disney travel agent levels

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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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

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

• Pinterest 23

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.

Disney’s Earmarked Program How it Works

Last Updated on May 17, 2022

Disney’s Earmarked Program. What is an authorized Disney vacation planner? How does it work for you?

Disney Travel agents are the best resource as they are professionals that know the ins and outs of booking and planning a Disney vacation.

Disney is their focus and their services are free.

Disney has recognized agencies for their success and professionalism. As such, Disney has designated the agency as both a Gold Level Producer and an Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. These designations are only awarded to the top Disney travel agencies in the country.

A large portion of Disney travel internet advice comes with the added verbiage – “ only work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. ” But what is an authorized Disney vacation planner? How does the agency get this ranking and what does it mean if an agency isn’t Earmarked by Disney?

Today we take a deep-diving into the world back-end of Travel Planning politics and break down exactly what all of these programs mean for you and the agency you have hired to plan your vacation.

What is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner?

Disney’s earmarked travel agencies.

Disney’s EARMARKED Program is reserved for those agencies that have met Disney’s strict requirements, have demonstrated a high level of sales, and maintain proficiency in Disney curated destination training.

Disney has recognized the agency’s success and professionalism. As such, Disney has designated the agency as an Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Levels of Recognition

There are four levels of recognition in Disney’s EARMARKED Program:

Each Recognition Level provides increased opportunities for business development consultations.

Do other Travel Agencies sell Disney vacations?

All travel agencies with IATA credentials can apply to the Disney Travel Agent system to sell Disney vacations.

An Agency that is not Earmarked is NOT selling Disney illegally.

Travel sales are also a big part of a travel agency’s general license renewal requirements, in any province or state. If an agency is not laser-focused on Disney destination sales, this could be the only reason they are not Earmarked.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner VS. General Travel Agencies

Authorized disney vacation planner.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are often Disney fans who exclusively plan Disney travel. And, because they are passionate about Disney, they actually know a lot about Disney.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are very effective thanks to providing services and answers to increasingly complex Disney itineraries. Passionate fans are just what one needs for tackling Disney planning. They do it all, from ADR to FastPass selection. They also monitor for new eligible discounts and promotions. And book dining at 7 am.

General Travel Agencies

General Travel Agencies will book you an amazing holiday, and make any changes to your reservation should you need them, but that’s where their services usually end. You are in charge of your touring plan, ADR, and FP+ reservations in the MDE system.

Disney College of Disney Knowledge

In order to sell Disney vacations, all agents are required to complete Disney College of Disney Knowledge training. The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth comprehensive course that allows agents to develop their expertise regarding Disney Destinations – knowledge that consumers can take advantage of when planning a Disney vacation.

That’s it. Every licensed Travel Agency in the world has equal access to the College of Disney Knowledge and this is the only requirement to access Disney’s exclusive booking system.

Whether they have 20 agents or 2, earn 1 million dollars a year in commissions or just enough to pay the mortgage, every agency that wants to sell Disney vacations needs to complete Disney’s mandatory training material.

This College of Disney Knowledge is very detailed but with the sheer amount of activities available you really need someone with a passion for the fine details. A Disney fan.

How agencies become Authorized Disney Vacation Planners

Being an Earmarked Travel Agency simply means that Disney has recognized that agency for producing over a certain amount of dollar volume in sales over a given period of time. Disney doesn’t publish what this volume is, but they will reach out to the Agency and invite them to be Earmarked.

Therein lies the confusion to the general public.

These agencies were amazing at their job before being Earmarked, hence they were recognized for their efforts and rewarded with the Earmarked status in the first place. To say that Disney guests should never use an agency that isn’t part of the Earmarked program seems a little disingenuous.

After all, an agency is only the sum of its parts. If an Agency owner is lucky enough to have 20-30 agents under their wings, it will be that much easier and faster to hit Disney’s monetary benchmark vs a small travel agency. Either way, you will be working with a single person, and your experience with that agency solely depends on the experience level of that agent, regardless of how much the agency as a whole earned last quarter.

If you really want to make sure you are working with a good travel agent, with all the education, information, and expertise that you need as a first-timer, consider asking them these questions;

• Are they a College of Disney Knowledge graduate or a consultant?
• When was the last time they visited a Disney property?
• When was the last time they visited the Disney property you are looking to book?
• Can they be both a professional champion of the destination and also able to articulate the realities of travel and special requests?

The difference between an “authorized” (Earmarked) Disney vacation planning agency and any other professional agency is the volume of sales that the agency produces for Disney. hkluxurytravel

Why use a Travel Agent that specializes in Disney?

There are many reasons why my parents have been visiting the same general travel agent for the last 10 years to book their vacations down south. Sure, they could just as easily do it themselves, it is 2021 after all and they are more than capable of using the internet, and yet they still use their beloved Samantha to make all of their holiday arrangements.

The same is true for Disney vacations. Be it your first time or 100th time, there is always a reason why using a Travel Agent is the best.

• Offer the chance to build a rapport with the SAME person, trip after trip.
• One-stop for all things Disney: rooms, tickets, dining, cruises, ground transportation, VIP services and much more!
• Specialize in Disney vacations, so we spend our time researching everything there is to know about the parks, resorts, cruises, beach resorts, and Adventures by Disney.
• Help you with All Disney destinations.
• Wake up at 6 AM (or earlier) to make dining and FastPass reservations so you don’t have to!
• Keep track of all your important dates.
• Paid commission straight from Disney so there is no extra cost to you.

At the end of the day, I have nothing but great things to say about using a Disney Travel Agent.

Everything is based on a simple rule: Quality is the best business plan, period. Steve Jobs

Authority Bias to the Agency

The distinction of being named an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” brings a certain level of Authority Bias to the agency. Why would I use just any agency when I can use an Authorized Agency?

Authority bias  is the tendency to attribute greater accuracy to the opinion of an  authority  figure (unrelated to its content) and be more influenced by that opinion. Wikipedia

In short, we want all potential guests to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and any other Disney property for that matter, to use a Travel Agent that specializes in Disney vacation planning. Earmarked or not, they must first and foremost be knowledgeable in the destination and competent enough to communicate that knowledge with clients and Disney representatives.

Earmarked status demonstrates the collective work of all employees involved.

Disney travel tip: first-timers are encouraged to use a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations.

Mouse Travel Matters is not a travel agency it is a Disney-focused blog by fans for fans , if that ever changed we would tell you.

Who are the stars of the EarMarked Disney travel agent space?

Share your experience., your thoughts....

Please share your thoughts in the comments or reach out on social media...We would love to hear from you.

Follow Mouse Travel Matters for Disney Parks news, the latest info and park insights, follow MTM on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .

You May Also Like…

• Disney Cruise Line Onboard Credit. How to use It
• Benefits of Working With an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
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• 2021 Disney World Vacation Packages

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• Pixie Vacations
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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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Your personal information.

• 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 – CAREER KEG - […] Before we take on new independent contractor travel agents AKA Disney Travel Agents, we would like you to know…
• Are Disney travel agents worth it? - Verb Functions - […] Is it worth it to be a Disney travel agent? […]

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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.

Questions? Contact Mom

[email protected]

• Sep 10, 2022

What To Look For When You Are Selecting A Disney Travel Agent

Updated: Dec 2, 2023

I have a confession to make. Before I became a Magical Vacation Planner, I never used a travel agent. I’m a do-it-yourself kind of girl, and I did do my college internship at Walt Disney World, so I thought I could handle it. I was wrong.

