (complimentary theme park tickets). These are additional free tickets which may be given to travel agents as an incentive.

Travel agents who have a valid IATA/IATAN or CLIA membership card can get discounts on Disney and Universal theme park tickets or hotel stays. Friends and Family discounts may also be offered.

A FAM trip (familiarization trip) is a chance for travel professionals to experience a destination for themselves. For example, Disney World or Universal Orlando might invite agents to visit for free so they can experience a new hotel or ride. FAM trips also help build comradery within a travel agency. They can be a great learning experience and are a lot of fun!

Travel agents on a FAM trip at Universal Studios

Top-tier agencies tend to receive more FAM trip opportunities than smaller agencies receive.

Some of the largest agencies even have on-site conventions for their agents!

A panel discussion during an on-site convention of Disney Travel Planners

This is yet another reason to seek out a job with a high-level Disney travel agency. You’ll have access to more perks.

1. Understand How Commission Works for Travel Agents

Commissions are the primary source of income for travel agents. It’s important to understand how they work.

Commission-Based Pay

Most host travel agencies categorize their travel planners as independent contractors.

For most agents, the sole source of income will be commissions from booking clients’ travel.

In other words, you will not earn a regular monthly salary or hourly wage. Instead, you’ll receive a percentage of the cost of each vacation you book.

Commission is paid by the destination (such as Disney World), not the client. The client pays the same price they would have paid if they’d booked it on their own.

Commission Split

Disney pays travel agencies a 10% base commission for each Disney World vacation booked. The agency then gives part of that commission to the agent who booked the trip – and keeps the rest for itself.

The ratio at which the agency and the agent share the base commission is called the commission split :

• Novice vacation planners usually start out receiving 50%-60% of the commission the agency receives for each booking
• Over time, this can increase to around 70%-80%
• Some agencies offer a better commission split for clients you find on your own (as opposed to leads given to you by the agency)

Here’s a realistic commission example for a $5,000 Disney World vacation:

• The agency receives a base commission of $500 ($5,000 x 10%)
• An agent on a 50/50 split would earn $250 ($500 x 50%)
• An agent on an 80/20 split would earn $400 ($500 x 80%)

Commission split ratios determine how much money you earn

A 10% base commission is standard for all Disney World vacations. The most successful agencies may earn a higher percentage on other types of trips (such as 16% on Disney Cruises).

As an example:

• 50/50 split: $250 for the agent
• 80/20 split: $400 for the agent
• 50/50 split: $400 for the agent
• 80/20 split: $640 for the agent

Just another reason to pick the right travel agency to work with!

For the Disney agencies with the best commission splits, we recommend The Vacationeer for full-time agents and Enchantaway Travel for those seeking part-time work. Both offer agent splits of up to 80%.

Delayed Commissions

This is one of the most important things to know about working as a Disney travel planner.

Disney pays commissions after the trip is over . You don’t get paid when the client books the trip, only when they travel .

This means there can be a long delay between the time you book a trip and the time you get paid for it.

Most people plan their trips far in advance. It could be several months – even a year or more – before you get paid.

For that matter, the client could cancel the trip and you would not receive any commission at all.

This can be discouraging to newer agents who don’t have many client trips lined up. You can easily feel like you’re working hard and not seeing any income from it.

This becomes less of a concern as you become more established. You’ll eventually have clients traveling year round and your income will be more steady. Stick with it!

Planning Fees

Recently, many planners have begun charging their clients a planning fee or research fee. These are non-refundable upfront fees to cover the work the agent will do for the client. It is especially common in smaller agencies which may not have a steady flow of bookings.

Agents who charge the fee say it protects them from “working for free.” (Creating trip quotes takes work, but agents don’t get paid if the client doesn’t book or cancels.)

Those who don’t charge fees say doing so would drive away potential clients. (The client could book the trip on their own without paying a fee.)

Whether or not to charge the fee is a business decision that is usually made at the agency level.

Our research shows most major Disney-focused travel agencies do not charge these fees .

2. Watch Out for Shady Travel Agencies

Sadly, not all travel agencies are on the up and up. Some are outright scams.

Here are a few things to consider.

What’s the hiring process?

Beware of any agency that automatically hires you without an interview. This is a strong sign that they have no minimum standards. They might be bringing you onboard just to charge you fees (see below).

It’s reasonable to expect a phone interview before being hired. Ideally, you’ll interview with the agency’s owner or senior manager. That’s a good sign they take their business seriously.

Do they charge you a fee to join?

Some travel agencies operate like multi-level marketing schemes. Others simply try to get as much money as they can out of the people they “hire.”

Potentially scammy fees include:

• Charging you hundreds of dollars in startup fees (a major red flag)
• Requiring you to pay monthly affiliation fees
• Making you pay for your initial training

There are , however, a few legitimate fees you might be charged:

• Errors & Omissions insurance. (This offers financial protection for booking problems.)
• A small technology fee to cover licenses for client management software
• FAM trips and on-site education may require a fee. (These are usually heavily discounted.)

Is their commission split fair?

We suggest avoiding any agency which gives you less than 50% of the commission earned on a trip. You are doing most of the work; you should get at least half of the money the agency receives for it.

Check their licenses and professional memberships

Some states require travel agencies to hold Seller of Travel licenses.

For Disney-focused agencies, Florida and/or California licenses are common. Agencies often post these license numbers at the bottom of their websites. You can check online to ensure they’re valid.

• Florida Seller of Travel License search
• California Seller of Travel License search

Disney travel agencies also typically join at least one of the major travel industry groups, such as:

• International Air Transport Association ( IATA )
• International Airlines Travel Agent Network ( IATAN )
• Cruise Lines International Association ( CLIA ).

3. Become a Disney Expert

Anyone who expects to be hired for this job must be well-versed in all Disney Destinations. Before you submit a job application, you should first brush up on your Disney knowledge.

How can you educate yourself?

There are tons of online resources to keep up with the latest Disney news. Read Disney websites, planning guides , and TripAdvisor reviews . Watch Disney YouTube channels . Browse the hundreds of resources published here on MagicGuides, such as our crowd calendars and transportation maps . Ask friends about their experiences and recommendations. Join Facebook groups and chat with your fellow Disney fanatics.

What should you learn about?

Becoming a Disney travel planner doesn’t just mean learning about Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Disney Cruise Line vacations are especially popular (and pay good commission). Adventures by Disney travels around the world . Someone might ask you to book Aulani (a Disney resort in Hawaii).

Go beyond the mouse

You’ll need to know about more than Disney. Most Disney travel agencies also book trips to Universal Orlando Resort . Maybe it’s time to brush up on their newest theme park .

Some agencies book all-inclusive Caribbean Resorts such as Atlantis , Sandals , and Beaches . You might also book Royal Caribbean cruises or other cruise lines.

Learning about these now will make you a stronger candidate when you apply.

4. Know the 15 Characteristics of the Perfect Disney Travel Agent

Each Disney travel agency has its own set of criteria they require when hiring travel planners. Here are some of the most common characteristics Disney travel agencies seek from job candidates.

It’s no surprise that Disney travel agent jobs require a passion for Disney Destinations. There are so many Disney fanatics out there, why would any agency hire anyone but a genuine Disney enthusiast?

Disney Knowledge

It’s not enough just to love Disney. You must be experienced in visiting Disney Destinations . Agencies will want to know if you’ve actually been to some of these places you’ll be promoting.

It helps you make personalized recommendations for clients’ trips.

Firsthand knowledge also helps you translate what a client says into understanding what they want. If someone asks about “the restaurant in the castle,” you need to know it’s called Cinderella’s Royal Table so you can book it for them.

Extra Credit: Can you name this restaurant? A good Disney travel agent can!

Most Disney agencies want candidates who can devote as many hours as possible to their client’s needs. Becoming a Disney travel planner requires morning, afternoon, and nighttime phone calls and correspondence. Flexibility and availability is important to a host agency.

Detail-Oriented

Clients depend on Disney travel planners to take the headaches out of booking a trip . As their vacation planner, these hassles are your responsibility. You must possess excellent attention to detail when you book travel. One small error can complicate or even ruin a Disney trip. A reputation for making mistakes will doom you in this industry.

Well-Organized

You will be juggling multiple client trips at once. Having a good organizational system is key to keeping everything in order. You will need an efficient system to track all the key dates, dining reservations, payments, etc. Your agency may have dedicated software to help.

Proactive and Prompt

Disney travel agents must be proactive and prompt. Travel planners answer questions before they’re asked and prevent problems before they arise. They address their client’s questions and concerns quickly. They are always looking out for the best interests of their clients. A great agent automatically re-books the client’s vacation package when new savings promotions are launched.

New promotion? The best Disney Travel Planners are already rebooking eligible clients.

Solution-Oriented

Good agents love a challenge. A client might want something that’s not available. But you can’t just say “sorry.” You’ll need to find alternatives that still give them the type of experience they want.

Customer Service Skills

Travel professionals balance calmness and friendliness to put the client at ease. But they also have the confidence to make decisions and the ability to close the sale. You do not want to alienate potential clients with a bad attitude or a hard sales pitch; but you shouldn’t be wishy-washy in the process.

Good Communication Skills

Like many sales roles , Disney travel agent jobs require good communications skills. You must possess excellent written and verbal skills. Effective agents are upbeat, articulate, and helpful. This doesn’t just apply to phone conversations.

It’s not always easy to convey a pleasant tone via texts and emails, so avoid writing anything that sounds abrupt, angry, or unsympathetic.

Marketing and Social Media Savvy

Some larger agencies may provide a few business leads. But the most successful agents mainly find their own clients.

Community groups, social media, and word of mouth are just a few ways to promote yourself. Knowing how to market your business increases your chance for success. See the Market Yourself section for tips.

Friends and Family

It helps to have a large circle of friends, family, and acquaintances to pitch your services to. Having a large target group from the start will help you hit the ground running. This is especially important for part-time agents who won’t have as much time to market to strangers.

Prior travel agency experience is great, but prior Disney travel experience may be more important. Those who have not previously worked as travel agents should at least have experience booking their own trips. It’s even better if you’ve helped friends or family plan their trips.

Tech-Savvy Multitasking

Disney travel professionals use multiple online booking systems and client management software. You’ll regularly communicate via text, email, and telephone. You should understand how to use all of these (or be comfortable learning them). Strong troubleshooting skills help, too.

Trustworthy

Clients will be giving you their credit card numbers to book trips. And you’ll have access to other personal information. The company that hires you must fully trust you — their reputation is on the line!

Positive Character Traits

Most Disney travel agent jobs require a strong work ethic, professionalism, ambition, positivity, independence, business-mindedness, seriousness, fun, etc. Put simply, agencies seek all the good qualities and none of the bad!

5. Pick the Agency You Want to Work With

We previously discussed the red flags of a bad travel agency. So what makes a good agency to work for? Here are a few things to look for when picking which agency you will apply to.

Learn about Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agencies

Some of the best Disney travel agencies are Authorized Disney Vacation Planners . This is an official designation from Disney. It simply means the agency meets the highest standards of service and sales volume in the industry.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner logo | Image © Disney

This elite ranking assures clients that they are dealing with a legitimate, Disney-approved agency. And it gives potential travel agents confidence that they will be working for a reputable agency.

Learn about Earmarked designations

Some Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agencies also show a tiered Earmarked status. These include:

• Earmarked Silver Producer
• Earmarked Gold Producer
• Earmarked Platinum Producer
• Earmarked Diamond Producer

Logos showing Earmarked Designations | Elements © Disney

These designations mean the agency is one of the highest-producing (selling) Disney travel agencies. Of these, Diamond is the highest level.

Joining a higher-tier agency has its benefits:

• Disney issues more comp tickets and FAM trips to Platinum and Diamond agencies.
• Higher-tiered Earmarked agencies also simply do more business than other agencies. That’s good for you as someone who works for commission!

Looking to join an Earmarked Diamond agency?

If an agency is not Earmarked, does that mean it’s a bad place to work? Absolutely not (or at least, not necessarily).

You can find fantastic agencies who aren’t Earmarked yet because they’re brand new. Getting in on the ground floor can be quite lucrative as the business grows and new agents are added.

Just do your research; who runs the agency, for instance? We know of one newer agency, EnchantAway Travel , which was started by the owner of another major top-performing Disney travel agency. We have a feeling EnchantAway ’s agents are going to be well-set-up for success despite it being early days.

Size Matters, But It Isn’t Everything

You might be tempted to seek out a huge agency with hundreds of agents. An agency that big must be successful, right?

We’ve found that the best Disney travel agencies are neither too small nor too large.

• Agencies that are too small may not have the brand recognition or a marketing budget needed to bring clients to you. They may also lack the infrastructure, technology, or business savvy of larger agencies.
• Agencies that are too large can also be problematic. If they have over, say, 200 travel agents, chances are you will get lost in the shuffle. You don’t want to be just another number, a faceless member of the team.

Rather than focusing solely on size, a better question to ask may be: how are their agents doing?

Good Support Structure

A good agency will make sure its agents succeed. You should have solid training. The owner should be available to answer your questions. An agency doesn’t have to be large at all to make this happen – they just have to be dedicated to their employees’ success.

The best Disney travel agencies have a good support network in place. They promote an open and friendly (i.e., non-competitive) dialog between each of the agents.

There will inevitably be agents who know more than you at the start. The best agencies to work for will embrace these learning opportunities and support you along the way. Before long, you might be mentoring new agents!

Do they Market Themselves?

Marketing is key to success in the travel industry. You will be primarily responsible for marketing your own services . However, some agencies also spend their own resources to market their brand and bring in new clients.

Larger, more established agencies may have a prominent social media presence or high Google search ranking. Some agencies even pay to advertise their brand at no cost to their agents.

The best Disney travel agencies even provide client leads to their full-time agents. It helps to work for an agency such as The Vacationeer which sends extra business your way.

Ask Their Agents

See if you can reach out to current employees and get some feedback on the company.

Questions to ask include:

• Do they like working there?
• Is the owner supportive and responsive?
• Is there open dialog among the agents?
• How is the training?
• Are they getting paid on schedule?

Getting the inside scoop from people who work at the agency can be very helpful.

Our Recommendations: the Best Disney Travel Agencies to Work For

With the above factors in mind, here are our recommendations:

Best for Travel Agents Seeking Part-Time Work

Not many travel agencies are willing to hire someone who is only looking for part–time work. But EnchantAway Travel embraces part-time travel agents.

As a result, they offer some of the best flexibility around.

• Choose How Much Time to Devote: EnchantAway doesn’t just hire full-time agents – it also welcomes part-timers. So it’s perfect for those who simply want to make a bit of extra income.
• Hours That Work for You: You can set your own schedule, as long as you’re properly serving your clients.
• Work From Anywhere: EnchantAway is proud to be a remote-first organization that understands you don’t have to be in a cubicle to be successful.
• Support and Resources: EnchantAway Travel was started by the owner of one of the top performing (total sales) Disney Travel agencies, so you can be assured that they know how to help their people succeed!
• High Commission Splits: EnchantAway agents are eligible for commission splits as high as 80%. Some other agencies pay 50% or less.

Best for Travel Agents Wanting to Work Full-Time

Those who intend to treat their travel planning work as a full-time career have more options than those who only want to work part-time.

As mentioned in the previous section, EnchantAway Travel offers great flexibility and resources to its agents. We made them our top choice for part-time agents but you should certainly consider applying with them even if you want to go full-time.

But if you feel that you are an exceptionally-qualified candidate who is capable of extremely high performance, you should also consider applying with The Vacationeer .

If you have high qualifications and performance aspirations, The Vacationeer is among the agencies you might consider.:

• High Volume, High Quality: The Vacationeer prides itself on hiring the best people and keeping them busy! As a prestigious Earmarked Diamond-level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, they book thousands of Disney trips for their clients every year and provide concierge-level customer service.
• Peak Performance With Personal Attention: The Vacationeer accomplishes its impressive sales levels with a group of about 100 agents. Some agencies at the same tier need ten times as many agents to do so. The Vacationeer is sized just right to personally support its agents while making sure everyone has plenty of business.
• High Commission Splits: Vacationeers earn commission splits of up to 80%. And their high sales volume earns them more commission on certain types of trips such as Disney cruises.
• Exclusivity: Less than 5% of those who apply are selected to be part of this elite agency. That’s not merely a point of pride – it’s a great way to surround yourself with experts who will help you become an even better agent.
• Marketing and Leads: You will always be your own best marketer. But The Vacationeer helps by aggressively marketing their agency to ensure a steady stream of leads will come your way.
• Work from Wherever, Whenever: Working with a remote-first travel agency like the Vacationeer means you’ll never be told that it’s time to return to the office!
• Excellent Reputation: The Vacationeer has more than 700 5-Star reviews on Google. And they’ve been quoted as travel experts in news coverage from CNBC, Washington Post, Travel & Leisure, Good Housekeeping, and other media outlets.
• FAM Trips: As a high-performing agency, The Vacationeer offers many opportunities to send its agents on FAM trips and training opportunities in the parks and on the cruise ships.

6. Apply to Become a Disney Travel Agent

You’ve done all your prep work. Now it’s time to actually apply for the job.

Application questions will vary depending on the agency. Expect to provide basic contact information and work history. They also often ask how familiar you are with Disney destinations.

A typical employment application to become a Disney travel planner

Here are our tips on filling out an application:

• Be professional. This is a job application, not a group chat. Would you hire someone who writes “I want 2 work 4 u”?
• Remember the tips we’ve outlined in this article. Factor them into your answers to the application questions.
• Highlight your passion for Disney. Travel agencies can teach you systems and techniques. But they can’t teach you to love Disney. Make sure they understand how you feel about Disney World or Disney Cruises. Show them how much you know about Disney destinations.
• It’s okay if you don’t have travel agency experience. Just show how your past jobs will help you at this new job. For example, “my job as a grocery store cashier taught me customer service skills. I also learned how to accurately handle transactions involving money.”
• Proofread everything before submitting. Double check your email address and phone number. Make sure you answer all questions completely.

7. Be Patient

Now comes the hardest part – waiting to hear back.

In especially busy agencies, it could take upwards of a month to hear back on your application.

Don’t waste this time. Make sure you keep up with everything that’s happening at Disney and the travel industry while you wait.

If you get the interview (see next step), there may be more waiting afterwards. Don’t get discouraged!

8. Ace the Interview

If you’re fortunate enough to interview with an agency, you’ll want to prepare. Here are our top tips:

• If it’s a phone interview , make sure you’re in a quiet area free of family and pet noises. For a video interview , be sure to dress nicely and be well-groomed.
• Be “in place” and ready to go a few minutes early so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
• It’s understandable to be a bit nervous, but try to be as natural and friendly as possible ! Remember, you might never meet most of your clients in-person. Your interview needs to show how well your personality shines on a phone call or on a video chat. Be polite, engaged, and well-spoken. Speak clearly and don’t mumble. Don’t sound disinterested or distracted.
• Be prepared with a pen, paper and a copy of your resume to reference as needed
• Why do you want this job?
• What do you think is your greatest strength?
• What is your biggest weakness? (Tip: tell them how you’re working to fix it!)
• What unique traits would you bring to this job?
• When was the last time you visited Disney?
• What’s your favorite Disney theme park?
• What does a typical workday look like?
• What are your schedule expectations for me?
• What type of training will I receive?
• What resources will I have to succeed?
• What do you consider to be the sign of a successful agent?
• What is your commission split and how often are payments processed?
• Does anything about my work history concern you? (Tip: be prepared to respond!)
• If an agent underperforms, how do you help them?
• What is your timeline for filling this position?
• If you don’t like what you’ve heard, politely inform them that you’d like to remove yourself from consideration. No agency wants to hire someone who already wants to leave!
• Be sure to thank the interviewer for the time they spent with you!

9. The Offer: Get Hired

We hope your interview goes well and you’re offered a chance to join your preferred agency.

But don’t get discouraged if you’re not hired. Competition can be steep and it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad candidate. Find another agency and keep at it!

If you are fortunate enough to receive a job offer, it can be tempting to instantly accept.

• Make sure to thoroughly review the offer to ensure it matches what you discussed.
• You’re well within your rights to request 24-48 hours to consider the offer.
• If you’ve interviewed with multiple agencies, inform everyone else that you’ve accepted a position elsewhere. Agency owners do talk to one another – it’s not wise to burn any bridges.
• Promptly return any requested documents during the onboarding process. Expect to provide photo ID, an I-9 form , and to sign an offer letter or other agreement.

And that’s it! With your skills and effort, you can build a career planning Disney vacations.

But! You still have work to do…

10. Market Yourself

Getting hired is a huge accomplishment, but it’s only the beginning! Now you need to build up a client base by marketing yourself. Your agency may provide some help, but you’re mainly responsible.

A large group of friends and family is the best way to start. More connections mean more potential clients. Let everyone know that you’re ready to help them book their trips.

Don’t forget casual acquaintances, either. Your church, social clubs, and neighborhood are full of potential clients.

Many clients would rather deal with someone they know – even just a little – than a total stranger.

Social Media

Social media is a fantastic way to build a following. Successful Disney travel planners create dedicated accounts just to market their services. Facebook pages and Instagram accounts are common choices. Some agents have a large TikTok or YouTube following. And there are many other platforms.

Consider creating a Facebook business page to market your travel services

Find the platforms you’re most comfortable with and begin posting. Invite your friends to follow you, and ask them to invite their friends.

Everything you post is another reminder to your followers that you are ready to plan their next Disney trip. Consider posting:

• Special offers and promotions
• News and updates from the destinations you book
• Content produced by your travel agency
• Sample trip itineraries and prices
• Pictures and videos from your latest trip
• Photos and testimonials from clients (get their permission first!)

The possibilities are endless! But remember: anything you post must follow Disney’s and your agency’s guidelines.

And remember, social media is social ! Be sure to regularly interact with comments/replies. Respond promptly to direct messages.

Direct Marketing

Your agency may send email or postcards to your clients. In some cases, these are generic messages from the agency as a whole. Or they may appear to come directly from you. Either way, they keep your clients engaged and eager to book with you.

Regular emails keep clients informed and engaged

Repeat Business and Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Do a good job planning people’s vacations and you’ll soon start to get repeat business.

Happy clients come back again and again – and they tell their friends!

Successful agents agree: repeat clients and referrals are essential to their success.

Remember, everything you do counts toward your reputation! Treat every client like a VIP every time and it will pay off for decades to come!

How much do Disney travel agents make?

A well-established Disney travel agent can reasonably earn $50,000 per year , assuming that they:

• Work full-time
• Join a high-performing agency
• Have favorable commission splits
• Market themselves often
• Receive additional leads from their agency
• Have a steady stream of bookings
• Have earned repeat business and referrals

The pay can be much lower or much higher depending on the number of trips booked and how much those trips cost.

Agents who just book a few vacations for family and close friends might make only a few hundred dollars per year.

It is possible (though not common) for exceptionally successful agents to make hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When do you get paid?

Disney travel professionals get paid after their client has traveled . This may be anywhere from a couple of months to more than a year after the trip is booked. Some Disney Cruises are booked upwards of 18 months in advance.

What equipment and software do you need?

Almost everything you do for a client will either happen online or over the phone. That means all you really need to become a Disney travel planner is:

• A computer with internet access – you’ll need to be able to email clients and visit websites to book travel
• A telephone – cell phones allow you to talk and text with clients, but you must have good reception. Consider activating Wi-Fi calling if you have trouble getting a signal. A landline is another option.

