top disney travel agents

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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Your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency!

Your dream vacation is our top priority.

Welcome to your Disney Vacation Planners!

Quick Stats

What We Offer our Guests

• Our Services are 100% FREE ! • Our Goal is to make your Dream Vacation a Reality • We’ll help you avoid the long lines • Decades of In-depth Disney Knowledge • Dining Reservations done for you! • The Best Discounts Available • Just book with us and get all this and So Much More!

CALL US NOW – (833) 469-8747

A proud Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency!

The Vacationeer is honored to have been selected to join the elite club of Diamond Level Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. The top level in the Disney Earmarked Program. Disney bestows this recognition on a small handful of agencies that meet an exacting standard of service and sales volume, which ranks them among the best in the industry. We proudly accept this honor and look forward to helping thousands more people enjoy Disney Destinations for years to come!

Our Most Popular Vacations

Walt disney world.

By far our most popular vacation destination, Walt Disney World consists of 4 Major Theme Parks (Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) as well as 2 Water Parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach). Add to that dozens of the best Themed Resorts and Restaurants around and you have the perfect combination of Magic and Relaxation. Contact us today and we’ll get started on planning your next vacation to The Most Magical Place on Earth!

Universal Orlando

The most popular add-on for our guests traveling to Orlando is 2-3 days at Universal Orlando Resort. There’s so much to enjoy here, like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Men In Black, Minions, Transformers, The Simpson, E.T., Dr. Seuss, and so much more. Universal also features some of the best new Resorts in Orlando, some of which allow you to walk to the parks. Booking with us also gets you Early Park Admission!

Disney Cruise Line

No Cruise Line has distinguished itself for quality and immersive experience quite as well as Disney Cruise Line. We book more Disney Cruises than all of the other Cruise Lines combined, and that’s for very good reason. Our guests are consistently pleased with the experience and value for money they get with their Disney Cruises. Experience the Disney Magic at Sea! We also offer a significant onboard credit for anyone who books a Disney Cruise with us. Click here for more information!

Adventures by Disney

Disney is world-renowned for their Theme Parks, but did you know you can experience Disney led Adventures all over the World? Adventures by Disney offers all the service and attention to detail you’ve come to expect from Disney with carefully curated guided tours all around the World. From Rhine River Cruises to African Safaris, Adventures by Disney does it all with thoughtfulness and care. We also offer an Industry leading up to $1,500 off all Adventures by Disney vacations. Visit our Adventures by Disney Discount Page for more information. Let Disney sprinkle a little pixie dust on your next world tour!

Get In Touch Today!

833-469-8747

[email protected]

Facebook 6,450 Fans Instagram 13,805 Followers

As featured on…, w hat our customers are saying about us.

“We had a wonderful vacation and much of that had to do with the help we received from JoMarie! Disney can be a little overwhelming when you’re new to it, but she made it a very enjoyable and low stress during the planning phases! Thanks JoMarie!”

“Carla worked side by side with me to plan the perfect banquets, shows, fast pass rides, fireworks and places to stay with our group and I could not be happier! If you are planning a disney trip the best advice I could give you is use Carla, a Disney agent. We saved the most money possible and she directed us to the perfect experiences just for us. We will never forget the magic we experienced at Disney World, thank you Carla from the bottom of my heart! You were awesome!”

“I am already a client but wanted to mention what a wonderful job my agent has done. Her name is Ashtin and she has done a great job for us. We’ve changed our dates twice now, due to some unforeseen issues, some medical, and she’s handled it so well. It makes us very comfortable and confident that she will take care of all aspects of our trip. It is greatly appreciated and hopefully there won’t be any more changes. Thank you”

“I could not thank Emily enough for the AMAZING job she did planning my disneymoon. The resorts she put us in we amazing. I never would have stayed on site without her! From our food recommendations to fast past set ups. The attention to detail is absolutely spot on! I can’t wait for her to plan our next vacation!”

“I am rarely at a loss for words, but I can’t express how amazed I am by the service Tiffany has and continues to provide. I was thrilled with her service even before anything went sideways (none of which had anything to do with her). But she has been there for us through the need to reschedule our trip from May of last year to this March due to Covid. To then having to reshuffle all of our reservation dates when the family we were planning to go with canceled due to a medical condition. ”

“With a vacation that takes a TON of planning, Chuck made it extremely easy to navigate. He has excellent recommendations from personal experience with restaurants and advice on what parks to go into when. He also did all of our fast pass and dinner reservations that turned out wonderfully. We are so excited for this vacation and couldn’t have done it without Chuck. He made the notorious stressful Disney planning an absolute breeze. Plan your Disney trip through him!”

“Whitney was simply amazing! She organized all our activities, meals and accommodations for 9 adults and 5 kids at Disney World. We had a wonderful vacation that was well thought out, and we got to experience each park. She really spent time considering what my kids loved most and made sure we were able to get into those dinners and rides, it made it so easy for us! I would highly recommend using Whitney, she sent an entire binder with travel tips, itinerary, little gift for the kids and much more, there’s no question we will use her again!”

The Vacationeer is more than just a group of Disney-focused Travel Agents . We are dedicated to helping you through every phase of planning and booking your magical vacation. Our team of Disney travel experts has a passion and level of knowledge that is unsurpassed in the industry, and our enthusiastic returning customer base is a testament to our expertise and customer satisfaction.