The first time I took my kids to Walt Disney World, I was overwhelmed. We didn’t understand Fastpasses, I didn’t know what an Advanced Dining Reservation was, and I didn’t have a clue what time to arrive or how to plan my day. Did we have a nice time? Yes, but I had no idea how much better it could be.

Here are a few things I recommend looking for in a Disney Travel Agent:

Wait, what? Yes, that’s what I wrote. Do not use JUST an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

In this day and age, there are several travel agencies that specialize in Disney Travel. But keep in mind, that not all travel agencies are created equal. You want to use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that is from a high-level Earmarked agency.

What does it mean to be Earmarked? Disney’s EarMarked Program is reserved for those agencies that have met their strict qualifications, demonstrated a high level of sales and kept up with all required destination training.

There are five levels of an Earmarked agency. Bronze (the lowest), Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond (the highest). To reach Diamond status, you have to be one of the top sellers of Disney Vacations. It is a very elusive award. I only know one agency who has reached that status, Magical Vacation Planner.

After you narrow down an agency to work with, now you have to pick the right agent for you. You should always choose an agent that has visited the park or resort you are visiting. Disney is special this way, you really cannot fully understand it until you go there. You want someone with experience that can offer you relevant information, tips, and tricks. If you are working with a Disney Planner who hasn’t personally experienced it, find a new Disney Planner. You can thank me later.

Find an agent who just doesn’t do everything for you, but also educates and advises you. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have someone do all the work for you. However, what happens when you are in the park and you do not know how to use Genie+ you just missed or cancel that dining reservation that is way too early in the morning? If an agent doesn’t educate you on the processes of Walt Disney World and the Disney World app, you may find yourself feeling a little helpless when you want to make changes to your schedule.

I learned my lesson the hard way on this. I used to do everything for my clients. I saw it as my duty. The problem was that when something went south, they would call me and be terribly upset and confused.

I realized that I needed to educate my clients like I would my friends who were going to the Parks. I wouldn’t do everything for my friend, but I would certainly tell them how to do it. You learn from doing. By making this small change, I now see empowered clients who do not fall apart when things aren’t so magical.

Some people think I’m crazy for sharing all of my personal tips and tricks. The common question from my agent friends is, "If you share all of your tips and tricks, why would the client still need you?” I believe there are a few reasons my clients would still need me.

First, I have been to Walt Disney World with my family over thirty times and I know all the ins and outs of the parks and resorts. Second, I know about the special events, the VIP tours, and many other out of this world options that can be added to a vacation to make it special. A Disney advisor is invaluable. Third, when you book through my agency you get extra values added to your vacation including luggage tags, discounts, and free recreation options. Fourth, I monitor all the specials that are going on at Disney and if my client’s reservation fits, I automatically apply the discount. And last, but not least, I develop a relationship with my client and share in the excitement of planning their vacation. All of theses reasons and more keep my clients coming back.

What do you look for when you are seeking a Disney Travel Agent? What are some qualities you think are necessary? Share your thoughts with me.

Until next time my friends!

Have A Magical Day,

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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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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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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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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! 

Become a Disney Vacation Planner.

Join The Happiest Team Around

As a top-tier, high-end agency, we attract the kind of clients you love to work with, so you can really make magic happen.

You’ve found the place where dreams come true. 

We are seeking independent travel consultants to add to our Disney travel planning agency.

Are you a type-A planner with an incurable passion for travel and a love for delighting others? Or have you ever dreamed of using your in-depth knowledge of Disney destinations as a career? Then as a Disney focused travel agent, you can begin crafting truly magical vacations for your clients.

We also welcome experienced agents to apply.

Positive Team Culture Education Collaboration

At The Enchanted Traveler, we are committed to…

What To Expect From The Enchanted Traveler 

• A high-quality brand known for its personalized, in-depth vacation planning. • One-on-one help from the moment you join the team and start your business, as well as through any step along the way • Any marketing advice and strategies you need • Commission splits with increases based on experience and productivity • Opportunities for both Disney knowledge training and business training • A team atmosphere, including a Facebook support group and more. • The flexibility to work when you want, where you want, and with the clients that you want.

"Being a part of this team is like being a part of an exclusive club!"

What OUR CONSULTANTS are saying

- Holly Woodlee

We are people from all over the world with different backgrounds who all have different strengths, even within a team of similarly skilled people. One colleague might be more strategic, while another one is more analytical. Yet when the right mix of people and skills are brought together, the results can be amazing. Our team of experts value and care for each other and want to see each other succeed. Above all, we LOVE what we do, and helping our clients create the perfect vacation is an absolute dream

A Passion for disney

You don’t have to be Disney obsessed, but you do need to believe that a Disney vacation is absolutely magical, and love the experience it offers.

Our ideal Disney Travel Consultant has:

Above average Disney knowledge

Do you have great tips and tricks? Know the best restaurants? Know how to avoid crowds? Can you create detailed plans to keep people out of lines?

A social media presence

So much of this business comes from word of mouth.

Most of our work is web-based, both within this agency, in our marketing, and with Disney.

experience in customer service or naturally personable skills

It is important that our clients feel special, valued, and happy when working with us.

Sales Experience

An important portion of this job is sales-based, so sales experience is preferred.

organizational skills and self-motivation

As an Independent Consultant, this is still your business and no one is going to manage it for you – you must be a go-getter!

A Desire to learn

Keeping up with all things Disney is extremely important and requires you to seek the information willingly and frequently. Being willing to learn other aspects of the business on your own time is also important to your success.

time to dedicate toward building a business

Whether part-time or full-time, we are not seeking hobbyists. We are looking for someone able to devote 20+ hours a week.

well-traveled within the Disney destinations

We’re looking for someone who has traveled to a Disney destination at least 4 times in the last 8 years, with at least 2 of those to Walt Disney World in the last 4 years. It’s an extra bonus if you’ve traveled recently to more than one Disney destination.

an expert level of knowledge on at least one Disney destination

Ability to continue traveling to a Disney destination regularly, at least once per year

"I absolutely love being an Independent Consultant with The Enchanted Traveler!"

- Kerri Danley

I started this industry knowing little about the travel agency business, but with a ton of knowledge and passion for Disney! Sabrina guided me as a mentor to set goals for business, market myself as my own brand, and provided opportunities to learn and collaborate with our team of agents. We are a supportive team who helps each other and celebrates our successes. I'm so thankful for this opportunity to work under a strong and encouraging agency, and the autonomy to work my own hours and build my business at my pace.

Want to be part of The Enchanted Traveler difference?

Join our team

@the_enchanted_traveler

Customized Travel Planning

Since 2012, the Enchanted Traveler has become the go-to travel agency for moms and dads who want to save time and relieve the stress of planning a family vacation to Disney destinations and beyond. 

Disney Travel | Tropical Travel | Disney Destinations | Our Team | Join the Team

©2021 THE ENCHANTED TRAVELER. TERMS AND CONDITIONS. PRIVACY POLICY. BRAND + WEBSITE BY CARRYLOVE DESIGNS . CONTACT. CST#2116880-70 WST#603 209 043 Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST42340

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

By: Author Courtney Derqu

Posted on Last updated: January 3, 2022

Do your friends come to you to help them plan their Disney World vacations? Do you chuckle when someone tries to pick up a map when you visit Magic Kingdom together? Are you obsessed with the idea of Disney World and already planning your next magical vacation before the Magical Express, er, I mean Mears Transportation (that’s gonna take some time to get used to) drops you back off at the airport? If so, you might make the perfect Disney travel agent!