You probably already own the equipment you need to become a Disney Travel Agent (Mickey mug optional)

Other things that may make your job easier – but aren’t required – include:

• Wireless earbuds or a phone headset – you’ll regularly be talking and typing at the same time
• Dual monitors and wireless keyboard/mouse – working in multiple systems is easier with multiple screens. A separate keyboard and mouse can be more ergonomic than using a laptop all day.
• Basic office supplies – notepads, pens, file folders, and the like can come in handy
• A dedicated phone number for clients – Google Voice lets you route a second number through your existing cell phone at no additional cost
• Video conferencing apps – some clients may enjoy face-to-face discussions. Zoom, Facetime, and Google Meet are standard. I like Whereby because it doesn’t force your client to log in or download anything.

A more complex work-from-home setup, prime for a travel planner’s multitasking

Do I have to join an agency? Can I become a Disney travel agent on my own?

It is possible to go solo as a Disney travel planner , but you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons.

Being an individual agent means you don’t have to split commissions with anyone. You get the entire amount for yourself. And you truly are your own boss.

But you won’t have any help marketing yourself or getting leads. You’ll start out with zero reputation and can’t “stand” on your agency’s established good name. And you’ll be solely responsible for following all laws and licensing requirements.

For most people, it makes more sense to join an agency – especially as a brand new agent. Solo Disney travel agents are rare.

Do I need an LLC?

Most travel agents are considered independent contractors, even when affiliated with a travel agency. As a result, it is often wise to avail yourself of the legal protections that an LLC provides .

Consider a worst-case scenario in which a client sues you for financial damages. Having an LLC may help shield your personal assets if a court rules against you.

Many agents also purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance . This further shields them from potential financial liability.

Disclaimer: we are not lawyers and nothing here should be considered legal advice.

Do you need a license to sell Disney vacations?

Several states require a Seller of Travel license . Severe financial penalties may be levied against unlicensed agents.

The travel agency you work for should have a Seller of Travel license which covers all its individual agents. You might still need to complete an exemption form or meet some other requirements.

Depending on your local regulations you might need a business license . Check with your city, county/parish, or state licensing bureaus to verify requirements.

How do taxes work for travel agents?

Earlier in this article we mentioned that some of your expenses may be tax deductible. But what about income tax itself?

Most travel agents work as independent contractors for their agency. This means you probably won’t have taxes withheld from your paychecks. Rather than a W-2, you’re more likely to receive a 1099 form at year’s end.

You may need to pay quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties at tax time.

Disclaimer: We are not tax professionals. Consult an expert for specific advice on your situation.

Do I need a College Degree?

A college degree isn’t necessary to become a travel agent. You don’t even necessarily need a high school diploma.

Do I need to go to Travel School?

Most Disney-focused travel agencies do not require their agents to have formal training such as travel school.

Do you need experience to become a Disney Travel Agent?

People who have already worked at travel companies are certainly at an advantage. But most Disney-focused agencies accept new hires who’ve never done any type of travel work before.

You will , however, need to have experience visiting Disney World. Very few Disney-focused agencies are willing to hire someone who knows nothing about Disney.

What’s the training like?

Disney, Universal, and other travel providers offer free online training on their products. You’ll be asked to complete those once you’re hired.

The training typically is just a series of online videos or slides, perhaps followed by a quiz. You can typically complete this at your own pace. It usually won’t take more than one or two days of your time.

Your agency may also have its own training. (That’s a great question to ask during your interview!)

And your training never really stops. It’s reasonable to expect regular refresher training on the destinations you book.

Can I work part-time?

It is possible to work part-time as an agent, but you’ll need to find an agency that supports it.

Most agencies prefer full-time employees. The agency must commit a significant amount of resources to train and onboard a new agent. They want that investment to pay off with many bookings and large commissions.

There are, however, some agencies which are open to accepting part-time workers. As an example, Enchantaway Travel embraces part-time agents and happily hires them.

Just remember, your income potential will be significantly limited if you only work part-time.

Do Disney Travel Planners have to live in Orlando or Anaheim?

Not at all! You’ll want to visit Disney at least once every year or two (so you can keep up with what’s happening). But it’s not necessary to live in the shadow of Cinderella Castle!

Do Disney Travel Agents sell other destinations, too?

Absolutely! It’s common for most Disney-focused travel agencies to sell:

• Disney World
• Some international Disney theme parks
• Disney Cruise Line
• Adventures by Disney
• Hilton Head Island

• Universal Orlando Resort
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Atlantis Bahamas
• Sandals Resorts
• Beaches Resorts

This list might seem daunting. But remember: more options means more chances to book something for your client. And that means more chances to earn a commission!

When I taught Disney Traditions to new Disney Cast Members on their first day at work, there was one thing we wanted them to remember above all: “We Create Happiness.”

Being a Disney-focused travel agent is no different.

Every day, you’ll be sending people on vacation. They’ll be excited to talk to you – and you’ll be excited to talk to them. There’s really nothing like the feeling of knowing someone is having the time of their life because of something you made possible.

I wouldn’t dare promise that every single moment will be Mickey Ears and Pixie Dust. You’ll work hard. There will be early mornings, late nights, and hectic booking days.

But those photos of happy clients smiling in front of Cinderella Castle make it all worth it.

I know we’ve covered a lot in this article. It may seem overwhelming or scary. It might even seem impossible. But, as Walt himself once said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible!”

I wish you the best possible success as you begin this journey. Go make some magic!

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One Comment

Good tips here. Wish I’d known some of this when I started out.

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent – Complete Guide

• How do I become a Disney Travel Agent?

Ever since we started Pixie Vacations we get asked how to become a Disney Travel Agent?  So we created this Disney Travel agent complete guide to help you out and hopefully give you a good understanding what it takes to sell Disney vacations.

First I want to start by saying you are not technically a “Disney Travel Agent”  you would be a Travel Planner that specializes in Disney vacations and you would be working for a travel agency.  If you are looking to work for the Disney Company at their Central Reservations (CRO) this is a different job altogether.

• What we are going to cover
• What is a Disney Travel Agent AKA Travel Planner that specializes in Disney destinations?
• How do I become a travel agent that sells Disney vacations?
• What to look out for and what questions to ask to be a travel agent.
• We will cover the skills you should have to sell travel.
• We will get in-depth into some marketing tips, and also cover frequently asked questions about becoming a Disney travel agent.
• What legal pitfalls to avoid and helpful links to do your homework before becoming a travel agent.
• What is a Disney Travel Agent?

In most cases you will need to find and apply at a travel agency.  We will go over what to look for in a travel agency later in this article, so don’t worry.  Also in most cases you will be selling Disney Destinations as an independent contractor and your “Title” will be a travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations, not “A Disney Travel Agent” because you are NOT working for the Walt Disney Company.

To find travel agency’s just do a google search on: “How to become a Disney Travel Agent”,  “Be a Disney Travel Planner”, “How to sell Disney vacations”, and search terms like this.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get into what to look for in a Travel Agency.

• FirstHeading

How to pick a Travel Agency

What are the advantages to being a travel agent that sells disney vacations, what other advantages are there for disney travel agents, disney travel agent (dta) training, which disney focused travel agency should i work with, commissions and commission splits, when do you get paid, red flags and scams, support systems at the travel agency, what skills do you need, seller of travel licenses and legal questions.

• It's awesome to be a Disney Vacation Planner

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• What Social Media accounts do you have?Facebook URL Instagram URL YouTube or TikTok URL Previous Experience

More About You

Doing your research is key.  There are loads of travel agencies that have travel planners that work as contractors offering Disney Vacations and it can be overwhelming.  Start with the owners of the travel agency.  Do some basic research on each travel agency.

• Does the travel agency have a professional looking website?
• Can you find the owners name, address, phone number and email on their website?
• Does the owner answer the phone or call you back?

I know this sounds really basic but you can tell a great deal from the travel agencies website.  If you can’t call the travel agency this is a red flag.  If you can’t speak with them then how are clients supposed to speak with them if there is a problem?  You should be able to talk with someone, that’s what your clients will expect and you should expect.

Who are the owners?  What is there experience in travel and with the Disney Company?

Does the travel agency have travel agents already?  If so email a few and ask them how they like the travel agency, how long have they been there?

We will get into more ways to determine which travel agency is a right fit for you indirectly in some of the following topics below.  Let’s move on.

You might hear that you get to travel for free.  You get to stay at Walt Disney World and Disneyland hotels for Free.  Not exactly.  There are Disney travel agent benefits but if you want to be a travel agent just for the benefits this is not the job for you.  The Disney travel benefits should be looked at as extras you earn for becoming a successful agent that sells Disney travel destinations.

There are travel agencies out there that will ask you to pay them a fee $300 – $500 to join them and in return they will let you get a CLIA ID card or access to the Disney booking site.  This is not how you should become a travel agent in our opinion.  This should be a job, not something you do for a CLIA card.

Let me step back a little.  To get travel agency benefits like discounts on a hotel room you need either a CLIA or IATA Agent ID.  To get a CLIA Agent ID card this is what you need according to CLIA’s website:

CLIA card requirements

To qualify for CLIA Individual Agent Membership (IAM), your affiliated agency must be a current CLIA Travel Agency Member. CLIA recommends that agents generate a minimum of $5,000 in total agency commissions from cruise bookings within the 12 months prior to enrollment.

So to obtain this card they recommend that you have sold $5,000 in COMMISSIONS in your PRIOR 12 months in CRUISE bookings.  IATA has similar requirements but they don’t just focus on cruise bookings.

You will need your CLIA or IATA Agent ID card to be able to register for travel discounts.

Also you need to meet your travel agencies requirements and also the vendors requirements to be able to get the travel deal.  So there are many layers to being able to save a little on a room.

Again, don’t focus on the travel discounts, they are not worth it.  You need to focus on selling vacations and offering exceptional service to clients and help them plan their most amazing vacation ever.  If you do that your sales will come and you will be on your way to being able to apply for a CLIA or IATA agent ID card.

Work at home .  Most positions are as independent contractors (IC) and you can work your own hours and work from home.  Like any job the amount of time and effort you put in will help determine how well you do.

Money / Commission.   You will get paid a commission in most travel agency positions as an IC.  So when someone books a vacation with you, you will get a percentage of the commission.  We will go over travel agent commissions in more detail in this article.

Travel.   Depending on the travel agency you sign up with, you might be offered training trips or FAMS.  These are Familiarization trips that travel vendors and travel agencies do to show you resorts, on-site training, excursions, etc.  These FAM trips can be free or offered at a discounted cost and usually for the FAM cost you will get a room, training, and some meals covered.  Getting to the FAM is normally not covered so you would pay for your flights.  For Example a Universal Studios Orlando FAM can cost around $300-$400 for the FAM fee.  This of course varies so don’t quote us on these costs.

FAM Trips – Also depending on the agency you work for could determine if you get invited to a FAM trip.  If you want to learn more about Sandals and Beaches Resorts and your agency does not sell that much of those properties you might have a harder time getting onto a FAM trip with that vendor for example.  Travel vendors are not looking for people that want a discounted vacation, they are looking for travel agents that truly want to learn and sell their destination.

When you join a travel agency they will get you a Disney Travel Agent (DTA) account.  This is where you take the Disney College of Knowledge Classes, book Disney vacations, read Disney News, and this is your central hub for Disney Marketing pieces too.

The Disney College of Knowledge is free.  You should not be paying a travel agency for access to DTA.  The College of Knowledge has online classes that will get you up to speed on all the Disney destinations and offerings.  Here is the link to Disney Travel Agents .

You need to complete all of these Disney College of Knowledge online classes to be able to take advantage of travel agent Disney offers, like a free admission ticket to the parks.  Don’t worry the online Disney training is not difficult.  You will watch the training section videos of Disneyland, Disney World, Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line, etc and take an online quiz at the end of each section.

You could complete all the Disney College of Knowledge classes in a day if you set yourself down and just go from beginning to end.  It would be better if you dedicated at least a few days to complete the Disney College of Knowledge training classes.  Other Family vacation destinations like Universal Orlando Resort also have online training .

There are many things to look at before selecting a Travel Agency that specializes in Disney Vacations.

• Does your travel agency sell other things besides Disney? If not will you be losing business when your client wants to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise, to an all inclusive resort, book a honeymoon, etc. and will your client come back to you and remember you 5 years later if they want to go to Disney again?

Here is the Earmarked logo for reference

• Is your Travel agency an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner or also known as EarMarked? An EarMarked Travel Agency has passed standards Disney requires to offer them this special designation.  If the travel agency does not have this logo on their website, then they are most likely not Earmarked.To determine if the travel agency is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can go to this website:  http://www.authorizeddisneyvacationplanners.com/   This will not tell you what level they are in the EarMarked program but it will at least tell you if they are Earmarked by Disney.  The agencies are listed in random order and you will have to reload the page several times to see them all.

Every travel agency starts someplace to become an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner so figure out if you want to start with a newer agency that is not Earmarked or an agency that  has already moved up the different status levels.  Every agency at one point was not Earmarked, so understand that you should not solely make your decision on picking a travel agency based on this EarMarked status.

You need to also know that just because a travel agent is EarMarked does not mean it is a good agency.  So do some research and contact other agents at that travel agency that have been there for several years and ask them how they like the travel agency, do they get paid on time, what support do they get, etc.

The reason you wanted to become a Disney travel agent should be to get paid.  Yes it can be fun and rewarding, but it takes long hours and at the end of the day you should get paid for your work.

Every Disney Specialized Travel Agency pays differently but most pay you commission.  You would not be an employee in this example, but an independent contractor that gets paid when you book a vacation for a client.

Travel vendors, like Disney, give Travel agents a commission.  This is NOT an extra cost added to a vacation.  It’s sort of like a finders fee.  When you book a Walt Disney World Vacation Package you get a commission for that booking.  If you search the web you can figure out what commission levels are for different vendors.  But for this example lets say you contact someone you know and they book a Walt Disney World Vacation Package with a room, park tickets, and the Disney dining plan staying on property at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort.  The cost of the Disney Vacation let’s say is $4,000.

Disney will pay a percentage of the $4,000 to the agency as a commission. So let’s say for this example that the commission earned is $400 to make for easy math that would be 10%.  Once the party travels Disney will send the $400 commission to the Travel Agency.  After the travel agency gets the commission check they will send you a percentage of that commission.  What you get depends on the travel agency you work for and what they pay their travel planners.  Some travel agency’s pay 40%, some pay only on certain types of bookings, some pay a flat fee of $25 – $50 per booking no matter what is booked.  The majority of travel agencies pay 50% to 90% commission.   So  in our example the Disney vacation of $4,000 has a 10% commission that is a $400.  If the agency gives you a 50% commission split then you would get $200 and the agency would get $200.  This is just an example with made up numbers and percentages, but it should give you an idea how commissions with vendors and agencies work.

The more you sell with some travel agencies the higher commission levels you reach. So you might start at 40% commission and then go to 50% and then to 60% and so on based on your sales numbers with the travel agency.

This is also how travel vendors operate like Cruise Line Vendors for Example.

If you work for a small or new travel agency a Cruise Line vendor might be paying 10% commission to that agency.  As the agency sells more Cruise Line vacations the agencies commission level can go up to 15%, 16%, for example.

So your commission split that you get from your travel agency is important as well as the commission levels that travel agency gets from it’s vendors.

Simple Commission Split example:

Agency A – Gets 16% Cruise Line Commission $5,000 Cruise x 16% = $800.00 commission

Agency B – Gets 10% Cruise Line Commission $5,000 Cruise x 10% = $500.00 commission

You are making $300 more for just this one booking in this example so do your homework when you select a travel agency to work with.

Also equally important is what commission level you are getting from the travel agency.  Are they starting you at 40% or higher?  What commission goal levels do they have?

You will get paid AFTER the guest travels.  If you book a 2024 vacation and that’s years away, you are not seeing any of that money until that guest gets back from there 2024 vacation.  If the guest cancels you don’t get paid.

You will need a ramp up period to build a client base and then to book those clients every year and word of mouth referrals to grow.  This takes time and then you have to wait for those clients to travel.  So don’t plan on being a Disney travel agent and quickly quitting your day job, unless you really work non-stop and have an outgoing personality and sales background.

This is called the Complete Guide to becoming a Disney travel agent because we want to make sure you have the best and complete information to make an educated decision.  This section is not to scare you, but to make you aware of what could happen and how to be on the look out for scams.

First, when you got your first job did they ask you to pay them $1,000 to work for them.  No!  If someone is asking you to PAY THEM to Work for THEM that is something that should make you think twice.  Now I understand that travel agencies have costs to cover and even we charge a small fee to join because we have to pay for training systems, and other onboarding expenses.  So $100- $200 to get set up can be expected to invest in starting out.

Why can scams happen – Because you don’t get paid until after the client travels this has led some people to setup and run travel agencies as a way to rip you off.  Maybe they first created a small travel agency for fun and it just got out of hand, or maybe they have a background in doing this scam over and over again.  This is again why you need to do your homework when looking for a travel agency to join.  You can avoid a travel agency that is not going to pay you simply by contacting several of the agents that work there.  Contact agents that have been at the agency for several years (4-5 years min.) so you know they have a track record of payments and know whats going on at the agency.  If the agents are all new it’s hard to tell if agents have left because of issues with getting paid or if the agency is just getting started.

Disney pays Travel Agencies.  If you are working at a Travel Agency and not getting paid and are constantly told they are waiting for Disney to pay them, this is most likely not true.  You can contact Disney yourself and give them your booking number to see if it has been paid.

How the Scam works.  You join the travel agency and sell $200,000 in vacations but most of the people don’t really travel until 8 months or a year from now.  The travel agency also that you work for says they have 90 days to pay you.  So there is this long time line that the travel agency can have you booking vacations for them and not pay you.  When these vacations do travel and you still don’t get paid, you might be told that the vendor has not paid the travel agency yet, etc.  So now you might be owned $20k in commissions and another $20k in future not traveled commissions before you realize that the travel agency has no intention of paying you.

You can avoid all this by doing some research and not just signing up with any travel agency you come across.  Again this type of scam is also rare and just something you should be aware of.

Money and commission levels are important but a good support system is also just as important.

Look for a travel agency that has a focus on Disney and Family Vacations.

Do they have training?

Look for a travel agency that offers FAM (Travel agent training trips).  How many do they offer, when was the last one, and how much was it?

What is the owners background and what support do they offer?

Does the travel agency offer Leads?  Does the travel agency do marketing to get exposure for their agents and to get leads?

Does the travel agency have an account rep. at the different vendors you  are going to use that you can call if you have an issue?

What support is there when you need it?

What is the agency owners background?

More established travel agency’s will have a dedicated rep. at each vendor to help if there is an issue.  You might also have a special phone line you can call to book with certain vendors if your agency is one of their preferred agencies.  This could cut down wait times when you are trying to book a vacation for a client.  Having account reps. also helps tremendously when you have a client at a property and they have an issue.

Does your travel agency have conference calls, webinars with vendors, and other ways to learn and share knowledge?

These are all things you should look for and consider when deciding on a travel agency.

To be successful as a Disney travel agent you need good communication skills.  You will need to put in the hours to learn the Disney Destinations, like Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney.  You also need to be more than just a big Disney fan.  This is a job and requires time to build up clients, keep clients, learn vacation destinations, and time to book and help your clients.  It will take time to get things going and being persistent is key.

You will be communicating with Disney and clients via email and on the internet, so an internet connection and a computer is needed.  A phone number / cell phone is needed and we would recommend a dedicated phone number so you can answer your phone professionally.  You can get a Google Number or other services offer free phone numbers so you can keep your existing cellphone and just change the ring tone.

You should be a people person.  Someone that can take little direction and just run with it.  You need to be comfortable talking with people.

You really should be a salesperson at heart and just decide to sell Disney vacations instead of another product.  If you can’t SELL this job will be difficult for you.  If you know and love Disney, that’s great, but you need to run this like a business and be able to sell the Disney destinations, organize client bookings, plan marketing and social media posts, attend local events and get out in your community or virtual community.

If you are the go to person at your church, school, business, or other clubs / events, you will have a base of customers to plan vacations for.

Technology skills are also helpful.  Posting on social media, marketing, emailing, etc all play into you being successful as a Disney travel planner.

Another Heads up section that is not so much fun to talk about but needs to be covered so you are aware.

I am not a lawyer so I would recommend you contact a travel lawyer, but here is how I understand the Seller of Travel Licenses requirements for Florida and California.

To sell travel your travel agency is required to have a sellers of travel license in certain states.  For example you should see Florida Sellers of Travel Ref No STXXXXX at the bottom of the travel agencies website and also CST XXXXXXXX for California’s Seller of Travel Licenses.  If you don’t see these on their website that travel agency can not market anyplace that a FL or CA resident might see a vacation offer.

With the Internet a consumer in FL and CA can see a travel offer anyplace.  So then it seems to reason the every travel agency needs to have this license.

If a resident from Florida or California sees a post, website, Facebook post or anything offering travel services, vacations, deals, that agency can be fined or worse.  If you as an independent contractor sell travel to anyone in these states you might come across issues.

How can you determine if the travel agency is registered in California?  Here is the CA Sellers of Travel Website Information:

“California requires all sellers of travel to register with the Attorney General’s Office and to display the registration number on all advertising. While not assuring that a company is reputable, a valid registration signals that the seller of travel has at least followed the law to be registered.”

Read more at the California Seller of Travel Website.

Check to make sure the travel agency has a CA Seller of Travel Licenses here.

From the CA Sellers of Travel Website:

“When you’re at a travel agency, ask to see the seller of travel’s registration acknowledgement — a one-page document issued by the Attorney General’s Seller of Travel Program. Be sure to check the expiration date to determine whether the registration is still valid.

You also may use the “ Seller Search ” feature on this website to assist you in determining whether a seller of travel is registered with our office. Since there are many similar seller of travel names, please spell out the full name and address of the company.”

From the Florida Sellers of Travel Website:

https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Sellers-of-Travel

“The sellers of travel law requires any person or business that is a seller or promoter of travel-related services to register annually with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), unless exempt. Sellers of travel are required to provide proof of assurance in the form of a performance bond, in an amount not to exceed $25,000, or $50,000 if they sell vacation certificates.

FDACS is authorized to collect registration fees and impose penalties for noncompliance of the law.”

Check to make sure the travel agency has their FL Seller of Travel License here.

Also you should make sure your travel agency has E&O Insurance.  This is Errors and Omissions Insurance.  They should be able to show you the current years binder page.

It’s awesome to be a Disney Vacation Planner

There is so much information here and some of it can be daunting, but being a travel agent that specialists in Disney vacations is also so much fun.  Yes it is work, but it can be rewarding planning vacations to the most magical place on earth.

If you would like to apply at Pixie Vacations please fill out our application form.

Application form Pixie Vacations

Step 1 of 3

What Social Media accounts do you have?

Previous experience.

Are there Disney classes for non-agents? I’ve been an agent in the past, however not a strictly Disney agent. I’m having a hard time trying g to get an agent position but would love to take classes.

Hi, The DTA classes are just for travel agents.

i would like to apply to be a travel agent

Hi, Christine,

Please write to [email protected] and be sure to include information about your qualifications, sales experience, networking or how you would generate vacation sales, etc. Thanks.