Planning a vacation can be stressful and time-consuming, so why not let one of the best Authorized Disney Vacation Planners do the heavy lifting for you? Our Vacationeers will learn about your vacation goals, help formulate the right vacation package for you, and ensure that your expectations are met at every step. We take the headache out of booking your trip because we help you work out the details and, ultimately, book the trip for you. The only thing left to do is pack your bags and go!

When you book with The Vacationeer, not only do we provide the answers you are looking for, but we also scout out the best possible vacation deals for you. And, best of all, our services are completely FREE of charge! There is no catch. Call or email us today and we will help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Vacationeer Difference.

The Vacationeer isn’t like those “big box” travel agencies where you are just another number. We take pride in the way we conduct our business and the special attention we provide to you, our client. At The Vacationeer, the client’s needs will always come first, so rest assured we will accommodate you at every step and never talk you into something that isn’t right for you.

Disney Experts

Whether it’s your first Disney vacation or your 100th, The Vacationeer travel experts can save you money, time, and aggravation. Take comfort in knowing that we are a trusted and knowledgeable Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. Each of our travel advisers is a proud graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge . But what really separates us from the rest of the pack is our passion for all things Disney. We live and breathe Disney, and would never have started this business without the compelling urge to help others discover the magic of Disney vacations. The Vacationeer travel planners have spent countless days exploring Disney parks, and we know our way around them like we do our hometown neighborhoods. It is our intimate knowledge of Disney – and our dedication to our clients – that separates us from the crowd.

Other Vacations

Disney isn’t our only specialty. The Vacationeer travel experts are fully authorized to book vacations to Universal Studios (FL and CA), Sandals & Beaches Resorts, All Inclusive Caribbean Vacation packages, as well as on Royal Caribbean and a variety of other cruise lines. Whatever your vacation goals are, our knowledgeable and passionate travel experts will help you plan the perfect getaway. Sit back, relax, and let us book your trip!

Ready to talk with our travel experts? Call us at 1-833-4MY-TRIP (1-833-469-8747) or send an email to [email protected] and we will respond to your inquiries as soon as possible.

H ow it works…

• Contact one of our Vacationeers today either by clicking on the Free Quote Page , calling us at 833-469-8747, or choosing an agent from the Our Team Page and messaging them directly.  
• Your Vacationeer agent will tailor a quote to your vacation specifications and advise you all along the way.
• Once you’re ready to book, your Vacationeer Agent will get your written authorization to make a deposit payment to secure your booking.
• Advice on securing Park Pass Reservations
• Securing Dining Reservations at your favorite Restaurants
• Educating you on how to navigate the Disney Transportation System
• Help with learning the ins and outs of the Genie+ App
• Answering all your questions so you arrive ready to enjoy your magical vacation

W hat we can’t help with…

While we are an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency, there are some limits to how we can help:

• Don’t be discouraged if you already booked direct through Disney, if you booked in the last 30 days and haven’t paid in full we might still be able to help.  Reach out and we’ll let you know if we can.
• We cannot book your flights
• The exception here is Universal bookings

When in doubt please reach out and we’ll be happy to let you know if your unique case is something we can assist with.

Vacationeer – [vā-ˈkā-shə-ˈneer]

NOUN 1. A Professional Planner of the most Magical Vacations available, at the best Theme Parks and All-Inclusive Resorts in the World. 2. An adult Travel Agent that is still a kid at heart and never outgrew their love for the Magic of Disney World and Theme Parks in general. VERB 1. To plan and execute a Vacation that you’ll never forget.

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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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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.

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Save up to 15% on Select Stays at a Disneyland Resort Hotel on Sunday Through Thursday Nights

With this offer, save up to 15% off select rooms at a Disneyland Resort hotel on Sunday through Thursday nights from March 11 to June 6, 2024. Subject to availability and restrictions.

Valid from 3/11/2024 through 6/7/2024

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: Save Up to 30% on Select Stays of 5 Nights or Longer This Fall

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Cardmembers can save on an unforgettable stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi this fall.

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Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels When You Stay 5 nights or Longer this Summer and early Fall!

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Disney® Visa® Cardmembers: Enjoy this Delicious Meal

Disney Visa Cardmembers: Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a nondiscounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package.

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Trips booked: 13850 and counting…

Why Choose Me and the Mouse

We deliver stress-free dream vacations. Since 2012, Me and The Mouse has created unique, memorable, and affordable vacation packages for travelers and their families. This includes Universal Studios , Disney Land , and other destinations. As certified vacation planners, it’s our job to make sure your trip is magical, stress-free, and special.

1. Fun for Everyone

Our travel agents create and organize trips that include fun for the whole family. Thrill rides? Shows? Food? A themed cruise? Let us know what you’re looking to do!

2. A+ Communication

Your agent will be with you throughout the vacation planning process (which can take weeks if not months!). Any questions, our team is here to help.

3. A Personal Touch

Our team has actually been to these locations not once, but multiple times. Whether it’s a stay at Universal, Disney, a cruise, or a resort, we know the ins and outs of each adventure.

4. Travel Planning

A destination vacation shouldn’t be a burden. Our agents are here to help you plan your trip and make sure you’re not second guessing your packing and logistics.

5. Affordably Magical

We understand that a trip can be a major burden on household expenses. It’s our priority to make sure we plan adventures that fall within your budget and match (and exceed!) your expectations.

