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The five best travel agencies for Disney World

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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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Countdown to Magic

12 Best Disney World Travel Agents to Book Your Trip

Embark on a magical journey to Disney World with our curated selection of top-tier travel agents. Planning a Disney adventure can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Let our guide streamline the process, helping you discover the best Disney travel agents to make your dream vacation a reality.

Unveiling the Best Disney Travel Agents

Up first is Orlando Vacation.

Orlando Vacation

Simplify your booking process with Orlando Vacation.

Their user-friendly website allows you to effortlessly purchase discounted tickets or book a hotel stay at DIsney World or Universal Studios. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a family reunion, Orlando Vacation caters to all your needs.

Why Use Orlando Vacation?

• Family-run business since 1991
• Assist customers with group tickets and theme park youth programs
• The company’s president, Trey Duling, can be contacted directly if you need additional help

Orlando Vacation Reviews :

My husband and I went to Orlando for vacation and booked our trip through OrlandoVacation.com. We stayed at Emerald Island and it looked exactly the way the pictures on the website did.  I was pleased with how clean it was and I am a pretty difficult person to please when it comes to the cleanliness of hotels, resorts, etc.  The Office Manager, Hailee, was simply amazing and provided the best customer service ever! She made our stay in Orlando one we will never forget.  I would definitely recommend using them for your next vacation and we are already planning a return trip!

This Orlando Vacation review comes from Lianne T on Yelp .

Small World Vacations

With years of experience, Small World Vacations stands out as a Diamond level authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Their dedicated team ensures a personalized planning process, covering everything from ride reservations to finding the best Disney deals.

Small World Vacations has been in operation since 1996 and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau in New Jersey .

Why Use Small World Vacations?

• Small World Vacations is a Diamond Level Disney vacation planner travel agency
• Universal Orlando Resort experts
• Graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge

Small World Vacations Reviews:

I’m so impressed with the TA we’ve been using through Small World because of her amount of knowledge and her level of patience with me. I asked her a ton of questions (an hours worth of talking) before I committed to booking our trip. She’s experienced in her job as well as personal travel to Disney. She sends follow ups when she says she’s going to and I absolutely love all the Disney information they send out (first time Disney trip for us).

This Small World Vacations review comes from kirchemjt on the Touring Plans forum .

Mickey Travels

Join forces with Mickey Travels for an exclusive Disney experience.

As a Diamond level authorized Disney vacation planner, they focus on one client at a time, guaranteeing personalized attention.

From custom itineraries to monitoring discounts, Mickey Travels has your back.

Why Use Mickey Travels?

• Diamond level travel agency
• Focused on “Disney-only” travel destinations
• Can help you even if your vacation is already booked

The Vacationeer

Despite being a smaller agency, The Vacationeer boasts Disney School of Knowledge graduates, ensuring in-depth knowledge and top-notch recommendations.

Their services, specializing in both Disney and Universal vacations, come at no cost to you.

Why Use The Vacationeer?

• The Vacationeer is a Diamond Level Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
• Can help plan Disney Cruise Line vacations and Disney VIP Tours 

The Vacationeer Reviews:

Kristin booked our vacation at Universal Studios and it was perfect! We stayed at the Aventura Hotel which is very close to the park, has shuttles all day long and allows you to enter the park one hour before the general public. Kristin booked the rooms and tickets to the park, gave us recommendations for restaurants and even reminded me to be prepared for the afternoon storms and to bring rain ponchos. She communicated with me right up until our trip and remained available for questions or issues that could have come up during our stay. Although we’ve never met in person, I felt as though I’ve known her for a while. So happy we found her and will definitely use her again. Highly recommend!

This The Vacationeer review comes from Sheri D on Yelp .

Mouseketrips

Dedicated to Disney vacation planning, Mouseketrips aims to eliminate confusion from your trip.

As an authorized Disney vacation planner, their staff provides free services, backed by stellar customer reviews.

Why Use Mouseketrips?

• Mouseketrips have been Disney travel agents since 2002
• Mouseketrips focuses solely on Disney vacations

Mouseketrips Reviews:

My family of 3 just got back from a weeks vacation to Disneyworld and Universal Studios Orlando which was all planned out for us by Kelly at Mouseketrips. I am so glad I found out about the company and had Kelly to help us throughout this journey! We planned it about 9 months ago. Kelly let us know when it was time to book restaurant reservations, character interactions etc.

This Mouseketrips review comes from Melanie G on Yelp .

Dreams Unlimited Travel

Dive into the mecca of Disney knowledge with Dreams Unlimited Travel.

As a an authorized Disney vacation planner, they offer a wealth of information on deals, park additions, and more.

Why Use Dreams Unlimited Travel?

• Dreams Unlimited Travel also books Universal Studios vacations
• You can also book non-Disney cruise travel, like Royal Caribbean and Holland America

Dreams Unlimited Travel Reviews:

We’ve been using Dreams Unlimited since our first cruise in 2016. We do it mainly for the on board credit (OBC). If you live in the US/Canada they also mail you a gift basket shortly before your cruise.  With Covid, I am so thankful I used a TA. My 2020 cruise that was booked with an on board booking was cancelled. My TA called for me when I wanted to use the future cruise credit and extended OBB to an 8/21 Fantasy cruise…and then I had her move it to a 6/22 Greek cruise…and then to a 6/22 Fantasy Western Caribbean cruise.  My poor TA had to call each time since I’m using an OBB that was originally going to expire in 8/2020.

This Dreams Unlimited Travel review comes from Geomom at DISboards.com .

Pixie Vacations

Known for attention to detail, Pixie Vacations ensures a personalized touch to your Disney experience.

As authorized Disney vacation planners, they keep you informed about the best vacation deals, providing free quotes on their website.

Why Use Pixie Vacations?

• The owners of Pixie Vacations are former Walt Disney World cast members

Pixie Vacations Reviews:

I contacted Pixie and selected Stephanie and all my plans and wish-list were accommodated. Stephanie is so patient, kind, thorough, detail oriented, trustworthy, organized, approachable, accessible, and most importantly, knowledgeable! We even received a special thank you for booking with her. For a family that rarely travels and definitely resists flying, she made each step stress-free. She sent us a detailed document that provided each encounter of our trip from start to finish including cool travel mentions to guide and/or make our experience better.

This Pixie Vacations review comes from S G. on Yelp .

Be Our Guest Vacations

Enjoy a detailed and charitable approach with Be Our Guest Vacations.

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau , they donate a portion of their earnings to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Why Use Be Our Guest Vacations?

• Be Our Guest Vacations was founded in 2002
• Be Our Guest Vacations is accredited by IATAN and CLIA

Share the Magic

Share the Magic specializes in Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Universal Studios.

While their website might lack information, their impressive social media presence on Facebook makes up for it.

Why Use Share the Magic?

• Founded in 2019
• Over 150 travel agents available to help you

Destination Magic

A boutique agency with “Magic Makers,” Destination Magic ensures a stress-free vacation planning process.

With nearly 70 agents, each with a profile on their website, you can find the perfect match for your planning style.

Why Use Destination Magic?

• Every Destination Magic planner graduated from The College of Disney Knowledge
• They can book you a Disney World, Disneyland or Disney Cruise vacation

Ears of Experience

Founded over a decade ago, Ears of Experience focuses on creating stress-free Disney vacations.

With over 170 “Mouse Experts,” they cater to families with special needs, providing a personalized touch.

Why Use Ears of Experience?

• Ears of Experience was founded in 2009
• Decades of experience booking Disney vacations

The owner of Ears of Experience has multiple special needs degrees and can advise families traveling with a child that has special needs

Fairytale Journeys Travel

Established in 2010, Fairytale Journeys Travel combines sales expertise and Southern hospitality.

As Platinum Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, they offer free planning services, price monitoring, and a personal concierge service.

Why Use Fairytale Journeys Travel?

• Fairytale Journeys Travel has been on the Disney earmarked agency list for seven years.  They have achieved Platinum Earmarked Agency status from Disney Destinations.

Fairytale Journeys Travel Reviews:

Fairytale Journeys Travel has always been my go-to for all Disney vacations. However, I was never interested in cruises; but with the encouragement and assurance from Susanne, the owner of FTJ Travel, telling me how relaxing, exciting and fun it would be, I boarded the Disney Princess in October of 2018. I had the time of my life!!! 

This Fairytale Journeys Travel review comes from Kat K on Yelp .

What Are Disney World Travel Agents, Anyway?

Disney World travel agents are highly trained, Disney-focused experts who can guide you through every aspect of your vacation. 

Ideal for first-timers, these agents provide information on pricing, restaurant recommendations, theme park passes, and more. 

Hiring a Disney travel agent is usually free, and it ensures a stress-free experience for families, allowing them to focus on creating magical memories at the parks.

Should I Hire a Disney World Travel Agent?

Whether you’re a first-timer, planning a return visit, or managing a busy schedule, hiring a Disney travel agent can enhance your experience. 

For first-timers, the intricate details of Genie+ selections , restaurant reservations, and deal hunting can be overwhelming. A travel agent can navigate these complexities. 

If you’re well-versed in Disney World, a travel agent can still provide valuable insights. Balancing your priorities and preferences, a Disney travel agent ensures a seamless and memorable vacation.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing the right Disney travel agent is crucial for a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Our curated list, coupled with your research, will help you find the perfect planner to make your Disney World vacation truly magical. 

Selecting an authorized Disney vacation planner with experience and knowledge ensures a smooth planning process, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the happiest place on Earth. Plan your adventure today and start counting down the days until your Disney dreams come true!

If you enjoyed this article on the best Disney travel agent and agencies on the market, please “like” our Countdown to Magic Facebook page ! If you need additional help with your Disney vacation plans, be sure to visit my detailed Start Here page .

Michael has been visiting Disney World since he was a kid. He's also been to Disneyland and sailed on the Disney Dream. Michael is the owner and editor of Countdown to Magic.

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Modern Life is Good

Disney World, Universal Orlando, Cruise & Family Travel

Should I use a Disney Vacation Planner or Travel Agent?