If you’ve been thinking of swapping your hat for a set of Mickey Ears, we have some helpful tips. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a Disney travel agent in 2022:

Why Are Disney Travel Agents Important in Today’s Digital Age?

Disney travel agents are a different kind of breed because they have pixie dust in their veins. Like many Disney fans, being able to visit the website, snag hard-to-get dining reservations, and find out what new and exciting experiences are coming to the parks is enjoyable, but for first-timer Disneygoers, the process can be incredibly overwhelming. 

Even though the ease of booking everything yourself online sounds simple, Disney offers so much that it can leave vacationers with an overwhelming sense of option paralysis, especially if they’re not sure what will be appropriate for their child’s age or any special accommodations they may need. Disney travel agents will be able to provide you with a customized itinerary to make the booking and experience of your Walt Disney World vacation as simple as possible.

Furthermore, your authorized Disney travel agent will be able to seek out the best promotions to help reduce the cost of your Disney World vacation. 

Read more: Disney World Discounts

How to Become a Travel Agent for Disney World

Your first step will be to go to Google to find an authorized travel agent who works specifically with Walt Disney World or any of their other properties. When you’ve found the company, you’ll want to read their “About Us” section to find out if they are an authorized Disney Vacation Planner. This is important because as an authorized Disney travel agent, you will be able to contact the parks on your client’s behalf in the event of any changes. This is necessary, especially in today’s pandemic world, since airline cancellations and travel restrictions can occur at a moment’s notice. 

Once you’ve found a travel company you want to work with, you’ll have to find out if you meet the requirements. Since you’ll be planning Disney World vacations, many companies require applicants to hold sufficient knowledge of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Furthermore, you may be required to have traveled to one of these destinations or taken a Disney Cruise. 

Depending on the company, you may be required to have visited the Disney theme parks and stayed on Disney property a certain number of times. All of this information can be found on the company’s website where you would apply to become an authorized Disney travel agent. 

What Skills Do I Need to Become a Disney Travel Agent?

Aside from your love of all things Disney, travel agents must be able to work independently at home. This is a bit more common nowadays since so many people transitioned to remote employment over the past two years. 

However, working remotely requires discipline and self-regulation. If you want to become a Disney travel agent but are worried about working from home, there are a few tips to make doing so easier: 

• Create a routine. Wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help you stick to a schedule, which will ultimately make you more productive. 
•  Set up designated work hours where you can minimize distractions and interruptions. 
• Don’t forget to stand up and stretch. At the office, you’re constantly getting up to speak to other co-workers or visit the breakroom. At home, you don’t have these options, so you have to make a concentrated effort to move your body as often as possible.
• If you can, open your windows to get some fresh air and sunshine. This will keep you more alert. 
• Make a playlist – anything Disney-related will work just fine!
• Add some greenery to your desk or workspace. 

When you’re working from home as a Disney travel agent, it’s important to find ways you can keep your body active so you can stay productive. However, as many of us Disney fans can attest to, doing something you love makes work feel a lot less like “work.” 

Read more: Small Ways to Add Disney to your Home

In addition to being able to work from home, Disney travel agents will need to be able to use a computer efficiently, as well as have a friendly demeanor to work with customers. As with every job, you never know who you may be dealing with on the other end or what frustrations or concerns they’re facing, so having customer service skills is an absolute must. Disney travel agents must also have sufficient social media skills to be able to share promotions and client testimonies to either their personal or company Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter accounts. Likewise, they should be able to successfully engage with customers if they are contacted via direct message. 

What Will I Need to Get Started? 

If all of that sounds good, you’ll need to possess a few things at home to get started. Make sure you have access to a dedicated phone line to speak to customers and to call Disney when needed. You should also own a desktop computer or laptop to be able to get your work done, as well as have access to basic office supplies such as file folders, pens, notepads, planners, printers, and Wi-Fi access. 

What Does a Disney Travel Agent Do? 

A Disney travel agent will be able to help you with every step of your Disney World vacation from start to finish. This includes getting your park tickets, booking ground transportation after you fly into the Orlando International Airport (MCO), obtaining dining reservations and hotel reservations, and even stroller/wheelchair rentals if someone in your party needs them. While many VIP tours aren’t currently in operation due to the pandemic, a Disney travel agent will be able to book these reservations, as well, when they return. 

Best of all, a Disney travel agent can scour the web to find the best promotions and discounts for their clients. Disney often releases promotions throughout the year, including up to 25% off room-only discounts, military discounts, Florida-resident discounts, free dining, and Play, Stay, Dine, and Save discounts. These are always announced on Disney’s website. 

Furthermore, if you find a better promotion for your clients, you can go back into the system to apply the new discount, making sure your clients are always getting the best rate. 

What Kind of Benefits Do Disney Travel Agents Get? 

Again, this will vary on the company, however, Magical Travel , for example (who, disclosure, we partner with), offers some pretty magical benefits such as: 

• Discounts for personal travel
• Insurance coverage to cover errors and omissions
• Online and onsite training
• Marketing materials to help build your business
• A private website dedicated to travel agents with up-to-date information
• Private Facebook group to connect with other travel agents
• Competitive commission rates
• A personal toll-free number with your own extension to make it easier to connect with clients

Many authorized Disney travel companies do everything they can to set their travel agents up for success at the onset. This helps take the guesswork and intimidation of starting a new career or side hustle as a Disney travel agent. 

How Do Disney Travel Agents Get Paid? 

Disney travel agents work completely on commission, meaning you will earn money based on how many vacations are booked. So, for example, if your travel agency books a magical vacation, you’ll get a percentage of the commission they earned through the booking. This rate will vary depending on the company, so it’s always recommended to ask these types of questions early on so you know what to expect. 

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been thinking of becoming a Disney travel agent, you should do it. As we enter a new year, it’s a great time to take a chance and pursue your dreams. As a Disney travel agent, you’ll be able to incorporate Disney magic every single day. Plus, 2022 is all about the side hustle!

Are you a Disney travel agent? If so, leave some tips for those who are interested in joining below. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for Disney tips and tricks. 

As a self-proclaimed Mouseketeer, Courtney Dercqu is a fan of all things Disney. Between decorating her desk with souvenirs from the park, to making unique mouse ears and having a dedicated Disney Instagram, Courtney is a true believer in the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. Having had more than 200 articles published on various content, Courtney’s excited to share her knowledge and experience with everyone! Be sure to follow her on Instagram for all the Disney magic.

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The Ultimate Guide To Disney World Travel Agents

By Lisa Gilmore 4 Comments

Walt Disney World is comprised of four theme parks, a shopping and dining district, two water parks, and over 25 Resort hotels …and that’s just scratching the surface!

Wouldn’t you love to see this view every day?

Planning for a Disney trip can be overwhelming, even for the most seasoned Disney visitor. There are SO many things to consider and learn.  Where do you stay ?  What’s the dining situation like ?  What types of tickets are there ? Don’t worry, you do NOT have to figure this all out on your own.

A decade ago, planning your Disney trip was do-able…and even fun — like the anticipation of seeing all of the presents under the tree before Christmas. But today, things are different. With Park Pass Reservations, Disney’s Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selection in place , dining that needs to be booked 60 days in advance, literally dozens of hotels on property and hundreds off-property, dessert parties , memorable behind-the-scenes tours , activities , and more…it’s just plain overwhelming to try to figure it all out. Disney World is about TWICE the size of Manhattan…and just as packed with options.