6. Discover Together

Our agents at Me and The Mouse Travel appreciate feedback from travelers. This helps us create unique and comprehensive travel packeges for you and other families. See our Guestimonials .

We know Disney . We want to know you.

As Authorized Disney Vacation Planners , our FREE vacation planning services are compensated by our suppliers and we guarantee to save you money, time, and stress. We are dedicated to providing you a memorable and magical vacation where no detail is overlooked.

Ready to plan your Disney vacation? Get in touch with our knowledgeable travel specialists today.

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Resort Spotlight: All-Star Music

4/16/2024 • Blog , Walt Disney World • If you are a family dreaming of the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World resort but have a limited budget, Disney’s All-Star Music resort is a value level resort you should consider for your next magical vacation. With a red carpet and backdrop to pose for pictures, your check-in experience at the All-Star Music resort turns into your debut as the newest music sensation. Walk outside and the fun starts for all. Pose for pictures in the Calypso section with the giant xylophone or bongos. Stop by the Jazz section to see the biggest drum set of your life. Are you more into country music? The banjo or harmonica might be calling your name. There isn’t anywhere you can turn outside without being reminded of the powerful influence music has on all our lives. All-Star Music features 2 different styles of rooms. The standard style room features a […]

“Hey Disney” Let’s Have Fun!

4/9/2024 • Walt Disney World • The fun doesn’t stop when you get to your Disney resort room. Adding a little Disney magic to your resort hotel stay just got a little more fun. In each resort room, you can now find the “Hey Disney” device which allows you to ask questions, play games and even get a character greeting. It’s easy and fun. You simply activate the microphone on the “Hey Disney” device and you are set to go. And when you are done playing, you simply turn off the microphone and the interaction stops. “Hey Disney, read me a story”, which is a great way to get your littles a bedtime story before dreaming of the fun day they had in the park. “Hey Disney, play a soundscape”, is a soothing way to drift off to sleep listening to their favorite Disney tunes. Other entertaining options are the ability to play trivia or even […]

Comparing Princess Meals at Walt Disney World

4/2/2024 • Blog , Walt Disney World • For families with little girls, booking a princess meal at Walt Disney World is high on the must-do list but with multiple princess meal options – which one is best suited for your family? Cinderella’s Royal Table is located in Cinderella’s Castle. Hosted by Cinderella, you will have your family picture taken with her as you wait to be seated. After heading upstairs, other Disney princesses stop by your table to visit, allowing for pictures and autographs. For those with a dining package, this meal will cost two table service credits per person. Without a dining package the cost per person will be one of the more expensive meals on property. As this restaurant is small in seating capacity, you may need to be flexible with your preferred dining time. Located in Epcot, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is wonderful choice. This meal features multiple princesses that visit your table. At […]

Top 5 Activities for Adults-Only Trips to Walt Disney World

3/26/2024 • Blog , Walt Disney World • Going to Walt Disney World on an adults-only trip is an experience that must be enjoyed by all Disney fans. While you may miss the children for a few moments, there are some great experiences that you must try with your significant other or best friends. Here are some of my favorite activities on an adults-only trip. Jellyrolls – A dueling piano bar located on the Boardwalk, Jellyrolls is the place to hang out with your friends and enjoy top entertainment. With 2 piano virtuosos taking requests from the audience, grab a drink, make a request, and sing along for an evening filled with fun. Be sure to get there early for a seat as the bar fills to standing by 9pm each night and bring along small bills to give the players for those musical requests. Disney’s Tours - Touring Disney’s parks behind the scenes allows guests to see […]

Discover Paradise at Sandals’ Newest Resort: Dunn’s River

3/22/2024 • Blog , Sandals & Beaches • Welcome to Sandals' newest gem, Dunn's River Resort, where indulgence meets natural beauty in perfect harmony! I got lucky enough to experience this resort firsthand and I’m in love! In fact, I’ve loved it so much, I moved this blog to the top of my list to write and share with you. This resort has dethroned all the others as my favorite and we aren’t even halfway through our stay here as I sit writing this in its adorable coffee shop, Blum. And I can confidently say this as I have now been to every resort in the Sandals’ portfolio, and many other non-Sandals properties. This resort is nestled along the pristine shores of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. A haven of luxury and tranquility awaits discerning travelers here. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, an adventurous escape, or simply a rejuvenating retreat, this resort promises an unforgettable experience that exceeds all […]

Designing a Walt Disney World Trip Tailored to Your Family

3/13/2024 • Blog , Walt Disney World • Have you dreamed of your first trip to Walt Disney World but have put it off because the planning process is overwhelming? We won’t fool you – there is a lot that goes into proper planning of your trip unlike any other Disney destination. These basics will help you understand the big steps and the timeframe in which they should be completed in order to take advantage of all that Disney has to offer. Unlike most traditional travel agents, this is what the Travel Specialists at Me and the Mouse do! We know the ins and outs of the Walt Disney World Resort, and we are here to help you through the planning process! Me and The Mouse has received the distinction of being an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and is known for our impeccable service. Our goal is to exceed your expectations with our customized planning to compliment the […]

Our Clients Love Us

This is the second time we booked everything with Amy and WOW! She nailed it from start to finish. I cannot express how easy she makes the process. She knows it all, from the parks to the resorts and even character dining and other "things to do" We talked about everything from which attractions to visit first, down to the best place to get a stroller for our 4-year-old. She thought of EVERYTHING-was available any time I had a question and the care package we received was a magical "it's almost time" gift for my kids. Amy made our trip a breeze and I cannot say enough great things about her and the work she does. We WILL be returning again soon and we WILL be booking our trip with Amy! <3

Elizabeth, we want to thank you so much for planning such an amazing family vacation. Every detail was taken care of which allowed us to just relax and enjoy our time together as a family. We had so much fun that we are already talking about our next trip. All the tips and suggestions you had were spot on and the trip couldn’t have gone smoother. We will definitely be using Me and the Mouse again!