October 12, 2020 by @Modlifeisgood 5 Comments

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agencies are specialist authorized Disney Travel Agents. They operate in the United States only and can plan every aspect of your vacation. There is no charge for their services, and the income they earn is a commission from sales. For the Disney part of your package, the cost of your vacation will be the same as booking directly with Walt Disney World.

In other countries, there are package holiday companies and travel agents who specialize in selling Disney Holidays. However, package holiday companies in the United Kingdom often work out considerably more expensive. In addition, following the demise of Thomas Cook , their business model might be unsustainable long term.

New Information Following Reopening of Walt Disney World

The rest of this article was written before Walt Disney World closed in 2020. Previously we have recommended you don’t need to use a Disney Vacation Planner. We still do not think this is necessary for most guests, but it might present a more stress-free option. Disney Vacation Planners are likely to have access to all the latest information and rumors. In an ever-changing situation; this might feel very comforting.

What to consider before using a Disney Vacation Planner

Disney Vacation Planners are expert in Disney Vacations. This knowledge is not limited to Walt Disney World; they will also have specialist knowledge in Disneyland, Aulani (a Disney Resort & Spa), Disney Cruise Line vacations, and Adventures by Disney. Most agents will also have good knowledge of other Orlando attractions, including Universal Orlando Resort . However, this knowledge isn’t difficult to obtain via your own research online.

Disney Vacation Planners offer a stress-free booking experience and will often even take care of your dining and Fastpass reservations. However, you are not in control of your vacation. As a family, we appreciate the benefits of having full control of our vacations.

You will see that the majority of Disney Blogs recommend the use of Disney Vacation Planners. Many of these blogs either own or earn a commission from these vacation planners. You should note there is potentially a conflict of interest in their recommendations. We do not doubt that most blogs make their recommendations in good faith, but we feel you should be aware of this potential conflict of interest. We have chosen, here on Modern Life is Good, not to affiliate ourselves with any Disney Vacation Planner.

Planning a Disney Vacation can certainly be challenging and daunting at first. However, there is nobody better at planning your vacation than yourself. There is so much material available online that within a short time, you can become a Walt Disney World expert. If you keep to our Vacation Planning Timeline , you can easily do it yourself.

Also, shopping around will often provide you with much better deals on flights and other additional purchases. We also highly recommend booking through  cashback sites  which can offer a decent return on your purchase. Cashback Sites usually offer some cashback on Disney Vacations.

The decision on whether to use a Disney Vacation Planner is a personal decision, but do not think it is the only option. If you want to look for the best bargains, do your own research and keep control of your vacation; make your own reservations.

However; if you want a stress free experience, then a travel agent or Disney Vacation Planner might be your best bet.

Read More About Walt Disney World

Our  Guide to Walt Disney World for Beginners  is a great place to start planning a Walt Disney World Vacation. The guide has tips &tricks for Newbies and Repeat Walt Disney World Visitors. We have created an updated guide which has all the latest reopening information.

Reader Interactions

October 4, 2019 at 5:50 pm

As a Disney Travel Planner, I respectfully disagree. 🙂 I personally find that MANY people just don’t have time to sit around and check on all the latest updates, etc. Some people do, and that’s great, but a lot of people find planning their own travel a headache and want to use their time in other ways! Even with it comes to Universal, which seems easy compared to Disney, there are so many tips that a Travel Agent can give. Everyone is difficult and I blog tips for those who want to DIY their vacations, but many want to have it done for them and that’s okay too!

October 4, 2019 at 9:36 pm

Hi Amy Obviously the purpose of this post was to create some debate and I was surprised it took so long for a Disney Vacation Planner to leave a reply.

Don’t disagree with anything you say and I think the post reflected that for many guests having someone to arrange it for you can make your life a lot easier. However, I do think if you have the time a DIY package can bring benefits including some cost benefits, although I agree you need to be very committed to achieving this.

There are 2 points in my post which I think are most important for readers to consider:- 1 I do recommend caution when reading other Disney Blogs which fail to make clear they either own a travel agency or affiliated to one. Having looked at your own blog I can see that is clearly not what you do. 2 For UK guests the UK package holiday industry is ridiculously expensive and it is fairly impossible not to save a significant sum of money by doing a DIY package.

Hopefully, the link to your blog is working so readers can check you out.

Best Wishes

October 6, 2019 at 8:22 pm

I’ve done both planned my own, did the research & booked it all. Had a great trip. But now we use a agent. It does take a lot of stress out of it. My agent either loves or hates me though. Because I have 99% of details figured out before I ever contact her to book the trip. She just has to book everything. She has saved me from making a few mistakes though & I no longer stress about it. That being said, I enjoyed booking our own trip & still research everything myself.

April 25, 2023 at 4:16 am

I appreciate you mentioning that Disney Vacation Planners provide a hassle-free booking process and frequently even handles your meals and Fastpass reservations. This summer, my spouse wants to take a Disney vacation. I’ll advise him to reserve a Disney vacation planner so they can handle everything.

April 25, 2023 at 9:34 pm

Many thanks for spamming me from Mouse Vacation Planning! I have removed your website from your link, but readers are welcome to search for you and your competitors via Google.

best wishes

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Top Disney Travel Agents From The Unofficial Guide

Have you picked up your copy of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2023 ? TouringPlans provides much of the data the Guide uses to make its recommendations. We’re a numbers-based bunch and like to spend our time measuring pillow fluffiness and collecting wait times. We also survey our hundreds of thousands of users. One thing we love hearing about is Disney World guests who have a great experience with their travel agent. A travel agent can save your hours on the phone with Disney, make recommendations for the best vacation for your family, and save you money by finding the best deals.

In our survey we ask two questions.

Is this agent an expert on Walt Disney World? Would you use this agent again?

Best Disney World travel agents

Users named more than 1,100 travel agents this year. These are the top-rated :

Gina Akin takes the number one spot. Gina is a TouringPlans Travel agent. You can find out more about her here and follow her on Instagram and Facebook .

The remaining Top 10 agents are (in alphabetical order):

• Holly Biss of Magical Vacations Travel ([email protected]) – Facebook
• Missy Blair from TouringPlans Travel ([email protected]) – TouringPlans , Instagram , Facebook
• Alex Cenac from TouringPlans Travel ([email protected]) – TouringPlans , Instagram
• Joe Cheung, of Travelmation ([email protected]) – Instagram , Facebook , Podcast
• Sarah Goff from TouringPlans Travel   ([email protected]) – TouringPlans , Instagram , Facebook
• Sharon Iocono of Magical Vacations Travel  ([email protected]) – Instagram
• Michelle McKnight from TouringPlans Travel ([email protected]) – TouringPlans , Instagram , Facebook , Podcast
• Sue Pisaturo, owner of Small World Vacations  ([email protected]) – Instagram , Facebook
• Mike Rahlmann of The Magic For Less ([email protected]) – Instagram , Facebook , Podcast
• Darren Wittko of Magical Vacations Travel  ([email protected]) – Instagram , Facebook , Web site

Congratulations to all the agents! If you want to help fellow travelers, take our survey and share your thoughts about your Disney trips.

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Laurel Stewart

Laurel is a former software engineer and current student. She likes pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and Big Thunder Mountain.

7 thoughts on “ Top Disney Travel Agents From The Unofficial Guide ”

Holly is awesome! Congrats!

Can you purchase individual lightening lanes at 7AM if you’re staying at the Swan or Dolphin?

Yes, Disney resorts, Swan/Dolphin, and Shades of Green guests can book at 7AM per Disney’s web site.

Thanks for this article and was very excited to be included. I was wondering if you could please update my info – I’m not an independent agent I work with Travelmation (travelmation.net) and my work e-mail is [email protected]

Happy to! Congratulations!

You need a follow up article. “Why do you need a Travel Agent”

I’m normally a DIY person, and it will be late next year for our next trip. But frankly…I’m considering booking with a TA Disney/Universal week.

Hi Sam – we’re way ahead of you. Like, almost a year ahead of you. 🙂 I think you’ll find what you’re looking for in this article from October of last year. Admittedly it’s written specific to the TouringPlans TA, but most of what it covers, outside access to subscription only TouringPlans tools, is pretty standard for a Travel Agent experience.

https://touringplans.com/blog/what-can-the-touringplans-travel-agency-do-for-you/

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Working with Travel Agents Specializing in Disney Vacations

The amount of research necessary to plan all the details of a Disney vacation can be too time-consuming or even intimidating for some people. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the options, a great (FREE) solution is to use the services of a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel .

“Disney Specialists” have completed the College of Disney Knowledge, an online course offered by Disney that covers Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney. This is a great starting point, but frankly it’s not enough. Believe it or not, a travel agent can easily become a “Disney Specialist” in a few hours, without ever having visited a Disney vacation destination in person!

For that reason, we recommend picking an agency such as Small World Vacations that focuses on Disney travel and requires its agents to have advanced experience with Disney destinations, including in-person, on-site visits.

How Come It’s Free?

What to expect, avoid problems with payments, our personal recommendation.

Normally the client pays nothing extra for the service provided by a travel agency. Travel agents make their living from a small commission paid by the travel supplier (in this case, Disney) for the resort hotel rooms, theme park passes and vacation packages they book. The agent is compensated by this commission for the time, effort and attention she provides to the client.

Some agencies do charge for making changes or cancellations. The agency we recommend, Small World Vacations , does not charge any fees, including cancellation or change fees.

Travel agencies always charge a fee for making air reservations, because the airlines no longer pay commission. Small World Vacations does not book plane tickets for that very reason: it’s cheaper and easier for you to do it yourself! ( Read our advice and tips on booking your own airfare .)

Because they work on a commission basis, it’s unfair to ask a travel agent to do a lot of research for you, and then book elsewhere. Likewise, a reputable travel agent normally will not take over the booking of a trip from another travel agent, because this is considered “stealing” someone else’s earned commission.

An agent who specializes in Disney travel should be able to provide you with accurate information, including pricing, for Disney resorts, theme park passes and packages. She will book your trip and seek out the best deals for you — even rebooking your trip when better rates come up, if possible. Additionally, the best agents will help you with “extras” like booking your Advance Dining Reservations .