There Is SO Much to Do in Disney World

So, if reading this article is starting to give you anxiety, take a deep breath… let it out… and repeat this mantra, “Fish are friends, not food.” Ok, ok, not the mantra you’re looking for, but Disney vacations are supposed to be magical, right?

Not drive you panic-driven madness. Those tear-jerking commercials all involve happy families without a care in the world, not anxiety-riddle adults on the verge of exhaustion, desperately trying to mobile order lunch (yep, that’s a thing…) before their hangry family launches into full meltdown (we’re not speaking from experience at all… 😂).

So, how do you become one of those carefree families in the commercials? Well, that might take a bit of planning…

Celebration Buttons

If you’ve been to Disney before , you may have a general idea. Maybe a specific idea. Maybe a very specific idea, including a spreadsheet and a three-ring binder detailing every move your family will make once they pass beneath that magical archway.

But regardless of where you fall on this planning spectrum, using a Disney-certified travel agent  will help ensure not only that you’re checking off all of the right boxes, but that you have all of the right boxes on your checklist, to begin with!

Why use a Disney Travel Agent? Here are a few reasons!

Disney Certified Travel Agents are FREE

You may think it costs more. And that there are hidden fees they don’t tell you about. But as it turns out, Travel Agents don’t cost you a penny. Disney-certified travel agents do not charge clients for their services because they earn commissions from Disney.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

So you pay no extra fees and can spend more time anticipating and enjoying your vacation. It’s a win for the Agents (who genuinely love doing this stuff) and a win for you.

Finding the Best Discount

Travel Agents, especially those considered “Authorized Disney Vacation Planners,”  know what deals are out there ahead of the rest of us. If a new deal comes along after you’ve already made a reservation (e.g. Disney+ Discounts , Annual Passholder Discounts , etc), they can rework your existing reservation to save you some cash. They can also run the numbers to see which deal is going to be the better value.

They do the math for you. So, you can put away your high school economics book and spreadsheet for finding the break-even point on discount rate versus park days ratios. And the best part is, they’ve been doing this a REALLY. LONG. TIME. 

Hollywood Studios

So they probably already know what deal is best. Before it’s even announced.  And since they usually get a little head’s up from Disney about upcoming discounts, they can work it onto your existing vacation for you, usually before you even know it’s an option! So not only do you not have to worry about doing the math (phew!), you also don’t have to worry about missing out on the discount (since sometimes those bad boys are limited).

Planning Tips & Advice

Your agent’s got your back. They can advise you on resort choice, vacation package, and tickets that will suit your family’s unique needs. Overall, they make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. They’ve been there and done that, and they can tell you the most stress-free way to have your best vacation ever.

Now let’s talk reservations and planning for when you’re actually on Disney property! Here’s where a Travel Agent can be a super-valuable asset. Disney travel agents know:

• The most popular restaurants and when they need to be booked
• How to get those super-coveted reservations  (and might be able to snag them FOR you!)
• Alternatives to those restaurants if they’re full
• What rides, attractions, and events will suit your family’s unique needs
• How to help you plan an extraordinary trip within your budget
• How to craft a trip where you get to do everything you want to do …and still get enough sleep and real, honest-to-goodness “vacation” time when you’re NOT chasing your brood around the theme parks.

An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner can make suggestions for you based on which park you’ll be in for the day, making dining recommendations, and tips for planning your park days to get in all of your must-do attractions.

In short, they’ll help you narrow down those 200+ restaurant choices , hundreds of ride choices, activity options, and more, and make sure to help you hand-craft the perfect vacation for YOUR family. (Or you can grab our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining , t00.)

The ICONIC Mickey Ice Cream Bar!

Something you may  not know about Disney travel agents is that in order to maintain their Disney-certified status, they have to maintain their Disney training. Disney is constantly changing, growing, adapting, innovating, and improving, so these travel agents know the latest, greatest, best, and newest of everything Disney has to offer.

Assistance During Your Vacation

You may not know this, but Disney World is in Florida (shocker, right?). And Florida gets hurricanes ! In fact, hurricane season lasts from June to November, so chances are, when you’re visiting Disney World, it might be during hurricane season! And inclement weather can impact special Disney events (like after-hours parties ), delay flights , and even close down parks , in extreme cases.

Rainy Day in MK

And your Agent’s support doesn’t stop when you get to your resort. No matter what problems arise during your getaway — if your shuttle is canceled, your room isn’t ready, or you need to find a doctor — your Agent knows who to call to put your vacation back on track . They’re just a phone call or text message away, no matter what goes down! Because as much as we wish it, life doesn’t pause while we’re on vacation!

So whether you’re a color-coded spreadsheet-toting Disney veteran or a first-timer at the Disney parks, utilizing the skills and expertise of a Travel Agent may just surprise you. Even locals can implement the skills, discount access, and overall knowledge of a Disney Travel Agent!

Choose the Right Travel Agent

There are a lot of Disney-certified travel agents out there. If you Google it, you’ll be scrolling for days. As long as they have their certification and are designated as “earmarked” by Disney, you can likely expect good service and solid knowledge.

But if you want  our recommendation, we always choose Small World Vacations.

1. They’ve Proven Themselves:

DFB’s AJ Wolfe and Sue Pisaturo, the owner of the agency, have been friends and colleagues for years. Small World Travel is also respected and used by other leaders in the Disney Media and Travel industry by people who KNOW DISNEY and have been in the Disney travel arena for dozens of years. Small World Vacations isn’t just our preferred Disney Travel Agent, they are also preferred by, MouseSavers , and Sehlinger’s “Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.”  (So, you don’t have to just take our word for it…)

2. They Have a Reputation for Excellence:

Small World Vacations is one of the biggest Disney-focused agencies in the world, BUT all of their highly-qualified agents work full-time . This is exceptional in the travel planner arena. It means that all day, every day, Small World Vacations agents are planning Disney trips for clients — learning everything they can about how to create magical vacations and getting the depth of experience necessary to make sure your trip is a dream come true. It may sound like a little thing, but it offers huge benefits when it comes to working with an agent.

3. Testimonies from Guests (like you!):

Just take a look at some of these real-life testimonies of other Disney guests who’ve used their services.

I am writing this email to simply share how grateful my husband and I are for the help and support we got from Riley in planning our trip to Disney World. It was the first time for both of us and we have a 7 & 8 year old daughter – so we didn’t even know where to start. Riley’s responsiveness was outstanding and a little unbelievable at times – and we learned to count on it! She would make herself available for calls and made sure we were aware and on top of all the deadlines for registrations or adding special items on (Genie +, etc.). Honestly – we might not have gone given how much there is to know in planning a trip like this – but she made it simply and clear so that when we got there we had nothing to worry about. She was open about options for cost and locations and we felt like we had all the information needed to make the right decisions. I will continue to recommend Riley and will certainly reach back out should we plan another vacation with Disney! We are so grateful! — Allison

I would like to take this time to say, it has been a pleasure to work with Nikki at Small World Vacations. She always goes above and beyond to help. We had to cancel and reschedule a cruise due to Covid and Nikki was stellar. She has earned our Disney business going forward.. — Tracy

II’m writing to let you know about the simply exceptional service I’ve received from the marvelous Marion Carlson over the past year. I found her via a Google search and approached her in May of 2021 to help me plan a Christmas trip to WDW to surprise my 7-year-old daughter, Alice. Marion is amazing. She makes me feel like I am her only client, even though I know that couldn’t be further from the truth. She told me that she was thinking about me and Alice over Christmas, and I am certain that she was. Really, Marion basically IS Disney World. She is magic. I know we won’t go to WDW every year forever. And Alice won’t be this perfect WDW age forever. This is a special time in her childhood, and I’ll always be grateful to Marion for her help in giving our girl such a magical present after the terrible pandemic time (virtual school, quarantine, all of it). I am willing to bet I’m not the first of Marion’s clients writing to let you know how outstanding she is, and I’m certain I won’t be the last. — Lora

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Phew. Don’t you feel better now? A Disney vacation can cost A LOT of money , and has A LOT of tricky nuances , but you don’t have to panic. There are pros available to help you every step of the way, and you’ll always have us to send you tips, news, and updates to make sure that your Disney vacation is as magical as possible!

