disney world travel agent free

Are Disney Travel Agents Free?

You’ve finally made the big decision… you’re going to Disney World!  But now you’re facing the daunting task of trying to plan your Disney vacation. Sure, it’d be great to have an expert to help you plan your trip and maybe even make reservations on your behalf.  A Disney travel agent can certainly do that.  But are Disney Travel Agents free, or do you have to pay them for their services?

Most Disney Travel Agents don’t charge you anything to plan your vacation or make reservations for you.   Of course you’ll still have to pay for the products you purchase — theme park tickets, hotel rooms, and such — but you most likely won’t have to pay an agent directly to handle all of this for you.  Why?  Disney pays the agent for you.

Each agent gets a commission from Disney for the bookings they’ve made on your behalf.  That’s why most Disney travel agencies have a policy of not charging their clients any sort of itinerary planning fee — because they’re already getting paid.

Does using a travel agent make your Disney vacation cost more?

The commission that Disney pays to a travel agency for handling your booking does not increase the cost of your trip.  Disney does not raise prices on hotel rooms, tickets, etc. just because a trip was booked through a travel agent.

Why not? Isn’t Disney having to give up some of the profit on the trip to send a check to your travel agent?  Perhaps.  But the way Disney sees it, your travel agent is doing a lot of the work that would normally have to be done by Disney Cast Members.  They’re explaining options to you and answering questions — all work that would normally have to be done by a Disney employee.

And, Disney knows that the best travel agents will take time to get to know you and your family so that your trip is just right — that makes you more likely to come back for another trip.  So for Disney, it’s a good business policy.

What are the benefits of using a Disney travel agent?

A good Disney travel agent will will make sure that you’re getting the best price on your Disney vacation.  A great Disney travel agent will add new Disney World deals and offers to your vacation even after it’s booked!  They’ll keep track of new discounts as they’re announced and apply them to your trip automatically.  There’s nothing like getting an email from your travel agent that says they found a new discount and were able to knock $500 off the cost of your trip!

Travel agents are great sources of information, too. They can offer suggestions on the best rides at Disney World, help you pick an Adventures by Disney destination, or even answer common cruise questions such as, “ is a Disney Cruise worth it ,” or “ does Disney Cruise offer drink packages? ”

Add in the fact that they’ll wake up at dawn to make Dining Reservations (so you don’t have to), that they’ll help you keep track of payment due dates and booking windows, and do so much more — it’s not hard to see that there are plenty of reasons to use a Disney Travel Agent .

How to pick a Disney Travel Agent

There are plenty of agencies that can book Disney trips – but how can you find a reputable one?

Start out by making sure you’re dealing with an agency that’s designated as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner — that specific wording is a sign that the agents specialize in Disney travel and have undergone training designed directly by Disney.

Then, investigate just a bit further.  You’ll see these agencies show a designation of “Earmarked,” which is an indicator of how much Disney travel they book each year.  Agencies start out at Bronze, and can go up through the ranks of Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels.  Find a Platinum or Diamond earmarked agency, and you’ll know that you’ve found an agency that arranges thousands of Disney trips every year… true experts in their fields!

Next up, you’ll want to find out for sure if the agency is truly free to use or if they charge you any booking fees.  As we mentioned before, most travel agencies do not charge a planning fee, so it’s free to use their services.  Still, there are some agencies that do charge fees for their services.  If you do decide use an agency that charges its clients a fee on top of the commission it receives from Disney, make sure you understand how much the fee is, what it covers, and if it’s refundable should your plans change.  You might also ask if you have to pay additional fees for things like modifications to your trip or other planning services you might need later.

Booking vacations with a Disney Travel Agent

Once you’ve picked a travel agency, booking your vacation is usually a pretty simple prospect.  You’ll typically start by filling out a contact form (or calling the agency) to provide some basic information such as your name, phone number or email address, and very basic details about what you want to book.

Then, the agency will assign a specific travel agent to you. That person will be your primary contact for the duration of your trip planning — they’ll get in touch with you to find out more details about your dream vacation and how they can help make it a reality.

Once you’ve gone through all the options and decided what to book, your agent will handle everything for you.  They’ll make your reservations and take your payment information for the deposit that’s due upon booking.  Afterwards, they’ll monitor the timeline of your trip to make sure that all further bookings (like dining and recreation) happen exactly on schedule, and will make sure you don’t miss any payment deadlines along the way.

All you have to do is relax, pack, and head to the airport on time!

Our recommended free Disney Travel Agent

If you’ve decided that booking Disney with a Travel Agent (for free!) is the way to go, we strongly suggest you contact The Vacationeer !  They’re our official travel agency partner and a great company to plan your trip with.  As a Diamond-Level Earmarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , their 90+ agents know Disney vacations inside and out. They do not charge any planning fees for their services, and you’re never under any obligation to book when you contact them.

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Our recommendations for the best Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

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

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

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

That leaves you to just focus on having fun.

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

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

The Best Disney Travel Agency

Vacationeer.

Why they’re great

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

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

Another great choice

• Travelmation

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

Table of Contents

The Five Best Disney Travel Agencies

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

1 – Vacationeer – Guide2WDW’s Recommended Travel Agency

Get a free quote from Vacationeer.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 – Small World Vacations

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

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

3 – Travelmation

Travelmation is another great choice for your vacation.

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

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

4 – MEI Mouse Fan Travel

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

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

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

5 – Kingdom Konsultants

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

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

Kingdom Konsultants is the official travel agency of WDWMagic.  

The Benefits of Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

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

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

We want to hear from you!

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

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James Grosch

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

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

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Countdown to Magic

12 Best Disney World Travel Agents to Book Your Trip

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

Unveiling the Best Disney Travel Agents

Up first is Orlando Vacation.

Orlando Vacation

Simplify your booking process with Orlando Vacation.

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

Why Use Orlando Vacation?

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

Orlando Vacation Reviews :

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

This Orlando Vacation review comes from Lianne T on Yelp .

Small World Vacations

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

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

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

Why Use Small World Vacations?

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

Small World Vacations Reviews:

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

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

Mickey Travels

Join forces with Mickey Travels for an exclusive Disney experience.

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

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

Why Use Mickey Travels?

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

The Vacationeer

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

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

Why Use The Vacationeer?

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

The Vacationeer Reviews:

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

This The Vacationeer review comes from Sheri D on Yelp .

Mouseketrips

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

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

Why Use Mouseketrips?