Once you book with a travel agent, he or she becomes your single point of contact for all changes in your travel plans. You cannot make changes or cancellations directly through Disney if you are working with a travel agent. For most people this feature is convenient, but if you prefer to control everything yourself, booking with a travel agent is not for you.

Travel agents are generally geared toward long-term planning (one month in advance or more). That’s primarily because it can take 3-4 weeks for them to get the paperwork from Disney once they’ve made your reservations, and then they have to get that paperwork to you. If you’re planning a last-minute trip, it’s usually better to do it yourself.

One of the most important things you need to find out about a travel agency is how they handle payments. The agency should send your payments immediately and directly to Disney. If you give them a credit card number, the card payment should be processed by Disney. If you write a check, it should be made out to Disney, not to the agency. That is how the agency we recommend ( Small World Vacations ) processes payments. They don’t hold your money — it goes straight to Disney.

DO NOT use an agency that collects your money and holds that money in its own accounts! Agencies that hold your money may have cash flow problems. They may be using your money to pay their suppliers for earlier clients’ vacations, and then hoping to use future clients’ money to pay for your vacation. It’s sort of like a pyramid scheme, and it can have the same result if their cash flow dries up.

When you let an agency process your payment through its own accounts, you have no guarantee that they’ll actually pay Disney for your vacation. There is also a risk that they’ll delay paying so long that your reservation may be canceled. If you have booked a Disney cruise, full payment must be received by Disney by a certain date so that you can reserve excursions and make Palo reservations, but if the agency sits on your money, you may lose your chance to make those reservations.

Some agencies are bonded, but if they default or close their doors, the bond may not cover all the money they’ve been collecting from clients. In some states, agencies that process payments are legally required to put your money in an escrow account for your protection, but many states don’t require this. In any case, there is no reason why the agency should earn interest on your money!

By the way, we don’t recommend paying for a vacation by check or debit card. You have much better protection against losing your money if you pay with a credit card.

The travel agent we use personally, talk with all the time, and can recommend wholeheartedly is Sue Pisaturo , whose company is called Small World Vacations .

Sue and all of her agents are Disney Specialists and College of Disney Knowledge graduates. Small World Vacations agents are required to have actually experienced the Disney destinations they sell. (In other words, if they are booking Disney cruises, they’ve actually been on a Disney cruise — often several cruises — themselves.) In addition, Small World agents complete ongoing education programs on-site at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando.

Small World Vacations is a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, a special designation given by Disney to its top booking agencies. Sue Pisaturo, the owner and founder, is acknowledged as a Disney “expert among experts” and has contributed to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and other guidebooks. 

Small World Vacations is included in Travel Weekly’s 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 Power List and Travel Weekly’s 2017 Power List of the most successful travel agencies in the USA. They’ve been on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for six years in a row, and is one of very few agencies in the world to earn Diamond status (the highest level) in Disney’s EarMarked program for travel agencies. Small World Vacations has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They are insured, bonded and have been in business for over 25 years.

Here’s how the process works. Small World Vacations uses a quotation system that helps them offer the best discounts available and also directs your request to the best agent for your needs.

• Submit a request for a price quote through their website.
• Based on your needs and your location, Sue partners you with a specific agent who will work with you right up through the time of your trip. (Sue is located in the Northeastern US, but she has agents around the US and works with clients around the world.)
• The agent will contact you by email with your quotation and provide you with an email and direct phone number that allows you to reach her directly and discuss the details of your vacation.
• From that point on, your contact is one-on-one with the agent and completely personalized.

Sue’s agents are extremely knowledgeable about Disney travel and wonderful to work with. They are oriented toward saving you money and will constantly monitor your reservation to make sure you are getting the best available deal. They understand and use the various discount codes that may be available, and they know all the best tricks for maximizing your time and money when planning a Disney vacation. Since 1996, they have helped over 300,000 guests plan their Disney vacations.

You will always receive helpful planning information and literature when you book with Small World Vacations. There is never any charge for their services. They often offer special gifts and incentives as well. Be sure to subscribe to the FREE monthly MouseSavers Newsletter , since Small World frequently offers extra goodies for newsletter subscribers.

The agents at Small World Vacations are genuinely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about all things Disney, and we know they’ll take great care of you. We have received many, many “thank you” emails from readers who had a wonderful experience working with this agency.

Ready to plan your vacation with Small World Vacations? Where do you want to go?

• Walt Disney World: Request a Walt Disney World vacation price quote from Small World Vacations. Please note:  Small World Vacations has a minimum booking requirement of 3 nights, except for room-only bookings (with no tickets or dining plan) of standard Value resort rooms, for which the minimum booking requirement is 5 nights.
• Disneyland (California):   Request a Disneyland (California) vacation price quote from Small World Vacations. Please note:  Small World Vacations has a minimum booking requirement of 2 nights for vacation packages; there is a 3-night minimum for room-only bookings (with no tickets or dining plan) at on-site Disneyland Resorts.
• Disney Cruise Line cruise:   Request a Disney Cruise Line cruise price quote from Small World Vacations.
• Universal Orlando:   Request a Universal Orlando vacation price quote from Small World Vacations. Please note:  Small World Vacations has a minimum booking requirement of 3 nights at  on-site hotels only.
• Adventures by Disney vacation:   Request an Adventures by Disney vacation price quote from Small World Vacations.
• Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii:   Request an Aulani Resort vacation price quote from Small World Vacations.  Please note:  Small World Vacations has a minimum booking requirement of 3 nights.
• Want to book   Universal Orlando vacation packages as an add-on to your Walt Disney World trip or Disney Cruise vacation? Use the Small World Vacations’ Walt Disney World request a price quote form. Fill it out with the details for the Walt Disney World portion of your trip. When you reach the “Special Requests” section, add a note saying that you’d like to add days at Universal Orlando and which on-site hotel you are interested in.

9 Reasons Why You Should Use a Disney Travel Agent

In an age when we can instantly go online to research and book our vacation, do people even still use travel agents?  Yes, they do, and for good reason!  Actually, for several good reasons.  But it usually boils down to a central theme… having someone else handle the research and logistics so their vacation doesn’t start to become work .  And for a complex destination like Disney World, that’s even more important!  Sure, you can do some research here on our site to find out how much your trip will cost (our Disney World Cost Calculator is great for that) — but when you’re ready to book, we suggest you call in a professional!  Here are our top nine reasons why you should use a Disney travel agent.

Our pick for the best Disney travel agency is The Vacationeer !

Their team of 90+ agents specialize in Disney World, Universal, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney vacations.  They offer free, no-obligation quotes and their travel planning services are free of charge!

– 1 – Their services are free, and they’ll work within your budget

These may not be the most compelling reasons to use a Disney travel agent, but they’re such common misconceptions that we feel it’s important to clear them up right away.

Most travel agents do not charge you a fee to use their planning services.   Why?  Disney is paying the agent a small commission in exchange for handling your booking.

This cost comes out of Disney’s profit on your vacation… it’s not passed on to you.  In other words, booking with an agent is no more costly than booking without an agent.

A few travel agencies have begun charging an itinerary planning fee, but this is not the case for most agencies.  You shouldn’t have any trouble finding reputable agencies that don’t charge you anything to book your vacation.

And remember, a reputable Disney travel agent will never pressure you to upgrade to a larger room you don’t want, or buy a more expensive ticket package than you need.  A healthy working relationship with your Disney travel specialist is one in which your agent knows your needs and your budget, and doesn’t try to force you to book something you won’t like or can’t afford.

Interestingly, many travelers discover that their trip is actually CHEAPER than if they had booked it on their own ; their travel agent often offers suggestions on discounts and package deals that the traveler might not have known about otherwise.

They can also help you set up a payment plan for your trip, so you just pay a small deposit upfront and then pay the remainder on your own schedule.  A good travel agent will help you make a plan to pay for your Disney vacation in a way that works within your budget.

– 2 – Disney is Complex and Constantly Changing

We’ll just come right out and say it.  Going to Disney is complicated.

What started out as a single theme park in 1950s California has grown over the past seven decades into a global enterprise with parks, cruises, and tours all around the world.  In Florida alone, Disney World has four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and entertainment district, about two dozen resort hotels, a sports complex, golf and mini golf courses, fishing, boat rentals, parasailing, camping, adult/executive education, convention centers, youth education programs, and so much more — not to mention a standalone beach resort on the Florida coast and two thriving cruise ports with ships sailing to distant ports of call.

And, more importantly, these already-complex vacation destinations are constantly changing.  Rides and restaurants open and close, booking policies change, nuances of park hours and crowd levels can affect the overall experience.  You either need to invest a ton of time and effort to research all of this on your own, or you need to find someone who studies this information day in and day out and keeps track of all the changes.

Attractions come and go. Does your agent pay attention?

That’s where having a good Disney travel agent comes in.  They follow Disney like it’s their job… because it IS their job!  That brings us to our next reason…

– 3 – They Are Focused Almost Exclusively on Disney

Pretty much any travel agent, whether they work for one of the big national names or the mom-n-pop place down the street, can book a Disney vacation for you.  But if your vacation is the only Disney trip they’ve booked all year, are they really going to know everything needed to make your vacation magical?

As we mentioned above, Disney is always changing, and having a travel agent who relies on outdated knowledge can mean the difference between getting what you want or missing out on critical parts of your vacation.

As an example, let’s say you call up a massive national agency or wholesaler to book a vacation at Walt Disney World in Florida.  Suppose the travel agent you speak with hasn’t booked a Disney trip in a few years.  If they haven’t kept up with all of the news coming out of Disney in those two years, they could be missing some major changes!

Perhaps the best examples of this are the major changes at Disney that happened between 2020 and 2022:

• You didn’t just need theme park tickets — you couldn’t get into a park unless you also had a theme park reservation (and those rules changed in 2023 and will change once again in 2024!)
• The FastPass system was completely replaced with two new offerings
• The Extra Magic Hours program was replaced with two new offerings
• A new roller coaster opened at Epcot, but you couldn’t just stand in line to ride it
• The timeline to make dining reservations changed, and the Disney Dining Plan was suspended (and is due to come back in 2024)
• The way to get from the airport to the hotel changed

Of course, the early 2020s were far from typical.  But even without a pandemic upending everything, there are still significant changes that happen each year.  Imagine the impact that not keeping track of those changes could have on your trip!  Don’t risk it… pick a travel agent who focuses primarily on Disney vacations!  They’re the ones who’ll know everything that’s needed to make your trip a success.