Becky Roland

Amy has amazing service!!! Answered all of my newbie Disney questions and made sure our first time was a complete success. Very thankful and will be referring to all of our friends!!

Sarah Garcia

We have taken our oldest son to Disney a few times before, but this was our first trip using Tressa and our first trip for our two youngest children. We are clients for life!!! Tressa planned the perfect vacation for our family. Every dining reservation, fast passes, and meet and greet was planned perfectly to make the most of our time there. No stress, planning, or worry for us. She had a million tips and suggestions to make our vacation magical. Thank you Tressa for planning our perfect trip!

Andrea Perry

We used Amy for our family vacation, we booked it just a couple of weeks before our trip as a last minute surprise for our family and she was able to get so many reservations that I thought would be impossible! She was so quick to answer any questions, offer great advice and the help with fast passes/dinner reservations, etc was AMAZING! Made our vacation so easy and effortless and we had so much fun! We will definitely use her again and again!!

Misty Nolan

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Are you ready to book a disney vacation contact us today to learn more., we plan simply magical vacations.

Welcome to DESTINATION MAGIC!  Our team of expert Disney vacation planners are dedicated to creating exceptional vacation experiences to magical destination like Disney, Hawaii , the Caribbean, cruises, and more.  As Walt Disney World travel agency specialists, we know the ins and outs of a simply magical Disney vacation full of memories to cherish. We will book a Disney vacation package that make your vacation dreams come true. And, our booking services are 100% free!

But we are not order-takers. Our advisors are travel consultants that will take the time to discover your wishes for the ideal vacation — and make those wishes come true through our extensive knowledge and expertise. Each advisor is a proud graduate of The College of Disney Knowledge as well as additional professional training to ensure they are on top of the current industry standards.

Your vacation starts as soon as you contact us. We do the heavy lifting so you can relax and enjoy a stress-free vacation, even before you leave home. Its vacation planning simplified!

 As a Disney World Travel agency, our Disney vacation planners are among the best in the business. But our expertise goes far beyond Walt Disney World. We are just as skillful at crafting magical vacations to other Disney destinations including Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani Resort and Spa, and Adventures by Disney. Plus, we are just as knowledgeable about Universal Studios, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Sandals and Beaches resorts, just to name a few the other magical vacations we create. 

Whatever destination you choose, we can save you time and money by finding you the best deals and providing exemplary travel planning services. Whether you book a Disney vacation package with us or a journey to another fabulous destination, your trip is destined to be more magical from beginning to end!

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Industry leading expertise.

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

Simply stated, we know the ins-and-outs of planning a magical Disney World vacation package. If you are looking for an extraordinary Disney experience, from beginning to end, book a Disney vacation with us! Our Magic Makers are dedicated to helping you have a simply magical vacation full of cherished memories.

But we are more than just a Disney World travel agency. We bring that same level of care,  dedication, commitment, and expertise to every magical destination we provide travel planning services to.

Premier Disney expert travel agents

We know Disney! With a focus as a Disney World travel agency takes dedication—and we are. We have decades of experience and understand the ins-and-outs of how to make a Disney vacation truly magical.

Save time and money

You will never pay when you book a Disney vacation package with us than if you booked directly with Disney. We offer all available deals and promotions. Best of all, our booking services are 100% free to our clients.

More than just Disney

We are just as knowledgeable about destinations such as Universal Studios, Hawaii, Sandals, Beaches, the Caribbean, and cruises!

Concierge services

For clients looking for VIP treatment, we can provide enhanced itinerary planning, even if you have already booked a Disney vacation on your own. Let us help create your perfect dream vacation.

Customized planning

One of the benefits of using a Disney World travel specialist is to avoid doing all heavy lifting yourself. There is a lot of planning that goes into any vacation package, especially a Walt Disney World vacation package such as securing Disney park pass reservations and advance dining reservations, to learning how to use Disney Genie Plus. When your book a Disney vacation package with us, we can do that for you!

You are our top priority

Our goal as specialists as a Disney World travel agency is for you to have the most magical, memorable experience ever!

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Although we focus as a Disney World travel agency, our expertise does not stop there. Our vacation planners specialize in all Disney Destinations plus Universal, Cruises, Caribbean, and Hawaii, and more.

Magical vacations begin here! By answering a few key questions about your dream vacation, we will make recommendations that are a perfect fit. (Like Cinderella and her glass slipper). As always, your quote 100% FREE.