I have already completed the Disney training but would love to work with Disney vacations I am certified in cruises but really want Disney exclusively

Hi, Tammy, Please fill out the form enclosed if you have not already. Have an awesome day! 🙂

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

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If you love the Disney theme parks as well as traveling, perhaps you have thought about becoming a Disney travel agent . But getting started in a new profession is easier said than done, so what steps do you have to take if you want to sell Disney vacations?

In this post, we are going to show you exactly what you need to know to become a Disney Travel Agent including all the perks and benefits you can get from being one.

We’ll cover how much you need to work, how much money Disney travel agents make, how you get paid, and what requirements you need to fulfill to make this your line of work. After all, with Disney vacations getting more and more complicated, guests always need someone to explain it all to them and to make the vacation planning process much easier and less stressful.

We’ll also show you what to look for in a Disney travel agency, how to prepare for your interview, what scams to be careful of, and the challenges you will face in this profession.

Of course, it’s not a dream job for everyone, and just because you love Disney, it doesn’t mean that you should necessarily make it your full-time job, so we’ll go over all the advantages and disadvantages of joining this profession and who is really best-suited for it.

Still, making money by doing what you love can be both thrilling and greatly rewarding so if Disney is your passion it may be the perfect career path for you either in a part-time capacity as a side hustle or to make a full-time income. If that is the case, we’ll cover what you need to know here.

Instead, if you don’t want to become an Authorized Disney Travel Planner yourself but are looking for one to help plan your next Disney trip, we highly recommend Show You the World Travel . They can help you get the best prices, they have amazing customer service and they are 100% FREE to use.

Before we get started, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest Disney vacation planning tips including how to save money, where to stay, and the best things to do, which would be very helpful to know if you are planning on becoming a Disney travel agent. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Table of Contents

What is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Travel Agent)?

An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is basically a travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations.  However, there is much more to it than just that.

The days of using the term “travel agent” are almost as old as the days of the dinosaurs, and Disney has adequately prepared vacation planners to be equipped with modern technologies to meet a different age of clients in the 21st century. 

With online booking these days seen as the norm with infinite amounts of popular booking sites, Disney utilizes specialized independent contractors who work with an affiliated travel agency. 

Remove the term travel agent from your dictionary and instead replace it with Disney Vacation Planner. These planners are specialized to deal specifically with Disney Vacations, from cruises to Disney World trips to Disneyland trips to Adventures by Disney trips. And the list goes on and on. 

These “travel agents” can book Disney vacations for guests over the phone, over the Internet, or through emails. They are NOT Disney employees and are instead independent contractors. 

What Perks Do You Get as a Disney Travel Agent?

Working as a Disney Travel Agent or Vacation Planner brings a number of tremendous benefits, especially if the agent is a big Disney fan. Here are some of our absolute favorite perks you get: 

Benefit #1 – Get Paid to Talk about Disney

If you love Disney, there are a few things you can do that are more enjoyable than talking about and helping other Disney fans plan the trips of their lives! You get to immerse yourself in Disney every day, talking about and researching the various different Disney Destinations. 

And if you love what you do, what can top that?!

Benefit #2 – Flexible Schedules 

While you do work for an agency as a Disney Travel Agent, you’re more or less your own boss. That means that you don’t have to have a set schedule and you can work your Disney Travel Business around your own schedule. 

You will likely need to accommodate your client’s schedules if you want to have success while meeting different Disney deadlines such as the 60-day mark for dining reservations . 

Many clients also will reach out to you in the early morning hours or late in the evenings, and you’ll likely want to get back to clients quickly if you want them to use you again, so you’ll need to be flexible and adaptable.

Benefit #3 – Work from Home 

One of the beautiful things about being a Disney Travel Agent is that you’ll do the bulk of your work likely at your home and while on the computer. Forget about dealing with traffic or long commutes to work!

You will likely need to take some phone calls and don’t necessarily need to be home for that, but the majority of your work will be booking for guests via emails and Disney booking sites. 

Benefit #4 – Set Your Own Hours 

Another amazing benefit as a Disney Travel Agent is that you can set your own hours. There is no clock to punch or someone telling you exactly when you need to work.

If you want to sleep in and wake up on the later side, go ahead! If you want to stay up late helping guests, you can do that too. 

Benefit #5 – Training Opportunities

As a Disney Travel Agent, you will have access to The College of Disney Knowledge so you can learn all about selling Disney properties. Your individual agency might also have other online and in-person training opportunities to expand your selling and destination knowledge. 

Benefit #6 – Personal Travel and Discounts 

Agencies offer different discount opportunities and even free park tickets at times, depending on your progress and sales. If you reach eligible qualifications you can get some nice travel incentives. 

Benefit #7 – Tax Deductions 

Since you’ll be an independent contractor, you’ll likely be able to get a number of different business deductions including portions of your Disney trips, internet costs, computer, and even potentially some of the cost of your home office.

*It’s always best to consult with a tax advisor for the current laws in your state before you begin writing things off. 

Benefit #8 – Make a good income 

If you treat your Disney Travel business like a real business, you can make a really nice income. Your income is completely commission-based meaning that the more vacations and trips you help people plan, the more money you can make!

If you’re a motivated person that is willing to learn how to grow your business, you can have great success and more money than you can make in some other professions.

How Many Hours Do You Need to Work?

Many different agencies have different views on how many hours you need to work, so it will depend on which one you choose. Many of them expect their independent contractors to begin their careers full-time with 40+ hour work weeks immediately. 

Other agencies allow their travel planners to start as slow or as fast as they want, allowing them to treat it as a true side hustle. If you want to spend 5 hours a week on it, that’s perfectly doable. Just make sure whatever agency you go with, you ask what is expected from the get-go. 

And like all things, the more you put into it, the more likely you’ll have success, and have it more quickly. If you don’t treat it as a business and just do a little here and there, you’ll likely not have the same kinds of success. 

How Do Disney Travel Agents Get Paid?

Let’s talk about the fun part, getting paid! And while it might seem like slow sledding at the beginning as an agent, Disney Travel Agents can make great money!

Most Disney Travel Agencies pay their agents in commissions, albeit some of them have slightly different commission structures. How it works is simple:

• Disney, as the travel vendor, gives agencies a commission on the final booking cost.
• The agency you work for will pass on a percentage of that commission to you.
• This does NOT add any additional costs to a vacation for guests, instead, Disney pays out a finders’ fee of sorts to the agency meaning that Disney makes less money on the vacation, not the guest paying more 

For instance, let’s say a guest books a vacation package with room and park tickets through you. Imagine the cost of this trip is $5,000 in total. Disney will then pay the agency a percentage of this. 

In many cases, it’s around 10%. So from this particular trip, the agency that you work for receives $500. Once the agency receives the payment from Disney, they’ll give you a percentage of that commission.

Generally, agencies will pay commissions between 50-90%. Agencies will raise the commission rates for agents that bring in more sales as incentives often. 

How Much Do Disney Travel Agents Make?

Like with most commission-based pay structures, a lot of that depends on you! How much you sell, the overall cost of the trips in which you book, the commission split with which your agency offers, and the total number of trips you sell will be the deciding factor! 

Some agents make tremendous income, and some agents make no money. It can be a great gig for a self-starter-type person that is willing to put in some work to build a business. 

Are there Minimum Booking Requirements

In some cases, there are minimum booking requirements, but that all depends on the agencies with which you work for. Some agencies have minimum booking requirements such as meeting a minimum dollar booking amount each year and others might expect you to make at least one sale a month. 

In that case, if you don’t reach the minimum booking requirement, you might lose your agent status or receive a decrease in your commissions. 

When Do You Get Paid?

Disney Travel Planners always get paid after the guest travels. So if you book a trip for a guest that isn’t traveling for another few months, you’ll need to wait until AFTER the trip is over. 

And if the guest cancels at the last minute, you unfortunately will not get paid, since the trip was never taken and Disney didn’t get paid from that guest.

As you can see, it’s important to continue to build up your client base initially when you first start. The payouts will be minimal for a little while until your clients begin going on their trips.

Don’t think you’ll immediately be quitting another job the second you start, you have to view it as a business, and eventually, it’ll grow if you continue to build your client base.

If you can keep a steady supply of trips booked, you’ll begin to see some money flying in, and in that case, you can evaluate if the money you make as a Disney Vacation Planner is enough to support you full-time or if you want to keep it as a side-job.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Disney Travel Agent?

Like with all businesses, being a Disney Travel Agent generally requires a little bit of an initial investment. Expenses that you’ll likely have at the beginning include:

• Hosting Fees – Monthly or annual fees for you to belong to an agency
• Registration Fee – Usually a small outlay of about $100 or so to get started with an agency
• Training and Technology Fees – These are additional fees that agencies use to get access to certain programs and emails that allow you to use certain software for your business. These fees can be $50 to $100 per month.

These are the main expenses! Usually, in total, it’s a couple of hundred dollars or so to get started. 

There are also what’s called “No-Fee Agencies” that charge no fees to agents. And while this seems nice initially when you have no clients, they often come with no benefits to new agents. You’ll be completely on your own, limiting your ability to get help if you need it. 

And with No-Fee Agencies generally comes significantly reduced commission structures. These types of agencies are attractive to Disney fans that just want to venture out and do this as a hobby and aren’t fully committed to doing this full-time. 

If you want to make a full-time career or livelihood out of this, you’ll likely be better off finding an agency that will offer you training and all the tools that you need to be successful quickly. While it might seem like a lot initially, the additional training will likely allow you to have far greater success quickly, enabling you to get your initial outlay of money back quickly. 

Make sure whatever agencies you choose have IATA (International Air Transport Association) and/or CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) accreditation. This will ensure you don’t get involved with any kind of scams. 

How to Become an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Step by Step)

If you’ve read through this so far and you’re considering becoming an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , here are the step-by-step instructions on exactly what you need to do to become one.

• You need to first join an authorized travel agency that is registered with Disney. Do your research and pick a good company that offers competitive commission rates while also being reputable and having a good reputation! Agencies that are in good standing with Disney receive “Earmarked” status with four levels of recognition – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
• Make sure the agency is accredited by either CLIA or IATA and make sure they are in good standing with at least one of these organizations.
• Avoid companies that charge significant fees upfront when you apply, and be sure it isn’t an MLM organization that is simply looking to get your money when applying. A good agency will offer you the official Disney travel agent training course called the College of Disney Knowledge.
• Reach out to other agents in the company. Ask them questions that are pertinent to the agency. Ask about the training, ask about the commission structure and the rates, and anything else you think would be beneficial to know.
• If you begin to feel good about a particular agency, then apply online! Fill out the instructions carefully.
• Let the agency know about your experience and love for all things Disney on the application. If they see your enthusiasm and knowledge about the Disney brand, it’ll give you an advantage. Also, if you have any kind of previous sales or customer service experience it is a major positive.
• If the agency brings you on board, then make sure you have a dedicated work area in your house someplace and begin training immediately! 

It Depends If You are Already a Travel Agent or Not

While the steps above are mostly applicable if you’re not already a travel agent and are going to work for a Disney Travel Agency. But what if you are already a certified agent and want to sell Disney Vacations on your own? 

If You are Already a Travel Agent

While being a Disney travel planner is similar to being a regular travel agent, there are some additional criteria you will need to specialize in to sell Disney vacations. First, you’ll need to register for Disney-specific travel agent training on the Disney Travel Agents site .

After creating your account, you will need to complete the College of Disney Knowledge training, which will give you specific online classes and information about Disney Destinations and vacations. 

If You are Not Already a Certified Travel Agent

You’ll first need to become a certified travel agent prior to signing up for a Disney travel agent training course. The certification programs vary in terms of the cost and the necessary requirements. Once you’ve finished the program and have the necessary licensing to sell in various states, you can then register for the training mentioned above. 

*Remember this is ONLY necessary if you will not be working with an agency. 

Things to Look For B efore Choosing a Disney Travel Agenc y

When researching different Disney Travel Agencies, it’s important to look out for any concerns prior to committing to a particular agency. Here are our favorite things to look for:

• If the agency has significant upfront training course fees (more than a few hundred dollars) or registration fees, these could be MLM companies. Training should generally be provided by the agency free of charge. While reputable agencies likely charge a little bit of money for technology fees and insurance, these are never usually more than a few hundred dollars. 
• Check to make sure they have either IATA (International Air Transport Association) and/or CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) accreditation and that they want all of their agents to finish the College of Disney Knowledge.
• Make sure they are an Earmarked Travel Agency. This designation means that Disney recognizes this agency as meeting certain criteria and it also gives travel agents the confidence knowing that Disney trusts and relies on this agency to be a solid company. 
• Look for companies that are neither too big nor too small. If they have too many agents, you’ll likely not get the attention or help you need. If they are too small, they might not have the quality technology or training in place for you to have success. 
• Does the agency provide any kind of perspective client leads to their agents? The best agencies provide leads, allowing you to potentially get additional business, rather than being solely reliant on bringing all of your own customers to the table. 
• Take a look at online reviews of the agency by looking at sites such as Facebook and Google. Do customers have positive things to say about the agency? Have they had good experiences using the agency to book their trips? 
• It’s important to see that the agency provides a good and friendly working environment. Does the agency provide good support? Are the other agents friendly and willing to assist you? A good agency should feel as if everyone is pulling together and you can freely talk to the owner of the company as well as to the other agents. 

How to Prepare for Your Application and Interview

When preparing for your application and interview, it’s helpful to brush up on your Disney knowledge. Each application has very different questions. 

Different agencies look for different qualities and place a certain emphasis on certain levels of criteria. Qualities that they will likely want to see demonstrated during the interview process will be things such as:

• Passionate about the Disney Brand
• Well-versed in different Disney Destinations around the world
• Prior experience in customer service or planning Disney trips 
• Available to put in a lot of time and commitment 
• A social media presence can be helpful, and at the very least the ability to use social media
• Being a tech-savvy person that can easily talk clients through the booking process
• Have some capable sales qualities with closing abilities 
• A personable person that people feel comfortable with on the phone
• Ability to create your own leads through marketing means or a large network
• Organized and detail-oriented to be able to manage multiple clients and keep track of past clients. You’ll need to be reliable in helping customers book things at certain deadlines

These are just some of the qualities that will be helpful in ensuring you get brought on board by the agency you’ve well-researched. Make sure you try to highlight these points during the interview and the application process. 

Go to Disney College

Whether it’s the first agency you applied for or the 10th, it doesn’t matter. Congratulations! Make sure you have a great feel and excitement for the agency which hires you. If you’re going to devote years to building your business to this agency, you’ll be happiest if you love the agency.

Once you are hired and decide to take the position, you can begin Disney College! Training is done online and can usually begin immediately. The College of Disney Knowledge will help agents on each of the different destinations they offer including Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. 

The college sessions are done over Powerpoint presentations with voice-overs and you’ll be watching videos and visiting the Disney Travel Agent website for additional references. 

Take the course slowly, even though it’s only about 24 hours in total. Each lesson has a quiz and you’ll need to complete each of the core lessons and then take a 50-question quiz. It’s best to take notes if it’s something you’ll likely forget. 

You’ll be expected to know all of the different aspects of a Disney trip such as tickets, resorts, lands, parades, shows, etc…, which are crucial when you are answering questions from your clients.

Get Hired and Start Booking Vacations

After completing The College of Disney Knowledge and getting your IATA number, you can begin your travel agent career and book your very first Disney Vacation! Learn the ropes as you go, and you’ll feel more and more comfortable as you dive in and continue to follow any necessary training programs and support that the agency provides as well. 

You’ll likely want to build your social media accounts and start building an audience on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Do Disney Travel Agents Get Free Trips?

The number one question I hear people ask is if Disney Travel Agents get to go on Disney vacations for free. While that would be AMAZING, generally speaking, the answer is no. 

Disney does not offer free trips to travel agents, although they do sometimes offer discounts on certain things such as the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney. They might also receive benefits when booking different vacations such as receiving additional perks such as a room upgrade. 

In addition to that, many of the different agencies offer incentives for their agents that have high volumes of sales giving them free perks at times such as free park tickets or a hotel night. These aren’t provided directly by Disney, but if you are a high performer, you may get some free stuff!

Scams to Look Out for

There are a few additional things you need to look out for so you don’t get scammed: 

• If you’re told that you got the job but they then proceed to ask for $500 to work for them, it’s likely a scam
• If you’re working for a travel agency and aren’t getting paid, even AFTER your guest goes on their trip, it’s likely a scam
• If you see things such as membership fees, training fees, registration fees, or affiliate fees, it’s likely a scam

Can You Be a Disney Travel Agent Without an Agency?

Yes, you can be a Disney Travel Agent without an agency, but it’s complicated and will require additional work and money. 

You will need many different certificates and licenses that the various different agencies already have in place for you to work with different suppliers in different states. It’s a far greater risk and requires a much greater outlay of money and resources initially. 

Instead, if you work with an agency, you’ll be able to operate under their licenses which makes things much easier.

Can You Offer Disney Vacations and Experiences?

Yes! Once you’re an official Authorized Disney Travel Agent you can book Disney trips to all of the different Disney destinations, but you can also book other types of travel as well. This can range from hotels to cruises to Adventures by Disney Tours all over the world! 

You can also specialize in other forms of travel outside of the Disney Parks by adding other things to your repertoire such as Universal Studios, or thousands of other travel destinations as well! 

Many of the different travel agencies will offer free training courses to help their agents learn about different destinations and have the ability to specialize in other popular vacation destinations both domestically and internationally. 

Challenges You Face As a Disney Travel Agent

And while being a Disney Travel Agent has significant perks, it doesn’t mean it’s perfect all the time. There will be challenges and hurdles for new agents, especially in the early stages. What are these? 

• Finding Clients – It can be challenging to grow your initial customer base. You’ll likely need to be active on social media and talk up your services to people you meet. Finding prospective clients is the lifeblood of your business and if you can’t find customers, you’re not going to make money. The good news is most agencies offer great training to help you find buyers.
• Continuous Education – Disney news comes out practically by the hour, and keeping up with all the latest happenings both at Walt Disney World and Disneyland can be a full-time job in and of itself! Imagine keeping up with all of the Disney Parks around the world and potentially other vacation destinations. You’ll need to keep educated to fully assist your customers on their trips.
• Working around Clients’ Schedules – Just because you CAN work when you want, doesn’t mean that’s in the best interests of your clients. Some clients have vastly different schedules than you, and you’ll have to meet their demands and work around when they have time to talk.
• Distractions at Home – While working from home is wonderful most of the time, if you have children or distractions at home, it can be easy to lose track of what you need to get done, wasting valuable time that could be spent building your business.
• Monthly Fees – You will likely have some monthly fees, such as technology fees and insurance fees when working with an agency. While these aren’t much, when you aren’t making any money your first few months, it could set you back a little.
• Taxes – We love tax deductions by being an independent contractor, but if you’re not used to it, you’ll need to keep better track of your expenses and your income. You’ll likely want to set aside 25-30% of any income you make to pay taxes since commissions are NOT taxed. 

How to Choose a Disney-Focused Travel Agency?

While it’s important to choose a Disney Focused Travel Agency to partner with since you want Disney to be your main specialization, there are some other factors to consider when picking an agency. 

• Does the Disney Travel Agency have ‘Earmarked Status?’ If it does, that’s a major positive. While this isn’t a dealbreaker since it’s possible the company you are looking at hasn’t been around long enough for it to get this status. 
• Does the agency offer the ability to book other forms of travel for guests that choose NOT to book a Disney trip? Are these destinations that interest you, and do they offer training for these locales? 
• How long has the agency been in business? What are their reviews like on social media? 
• Is the agency owner freely available for you to speak to? Are there successful agents that you can speak to? 

Once you get a good feel for a potential agency, at that point it’s worth applying! Remember, there are a lot of agencies, and don’t accept the job if you’re not 100% convinced of the agency’s credentials.

The Best Disney Travel Agency

After explaining everything to look for and be aware of if you are planning to become an Authorized Disney Travel Planner, which agency do we recommend the most? To us, that is a no-brainer… Show You the World Travel .

You probably know that we recommend Show You the World Travel to our readers who need help planning their trips, but they are just as good of a company to work for as they are at planning guests’ trips.

If you are interested in becoming a Disney Travel Agent, go to their website here and contact the owner Rene Cittadino who will be happy to talk with you and see if it’s a good fit.

In fact, we have a friend who learned about them through this website and actually started working for them as a Disney travel agent, and she absolutely loves everything about it. She confirmed to us they are a great company to work for and they cover all the checkpoints we went over earlier in this article.

With her testimony, I am confident to recommend them to anyone wanting to start selling Disney vacations.

And if you are planning a Disney trip soon, please reach out to the friendly group of experts they already have working as agents. They will make your trip planning experience stress-free and help you every step of the way! Fill out a free request here .

Ready to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation?

If you feel overwhelmed planning a Disney vacation, use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel . They are experts on every Disney location and can tell you where to stay, what to do, how to save money, and give you personalized service for your most magical vacation ever!

That wraps up our look at how to become an Authorized Disney Travel Planner. If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our guide to becoming an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner…

• What is your favorite benefit of being a Disney travel agent?
• What important tips have you learned over the years that can help others if they want to become one?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂

My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.

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Table of Contents

Why become a Disney trip planner?

How to become a disney travel agent, save money as a disney vacation planner, how much do disney travel agents make, final thoughts on becoming a disney travel agent.

If you’re a fan of Disney and you like to travel, it’s possible for you to combine these passions into a career or side hustle. By becoming a Disney travel agent, you can earn money by making bookings for clients and also save on your own Disney adventures.

Here's a look at how to become a Disney travel agent and the ways it can save you money and help you earn some cash while helping others make their Disney dreams come true.

As a Disney travel agent:

You can receive benefits on personal travel, such as discounted hotel rooms, free theme park tickets and complimentary Disney cruises.

You control your own schedule and how much you work.

You will be able to work from home in most cases.

You’ll earn a commission on successful bookings.

» Learn more: 10 ways to save on your first — or next — Disney vacation

Becoming a Disney travel advisor is similar to the process of becoming a regular travel agent.

First, you’ll need to meet specific travel agent requirements — but there are additional criteria needed to specialize in selling Disney vacations.

You’ll have to become familiar with Disney’s entire portfolio of products including Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii and Adventures by Disney. In addition, clients may also ask Disney travel agents to book Universal Studios, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line packages.

If you’re already a travel agent , you can register for Disney travel agent training on the Disney Travel Agents website. Once you’ve created an account, you’ll need to complete the College of Disney Knowledge training, which includes online classes and information about Disney Destinations.

If you’re not already a certified travel agent , you’ll need to become one before signing up for Disney travel agent training. Certification programs vary in terms of cost, time commitment and requirements. Once you've completed a program, you can choose to join a travel agency or operate on your own as a small business. At this point, you can register for the Disney training.

Once finished, you’re eligible to become an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and entitled to all the benefits that the designation includes.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Disney travel agent benefits are one of the reasons to become a Disney vacation planner. Perks include special access to discounted hotel rates and other advantages, like:

Disney travel agent discounts

Disney travel agents can take advantage of discounted rates on accommodation and park entrance fees for their personal trips as well. This also applies to Disney branded hotels, in addition to other properties, cruises and excursions that include:

Disneyland Resort Hotels.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.

Adventures by Disney.

Disney Cruise Line.

Select all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

The discounts will vary based on where you’re going, but you can expect to save up to 50%.

