disney travel agents salary

VIP Disney Travel

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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

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

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

Working as a Disney Travel Agent

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

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

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

What do Disney Travel Agents Do?

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

What Are the Benefits of Being a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

Work from home

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

Set your own hours

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

Training Opportunities

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

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

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

Personal Travel

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

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

*Be sure to consult your financial advisor.

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

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

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

Make friends and have fun

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

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

Do Disney Travel Agents Get Discounts?

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

What Are the Challenges of Being a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

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

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

Set your own hours, but be available for clients

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

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

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

Training and travel

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

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

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

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

Finding clients

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

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

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

Customer service with a smile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do disney travel agents get paid.

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

How Much Do Disney Travel Agents Make?

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

Commission for Disney Travel Agents

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

Commission Splits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commission Bumps

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

Simple Commission Split example:

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

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

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

What Does the Agency Do for Their Share?

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

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

The cost of doing business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Am I an employee of the Disney Travel Company?

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

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

Product knowledge.

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

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

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

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

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

Be ready with answers

A client may ask:

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

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

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

Good Communication

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

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

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

Be clear with your responses and helpful with your advice.

Self-Starter

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

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

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

Prompt and Proactive

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

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

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

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

Detail-Oriented

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

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

Well-Organized

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

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

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

Technical Skills

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

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

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

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

Marketing Savvy

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

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

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

Social media presence

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

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

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

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

Passion, drive, and motivation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Communication Skills

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

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

Good Personality

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

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

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

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

How to find Disney Travel Agent Jobs

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

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

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

Research Travel Agencies

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

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

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

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

Look for a Support System

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

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

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

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

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

Agency Fees

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

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

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

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

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

The Cost of No-Fee Agencies

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

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

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

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

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

Look Out for Scams

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

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

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

Find the right fit

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

What Do Disney Travel Agencies Look for in Applicants?

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

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

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

✓ Knowledge

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

✓ Previous Planning Experience

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

✓ Commitment

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

✓ Availability

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

✓ Character Traits

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

✓ Salesmanship

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

✓ Customer Service Skills

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

✓ Tech-Skills

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

✓ Social Media Presence

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

Looking for a Recommended Disney Travel Agency to Join?

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

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

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

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

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

Testimonials from actual agents:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have what it takes to

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Be sure you are making the most of your vacation time and money. Click the box below to request a free, no-obligation quote. And start planning your vacation with The Disney Experts, Destination Magic!

Destination Magic Travel Agents specialize in all Disney Travel. They will help you plan and book an amazing vacation to:

• Walt Disney World
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Their services will save you time, money, and stress. Start planning your simply magical vacation today!

Become a Disney Vacation Planner.

Join The Happiest Team Around

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

You’ve found the place where dreams come true. 

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

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

We also welcome experienced agents to apply.

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At The Enchanted Traveler, we are committed to…

What To Expect From The Enchanted Traveler 

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

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

What OUR CONSULTANTS are saying

- Holly Woodlee

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

A Passion for disney

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

Our ideal Disney Travel Consultant has:

Above average Disney knowledge

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

A social media presence

So much of this business comes from word of mouth.

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

experience in customer service or naturally personable skills

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

Sales Experience

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

organizational skills and self-motivation

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

A Desire to learn

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

time to dedicate toward building a business

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

well-traveled within the Disney destinations

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

an expert level of knowledge on at least one Disney destination

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

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

- Kerri Danley

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

Want to be part of The Enchanted Traveler difference?

Join our team

@the_enchanted_traveler

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

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent – Complete Guide

• How do I become a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

• FirstHeading

How to pick a Travel Agency

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

• It's awesome to be a Disney Vacation Planner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLIA card requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the Earmarked logo for reference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple Commission Split example:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do they have training?

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

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

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

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

What support is there when you need it?

What is the agency owners background?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more at the California Seller of Travel Website.

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

From the CA Sellers of Travel Website:

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

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

From the Florida Sellers of Travel Website:

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

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

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

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

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

It’s awesome to be a Disney Vacation Planner

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

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

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What Social Media accounts do you have?

Previous experience.

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

Hi, The DTA classes are just for travel agents.

i would like to apply to be a travel agent

Hi, Christine,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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

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

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

Finding the Right Agency

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join Our Team

• Disney Reservation Transfer
• Our Services

Are you interested in becoming a travel agent who specializes in Disney destinations? You can start by joining the Mouse Counselors team!