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Welcome to MickeyTravels!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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VIP Disney Travel

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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The Ultimate Guide To Disney World Travel Agents

By Lisa Gilmore 4 Comments

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

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

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

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

There Is SO Much to Do in Disney World

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

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

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

Celebration Buttons

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

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

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

Disney Certified Travel Agents are FREE

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

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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

Finding the Best Discount

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

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

Hollywood Studios

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

Planning Tips & Advice

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

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

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

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

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

The ICONIC Mickey Ice Cream Bar!

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

Assistance During Your Vacation

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

Rainy Day in MK

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

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

Choose the Right Travel Agent

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

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

1. They’ve Proven Themselves:

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

2. They Have a Reputation for Excellence:

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

3. Testimonies from Guests (like you!):

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

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

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

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

DFB Readers Get Something a Little Extra Special 😃

Yep — if you do decide to book with Small World, you just note that you heard about them through Disney Food Blog and you could get a special, unique surprise! Click here for current details!

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

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

Don't do it alone.

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

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

GET MORE INFO

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

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

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Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

August 8, 2023

The 3 Best Travel Agents for Every Type of Disney Vacations

I have booked a lot of vacations, from international destinations like the Maldives and Ethiopia to all-inclusive resorts, and by far the hardest vacation to plan for is a Disney Vacation . Even though I have visited Disney World over 75 times in the past 25 years, it is still a challenge because there is so much to plan for, and don’t even get me started on booking a Disney Cruise. That is a whole different ball game! All that being said, I firmly believe in using a travel agent for Disney vacations .

There is soooo much to figure out when planning a Disney Vacation :

• What hotel to stay at?
• What transportation to take to each park?
• Which rides to get lightning lane passes for?
• What parks have early entry?
• What hotels give you early entry?
• When to book dining reservations?
• How to use genie +
• What time to get a virtual queue for the Tron & Guardians of the Galaxy Ride
• the list is ENDLESS!

About 10, maybe 11 years ago, I saw an ad somewhere for a Disney Travel Agent Service and decided to give it a shot. I mean, what could it hurt?

1. Best Day Ever Vacations – My Favorite Disney Travel Agency!

Best Day Ever Vacations specializes in Disney Vacations! Agents who join the team not only receive the normal Disney College of Knowledge training, they have a one to one coach which teaches them everything about Disney until they are fully trained. on a Disney Vacation as I was. They generally were interested in my family and how they could make the trip the best possible vacation for my family. Instead of trying to upsell me on things, they talked to me about how to make the most out of my vacation with the kiddos.

The Travel Agent wanted to know what characters my kids liked and how my family liked to travel. They gave me tips on how to beat the heat with the little ones and how to get awesome castle pics.

They will gave you so many tips on how to navigate the park and save money and this is BEFORE you even BOOK a vacation . I hadn’t put down one penny of a deposit… and that is not even the best part (we will get to that soon).

Trip Planning to Its Fullest – Dining Guides, Packing Lists, Trip Planners, and More

Now, this isn’t the best part (I promise we will get there soon).

When you booked you will got a personalized guide (the Disney World one was 58-pages!) it has your entire trip laid out. It included dining recommendations, room reservation #, how to do My Disney Experience and Genie + all laid out for you.

They send out reminders when it is time for booking dining reservations, send you full dining guides, and will even help you secure some if needed.

Now for the Best Part – They will find you the best deal, even months AFTER you booked your vacation!

One of my biggest fears is booking too early and missing out on a deal. At Best Day Ever they are constantly searching for the best deal. So let’s say you back something now and in 6 months a sale pops up, their agents are taught to look out for sales to find you the best possible deal.

But don’t take my word for it, check out this review from one their numerous 5 star google reviews.

They book Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise & Aulani. https://www.bestdayevervacations.com

Now, you are probably wondering how I even have two more travel agencies after this review, well Best Day Ever Vacations does not book International Disney trips to Asia

2. Wishful Thinking – Best for International Disney Vacations Including Tokyo Disney, Shanghai Disney & Hong Kong Disney

If you are looking for an international trip then this is the spot to go. Booking a trip to Tokyo is easy. Booking a trip to Tokyo Disney is hard. It is because the parks are set up for Japanese tourists so everything is in Japanese when trying to book.

When we went to Tokyo Disney, we definitely needed help navigating the options. Nothing is the same as booking in the US Parks and the website was very confusing.

I was so thankful to find Wishful Thinking . They made our lives much easier. They helped plan everything from our hotel rooms, to our tickets to our rail passes back to Tokyo. With their help, our trip to Tokyo Disneyland was a breeze.

3. Magic Lamp Vacations – Best Agency to Book an Adventures by Disney International Trip

Magic Lamp is another solid choice for booking destinations. We used their services to book our Adventures by Disney trip to New York. We got to see Frozen, Good Morning America, and the trip was a blast! They are amazing at what they do. They have a whole team dedicated to creating unique and magical experiences for your Disney vacations. If you want to do an Adventures by Disney Trip, this is your agency.

They offer top-notch service and attention to detail to help make your trip-planning experience stress-free and enjoyable.

What you should look for in a Disney Travel Agent?

Before we jump ahead, I do want to share what you should look for in a Disney travel agent, just in case you go with someone different.

Just like how not all Disney Rides are the same, not all Disney travel agents are created the same. Some will book your trip and you never hear from them again, and others are an absolute dream to work with.