– 4 – An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Receives Training Directly from Disney

A reputable Disney travel agent doesn’t just focus on Disney… they have been trained using official Disney training materials and have been designated an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner .  That means you’re getting vacation planning services that are based on accurate information provided directly by Disney.

The College of Disney Knowledge

Disney offers comprehensive training for travel agents, known as the College of Disney Knowledge .  This program requires agents not only to go through an extensive series of training modules, but also to pass tests of their knowledge prior to graduating.

When your travel agent is a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, you’ll know they’ve been extensively trained and tested on Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney.

Some agents take their Disney education even further by attending in-person training at Disney.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners

Disney has a special term for travel agencies which specialize in Disney Travel, have fully trained their agents on Disney products, and agree to uphold Disney’s high standards.  They’re called “Authorized Disney Vacation Planners,” and you should look for that specific wording on your agent’s website.

Finding an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is crucial if you want to be sure you’re working with a travel agent/agency that truly knows Disney.

The logo displayed by Authorized Disney Vacation Planners | Image © Disney

Disney recognizes the highest-performing travel agencies by awarding them a higher  EarMarked designation.  Every agency starts out at the Bronze level and, based on annual booking activity, can progress up through Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels.

Very few agencies achieve Platinum or Diamond level EarMarked status.   Find one and you’ll know you’re dealing with an agency that books thousands of Disney trips every year… true experts!

Looking for a trustworthy travel agency that specializes in Disney Vacations?  We highly recommend contacting The Vacationeer , our number one pick for the best Disney Travel Planners .

This EarMarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency doesn’t charge any fees to use their planning services, and all of their agents are graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge.

– 5 – You have a dedicated contact for your vacation planning

Planning your vacation without using a Disney Travel Agent means you’re either going it alone online, or you’re stuck dealing with call centers — several different phone numbers, too.  Want to book dining?  Call this number.  Need a hotel?  Call that number.  Booking recreation?  Still another number.

After you wait who knows how long on hold, you’ll be connected to a helpful Cast Member… but you’re going to speak with them on the phone once and (in all likelihood) never again.  Need clarification on something about your vacation you discussed with them earlier?  You can call back, but it’s practically impossible to get the same person back on the phone a second time.

Even if you do miraculously get the same person on the phone a second time, they could have taken dozens or even hundreds of other phone calls since then.  The odds of them remembering your situation?  Pretty slim.

Most Disney travel agencies, on the other hand, will assign a single travel agent to you.  That agent will serve as your single point of contact before, during, and after your trip.

They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family — what you like and don’t like, what’s important to you, and what’s not of interest — so your vacation is exactly what you want.

Think of them almost as your own personal Disney concierge .  It’s great for your first Disney vacation, and even better when you’re ready to go back for another!

– 6 – Disney Travel Agents watch for new discounts and apply them for you

This is perhaps the best benefit of using a Disney travel agent.  Imagine having your trip booked, then getting this email a few months later from your agent:

Hi there! I wanted to let you know that Disney just released a new discount of 20% off certain resort stays.  Your reservation at Coronado Springs is eligible for the discount, so I’ve gone ahead and applied it to your booking.  Your total cost went down by $500! Have a magical day!

That’s the best kind of email there is!  A good Disney travel agent will watch over your reservation, ready to swoop in on any new discounts or promotions that might pop up. That’s why a travel agency such as The Vacationeer is the best place to book your Disney World Hotel reservation .

Working without a travel agent?  IF you happen to hear that a new discount became available, you’ll have to join the hundreds and hundreds of other Guests waiting on hold to modify their reservation.  And there’s a chance that by the time you do hear about it, the offer might have expired or is sold out because there were only a limited number of rooms available.

– 7 – Your travel agent makes all of the reservations for your Disney Vacation

It seems pretty obvious, but let’s take a moment to think about what this really means.

Your Disney travel agent knows your travel plans.  That means they know when you can book your hotels, when you can book your dining reservations, and when you can book recreation and dinner shows.  They even know how to reserve transportation to and from the airport.

And they’ll do all of that, exactly on time, right when the booking window opens.  Any delay in booking these reservations can mean that you lose out as other guests take your spot… and some booking windows open at 6AM eastern time!  If you’re a west coast resident, you’d probably rather not wake up at 3AM to try to grab a popular dining reservation.  Let a Disney travel agent do it instead!

Even if you don’t mind a few early wake up calls, you’ll still be happy to know that it’s all being handled for you so you don’t have to spend your valuable time doing it.

Your Disney travel specialist is happy to book your hotel, Advance Dining Reservations, add-ons such as character experiences and special holiday parties, and any other time-sensitive reservations for your vacation.

This sign won't concern you if your agent has already made your reservations!

– 8 – They can help if something unexpected comes up

Picture it.  You’re all set for the perfect vacation.  And, despite all of your planning ahead, something just… goes wrong.  Maybe your flight gets canceled so you need to adjust your check-in date — a major storm in Florida (or at home) causes everyone to change their travel plans at once and hold times are skyrocketing — or someone in your group gets sick at the last minute and you need to change your plans.

Those situations are terrible enough as-is.  Now imagine if you could just call your travel agent and ask them to deal with the issue.  With no agent, you’re stuck dealing with everything on your own.

That’s the extra peace of mind you get when you book through a Disney travel agent.  They’ll do everything possible to make sure your trip starts off smoothly — but if a snag comes up anyway, they’ll handle it for you so it’s one less thing you have to worry about.

Cancelled Flight? Let your travel agent adjust your hotel reservation.

– 9 – Your agent loves to answer questions about your Disney World vacation.  Seriously.

As you might imagine, most Disney travel agents love Disney themselves.  They’re often annual passholders who visit the parks a few times each year, and many of them are also frequent cruisers.

But the best Disney travel specialists don’t just love Disney… they love to share Disney with others.  And that means they’re eager to answer questions about Disney destinations, including sharing their own personal experiences to help guide you.

With lots of Disney travel under their belt, your travel agent can easily offer recommendations for you based on your interests.  Interested in finding out what the best attraction in each park is?  They can tell you their favorites.  Is this ride too scary for kids?  They can share how their two-year-old responded.  Wondering about the best things to do when your cruise visits Castaway Cay ?  They’ll tell you things that first-timers can easily miss.  And if you ask for dining recommendations?  Hope you’ve got some time, because they have a long list of favorites!

Ask them nicely enough, and they might even talk about Bruno.

Have we convinced you that it’s worth it to use a Disney travel agent?

If so, reach out to the Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer !

There’s no charge to use their services, so get your free no-obligation quote today!

More questions about using a Disney Travel Agent

We’ve extensively covered the reasons why you should use a Disney travel agent, but you might still have a few more questions…

What’s the process when booking through these agents?

The process of booking through a Disney vacation planner can vary from agency to agency, but this is typically how it goes:

• Your contact information
• General information about what you’re looking for (destination, time of year, and any other “big picture” information)
• The agency connects you with the agent who will be handling your trip.
• The agent has an in-depth discussion with you about your vacation, asking questions (and answering yours), making recommendations, and narrowing down the choices with you.
• The agent provides you with a quote or proposal for the trip.  This may be a formal written document or a simple email/verbal quote.
• You and your agent discuss any desired changes.
• The agent books your trip as discussed.  Payment for the trip itself typically begins at this time depending on the payment schedule of the destination/products.
• Your agent forwards you a confirmation/overview of the trip and any purchased products.
• They book your dining, tour, and recreation reservations as soon as the booking window opens.  The best agents will keep searching for hard-to-get reservations.  Our site’s travel agency partner The Vacationeer uses a custom-built app to alert their agents of new openings!
• They add any new discounts that become available, reducing the cost of your trip whenever possible.
• They remind you of any upcoming payment deadlines that need to be met.
• They let you know about any important updates that will impact your trip.
• You go on vacation!
• Following your trip, your agent will usually follow up with you to make sure everything went well.

What are the Cons of booking with a Disney Travel Agent?

There are really only a couple of potential cons to using a travel agent to plan your Disney vacation, and there’s a good chance that neither of them will be a deal-breaker for you.

If your trip is booked through a travel agency, only the agency can modify or cancel your reservations on your behalf.

That’s not to say that your trip can never be modified or canceled.  It just means that you  cannot call Disney (or go online) to change your dates, modify your room type, move to another hotel, or call the whole thing off and get a refund.  Instead, you’ll need to have your travel agent do that for you.

For most people, that’s not really a con — after all, the entire point of using a travel agent is to have someone manage your reservations for you  — but you should be aware of that limitation before you book.

Most Disney travel planners do not book flights.

Because these boutique travel agencies focus primarily on Disney destinations, they typically don’t deal with airline reservations.  Again, for most people, this isn’t really a concern.  With easy online searches that consolidate all airline options into a single search result , booking a flight is nothing like the mystical ordeal it used to be.

And with flight delays and cancellations becoming increasingly common, this is one area where you want to be directly capable of modifying and adjusting your plans yourself (perhaps even in person at the airport during your trip) without needing to have a travel agent contact the airline.

Even though most Disney travel agents don’t handle flights, they do arrange transportation between your airport and your hotel or cruise terminal.  The basic mantra is: if you can get yourself to Orlando, your travel agent can get you to Disney!

What are the most important things to look for when picking a Disney travel agent?

The two most important things to look for when picking a travel agency for your Disney vacation are:

• Is the agency an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (preferably EarMarked at the platinum or diamond level)?
• Does the agency charge clients any fees to use their services?

Final thoughts on the reasons why you should use a Disney travel agent:

For most travelers, using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner makes a lot of sense.  Anyone, from the first-time visitor to an annual passholder who visits multiple times each year, will find some level of value in using a travel agent to plan their trip.

For the first-timer, the agent will be there to hold your hand every step of the way and make sure you don’t miss out on things you didn’t even know existed.

For those who know Disney like the back of their hand, it’s a relief to let someone else do all the tedious tasks so all you have to do is hop on a plane and go!