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

Mouseketrips Reviews:

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

This Mouseketrips review comes from Melanie G on Yelp .

Dreams Unlimited Travel

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

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

Why Use Dreams Unlimited Travel?

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

Dreams Unlimited Travel Reviews:

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

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

Pixie Vacations

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

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

Why Use Pixie Vacations?

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

Pixie Vacations Reviews:

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

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

Be Our Guest Vacations

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

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

Why Use Be Our Guest Vacations?

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

Share the Magic

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

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

Why Use Share the Magic?

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

Destination Magic

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

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

Why Use Destination Magic?

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

Ears of Experience

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

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

Why Use Ears of Experience?

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

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

Fairytale Journeys Travel

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

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

Why Use Fairytale Journeys Travel?

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

Fairytale Journeys Travel Reviews:

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

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

What Are Disney World Travel Agents, Anyway?

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

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

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

Should I Hire a Disney World Travel Agent?

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

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

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

Wrapping It Up

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

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

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

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

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Our travel advisors have firsthand experience enjoying Disney resorts and theme parks, setting sail aboard Disney cruise ships, soaking in the sun at Aulani and exploring Adventures by Disney destinations.

Personalized Communications

Receive one on one service and timely information on new destination offerings, attractions and vacation planning milestones.

We are a no-fee agency. In addition, our concierge services are available to all clients who book trips with our skilled travel professionals.

Savings Opportunities

We monitor all eligible promotions to ensure our clients book at the very best prices.

Concierge Service

Personalized support when you need it most, from the time you book throughout your planning process.

Award Winning Agency

We have an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau, we're accredited by IATAN, and CLIA. We are licensed, bonded and insured.

Our difference

The Be Our Guest Vacations team is made up of professionals who turned a passion for Disney vacations into a career. Be Our Guest Vacations was founded in 2012 by passionate Disney fans. Our agents visit the parks often, so their knowledge of Disney evolves as the destinations do. Consistent on-site training for our team makes all the difference, allowing them to make recommendations to their clients based on first hand experience. Our team channels their knowledge and deep love for Disney into helping you plan trips to your dream Disney Destinations around the globe!

AUTHORIZED DISNEY VACATION PLANNER

Be Our Guest Vacations’ knowledge of Disney products has earned us the distinction of being named an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Disney bestowed us this designation because of our agency’s ongoing focus and unwavering commitment to planning customized, magical trips to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line and other Disney vacation destinations worldwide. We strive to provide excellence at every step of the planning process.

ACCREDITATIONS:

Here's what our clients are saying

"We were in for a real treat when Kim O’Neill was assigned to our family to help plan our vacation. Kim helped us navigate the various resorts, which ones provided the best amenities for what we needed, how to handle one family members extreme food allergies, booking dining reservations 60 days in advance, understanding the new MagicBands, booking tours, booking limo service, which stroller rental company to use and general advice that was timely and appreciated and giving us a timely heads up when Bibbidi opened back up to secure our reservations. The key thing was that we wanted the kids to have a blast and not know that there were a million different planning decisions happening in the background before the trip. I think we can all say with a resounding - YES - that the trip was a smashing success. In no small part to Kim and the services provided by BeOurGuest. The only downer is that we will no longer be in constant communication with Kim now that our trip has ended, but we can’t wait until our next trip and to use Kim and BeOurGuest again! We highly recommend BeOurGuest and Kim for both first time and long time Disney vacationing families!"

"A+ for Laney! We had a wonderful experience with Laney and Be Our Guest Vacations. I usually plan our Disney trips myself but decided to use an agent this time and I’m so glad we did! She was responsive and kept track of our timeline so we didn’t have to! She was able to secure our preferred hotel, dining reservations, park passes and even a VIP tour (THE highlight of our trip!). We will be sure to recommend Laney to our family and friends and definitely will be using her for future trips. Thanks again Laney!"

Dannielle C

"Our travel professionals offer personalized service customized to your needs, because there's no such thing as a “one size fits all” vacation. We plan your trip with the thoroughness and enthusiasm that we would if we were planning it for our own families."

"Thank you so much to Courtney Trying to plan the ultimate trip to Disney World from Australia was so overwhelming as a first time visitor. Courtney lead us through the process each step of the way. Her advice and assistance with booking dining and fast passes was worth its weight in gold! She was very patient when answering ALL my questions (and there were many) and we always received a prompt response, given we had such a gap in time zones. Our arrival to Disney was seamless and everything we had asked for was on our Mickey bands. Our family holiday was made all the easier cause of Courtney’s hard work. You really did make it magical for us!"

"A big THANK YOU to Lindsay G. for helping me plan our trip to Disney. I had never used a travel agent and she was so patient! Lindsay communicated with me throughout the entire process, finding discounts and promotions, truly helping our family have the most magical experience possible. She took the time to understand our family dynamic and gave suggestions that fit our needs. I will definitely be asking Lindsay for help with our next trip!"

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The Ultimate Guide To Disney World Travel Agents

By Lisa Gilmore 4 Comments

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

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

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

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

There Is SO Much to Do in Disney World

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

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

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

Celebration Buttons

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

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

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

Disney Certified Travel Agents are FREE

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

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

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

Finding the Best Discount

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

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

Hollywood Studios

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

Planning Tips & Advice

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

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

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

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

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

The ICONIC Mickey Ice Cream Bar!

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

Assistance During Your Vacation

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

Rainy Day in MK

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

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

Choose the Right Travel Agent

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

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

1. They’ve Proven Themselves:

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

2. They Have a Reputation for Excellence:

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

3. Testimonies from Guests (like you!):

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

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

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

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

DFB Readers Get Something a Little Extra Special 😃

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

Animal Kingdom

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

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

Don't do it alone.

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

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

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

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January 6, 2023 at 12:41 pm

Kingdom Destinations !! Savanna is AMAZING!!

March 29, 2023 at 11:50 am

I’m looking to take my children to Disney

April 11, 2023 at 10:53 am

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

April 12, 2023 at 12:07 pm

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

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#1 Disney Travel Agents. Your Source for Vacation Planning!

Here’s why you should join our BIG FUN team! Earn great commissions selling Disney vacations (and more) through the Walt Disney World Travel Company as an independent contractor with Small World Big Fun, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We’ve booked more than 10,000 trips since 2008! We are a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and we are proud to have been chosen to participate in Disney’s EarMarked™ Program.