Adventures by Disney are guided vacation packages, which include Antarctic cruises, European getaways and more.

» Learn more: What a travel agent can do for you that a search engine can't

Complimentary Disney Park Hopper tickets annually

Businesses want you to be familiar with what you’re selling. After all, the better you know a place, the more capable you’ll be of helping clients choose the right vacation.

To that end, Disney provides Authorized Disney Vacation Planners with complimentary theme park tickets . As a standard Disney travel agent, you’ll receive a one-day Park Hopper ticket to either Walt Disney World or Disneyland each year.

Or, if you want to visit for a longer period of time, you can opt for discounted two- to 10-day Park Hopper tickets at Walt Disney World.

The highest-performing travel agents are recognized by Disney’s EarMarked. This invite-only program grants extra support and perks, such as additional complimentary theme park tickets.

» Learn more: Is the Disney Park Hopper worth it?

Discounted Universal Studios tickets

Cheaper tickets aren’t limited to Disney. As a Disney travel agent, you’ll also receive up to four half-price tickets to Universal Studios per year.

» Learn more: How to go to Disney World for cheap

Discounted Disney cruises and increased commissions

Disney cruise travel agents can also score reduced or free tickets to Disney cruises. Depending on the travel agency you work with, agencies with a high number of sales can earn increased commissions on sales associated with cruises.

» Learn more: How much does a Disney Cruise cost?

Disney travel agents work on commission, which means that they make money only when their clients book and complete vacations.

Disney pays up to a 10% commission to travel agents, depending on the package booked for the customer. Disney cruises yield a higher commission. If you’re working independently, you’ll receive the full commission amount — so if your client booked a $5,000 vacation pretax, you’d receive $500 in commission.

You can also opt to join an existing travel agency. These companies offer more support and can help you if you’re just getting started. Depending on the agency, it can also provide marketing support and send leads your way.

If you choose to join a travel agency , you’ll split your commission. The rate for this will vary based on where you’re working, but you can expect to receive up to 75% of the total commission Disney pays out.

This means that if you had a client taking a vacation that cost $5,000 pretax, Disney would pay the travel agency $500. At a 75% split, you would be paid $375. It’s less than you’d make if you were operating on your own, but it may be worth it for the added support and access to interested clients.

» Learn more: The best Disney resort for adults

There’s no denying that there are benefits to becoming a Disney travel agent. This includes free theme park tickets, discounted rates at official Disney hotels and even savings on cruises. Aside from these perks, you can also turn your passion into a job by selling Disney vacation packages to customers.

Whatever your reason for wanting to become a Disney travel agent, you’ll need to first become a certified travel agent, then complete Disney’s specialized training program.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-3x Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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How to Be a Disney Travel Agent in 2024

Jan 11, 2024 | Travel Business , Aspiring travel agents , Launch a travel business

Love Disney? Why not make a career out of helping others experience the magic that is Disney? Read one to learn how to be a Disney specialized travel agent!

Original published July 2023; Updated January 2024

Here at Wanderlust Campus, we absolutely LOVE Disney! L – O – V – E love it. Florida, California, France, Japan, or out sailing the Caribbean, there’s no better vacation experience than a Disney vacation experience.

Obviously, we’re not alone in our love for Disney, because every year millions of people take their dream trips to a Disney location. The vast majority of these millions of travelers could benefit from the help of a good Disney travel agent, and that’s where you come in!

So, how do you become a Disney travel agent? What do you need to know? Who do you need to contact? Is there a secret handshake you’ll have to learn? Is it all fun and games? Do you have to take a test?

There are so many questions to consider when you want to learn how to be a Disney travel agent, especially in the current travel environment. Luckily for you, today we’re exploring the key factors and insider tips that can make your journey to becoming a Disney travel agent not only successful but truly magical.

Rather watch than read? Check out the video below!

Passion for Disney – The First Step

The first and foremost factor in becoming a Disney travel agent is an unabashed passion for all things Disney. If you're that person who keeps up with updates, loves helping friends plan Disney vacations for free, and genuinely adores the magic of Disney, you're on the right track.

Willingness to Grow – Beyond the Magic

While passion sets the stage, the journey involves more than just the fun and games. To thrive as a Disney travel agent, you must embrace a willingness to grow. Selling Disney is not just about the joyous aspects; it's about running a real business. Understanding the intricacies, liabilities, and varied client needs is crucial. Treat it as a profession, not just a hobby, and be prepared to put in the effort to learn and grow continuously.

Business Mindset – A Key Differentiator

The successful Disney travel agents in our travel school programs all share a common trait – they treat it like a business, not a hobby. Having a business mindset involves protecting your venture, being relevant in the online space, and understanding that success comes from consistent effort and a strategic approach. So, ask yourself, are you ready to treat it like a business?

Things to Consider Before Embarking on the Magical Journey

Before donning the Mickey ears and embarking on your magical journey, consider some crucial aspects. First, decide on your business setup – do you want your own business for maximum commission, or are you open to working for someone else? Take a moment to reflect on your goals, whether you aim for full control over your schedule or prefer working part-time. Making these decisions up front will help you in choosing the right path forward.

Time Commitment – Magic Doesn’t Happen Overnight

The magic of Disney didn’t happen overnight and neither does building a successful Disney travel agency. Consider how much time you can commit to this venture. Whether it's a hobby or a full-time commitment, be realistic about the time you can allocate. Our recommendation? A minimum of 10 hours a week over a 12-week period to get started will build you a solid foundation.

Vet Your Options – Make Informed Choices

Once you've assessed your goals and time commitment, it's time to vet your options. Explore whether you need education, certification, or both. Our free Masterclass can guide you through the different paths to becoming a travel agent, ensuring you make informed choices aligned with your goals.

Top Three Success Strategies of Disney Travel Agents

Now that you know the basics, let's uncover the top three strategies employed by our top-performing Disney Travel Agents:

1. Consistency: The magic lies in showing up every day and doing the hard work consistently. During challenging times, like the pandemic, the best agents were preparing for the reopening of travel.

2. Certification Confidence: Earning certification not only boosts confidence but positions you as an expert. It's not just a badge; it signifies knowledge, skills, and access to ongoing support.

3. Masterful Marketing: Our successful agents excel in marketing. They've set up a strong foundation and consistently feed their marketing machine. Ideal clients are the lifeblood of any business, and effective marketing ensures a steady flow.

As you consider the path to becoming a Disney Travel Agent, remember that the magic lies in your passion, willingness to grow, and treating it like a business. Reflect on your goals, commit the time, and make informed choices. Whether you're dreaming of a side hustle or aiming for multi-million dollar success, the journey is yours to craft.

Wishing you a magical and prosperous journey ahead!

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Here's What You Need to Know Before Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

Do you dream of helping people plan Disney vacations? Check out this expert advice.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

If you love Disney, have impressive knowledge of theme parks, and consider yourself an expert vacation planner, you might have what it takes to become a Disney travel agent. A dream job for many fans of the Mouse, these travel agents spend their days talking about all things Disney and helping guests book unforgettable trips.

Sue Pisaturo owns Small World Vacations , a top Disney vacation travel agency, and has watched the industry grow for more than 25 years — so we asked for her best tips on how to become a Disney travel agent. Here's what you should know before embarking on a magical new career.

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

There isn't just one way to become a Disney travel agent, and the requirements and expectations vary depending on your goals, the agency's standards, and your location. Some aspiring agents want to work part-time to plan trips for their friends and family, while others pursue it as a full-time career. Either way, most agents work remotely instead of reporting to a physical office. States have different laws impacting travel agents, and many of these professionals are independent contractors, so it's important to educate yourself on the applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations to ensure that you and your agency are compliant.

There are learning programs, like the College of Disney Knowledge and modules on the Disney Travel Agents site, that can help agents deepen their knowledge of Disney destinations. But Pisaturo says the best preparation is first-hand experience. Go to the Disney theme parks, stay at the resorts, eat at the restaurants, go on a cruise with Disney Cruise Line or Adventures by Disney, and visit Aulani, Disney's resort outpost in Hawaii. It's important to familiarize yourself with the brand's offerings so you can effectively advise future travelers.

Disney travel agents spend their days helping guests plan magical experiences, so they need to stay up-to-date on Disney news and trends. Needless to say, most agents choose this career path because they love the company — but you'll need to have both passion and knowledge to be successful.

Finding the Right Agency

To be a successful Disney travel agent, you'll want to find the right agency fit, and there are a few basic things to know before you get started. Disney travel agencies provide a service to travelers by booking their trips, and Disney in turn pays those agencies — not the agents themselves — a commission. Each agency negotiates its own commission split with agents, so you'll receive a portion of the firm's earnings, as determined by your employer. Some agencies expect agents to find their own clients (many agents use social media to market their services), while others provide leads directly to agents. Travel agencies vary in size and policies, so Pisaturo suggests that you pose plenty of questions to your potential agency before signing on. Here are her top asks:

Fees: Do they charge upfront fees and, if so, what are they? Find out about any other fees the agency charges agents, including any for training and education.

Contracts: Are there any mandatory sales quotas or hours? Is there a contract for independent workers and, if so, how long does it last?

Agency support: How long have their agents been with them? (This can be a good indicator of satisfaction with the agency.) What support does the main office provide to agents? Does the agency provide leads, or are agents responsible for generating their own sales? Does the agency provide assistance with social media marketing, including information about Disney's rules and restrictions? How often are agents paid commission, and what method does the agency use to pay them?

Agency information: Is the agency an Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and, if so, at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond level? Does the agency belong to Universal's U-Preferred program? (Since many travelers like to visit Universal and Disney parks in the span of one trip, it's helpful to know if your agency works with both brands.) Is the agency accredited by the Better Business Bureau? Does the agency belong to other professional associations? Has the agency been involved in any lawsuits with agents, guests, or vendors?

These are critical questions you'll want to ask before starting with an agency. Of course, it's always helpful to search the agencies you're interested in online and to check out their social media pages.

VIP Disney Travel

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

Discover how to become a Disney travel agent and work from home. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to become a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations. But this does NOT mean being a Disney employee or contractor. This article explains how to take your love of Disney travel to the next level by being an expert in Disney travel planning.

Are you the ultimate Disney super-fan? Do your friends and family come to you for travel advice? Do you follow the blogs, keep up with the latest news and events at Disney? Do you love sharing your love of Disney with others?

We asked Disney travel agent experts to give us the low down on how to become a Disney travel agent and what it takes to be successful – and compiled it all here for you.

Working as a Disney Travel Agent

Getting paid to talk about Disney all day seems like a dream job—and it can be. But just like any job, it’s not all fun and games all the time. In this article, we’ll give you the pros, the cons, and the skills needed. Then, if you still feel it’s the right job for you, we’ll tell you how to start looking for a company to work with and how to become a Disney travel agent.

Notice we said “with” and not “for.” That is one of the topics that we’ll discuss so, that if you do decide to pursue this career, you will find companies that will help you succeed. And how do you land a job without prior experience? We’ll answer both those questions, and more, later in this article.

We also want to mention that there are several titles that Travel Agents go by. They can be called Travel Advisors, Travel Planners, or Vacation Planners—but they all refer to the same job and are often used interchangeably. 

What do Disney Travel Agents Do?

A Disney Travel Agent is also known as a Disney Travel Planner. Although you are called a Disney Travel Agent (or Planner), you are not an employee of the Walt Disney Travel Company. In almost all cases, you are an independent contractor selling Disney Destinations under the umbrella of a travel agency or host agency.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Disney Travel Agent?

Being a Travel Agent specializing in Disney can be a fun and rewarding career. Who would not like to talk about Disney all day? But you need to be more than just a big Disney fan. Read on to learn more about what it takes to be a Disney travel specialist.

This is a job and requires time to build up clients, keep clients, learn vacation destinations. It takes time to book and help your clients with their vacation plans.  It will take time to get things going and being persistent is key. But it can also be rewarding if you put the effort in.

Work from home

As an independent contractor, you can work from home, or any place you like. You can even sit poolside or in your favorite coffee shop. You can even wear your pajamas all day if you wanted.

Set your own hours

As an independent contractor, you are free to set your own hours. You will want to consider that more because you will want to be available when your clients need you.

Training Opportunities

You will have access to The College of Disney Knowledge so you can learn more selling about Disney properties. You may also have access to other online and in-person training opportunities to expand your selling and destination knowledge.

Some of these training opportunities may be offered through your agency. Those are usually FAMS. FAMS are Familiarization trips that travel vendors and travel agencies organize to educate their agents on what various destinations offer.  These FAM trips can be free or offered at a discounted cost.  

Travel agencies are not looking for people that want discounted vacations. They are looking for travel agents that truly want to learn and to sell travel.

Personal Travel

As you progress, you may have the opportunity for travel discounts. Agencies vary on the sales they require before you become eligible for discount opportunities.

Not to mention, any Disney vacation you go on is tax-deductible as a research expense*. This alone makes it worth your time to learn about how to become a Disney travel agent. It doesn’t get any better than that!

*Be sure to consult your financial advisor.

How much money can you make as a Disney Travel Agent? That is all up to you. When you become a Disney Travel Agent, you will get paid a part of the commission for every sale you make.

As someone once told me “Do what you love, and the money will follow.” I have followed that advice throughout my career and it’s the advice I give my own children. Besides, work is something we all spend a lot of time doing. It should be something enjoyable.

As an independent contractor, there may be a number of business expenses are tax deductible. That could include costs of your computer, phone service, some unities, and even the cost of your home office. Be sure to consult a tax advisor for the laws and regulations in your state.

Make friends and have fun

Your days are filled with thinking about, talking about, and researching Disney Destinations. What can be more fun than that!?

Plus, you get to share your Disney passion with others and help them fulfill their Disney vacation dreams. Over time, you may find that many of your clients become more like friends. That’s the real reward.

Do Disney Travel Agents Get Discounts?

Once you have successfully completed Disney’s College of Knowledge, you may be eligible for travel agent discounts offered by Disney such as room and park ticket discounts as well as discounts on Disney cruises.

What Are the Challenges of Being a Disney Travel Agent?

Without a doubt, becoming a Disney Travel Agent can be a fun and rewarding career. However, many new agents are unaware of the hurdles they may encounter while starting a new business venture.

While being an independent contractor provides you with a lot of freedoms, the truth is, there are several challenges that come along with that.

Working from home can be a challenge. It is important to have a dedicated workspace in a quiet area so that you can have uninterrupted phone conversations with clients, especially if you have children or pets.

Just because you work from home, when you become a Disney travel agent you will still need to present a professional and polished persona. Even if you are wearing pajamas.

Set your own hours, but be available for clients

Yes, you can make your own hours, but you will want to be available when your clients need you. You will need to be responsive to phone calls and emails, especially to those who are traveling at that time. They may need you.

The truth is, becoming a successful Disney travel agent includes early mornings, late nights, and “crazy” clients. So be prepared to accommodate your client’s schedule and not always your own.

If you have children at home, or other responsibilities, you will need to balance those with your job once you become a Disney Travel Agent. It certainly can be done, but it’s something to think about in advance. How will you balance your time?

Training and travel

It is extremely important that you keep up with all the latest news and happenings in Disney. Your clients will look to you as the experts. You will need to provide the most current information available and be on the cusp of Disney doings.

The College of Disney Knowledge is a free training program. You should not be paying a travel agency for access to that. However, it is up to you to continually educate yourself. You may want to expand your knowledge of other destinations beyond Disney, such as Universal Studios.

Online is great, but there is no substitute for in-person experiences. Although travel can be a tax-deductible expense* it is typically paid by you, the agent.

Just like many other professions, continuing education is going to help you be more successful.

Finding clients

Having your own clients is key, in fact, it’s expected that you will find your own clients. Most agencies do not provide sales leads, but even if they do, you will typically earn more when you bring in the client. The best way to start finding them is through friends and family but if you want to be successful, you will have to go beyond your core circle.

When you first start out, one of your biggest tasks will be getting the word out that you are now a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations. If people don’t know what you do, how are you ever going to find new clients? That is where marketing comes in.

The reason we list it as a challenge is that many people are uncomfortable with marketing, but it is an extremely important part of being a Disney Travel Agent and your overall business plan. Today, social media is a big part of marketing yourself, but not the only part. We’ll talk more about social media and marketing later in this article.

Customer service with a smile

Disney is the “Happiest Place on Earth.” But everyone has a bad day from time to time. As a professional Disney Travel Agent, it doesn’t matter if you are stressed or if a client is behaving unreasonably. It is always important to put your best foot forward, even if there is somewhere else you’d like to put it.

Also, consider that some clients take more work than others. Becoming a Disney travel agent takes more than just making a sale. You need to service that client all the way through their trip. Some clients are very easy to work with and take a little of your time. However, others can be draining. Some may just be looking for extra advice, some may make tons of changes, and others may cancel at the last minute. And you only get paid once a trip is completed.

But whatever the situation, you will want to handle yourself with the utmost professionalism. It can take a long time to cultivate a client but only moments to lose one.

As an independent contractor, your commission checks will not have taxes deducted from it. It is extremely important that you know you will be responsible for paying the taxes on that earned income.

Consider putting 20-30% aside from each check so that you have the funds to pay the taxes. You may want to consult the services of a financial planner, bookkeeper, or accountant who provide more guidance for your specific circumstances regarding taxes.

They can also advise you regarding allowable business expense deductions. It is extremely important to keep good business records. There are many business expenses that may be tax-deductible, but you must keep receipts.

Create good habits from the beginning. It will pay off at tax-filing time.

Some agencies charge their agents an annual E&O (Error & Omissions insurance) fee – as well as other fees – so be sure to research what you are expected to contribute before signing up to work with a host agency.

Even if your agency does not require it, you should consider having an E&O policy to protect you. Consult your insurance advisor for more information.

Common Questions About How to Become a  Travel Agent Specializing in Disney Travel

How do disney travel agents get paid.

Travel agents make money by selling travel. The commission from booking a client’s travel is typically the agent’s sole source of income. In other words, you will not be getting a salary or paid an hourly wage.

How Much Do Disney Travel Agents Make?

The number of trips you sell, the overall cost of those trips, and your commission split will determine how much money you can earn.

Commission for Disney Travel Agents

The commission amount is based on the amount of the sale. Disney pays the agency a percentage of the sale, typically 10% of the package price (taxes and fees excluded). Part of that 10% goes to the agency, the part of it goes to you, the agent. The specific amount is called “the split”.  There are many factors that determine the split.

Commission Splits

Disney pays the agency a percentage of each sale. For commission is typically 10% of the package price (taxes and fees excluded). Part of that 10% goes to the agency, the part of it goes to you, the agent. The specific amount is called “the split”.

Travel Agents usually receive a larger split of the commission on clients they find themselves compared to leads given to them from their agency.

For example, if the agency provides the client lead, it may be a 50/50 split. However, if you, the agent, brings in the client, it may be a 60/40 split: 60% to you, 40% to the agency. 

Novice travel agents can expect to have a 50/50 split with their host agency to start off with, even for those clients they bring in themselves. As you book more trips, the commission splits may go up to around 70, or in some cases, as much as 80 or even 90%. (The typical percentage splits you can expect to find will be around 70/30)*.

We recommend that you avoid any agency that pays out less than a 50/50 split on your clients. After all, you’ll be doing the bulk of the work and we think you should be fairly compensated for your efforts with at least 50% of the commission.

* For the Disney agency with the best commission splits, see our recommendation at end of the article.

Commission Bumps

Some large agencies, who have a very high number of sales, may get an increased commission on some products—specifically cruises. If you work for a small or new travel agency a Cruise Line vendor might be paying 10% commission to that agency.  As the agency sells more Cruise Line vacations the agency’s commission level can go up to 15%, 16%, for example. (Note: 16% is the highest and only the biggest agencies reach that level).

Simple Commission Split example:

• Gets 10% Cruise Line Commission
• $5,000 Cruise x 10% = $500.00 commission
• 16% Cruise Line Commission
• $5,000 Cruise x 16% = $800.00 commission

Agency B is making $300 more for just this one booking. If you have a 50/50 split, you will get $150 more commission. But be aware —Walt Disney World and Disneyland resort packages cap a 10% for all agencies, no matter how big or small. So, unless you are selling mainly cruises, this may not be a factor.

When researching who you’d like to work for, this is only one factor to consider. Often, very large agencies do not offer the same level of support and personal attention to their agents, especially new agents just getting started. Read more about this topic below.

What Does the Agency Do for Their Share?

It may feel it unfair for your agency to take a cut of your commission. After all, you are doing all the work, right? However, the truth is agency owners do a lot of work you may not be aware of.

Overall, the agency owner is responsible for the agency’s day-to-day operations. Large agencies have several departments and various staff members to handle the different aspects of what comes with agency ownership. In smaller companies, the owner often has to do it all.

The cost of doing business

Some things will vary from agency to agency. Still, all agencies have certain costs that are universal like state licensing, registration and other government fees, business liability insurance, errors and omissions insurance policies that may cover the agents, accounting and bookkeeping expenses related to the reconciliation of the accounts and commissions payout calculations, and legal fees, just to name a few. Not only do these tasks take time, but there are also significant expenses for those items.

There are other significant costs of doing business as a travel agency. Typically, agency owners invest in branding, advertising, social media marketing, and maintaining the company’s website and online presence. And the best agencies will be investing in their agents as well by providing initial and ongoing training and support. That could include continuing education, group meetings, and one-on-one mentoring. They will also work on sourcing the best suppliers and building relationships with them to provide their agents with the tools and resources they need to make successful sales.

Plus, they will be the ones you go to whenever you have a question or need answers on how to handle client issues. In some cases, they will even intervene on your behalf and try to mend thing when they go awry. They should always have your back and be your biggest cheerleader.

Be aware that Disney does not pay out the commission until AFTER the travel has been completed. In most cases, this lag time usually takes anywhere from a couple of months to a year or more, depending on how far in advance your client books their vacation.

Once the agency receives the commission, they have to process your payment. That could take several additional weeks. Therefore, expect a lengthy delay from the time you book a vacation until the time you get paid.

Many people who research “how to become a Disney travel agent” may not have taken this into consideration. However, once the payments start coming in, then there should be a steadier flow of income—assuming you have a steady stream of client bookings.

So, if you start as a Disney Travel Agent, be patient and plan to work for a while without getting any financial reward. But keep at it, keep working hard to get clients, and it will pay off.

Am I an employee of the Disney Travel Company?

NO. You are an independent contractor. However, you will be working directly with many employees of the Disney Travel Company.

What Skills Do You Need To Become a Disney Travel Planner?

Product knowledge.

This seems obvious but there really is a lot to know about Disney Destinations. As a Disney Travel Planner, you should know Disney inside and out. And not just one location, and not from visiting once or twice. You really need to be an expert if you are going to be of value to your clients.

You need to know their portfolio of products: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii, and Adventures by Disney. But don’t even stop there. Don’t forget about international Disney destinations. You never know where your clients will want to explore.

Most Disney travel agencies also book Universal Studios, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line packages as well, so your breadth of knowledge may need to expand beyond Disney, depending on which destinations your host agency books.

An effective Travel Agent is very well-versed in each destination. You should certainly know the best restaurants and rides at Disney, but it would also help to be ready with some The Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips in case your client chooses to experience Universal Orlando Resort as well.