Here are some things to look for in your Disney Travel agent:

• FREE Services – Disney Travel Agents should not charge for the service of booking your reservation (they receive a % from Disney for booking your vacation). We have had several companies offer “premium services” and really what we got was a 3-page dining guide that cost us $250.
• Itinerary Planning – I don’t need someone to tell me exactly what to do each day, but it is nice to have a guide to each of the parks and resorts.
• Be True Disney Experts – Anyone can google the best Disney World Hotels, but you want to work with people who know all the little details, like the Beach Club has the best pool in all of Disney World or that you can enjoy night vision of the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House.
• Provide Reminders – There are a lot of things to plan for on a Disney trip, when to book dining, when to check in for your cruise. All those reminders should be provided by your travel agent.
• Packing Lists & Guides – Your Disney Travel Agent should also have extras for you like, packing lists, dining guides, park tips and more.
• Have Fun Complimentary Extras – Best Day Ever Vacations, offers a ton of complimentary services from a complete planning guide, to money and time saving tips for in the parks and they often have fun gifts for us upon arrival.
• Recent Posts

• The 3 Best Travel Agents for Every Type of Disney Vacations - August 8, 2023
• How to Become a Disney Travel Agent – Easy Startup in Just 1 Day! - June 12, 2023
• 18 Amazing Things to do in Rhode Island with Kids - September 25, 2022

Reader Interactions

May 20, 2023 at 5:46 am

Its great, hope i contact you when i start my trips, Thank you

May 23, 2023 at 8:25 am

I need an agent to go for vacation to disny world

May 25, 2023 at 4:46 am

I want to have a event to help me my wife and kids to visite the world Disney

May 27, 2023 at 7:32 am

I need help. Planning my trip to Disney Land

June 5, 2023 at 11:29 am

Tour planned

June 22, 2023 at 10:11 am

I want to plan a Disney trip for 6 2025 from like mo day/Friday month of April /may

June 27, 2023 at 5:53 am

Want to go on Disney cruise vacation

July 19, 2023 at 11:28 am

I want go to Disneyland with grandson Vacation

July 23, 2023 at 8:53 am

I have a bachelors degree in business management. How can I apply to become a Disney travel agent? Thank you.

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How to Find the Best Disney Travel Agent (and why you should use one)

Should you use a Walt Disney Travel Agent for your next solo trip?

The answer is a little different for everyone.

Walt Disney World is a huge place with a lot of attractions . The problem is, many of the attractions are hard to find, and if you’re not paying attention, you may miss an event that rarely comes around.

In this article, we’ll consider a few of the pros and cons of having an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to help you decide if having one is right for you. We’ll also go over how to choose the best Disney Travel Agent for your adventure!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY  DISCLOSURE  FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Questions this article will answer:

• What is a Disney Travel agent?
• Why use a Travel Agent for Disney?
• What are the pros and cons of using a Disney Travel Planner?
• Is it cheaper to book Disney through a travel agent?
• What questions should I ask an authorized Disney travel agent?
• What are Tips to finding a good Disney travel agent?
• Who is my Disney travel agent recommendation?

What is a Walt Disney Travel Agent and What Do They Do?

A Disney travel agent is a specialist in all things Disney. They stay up to date on all the upcoming attractions and customize your itinerary based on all the interests of you and your family.

Many agents even attend a special Disney college to make sure they know the best way to put your package together.

ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.

5 Pros for Getting an Authorized Disney Planner

1 – Cost Effective

Most travel agencies do not charge you to plan your vacation.

That’s right!

You do not have to pay for a Disney Vacation Planner. Disney covers all agent fees themselves.

So whether you book through them or do it yourself, there’s no extra cost for the service!

2 – Time Saver

Your agent does all of the rate comparisons, so you don’t have to. Disney’s wait time for phone booking can be rather lengthy, so it’s nice to have someone do the waiting for you at no extra charge!

3 – Easy Planning

Combing through every single Disney attraction can be overwhelming, to say the least!

A good agent is knowledgeable and already knows what’s available, so you don’t do any of the work.

4 – Personalized Service

Your travel agent will become familiar with you, your group, or your family and learn your preferences. This means direct answers to your questions and a more personalized travel plan.

5 – Easy to Customize

A thorough conversation with your agent is usually all you’ll need to completely customize your vacation.

If you’re traveling with family, just let your agent know, and they’ll be sure to include family-friendly events.

Have a DIFFERENT kind of Orlando vacation with a Resort home next to Disney World. Find Your Disney Resort Vacation Rental here!

Walt Disney Travel Agent Cons

1 – changing your itinerary.

Changes to your itinerary after you’ve booked with a travel agent have to come from the agent, not you.

 Grab you own Disney World itinerary below!

So, keep that in mind once you choose your authorized vacation planner for your trip.

2 – Finding a Reputable Agency

Not all agencies are earmarked or interested in alerting you to the great deals. You’ll want to find the best Disney Travel Agent by doing a little bit of research.

I decided that using a Disney Travel Agent was the way to go when they let me know a trip I already booked had dropped in price which saved me money.

Is it Cheaper to Book Disney through a Travel Agent?

In many cases, yes.

Travel agencies don’t charge you anything to book your vacation. All agents are paid by the destination, not the guest. In this case, that’s Disney.

As Laura puts it, “in essence what that means is that you are paying for the travel planner [in your ticket] whether you use one or not.”

Since Disney has already covered the cost through the purchase of the tickets, the service is already 100% free to you.

Your agent will watch the promotions for you and go over all the available hotels, attractions, etc. to land you the best price.