Being a travel agent at Small World Big Fun offers many benefits, including:

• Being a part of a Disney Gold Level EarMarked Agency and one of the most successful teams in the Disney Travel business
• Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance coverage provided
• We are IATA and Travel Leaders Network members
• Agents get CLIA or IATA Travel Credentials and Travel ID Card for discounted industry Travel Rates ( Based on annual sales)
• Top-tier commission of 16% for Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line
• Top-tier commission of 10% for Walt Disney World and Disneyland
• Disney’s College of Knowledge Program (Free to all agents)
• Unlimited sales and marketing support
• 24/7 access to our agent-exclusive portal
• A private agent-only Facebook page
• Ongoing training programs
• All booking tools and marketing materials
• Monthly webinars with your Academy Travel Sales and Marketing Manager
• Travel agent tutorials
• Exclusive private FAM Trips and special events for agents and families
• Exclusive Private Agent Education Programs (AEPs) and Familiarization Programs (FAM) for agents to Walt Disney World, Disneyland California, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and more
• Rewards and incentive programs for agents to win Disney Vacations
• The opportunity to work with a great bunch of Small World Big Fun agents!

We’re always looking for independent, outside sales reps who want to work from home selling Disney vacations. If you meet the following qualifications, we’d love to talk with you! Ask yourself the following questions. 

Basic Requirements ... are you:

• Currently not Full-Time employed? (Part-Time employment is ok)
• A U.S. Resident?
• A High School or GED graduate? (College degree is preferred)
• A Disney Visitor — have you visited a Disney destination more than 3 times as an adult in the past 5 years?

Requirements to Succeed at Small World Big Fun ... are you: 

• An outgoing person who loves to meet new people and is involved in your community? Sales and marketing experience is definitely a plus!
• A motivated, self-starter with a professional work ethic who is ready to build a business as an independent contractor?
• An excellent writer with great verbal communication skills?
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills?
• Regularly willing to commit time to marketing and establishing yourself as a Disney expert?
• Comfortable using the internet and Microsoft Office products?
• Active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, blogging, message boards, etc.)?
• A person who has traveled to a Disney destination at least once within the last 12 months?
• An excellent employee with equally excellent references?
• Willing to do what it takes to take care of the client (i.e. up before dawn to make dining/FastPass reservations, apply discounts, etc.)?

Keep in mind — while we are all about BIG FUN,  working with Small World BIG FUN is NOT a hobby!  We are looking for new agents who are professional and capable of investing at least 15-20 hours per week to build their business.  As your business grows the hours will increase.

We provide personal training in marketing, procedures and tips on generating leads and growing your business. We also provide opportunities to train on various products & travel vendors including the College of Disney Knowledge, Universal Travel Agents, Vax and others.

If you are meet the Basic requirements above, please fill out the form below and we'll contact you to see if there is a connection!

We review every application, and we try to respond to all. But if you do not meet the Basic Requirements listed above we will not respond. If we are interested in talking with you further, we will contact you. 

Sign up for the FREE MouseSavers Newsletter and get a monthly email with exclusive discounts!

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Working with Travel Agents Specializing in Disney Vacations

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

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

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

How Come It’s Free?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I used a travel agent to plan a Disney World trip for my family of 7. The free service made the experience more enjoyable.

• I recently went to Disney World with my husband, three kids under 5, and parents. 
• It was a last-minute trip we planned while we were in Miami visiting family. 
• Using a travel agent made the planning so much easier and it didn't cost me anything. 

In April, while visiting family in Miami, I thought it'd be fun to take my three kids, husband, and my parents to Disney World for a couple of days.

I asked in a tweet if people had suggestions of how to go about planning a last-minute trip, and among all the very helpful recommendations, someone said they were a Disney travel planner and they could help me. 

At first, I was skeptical. Disney is already so expensive to begin with and I've planned multiple vacations to places like Italy, Uruguay, and Argentina so I felt I could handle Disney without having to spend even more money.

But when she said her services would cost me nothing I decided to give it a try. 

The trip-planning service really was free — she gets paid by Disney World

I thought the free service would have a catch at some point, but our agent explained that she gets paid by Disney for every reservation she makes. Disney wants to have all rooms booked at all times, so these agents get a cut when they are able to bring more people to the parks.

I told our agent, who works at Smart Moms Travel , some of the key details of our trip — how many people, how many days, and ideal dates. She came back with three different hotel options inside on Disney property.

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Then my parents decided to join us, so we had to go back to the drawing board and options she'd originally provided, like the Polynesian Village Resort, were not available anymore so I knew we had to act fast.

The planner took care of everything and kept up with our last-minute changes

She took all of our needs into consideration and we ended up booking two connected rooms in the Contemporary Resort for three nights and four days.

She also bought our park tickets and made reservations for each park — something I'd never done since this system was put in place in 2020 . She asked what characters our kids were into, and booked us two character meals during our stay. She also added a family meal while we were at Magic Kingdom. 

After booking everything I realized we wanted to be at Epcot during extended hours, which happens on Mondays. We had to move all the reservations around to accommodate this and her knowledge really came in handy because she also helped us visit Magic Kingdom during extended hours on Wednesday. 

She was available at all times to answer my questions

Because we hadn't been to Disney since 2019 I had a lot of logistical questions, like how to use Genie+ and whether we needed MagicBands. She was ready with links and answers to all my questions and I felt less confused by the whole process. 

She also had access to our Disney World app and kept an eye on whether new reservations for meals were opening up to fit our party of seven. 

Now, I'll never do Disney without a travel planner 

Our experience working with a travel planner was so great that I'll never do Disney again without one.

At every single step, she made sure we had everything we wanted, and as a working mom, it meant there were fewer things I needed to think about — which I truly appreciated. 

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9 Absolutely Free Things a Disney World Travel Agent Can Do For You

It’s true — planning a Disney World vacation has become well,… complicated. Between navigating Genie+ , new hotel promotions , and tickets selling out, it’s enough to make your head spin. Luckily, we’ve got just the suggestion to help you out!

Travel Agents are there to help you plan your next Disney World vacation every step of the way, but there are still people who have reservations about enlisting a little bit of help planning their vacations. We’re giving you a few top reasons WHY you should be using a travel agent when planning your next Disney World vacation.

Disney World vacations are as magical as you want to make them, but sometimes you need a little more than just “faith, trust, and pixie dust” …. you need help!