And for those who fall somewhere in between, you’ll be happy to have someone who’s been keeping up on all the rule changes and new offerings since your last visit so you’re not caught by surprise.

So, is using one really worth it?

Perhaps “worth it” isn’t exactly the right word because you’re not paying anything extra to use their services.  But yes, we feel that using a Disney travel agent is a worthwhile way of planning your vacation.  The little bit of control you give up by bringing a travel agent into the mix is very much outweighed by the benefits you gain.  And with vacation dollars (and vacation time) seeming to be harder and harder to come by, it’s comforting to know you have another set of eyes watching over your trip for you.

I’ve already booked my trip.  Is it too late to use a Disney travel agent?

You may still be able to use a Disney travel agent even if parts of your vacation are already booked .  Typically, an agent can still handle things for you if your initial booking was made within the last 30 days and you haven’t yet paid in full.

Ready to book your Disney World trip?

We hope our article on reasons you should use a Disney travel agent has helped you understand more about the services provided by these travel professionals.

If you’re ready to use the helpful services of an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , we strongly recommend contacting The Vacationeer .

They’re a Diamond-level EarMarked travel provider, and their team of 90+ Disney fanatics are all graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge .  Your vacation will be in great hands with them!  They don’t charge any planning fees , and there’s never any obligation to book .

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The Best Disney Travel Agents & Best Disney Travel Planners

Planning a Disney trip is in a class by itself. It is not like planning any other vacation. There are so many options, choices, and decisions to make. Whether you prefer to call them Disney travel agents or Disney travel planners, using one makes planning your vacation fun and easy! Keep reading to see out picks for the Best Disney Travel Planners out there. 

Planning a Disney vacation can quickly become confusing and overwhelming, especially if you are going to Disney World for the first time. Even if it’s not your first visit, it is very time-consuming, not to mention stressful.

There are also some key dates to meet in order to make sure you are maximizing your time and your money. A Disney travel agent that specializes in planning Disney vacations can help you make the most of your hard-earned vacation dollars. 

The single biggest mistake in planning a Disney vacation is not using a Disney Travel Planning specialist . And we are going to tell you why below.

But first, here our top 5 list of the best Disney travel planners in the business today. We think these are the best Disney travel agents that specialize in providing customers with VIP-level service, regardless of your budget.

Let’s also get the biggest question out of the way now…

How much does it cost to book with the best Disney travel agents?

With many, booking your trip is a complimentary service. Yes, Free! However, some of the best Disney travel agencies have a modest service fee for concierge-level services. Is it worth it? That is a huge Yes! Continuing reading to learn why.

Below the list of our top-rated Disney travel agent companies—the best Disney travel planners in the biz. We’ll share the reasons why booking your vacation with a Disney World Travel agent is a smart choice and your best bet for the most magical Disney vacation.

Top 5 List of the Best Disney Travel Agents & the Best Disney Travel Planners

#1. destination magic, our award for the best disney travel agents goes to….

Destination Magic Travel is a boutique agency comprised of the best of the best Disney travel planners in the biz. Known for their unrivaled knowledge and exceptional customer service,  they are dedicated, and seasoned Disney travelers called “Magic Makers”. 

What sets Destination Magic apart as the best Disney travel planners is their agents are travel professionals, not just people who book Disney in their spare time. Sharing the magic of Disney travel and creating magical vacations for others is their passion.

Each Magic Maker is a proud graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge program, but their training does not stop there. Each agent is required to maintain continuing education both online and by attending in-person training events. More importantly, they know Disney! Not only have they gone at every time of the year, done every ride, attended all the festivals and parties, but they’ve even stayed at every Disney resort in every room category. That is the kind of unrivaled expertise you cannot get elsewhere.

They also keep on top of all the trends, the latest news and watch out for all the deals. Rest assured you will always get the best available price with Destination Magic , even after you’ve booked.

Whether you are looking to travel on a budget like a pirate, or splurge like a princess, Destination Magic can help you discover all that Disney has to offer. They have the background to meet the needs of discerning travelers seeking a luxury, VIP Disney experience with personalized concierge-level services for those guests who want to ensure they experience the best of Disney with the least amount of stress.

Click HERE to get a compimentary, no-obligation quote from the best Disney travel planners, or visit DestinationMagic.com .

Disney Travel Services

Destination Magic  is designed for luxury-minded travelers.  They understand the finer details that make your vacation a magical and memorable experience to last a lifetime.

Their team of Magic Makers organize and oversee bespoke travel itineraries to exciting destinations so their clients can relax and enjoy an effortless, stress-free vacation even before they leave home.

Planning travel can be daunting and draining. Guided by practical experience and first-hand insights, they make trip planning fun and easy.

While Destianton Magic is and Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, they are equally knowledgeable about other magical destinations including Universal Orlando Resort, ocean and river cruises, Hawaii, and all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.

Whatever destination you choose, Destination Magic can save you time and money. They know the ins and outs of planning a memorable and stress-free Disney vacation. By handling the heavy lifting for you, your trip is destined to be more magical from beginning to end.

Their service does not stop once your trip is booked. They are there to help you before, during, and after your vacation with a level of excellence that is unsurpassed.

Booking your trip with Destination Magic is complimentary. These Disney travel agents will plan and book your Disney resort package complete with hotel, tickets, and dining.  In addition, they offer Concierge-level services to meet the needs of every guest. Those additional services include booking your dining reservations at the crack of dawn, assisting with Genie+, and creating a comprehensive custom itinerary plan.

Whether it’s a family vacation, a honeymoon or romantic getaway, a group or reunion, a solo escape, or just for fun, we believe Destination Magic  will plan a simply magical vacation just for you.

Destination Magic features the following destinations:

• All Disney Resorts
• Non-Disney Resorts
• Luxury Disney area Resorts
• Single Family Resort homes
• Disneyland (California)
• Disney Cruise Line
• Aulani Resort and Spa (Hawaii)
• Adventure By Disney
• Universal Resort (Orlando and California)
• Sandals & Beaches Resorts
• Ocean cruises
• River cruises
• Europe and the Mediterranean

Specialty travel :

• Multi-generational
• Solo travelers
• Guided Group Adventures 
• Romance Travel
• Group Travel

#2. World of Wonder Vacations

Our runner-up award goes to World of Wonder Vacations. This small Disney travel agency delivers big-time fun.

World of Wonder Vacations employs a small team of dedicated Disney die-hards whose purpose is to share their passion for Disney with others by creating magical vacations filled with cherished memories. Their goal is to bring the WOW-factor to your vacation.

World of Wonder’s booking services are complimentary. Plus, they are running a FREE ONBOARD CRUISE CREDIT promotion. Visit WorldofWonderVacations.com to request a consultation and complementary quote.

World of Wonder focuses on the following destinations:

• Walt Disney World
• Aulani, Hawaii
• Universal Orlando Resort
• Caribbean All-Inclusive

#3. Sweetbay Travel Concierge

Sweetbay Travel Concierge is a full-service travel agency. They specialize in creating exceptional experiences around the world. They take a consultative approach to travel planning, ensuring that they get to know their clients before providing recommendations. They create custom itineraries designed especially for their clients. Just like no two clients are identical, no two trips are the same.

Sweetbay Travel Concierge focuses on the following destinations:

• Theme Park Vacations

#4. Mousekeplanner

Mousekeplanner’s philosophy is that every aspect of your vacation should be fun. We facilitate that fun by managing all the details and guiding you through the planning process so you can relax and enjoy it. We are there for you long after your deposit is made — from where to dine, where the best location is to view the fireworks, to where to meet your favorite characters. 

Mousekeplanner focuses on the following destinations:

• Sandals Resorts

#5. Hour Glass Travel

Aside from personal travel, Hour Glass Travel also has a division targeting convention and meeting planning. While they focus on Disney, they also do other bucket list travel destinations. They realize that trip planning takes time-consuming research and stress that cause many to avoid vacationing altogether. 

As a full-service travel agency, they can help you plan your getaway to any destination. They pursue personal experience in the adventures they recommend so that they can be confident your “time away” is something you never want to forget.

Hour Glass Trval focuses on the following destinations:

• Adventures by Disney
• ​Universal Orlando Resort
• All-inclusive

Top 5 Reasons to Use a Disney Travel Agent

Sure, you can read the blogs, watch videos, and ask your friends for advice and that would be helpful. But nothing comes close to the knowledge and experience that the best Disney travel planners can provide.

Disney Travel Agents are usually referred to as Disney Travel Planners . That is because they do so much more than just book your room. They are your partner though the entire process, before, during and even after your trip.

The best Disney travel agents live and breathes Disney.  They have visited many times, stayed at all of the resorts, done all of the attractions, and knows the ins and outs of what makes a Disney vacation truly magical.

Here are the top 5 of many reasons you should consider booking your Disney vacation with  the best Disney travel planners.

1. Knowledge and Experience

You can cut your own hair, you can fix your leaky faucet, you can even do your own taxes. But a professional can do it better. This is especially true when it comes to planning a Disney vacation.

A Disney World vacation is like no other trip. With over 25,000 acres, it’s twice the size of the island of Manhattan. With so much to see and do, how do you decide what’s best for you and your family? By contacting the best Disney travel agents.

Guidebooks and blogs can be helpful. But there nothing like speaking with a live person. Enlisting the help of someone who really knows the ins and outs of planning a Disney vacation can make all the difference in the world.

A professional Disney planner is like not like other travel agents. They are someone who lives and breathes Disney.  They have visited many times, stayed at all of the resorts, done all of the attractions, and knows the ins and outs of what makes a Disney vacation truly magical. On top of that, they know how to navigate through all the options, decisions, and deadlines to make sure you don’t miss a beat.

They have completed Disney’s own training program, the College of Disney Knowledge. Professional Disney travel planners strengthen their expertise with continuing education through training, not just online but in person. It’s that kind of first-hand experience that you cannot get from a blog or a book or even when calling Disney directly.

If you have ever called Disney directly, and asked whether you should go with option A or B, you may hear something like, “Oh, they are both fabulous choices.” I’m sure they are, but that is not particularly helpful.