But this extends beyond Disney, to places you may not have visited before. That requires spending quality time researching the “ins and outs” of the destinations you are not familiar with. These are all things to consider when learning how to become a Disney travel agent.

Be ready with answers

A client may ask:

• Which resort has the best pool?
• What can I do on a rest-day from the parks?
• Where can I get groceries?
• Can I rent a stroller?
• What is the best nearby beach?
• What is the best way to get to Universal Studios?

You, their travel agent, should be prepared with an answer.

Training is not a “one and done” occurrence. As mentioned previously, it is important to keep abreast of the latest news, changes, and happenings of the destinations you represent.

Good Communication

Like any sales job, Disney travel agents are required to have excellent communication skills.

Effective agents always remain calm, cool, and collected under all circumstances. But just as important, they are upbeat, articulate, and helpful. This doesn’t just apply to phone conversations, but also in written documents including emails, and texts.

Since a lot of client communications are via email, make sure you carefully proofread everything you write before pressing the “send” button. It’s not always easy to convey a pleasant tone via texts and emails, so avoid writing anything that sounds abrupt, angry, or unsympathetic. Clients can be sensitive!

Be clear with your responses and helpful with your advice.

Self-Starter

You need to be a people person. This is a sales job. But if you love what you are selling, it might come more naturally.

You should be someone who can take little direction and run with it. Yes, it is important to work with and agency that provides agents with support, but you need to be a self-starter.

As an independent contractor, you are running your own business. You need to promote yourself, organize yourself, and proactively seek opportunities to build your client base. If you are the go-to person at your church, school, business, or other clubs/events, you already have a base of customers to plan vacations for.

Prompt and Proactive

You may be juggling several clients at once. But to each client, they want to be your number one priority. One way to make them feel you are looking out for their interests is to be prompt is communicating with them.

Return calls and emails as soon as possible. Remember, there are a lot of Disney Travel Agents out there. If you do not respond promptly, someone else will.

You must also be proactive, especially when Disney comes out with new promotions. Another reason clients choose to book with a Disney Travel Agent is, so they don’t have to keep an eye on Disney promotional offers. They know the agent will.

When those offers get released, you need to be ready to pounce! You need to promptly and proactively try to get them that new deal which will save them money. When you can rebook a client into a better deal, you have won them over!

Detail-Oriented

The reason clients hire Disney Travel Agents is to take the stress of out of vacation planning.  As their travel agent, any challenges have become your responsibility.

You must focus on every detail and pay extra close attention to everything when you book someone’s trip. One slight error can complicate or even ruin a Disney trip. And worse, cost you and the agency money to rectify.

Well-Organized

Having a good organizational system in place is key to keeping all your information in order as you juggle multiple client trips at once. You will need an efficient system to track all the key dates, dining reservations, payments, etc. That means both paper and digital files.

Disorganized travel agents are bound to encounter confusion and mix-ups at some point. Keep your information easily retrievable in case a client calls with questions.

When researching agencies, find one who will help set you up for success. The last thing you want is to be thrown in to sink or swim on your own.

Technical Skills

It is extremely important to have good technical skills. Although you can book vacations over the phone, most business is conducted online.

You need to have a reliable computer and printer along with a reliable internet connection. You may also want to consider having a separate business phone line or use your smartphone for business calls. You will want to answer your calls professionally and not accidentally by one of your kids.

You should also have the minimum technical and software knowledge, including but not limited to the following. This is another big factor in knowing how to become a Disney travel agent.

• Computer (desktop or laptop)
• Online web browser
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Instagram, and other social media
• My Disney Experience

Marketing Savvy

This is a skill that should not be overlooked. Other than having extensive Dinsey destination knowledge and experience, this is probably the next most important skill—or at least the willingness to learn.

To a great extent, Disney vacation planners are on their own to find client leads. Some agencies pay to advertise their brand – at no cost to their agents. This certainly is a bonus from an agent’s standpoint because, often these leads can be passed to agents. However, for the most part, Disney Travel Agents are responsible to acquire new clients.

It helps to have a large circle of friends and acquaintances to begin to promote your services to. It is also helpful to have as some marketing savvy to build your own brand. Since your compensation is entirely commission-based, an effective marketing strategy will be key to your success.

Social media presence

An important part of a marketing strategy is social media. You want to keep your brand top of mind so when someone is looking for an agent, you will be the first one they think of.

There are many different social media channels. You need to find the one or ones that work best for you, and that you will keep up with.

Some of the larger, more established agencies may have a prominent social media presence or high Google search ranking, in which case you may get some client leads handed to you. But even if that is the case, your own social media stream cannot be overlooked.

As an independent contractor, you are building your business and your brand. Your brand is you. You want to become THE Disney expert in your circle. But we patient, all this takes time.

Passion, drive, and motivation

I know we said Disney knowledge and marketing are the most important skill, but this one actually trumps them all. But passion and drive are not skills—they come from the heart. You either have it or you don’t. And you need to be honest with yourself to determine if this is the right path for you.

As with any successful business venture, it takes passion, drive, and motivation to work hard towards your goals. Being an independent contractor takes commitment and dedication. Being a Disney Travel Agent is a lot of fun, but like with any job, there will be times that it is tough. You will need to push through the tough times if you want to succeed.

As mentioned above, it will take time to develop a clientele. It will also take time from when you book vacations to the point where you will actually see a payment from that effort. Are you willing to put in that time and wait for the payout?

Most of all, you need to openly share your passion, be motivated to grow your business, and driven to succeed.

What Do Employers Expect of You as a Disney Travel Agent?

When you become a Disney travel agent, you will be representing the company you work for. You will be expected to be friendly and kind, while also being professional and take your work seriously. For some guests, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation and they have worked hard and saved their funds for a very long time to make it happen.

Good Communication Skills

You should have great verbal and written skills. The agency does not provide resources to its agents such as PC, internet access, mobile devices, but these are very essential to this career. Computer skills and being very organized play a very important role as well. You will be required to supply all your own equipment, tools, and supplies.

When planning for a guest you will have to determine from the request and communications what options are best suited for your guest. Just because the perfectly planned Disney vacation for your family is great it does not mean that it is the best for another guest. Listening to your guest’s needs and wants along with budget helps you to determine and make the recommendations based upon what you will learn.

Good Personality

Let your personality shine. Even though most clients are ready to book their vacation, sometimes you still have to be that “salesman.”  That is where have a good sales personality places a virtual role.

You have to work at building your business. Let your community know that you are a travel agent and can assist with their travel needs.  Placing an ad in the local paper and then sitting back to watch the leads roll in is not how it works.  You will need to sit down and make a marketing plan and how you are going to reach those goals to be the successful travel agent that you want to be.  Your agency will provide opportunities to learn all about the Disney destinations, but it will be up to you to form your social circles within your community so that individuals will know that you are ready and willing to help plan their upcoming vacation.

Being a Disney travel agent does take time and lots of work. It is not just a position for the hobbyist. Agencies want to hire dedicated agents that provide quality work and excellent customer service. You will be expected to put in the appropriate time and effort required to be successful.

If you are a person that wants to just sell Disney Destinations that is perfectly fine, but some clients will request other destinations. Consider expanding your expertise to include Universal Orlando Resort, all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, cruise lines, and more.  Once you get a client, they will want to keep coming back to you for their vacation needs and it may not always be Disney.

How to find Disney Travel Agent Jobs

So, you’ve learned how to work from home as a Disney travel agent, and decided you want to pursue it as a career. Next comes the big question… how do you find a travel agency that will hire you, especially if you have no experience?

Disney travel agencies are always on the lookout for new talent. However, they are not going to hire just anyone. If you’ve been a travel agent before, then your chances of being hired are much greater of being hired by any number of agencies. This is especially true if you have Disney travel experience.

However, since you are reading this article, it’s likely that you have no experience at all. Fear not! It’s still possible to get hired as a Disney travel planner with little to no experience.

Research Travel Agencies

Once you decide that you have the skills and drive it takes to succeed, you will want to start researching agencies to work with. You can find agencies looking to hire by searching phrases like “Disney travel agent join our team,” “Disney travel advisor jobs,” or “Disney jobs from home.” You may be surprised by how many Disney travel agencies that are. Many of them are seeking agents to join their team.

After locating agencies, read their employment criteria and see if you are a good fit. Be honest with yourself so you don’t waste your time, or theirs.

As stated in the beginning, you want to find an agency where you can have a valued partnership, meaning one that will support you to be successful. Not one that will leave you hanging out in the breeze.

Here are some things to look, and look out for, while researching how to become a Disney travel agent.

Look for a Support System

The best agencies will provide support, training, and guidance. They will be working to promote the agency as a whole as well as provide assistance for their agents to promote themselves. They should encourage and open dialogs and friendly interactions between agents and discourage a competitive atmosphere.

Some agencies may offer inexperienced agents a mentor that can help you with your first few sales. If you are in a training period, your mentor may get a cut of your commission since they are providing you direct education and training.

Training should always be provided by your host agency. But we mean more than simply access to the College of Disney Knowledge training. While that does a great job of teaching you about Disney’s products, it does not teach you how to be a travel agent, how to work with clients, or how to sell Disney. That is the type of training to look for as a new agent.

Agencies typically charge a fee for that type of travel agent training, and that should be expected. Unless you are a seasoned travel agent, you will need training. If you were entering any other field, wouldn’t you have to take classes or get a degree first? This is no different. 

While you could take classes at your community college, the training offered by some travel agencies is going to be more applicable to the type of travel you intend to sell. Especially for Disney travel. 

Agency Fees

Destinations like Walt Disney World and Disneyland are not like any other travel destinations, which is why travel advisors in this niche are so important. But being an expert traveler does not mean you are automatically an expert agent. Nevertheless, there is a lot to know. Working as an independent contractor under a reputable travel agency can provide the tools and training you need to succeed. And most agencies charge fees for that. 

That said, remember that you are embarking on your own business. Unless otherwise specified, you are an independent contractor. You are not an employee of your agency. There are IRS rules they need to abide by in terms of their relationship with you to keep clear that you are in fact, an independent contractor. Charging fees, especially for training, is one of the things that keep the lines clear.

Fees can vary widely and there are many types. Here are a few common ones:

• Registration Fee:  This is a one-time cost to join an agency. This often covers the time and expense of onboarding you as an agent. These can range from a few hundred to over a $1000.
• Initiation Fee:  Similar to the Registration Fee
• Hosting Fee:  Typically, a monthly or annual fee for you to belong to an agency. These can often be between $50-$100 per month or more. 
• Increased Commission Fee:  Also called a Buy-Up fee, some agencies will allow you to “buy up” to an increased commission. They will offer a higher commission split (in your favor) for a higher fee. If you are serious about selling, getting the higher split can be well worth the higher fee—but only if you are making sales. The cost is typically double the Hosting Fee. 
• Training Fee:  For access to training. (This should be beyond the College of Disney Knowledge, which Disney offers to all their registered agencies for no charge). Training fees are typically a one-time cost. You can expect training fees to start around $500 and go up. Unless you are a seasoned travel agent, you should expect to pay a training fee.
• Technology Fee:  Covers things like access to CRM programs, email, and other types of software for use in your business. Getting this through your agency is often less expensive than getting it on your own, plus it will integrate with the other agents on your team. Technology fees often run about $50-100 per month and up, depending on what is included.
• Affiliate Fee:  Also called Membership fee and may be used in MLM network agencies. (See Lookout for Scams below).

But even with the fees an agency may charge, starting your own business as a Disney Travel Agent has a very low start-up cost. With being able to work from home, or anywhere, the only real tools you need are a phone and a computer. If you are putting in the effort and growing your travel business, these fees will be easily covered by just booking a few trips a year. The rest is gravy.

The Cost of No-Fee Agencies

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you may find agencies that charge no fees. While this is very attractive, especially to new or inexperienced agents, they often come with very few benefits. As a new agent, training and support are critical. Technology, like a Customer Relationship Management portal, is as well. These would be things you have to find, pay for, and learn on your own. And if you are in a situation where you need help or guidance, it may be harder to get.

Plus, their commission splits may be lower than customary to make up the difference. Remember, the agency is in business too, and many expenses come along with that. They need to make their money somehow, which typically comes from taking a larger cut of your commissions. While that may not be a big deal when you are new and not making many sales, it will make a bigger dent in your pocket when you do.

If you are entering this field as a hobbyist, or only want to test the waters, so to speak, this may be an option to consider. But realize what you may not be getting in this scenario. Without support and training new agents need, it is very likely you will not be successful. So often, as a new agent, you may not know what you need, but hopefully, you will after reading this article.

Now, if you are serious about becoming a professional Disney Travel Agent, you would be better served to find an agency that will offer training, the technology and tools needed, and true support to help you start and grow your business, even if that comes with fees.

Think about it… If an average Walt Disney World trip is about $5000, that means a $500 commission to split. The difference between a 60/40 split a 70/30 split is $50. If you are paying a monthly hosting fee of $50, one trip a month and you’ve covered it. The rest is in your pocket.

Look Out for Scams

Legitimate Disney travel agencies will have IATA (International Air Transport Association) and/or CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) accreditation. They would be licensed and registered with the states that require Seller of Travel licenses. Those include Florida, California, Hawaii, Iowa, and Washington state.

Avoid any Disney travel agencies that run a multilevel marketing (MLM) scheme. These types of agencies are more interested in making money off you than making you a valuable member of their team.

MLM agencies get most of their revenue from selling memberships to new recruits, not commissions from selling travel. An MLM agency will rarely tell you upfront that is what they are. Instead, they may use terms like “network marketing” or “direct sales”. If you see that type of terminology on a website, then are likely an MLM business model. They are not interested in your success as a travel agent, only making money from memberships.

Find the right fit

Regardless of the fees charged, it’s essential to do your research and find the right fit for you. Ideally, someone you will want to be with for the long term. You want an agency that will give you the training and support you need in is vested in your success. If they are doing that, and are there to help you grow your business, the fees will be worth it. Like anything else in life, you get what you pay for. 

What Do Disney Travel Agencies Look for in Applicants?

Each agency has its own set of criteria they seek when looking to hire travel planners. Here are some of the most common characteristics Disney travel agencies are looking for from potential job candidates.

Employers like enthusiasm, so be expressive and passionate when you apply for Disney travel agent jobs.

Good travel agencies invest a lot into their agents and set them up for success. But they can’t do it alone. YOU are the one in the driver’s seat. Are you driven to be successful? Are you motivated to market yourself? Are you ready to do all it takes to find clients and close sales? 

✓ Knowledge

Agencies want to know that you are well-versed and insightful when it comes to Disney Destinations and know that you have actually been to some of these places you’ll be promoting. Expect to be asked which destinations you have been to, and when

✓ Previous Planning Experience

Are you the go-to Disney expert for friends and family?  Do they seek your advice when planning their Disney vacations? If you’ve never been a travel agent before, this is where you can show you at least have some related experience, even though it was unofficial and unpaid.

✓ Commitment

Most Disney agencies are looking for people who serious about pursuing this career and understand that it takes time before you will see much reward for your labors.

✓ Availability

An ideal job candidate would be able to devote as many hours as possible to grow their business and be highly attentive to their client’s needs. Morning, afternoon, and nighttime calls or correspondence are common. Being flexible and available is important.

✓ Character Traits

Like any employer, Disney travel agencies want to hire those who possess a strong work ethic, professionalism, ambition, a positive attitude, independence, business-mindedness, etc. Showcase your personality.

✓ Salesmanship

You do not want to alienate potential clients with a bad attitude or a sales pitch or being too forceful. But you shouldn’t be wishy-washy either. Your goal makes the client feel confident in you and to close the sale.

✓ Customer Service Skills

Disney travel agents must possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be comfortable “meeting” new people.

✓ Tech-Skills

A quiet workspace and reliable technology (computer, phone, and high-speed internet) is a must. You will be using an online booking system and talking to clients throughout the day. You need to be sure your computer skills are up to the task.

✓ Social Media Presence

Social media plays a major role in marketing these days. Successful Disney travel agents create a Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram account devoted entirely to market their Disney travel services. Every update will remind your followers that you are the go-to person for planning their next Disney vacation.

Looking for a Recommended Disney Travel Agency to Join?

After all this information about how to become a Disney travel agent, you decided you want to pursue a career as a Disney Travel Planner. You might ask, who is our favorite Disney Travel Agency?

While there are many great travel agencies out there, we believe the best is Destination Magic.

The company was started by agents from several other businesses who felt they did not get the support system needed to be effective and successful. In creating Destination Magic , they are committed to doing it better.

Destination Magic provides their Disney travel agents (called Magic Makers) with the tools necessary to be successful. They engage in various marketing initiatives to promote the agency and provides support to their agents in their marketing efforts. Plus, they pay some of the highest commission payouts in the industry—up to 90%! All this while still putting the prime focus on exceptional customer service.

Destination Magic is currently seeking agents to join their team. They are not a large agency which allows them to have a more personal connection with every agent. Each hire is not only a member of their team but a valued partner striving for mutual success.

Testimonials from actual agents:

“I know I can go to anyone in here and ask for help at any moment in time.” —Bekah Workman

“Everyone here feels like family. All here to support each other and invest in each other’s success as well as the company’s success.” —Will Hanlon

“We all have close connections with you guys (the owners) for any problems that come up. And having that relationship is special.” —Darcy Reeve

To inquire about applying to Destination Magic , visit https://destinationmagic.com/join

As with any career, you should follow your passion. If you are passionate about Disney travel and love to help bring that joy to others, you can be successful. And when you love what you do, it’s never a job. 

Best of luck with your career as a Disney Travel Agent!

Do you have what it takes to

Be a magic maker.

We offer great agent training, tools, and support, and some of the best commission splits in the business.

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The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Disney Travel Agent

Ankita tripathy.

Oct 24, 2023

• Travel Guides

Becoming a Disney travel agent might be your dream job if you’re a Disney enthusiast and love planning trips. Imagine combining your deep knowledge and passion for all things Disney with the rewarding opportunity to help others create magical memories that will last a lifetime.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to embark on your exciting journey as a travel agent for Disney.

From understanding the intricacies of Disney destinations to mastering the art of creating personalized itineraries, you’ll gain invaluable insights and practical tips that will set you up for success in this magical career path. Get ready to unlock a world of possibilities and make dreams come true as a travel agent for Disney .

Understanding the Role of a Disney Travel Agent

Discussing from the tour operators’ perspective, the travel agents establish coordination with the other stakeholders, like the hotel owners, so that the clients do not have to take any responsibility for the same. 

Besides these two major ones, they make the reservations, suggest the upgrades, and deal with the complaints most calmly and diplomatically.

At the same time, they ensure that they keep the product and brand knowledge up to date. It is an impotant part of the service. Now, when you narrow the discussion down to Disney travel agents, they are on the same line.

A Disney travel agent is a specialist who plans and books Disney vacations for clients. They have an in-depth understanding of Disney experiences, including theme parks, cruises, resorts, and other offerings. They use this knowledge to help clients choose the best options based on their budget, preferences, and desired experiences.

What Does a Disney Travel Agent Do?

Disney travel agents provide personalized service to their clients. They handle everything from advising on the best time to visit, selecting the right resort, securing dining and FastPass+ reservations, and planning daily itineraries. Their goal is to make the planning process as stress-free as possible for their clients, ensuring they have a fantastic Disney vacation.

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

This section discusses some ways you can become a disney travel agent. Let’s discuss some of the points that offer you an idea in this section.  

1: Immerse Yourself in All Things Disney

The first step to becoming a travel agent for Disney is to understand all things Disney deeply. Visit the parks, stay at the resorts, dine at the restaurants, and immerse yourself in the Disney experience. This firsthand knowledge will be invaluable when advising your clients.

2: Complete Disney’s Training Program

Disney offers an online training program called the College of Disney Knowledge. This program provides comprehensive training on all Disney destinations, including Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. Completing this training is a crucial step in becoming a Disney travel agent.

3: Join a Travel Agency 

Once you’ve completed your training, you can join a travel agency specializing in Disney. Most agencies provide excellent commission splits. 

Benefits of Being a Disney Travel Agent

Being a travel agent for Disney comes with several benefits.

1: Flexible Schedule

You can set your hours and work as a Disney travel agent anywhere. This makes it an excellent career option for those seeking work-life balance.

2: Potential Earnings

The earnings potential as a Disney travel agent can vary greatly depending on the volume and type of bookings you make. However, you can earn a substantial income with dedication and hard work.

3: Exclusive Information and Discounts

Disney travel agents often have access to exclusive information and discounts not available to the general public. This can benefit your clients and allow you to enjoy discounted trips to Disney destinations.

Tips for Success as a Disney Travel Agent

1: stay updated.

Disney travel agents must stay updated with new attractions and promotions regularly introduced. This will ensure you provide the best service to your clients.

2: Prioritize Customer Service

Top-notch customer service is critical in this field. Be responsive, and attentive, and go the extra mile to ensure your clients have a memorable Disney vacation.

Networking with other travel agents and industry professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities. It’s also a great way to stay informed about industry trends and developments.

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Disney Travel Agent – In Conclusion

Becoming a travel agent for Disney can be a gratifying and fulfilling career for those who have an unwavering passion for Disney and derive joy from assisting others in planning their dream vacations.

By combining your deep love for all things Disney with the proper knowledge, comprehensive training, and unwavering dedication, you can transform your affinity for the magical world of Disney into a prosperous career.