And since every deal is not so widely advertised, they may even be able to save you money on discounts you didn’t know were there.

If no specials or agent loopholes are available, you’ll simply pay the price you would have if you did it yourself without having done any of the work.

In the end, you’ll definitely save time, and your price will either be the same or cheaper.

How to Find the Best Disney Travel Agent

Finding a Disney travel agent is incredibly easy. You simply type in “Disney Travel Agent” into your preferred search engine and click whichever result speaks out to you the most.

Once you find a Disney Planner be sure to ask the following questions:

• What is your policy on price alerts?
• Are you an earmarked travel agency with Disney?
• Do you also book flights? (If not, that’s okay. You might find a better deal on flights on your own)
• Are you able to get big savings that someone wouldn’t get elsewhere?
• Can you help with booking Dining Reservations and FastPasses?
• What if I have already booked my package on my own, can I still work with you?
• How much is your service and what is included?

If you can’t get any clear answers or you feel uneasy, then pass on that planner and continue looking until you find someone who understands your vacation goals.

Your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner should be able to create a very detail vacation itinerary for you or be able to create a simple one for you based on your needs.

My Recommended Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – The Best Disney Travel Agent

The reason I prefer finding the right planner who is an earmarked agency with Disney. This means Disney recognizes them as an official agency.

As Laura explains in episode 27 of the ThemeParkHipster podcast , this also means Disney is more likely to honor special requests from them because of their legitimacy.

For a free service, I think that’s pretty cool.

Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the  latest podcast episode on Apple  or on your  non-Apple  device now!

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has left you feeling confident in your journey to finding the perfect Disney planner for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can leave a comment below or contact me at ThemeParkHipster at Gmail dot com . 

Get more of your Disney questions answered below:

• What to pack for a Theme Park?
• Can Disney Tickets be Transferred? 
• How to find a vacation home near Walt Disney World?
• What are the 5 best family resorts near Walt Disney World?
• Are Disney pools heated?
• Where are Disney Parks Located?
• How to do Walt Disney World on a Budget?
• How Much Does It Cost to Park at Walt Disney World Parks?
• Is the Magic Kingdom for Adults?

Planning a trip soon? If so, read the  Disney Vacation Planning Guide  for your next dream trip!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

(Original article written in 2019/Updated July 25, 2020)

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6 Easy Steps to Save Money for Disney in 6 Months

Is abc commissary at hollywood studios worth the visit, 4 thoughts on “how to find the best disney travel agent (and why you should use one)”.

This article answers a lot of questions that people might not think to ask. You have given valuable information. Now I know a bit more about dealing with Disney travel agents!

Glad I could help. My Disney travel agent has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion 🙂

This is great article for find best Disney travel agent. This article have all answers of questions which may have all travelers want to know. This is very helpful article thanks for sharing.

My pleasure!

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent: Step-by-Step

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

That’s why, in this definitive guide, I’ll show you the exact steps you need to take to pursue this career path. I’ll also explore some important considerations before you embark on a career specializing in Disney travel. And I’ll answer some frequently-asked questions.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent: 10-Step Process

Considerations before applying to be a disney travel agent, faqs about becoming a disney travel agent.

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

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

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

1. Understand How Commission Works for Travel Agents

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

Commission-Based Pay

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

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

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

Not all parts of the vacation package will earn a commission.

For example, at Disney World, you’ll generally earn commission on :

• Hotel accommodations
• Most multi-day theme park tickets (3-days or longer)
• Disney Dining Plans (commission rate may be different from the rest of the package)
• VIP tours and other select enhanced experiences

But you won’t earn commission on :

• Dining reservations
• Annual passes
• Genie+ / Lightning Lane and other add-ons
• 1-Day and 2-Day tickets

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

Commission Split

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

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

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

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

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

Commission split ratios determine how much money you earn

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

As an example:

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

Use our Disney Travel Agent Commission Calculator to see how different commission rates will affect your income.

Client Incentive Deductions

Some agencies offer booking incentives to potential clients. Maybe you’ve seen agencies offering a Disney gift card upon booking, or perhaps an onboard credit to use on a Disney Cruise.

When those are offered by an agency, it’s common for the value of that promotion to be deducted from the base commission before the remaining amount is split between the agent and agency.

Delayed Commissions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning Fees

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

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

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

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

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

2. Watch Out for Shady Travel Agencies

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

Here are a few things to consider.

What’s the hiring process?

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

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

Do they charge you a fee to join?

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

Potentially scammy fees include:

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

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

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

Is their commission split fair?

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

Check their licenses and professional memberships

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

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

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

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

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

3. Become a Disney Expert

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

How can you educate yourself?

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

What should you learn about?

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

Go beyond the mouse

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

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

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

4. Know the Characteristics of the Perfect Disney Travel Agent

Each Disney travel agency has its own set of criteria they require when hiring travel planners.

Among other things, you’ll need to be:

• Passionate and knowledgeable about Disney theme parks
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Proactive and prompt when handling client bookings
• Solution-oriented with a keen sense of customer service
• Flexible and able to commit enough time to do the job right
• Trustworthy

Want to make sure you have what it takes? Review our article on the Character Traits of Successful Disney Travel Agents . It has the inside scoop, direct from the owner of an Earmarked Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency!