It’s time to get started! Simply head over to Small World Vacations and Let the Magic Begin!

Don't do it alone.

Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.

So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂

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Are you going to Disney World in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!

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January 6, 2023 at 12:41 pm

Kingdom Destinations !! Savanna is AMAZING!!

March 29, 2023 at 11:50 am

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I’d like to talk to someone to help me plan my family trip

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Hi Elaine! We recommend reaching out to our friends at Small World Vacations for assistance with planning your next visit! You can find more info on their planning services here.

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Disney Travel Agents | Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Benefits

Benefits of Working With an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner”

Working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

There are so many reasons to use a Disney travel specialist when planning your Disney vacation.  A professional, knowledgeable agent can help you through the sometimes confusing process of planning a vacation.  Also, a travel agent can add value to your vacation.  Agents can help show you where to splurge and where to save.  They can make resort, dining, and other recommendations that will enhance your trip.  They can help you travel like a VIP by sharing tips, tricks, and additional first-hand information. Also, some agencies monitor the release of Disney discounts daily to ensure their guests are receiving the best price.  Since popular resorts often have limited availability within Disney’s special promotions, this could be an essential factor in getting the discount for the resort and dates you want.

Not All Disney-Specialized Travel Agencies are Equal

Not all Disney-specialized travel agencies are equal, though. Disney works closely with a group of Disney Travel Agents that it has given a special designation as “Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.” These agencies are not only Disney’s top booking and selling agencies, but they also have specialized knowledge of Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and Adventures by Disney vacations.

TheMouseForLess recommends our sponsor agency, The Magic For Less Travel – with over a decade of experience booking Disney Travel. The Magic for Less Travel is not just an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, but one only a few in the country to receive Disney’s designation as a Platinum Level Earmarked Agency . Their travel consultants specialize in Disney vacations with graduates from the Disney College of Knowledge.  Also, their agents have experienced the parks, stayed at the resorts, eaten in the restaurants, and taken the Disney cruises. Most importantly, agents of The Magic For Less Travel are hand-picked. This selection process is based on several qualifying factors, including their fondness for Disney Destinations. Agents of The Magic For Less Travel want your vacation to be magical!

Disney Discount Monitoring and Special Services

The Magic For Less Travel agents apply qualifying discounts to Walt Disney World reservations when promotions are released. They’ll do this even after booking your trip with them. If several offers are available for the same period, The Magic For Less Travel will compare all discounts. They will do this to see which will save the most money on your reservation.

If you have a current booking and you’ve been hoping for a special Disney promotion, such a Free Dining , The Magic For Less Travel will secure the discount if your dates and resort are available and then notify you via email with the good news. There is virtually nothing you have to do once you’ve booked. All you’ll need to do is simply check your inbox for a something magical as happened notification. This email will alert you of the lower price of your vacation.

Complimentary Concierge Services & No Fees!

There is never a fee to use The Magic For Less Travel’s services, and answers to your questions or a free “no-obligation” quote are just an email away. Each client will work one-on-one with an agent matched to their destination needs. Your travel consultant will monitor your reservation for available discounts until the time of travel. Also, your consultant will make suggestions and Advance Dining Reservations for Disney restaurants. They can also prepare a personalized itinerary for your vacation. Plus they can help maintain your level of excitement with the regular delivery of Magical Tips . Your agent will handle all aspects of your trip – it’s like having your own Disney Concierge service.

Special Booking Incentives – Combine with Disney Discounts to Save More!

Special booking incentives are another benefit to booking through The Magic For Less Travel that you won’t get when reserving a room or package directly through Disney. Such incentives add value to your vacation dollar. Disney Travel Agents, like The Magic For Less travel offer several special booking incentives throughout the year. Booking incentives are available for Walt Disney World , Disneyland , Disney Cruise Line , and Adventures By Disney vacation packages.

Disney will not allow guests to stack its special promotions (e.g., Free Dining with a Walt Disney World room discount or a Disney Rewards Visa Onboard Credit with a discounted Florida Resident cruise rate).  However, Disney Travel Agents, like The Magic For Less Travel, can combine Disney’s discount and promotional vacation packages with an exclusive booking incentive from The Magic For Less Travel to save even more. If Disney releases a “Kids Sail Free” promotion on select cruises, that’s already a great deal! Imagine combining that special promotion with The Magic For Less Travel’s “Up to 5% of Your Cruise Price” onboard credit offer. You can see how the savings when working with authorized Disney Travel Agents begin to stack up!

Those with vacations already reserved directly through Disney can still take advantage of the unique booking incentives and discount monitoring offered by The Magic For Less Travel. One way to achieve this is by transferring their Disney reservation. Everything stays the same, including your Disney reservation number. There is no change in the payment process. Transfer any Disney reservation made within 30 days of booking to The Magic For Less Travel if not fully paid.. For more information about how to transfer an existing Disney reservation, and to learn what incentives may be available for your vacation, contact The Magic For Less Travel .

Vacation Protection

In addition to being an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner,” The Magic For Less Travel is a fully insured agency, a member of CLIA and IATAN. The Magic For Less Travel is also a California and Florida registered seller of travel. Credit card payments are made directly to Disney, to car rental agencies, and other suppliers booked on behalf of clients. Credit charges will show on your card statement as charges by Disney or other suppliers. You will also receive a Disney reservation number. This is excellent news for Disney Visa cardholders who are looking to take advantage of the Disney Visa’s “zero interest for six months” offer.

Once a reservation is booked, and the client travels, The Magic For Less Travel receives a small commission from Disney or other suppliers. There is no cost to you for using their services or added risk to your reservation.

For additional information about services offered by The Magic For Less Travel for Walt Disney World and other Disney destinations, visit their web site Service Plus page. You can also sign up to receive Magical Notifications . This is a Travel Promotions & Discount Announcements newsletter exclusively from TheMouseForLess.

For even more savings and Disney travel planning ideas join the discussions on our Facebook Group . You’ll have fun chatting and sharing Walt Disney World and Disneyland trip planning ideas from Disney veterans.

Deals from Disney: What You Should Know

Based on the need to fill rooms, Disney offers a variety of discounts and special promotions throughout the year. These are offered for both Walt Disney World Resort hotel rooms and vacation packages . These are discounts strategically released to the general public, Florida residents, and sometimes regional residents. Additionally, there may be special discounts available for active and retired Military, Disney Visa cardholders, Walt Disney World annual pass holders, and other groups.