So why not embark on this enchanting journey and make dreams come true for Disney enthusiasts around the globe? Start your path to becoming a travel agent for Disney today and unlock a world of endless possibilities.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Differentiating The Grand Floridian Resort Studio Vs Deluxe Studio

BY  Arnab Mar 14, 2023

The Disney Resort and Hotels are famed for their beautifully-crafted rooms and suites. They vary from one location to another as the theme of the rooms greatly reflects that of the overall vibe of the resort or hotel. As this is not just any typical accommodation, you would want to choose wisely and correctly so that everyone in your travel party will have the most comfortable stay. With that being said, the focus of this article will be on the different room types in the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Continue reading this article to find out the significant key similarities and differences between the Grand Floridian resort studio vs the deluxe studio and how reliable real-estate brokers like DVC Resale Experts can help you secure your preferred accommodation. Grand Floridian Resort Studio Vs Deluxe Studio: Comparison Similarities Of course, location is the number one similarity between these two different room types. Although located in two different buildings, they are housed within the same complex, which is the Grand Floridian. Another key similarity is that both variations come with world-class service, which is only to be expected from Disney. Both room types also sleep the same number of guests, which is five. It is also important to note that the deluxe studio comes in two variations: the original deluxe studio and the refurbished deluxe studio, which was added in 2022. Both have the same square footage, which comes to a total of approximately 374 square feet. Differences The ambiance is among the top when it comes to the differences between these two room types. The resort studio comes with a crisp, easy-on-the-eyes color palette accentuating the view from outside, while the deluxe studio leans toward a more neutral color. Bed configurations are also different, with the deluxe studio having one queen-size bed, one pull-down queen-size bed, and one single pull-down bed, while the resort studio is fitted with two queen-size beds, which may be because the resort studio is bigger in size with approximately 440 square footage. When it comes to bathrooms, you will have to choose between having two showers and a tub for the deluxe studio or a shared bathroom with the resort studio. The resort studio also offers a view of the theme park, so if this is your preference, then definitely book a resort studio instead of a deluxe studio. Grand Floridian Resort Studio Vs Deluxe Studio: Which Is Better? At the end of the day, the right choice will be the one that can comfortably house everyone traveling with you. It will all boil down to preference, but of course, it would be better to have all the cards laid out on the table so that you can consider all factors and choose the best one for you and your loved ones. Questions like are you traveling with kids? Are you with adults who prefer privacy to shared bathrooms? Do you want to have a theme park view? With the similarities and differences between the deluxe and resort studio all provided to you, it should help you decide on narrowing down the best option. Grand Floridian Resort Studio Vs Deluxe Studio: How To Book? With how beautiful the rooms are at the Grand Floridian, you can expect them to sell out quite fast. So if you want to make sure that you can book the room of your choice, best to become a DVC member by purchasing a resale contract from real estate brokers like DVC Resale Experts- just make sure that you select a contract with the Grand Floridian as your home resort. You will be given a privilege in the form of a booking window allowing you to book as early as 11 months in advance. Final Thoughts Accommodations are important. Some people tend to forego the importance of this travel variable, but in reality, it is just as important as transportation and activities. Your room or lodging is the place you will come home to after a long and tiring day enjoying all the activities you had planned out, so you might as well make sure that it will be able to accommodate every individual in your travel party comfortably. Read Also: 10 Things To Do In Madeira Beach In 2022- Tour And Travel Guides The Last Ski-Only Resorts In The USA: Why Do They Still Exist? 4 Fun Trip Ideas To Plan For This Year

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Navigating The Unseen: Exploring The Most Dangerous Country in The World

BY  Sarmind Safi Dec 26, 2023

One of life's greatest pleasures is always traveling. In addition to looking for and visiting the safest places, it's critical to understand the risks and dangers that exist in different parts of the world. This article will talk about the most dangerous country in the world, emphasizing elements like political unrest, crime, and conflict. Travelers can use this information to make well-informed decisions about their foreign experiences. Most Dangerous Country In The World Some countries are known for their beauty. Some are known for their infrastructure and standards of living. And then there are some countries that are notorious for something that scares people away. Curious? If you want to know about the most dangerous country in the world, here they are: Syria Syria is one of the most violent countries in the world because of the devastation caused by the ongoing conflict. With multiple armed groups fighting for control of territory and resources, the nation has become a hotspot for violence and instability since the civil war broke out in 2011. The most recent devastating incident was the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023. Sadly, the earthquake killed over 50,000 people, leaving a terrible death toll. Significant damage affected 116 medical facilities because of the disaster, depriving a large number of people of access to essential medical care. Consequently, estimates suggest that 18 million people require immediate humanitarian aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) revealed that a startling 90% of Syrians were living below the poverty line and that at least 12 million of the country's remaining 16 million people were facing food insecurity. Yemen Yemen, which is one of the world's most dangerous travel destinations, stands on the southernmost point of the Arabian Peninsula. The nation is in a state of civil war since 2015, with different groups fighting for control of the government. As a result, it led to extensive violence, mass migration, and a humanitarian crisis that has left millions of people in need of immediate assistance. The danger facing tourists is increased by the rise in criminal activity in Yemen, which includes armed robberies and kidnappings. At 68.93%, its crime rate is also the highest in the world when compared to other nations. Major Yemeni tribes are involved in criminal activities like kidnapping and looting. They are highly armed and enjoy independence within their sphere of influence. Unfortunately, visitors run the risk of being abducted and abused by these tribes, and they might have to pay a large ransom to get them back. Traveling here is now risky and challenging due to the heavy rains and flooding that impacted most of the cities. Floods have damaged roads and bridges, making land travel hazardous and difficult. It is now impossible to drive in some areas due to completely washed-out roads and collapsed bridges. Over 11 million children in this country need humanitarian aid, with millions experiencing food insecurity and a lack of basic services, according to UNICEF. There are currently more than 540,000 under-five children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Remarkably, one child dies from avoidable causes every ten minutes. Travelers to Yemen run a significant risk of becoming targets of extremist organizations. People frequently get caught in the crossfire of the protracted conflict. Afghanistan Afghanistan is the most dangerous country in the world, as per the Global Peace Index. This dubious distinction is a result of the nation's turbulent past, ongoing conflict, and high levels of violence. The country's high concentration of extremist groups is the most concerning factor. For more than twenty years, the Taliban, for instance, have been waging a bloody insurgency against the Afghan government. Many deaths of soldiers and civilians are attributed to them. The presence of other organizations like Al Qaeda and ISIS in the nation has exacerbated instability. Airports and places of worship are frequently the target of terrorist attacks, especially during holy seasons like Ramadan. Somalia Somalia has established a reputation as one of the world's most dangerous nations due to decades of anarchy and lawlessness. Devastated by hunger, piracy, and civil war, it is a place where anarchy is the norm. An offshoot of the infamous Al-Qaeda, the militant organization Al-Shabaab continues to terrorize the country by carrying out deadly attacks on both government forces and civilians. The situation has become worse, with rival clans and factions fighting for control in the absence of a stable government. The standard of living for the typical Somalian citizen is sub-par.  There is widespread corruption and a dearth of essential infrastructure. Enter this dangerous area with extreme caution. Iraq Iraq is a very dangerous country to visit and has experienced many difficulties over the years as a result of war and conflict. Despite their fall, the remnants of ISIS still represent a serious threat to Iraqi forces and civilians. In many regions of the nation, sectarian violence, assassinations, and suicide bombings continue to be commonplace. Both locals and visitors always feel like they're in danger. Complexity is increased due to the conflict between the autonomous Kurdish region and the central government. It has escalated hostilities and led to violence, further destabilizing the situation. Iraq's infrastructure has suffered greatly as a result of years of hostilities. With many businesses finding it difficult to survive, the economy is hit brutally. Read More: Is Costa Rica Safe For Visit For Travelling? Libya Numerous factors have contributed to the conflict, including the competition for control of the nation's enormous oil reserves. Since Gaddafi's downfall, a number of armed organizations and militias have seized control of various parts of the nation. The unpredictability and danger in Libya have increased due to the presence of extremist groups like ISIS. These organizations committed targeted murders and acts of terrorism. They are further destabilizing the nation and posing a challenge to the authority of any government. Naturally, the population of Libya has suffered greatly as a result of the ongoing violence. Many Libyans are struggling to make ends meet as a result of displacement, violence, and limited access to basic services. Numerous schools, hospitals, and other vital services are in poor condition. While progress was necessary, the United Nations and other international organizations have attempted to mediate a peace agreement between the opposing factions. Read More: Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? – Let’s Find Out! Sudan Following a January referendum, South Sudan gained independence on July 9, 2011. Even with the initial exuberance and expectations of a prosperous future, the nation has had difficulty preserving stability. Political power struggles and ethnic tensions have made matters worse since then. Since South Sudan's independence, President Salva Kiir and his former vice president, Riek Machar, have not gotten along. Their conflict over dominance turned into a civil war in December 2013, which displaced millions of people and killed thousands. Rape, murder, and the enlistment of children as soldiers are just a few of the horrific crimes that have occurred during the conflict on both sides. As a result, it ranks first on a list of the world's most dangerous nations. Famine and disease are widespread throughout South Sudan, making the country's humanitarian situation terrible. Over 7 million people in the nation require humanitarian aid as the UN has declared a famine in some areas. Journalists and relief workers have also been the targets of armed groups. Despite having an abundance of natural resources, such as gold, oil, and fertile land, South Sudan has not yet experienced prosperity from these resources. Instead, as various groups compete to control these resources, they have fueled even more conflict and corruption. There have been allegations against the government for mishandling these resources, with minimal advantages for the populace. Wrapping Up You can be sure that there are lots of welcoming and safe places to call home. Even though there is a chance of crime, terrorism, and natural disasters, a lot of daring travelers visit some of the world's most dangerous nations for the temptation of it. Intrepid people are always ready to take the risk, whether it's for employment, adventure, or giving back to their communities. Don't be afraid to see the world, but remember to stay prepared and cautious. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the most dangerous country in the world, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Heatwaves And Adventure: Traveling To The World’s Hottest Destination Crime And Caution: Navigating The Dark Side Of California’s Cities Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham

20 Of The Best Places To Travel In Africa In 2024

BY  Ankita Tripathy Nov 13, 2023

If you’re here, then it’s settled, you’re a travel enthusiast. But what about Travel to Africa? Are you eager to explore the world’s richest continent, or are you looking to return for more unforgettable experiences? Here’s a rundown of 20 of the best places to travel in Africa in 2024, based on data from the web— with their history and peculiarity, and wonderful activities that people generally do there. These are just a few of Africa’s top tourist locations, for your bucket list! 1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Location: Arusha Region, Tanzania The Serengeti National Park is one of the most well-known and iconic wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is the most coveted of Tanzania’s top National Parks. It is home to the annual Great Migration, one of the largest natural events on Earth, where millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle travel across the Serengeti plains in search of new grazing land. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go on a safari to see the Serengeti's incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and rhinos. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, which is home to a variety of wildlife. They include black rhinos, lions, and elephants. Take a ride on a hot air balloon over the Serengeti plains for a bird’s-eye view of the Great Migration. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 500,000 people visit the Serengeti National Park each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Tanzania. The Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe Location: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia and Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world by the volume of water flowing over it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. Unique and incredible things to do here: Take a helicopter or microlight flight over Victoria Falls for a stunning aerial view. Go white water rafting or kayaking on the Zambezi River below Victoria Falls. Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and watch the sunset over Victoria Falls. White water rafting Kayaking Nature walks Interesting Facts & Figures Over 1 million people visit Victoria Falls each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. 3. Cape Town, South Africa Location: Western Cape, South Africa Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Africa. Tourists get the unique opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Unique and incredible things to do: Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for stunning views of Cape Town and its surroundings. Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, and learn about the history of South Africa's fight for democracy. Take a walk along Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Real tourist statistics: Over 4 million people visit Cape Town each year. It is the second most popular tourist destination in South Africa, after Kruger National Park. Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. 4. Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt Location: Giza, near Cairo, Egypt History: Built over 4,500 years ago, the pyramids are a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization. The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  In 2021, Giza welcomed over 14 million tourists (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Must-Visit: Explore the Sphinx and Valley Temple. Take a camel ride around the pyramids. Kruger National Park, South Africa Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most popular game reserves in Africa. Established in 1898, it is one of Africa's oldest and largest game reserves. For Safari enthusiasts, the Kruger National Park is also one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. Over 2 million people visit Kruger National Park each year. You’ll meet an incredibly wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go on a safari to see Kruger’s incredible wildlife. Visit the Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. Take a  ride on the hot air balloon over the Kruger National Park and look at the stunning and breathtaking landscape from the top. 6. Zanzibar Archipelago, Tanzania Location: Off the coast of Tanzania The Zanzibar Archipelago is a group of islands off the coast of Tanzania. Known for its spice trade, Zanzibar has a rich blend of African, Arab, and European influences. Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and rich culture. If you’re a scuba diver looking for greater experiences, by all means, visit Zanzibar. Unique and incredible things to do here: Go Scuba diving in Zanzibar and her sister Islands like the Pemba Island. The region happens to be one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Africa. Relax on Zanzibar's beautiful beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Visit Stone Town, the historic center of Zanzibar City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a spice tour around Zanzibar’s colossal spice farms. Learn about some of the world’s most used spices and take special cooking lessons directly on the farms to discover the best of East African food. Interesting Facts & Figures about Zanzibar It is the second most popular tourist destination in Tanzania, after the Serengeti National Park. Zanzibar is one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa. Over 500,000 people visit Zanzibar each year. 7. Chobe National Park, Botswana Location: Chobe District, Botswana Chobe National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa and is known for its large elephant population. It is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Unique and incredible things to do: Take a boat cruise on the Chobe River and see elephants swimming and bathing. Go on a game drive and see Chobe's incredible wildlife up close. Visit the Savuti Marsh, a unique ecosystem that hosts a lot of wildlife. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 490,000 people visit Chobe National Park each year. It is the second most popular tourist destination in Botswana, after the Okavango Delta. Chobe National Park is a popular safari destination for tourists from all over the world. 8. Okavango Delta, Botswana Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana The Okavango Delta is a unique wetland ecosystem in Botswana. It is fed by the Okavango River, which flows from Angola into the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango Delta is a piece of hot cake, famous for its variegated wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope. Unique and incredible things to do here: Take a mokoro boat ride through the Okavango Delta and see wildlife up close. Visit the Moremi Game Reserve, a protected area within the Okavango Delta. Go on a helicopter safari and see the Okavango Delta from above. Nature walks Go camping on the 60 or so camps and lodges in the Okavango Delta. Ensure you pick the right tour guide for camping. Here are skills to look for in your tour guide.   Interesting Facts & Figures Over 100,000 people visit the Okavango Delta each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Botswana. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. 9. Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park, Madagascar Location: Menabe Region, Madagascar People say Madagascar is the 8th continent, not for its Geographic isolation from Africa, but for its uniqueness– being home to some of the rarest animal species in the world. If you’re curious about wildlife in the universe, by all means, visit Madagascar. The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karst formations. The stingy are sharp limestone pinnacles that can reach up to 40 meters in height. The Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park is a territory for a multitude of wildlife, including lemurs, chameleons, and birds. Must-do tourist activities here: Hike through the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and see the incredible limestone karst formations up close. Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha Special Reserve, a protected area within the national park. Go on a boat cruise on the Tsiribihina River and see wildlife from the water. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 87,000 tourists visit Madagascar and the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park each year. It is the most popular tourist destination in Madagascar. 10. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Location: Ngorongoro District, Tanzania The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world's largest intact caldera. The crater is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo. Unique and incredible things to do: Go on a game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater and see wildlife up close. Visit the Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where early human fossils have been found. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Ngorongoro Crater for a top view of the entire wildlife. Interesting Facts & Figures Over 600,00 people visit the Ngorongoro Crater each year. It is a popular tourist destination for tourists from all over the world. There goes your top 10 must-visit places in Africa this coming 2024! Add these to your bucket list. Here are some more amazing places to visit in Africa in 2024, with relevant images: 11. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. It is a heaven for lovers of wild beasts and the Great Migration, an endless, majestic voyage of wild beasts —which cuts across Tanzania and Kenya. On your safari tours, you’ll come close to incredible animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and leopards. The annual wildebeest migration takes place between July and October. Must-do tourist activities here in Kenya: Go on a game drive through the Masai Mara National Reserve and see wildlife up close. Visit the Mara Triangle, a protected area within the national reserve. Go on a ride on a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara National Reserve for a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife. 12. Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi Lake Malawi is the third-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and UNESCO describes the National Park as an area decked with nature’s beauty and bounty and also with the rugged landscapes around it.  It indeed forms a  contrast with the clear waters of the lake. Lake Malawi is a popular swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing destination. Speaking of fishing, the area hosts hundreds of varieties of cichlid fish. Not only this, nearly all the fishes are endemic to that of the  Lake Malawi. Remember to practice sustainable fishing! Must-do Tourist Activities on Lake Malawi National Park: Visit the Likoma Island, a beautiful island in Lake Malawi. Go snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Malawi and see a variety of marine life. Take a boat trip on Lake Malawi and enjoy the stunning scenery. 13. Rainbow Mountains, Morocco The Rainbow Mountains are a unique geological formation in Morocco. The mountains are made up of a variety of colorful rocks, which give them their name. The Rainbow Mountains are a popular tourist destination for photographers and hikers. Must-do tourist activities here: Hike through the Rainbow Mountains and see the incredible colors of the rocks up close. Take a photo of the Rainbow Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical colors. Visit the nearby Berber villages and learn about the local culture. 14. Dogon Country, Mali The Dogon Country is a region in Mali that is known for its unique culture and architecture. People here are known for their cliffside villages and their traditional masks. The Dogon Country is a popular tourist destination for people interested in learning about African culture. Incredible things to do here: Visit the cliffside villages of the Dogon people and see their unique architecture. Learn about the Dogon people's culture and traditions. See the Dogon people's traditional masks. If you’re planning for International Travel in 2024, here are 9 great tips for a more authentic travel experience. 15. Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia The Simien Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning scenery and its population of gelada baboons. The Simien Mountains are also home to a variety of other wildlife, including mountain nyala, Walia ibex, and Ethiopian wolves. Unique and incredible things to do: Hike through the Simien Mountains and see the incredible scenery, including the Ras Dashen mountain, the highest peak in Ethiopia. Visit the gelada baboon population and see these fascinating creatures up close. Take a photo of the Simien Mountains at sunset or sunrise to capture their magical beauty. 16. Dahab, Egypt Location: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Originally a Bedouin fishing village, now a popular diving destination. Dahab attracted over 1 million visitors in 2021 (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Dahab is peculiar for The Blue Hole, a renowned diving site that attracts thousands of scuba divers around the world. Things you just can’t miss: Dive or snorkel in the Blue Hole. Explore the Desert of Sinai on a camel safari. 17. Etosha National Park, Namibia Etosha National Park is a large national park in Namibia, reputed for its salt pan, which is one of the largest in the world. The park has now become the top tourist attraction of Namibia with more than 140 000 visitors recorded annually. Beyond the salt pan, Tourists visit Etosha National Park to experience a diversity of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and giraffes. Unique and incredible things to do: Visit the Etosha salt pan and see the animals that come to drink from the waterholes. Go on a game drive through the Etosha National Park and see wildlife up close. Visit the Okaukuejo waterhole and see the animals that come to drink at night.   18. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa’s proud National Parks,  reputed for hosting arguably the largest population of elephants in the world. If you’re a fan of these giant creatures, you should be visiting South Africa’s Addo Elephant National Park in 2024. About 120,000 people check out this park every year. The park is also home to a variety of other impressive wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and buffalo. Things you can’t miss here: Go on a game drive through the Addo Elephant National Park and see elephants up close. Visit the Shamwari Game Reserve, a private game reserve within the Addo Elephant National Park. Take a helicopter safari over the Addo Elephant National Park and see the wildlife from above. 19. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda Location: Southwestern Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests. Just realized we haven’t talked about Gorillas so far. Thankfully, there’s the Bwindi National Park, which is popular for the 400 Bwindi Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns 1. It is also home to many types of birds and butterflies. Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. Stuff you can’t miss here: Go on a gorilla trekking tour and see mountain gorillas up close. Visit the Mubwindi Swamp, a unique ecosystem within the national park. Take a hike through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and enjoy the stunning scenery. 20. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Location: Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania We’re ending the list with a place that’s known as Africa’s roof – The Kilimanjaro. A dormant volcano, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak, a place that attracts around 50,000 climbers/hikers each year. As you hike the largest free-standing mountain in the world (20,000 ft), you’ll experience multiple climatic zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic ice cap. Visiting Kilimanjaro is different from hiking other mountains in the world, such as the Seven Magic Mountains in Vegas, because almost all the variants of the ecological system are traced on the mountain. Not only this, they are also traced to the rain forest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, cultivable lands, and an arctic summit. Did you know? Nearly every climber who has summitted Uhuru Peak has recorded his or her thoughts about the accomplishment in a book stored in a wooden box at the top. Activities you can’t miss here: Trek to the summit for a sunrise view. Explore the diverse flora and fauna along the trails. Need help planning your trip to Africa? Check out our Top planning tips for your next trip abroad. Read Also: Maldives’ Luminescent Secret: The Mesmerizing Sea Of Stars! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

Disney Travel Agents: How To Become An Agent

Disney theme parks are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any other Disney destination can be an intricate task. That’s where Disney travel agents come into play. Specialized in everything Disney, these professionals can turn a daunting planning process into a seamless and magical experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of Disney travel agents and how they can enhance your trip to Disney destinations. We’ll also introduce MainStreet Travel Agency, a premier option for aspiring Disney travel agents, and those looking to plan their perfect Disney vacation.

Disney Travel Agents: An Introduction

Disney travel agents specialize in booking and organizing trips to Disney destinations, including Walt Disney World in Orlando, Disneyland in Anaheim, and other Disney resorts worldwide. They possess in-depth knowledge of Disney properties, theme parks, hotels, dining plans, and more.

Key Services Offered by Disney Travel Agents:

• Customized Itineraries: Tailoring a schedule that fits your preferences and needs.
• Reservations: Booking accommodations, dining, FastPasses, and special events.
• Exclusive Offers: Access to special packages and promotions.
• Expert Advice: Recommendations on the best time to visit, where to stay, and what to do.

How to Become a Travel Agent for Disney

Becoming a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations is a rewarding career for Disney enthusiasts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to kickstart your career:

Learn About Disney Destinations

Extensive knowledge of Disney parks, resorts, and experiences is crucial.

Disney Destinations encompass a wide variety of magical experiences across the globe. From theme parks to cruise lines, Disney provides a range of unforgettable opportunities for family fun and adventure. Here’s an overview of the main Disney Destinations:

1. Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, Florida

• Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Water Parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• Various Disney Resort Hotels and Golf Courses

2. Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California

• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure Park
• Three Disney Hotels and Downtown Disney Shopping District

3. Disneyland Paris, France

• Walt Disney Studios Park
• Several Disney Hotels

4. Tokyo Disney Resort, Japan

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Tokyo DisneySea
• Disney Hotels and Ikspiari Shopping Complex

5. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong

• Hong Kong Disneyland
• Disney Hotels

6. Shanghai Disney Resort, China

• Shanghai Disneyland
• Disneytown Shopping Area
• Wishing Star Park and Disney Hotels

7. Disney Cruise Line

• A fleet of ships offering various itineraries, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and more
• Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay

8. Adventures by Disney

• Guided group travel experiences to various destinations around the world led by Disney-trained Adventure Guides

9. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii

• A family resort on O‘ahu with Disney-themed experiences and Hawaiian culture

10. Disney Vacation Club Properties

• Various vacation properties in locations like Hilton Head, Vero Beach, and more

11. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida

• A 220-acre sports facility hosting various amateur and professional sporting events

Disney Destinations offer something for every family member, from thrilling theme park rides to relaxing cruises, guided tours to exotic locations, and more. Collaborating with a specialized Disney travel agent like MainStreet Travel Agency can help you navigate these myriad options and craft the perfect Disney vacation tailored to your interests and needs. Whether it’s the fairytale charm of Disneyland Paris or the adventurous spirit of a Disney Cruise, Disney Destinations are designed to provide unique and magical experiences for guests of all ages.

Join a Recognized Agency Like MainStreet Travel Agency

MainStreet Travel Agency offers specialized training and resources for Disney travel agents. Their comprehensive program covers everything from Disney travel agency procedures to Disney travel agent login systems including access to Disney Travel Agents and the College of Disney Knowledge.

Joining a host agency like MainStreet Travel can offer many benefits to Disney travel agents, especially those who are new to the industry or operate independently. Host agencies provide support, resources, and often leverage better deals with suppliers. Here’s a general overview of the process and some things to consider when joining a host agency:

• Research and Identify the Right Host Agency : Look for agencies that offer the support, training, and resources you need. Read reviews, consult their website, and consider reaching out to other agents who have worked with them to get an honest perspective.
• Understand the Costs and Benefits : Different host agencies offer various commission splits, support levels, and tools. Some might charge a monthly or annual fee, while others might take a percentage of your commission. Understand what you get in return, such as marketing support, access to preferred suppliers, technology, etc.
• Apply : Many host agencies will have an application process to ensure that you meet their criteria. This might include an interview, background checks, and verification of any necessary certifications or licenses.
• Training and Onboarding : Once accepted, you might go through an onboarding process, including training on the agency’s tools, processes, and preferred suppliers.
• Compliance : Make sure to understand and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements in your jurisdiction. This might include obtaining a travel seller license, insurance, and following consumer protection laws.
• Build Your Business : With the support of the host agency , you can focus on building relationships with clients, planning trips, and growing your business.
• Review Contracts and Agreements Carefully : Ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of your partnership with the host agency. This should include commission splits, responsibilities, termination clauses, and any non-compete agreements.