• Do you have a strong love for Disney travel destinations?
• Are you a self-driven, professional, business-minded individual, with a high attention to detail?
• Do your family and friends consider you the go-to person for Disney trip planning questions? Have they told you that you should get a job as a Disney Travel Agent?
• Do you have extensive travel experience to Disney destinations?
• Do you have exceptional communication skills?
• Do you like to meet new people?
• Do you already have a list of potential clients in mind that you will market your services to?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to these questions you may be a perfect fit for Mouse Counselors!  If, after a more in-depth description of our program (see below), you think you have what it takes and you are serious about providing the best in customer service to your clients, just complete our Join Our Team Questionnaire !

OUR APPROACH

How we’ll work together:

Industry-leading commission splits..

Mouse Counselors offers a generous 75/25 commission split to our new agents. Mouse Counselors also offers higher splits (up to 90%!) to agents as they reach pre-determined sales goals!

We charge no agent fees.

Mouse Counselors does not charge registration or annual fees. Other than a nominal monthly software fee for use of our customer relationship management system, there are no mandatory monthly service or other fees.

A designation with distinction.

Mouse Counselors has been honored with the distinction of being an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. This designation is a tribute to our knowledge of Disney destinations and the value we add for our clients with our expertise in planning magical Disney vacations. It is this expertise that we are excited to share with our new agents!

Communication is the key to success.

We value open and honest communication. We give our agents dedicated personal attention. When you partner with us, you’re part of our family.

This allows us to connect with our agents, getting to know them and their businesses in a unique way.

Meet our Dream Team →

You work with us, not for us.

As your partner, we become an extension of your business. We work with our agents to focus on their growth. We will collaborate with you to make sure every part of your business is solid from the ground up.

We believe in the dream.

We personally invest in every agent we work with. Our intention is to help you achieve your dream (and more)!

We are looking for professional-minded self-starters who are serious about maintaining a profitable business focusing on impeccable client service and having a lot of fun along the way!

More than just Disney.

While Mouse Counselors has a reputation for designing vacations to Disney destinations for our clients, our agents also are able to book vacation packages, hotels, car rentals and all major cruise lines through our sister company, Vacation Counselors.

A community we are proud of.

Through Workplace by Meta, we provide access to a private, agent-only community where our Mouse Counselors share success stories, ask questions and provide their best tips! What better way to be the best agent you can be than to learn from other successful agents in our own safe and private corner of the internet?

This is our mission.

Mouse Counselors has a reputation for impeccable customer service. Our mission is to ensure that the client is always the first priority! We work hard to create and foster relationships with our clients and do our best to provide a sprinkle of pixie dust to make their vacations truly magical! The bottom line is we plan each vacation as if it were our own.

Are you ready to begin a rewarding career as a Mouse Counselor?

If so, please complete our   Join Our Team Questionnaire . We’ll review your submission carefully and if it looks as if the relationship might be a good fit, we’ll set up a call to discuss the opportunity further. However, if this program doesn’t quite fit what you are looking for, we certainly understand. Our program isn’t a match for everyone’s needs and goals, and we thank you for the time to check us out!

Destination Magic

Call 855-45MAGIC

(855-456-2442)

We are Disney travel planning experts specializing in creating stress-free vacations to magical destinations including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Adventures By Disney. Plus, Universal Studios, Cruises, Caribbean, Hawaii, and more!

Join our Team of Disney Travel Agent Specialists

Do you have what it takes to be a magic maker.

We at DESTINATION MAGIC are looking for the best! Besides being a Disney travel expert, you must be well organized, tech-savvy, and (most importantly) driven to succeed. Planning vacations is a lot of fun, but there is also real work involved, and we are seeking those agents ready to conquer the challenge.

If you are driven to take your love of Disney travel to the next level and are committed to becoming a professional travel advisor, we invite you to apply to join our team .

If you are already an established Disney travel planner looking for a new home, we want to hear from you! 

We have temporarily paused hiring. however, if you are interested in applying, please complete this form. we will contact you when hiring resumes..

• Your Name * First Name Last Name
• Your Email Address *
• Your Phone *
• Yes, I am currently with another agency
• Yes, previously, but not currently
• No, I have never been a travel planner
• Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in this position. (If you are/have been a travel agent, what are the reasons you are looking for a new home?) *

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

As a travel company, we exist to bring people together. When people come together, they create opportunities for shared experience, dialogue, and growth. Experience shows that our differences fuel innovation for our company and clients. We bring different voices, backgrounds, and perspectives into our workforce—and nurture and celebrate them once they’re here. We treat everyone with respect, dignity, and fairness. We empower each person to develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence to the fullest and are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Take the next step a simply magical vacation.

Enter your name and email address and we’ll send you our FREE, printable vacation planning organizer. The easiest way to plan any vacation.

BONUS Disney planning pages included, FREE!

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Disney streaming salary data shows Disney+ and Hulu staffers can earn as much as $385,000 in pay. See the full list.