5. Pick the Agency You Want to Work With

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

Learn about Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agencies

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

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner logo | Image © Disney

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

Learn about Earmarked designations

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

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

Logos showing Earmarked Designations | Elements © Disney

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

Joining a higher-tier agency has its benefits:

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

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

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

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

Size Matters, But It Isn’t Everything

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

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

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

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

Good Support Structure

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

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

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

Do they Market Themselves?

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

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

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

Ask Their Agents

See if you can reach out to current agents at the company to get some feedback on their working environment.

Questions to ask include:

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

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

6. Apply to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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

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

A typical application to become a Disney travel planner

When filling out an application, remember to be professional. This is a job application, not a group chat. Would you hire someone who writes “I want 2 work 4 u”? And don’t forget to proofread everything before submitting. Double check your email address and phone number so the agency can contact you. Make sure you answer all questions completely.

Ready to Apply?

You can get started right here on MagicGuides. Get additional hiring tips  and submit your application to our two recommended travel agencies by clicking the button below:

7. Be Patient

Now comes the hardest part – waiting to hear back.

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

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

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

8. Ace the Interview

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

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

9. The Offer: Get Hired

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

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

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

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

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

But! You still have work to do…

10. Market Yourself

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

Friends and Family

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

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

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

Social Media

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

Consider creating a Facebook business page to market your travel services

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

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

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

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

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

Direct Marketing

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

Regular emails keep clients informed and engaged

Repeat Business and Word-of-Mouth Referrals

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

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

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

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

If you’re on the fence about whether you should apply or not, here are some considerations to think about. I’ll weigh the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Income Considerations

Travel agents who focus on Disney vacations can make good money if they’re willing to put in the effort. Being a Disney Travel agent is a job , not a hobby. And it’s a career in which what you put into it directly influences what you get out of it.

Disney vacation planners receive commission rather than a salary or hourly wage, which can be both a pro and a con. You can make virtually unlimited money (in theory). But you can also make… well, nothing . And having an irregular income can make it harder to budget for yourself.

The agents who are most successful financially are those who:

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

Doing What You Love

If you are a Disney fanatic, being a Disney travel agent may sound like the ultimate dream. You spend each work day thinking about, talking about, researching, and booking Disney Destinations. What could be more rewarding than getting paid to do what you love?

That said, burnout is a real risk. If Disney is your work, then sometimes going to Disney can feel like going to work.

And you can’t simply walk away — if you get frustrated with planning your own vacation, you can take some time off and come back to it later. Clients, no matter how difficult, won’t be willing to wait for you to get your pixie dust back.

Work from Home… or Wherever

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

For most people, this means setting up a quiet corner or extra room in their home to serve as their “office.” Some agents are full-time RVers. Others might have a favorite café or local park where they do their best work. I know of at least one travel advisor near Orlando who sometimes works from Magic Kingdom or EPCOT!

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

Just make sure that working from home is right for you. On the surface it seems fantastic, but you have to be of the right mindset. You’ll need the discipline required to get everything done without a boss hovering over your shoulder. And some people are surprised to find out that they miss the camaraderie of office co-workers.

Flexible Hours

As independent contractors, travel agents generally have the freedom to set their own schedule. Prefer a day shift? More of a night owl? Need to pick up the kids from school? The flexibility of being a travel agent makes it all possible.

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

Those who have difficulty fully unplugging from work can find this bizarre schedule all the more challenging, leading to a sort of workaholism. For others, knowing that no one’s watching you “punch the clock” can lead to the temptation to sleep late and duck out early. Either way, your paycheck and mental health can suffer if you’re not disciplined.

Potential Tax Benefits

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

Any Disney vacation you go on may be tax-deductible as a research expense if certain conditions are met. This ends up being a great perk for anyone that already spends a lot of time at Disney destinations. Other business expenses, such as office supplies and phone bills, may also be deductible.

Just remember that deducting business expenses requires that you keep very detailed records and receipts, and it can make your tax return much more complicated. You might even need to hire a CPA or other financial professional, which could eat into the savings.

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

Free Tickets and Discounts

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

Free Disney and Universal Tickets

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

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

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

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

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

But even free and discounted tickets can lead to more expenses. If you don’t live near the parks, you’ll need a hotel, maybe airline tickets, food money, and more. Consider tickets a nice perk, but not necessarily a major money-saving strategy.

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

Travel agents on a FAM trip at Universal Studios

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

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

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

This is yet another reason to seek out a job with a high-level Disney travel agency. You’ll have access to more perks. But again, keep the potential associated expenses in mind.

How much do Disney travel agents make?

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

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

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

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

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

When do you get paid?

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

What equipment and software do you need?

Almost everything you do for a client will either happen online or over the phone. That means all you really need to become a Disney travel planner is a computer with internet access and a telephone.

But there are some additional pieces of equipment that can make the job easier. See our Essential Equipment List for Disney Travel Agents for further details.

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

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

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

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

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

Do I need an LLC?

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

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

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

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

Do you need a license to sell Disney vacations?

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

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

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

How do taxes work for travel agents?

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

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

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

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

Do I need a College Degree?

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

Do I need to go to Travel School?

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

Do you need experience to become a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

What’s the training like?

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

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

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

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

Can I work part-time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do Disney Travel Agents sell other destinations, too?

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

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

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

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

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

Being a Disney-focused travel agent is no different.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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