Undergo Specialized Training

Many agencies, including MainStreet Travel Agency, provide specific training for Disney products and services.

The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth, self-paced online learning program designed specifically for travel professionals who plan to sell Disney vacations. It’s a vital tool for anyone in the travel industry looking to specialize in Disney destinations and products, and provides a comprehensive understanding of what Disney has to offer.

What Does the College of Disney Knowledge Offer?

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers a wide range of subjects, including Disney theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, Adventures by Disney, Aulani resort, and more.
• Flexible Learning: As an online platform, travel professionals can study at their own pace, allowing for a deep understanding of the material.
• Certification: Upon successful completion, graduates receive a designation that recognizes them as a Disney specialist. This recognition can enhance credibility with clients.
• Exclusive Access: Graduates often have access to special promotions, marketing tools, and other resources only available to those who have completed the program.
• Continued Education: Disney constantly evolves, and the program offers updates and continued learning to ensure that agents stay informed about the latest offerings and changes.

How Does MainStreet Travel Agency Fit In?

MainStreet Travel Agency, known for its specialized training and resources for travel agents, incorporates the College of Disney Knowledge into its training protocol. This collaboration ensures that their travel agents have a comprehensive understanding of Disney products and can provide top-notch service to clients interested in Disney vacations.

Why Enroll in the College of Disney Knowledge through MainStreet Travel Agency?

• Expert Guidance: MainStreet Travel Agency can provide mentorship and support throughout the learning process.
• Integration with Other Training: The Disney-specific knowledge integrates seamlessly with other training provided by MainStreet, offering a well-rounded education.
• Networking Opportunities: Collaboration with other Disney-focused agents can provide invaluable insights, tips, and support.
• Enhanced Business Opportunities: MainStreet Travel Agency’s reputation and resources can help agents build their client base and successfully sell Disney vacations.

The College of Disney Knowledge is an indispensable tool for travel agents aiming to specialize in Disney vacations. Through detailed modules and quizzes, agents gain in-depth insights into the magical world of Disney, ensuring they can offer their clients personalized and expert advice.

MainStreet Travel Agency’s affiliation with the College of Disney Knowledge amplifies this opportunity, providing additional support, networking, and business growth possibilities. By aligning with MainStreet Travel Agency and completing the College of Disney Knowledge, travel agents set themselves up for success in the enchanting world of Disney travel.

Build Your Client Base

Building a travel agency client base is a critical step for success in the highly competitive travel industry. A loyal client base not only provides a steady revenue stream but also helps in expanding the business through word-of-mouth referrals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build and nurture a thriving client base for your travel agency:

1. Identify Your Target Market

• Determine who your ideal clients are.
• Tailor your services to meet their specific needs.

2. Offer Exceptional Services

• Provide personalized and attentive service.
• Go above and beyond to exceed clients’ expectations.

3. Build a Strong Online Presence

• Create an attractive, user-friendly website.
• Utilize social media platforms to engage with potential clients.

4. Implement a Referral Program

• Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends and family.
• Offer incentives for referrals, such as discounts or complimentary services.

5. Network with Industry Partners

• Build relationships with hotels, airlines, and other travel industry partners.
• Collaborate on packages or promotions.

6. Participate in Local Events

• Attend community events, trade shows, and expos.
• Showcase your services and network with potential clients.

7. Invest in Advertising and Marketing

• Use both online and offline advertising channels to reach your target audience.
• Consider collaborating with influencers or bloggers to reach a wider audience.

8. Utilize Customer Testimonials and Reviews

• Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews online.
• Showcase testimonials on your website and marketing materials.

9. Create a Loyalty Program

• Reward repeat clients with exclusive offers or benefits.
• Encourage repeat bookings and foster long-term relationships.

10. Provide Educational Content and Workshops

• Offer workshops or online content related to travel planning.
• Position yourself as an expert and provide value to potential clients.

11. Follow Up and Maintain Relationships

• Keep in touch with clients after their trips to ensure satisfaction.
• Send regular newsletters or personalized offers to keep your agency top-of-mind.

12. Consider Specializing

• Focus on specific niches, such as luxury travel, family vacations, or adventure tours.
• Build expertise and become a go-to agency in that area.

13. Monitor and Analyze Performance

• Regularly review client feedback and assess what strategies are working.
• Adjust your approach as needed to continue growing your client base.

Building a travel agency client base requires a multifaceted approach, combining exceptional service, strategic marketing, networking, and continuous engagement. By focusing on your target audience’s needs and maintaining a strong relationship with existing clients, you set the stage for growth and success.

For travel agencies like MainStreet Travel Agency, these strategies can be particularly powerful when combined with specialized offerings, such as Disney travel packages, where expertise and personalized service are highly valued. Tailoring your approach to your specific services and market will help you create a loyal and growing client base for your travel agency.

Stay Updated

• Disney is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new attractions, renovations, offers, and more.

Disney travel agents play an indispensable role in creating magical Disney vacations. Whether you aspire to become a Disney travel specialist or seek an expert to plan your next Disney adventure, MainStreet Travel Agency stands out as a premier choice.

With a commitment to excellence, MainStreet Travel Agency offers the perfect gateway for both aspiring Disney travel agents and travelers eager to explore the wonders of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond. From understanding the intricacies of the Disney travel agent login process to tailoring the perfect Disneyland travel agency experience, MainStreet Travel Agency provides the expertise and care to make every Disney vacation a dream come true.

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Unlocking The Magic

We talk about Disney World, Disneyland and Universal

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

September 1, 2023 by Unlocking the Magic

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent in 2023

Becoming a Disney Travel Agent offers many benefits that can make the role professionally and personally rewarding. Being a Disney Travel Agent means having the opportunity to help families plan unforgettable experiences, all while cultivating a deep understanding of one of the world’s most beloved brands. 

Income Is Not Limited.

As a Disney Travel Agent, your earning potential is not capped. The commission-based structure allows for flexible income that corresponds directly to your level of dedication and the number of clients you serve. The more effort you put in and bookings you secure, the higher your income. This can be particularly advantageous for those seeking a career with financial rewards proportional to individual hard work and success.

Work From Anywhere

Being a Disney Travel Agent offers the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere. With the primary tools being a computer, cell phone and a reliable internet connection, you can manage your business from home, a coffee shop, or sometimes even while on vacation. This level of flexibility is particularly appealing to those who value the ability to set their schedules and work in a location of their choosing.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a digital nomad, or someone who dislikes the restrictions of a traditional office setup, this career provides the liberty to shape your work environment according to your preference.

Disney Travel Agents Are Eligible For A Variety Of Benefits, Including:

Free Tickets:

Disney travel agents who complete specific training programs or meet certain membership requirements may be eligible to receive free theme park tickets. For example, College of Disney Knowledge graduates receive a one-day Park Hopper ticket for Walt Disney World, and travel agents who complete the Universal and U training program receive a free Universal Orlando 3-Park 3-Day ticket.

Discounted Travel:

Disney travel agents are eligible for discounts on Disney park tickets, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. The deals available will vary depending on the travel agent’s membership status and the type of travel they are booking.

In addition to these benefits, Disney travel agents can access exclusive resources and information about Disney and Universal destinations. This can be helpful for agents who are planning vacations for their clients.

Work Doing What You Love.

Being a travel agent for Disney or Universal offers financial rewards. It brings the joy of helping others make magical memories. The work allows you to combine your passion for travel and love for these theme parks into a fulfilling career. Imagine spending your days planning and discussing exciting adventures for families and groups.

This doesn’t just grant you exclusive perks, benefits, and the satisfaction of doing what you love – bringing joy to people’s lives through unforgettable travel experiences. 

Potential Tax Write-Offs

There are some tax benefits to being a Disney travel agent. Namely, any Disney vacation you go on can potentially be tax-deductible as a research expense. This is an excellent perk for anyone who spends much time at Disney destinations.

Please note that we are not tax experts and urge you to consult a tax advisor before writing off these   expenses .

You will have the potential to earn a competitive commission and gain exclusive access to resources and discounts that can enhance your and your clients’ Disney experience.

Finally, the role can allow you to work from home and set your hours, making it an excellent option for those seeking a balance between their professional and personal lives.

Understand How the Commission Works for Travel Agents

Disney travel agents earn a commission for each vacation their clients travel and typically split their commission with the agency. Ticket sales are also commissionable, and those are usually paid out by the supplier quicker, making it a great supplement to an agent’s income. Commissions also vary and are typically higher for those who book more sales or are experienced. Agents also usually receive a higher commission on clients they find themselves vs. any potential leads given to them from the agency.

What to Look For As A Career As A Disney Travel Agent

When researching Disney travel agencies or jobs, there are several factors to consider. One of the critical aspects when considering a travel agency, is the level of support and resources the agency provides. Along with this includes a strong commission structure for you to succe ed. Finding a balance between independence, support, and potential earnings will help you find the best fit for your career as a Disney travel agent.

What Skills Are Needed To Become A Successful Disney Travel Agent

Excellent communication skills :.

Disney Travel Agencies look for candidates who are passionate about Disney, have excellent customer service skills, and possess a keen attention to detail. They value individuals who can use their knowledge of Disney products and services to create memorable vacation experiences for clients.

Proactive :

Agents are always in high demand. They anticipate the client’s needs, staying one step ahead to ensure a seamless travel experience. Whether promptly addressing queries, foreseeing potential issues, or taking the initiative to provide personalized recommendations, a proactive approach can significantly enhance client satisfaction.

Reliability

Reliability is a paramount quality for Disney travel agents. Clients entrust their vacation plans to the agent, expecting timely and accurate information and promptly resolving any issues that might arise. An agent’s ability to consistently meet these expectations can significantly influence their reputation and success in the industry.

Handling stressful situations with grace is crucial in this line of work. Travel planning can be complex, and unexpected obstacles are often part of the process. An effective Disney travel agent can manage these challenges calmly and efficiently, ensuring clients’ vacation experiences remain undisturbed.

This helps maintain client satisfaction and contributes to the agent’s professional growth and resilience.

Experience With Disney Products

Experience in the travel industry and a thorough understanding of the Disney brand are invaluable assets for a Disney travel agent. This wealth of knowledge enables them to craft travel experiences that align perfectly with Disney’s unique magic and charm.

Whether recommending the most enchanting Disney resorts or guiding clients through the vast array of entertainment options at Disney parks, familiarity with the Disney brand empowers agents to bring clients’ dream Disney vacations to life. Additionally, industry experience equips them with the skill to navigate the complexities of travel planning efficiently, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable process for their clients.

Disney travel agencies expect their agents to have reliable technology and be computer savvy. This includes having a quiet home office with good cell phone service and high-speed internet access. Agents will use an online booking system and talk to clients throughout the day, so their technology must be up to the task.

Social Media Knowledge

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to market Disney travel services. Effective Disney travel planners use social media to connect with potential clients, build relationships, and promote their services.

Learn The Ins and Outs Of Booking Disney Vacations.

Mastering the intricacies of booking Disney vacations is integral to providing top-notch service to clients. This involves understanding the optimal times to visit for minimal crowds, securing dining and Genie+ reservations , being well-versed in the various ticket types, and keeping abreast of the latest park updates and events.

A proficient Disney travel agent should also be adept at customizing vacation packages to cater to clients’ diverse needs and budgets, including accommodation, transportation, dining, and entertainment options.

They should additionally be familiar with the different Disney locations worldwide, each offering a unique blend of experiences. Lastly, ongoing self-education is essential as Disney continually evolves, introducing new attractions, discontinuing specific offerings, and tweaking its booking procedures.

Take the next step in achieving your career goals by joining Unlocking The Magic Travel! As a travel professional with Unlocking The Magic Travel, you will be able to unlock your true potential. With our incredible support and access to ongoing training and course workshops, you’ll have the keys to succeed.

Why Choose Us?

Direct access to owners

Private agency messaging channel for help with questions

Monthly sales training and round table discussions (virtual)

Free social media training and courses

Competitive commission splits

Our Desired Qualifications Are:

At least five recent visits to Disney Destinations or, if you wish to specialize in another area, at least five trips to another destination, with at least one of those in the past 12 months

Expert-level knowledge of Disney Destinations, Universal Parks & Resorts, or at least one other travel niche (such as cruising, Europe, all-inclusive, beach destinations, honeymoons, destination weddings, etc.)

Highly motivated and organized

Comfortable with technology and online research

Self-directed

Active user of social media

Comfortable with sales and marketing

Strong communication skills

Strong customer service skills

Do You Have A Passion For Travel?

Are you willing to promote yourself to make others aware of your expertise and presence, especially on social media?

Do you have the time and resources to maintain client relationships and continue your education for the Disney brand and other travel vendors?

If you can answer these questions with a yes, please read the F.A.Q.s and complete the application below!

As an agent, you can earn a commission helping people create magical vacation experiences, all at no extra cost to them.

Unlocking the Magic Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in creating custom vacations for families all around the world. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service so you can sit back, relax and make unforgettable memories! Best of all, our services are 100% free! 

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The comprehensive guide to becoming a disney travel planner.

If you’re a Disney enthusiast who loves planning trips, becoming a Disney travel agent could be your dream job. Just imagine merging your extensive knowledge and passion for all things Disney with the incredibly fulfilling opportunity to assist others in creating enchanting memories that will last a lifetime.

This comprehensive guide has been meticulously curated to provide you with the necessary knowledge to embark on an exhilarating journey as a Disney travel planner. Its main objective is to provide vital information while ensuring clarity, coherence, and a captivating reading experience.

Gain invaluable insights and master the art of crafting bespoke itineraries. Explore the intricacies of this remarkable industry, where dreams transform into reality, and boundless possibilities await. Prepare to unlock a world of opportunities as a Disney travel planner .

Table of Contents

What Does a Disney Travel Planner Do?

A Disney travel planner offers clients personalized services, attending to every detail of their trip. They provide expert guidance on the optimal time to visit and assist in selecting the perfect resort.

From securing dining reservations to arranging FastPass+ options, they meticulously craft daily itineraries. Their ultimate goal is to make the planning process stress-free and ensure their clients have an unforgettable Disney vacation .

Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Disney Travel Planner

1: immerse yourself in all things disney.

To embark on a journey of becoming a Disney travel planner, it is vital to foster a profound grasp of all things Disney. Immerse yourself in the enchantment by exploring the parks, staying at the resorts, and indulging in delightful dining experiences. This firsthand knowledge will prove invaluable as you guide your clients, ensuring their magical experiences are truly unforgettable .

2: Complete Disney’s Training Program

Disney provides an online training program known as the College of Disney Knowledge. This program offers comprehensive training on various Disney destinations, such as Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. Completing this training is a significant milestone for aspiring Disney travel agents, equipping them with essential expertise and knowledge.

3: Join a Travel Agency

Once you have completed your training, you can join a travel agency specializing in all things Disney. These agencies often offer attractive commission splits, making them an enticing choice for aspiring agents.

Strategies That Work: Unlocking Success as a Disney Travel Planner

1: stay updated.

A Disney travel planner must consistently stay informed about newly introduced attractions and promotions to deliver exceptional service to clients. This ensures they are always up-to-date and can offer the most extraordinary experiences possible.

2: Prioritize Customer Service

Delivering outstanding customer service is paramount in this industry. It is crucial to be prompt, attentive, and go above and beyond to ensure your clients have an unforgettable Disney vacation experience.

Connecting with fellow travel agents and industry professionals can offer priceless insights and open doors to thrilling opportunities. Furthermore, it serves as an exceptional avenue for staying updated on the latest trends and advancements in the industry.

The Comprehensive Guide To Becoming a Disney Travel Planner- In Conclusion

A career as a Disney travel planner can be both advantageous and fulfilling for individuals who have an unwavering passion for Disney and a genuine desire to help others plan their dream vacations.

Experience the magic of transforming Disney dreams into reality for enthusiasts worldwide. Embark on an enchanting adventure as a Disney travel planner, opening doors to a realm teeming with boundless opportunities. Start your journey today and unlock a world of wonder and possibility.

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THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

The Modern Travel Agency

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/how-to-become-a-disney-travel-agent

There’s no denying it: The Most Magical Place on Earth is on the bucket list of just about every traveling family out there. But the list of options and variations on a Disney vacation sometimes feels like it's even more complicated than Moana’s quest to restore the heart of Te Fiti (hey, we couldn't help ourselves...)

That’s why having a travel agent is a near necessity for a family bound for Walt Disney World or Disneyland, and learning how to become a Disney travel agent is a great way to earn a meaningful income while helping families make lasting memories together. 

Below, we’ve outlined the ultimate guide to becoming a Disney travel agent.

Looking for more intel? Learn how to become a travel agent and take the first steps to become a travel advisor today.

Why should I become a Disney Travel Agent?

First thing’s first: the job of a Disney travel agent isn’t only for the Disney-obsessed — though we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to become a Disney travel agent just for the discounts on your own trips (yep, that’s a thing). Learning how to become a Disney travel agent is also a great way to build a career that makes real income while helping travelers plan a trip that, for them, means everything. 

While some families travel to Walt Disney World, Disneyland or another Disney destination often, others only do it once in their lifetimes, which means the hopes and expectations are high. Stepping in to help families plan a major bucket-list trip is not just a great income-builder, but a rewarding way to give families the chance to make meaningful intergenerational bonds through a trip of a lifetime.

What are the benefits of becoming a Disney travel agent?

Because these trips are often quite expensive, becoming a Disney vacation planner also becomes very lucrative for the travel agent, who can earn a substantial income even from a single trip. (If you’re interested in learning how to become a luxury travel advisor , the same concept applies.)

But there’s more to love about becoming a Disney travel agent, like…

You can make good income (as a side hustle or full-time gig)

Commissions for Disney can be quite lucrative — and Disney offers them for nearly any experience, from single-day tickets to full vacation packages. 

The commission rates vary by what you’re booking, with better rates for more substantial experiences, but generally hover around three to seven percent for multi-day tickets, and between eight and 16 percent for stays at Disney resorts or major expeditions. Plus, commissions really add up when you start booking for multiple families.

You’ll be able to work from home (or anywhere) with flexible hours

One of the perks of becoming an independent travel agent is that you are your own boss — whether you’re selling Disney travel or otherwise. You get to decide how much time and when you invest in your business.

You can share your passion for travel and Disney

If you’re the type of person who geeks out over the coolest destinations, most lavish hotels and latest Disney flicks — learning how to become a Disney travel agent is probably the right path for you. 

You’ll be able to share the magic of Disney with your clients, curating unforgettable experiences at beloved destinations. From fairytale castles of the Magic Kingdom to outposts from a galaxy far, far away, you'll guide families and fellow Disney enthusiasts on extraordinary journeys filled with joy, laughter and cherished memories.

Can’t wait to get started? Become a Fora Advisor today.

Disney offers fun perks like free tickets & discounts for selling travel

Not sold yet? Disney travel agents are eligible for all sorts of awesome perks including free tickets to Walt Disney World and special discount rates at Disney hotels, resorts and cruises. 

And on occasion, Disney offers special benefits. For example, Disney travel agents who sold three Adventures by Disney Danube River Cruise 2023 reservations received a complimentary cruise to enjoy themselves.

How to become a Disney travel agent: FAQs

So you know you want to plan Disney vacations. But how do you become a travel agent for Disney in practice? How does the process work? Here are answers to all of your FAQs.

Do I need to be a Disney expert to become a Disney travel agent?

Don’t feel like you need to watch every Disney film and series of the past 100 years. Being a great Disney travel agent is more about understanding the nuances of each park and resort while maximizing your clients’ vacations and experiences. 

In other words, no, you do not need to know that Repunzel and Flynn Ryder make a split-second cameo in Frozen , that Maui briefly transforms into Ariel in Moana or that the Pizza Planet truck from Toy Story can be spotted in Zootopia . But…it certainly doesn’t hurt. Adding a little bit of Disney magic to your booking process is a great way to boost your clients’ excitement (and keep them coming back to you).

How many hours a day do Disney travel agents work?

A lot of travel agencies expect their travel agents to invest in their careers full-time (40+ hours per week) in order to start seeing meaningful income. 

At Fora, you can literally start anywhere. Many Fora travel advisors begin their travel agent career as a side hustle, booking everything from hotel stays to cruises alongside a day job, or full-time parenting duties.

With us, it’s up to you whether you transition to a full-time career or keep it as a side hustle forever. That’s one thing we love about becoming a Fora Advisor — endless flexibility to run your business how you want.

What types of Disney vacation packages can travel agents book besides Walt Disney World?

There are numerous types of Disney experiences travel agents can book and earn commission on beyond passes to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, including comprehensive vacation packages at resorts like Aulani in Hawai’i or Disney cruises. (Learn more about how to become a cruise travel agent .) There are also Adventures by Disney, which include domestic and international family vacation packages. 

As a Fora travel advisor, you can book Disney packages and experiences, plus a ton of other vacations and hotel properties outside of the Disney name brand.

Can I become an independent Disney travel agent? Is there niche training?

In order to book travel for other people, you’ll need to become a travel agent — and for those who want to learn how to become Disney travel agents, the answer is no different. 

Travel agents are certified sellers of travel through host agencies like Fora, which hold licenses to sell travel in various states. Because of that, you can’t sell travel on your own (without obtaining these licenses for yourself, which can often take years), but once you become affiliated with a host agency, you’re able to operate under their licenses.

That being said, not all host agencies are equal. Some require you to go through lengthy travel agent certification processes to sign up and learn how to be a travel agent for Disney (and otherwise).

Fora takes a different approach. We have a learning model wherein you can learn how to become a Disney travel agent online, alongside fellow advisors at your own pace. (Learn more about the different types of travel agent training we offer.) And this doesn’t preclude you from booking travel on day one.

We’ve also built a community to make it easier than ever for travel lovers to develop meaningful and lasting businesses as travel agents. And rather than an overly competitive environment where experts gate-keep travel tips from newbies, our community is built around cooperation and inclusivity. Your success is our success, and we'll support you every step of the way. 

Once you become a Fora travel agent, you’ll also be able to use our IATA number to unlock access to Disney’s exclusive travel agent portal.

Ready to get started? Sign up to take the first steps today to become a travel advisor .

What support do I get as a Disney travel agent?

If you’re booking a trip to Walt Disney World or other Disney destinations, you’ll receive a wealth of resources from both Disney and your host travel advisor agency (a.k.a. Fora).

One of the most exclusive and special tools that Disney offers travel agents is the massive travel advisor online platform (learn more about how to become a travel agent ). Consider this website the mothership for Disney travel agents and Disney destinations. You’ll need to be signed up with a host travel agency like Fora in order to have access. Then, travel agents can use their IATA number to create an account. 

This comprehensive resource allows travel agents to find and book Disney resorts (including Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Aulani Resort in Hawai’i), Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions and more. 

Beyond booking, you’ll also get helpful and detailed information about every single attraction available in the Disney ecosystem, like the operating hours of It’s a Small World, for instance, or the exact location of an attraction. With this intel, you can build the most detailed and comprehensive itinerary for your travelers.