• Disney had about 225 million streaming subscribers as of the end of 2023.
• Disney+ made up nearly 150 million subs globally, while Hulu had 49.7 million, and ESPN+ had 25.2 million.
• Public work-visa data show Disney offers $96,782 to $400,000 for some jobs at Hulu and other units.

In the paid streaming wars, where only a few players will be favored, Disney has established itself as a formidable No. 2 to Netflix.

The century-old media company had some 225 million paid subscribers across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ as of the end of 2023 and said on its last earnings call that its streaming business would be profitable this year. 

Family-friendly flagship Disney+, known for its Star Wars and Marvel fare, had 111 subscribers globally, or nearly 150 million subs when you include India's Disney+ Hotstar, to Netflix's 260 million. 

Looking at subscription share among paid streamers in the US in 2023, Disney+ accounted for 12%, putting it fourth behind Netflix's 26%, according to Antenna.

Hulu, Disney's streamer for grownups, with hits like "The Bear" and "Only Murders in the Building," meanwhile had 45 million US subscribers (not counting the 4.6 million subscribers to its Live TV version), giving it 14% share of paid subscribers, per Antenna.

Disney CEO Bob Iger is making big moves to orient the company around streaming. Disney has been pushing a lower-priced ad tier and cracking down on password sharing to drive subscriber growth at Disney+. It's in the process of combining Hulu's general entertainment content with Disney+ , betting that a broader offering will better position it to compete with Netflix.

And it's taking steps to take full control of Hulu by buying out Comcast's one-third share. It's also part of a newly announced joint venture with Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery to offer a streaming sports bundle.

Disney's hiring habits reflect its shift to streaming, with tech-focused job positions available as the company sharpens its focus on its streaming business. Despite the company cutting thousands of jobs in 2023, there are still open positions to be found in certain sectors. Disney listed 75 direct-to-consumer openings on its site, including content programmers, software engineers, and designers.

To see what Disney and Hulu pay for certain jobs, Business Insider analyzed recent work-visa disclosures. 

The public data, released by the US Office of Foreign Labor Certification , include the base salaries that Disney and Hulu offered to pay foreign staffers it wanted to hire for tech and other jobs in the US.

These were the minimum wages the companies declared in foreign-labor-certification applications that they pay for specific roles, according to Department of Labor documentation. The companies may pay more than the figures reflected in the data or compensate staffers in additional ways, like through stock options and grants.

The data included 135 salaries at Hulu and 103 salaries across other divisions of Disney, based on applications submitted by the companies and certified between October 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023.

The Hulu salaries ranged from $96,782 to $251,760 a year. Most of the roles were tech jobs, including data scientist and software engineer roles. There were also salaries for a handful of other roles, such as a music supervisor and licensing manager, and a manager of content subscriber-data analytics.

The Disney salaries BI analyzed ranged from $108,415 to $400,000 a year. They included jobs in Disney's streaming tech as well as consumer products, parks, and other divisions.

The pay data is detailed below, broken down by division and job title. 

Related stories

Some of the applications included salary ranges rather than a single annual salary for a given role. For example, Hulu included a pay rate of $209,800 to $251,760 yearly for a principal software developer. We included these ranges below. In cases where Disney or Hulu submitted multiple applications for a particular job, such as a senior software developer, we included the median rate for the starting end of the salary range, as well as the lowest and highest salaries for the role.

Disney Streaming — $120,000 to $385,057 a year

Disney streaming roles, not including Hulu, Disney has offered between $120,000 and $385,057 a year to some candidates on US work visas. The positions included:

• Associate Director, Consumer Data Platforms : $173,103 median, ranging from $170,980 to $210,000
• Associate Director, Software Engineering : $167,074
• Data Scientist : $139,100
• Director, Data Engineering : $223,991 median, ranging from $206,482 to $241,500
• Lead Data Engineer : $180,000 median, ranging from $168,171 to $181,100
• Lead Data Scientist : $180,000
• Lead Software Engineer : $180,423 median, ranging from $166,400 to $192,100
• Manager, Software Engineering : $207,000
• Program Manager, Consumer Data Analytics : $147,646
• Senior Business Intelligence Engineer : $158,000
• Senior Data Analyst : $120,000 median, ranging from $120,000 to $150,000
• Senior Data Engineer : $163,650 median, ranging from $155,000 to $172,300
• Senior Data Engineer, Data Platform : $145,000
• Senior Data Scientist : $165,100
• Senior Software Engineer : $162,000 median, ranging from $143,600 to $180,000
• Senior Software Engineer, Cloud Account Management : $172,232 median, ranging from $170,000 to $174,463
• Software Engineer : $130,400 median, ranging from $130,000 to $130,800
• Staff Software Engineer : $193,646 median, ranging from $177,492 to $209,800
• Vice President, Growth Engineering : $385,057