When you hire a Disney travel agent, they are there to be a sounding board. They will give you an honest assessment based on you and your preference. Plus, maybe there is an option C that you didn’t even know about—but they do!

2. The best pricing

When you book your trip, your Disney Travel Planner will find you the best price there is at the time. You will never pay more than if you booked directly with Disney—and you get the added bonus of a dedicated travel planner who works specifically for you.

If you are eligible for any discounts, such as Annual Passholder discounts, Florida resident discounts, or Military discounts, your Disney travel agent will be able to apply those as well.

On occasion, Disney may send out a special private offer to select guests. Commonly called “Unique Offer Codes,” you do not need to book directly with Disney to take advantage of them. You can still book with a travel planner to take advantage of that offer.

The best Disney travel agents are on top of what’s new and exciting. They follow the trends and stay up to date with all the news. They also monitor all the promotions to make sure their clients are getting the best deal out there.

If a new, better deal comes out, your agent will try to modify your reservation to the best available offer, without you even having to ask! You won’t find that service when you book online, or with a big box travel agency. Disney will not even do that for you.

It’s important to note that many deals have blackout dates, excluded resorts, or other caveats in the fine print. They also limit the number of rooms eligible for those promotions. Even though your agent may try to get you a better offer, it is not guaranteed. There may be some aspects of your reservation that don’t meet the qualifications, or your dates are simply sold out for that offer. Even so, it’s still better to have someone trying on your behalf than not.

Whether you are planning your first visit or your fifteenth, using the best Disney Travel Planners can save you a lot of money. Even if you decided to take advantage of a paid service like itinerary planning, the time you save both in planning and during your vacation will be well worth it.

Although this article is mainly about Disney World, I don’t want to neglect mentioning another place where booking with a Disney travel agency is better financially. If you are booking a Disney cruise, be sure to find an agency that is offering a Free Onboard Credit promotion. You get all the benefits of a dedicated travel planner, plus, you get extra money in your pocket.

Our friends at Destination Magic and World of Wonder Vacations are both offering FREE On-board credit with every sailing. Click on their names above for a FREE Quote.

3. Customer Service

The best Disney travel agents pride themselves on delivering exceptional customer service. They will be available to answer your questions and guide you through the entire planning process.

This is your vacation, and they will take their cues from you. A good agent will be respectful of your wishes, and also your budget.

It is their job to make suggestions and inform you of the options available. Afterall, they are the experts in what would make a vacation more magical. However, it should never feel like a hard sell or that they are trying to convince you to purchase something you do not want or is beyond what your comfortable spending.

A travel agent can help as much or as little as you like. If you prefer to manage your own reservations, that’s fine. If you want white-glove service, that is available too. It’s your vacation. You call the shots!

Many agencies do charge a fee for concierge-level services, but it can be well worth it. Knowing a professional has got you covered eases the stress and ensures your plans are done right. You are spending a lot of money to go to Disney World. You don’t want to leave things to chance. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a small cost for a huge benefit.

Travel advisors are invested in their clients’ happiness. They want to make sure each and every trip is packed full of lifelong, heartwarming memories and magical moments.

They listen, understand, recommend, adjust, and become a friend.

They get to know you and your family. They know who does not like rollercoasters and what your kid’s favorite characters are.

They are there to help you celebrate. And if something does not go quite as expected, they are there to help.

They are there before, during, and after your trip. That is service.

4. Convenience

Good customer service and convenience go hand-in-hand. By providing excellent customer service, the best Disney travel planners make it easier for you to understand all the components that make up a Disney vacation. Therefore, you can make better decisions and reduce your stress.

Sure, reading about places to go is fun — but planning a trip is hard work, and you never know what to believe. Pouring through guidebooks and blogs can make it even more confusing than when you started, particularly if you are researching all the factors that go into planning your first Disney trip.

Even if you have been to Disney before, there’re still so many pieces of the puzzle to put into place for a Disney vacation that it becomes very time-consuming very quickly. Plus, to be sure to take advantage of all the things they have to offer, there are several key dates you need to be sure not to miss.

Park reservations…dining reservations…setting up Magical Express transportation… linking to your My Disney Experience account…these are all tasks that need to be checked off the to-do list way before you even arrive—some many months in advance. If you miss a key date, you may be missing out in a bigger way.

The best Disney travel agents can help you with all of that and more.

Wouldn’t it be nice just to tell someone what you want and let them do all the work? This is your vacation, after all.

You set the pace. Travel planners will be able to do as much or as little as you want. If you prefer to make your own transfers and dining reservations (and many people do), that is perfectly fine. They can still give you suggestions and tips.

If you prefer to sit back and let them do all the legwork, they are happy to do it.  Many agencies do charge a fee for concierge-level services, but it can be well worth it.

Knowing a professional has got you covered eases the stress and ensures your plans are done right. You are spending a lot of money to go to Disney World. You don’t want to leave things to chance. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a small cost for a huge benefit.

Let’s not forget with your own personal travel advisor, you are only dealing with a person who already knows you and knows about your trip, your budget, your wishes, your likes, and your dislikes. Not just a random person who answers the phone.

If you have already booked your trip with Disney directly or even with a travel agent that does not specialize in Disney, it’s not too late to take advantage of the benefits of working with a Disney travel planner.

If you booked your trip less than 30 days ago and have not paid in full, you are able to transfer your reservation to a Disney Travel Planner. Your Disney Travel Planner can tell you how.

If it’s been more than 30 days, you are staying off Disney property or using DVC points, and there are still some agents that can help. Since they are not earning a commission from Disney to book your vacation, some agents offer concierge planning services for a fee. It can be well worth the additional charge to get all the benefits we’ve talked about.

A Disney travel professional will save you time, give you insider expertise, and help you have the trip of your dreams! You can’t put a price tag on that. F

or many, a Disney vacation is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list trip. No matter your budget, you want to be sure to get the biggest bang for your buck. Probably even more important than that, you want to be sure you do not miss a thing. 

While Disney Travel Planners may charge a fee for their services, they provide incredible value and benefits that make them well worth the investment.

First and foremost, a Disney travel planner is an expert in all things Disney. They have extensive knowledge and experience when it comes to planning the perfect Disney vacation. They know all the ins and outs of the parks, resorts, and attractions, and can provide insider tips and recommendations that you won’t find anywhere else. They can help you make the most of your time and budget, ensuring that you have a truly unforgettable trip.

When booking with a Disney Travel Planner, the cost of your vacation package itself is the same price as if you are booked directly with Disney. Whether they charge a fee or not, consider at all the services you are getting in return. And in return, you get a dedicated travel planner who will work tirelessly to create the most magical vacation possible. They’ll handle all the details of booking your accommodations and answer any questions you may have before, during, and after your trip. They’ll also keep an eye on sales and promotions to ensure you get the best deal possible.

But the value of a Disney travel planner doesn’t stop there. They can also provide additional concierge-level services, such as booking your dining reservations, arranging transportation and special experiences, and guiding you on how to use Disney Genie Plus. And perhaps most importantly, they can save you time and reduce stress by handling all the details for you, so you can focus on having fun and making memories with your loved ones.

In short, working with a Disney travel planner is a great value that can enhance your Disney vacation in countless ways. Their expertise, personalized service, and attention to detail can make all the difference in creating a truly unforgettable trip. So why not let a Disney travel planner help you plan the vacation of your dreams? It’s so worth it!

If you are still not convinced a Disney Travel Planner makes sense, read Why Use a Disney Travel Planner .  

If you are on the fence, reach out to one of the travel agents above for a free, no-obligation quote . The is nothing to lose!

For more helpful planning tips, check out these articles:

• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation
• Timeline and Important Key Dates When Planning a Disney World Vacation​
• Walt Disney World Tickets Explained

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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.

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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.

Theme Parks for Grown-Ups

5 Steps to Becoming a Disney Travel Planner

Popular Posts · Travel Agent · Travel Guide

how to jumpstart your career as a Disney and Universal Studios travel Agent in 5 steps

For Disney fanatics, becoming a Travel Agent is a DREAM job. We get to use our immense knowledge of Disney theme parks to plan magical vacations and get paid for it! Forget the Prince, this JOB is a dream come true. 

A few years ago, I had no idea that people still used Travel Agents. Like most people, I thought the industry died once websites like Expedia became popular. Turns out, there is still a high demand for Travel Agents!

The reason being is that Expedia or disneyworld.com can’t answer specific questions like “Is the dining plan worth it?” or “Is Be Our Guest any good?”

Disney Travel Planners give their unbiased opinions to clients and are much more reliable than using the general Disney reservation hotline. Due to the complexity of planning a theme park vacation, many people opt for hiring an expert to do the work for them.

That said, you’re here because you want to learn how to become a Disney Travel Planner. To get you started, I’ll briefly describe the process of starting your career as a Travel Agent that specializes in theme park vacations.

Now, if you’re serious about changing careers, I encourage you to sign up for my free 5-day email course. Each day, I expand on the steps below and help you jumpstart your new career as a Travel Agent!

Learn more about the free course in the video below! You can sign up by clicking here or fill out the form below the video!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Additional Helpful Resources

• FREE 5-Day Course: Jumpstart Your Career as a Disney Travel Planner in 5 Days
• A Day in the Life of a Disney Travel Agent
• Host Agency 101 for Future Disney Travel Planners

Step 1: Choose What Kind of Agency You Want to Work For

The first step is to decide whether you want to work at a Travel Agency, start your own business, or join a Host Agency . In my short course, I define the three options and go over the pros and cons of each. 

For now, let’s focus on joining a Host Agency because that’s what most Disney Specialists end up working with. For new Travel Agents, I highly recommend you join a Host Agency before starting your own. This will give you the opportunity to learn about the industry and reduce the initial investment of starting a business.

What’s a Host Agency?

  A Host Agency is a Travel Agency that employs Travel Agents as Independent Contractors. You won’t be a full-time or part-time employee and you won’t receive any employee benefits like medical or a 401K.

When you file for taxes, you’ll fill out a 1099 form rather than a W-4. Agents are also required to provide their own office supplies like a laptop or cellphone.

The awesome part is that most (if not all) Travel Agents who work for Host Agencies work from home. You have the freedom to work in your sweatpants (or the freedom to work in no pants at all!)