If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

What better help is there than FREE help and advice? When you work with a travel agent that specializes in Disney World vacations, you’re learning from a trained expert. It’s their job to know the ins and outs of Disney World and all the tips and tricks along the way to help give you the best vacation you can possibly have. When you work with a travel agent, they’re paid a commission from Disney so you’re not paying for extra help on your vacation. When you book these vacations on your own, you’re paying for a service you’re not using — so here’s a little bit about what they can do for you, for FREE!

Book Your Trip

While this one seems pretty straightforward,  let’s remember, there are those of us out there who aren’t as well-versed in Disney jargon and all that the booking process entails.

Booking a hotel and ticket package isn’t so straightforward anymore, especially as we get closer to 2024. There are so many other factors to think about here — how close do you want to be to the transportation, to your favorite park, or which hotel has the best water slide?

Will you be park hopping and visiting more than one park per day or is one park enough for you to tackle day by day? Will you be taking your own pictures or do you want the discounted memory maker photo package bundled into your hotel? And how could we leave out the Disney Dining Plan returning and if that’s something you want to bundle to help your vacation feel more all-inclusive?

 Help You Plan

Once you get past that initial conversation about booking your Disney World trip and making your package selections, this is where the magic really starts to happen! Your travel agent will work with you to make you the expert and in charge of your own vacation.

They’ll help you plan as little or as much as you would like and help recommend customized options based on the things that matter most to you. This is the part where it’s super helpful to be as transparent about your wants and wishes with your travel agent as possible so they can help tailor your experience (and possibly your expectations) based on their knowledge and understanding of Disney World.

Consult & Book Special Experiences

Have you ever passed by a droid that was newly built, a child just beaming from their Bibbidi Boppidi Boutique makeover, or see the floating fireworks cruises around the lagoon and think “I wonder how you get to do THAT?” That’s where your agent steps in to help!

On top of being able to customize your in-park experience for the day-to-day visit, the more you work in tandem with your travel agent, the more they learn about you, your family, and what would really make that next Disney World trip extra special.

Listen to your agent, or ask about these experiences as your conversations continue about your upcoming Disney World visit to see what the booking processes and pricing are for each individual experience you want to enjoy.

Translate Genie+

We’ve already talked about Disney on its most basic level, but even the most expert Disney World visitor can get tripped up with Genie+.

Most likely your travel agent that you’re working with will proactively want to equip you with the most precise information on what Genie+ is and how to make it work to your best advantage.

While they can’t guarantee it is a flawless system, you’ll know how to work Genie+ strategies and pick up lightning lanes well before other folks in the park helping you have the best chance at a smoother Disney World vacation and do the rides, attractions, and meet and greets that matter most to you and your family. Additionally, talking over basic troubleshooting steps, where to go in the park for help when you get stuck, and which attractions are most commonly booked first, are all great tips to have in your arsenal.

Offer Strategies & Planned Itineraries

We get it, this isn’t going to be cookie-cutter to every visitor and every destination and that’s why it’s so important to work along with your travel agent instead of against them. When you keep the conversation flowing about your wants and wishes for your vacation your travel agent can customize an itinerary with as detailed or as lax as you want your days to be!

Also, if you’re more of a Disney veteran and just want another perspective on how to do things you’re already used to doing, talking over your plans with your travel agent even if you’ve visited 100 times before might uncover a few yet, effective tweaks to help you get the most out of your day and ultimately feel satisfied with the money you’ve spent on this vacation.

Book Your Dining Reservations

While there are a few things that travel agents can’t do for you, like book your park pass reservations, and choose your specific room at your hotel, they CAN book advanced dining reservations for you!

Start planning with your agent more than 60 days out if you have time so they can learn what types of food you like if you want to dine in the parks, see characters, and stay current on any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Don’t pass up an opportunity for an amazing meal at Disney World that you’ll be talking about for visits to come because you didn’t talk over options with your agent.

Look For Discounts, Promotions, and Ways To Save Money

When was the last time you found someone who was EXCITED to make less money? Look no further than your travel agent! As we mentioned before, travel agents are paid by Disney when you book with them rather than booking on your own so when a promotion or offer becomes available that discounts your cost, it means they make less money in the commission for the booking, but trust us — they’re happy to do it!

Most of the time when promotions launch there’s a whole slew of Disney tech troubles that lead to hours sitting on the phone or trying to access the changes page on your reservation. Do you really have the time to sit on the phone or computer all day? Why mess with all of that aggravation when you can have someone else do that for you?

While Disney puts out promotions and special offers from time to time, they’re certainly not going to be reaching out to you if your hotel or package booking is compatible to help you save money. However, your trusted travel agent will be working hard to save you money and get you the best experience at the greatest value possible. Saving you money and getting the best price for you is part of their job, and the best thank you you can offer to your agent for a job well done is to refer a friend, or family member, and use them on your next vacation!

 Help You Out With Arrival and Departure Issues

If you’ve ever experienced some drama before or after your Disney World vacation… tell us if you had a trusted travel agent to help step in and advocate on your behalf. Within reason, travel agents are able to step in and assist when severe weather, cancellations, and issues arise.

However, we do ask that you recognize there could be boundaries to this like when filing for a travel insurance claim or flight cancellation credit where the company will want to speak with you directly after your agent gets the ball rolling for you.

Help You Plan Your Next Trip Before This One Is Over

The beloved bounce-back offers have been returning quietly to Disney World and your travel agent WANTS you to take advantage of these while you can!

Bounce Back offers exist as a way to give an incredible discount, offer, or savings to those who are already experiencing a Disney World vacation, but you MUST book these BEFORE leaving your current Disney World trip. If you’re not totally sure about these, ask your front desk and your agent about the current offers.

The hotel will help you book the offer and will work with your agent to see that the new booking gets placed with the agency so they can continue to help you on your next travel. A similar program exists for Disney Cruise Lines, so be sure to ask your travel agent about placeholders before you sail, too!

All of these are ideal reasons to work with a travel agent at no additional cost to you, don’t you think? Be sure you’re following us at AllEars for the latest in Disney news, updates, and more!

So You Want to Be A Travel Agent? Here Are Five Things You Need to Know!

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Mouse Vacation Planning

Step #1: the resort, step #2: dining plan, step #3: trip duration, step #1: choosing a walt disney world resort.

Walt Disney World has many resorts to choose from depending on how much money you want to spend.