Hulu — $ 96,782 to $251,760 a year

Hulu has offered between $96,782 to $251,760 a year to some candidates on US work visas. The positions included: 

• Automation Engineer II : $138,860 median, ranging from $113,400 to $164,320
• Data Engineer : $131,016
• Data Scientist : $159,236 median, ranging from $127,500 to $192,565.80
• HRIS Analyst : $123,600
• Lead Data Engineer : $182,500 median, ranging from $170,000 to $200,000
• Lead Software Engineer : $182,656 median, ranging from $174,900 to $210,120
• Manager, Application Security : $173,500
• Manager, Data Product Management : $206,609
• Manager, Financial Accounting : $119,880
• Manager, Security Engineering (Sec Assurance) : $178,705
• Manager, Software Engineering : $200,850 median, ranging from $180,455 to $241,020
• Manager, Subscriber Data Analytics : $120,000
• Manager, Technical Program Management : $155,970
• Music Supervisor & Licensing Manager : $96,782
• Principal Software Developer : $209,800 to $251,760
• Principal Software Development Lead : $242,740
• Principal Software Engineer : $219,490 median, ranging from $215,000 to $220,815
• Senior Analyst, Advanced Analytics : $120,000 to $144,000
• Senior Compensation Analyst : $122,000
• Senior Data Engineer : $165,100 median, ranging from $155,000 to $172,300
• Senior Data Product Manager : $206,609 to $247,930.22
• Senior Manager Software Engineering : $220,815
• Senior Manager, Data Product Management : $213,840
• Senior Manager, Network Operations : $187,348
• Senior Product Manager : $145,710
• Senior Software Developer : $176,083 median, ranging from $158,000 to $218,400
• Senior Software Development Lead : $194,756 median, ranging from $191,000 to $246,960
• Senior Software Engineer : $164,913 median, ranging from $140,000 to $175,000
• Senior Team Lead, Product Marketing : $190,000
• Software Developer : $160,000 median, ranging from $141,550 to $217,320
• Software Engineer I : $126,000
• Software Engineer II : $135,445 median, ranging from $111,100 to $150,000
• Software Engineering Manager : $191,000

Other Disney divisions — $108,415 to $400,000 a year

Elsewhere within Disney, the company has offered $108,415 to $400,000 per year to some candidates on US work visas. The positions included:

Disney Entertainment and Sports

• Lead Software Engineer : $187,000
• Senior Software Engineer : $170,000

Disney Financial Services

Senior Manager, Transaction Support : $164,300

Human Resources Services

• Senior Analyst, Workforce Technology : $123,600
• Senior Manager, HR Decision Science and Engineering: $155,430

Disney Online

Lead Systems Engineer: $164,670

Disney Parks Technology Services

• Lead Data Engineer : $182,646 median, ranging from $171,000 to $194,292 a year
• Lead Information Management Engineer : $157,023
• Lead Software Architect : $195,467
• Lead Software Engineer : $154,449
• Lead Solution Architect : $161,475
• Manager, Technology : $170,000 median, ranging from $145,000 to $173,600
• Manager, Technology — Identity Resolution Engineering : $182,714
• Principal Software Architect : $183,731 median, ranging from $176,761 to $190,700
• Principal Technical Architect : $172,000 median, ranging from $171,000 to $190,000
• Product Manager : $141,784
• Senior Data Engineer : $136,912 median, ranging from $130,824 to $147,253.32
• Senior Machine Learning Scientist : $167,344
• Senior Software Engineer : $140,000 median, ranging from $118,738 to $147,370

Disney Store

• Senior Vice President, Digital and Retail Commerce : $400,000

Disney Worldwide Services

• Architect : $150,000
• Data Integration Manager : $175,000
• Manager, Decision Science Products : $142,106
• Senior Decision Scientist : $126,400
• Senior Enterprise Application Support Analyst : $144,000 median, ranging from $140,000 to $148,000
• Senior Manager, Data Engineering : $207,416
• Senior Network Operations Engineer : $138,416 median, ranging from $138,416 to $142,620.59
• Senior Software Engineer : $153,000
• Senior Systems Reliability Engineer : $169,950
• Staff Data Engineer : $170,000

Walt Disney Attractions Technology

• Project Manager : $108,415
• Senior Software Engineer : $138,400

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US

• Executive Production Design : $183,000 to $240,000
• Manager, Menu Planning and Development : $132,000

Walt Disney Pictures  

• Data Engineer : $130,000
• Senior Engineer, Software : $140,425
• Software Engineer : $137,646

This post has been updated with the latest available data. Elaine Low and Colin Salao contributed to an earlier version.

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