The main benefit is that you have access to book travel without your own IATA or CLIA number. Without going into too much detail, these are booking numbers given to Agents or Agencies who have sold a certain amount of travel. Typically, you’re given your own IATA/CLIA number after selling about $5000 worth of commission in one calendar year. To learn more about IATA/CLIA numbers head to this article by Host Agency Reviews .

The secondary benefit is that most Host Agencies offer some marketing tools, booking tools, and sometimes even training. You’ll have the support of a larger Agency at all times.

What’s the catch of using a Host Agency?

You’ll have to find your own clients by using your own marketing techniques. More on marketing for yourself in a bit! Host Agencies also take a small cut from your commission. This pays for any of the resources and fees that they are paying for.

Want to learn more about Host Agencies? I created an entire guide defining Host Agencies, how to research them, and how to successfully apply.

Learn more about Host Agencies for Disney Travel Planners here!

Step 2: set up a simple marketing plan.

This sounds intimidating, but I assure you it’s not! This can actually be quite simple and will put you in a better position than the Travel Agents who don’t have a plan.

I don’t have a business degree and I was able to set up a plan for myself that helped me attract plenty of clients in my first year.

You should create a marketing plan before you start applying to Agencies. This will put you a cut above most of the applicants that Host Agencies receive. A lot of hopeful Travel Agents think the only requirement to become a Disney Travel Planner is to have a love for Disney.

This will assure the Agency that you are passionate about the job, but not that you can do it well! Having a plan will assure them you have an idea as to how to get clients.

There are a lot of different ways to use marketing to find clients. You can use word of mouth, social media, paid ads, wedding expos, and even blogging or vlogging. I use all of these methods to advertise my services, but I primarily use my blog to get my name out there. 

If there’s one important thing you can take away from this article is that you need a newsletter to send to your clients.

Newsletters are old school and not as flashy as social media. They are also 40% more effective than any other advertising method out there. If your agency doesn’t give you an email address, you can set one up yourself. 

Have no idea how to create a marketing plan? I created a marketing plan template for my free email course. Sign up here to get the template, which I send on Day 2 of the course!

Step 3: Apply for a Host Agencies

I know, I know. Easier said than done! Basically, what you’ll want to do is research Host Agencies using a few of the resources I’ve listed below. 

One of the best approaches is to ask in a Facebook group. Make sure the group allows you to post about Travel Agencies. Some groups don’t like it because they are often affiliated with their own Agencies. Also, beware of MLM’s! They do exist in the Travel Agency world. You can double-check whether a Host Agency is an MLM by searching for it in the HostAgencyReviews.com database.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are Agencies that specialize in Disney and others that don’t. This doesn’t necessarily mean the Agency won’t allow you to book Disney or that you only have to book Disney. This is something you can ask about when applying. 

These are the most popular Host Agencies that specialize in Disney. As expected, they’re a little more difficult to get into because they are popular. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! 

7 Popular Travel Agencies that Specialize in Disney Vacations

• Glass Slipper Concierge
• Small World Vacations
• Mickey Travels
• Be Our Guest Vacations
• Key to the World Travel
• Magical Moments Vacations
• Mouse Bound Vacations

I’m not affiliated with any of these companies and haven’t worked with them so my referrals are simply suggestions!

Also, check out the Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency Locator here for more ideas! This is helpful if you’re looking to work for a brick and mortar Travel Agency near your city.

Want to dig deeper? I created an entire course about Host Agencies for Disney Travel Planners. This course will take you through the process of choosing a Host Agency and kicking off your career. Plus, you’ll get a special deal if you sign up for my newsletter first right here!

Learn more about Magic Side Hustle: Host Agency Bootcamp here!

Step 4: attract high-quality clients.

This is when you actually get to use the nifty marketing plan you made in Step 3! Advertising your services will be just as important as the work itself. It will also take about 50% of your efforts. Like I mentioned before, you’ll use social media, ads, and an enticing newsletter to pull in prospective clients. 

The real trick is to find clients who aren’t tire-kickers. Meaning, someone who will waste your time and resources without committing to you. Those aren’t your ideal clients. There are plenty of people in the world who are willing to work with you so they can have a super magical vacation.

One way to do that is to charge a planning fee, rather than giving out free quotes to entice clients.   If you do plan on giving out free quotes, I still advise having your client sign a contract stating they are willing to work with you. This will give them the incentive to stay with you and not waste your time.

Whether you charge a planning fee or not, you will still be earning a commission from Disney and it will come at no extra cost to your clients. I explain in detail the pros and cons of charging a fee versus giving out free quotes in the 5-day challenge .

Step 5: Keep Your Most Valuable Clients

It’s important to find high-paying clients, but a higher priority should be keeping the good clients you already have. It’s easier to convince someone to work with you again when they already know, like, and trust you. After you’ve worked with a great client you’ll want to keep them so they keep coming back for every vacation! 

The easiest way to follow-up with two short emails once they get back from vacation. 

I usually send the first one about 3-4 days after they get back and another about 3-4 weeks after. The first can be a simple check-in to see how everything went and if they had a great time. The second email will be a polite request for a testimonial that you can use on your website.

The BEST way is to start a simple newsletter that you send weekly or monthly.

This is a little easier said than done, but it’s the most effective way to get and keep clients. Since this is a complicated process, I list some great resources you can use to start your own newsletter in my free Travel Agent course.

Wrap-Up: My Best Advice to New Travel Agents

Join a Host Agency that allows you to sell travel outside of Disney theme parks. Disney can still be your specialization, but this way you can widen your client pool. You can plan vacations for other theme parks like Universal Studios, cruises, international tours, and other destinations you’re an expert on. This will bring in more sources of income and high-paying clients.

I’m sure there are a few more questions floating around in your head right about now. Like, how much do Disney Travel Planners make? When do I start getting paid? Do I get free vacations if I become a Travel Agent? I answer a few of those questions in my article: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Being a Disney or Universal Travel Planner .

Ready to jump in and start your new magical career? 

Sign up for my email challenge by clicking here or filling out the form below. For 5 days, I send you an email that details each step to becoming a Disney Travel Planner. I expand on this article in great detail and help you motivate through the process.

Any Questions? Comment below and I’ll respond!

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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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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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While some travelers dream of lounging on a beach in the Caribbean, others might be itching to put on hiking shoes and explore the great outdoors. If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat.

Princess Cruises

A top choice for multi-generational families and larger groups seeking on-board experiences for a wide age range, Princess will sail seven ships to Alaska in 2024 — more than any other line. Princess also offers the most departure cities , potentially saving you money on airfare. Alaska sailings range from 4 to 22 days, though a week is the sweet spot. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details.

Good Housekeeping Contributing Travel Editor Karen Cicero and her daughter recently sailed on Majestic Princess, a Family Travel Awards Winner , and raved about the ship's amenities, especially the Hollywood Pool Club. She described it as “an indoor space with a heated pool, plush loungers, and cabana-like spots that are free for all guests to use.” Cicero was also impressed with the entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, the excellent dining options and a supervised kids’ club for ages 3 to 12. "We saw grandparents and grandkids on the dance floor, at the shows, on the excursions — bonding moments were everywhere," Cicero said.

In 2024, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess, the line's newest Alaska ship, will both sail roundtrip from Seattle. "You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero.

Departure Cities: Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Crown Princess (2024 only); Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess (2025 only), Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess (2024 only), Crown Princess, Coral Princess (2025 only)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are loyal to Norwegian for its beautiful ships, top-notch service and innovative amenities. The cruise line pioneered the concept of “freestyle cruising," which includes a flexible dining time. Flexible cruising continues to be a major selling point , according to our testers who recently sailed roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore (pictured). "We enjoyed not having to rush back to the ship after an excursion because we had a dinner reservation," said our tester who sailed with her spouse.

They also frequented the Encore’s Observation Lounge, where they were able to cozy up and spend hours searching for marine life from floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities and entertainment, like go-karting, slides and laser tag, are abundant. For a premium experience, consider booking a stateroom in The Haven. The Encore's most luxurious accommodations feature spacious rooms — the bathrooms are nearly double the size of those in standard staterooms — a private sundeck and a concierge.

The variety of sailings to Alaska is also another reason to choose Norwegian. "If Hawaii is also on your bucket list, Norwegian is one of the only cruise lines to offer a 16-day cruise departing from Honolulu that sails through both Hawaii and Alaska so you explore two dreamy destinations on one vacation," said Cicero. She added that Norwegian sails to Alaska until late October — about a month longer than most cruise lines.

Departure Cities: Honolulu; Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska (2025) Cruise Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jewel (only in 2024), Norwegian Spirit (only in May 2024), Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jade (only in 2025), Norwegian Joy (only in 2025)

EXPLORE NOW

Disney Cruise Line

Disney lovers will have the time of their lives sailing roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. "It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. "We felt like it was a great combination of Disney and Alaska."

On-board experiences brilliantly align with the destination. For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends."

If you want an equal dose of Disney and Alaska, this is the cruise for your crew. Sailings range from five to nine nights. All routes head to Stikine Icecap so guests can observe stunning glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Departure City: Vancouver Cruise Ship: Disney Wonder

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean. This global cruise line whisks passengers to Alaska from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can choose a classic seven-night itinerary or a 13-night land-and-sea getaway.

Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment. "Royal Caribbean had the first rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink on a cruise ship," said Cicero. "Since then, they've brought so many other epic activities to sea." For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which includes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, offers skydiving, a surf simulator and a robot bar. "This line is an especially good fit for families with tweens, teens and young adults ," said Cicero, who sailed on Royal Caribbean with her teen daughter.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (only in 2024), Ovation of the Seas (only in 2024), Serenade of the Seas (only in 2025)

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

For an incredible small-ship experience, look no further than the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team-up. The largest of its ships that sail to Alaska can accommodate no more than 138 passengers — just a sliver of the 4,900 or so that Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can hold. " Being on a smaller vessel means that you’ll be able to sail right up to less frequented glaciers, waterfalls and fjords, " said Cicero.