The resort categories are: value resorts (around $100 to $200 per night), moderate resorts (around $165 to $260 a night), and deluxe resorts (around $400 or more a night).  Pricing does change depending on the time of year.

All the resorts that are currently open in Walt Disney World: Bay Lake Tower, Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's All Star Movies Resort, Disney's All Star Music Resort, Disney's All Star Sports Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas-Kidani Village, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Beach Club Villas, Disney's Boardwalk Inn, Disney's Boardwalk Villas, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

All of the Disney resorts have a special niche. The details of the resorts are listed below. ​

The resort is the smallest in Walt Disney World (WDW) and is themed after New Orleans. It has a great food court that is small, quiet, and manageable. I highly recommend trying the beignets. This New Orleans favorite is fried dough with a powered sugar topping. There is even boat transportation in the back of the resort to Disney Springs. Rooms: The rooms sleep 4 and have 2 queen beds. There are King bed rooms as well that sleep 2 adults.

It is like walking into the Caribbean while staying in this beautiful resort. It contains a large food court with numerous food options. The main pool is spectacular with a high energy slide. Rooms: Most of the rooms have 2 queen beds. There are 5th sleeper rooms that have 2 queen beds and a trundle bed that sleep 4 people. There are also king bed rooms available. Caribbean Beach has Pirate rooms available, but those rooms have 2 double beds. The one downside is that the resort is large so there are five separate bus stops on property to take guests to the theme parks. A huge benefit: It is on the Disney Skyliner!

The resort buildings are identified by Disney movies from throughout the years. Rooms: The resort rooms have been renovated so they all have 2 queen beds and hardwood floors! A King bed room can be requested, but it is not guaranteed. There are only two room types, which are standard and preferred. The preferred rooms are closer to the food court. The food court is enormous and has multiple food choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Families can journey back to the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s in this resort.  It has giant sized memorabilia from the different decades and the food court is family friendly with numerous choices for everyone. Rooms: The resort rooms have been renovated so they all have 2 queen beds and hardwood floors. A King bed room can be requested, but it is not guaranteed. There is even a walkway in the back of the resort over to Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Pop Century shares a Disney Skyliner station with Art of Animation.

The resort is the newest value resort in WDW. The grounds are like stepping into a Disney movie. The resort contains a large food court for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The feature pool is the largest pool of any resort on property. Rooms: There are two different types of room choices. The resort contains Little Mermaid standard rooms which sleep four. The Little Mermaid rooms have 2 double beds. The resort has family suites that sleep six as well. The suites have 1 queen bed, 1 double size table bed, 1 double size sleeper sofa, a kitchenette, and 2 bathrooms.

They are: Cars family suites, Finding Nemo family suites, Lion King family suites, and family suites that are not based after any Disney movie. It is on the Disney Skyliner!

The resort has an obvious music theme with huge icons around the resort. It contains a large food court with numerous items for all meals of the day. There is one main bus stop in the front of the resort. Rooms: The standard or preferred rooms have 2 double beds and sleep 4. There are family suites that sleep 6. The suites have 1 queen bed, 1 twin size sleeper chair, 1 double size sleeper sofa, 1 twin size sleeper ottoman, kitchenette, and 2 bathrooms.

You will come upon 60 foot footballs, helmets, and baseball bats! This resort is for a family on a budget. It has a large food court with numerous items and the resort is spaced out. Rooms: The rooms sleep 4 and have 2 double beds. There are standard and preferred rooms.

The resort is the sister resort to French Quarter. It is a beautiful resort and has boat transportation to Disney Springs. It is a large resort and has 4 separate bus stops on property. Rooms: All of the rooms have 2 queen beds. There are some rooms that have a 5th sleeper, so they have a 3rd bed and sleep 5 people. There are King bed rooms as well. Another room style are Royal Guest rooms that have 2 queen beds.

Here is the resort for the camper in your family! There are all types of campsites for a RV and 10 people can stay at a campsite. Rooms: There are also wilderness cabins that sleep 6 and have a kitchen. It is a large resort, so it is recommended to rent a golf cart. There is boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom!

The resort is located a short distance away from Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. There are 2 different parts of the resort. Rooms: The original resort has standard rooms that have 2 queen beds and king bed rooms as well. There is also the new Gran Destino Tower that has standard rooms with 2 queen beds and King bed rooms as well. The Tower is what I call, a deluxe resort within a moderate resort!

The Beach Club Resort is gorgeous and has the best and most unique pool area I have ever seen, including a sandy bottom and a lazy river. The resort is home to my favorite restaurant in the world, Cape May. The Yacht Club shares the pool area with the Beach Club. The Yacht Club has wonderful restaurants as well including: Ale & Compass and Yachtsman Steakhouse. Rooms: The Beach Club & Yacht Club have numerous room choices that include standard rooms, pool and garden view rooms, and even suites. The rooms have either 2 queen beds, 2 queen beds and a sleeper sofa, or a king bed. They sleep 5 people. At the Beach Club Villas there are deluxe studios, 1 bedroom villas, and 2 bedroom villas. The studios have a kitchenette and sleep 5. The 1 and 2 bedroom villas have a full kitchen. The 1 bedroom villas sleep 4 and the 2 bedrooms villas sleep 8 people. You can walk out the back doors of the resorts and be on the Boardwalk, which is similar to boardwalks in New Jersey and Maryland.  You can take a 10 minute walk or a boat over to Epcot or Disney's Hollywood Studios from the resorts as well.

This is one of the original resorts and it is on the monorail loop.  The monorail travels through the resort and it will take you on your journey to the Magic Kingdom. Your family can choose to walk to the Magic Kingdom on a walking trail too. Chef Mickey's is located within the magical walls of the Contemporary. Rooms: Many of the rooms have 2 queen beds and a sleeper sofa and sleep 5 or a King bed room that will sleep 3. There are some 1 or 2 bedroom suites that accommodate 5 and up to 10 people. You can choose a view of the Magic Kingdom from your room which will be more expensive than a standard view room.

The resort has a futuristic theme and is incredibly quiet. Families have the luxury of using a walking path that is only a 5 minute walk to the Magic Kingdom. Rooms: It contains deluxe studios, 1 bedroom villas, 2 bedroom villas, and 3 bedroom villas. The 1, 2, and 3 bedroom villas have full kitchens. The studios sleep 4. The 1 bedrooms sleep 5, the 2 bedrooms sleep 9, and the 3 bedrooms sleep 12. Families have the option of viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks, named Happily Ever After, from the top of the resort, while listening to the "Happily Ever After" music.