Although Disney’s vacation planning website can help you find current rates and promotions, they are unlikely to inform you of any special discounts before or after you book your reservation. Disney’s website advertises promotions, such as Disney Visa specials. Booking your own Disney vacation online may not guarantee the best available rate before you travel.

After booking your Disney vacation, keep an eye out for new promotions that may lower the cost of your trip. Please note that when discounts are released, you will be responsible for finding and applying them yourself. This often requires spending hours on the phone to modify your existing reservation, risking the possibility of losing out on limited availability. If you don’t keep up with discounts, you could miss out on saving hundreds of dollars.

While guests can switch from one Disney promotion to another, promotions from Disney cannot be stacked. You must choose the one that will work best for your needs or check all that apply for the best discount.

For example, Free Dining at the Value resorts is often a better deal than a room discount at the Value resorts. Likewise, a room discount at a Deluxe resort can sometimes be a better deal than the Free Dining promotion. There are also other factors to consider. These include things like traveling during the “Regular” season vs. “Peak” season. This is especially true when both rates are available within the same discount or promotional period.

Prices for Disney’s special promotions and discounts can and do vary.  Availability may be dependent upon your date of arrival, even when staying at the same resort. Offers at one Disney resort category may not be as good as at another resort.

Each category of Disney Resort offers an added level of benefits and amenities that could make or break a vacation. To learn more about your options, visit our Know Your Options Before You Go page.

For information on the latest discount codes and Disney, specials, visit our Current Disney Codes and Discounts page.

Walt Disney World Resort Free Quote

Start planning your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation with The Magic For Less Travel . Use the form below to request a free no-obligation quote, and one of their counselors will get in touch with you to begin planning. The Mouse For Less recommends the Walt Disney World vacation planning services provided by our sponsor, The Magic For Less Travel. Their expert planning advice will help you make the most of your vacation time and money. The Magic For Less Travel is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and provides service free of charge.

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent – My Journey

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For many, the dream of becoming a Disney Travel Agent is as enchanting as the Disney vacations themselves. Disney holds a special place in the hearts of countless people including mine and the opportunity to assist families in creating magical experiences is truly amazing. Fortunately, I recently found out that the path to becoming a Disney Travel Agent is not too difficult at all and a great stay at home job.

With the right agency, you can be up and running fast. I think in just a couple of days I was able to begin booking Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise, and Disney’s Aulani vacations. I have only been an agent now for a little over a year and it has been an amazing ride!

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT?

To embark on the journey of becoming a Disney Travel Agent, there are three fundamental requirements to consider:

• Disney Knowledge and Passion: You do not need to have visited every park multiple times or been on every cruise, but having a deep understanding of the Disney theme parks, resorts, cruises, and other disney vacations is an important part. While you don’t need to know everything, the more you know, the more it will help you. A genuine love for Disney and its products will come across to your clients and will help you sell vacations more.
• Basic Computer Skills: You know how to browse the web, You know how to book your own vacation?, than you got this. As a travel agent, you’ll work with online booking systems, Disney’s system is super easy to work with. If you can book your own vacation, you can book others, it’s not very complex. You will also have to manage itineraries, and communicate with clients via email or text.
• Excellent Communication Skills: I think the biggest thing to being successful, is knowing how to communicate with clients . Being available for them, being excited to plan their vacation, listening to the clients needs. Those are the things that set good travel agents apart from bad ones

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY AS A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT

Step 1: Finding the Right Agency – I did some serious research on this one!

The initial step in becoming a Disney Travel Agent is to join an authorized travel agency that is registered with Disney as an official seller of travel.

My first place I reached out to join was the agency I booked my last couple Disney Vacations, Best Day Ever Vacations, I used their services for planning our own trips and they have a program that specializes in bringing on newcomers.

It all sounded great, but I am a person who does their due diligence so I reached out to 34 other agencies (yes 34, I have an excel spreadheet of them all)

So, there were 34 agencies I reached out to, here is what I heard back and the replies were almost always the same.

1) No Reply back at all (this was the most common one, 22 of these), and trust me I follow up. Still no reply. 2) Do I have an existing book of clients and have I been a travel agent for over 3 years. 3) Have I booked over $50,000 in bookings in the past 12 months, or can I guarantee that I will book $50,000 in my first year. 4) We are not hiring at this time. (4, at least they replied ?)

I was really shocked! How do people ever start if no one will hire newcomers. So I ended up right where I started which was Best Day Ever Vacations . I asked why are they only ones I found taking on newcomers and their answer was “If you love Disney, and you love to help people, you will be good at being a Disney Travel Agent”

HOW TO SIGN UP

Joining Best Day Ever Vacations was a super easy process that can be completed online, and the best part is (like I said before) you don’t need any prior travel agent experience.

They offer two courses based on your preferences:

• Classic Travel Agent Membership – For those who want to explore Disney Travel Agency as a side hustle, booking vacations for family and friends while making some extra income. (this was the initial route I took and then upgraded later on to the
• Fast Track Membership – For those who aspire to become successful travel agents quickly, they offer a more dedicated program in which they source incoming leads of people looking to plan a Disney Vacation to help build your clientele. I think they guarantee a minimum of 2 leads per week but I know that myself and my friends average probably 4-5 leads per week.

Upon joining, you will receive training on booking Disney vacations, and this training is available at the time of enrollment, regardless of your prior travel experience.

The only requirement is a passion for helping families book Disney vacations. Im going to repeat this, having good communication skills is important as well. It’s a lot of emails and texts with clients and a few phone calls here and there.

One of the benefits of having personal experience with Disney vacations is that it helps you understand your clients’ needs and preferences better. If you’ve visited Disney resorts or cruises before and can’t get enough of them (that’s me in a nutshell) this job might be an excellent fit for you.

BENEFITS AND PERKS OF BEING A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT

Let’s dive into my favorite part! Perks, Perks, Perks! Being a Disney Travel Agent not only allows you to create magical vacations for your clients but also offers incredible discounts on Disney vacations.

That’s right! When you are a Disney Travel Agent you can experience the magic of Disney firsthand at some sweet prices……. oh yeah!

Disney wants its agents to be immersed in everything Disney, so they provide special discounts to agents, allowing them to explore resorts and cruises themselves.

Here are some of the discounts you can expect once you complete your training or renew it:

• 40-50% off Disneyland Resort Hotels
• 40-50% off Walt Disney World Resort Hotel stays
• 30-40% off Aulani hotel rooms
• Incredible Disney Cruise discounts on select sailings (we have sailed for as little as $25 a day)
• up to 50% Off 1-10 day Park Hopper Tickets for Disneyland and Walt Disney World!

Each of these perks can be utilized once per calendar year and can be enjoyed year after year as long as you keep up with your training, typically requiring 1-2 hours a year.

There’s a minor requirement, though. You need to have a CLIA or IATA membership, which you can obtain through your agency. The Clia card does cost $119 per calendar year for an agent ID card, which is necessary to book the above perks.

I know certain agencies might require you to book a certain amount before granting access to a CLIA card, but fear not; programs like Best Day Ever Vacations do not have this requirement. So, get ready to experience the magic and share the joy of Disney with all your clients!

Fam trips or familiarization trips are awesome. The way fam trips work for Disney at least is they offer a certain amount to their travel agencies based on the agencies sales. The cost ranges but it is usually very cheap (like a couple hundred bucks) You get to visit the parks, learn about Disney, stay in an amazing hotel and there are some fun private events.