Of course, an intimate experience comes at a higher price tag — its eight-day Alaskan adventure starts at about $6,200 per person, though you won't need to pay extra for excursions. "Voyages tend to be themed and stress the educational component," said Cicero. For instance, one focuses on coastal wildlife while another explores native cultures. A Good Housekeeping staff member who sailed the line to the Galápagos Islands (a providence of Ecuador) raved, "The ship was beautiful! I was super impressed with the staff and the service felt above and beyond.”

Departure Cities: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle; Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ships: National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Resolution

Holland America Line

Holland America has a well-earned reputation for bringing guests to new destinations for more than 150 years. Its ships tend to be mid-sized — larger than Lindblad's offerings but smaller than the Quantum ships from Royal Caribbean. While Holland attracts an older demographic, its Alaskan cruises are often filled with multi-generational families.

One of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries is the Seven-Day Inside Passage, which takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Inlet and several must-visit port towns. But for adventure seekers curious to see as much of Alaska as possible, you’ll find tons of extended itineraries including a robust 28-day voyage that crosses the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is the only cruise line permitted to serve glacier ice, using it for cocktails like the Blue Iceberg and Juneau Gin & Tonic. The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise.

Departure Cities: Anchorage, Alaska (for land-sea tours only); Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is popular with adults and couples looking for a premium onboard experience, including delicious cuisine, luxurious staterooms and a high-end spa . We can’t imagine a better way to rest and relax after spending a day exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Our travel experts suggest choosing one of Celebrity's many Alaska itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage and up to Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, two of the state’s gems.

Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Edge

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

✔️ Check your itinerary. The itinerary you choose is key on an Alaskan cruise. If you have your heart set on visiting Glacier Bay National Park, make sure that your cruise line has it listed on the schedule. "Only seven lines were awarded the Glacier Bay contract by the National Park Service ," Cicero said. If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent.

✔️ Book shore excursions well in advance. Alaskan cruises generally sail from April to October. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. Excursions will book up quickly. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available.

✔️ Focus on family. Alaskan cruises are best for kids who are at least 5 years old. "Keep in mind that cruise lines don't allow kids who aren't potty-trained to be in pools, even if they're wearing a swim diaper," Cicero said. It's also worth noting that most cruise lines don't permit babies under 6 months or pregnant passengers who are 24 or more weeks along. Cicero advises families with school-age children to look for on-ship amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, a supervised kids' club and a variety of family-friendly nighttime entertainment. "Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering.

✔️ Check your passport. Even if your cruise starts and stops in a U.S. port like Seattle, there's a high chance your ship will dock in Canada at some point throughout your trip. Also, " some of the excursions in Alaskan ports venture into Canada and will require a passport," explained Cicero. For instance, you may take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway into Yukon, a Canadian territory. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months following the cruise.

✔️ Pack layers. This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. While May tends to be drier, temperatures remain relatively chilly. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.

✔️ Book next summer's cruise soon. To get the best staterooms and excursions, start looking for a 2025 cruise in 2024, Cicero said, noting that many ships start to fill up at least 6 months in advance. And don't forget about major sale days. "Last year, cruise lines had fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals," she said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who has been on more than 20 cruises (and counting)!

The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.

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AI is coming for the OnlyFans chat industry

Hey there, it’s tech reporter Alexandra Sternlicht.

OnlyFans creators’ careers are underwritten by sexting. For many OnlyFans creators, chatting with fans and building rapport to upsell “exclusive” content, accounts for over 50% of their revenues. Many creators outsource this work to “chatters,” low-wage workers in developing nations, notably the Philippines, Nigeria, India, and Pakistan, who reportedly work up to 12-hour shifts six days per week for about $3 per hour. 

Now, OnlyFans AI bot companies have quite literally entered the chat. 

“We saw an opportunity here: What if we had an entity that knew exactly how to sell, exactly how to chat with someone and could mimic the creator perfectly,” says Kunal Anand, who is the founder of ChatPersona, an OnlyFans AI chatbot. 

ChatPersona and another OnlyFans AI company interviewed by Fortune called FlirtFlow are experiencing crazy growth since both launched mere months ago. In ChatPersona’s eight-month lifespan, it has attracted over 110 agency clients (as well as individual creators) who are repeatedly buying the company’s “VIP plan”—10,000 chats, according to Anand. He notes that some of these companies are repurchasing the VIP plan every few days.

This is probably because the technologies have been trained on actual OnlyFans creators’ chats to master the art of dirty talk and upselling. Though ChatPersona and FlirtFlow declined to answer Fortune’ s questions about their LLMs, Anand said he received a “goldmine” when top OnlyFans creators allowed him access to their chats to train the bot. Meanwhile, FlirtFlow customers spend $1,000 to onboard a creator, which is basically the process of having the company build a model from the creator, and it happens over the course of days.

It’s worth noting that OnlyFans prohibits AI from responding to chats. To get around this, customers of ChatPersona and FlirtFlow still employ humans to press send on the chats. The difference is that now a human can be in hundreds of simultaneous chats, rather than a handful, as all the chatter simply needs to repeatedly press send since the AI has generated the message.  

OnlyFans AI chatting gives creators the opportunities to multiply their businesses, say ChatPersona and FlirtFlow. ChatPersona’s Anand is particularly jazzed about his technology’s ability to host conversations in multiple languages. FlirtFlow thinks that it has mastered the ratio of chatting to selling, and can sell more effectively than the creators themselves in a number of scenarios.

In theory, this is great for OnlyFans creators, allowing them to focus on making content—and then sitting back to count their cash. But there are still shortcomings. Neither company has figured out responses for problematic content that deals with topics like self-harm. And while both companies intend to empower creators, often it’s OnlyFans management agencies who hire ChatPersona and FlirtFlow. These agencies are notorious for coercing and manipulating the talent and their fans. 

A top OnlyFans creator is also freaked out by the idea of outsourcing her chats to AI. “The first word that comes to mind is ‘fear,’” says Isla Moon, who made $5 million from OnlyFans last year. “One of the reasons why I’m so successful is that people know that they’re chatting with me personally on my OnlyFans so to have an AI chatbot is not the same vibe.” 

Titouan Urli, the cofounder of Unleash, an agency that manages over 200 creators is very pleased by the cash ChatPersona has added to the business. Though he believes the technology may be flawless in as little as a few months, it’s still imperfect. He stresses the need for human oversight. Because Unleash works with high-level talent, Urli employs workers based in the U.S. and Germany, who can oversee AI-generated chats to ensure the technology runs undetected. “AI only goes so far,” he says. “You will always need a human.”

Still, the popularity of these nascent OnlyFans AI companies could result in a loss of income for “chat” workers in developing nations. Because of their poor command of the English language, these chatters are already held in low esteem by OnlyFans creators and managers, who worry that fans might cut off lucrative relationships if they sense they’re being duped. The chatters in the developing world also have little incentive to go above and beyond in their jobs as they are poorly compensated and work long hours managing multiple creators. This causes them to burn out and abandon chats and their jobs, ruining fan relationships and destroying creator income sources.

So it maybe isn’t the worst thing that this grueling sex work is being outsourced to AI. “I worked as an OnlyFans chatter as well and I can categorically say that it was the shittiest job I ever worked. The pay was shit and the agency’s CEOs were assholes,” writes one person in a Reddit forum .

More tech news below.

Alexandra Sternlicht

The rest of this edition of Data Sheet was written by David Meyer.

Want to send thoughts or suggestions to Data Sheet? Drop a line here .

Alphabet and HubSpot. Reuters reports that Alphabet is considering a bid for the marketing software outfit HubSpot, the market value of which is currently $35 billion. This would be an unusually large acquisition for the Google parent, and it would come at a time when antitrust regulators are heavily scrutinizing mega-deals—though Alphabet might be able to argue that buying HubSpot would boost competition against its big rivals, Microsoft and Salesforce.

Disney+ password crackdown. It’s Disney+’s turn to crack down on password sharing after rival streaming service Netflix had great success doing the same. Disney signaled its intentions last year, and its rules against password sharing went into effect earlier this year, but now CEO Bob Iger says the real crackdown will begin in June, reaching all markets in September. As The Verge reports , this will mean identifying subscribers who seem to be breaking the rules, and prompting them to get their own account. Adding others to an account will still be possible but at a cost. Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max service will also crack down similarly , though its rollout will only end next year.

China’s AI tactics. Microsoft (which the U.S. government just lambasted for letting senior U.S. officials’ email accounts fall victim to Chinese hackers) has warned about China using AI-generated content to disrupt big elections this year, including those in the U.S., India, and South Korea, the Guardian reports . Meanwhile, the Center for European Policy Analysis has an interesting piece out on China’s military AI goals, which include using the technology to identify and target enemies.

SIGNIFICANT FIGURES

—The increase in Samsung’s Q1 operating profit , as forecast by the company today. As the Financial Times reports , analysts see this as indicating a strong recovery in the memory-chip market. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that Samsung is heavily expanding its plans for semiconductor manufacturing in Texas.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

OpenAI could be in a ‘clear violation’ of YouTube’s terms of service, CEO says—depending on how it trains its Sora video tool , by Paolo Confino

The U.S. reportedly wants the Netherlands to stop fixing advanced chipmaking tools sold to China , by Lionel Lim

Tesla bear says it’s poised to ‘go bust’ because it’s too vertically integrated, which is a ‘brilliant model when you grow’ but not when you have your worst quarter in years , by Paolo Confino

Elon Musk’s X restores free blue checks, a year after asking users to pay $8 per month apiece for the status , by the Associated Press

‘Craziest talent war I’ve ever seen’: Elon Musk says AI is hitting a new frenzy—and he helped set it off 9 years ago with Larry Page and Sam Altman , by Dylan Sloan

Musicians are up in arms about generative AI. And Stability AI’s new music generator shows why they are right to be , by Sage Lazzaro

BEFORE YOU GO

Sundays off. Germany doesn’t allow most stores, including grocery stores, to open on Sundays, due to the constitutionally enshrined principle of Sunday rest. So what happened when Tegut, a Hessian grocery chain, opened fully automated, unstaffed mini-shops? The courts said those can’t open on Sundays either . Tegut, whose legal foes in this battle include Germany’s unions as well as both the Protestant and Catholic churches, has now paused its rollout of the automated stores.

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