The resort is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. It is a five star resort and is home to a world class spa. It has six restaurants. They range from upscale to quick service establishments. One of my family's favorites is 1900 Park Fare.  It is on the monorail loop. Rooms: The Grand Floridian rooms mostly sleep 5 and have 2 queen beds and a sleeper sofa. There are King bed rooms as well. At the villas there are Deluxe Studios that sleep 5 and have a kitchenette. There are also 1, 2, & 3 bedroom villas that all have a full kitchen. The the 1 bedroom villas sleep 5, the 2 bedroom villas sleep 9, and the 3 bedroom villas sleep 12. You even have the option to view the Magic Kingdom from your room, but this option does come with an additional cost.

When you walk into the Polynesian it is like taking a step into Hawaii. It is a spectacular resort and you will be greeted with an "Aloha!" from courteous and friendly cast members. The resort is home to the restaurant 'Ohana, where you can eat breakfast with Mickey. Your family will be very close to the Magic Kingdom since it is on the monorail loop. Rooms: The Polynesian rooms sleep up to 5 people and most of the rooms have 2 queen beds and a day bed or a king bed. The villas have deluxe studios that sleep 5 with a kitchenette. The Bungalows sleep 8 with a full kitchen and are on the water. Since you are so close to the Magic Kingdom you do have the option of staying in a room with a theme park view in the Polynesian Village!

This deluxe resort is spectacular like all the others, but it includes its own special niche. The resort is located near Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park and you are able to view animals walking in the savannah from certain areas of the resort. Rooms: The rooms in the Lodge have either 2 queen beds or a King bed and can sleep up to 4 people. There are some suites available as well. In the villas there are Deluxe Studios that sleep 4 with a kitchenette. The 1 bedroom villas sleep 5, the 2 bedroom villas sleep 9 and the 3 bedroom villas sleep 12. They all have full kitchens. Please note the Jambo House only has studios and 1 bedroom villas. All rooms do not have a view of the animals, but there are some where you can see giraffes and many other beautiful animals right from your balcony. The resort is home to a few delicious restaurants, including a family favorite of ours called Boma.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge is a spectacular resort and the lodge feel comes through right away! It is home to wonderful restaurants including: Whispering Canyon Cafe & Artist Pointe. The Villas are part of Disney Vacation Club and give families the option of having more space than just one room. Rooms: Most of the rooms in the Lodge have 2 queen beds and sleep 4. There are some king bed rooms available that sleep 2 adults. Copper Creek has studios that sleep 4, a cabin that sleeps 8, one bedroom villas that sleep 4, two bedroom villas that sleep 8, and 3 bedroom villas that sleep 12. The cabins and villas all have full kitchens. At Boulder Ridge there are studios that sleep 5, one bedroom villas that sleep 4, and two bedroom villas that sleep 8. The villas have full kitchens.

Disney's Boardwalk Inn is only a 10 minute walk from Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can take a boat as well. It is on a boardwalk that is similar to the one in Atlantic City. The pool area is wonderful and fun for the whole family! Rooms: The Boardwalk rooms have either 2 queen beds and a day bed, or 2 queen beds, or a king bed. They sleep up to 5 people. The Boardwalk Villas have studios that sleep five, one bedroom villas that sleep 4, and 3 bedroom villas that sleep 12. The villas have a full kitchen.

These two Disney Vacation Club Resort are sister resorts. They are beautiful and can accommodate many families because the resorts are large. The Lake Buena Vista golf course goes through both resorts. Rooms: There are deluxe studios that sleep 4 in both resorts. Old Key West has 1, 2, & 3 bedroom villas and they all have full kitchens. The 2 bedroom villas sleep 9. At Saratoga Springs there are 1, 2, & 3 bedroom villas that have full kitchens. There is even a Treehouse villa.

This is the newest resort in Walt Disney World. It is truly spectacular with numerous amenities! The resort is on the Disney Skyliner with easy transportation to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you would like to explore, there is a walking path over to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Rooms: There are studios that sleep 5, one bedroom villas that sleep 5, two bedroom villas that sleep 9, and 3 bedroom villas that sleep 12. All of the villas have full kitchens. I highly recommend the resort!

Click Here to get a Quote for Walt Disney World

Step #2: Choosing a Dining Plan

The most popular Dining Plan is called Disney Dining. It consists of 1 quick service meal, 1 table service meal, and 1 snack per person per amount of nights of your stay in a Walt Disney World Resort. It also includes a resort refillable mug. A snack is almost anything that is about $7.00. A quick service meal is a meal, and alcoholic or non - alcoholic drink in a Disney walk up style eatery. An example would be ordering a cheeseburger, fries, and a coke.

There is also a less expensive dining plan called  Quick Service dining . Everyone in the family receives 2 quick service meals per night of your stay, 1 snack per night of your stay, and the resort refillable mug.

Dining for 2024

Guests under 21 can choose (1) non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests over 21 can choose either one (1) single serving non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one (1) single serving alcoholic drink within their meal entitlement.

A table service is eating in any of Disney’s full service restaurants. If it is a buffet then it includes the buffet and a non - alcoholic drink. If the restaurant is a traditional sit down restaurant the Disney Dining plan includes your non - alcoholic drink, entrée, and dessert per person. You do have to take care of the tip out of your own pocket. ​ A single serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as: Milkshakes, Smoothies, Premium Hot chocolates, Soda, Coffee, or Tea

A single serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as: Beer or Cider, Wine or Sangria, Mixed Drinks, and Specialty Cocktails

Note: If you choose to eat at Cinderella's Royal Table, for example, you will get charged 2 table service credits for the meal. Almost all full service restaurants are 1 table service credit.

Step #3: Choosing the length of your theme park tickets

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What is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?

If you would like your little girl to have her hair done, nails, and make up like a Disney princess, then Mouse Vacation Planning can make a reservation for you at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This salon is located in the castle in the Magic Kingdom and in Downtown Disney.

This service starts at around $65  and goes as high as $250 which would include a princess dress.

Your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency!

Your dream vacation is our top priority.

Welcome to your Disney Vacation Planners!

Quick Stats

What We Offer our Guests

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

CALL US NOW – (833) 469-8747

A proud Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency!

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

Our Most Popular Vacations

Walt disney world.

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

Universal Orlando

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

Disney Cruise Line

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

Adventures by Disney

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

Get In Touch Today!