Disney travel agents also get access to an extensive learning portal, called the College of Disney Knowledge. Inside the college is a series of courses that give you an introduction to Disney resorts around the world. While it looks extensive, the courses can be completed in 24 hours (but we recommend you break it up so you can really absorb the content). Learning how to become a Disney travel agent does take time, but it’s absolutely worth it.

On top of the typical Disney travel agent experience, there are all sorts of additional support services offered to all Fora Advisors — from our community platform called Forum to live trainings and recordings for you to build your travel knowledge .

In the meantime, check out our insider tips for how to become a successful travel advisor .

Can I only join an EarMarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agency?

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are travel agencies that specialize in Disney vacations. They’re also known as “EarMarked” travel agencies. 

These certifications show that the travel agency has a long-standing reputation with selling tickets to Walt Disney World, as well as Disney vacation packages. However, you do not need to be EarMarked or an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner in order to sell a Disney vacation package or Walt Disney World tickets. 

Travel agents with Fora can book Disney vacation packages while also making income on other types of trip planning, too. That way, you’re getting the best of both worlds (and by that, we mean you can book travel anywhere).

Once I become a Disney travel agent, can I only work with Walt Disney World and other Disney experiences?

Disney is one opportunity among many for a new travel agent. Once you are certified as a travel agent through Fora, you can book many other types of travel, too, from hotels to cruises to travel insurance.

That also means you can specialize in other theme parks beyond Disneyland, like Universal Studios, or book other travel experiences like family vacations, honeymoons, corporate retreats — you name it. 

Fora hosts regular destination training classes online to help advisors get to know places around the world.

Do I need to build a business as a Disney travel agent from the ground up?

The great thing about becoming a travel agent through Fora is that you can decide how much or how little you want to work. Maybe you just want to earn a little income to supplement your job. Or maybe you want to turn this into a full-on career. Y ou get to choose how you want this career to work.

Many Fora advisors start small, choosing to supplement their careers until they build up a stronger portfolio of customers. Others jump right into a full-time career. And others are happy to book a few trips from time to time. Regardless, Fora can help you with suggestions and tools on how to incorporate your business entity, manage tax season and more so you’re never alone.

Can I become a Disney travel agent with no travel agency experience?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and sometimes the best way to learn how to become a Disney travel agent is to just dive in. 

With a community like Fora’s, it’s easier than ever to start your travel agent career, even if you’re starting from the very beginning. 

Ready to get started? Become a Fora Advisor today. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about becoming a travel agent (with an extensive library of existing travel agent training sessions and new live sessions every week).

How much do Disney travel agents get paid?

It depends on how much and how often you book. 

Depending on the vacation package, commissions vary. Fora can help you navigate the various options Disney offers.

Have questions about travel advisor pay in general — like how do travel agents get paid or how much do travel agents make per booking ? Check out these guides.

The bottom line: is becoming a Disney travel agent right for me?

Do you love vacation planning? Do you appreciate a little VIP treatment (did anyone say Genie+?)? Are you looking for an opportunity to satisfy your travel-planning bug while organizing life-changing family vacations for others, and earning income at the same time? 

Becoming a travel agent is easier than ever, and if you have a deep love for Disney magic, becoming a Disney travel agent might just be the right move for you. 

Still have questions? Learn how to become a travel agent or how to become an independent travel agent for all the ins and outs.

Ready to get started? Take the first steps to become a travel advisor today.

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

Become a Travel Agent Specializing in Disney Destinations

If you’re passionate about Disney, have been told you should plan vacations for a living or you plan pretend trips just for fun and want to make money doing what you love, then you already know the travel agent life is for you.

Listen, you’re definitely a pro at planning your own vacations, but planning for someone else is a skilled art. The Agent Prep Program provides students with everything they need to strategically and effectively attract, plan for, service and WOW their guests. Anyone can book a trip, but you don’t want to be just anyone, do you? You want those word-of-mouth referrals coming in and your guests shouting your name from the rooftops creating a stream of new business. If going “above and beyond” is part of your DNA and you’re serious about living that Disney life, but are lost on how to make that dream come true, you’ve found the right place. If you’re looking to learn how to become a Disney Travel Agent, provide Disney travel services, or just find valuable resources as a travel agent, Get Down to Disness is your best partner.

By the end of this program, you will have…

Enroll in the agent prep program today, what's inside the agent prep program, job description & expectations.

In this introductory module, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to be a Travel Planner specializing in Disney Destinations. You’ll discover all the rules to live by and start your training as a focused travel professional. Learn everything about being  Disney Travel Agent from Get Down To Disness

Module Highlights:

Knowledge is power. The more you know going into this field the more confident you will be as you enter it. At the completion of Module 1, you’ll know:

• What type of commitments are required of you
• The expectations of you from an agency and your guests
• What costs you can expect to incur and your earning potential

Trip Planning Fundamentals

Explore exactly how to properly plan a Disney destination vacation from start to finish. Focusing on essential tasks, client service, best practices and tricks of the trade for success.

We’ll be cutting through the overwhelm and all the scary unknowns about your lesser traveled Disney destinations so that you’ll be booking them all like a seasoned pro right out of the gate.

• Walt Disney World Resort
• Disneyland Resort
• Disney Cruise Line
• Aulani Resort and Spa
• Adventures by Disney

Build and Manage Your Client Base

Stuck on how to attract clients? Wondering how to use social media to grow your business? Clueless on how to manage existing and past clients? All the answers are in here. Attracting Disney travel clients can be tricky, let us take the stress out for you.

This module pulls back the curtain on:

• How to leverage your existing network
• Establishing and growing your social media channels
• Effectively selling without being pushy, salesy or annoying

Starting Your Travel Career

Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of planning, servicing guests, selling and marketing your services, learn how to take action to start your career!

It’s time to put your hard work into action! Here’s where we’ll cover:

• Agency types and which is best for you
• Interview and Resume Prep
• Rookie Mistakes to Avoid
• Travel Agent Benefits

Recap & Final Exam

The finish line is in sight! All that’s left to do now is recap, review and reiterate the most important take-aways. You’ll be set up for success after completing:

• Module Highlight Review
• Practice Interview

When you enroll in the Agent Prep Program today, you’ll get:

5 core training modules, instant access to the image gallery, supporting worksheets, members only private facebook community, plus these bonuses to help you instantly look and act like a seasoned pro right out of the gate.

Bonus 1 One FREE Month of the Plussing It Membership

At the completion of the Agent Prep Program, you can join over 400 smart, savvy and successful agents inside the Plussing It monthly membership and get your first month FREE-which is really 3 months as you are immediately granted access to three months worth of content!

(A $197 Value)

What You’ll Get:

Done-for-you monthly content and collateral created by a professional designer with an extensive background in travel sales, marketing and copy writing.

• 100+ images and customizable copy for posting on social media every day of the month
• How-to guides, videos and live chats to help expand your knowledge and expertise
• Collateral library of done-for-you documents to provide your guests
• Bonuses galore: Reels, carousels, templates and more!
• Private member community of the best in the business!

Bonus 2 Bonus Pictogram Social Media Pack

30 engagement grabbing graphics for growing your social media following, getting more leads and booking more vacations!

(A $300 Value)

30 professionally designed graphics to share on social media accounts that are strategically formatted to induce engagement and expand reach. A well rounded social media account should do three things:

That’s exactly what these pictograms do and they will be yours!

Here’s what you’re getting when you enroll today:

The agent prep program $3,000 value.

One Month of Plussing It Membership (upon course completion) – $197 Value

Bonus Pictogram Social Media Pack – $300 Value

Total Value: $3,497

When you add it all up, that’s a value of nearly $3,500 all for the cost of a single college credit.

But when you enroll today...

Customer testimonials.

At Get Down To Disness, we believe that with a little pixie dust and a lot of passion, you can take your travel business to new heights. Whether you are nervous about getting started or are a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations that needs a boost to reach those big goals, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way. Join us inside the Agent Prep Program or Plussing It Membership today and together, we’ll make it happen! Walt Disney famously said “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” See what our community of hard working and dedicated agents have to say about their experience working with us:

Try the Agent Prep Program with Confidence!

Complete the work, show me your efforts and results. If you are not satisfied, I’ll gladly give you a 100% refund.

Run through the ENTIRE PROGRAM and if you didn’t love it, or get you results, email me within 60 days of enrollment and I will refund your money. Full details inside our Terms and Conditions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The agent prep program is perfect for you if….

• You are serious about wanting to enter into a career in Disney travel planning and being successful at it.
• Want to finally focus on something just for you.
• Are eager and willing to learn and apply yourself to creating the foundation for a potentially life-changing career. 
• Would rather spend your spare time investing in your future than scrolling social media or binging shows.
• Have little to no experience in travel planning, marketing and sales but are excited to learn and build a thriving business.
• Want to be a part of an incredible community of smart, supportive and wonderful colleagues that will help you every step of the way.
• Are ready to start earning money doing something that you truly love and are passionate about.

Are you ready to join me inside the Agent Prep Program?

So what do you say? Has reading all of this gotten you excited about becoming a travel professional that specializes in Disney vacations? I’m willing to bet if you are here now, you’ve been thinking about this for a while. Taking the leap into this business certainly changed my life and it’s my promise to help you change yours. I will teach you everything you need to know to begin this new, very magical career adventure and knock it out of the (theme) park!

If you’re serious about planning Disney vacations professionally, whether as a side-hustle or complete career shift, join us! You won’t regret it.

I hope to welcome you into our private community soon!

– Kat

Ask Us Anything

(part 1) embarking on a new journey: becoming a disney travel agent*.

*Your first lesson: “Disney Travel Agent” is not an official title and is frowned upon in the travel agent community. We are Travel Agents (or Advisors) Specializing in Disney Destinations. While everyone else you know

(Part 2 ) The Disney Journey Continues: Putting Your Travel Agent Training into Practice

Completing the Agent Prep Program and officially becoming a travel agent specializing in Disney destinations is an exciting milestone on your journey towards a fulfilling career. Armed with your newfound knowledge of Disney destinations and

(Part 3) Thriving as a Travel Agent: The Rewards of Persistence and Dedication

After a year or two of diligently working to build your Disney-focused travel business, you find yourself in a different world than when you first started. The initial challenges and uncertainties have given way to

The Bliss of Doing Something Just for Yourself: Turning Your Disney Passion into Profit

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, where responsibilities often take center stage, there’s something undeniably magical about dedicating time to do something purely for yourself. Imagine, for just a second, that your

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Theme Parks for Grown-Ups

11 Amazing Benefits You Get as an At-Home Disney Travel Planner

Travel Agent · Travel Guide

All the Discounts, Special Training, and Benefits You Receive as a Travel Agent

Imagine receiving huge discounts on your Disney vacations. Not just the normal discounts that anyone can get. Discounts that make your travel obsession a little more affordable.

That’s the life of a Travel Agent. As a travel professional, you get access to incredible benefits like discounts on Disney hotels, theme park tickets at reduced rates, and the ability to tour cruise ships for free.

Not to mention getting paid to plan theme park vacations.

Um. Yes, please! 

This article is a continuation of my Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Disney Travel Planner. That’s where you can learn the travel lingo I use in this article and get an in-depth look at starting a career a Travel Agent.

I’ve been a Disney Travel Planner for three years and have built my travel business from nothing. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I could get travel benefits and make magic for a living. 

Now I want to share all my experience with those of you who want to start your dream job too!

To get started, sign up for my FREE course below: How to Jumpstart Your Career as a Disney Travel Planner in 5 Days!

Helpful Resources for Travel Agents

• Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Career as a Disney or Universal Travel Planner
• Host Agency Reviews
• How to Jumpstart Your Career as a Travel Agent in 5 Steps

Earn Commission for Your Own Vacations

Yes, you can earn money by booking your own vacations! Whether you’re booking a vacation for yourself or a client, you will earn money doing it. This means you’re getting a fairly large discount on your own travel plans. A commission can be earned on Disney hotels, theme park tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars, and other travel.

How do you get paid for your travel?

You will receive your commission once your vacation is finished.

How much of a commission do you receive when you book a vacation?

It depends on the price of your purchases and the commission cut you get from your Host Agency. 

As an example, you will earn about 10% commission on Disney World packages. Meaning, you can book a vacation including tickets and a hotel stay for about $2000 and get back around $200.

That’s a fantastic discount if you already plan on staying onsite. You can apply any deals or discounts Disney may be running at the time too!

Prefer to watch a video about the perks of becoming a Disney Travel Planner? 

Watch the video below and follow me on YouTube for more!

Booking Incentives

Most companies will give you incentives to sell more travel. For example, Disney recently ran a campaign that allowed you to earn a free Adventures by Disney River Cruise if you booked three River Cruise packages. Many other travel companies run incentives whether it’s for free cruises, tours, or resort stays. The incentive motivates you to sell more, earn more commission, and receive bonus vacations for yourself!

Property and Ship Tours  

The opportunity to tour Disney properties and cruise ships is my favorite benefit of all! Disney will often schedule private tours for Travel Agents in Disneyland, Disney World, and Disney cruise ships for Travel Agents. The purpose of the private tour is to familiarize yourself with hotels and cruise ships you haven’t visited before. This way you can explain the properties to your clients in detail and sell vacation packages more effectively.

The hotel tours give you a chance to see the rooms, facilities, and restaurants up-close. While the Disney Cruise Line tours allow you to experience a Disney cruise ship without paying for a full cruise vacation. For both, you will have a guide that can answer any of your specific questions.

Plus, it’s super fun to visit the properties if you’ve never been on a cruise or stayed at a Disney resort!

Sales & Marketing Assistance

College of disney knowledge.

Ever fantasized about going to Disney school? Want to major in Churros with a minor in Fireworks? Well, you’re going to love the College of Disney Knowledge.

Sadly, you won’t be able to learn how to make churros. You will be guided through course units that teach you about the theme parks and other Disney destinations. Chances are you probably know a lot about Disney, but these courses are designed to fill in the gaps for other experiences you may not know about. Getting to know all of Disney makes it easier for you to sell diverse vacation packages like Aulani or Adventures by Disney. Your clients will appreciate your Disney knowledge too!

In-Person Training

The Disney Institute offers training seminars focused on leadership, employee engagement, and service. The program is a great way for travel leaders to hone their sales skills. The program travels to regions across the U.S. so you don’t have to go too far from home! Disney Institue courses have a fee, but they offer discounts to Travel Agents sometimes.

Additional in-person training sessions are held throughout the year too. Last year, AMA Waterways and Adventures by Disney held a Lunch and Learn where Travel Agents came together for a seminar. 

Universal Studios also hosts in-person training sessions across the country. These sessions are free to Travel Agents! It’s a great way to meet other travel professionals and learn about the theme parks from the company’s leaders.

Work from Home

What’s better than getting to work in your Mickey pajamas? In all seriousness, working from home means working around your schedule and on your terms. I wanted to make a career change because I wanted the flexibility of working from anywhere. Now I have the ability to work during my own set hours and I’m only accountable for myself.

One Word of Advice: Create office hours for yourself and stick with them. Communicate to your clients what hours you’re available and do not contact them outside of these hours. 

Unless it is a true travel emergency, there is no reason for your clients to be contacting you at all hours of the night. Create clear boundaries or people will begin to take advantage of your time, whether it is intentional or not.

Travel Perks For Experienced Travel Agents

All the perks I’ve mentioned are valid for new and experienced Travel Agents. Once you become more established and earn your IATA or CLIA card you will have access to a lot more benefits! 

This is true for theme park vacations and almost any other destination you decide to sell. Organizations like Sandals, ClubMed, Funjet, and AMA Waterways provide Travel Agents with the opportunity to take Familiarization (“FAM”) Trips. FAM Trips are a way for Travel Agents to experience the destinations at a highly discounted rate so they can sell the product easier.

I mean, it’s pretty much the coolest training session you’ll ever be a part of.

On top of that, you can earn deals with other industries like tours, rental cars, or transportation companies. When you sign on with a Host Agency they will be able to tell you what kind of Travel Agent rates are available.

Disney Resort Discounts

Disney and Universal often provide Travel Agent deep-cut rates for onsite resorts. The rates are usually quite good and you’re allowed to share the room with your immediate family. I’ve seen rooms be discounted by about 50% in the past. The only disadvantage is that the rooms are subject to availability and there are some blockout dates around Christmastime. Despite that, you’re getting a fantastic rate for an official Disney hotel. You will have to have a valid IATA card to make the reservations.

Offsite Resort Discounts

Most chain hotels will offer Travel Agent discounts too. If it’s not explicitly listed anywhere on the website, just call the hotel and ask for their Travel Agent rates. If anything, you will probably get the commission back for booking with them.

Discounted or Free Theme Park Tickets 

Some Host Agencies will offer a free one-day pass to the theme parks and others will give you a good discount on them. This is dependent on the status of your Host Agency and you will have to check with them to see if you qualify.

Other Discounts

The main discount that Travel Agents go crazy about are hotel rates. Outside of that, you can get a ton of discounts on Disney cruises, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, and pretty much anything else they own.

Much like the resorts, you can get some pretty hefty discounts on any of these. I’ve seen cruise cabins for $1600 be discounted to $800. This depends on cruise availability and they usually release cabins around two months in advance of the departure date. This means you will have less time to prepare for travel, but you’ll get a nice deal.

You get to Plan Disney Vacations for a Living

I truly believe this is the best perk of all. When I learned that people were making a living planning theme park vacations, I knew it was my calling. I daydreamed about the day I could quit my office job and become a full-time Disney Travel Planner. Now I spend my days looking up rates for Disney hotels, creating in-depth itineraries for the parks, and connecting with amazing families across the country.

The job is fun, but it’s also extremely gratifying. I’m constantly receiving feedback from my clients expressing their gratitude about how I made their vacation an amazing experience they will never forget.

Check out this email I received from the Jackson family.

“I just wanted to follow up with you after our trip and tell you what a fantastic time we had! It was seriously the best vacation we’ve ever taken. The weather was great (luckily), the kids had a blast, and everything was soooo convenient! The Polynesian was an A++ recommendation and you made everything so easy for us. Thanks again for all of the help – we’re already trying to figure out when we can go back!” -Trent, Chicago

Emails like this tell me that I chose the right career and I’m doing my job well. There’s nothing better than doing something you love, making magic for families, and earning money while you do it. Want to learn how to get started as a Disney Travel Planner right now? Fill out the form below and learn how to start your new career!

Don’t lose these tips!

• Meet the Dream Designers
• Disney Travel Planner Jobs – Become Disney Travel Agent
• Your Authorized Disney Vacation Planners for Magical Trips
• Testimonials
• Disney Dining Plan
• Restaurants
• Magic Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Epcot® Theme Park
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Resort
• Disney Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney Beach Club Villas
• Disney BoardWalk Villas
• Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas and Cabins
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Disney Cruise Line®
• Aulani – A Disney® Resort & Spa
• Adventures by Disney
• Disneyland®
• Easy Disney Blog
• REQUEST A QUOTE

10 Questions to ask when choosing a Travel Agent

• Adventures By Disney
• 10 Questions to ask when…

Are you looking to plan a Disney vacation?  A Disney travel agent can be the difference between a smooth vacation and a stressful nightmare.  But how do you know the difference between a true travel professional, and someone who is just a Disney fan  that has a new hobby?  Here are 10 questions to ask when choosing a Disney travel agent.

Do you have positive referrals, reviews, or references?  A professional travel agent should have a list of people who have already used their services.  You can easily find these on social media.  Check out the “Reviews” section of your agent’s Facebook page.  Look at their personal page to see if their guests have tagged them with comments.  Can your agent point you to any of these reviews?  Also, look at the reviews for the company they work for.  This will be an indication of the type of service you should expect.

How Long Have You Been a Travel Agent?  This is a very tough profession.  It demands a lot of hours.  Many “hobbyist” don’t survive the industry because they don’t understand the commitment it takes to be a good planner.  While a “new” travel agent should not be discounted (see the next question), someone who has been in the industry for at least a year (if not longer) is more likely to be committed to being a “professional” as opposed to making travel planning their hobby.  Your family deserves a professional.

What Training Have You Received?  Our first piece of advice is to look beyond an agent saying they’ve completed the College of Disney Knowledge.  While this is a great training course, every agent should have completed it (if they didn’t – run!).  However, look beyond this.  Does their agency provide additional training?  Does your agent attend these trainings?  Have you attended on-site training?  Do you attend training webinars?  Do you keep updated with all the new Disney information?  How do you receive this information?  A true professional will take advantage of every training opportunity presented to them.  Also….having solid training can be a great offset to question #2 if you are working with a newer agent.

How Many Times Have You Visited Disney destinations?   If your agent isn’t visiting a Disney destination at least once a year, then it might be time to look elsewhere.  On-site experience is the best way for your agent to bring back tips and ideas to make your vacation more Magical.

When Was Your Last Visit to a Disney destination?   Things change rapidly at Disney.  For instance, in just the last year, Walt Disney World has added at least 4 new shows, an entire new land (Pandora), new attractions, a new shopping district, and several new restaurants.  If your agent isn’t experiencing these changes, then how do you expect them to provide the best information to you?

Tell me about your Agency?   Believe it or not, there are agencies that operate at the “hobby” level.  Ask very specific questions about the agency.  How many agents are there?  How long have they been in business?  Are they an  Authorized Disney Vacation Planner   agency?  How many guests do they serve?  What training do they provide?  These are all great questions to make sure that your travel agent is grounded with a solid and reputable company.

Do You Provide Tips and Planning?   It’s important that you know what to expect from your Travel Agents.  Many agents who specialize in Disney destinations go far beyond just booking the vacation.  Does you agent offer you tips and guidance?  Are they able to provide expertise for all your Disney questions?  Do they assist with dining recommendations and reservations?  Will they offer itinerary assistance?  Will they give tips and guidance about FastPasses?  These can be very valuable added services that can make your vacation stress-free and even more Magical.

Do You Over Promise?   Beware of the agent who says “When a discount comes out, I will automatically apply the discount for you”.  Disney does not always offer discounts, and when they do, they are often for limited dates and limited availability at the resort.  What your agent SHOULD promise you is to move your reservation to a discounted room if one becomes available.  A good agent will help you plan your vacation to your budget.  If a discounted offer becomes available that you qualify for, then that will be a bonus.  Just be careful for the agents who will “over-promise” something that they may not be able to deliver.

Do you use the Disney Dining Plan, Memory Maker, park hoppers?   If your agent is making recommendations that you purchase various vacation components, and they’ve never used them themselves, how can you be sure that the recommendation is truly what you need?  Ask your agent if they’ve personally used these products.  If they haven’t, be sure to ask why not, and why they are recommending them to you.

How Many Hours do You Work Each Week?   Being a Disney Travel Agent can be a second job for many, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work hard and put in many hours.  Ask your agent if they are committed to putting in the time to properly service you and your family.  Will they get your dining at 180 days?  Will they have your documents to you on time?  Will they be available during their stated business hours to answer your questions?  The answers to these questions will give you an indication if your agent is a true professional or if this is just their “Disney hobby”.

There are many great travel agents, both within and outside our company, that will treat you well.  Trust that your My Mickey Vacation Travel agents are called “Dream Designers” for a reason – we are all here as professionals to service you and make your vacation as Magical as it can be.

Contact our Dream Designers today to plan your next vacation !

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