Since Best Day Ever sells a ton of Disney Vacations they get quite a few of these fam trips to give out to their agents. I will be going on my first one next February.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU EARN AS A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT?

Probably one of the first questions that came to my mind after contemplating how to become a Disney Travel Agent is, “How much money can I make?”

Let’s get straight to it: the industry standard for commission on a vacation package is typically 10% of the vacation cost before taxes. When it comes to Disney vacations, most agencies receive a 10% commission across the board, with a few exceptions and then split that commission with their agents.

When I was researching agencies I found that most agencies took the majority of the commission. Best Day Ever Vacations is known for starting new agents at an 70% commission, with the potential to increase from there. This means that if you book a vacation with a $500 commission, you’ll earn $350 at a 70% commission rate.

Breaking Down Commissions

Consider the cost of an average Disney vacation for a family of four at is $6,320. With the agency commission set at 10%, and you receiving 70% of that commission:

• $6,320 * 10% = $632.0 * 70% = $442.40 Agent Commission for One Booking

Most agents receive their payments through paypal or direct deposit. If you book just one vacation package per month, you can expect to earn approximately $200-$500. However, if you book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you could easily make well over $700 on a single booking, given that these cruises can cost an average family between $5,000 and $12,000.

So, put on your Mickey ears and prepare to start planning unforgettable vacations!

HOW TO ATTRACT CLIENTS

Another common question when discussing how to become a Disney Travel Agent is, “How do I get clients?” Obviously, you kinda need clients to be able to book vacations. Here are some strategies to help grow.

• Personal Networking: Start by reaching out to friends and family. Personal connections can help you get your business off the ground initially.
• Local groups: Church groups, school pta’s, local chamber are all great ways to grow your clientele.
• Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to attract potential clients. Facebook groups are great for this one. Share Disney tips, highlight amazing deals, and showcase success stories from your clients.
• Google My Business: Register your name with Google My Business to appear in local searches when people look for Disney Travel Agents in their area.

I was doing pretty decent on my own, but I really wanted to do this full time, so I eventually decided to do the Best Day Ever’s Fast Track program. There you get a bunch of incoming leads that end up booking vacations. Do all of the leads book vacations, I wish!, but a decent amount do and the best ones are the people that book multiple vacations or have a multi-family vacation. I booked a $27,000 cruise for a family of 12 last month and it was so awesome.

ARE THERE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BE A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT?

When it comes to booking Disney vacations through travel agencies, In my research I did notice many impose minimum requirements, while others may not. The specifics depend on the agency you choose to join. Some agencies may require you to complete at least one booking per month or year, without specifying a minimum dollar amount. As long as you complete a booking within the specified timeframe, you’ll maintain your agent status.

On the other hand, some agencies may have a minimum annual booking requirement, such as $5,000. failing to meet this requirement could result in losing your agent status or receiving a lower commission percentage.

Best Day Ever doesn’t have those minimum requirements. Whether you book once a year, a few times a year, or not at all, you will still be considered an agent.

THE BEST DISNEY AGENCY TO JOIN

In my opinion, selecting an agency boils down to five crucial factors that fits your goals!

• High Commission Rate: Look for an agency that offers a competitive commission rate to maximize your earning potential.
• Training: Ensure that the agency provides comprehensive training to help you offer the best experience to your clients.
• Low Startup Fees: Seek an agency with affordable startup fees to allow you to turn a profit quickly without incurring substantial debt. Some agencies charge exorbitant joining fees or ongoing monthly fees.
• Variety of Booking Options: Opt for an agency that allows you to book various types of vacations beyond Disney, such as cruises, Universal, and more.
• No Sales Minimums: Avoid agencies that impose minimum booking requirements, as these can be unfair and may result in a loss of commissions.

For me, obviously Best Day Ever Vacations checked all these boxes. I have loved it, several of my friends have joined and I have even had friends of mine who were agents from other agencies move over to Best Day Ever.

Becoming a Disney Travel Agent requires a commitment of time, and a commitment to your clients. If you have a love for Disney and enjoy working with people and planning vacations, this might be the perfect career path for you.

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Thinking About Planning a Disney Vacation? Let MickeyTravels Team Help

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Welcome to MickeyTravels!

MickeyTravels, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, is proud to be one of a select few travel agencies in the world that has been designated by Disney Destinations with  DIAMOND Earmarked status!

We’ve been so proud to be a Platinum level agency the last several years, and we are now ecstatic to be one of a small handful of agencies who have earned the elite Diamond Earmarked agency status for 2023! This is the absolute highest level that can be bestowed upon a travel agency by Disney!

We are recognized nationally as a leader in planning magical Disney vacations and we’re proud to offer industry leading customer service to ALL of our clients. We have been voted BEST TRAVEL AGENCY by multiple newspapers and magazines throughout the country based on all the MAGICAL services we provide.  If you’re searching for the Travel Agents that specialize in Disney destinations , congratulations! You’ve found them at MickeyTravels, your DIAMOND level Authorized Disney Vacation Planners!

We Only Book Disney Vacations – our travel agents spend 100% of their time booking Disney vacations.  Disney is our passion!  Being a “Disney-only” travel agency enables us to keep up to date with all the latest Disney news, deals, discounts, and promotions.  We’re self-proclaimed Disney experts!  Every MickeyTravels agent eats, breathes, sleeps and lives the MAGIC of Disney! The end result is more MAGIC for you!  That’s what you want out of your Disney vacation, isn’t it?

It doesn’t matter if your vacation is for one person or a family reunion of 50 people – we handle each Disney vacation the same!  Our Disney Travel agents are always available & accessible via email or phone to answer any questions you may have – whether it’s advice on which Disney resort to stay in, what Disney restaurant to dine in, or what Disney discounts are available for you to take advantage of…we’re intent on Making Magic One Vacation at a Time… ®

Making Magic ® – You will work hand in hand with one magical Disney Travel Agent throughout your entire planning process! All of our Disney Travel Agents specialize in Disney vacations.  They offer years of experience regarding Disney travel, and are proud graduates of the Disney College of Knowledge! We ONLY plan Disney vacations and as a DIAMOND level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , we are widely considered THE Disney experts at Making Magic ® – that’s what we do!

One Vacation at a Time ® – MickeyTravels personalizes each client’s Disney vacation based on their specific needs and wants. Do you want to plan a vacation to Walt Disney World ® ? Disneyland ® ?  How ’bout a Disney Cruise? Maybe Aulani?  Or what about taking an Adventures by Disney vacation?  Whatever your Disney vacation preference is, be confident knowing that you’ve selected the best Disney travel agency to make your vacation truly magical.

Book Now. Pay Never.  – Our Services are always 100% FREE! As such, when you book your Disney vacation with MickeyTravels, you’ll never pay us a planning fee. That’s right…you get expert planning advice from a DIAMOND Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner…and it’s free! Now that’s magical!

Will you be celebrating an event such as a birthday, an anniversary, or your child’s first Disney vacation? How about a honeymoon or a reunion?  Whatever the occasion, we’ll let Disney know and they’ll make it magical for you.

Want to know where the best locations are for Disney parades & Disney fireworks? No problem!  We’ll let you know! Want a customized itinerary showcasing Disney’s extra magic hours? We can help with that too! We are intent on keeping our eyes & ears open for discounts, promotions and special offers that can save you time AND money even after you’ve booked your Disney vacation!