833-469-8747

[email protected]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Vacationeer Difference.

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

Disney Experts

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

Other Vacations

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

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

H ow it works…

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

W hat we can’t help with…

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

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

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

Vacationeer – [vā-ˈkā-shə-ˈneer]

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

Top Disney Travel Agents From The Unofficial Guide

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

In our survey we ask two questions.

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

Best Disney World travel agents

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

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

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

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

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

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Laurel Stewart

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

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

Holly is awesome! Congrats!

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

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

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

Happy to! Congratulations!

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

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

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

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

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Disney+ Subscribers: Enoy a FREE Dining Plan at Walt Disney World

Free Dining Promo...

Valid 7/1 through 9/30/24

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

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

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

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

Plan a spectacular escape this fall at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi.

Valid 8/21/24 through 12/21/24

Disney® Visa® Cardmembers: Save 35% on Select Rooms for Stays of 5 Nights or Longer This Fall – Plus, Book Early to Receive a $150 Resort Credit

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

Valid from 8/21/2024 through 12/21/2024

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

Guests can stay longer to save more, with up to 30% off a stay at select Disney Resort hotels for bookings of 5 consecutive nights or more; save 25% on shorter stays.

Valid from 8/08/2024 through 10/03/2024

Disney® Visa® Cardmembers: Enjoy this Delicious Meal

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

Valid from 7/01/2024 through 12/21/2024

Trips booked: 13850 and counting…

Why Choose Me and the Mouse

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

1. Fun for Everyone

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

2. A+ Communication

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

3. A Personal Touch

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

4. Travel Planning

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

5. Affordably Magical

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

6. Discover Together

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

We know Disney . We want to know you.

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

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

Disney Destinations Top Performance in Sales FOR OVER 9 YEARS IN A ROW!

Top Destinations

Disney world.

Your Dream has Come True

Disney Cruise Line

One of a Kind Magic at Sea

Adventures by Disney

Visit the World’s Most Exotic Destinations

• Universal Studios

Epic Experiences

• Viking River Cruises

Immerse Yourself in History

The Ultimate in Relaxation

Sandals & Beaches Resorts

The Perfect Destination Vacations

Universal expertise for anywhere you want to go.

Have you ever wanted to step inside the magical world of Harry Potter, or see the stories of Dr. Seuss come to life right before your eyes?

Our dedicated travel agents who specialize in Universal Studios can help you plan the vacation of a lifetime. From choosing the best resort and dining experiences to live entertainment and specialty tours, we can handle every detail in the planning process from start to finish.

The Happiest Blog on Earth

Pack like a Travel Agent: Hat Edition

5/15/2024 • Blog , Tips • There are so many reasons to bring a hat with you on your vacation- no matter the destination. I always bring a hat for sun protection or warmth depending on the destination but have struggled with how to pack or carry my hat without causing damage to it. After years of trial and error, I am happy to share my best tips with you! The first thing you need to decide is how you’d like to carry your hat. If it’s an expensive hat, you probably want to pack it in its original box that it came with or simply wear it. If that isn’t an option. Here are some options for carrying your hat with you outside of a bag. The Bag Method If you need to keep your bag with you, a specialty tote bag made for hats is a great option. This allows a little extra protection […]

Exploring the Different Worlds of EPCOT

5/7/2024 • Blog , Walt Disney World • After you enter Epcot and take your picture by Spaceship Earth, the big golf ball, everyone rushes to their favorite attractions. Test Track, Soarin’, and Frozen Ever After to name a few. What some people don’t realize is that there’s a lot of really cool hands-on areas as well as having the opportunity to not only learn more about our world, but there’s also a lot to learn about some of the different countries that are part of our world. Epcot consists of World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery, and World Showcase. Within World Celebration, you’ll be able to learn about the history of innovation over the centuries while riding along in Spaceship Earth. It also includes Journey Into Imagination With Figment attraction and hands on activities within the Imagination Institute. Here you’re encouraged to stay and play with sensory activities and games that spark creativity. World Nature encompasses all […]

Discovering Paradise: The Allure of Antigua

4/29/2024 • Blog , Reviews , Sandals & Beaches • Are you dreaming of a tropical escape that combines pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unmatched luxury? Look no further than Antigua, a slice of paradise nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Over the summer, I was chosen by the Tourism Board of Antigua and Barbuda to experience everything these amazing islands have to offer. This enchanting destination offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic retreat or families seeking an elevated escape with its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a myriad of activities to suit every taste. Let me tell you why this island is one that can't be missed! A Symphony of Beaches: One of the most captivating features of Antigua is it’s collection of stunning beaches that seem to be straight out of a postcard. Antigua is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Whether you're a sun-worshipper looking to bask in the warm […]

Resort Spotlight: All-Star Music

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

“Hey Disney” Let’s Have Fun!

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

Comparing Princess Meals at Walt Disney World

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

Our Clients Love Us

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

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

Becky Roland

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

Sarah Garcia

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

Andrea Perry

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

Misty Nolan

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Should I Use a Travel Agent? Our Travel Expert Says It Makes All the Difference.

The new age of travel agents know how to find deals, book off-the-beaten path adventures, and get you out of any jam. Especially if you know who to use.

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I’ve always thought that planning my own trips was the most cost-effective way, but I’ve been hearing more about travel agents making a comeback and saving their clients a lot of money. What kinds of outdoor trips should I turn to a travel agent for, and are there any who specialize in working with adventurers like me?

Technically, I’m a professional traveler. As a journalist, it’s my job to research and connect with locals to get beneath the surface of a destination. So I have never really used travel agents. What could they plan better than I could?

A lot, it turns out. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many travel specialists, and I consider them magicians. My big aha moment happened two winters ago on a trip to Iceland . A massive storm shut down internal flights for a day, causing me to miss my return flight to the U.S. Normally, I would have spent frustrating hours on hold with the airline. But because I’d paid $65 to have Ana Gloria Garcia, an air-support specialist at the travel agency EmbarkBeyond, find and book the most affordable and convenient flight option for me, she handled the rebookings while I soaked in the Blue Lagoon.

During the pandemic, agents became advocates helping travelers get refunds on canceled flights and trips. As travel has come roaring back, an agent’s superpower is now their access to the best hotel rooms, most in-the-know guides, free amenities, and more, says Cory Hagopian, senior vice president of sales and partnerships for Virtuoso , a global network of travel agencies.