Do you already have your Disney vacation planned? No worries…It’s possible we can still help – and we may be able to get you a discount too! Visit our Already Have a Vacation Booked? page for more details!

Get a FREE quote or contact us today to learn how MickeyTravels, your DIAMOND level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, can make your Disney vacation MAGICAL…one you and your family will remember forever!

CONTACT US TODAY!

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• Free Vacation Planning

Our recommendations for the best Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

A Disney World travel agent can be your secret weapon to planning the most magical vacation of your life.

Because they are the secret to unlock stress-free vacation planning, lower prices, and a trip specifically tailored to your needs. Best of all, travel agents provide their services for free. That’s right. You can get someone to make all your reservations and help you plan your trip for no extra charge.  

Whether you’re planning your first trip or your 50th, a travel agent can be a huge help. It’s one of our top tips for having an stress-free vacation at Disney. They can take care of the planning, like making reservations or booking accommodations.

That leaves you to just focus on having fun.

There are a lot of travel agencies that specialize in Disney vacations. But which one should you use?

Guide2WDW is here to help. We’ve been around since 1999, and we’ve helped millions of people have more fun at Disney. We’ve encountered dozens of travel agencies, and we’ve seen the difference a great travel planner can make.

The Best Disney Travel Agency

Vacationeer.

Why they’re great

• Disney World Experts
• Diamond Level Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
• Super responsive
• Great reviews – 5 stars on Google
• The Official Travel Agency of Guide2WDW
• Small World Vacations

• Founded in 1996
• Trusted by some of the top Disney sites

Another great choice

• Travelmation

• Founded in 2012
• A team of over 1,000 travel planners

Table of Contents

The Five Best Disney Travel Agencies

• Vacationeer – Guide2WDW’s Official Travel Agency
• MEI Mouse Fan Travel
• Kingdom Konsultants

1 – Vacationeer – Guide2WDW’s Recommended Travel Agency

Get a free quote from Vacationeer.

Vacationeer is the official travel agency of Guide2WDW. They’ve helped plan over 25,000 vacations and made over 75,000 dining reservations. They’ve also been designated as a Diamond Level Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner . Disney gives this designation to only a handful of the top travel agencies. They earned this due to their level of service to a high volume of Disney guests.

If you’re researching a Disney World vacation, you’ve probably seen their logo on other major Disney sites like Magic Guides and WDWNT. Vacationeer can help you plan a Disney World, Disneyland, Universal, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney vacation. Plus, they pride themselves in finding the best deals possible, even after you initially book your vacation.

There are three main reasons why I chose Vacationeer at Guide2WDW’s official travel agency.

They are Disney World experts. This travel agency specializes in Disney vacations. I know firsthand how complicated a Disney vacation can get. If you are visiting Disney World, you are better off picking an agency that focuses on Disney primarily. Between the dining reservations , park hopping rules , and the countless things to do, planning a Disney World vacation can be overwhelming. You want someone who knows the parks inside and out, rather than a general service agency.

The friendly agents at Vacationeer all live and breathe Disney every day. They love the parks, the rides, and the restaurants, and they have a ton of personal experience visiting WDW. They can help you navigate Genie+ , make ADRs, and figure out which parks to visit during your vacation.  

Vacationeer has amazing responsiveness. Having a responsive agent makes a huge difference. You never know what kind of issues you might run into, and having someone who will quickly get back to you can save your vacation.

I’ve never encountered a travel agency with quicker or friendlier responses.

They also have a track record of satisfied customers.  The Diamond Level designation only comes from serving a large number of customers and making sure they have a great experience. They currently have a 5 star rating on Google with 731 reviews , and a 4.9/5 rating on Facebook with over 250 votes.

That’s why I wholeheartedly endorse Vacationeer. If you’re planning a Disney World vacation, I recommend that you get in touch for their free vacation planning services.

2 – Small World Vacations

The preferred travel agency of Disney Food Blog, MouseSavers, and WDW Prep School, Small World Vacations is a Diamond Level Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Universal Orlando Preferred Travel Agency. Founded in 1996, Small World Vacations aims to “bring the Disney Service home to you.”  

Whether you want to visit WDW, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, or Aulani, SMV can help you plan a magical vacation. It’s part of the reason why they’ve been listed as one of the most successful travel agencies in America by Travel Weekly.

3 – Travelmation

Travelmation is another great choice for your vacation.

They are a full service travel agency specializing in Disney vacations. Another Diamond Level Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, Travelmation launched in 2012 focused on Walt Disney World travel planning.

Since then, they’ve expanded their horizons to include Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises and more, and they serve customers all over the world.

4 – MEI Mouse Fan Travel

Mouse Fan Travel was founded after Beci and Chris Mahnken had a “less than satisfying” experience with their local travel agency. They decided to found her own travel agency in response with the goal of guiding others along on their Disney vacations.

Helping Disney World guests plan their vacations since 1998, Mouse Fan Travel is one of the longest running Disney Travel Planners out there. Their team features over 90 professionals, all specializing in Disney vacations.

Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help with your vacation, honeymoon, family reunion, or corporate retreat.

5 – Kingdom Konsultants

Founded in 2004, Kingdom Konsultants specializes in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, Disneyland Paris and Adventures by Disney vacations.

With their Beyond the Kingdom division, they also help plan trips to Universal, Sandals, and various cruise lines.

Kingdom Konsultants is the official travel agency of WDWMagic.  

The Benefits of Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

We believe that most guests can benefit from using a Disney World Travel Agent. There are a lot of benefits that can help you make the most of your vacation.

• Their services are free! That’s right, it does not cost you an extra penny to use a travel agent to plan a Disney World vacation. The travel agencies get paid a commission from Disney directly, so there is no charge
• They can save you money! Whether its access to exclusive rates at Disney Resorts or being up on the latest WDW deals, your Disney World travel agent can save you extra money.
• No FOMO on deals.  Disney travel agents can help you take advantage of the latest deals, even if they become available after you book. So you never have to worry about missing out on a special rate or promotion.
• They take care of the work! Does your eye start to twitch at the prospect of making all of the reservations you need for a Disney vacation? Your travel agent can book your hotel, make park reservations, and help you get ADRs at your wish-list restaurants.
• They know the parks inside and out. There’s too much to do at Disney World for one vacation. Your travel agent can learn about what you want for your vacation and help you pick the best rides, shows, and restaurants for your trip.
• You are still in control! Working with a travel agent doesn’t mean that you have no role in planning. Your travel agent will be as hands-on or hands-off as you want. Some people prefer to take charge with planning each day, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of making reservations. And some people just want to show up and have all the details taken care of. Your travel agent will meet you where you need.

We want to hear from you!

There you have it. Our recommendations for the five best Disney World travel agencies. But let me know in the comments below: Which Disney World travel agent do you recommend?

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James Grosch

James is a lifelong Disney Parks fan. While at the parks, he loves finding new details, learning more about Disney World history, and taking pictures. His favorite WDW attractions include Rise of the Resistance, Spaceship Earth, and Tower of Terror. James is a filmmaker and writer based in Atlanta, GA.

I highly recommend Fairytale Journeys. Have used them a number of times. They are knowledgeable, responsive, reliable and incredibly helpful. Just a pleasure to work with.

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With a focus on Disney World, our travel agents live and breathe Disney. We are steeped in knowledge and up to date on the latest news and trends. Each agent is a graduate of The College of Disney Knowledge and does continuing education throughout the year.

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