And they’re attracting a young clientele. According to a recent industry survey , 38 percent of millennials and Gen Zers are opting to use travel agents as opposed to booking on their own trips. That number is far greater than Gen Xers and baby boomers, of whom only 12 and 2 percent respectively use agents.

What Do I Gain from Using a Travel Agent?

I recently had a friend tell me she spent close to 40 hours researching a family trip online. She probably could have gleaned the same intel from an hourlong conversation with a travel adviser. Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks for things you might not have considered, says Erika Richter, a spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Their firsthand knowledge, vast network, and on-the-ground connections all combine to provide a unique perspective for crafting the perfect itinerary for you.

Most travel advisers specialize in certain regions and countries and travel to them frequently, so they have up-to-date intel on not only the best safari camps but the perfect tent to book for the most incredible views and the best local restaurants you won’t find on Tripadvisor. They want their client’s trips to go well to keep them coming back, so it’s in their interest to have sussed out hotels and itineraries before they send you out into the world.

Nicole Forster, 29, considers herself a savvy traveler. She’s been to 20-plus countries and enjoys destination research. But when it came to planning her honeymoon in Africa, she felt overwhelmed, so she reached out to Danielle Meyer at Coastline Travel Advisors , which specializes in bespoke itineraries. “Originally, I wanted to go to South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Madagascar,” Forster recalls. “Danielle convinced me that if we wanted to relax, we should stay in South Africa and save the other countries for separate trips.”

Over five phone conversations and multiple emails, they crafted a 15-night itinerary that included Cape Town, the winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and a safari at the Thornybush Game Reserve. Forster established her budget early in the process, and Meyer sent her a variety of lodge options to choose from.

“I initially wanted to start with the safari, but she pointed out that we’d be jet-lagged and would need to wake at sunrise for game drives,” says Forster. “The safari was our highlight, so it was a perfect way to end the trip.”

Not only did Meyer book all of the flights, hotels, and transfers, but she created a detailed, day-by-day trip app for the couple that included useful information like check-in times at hotels and how much to tip guides .

Agents also act as advocates. If something goes wrong during your travels, they’re on call 24/7 to handle it. When Forster left the battery and charger for her camera at a hotel, Meyer arranged for an on-the-ground contact to go to a camera store and buy new ones that would be delivered to her hotel the next day.

The cost for the honeymoon planning: $150 per person. “I wouldn’t use a planner for a trip to Hawaii ,” Forster says, “but if I ever took a big trip like this again, I’d 100 percent work with an expert.”  

When to Consider Using a Travel Agent

For savvy trip planners, the best time to use a travel agent is for complicated international travel. It can save you hours of planning and peace of mind that if anything goes wrong in your chosen far-flung destination, there’s someone a What’sApp message away to handle it.

Domestically, I’d consider using a travel agent when planning a multi-week national park trip or multi-island trip in Hawaii. They will save you time, guarantee you get the best guides, and help you land reservations at always-booked lodges and hotels.

Dream Trips Delivered

Jessica Cook and her husband both work in the travel industry. Decision fatigued, they handed their honeymoon logistics over to the team at Askari Travel , an agency that specializes in South Africa. Their original plan was also an African safari, but just as they were about to put a deposit down, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus made headlines. Worried about getting stuck abroad, they reached out to Askari’s founder, Muriel Truter, who is from Zimbabwe, and upon her advice, changed their focus to South America.

Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks of things you might not even have considered.

Truter suggested they stick to Colombia rather than country-hop. Cook supplied a budget and a wish list: 12 days, no more than three destinations, a barefoot-luxe feel, and adventures like horseback riding and mountain biking. The rest was a surprise that Askari pretty much nailed, with the exception of one hotel.

“Everything felt so authentic, but this one hotel on Barú island felt really fabricated and was full of American tourists,” recalls Cook. She immediately messaged the Askari team, saying, “Hey, this place really isn’t our vibe,” and within an hour they were on a water taxi headed to Blue Apple, a B Corp hotel—and an Outside pick for tropical adventures —on Tierra Bomba island. “It was honestly the best trip we’ve ever taken,” she says.

Are Travel Agents Expensive?

It depends. Cost varies. Some travel agencies won’t charge any fee, as they receive a commission from the bookings, while some high-end agencies will charge pricey annual membership fees for their services. Still others charge nominal “professional” fees starting at $150. Fees often fluctuate based on the length and intricacy of a trip and how far out you do the planning (6 to 12 months is recommended). You may occasionally come across agents who charge a percentage of the total trip price or hourly rates.

Basic travel enquiries are generally free. In 2016, Leah Smith, founder of Tafari Travel , opened an old-school brick-and-mortar location in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood so her services would feel less intimidating to first-time users. “With our retail-office location, we’ve become part of the community, and both clients and non-clients are welcome to pop in and ask whatever questions they may have, no charge,” she says.

Matt Lindsay, founder of the surf-guiding and travel company LuxSurf Travel , builds relationships with resorts and property owners to get discounted rates that he can then pass on to guests.

Dominic Allan, the founder of Real Latin America , specializes in travel to Belize and Nicaragua and caters to independent travelers who are happy to book their own flights and hotels but are seeking his local intel. Allan’s three-tier pricing structure starts at $300 for up to three hours of phone calls, during which he might weigh in on where to eat (or not to), the best room to request in a certain lodge, or whether you really need a guide to hike.

Value Versus Savings

If you’re just looking for deals and steals, you might not be ready to work with a travel adviser, says Richter of the ASTA. “Anything you invest in with a travel adviser comes back to you in the form of amenities, customer service, peace of mind, better access to unique experiences, and handcrafted itineraries,” she says. “You could save money by cutting your own hair, too, but most people go to someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Agents work with preferred partners who can guarantee perks for clients, such as free upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and resort credits. Those add-ons often translate into savings, says Justin Huxter, cofounder of the UK-based Cartology Travel . “We had a client go to Maui for a week, and because of our partnership with the resort, breakfast was included,” he says. When breakfast costs $120 for two, that’s a savings of $840.”

Some of the Best Travel Agents in the Adventure World

Some of my go-to resources for finding a person to work with include travel expert Wendy Perrin’s annual Wow List of tried and trusted agents, the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s adviser network , and the ASTA’s advisor directory .

In addition to the agents mentioned throughout this story, others I highly recommend for adventurous travelers include:

• Dan Achber of Trufflepig , for Africa and the Middle East
• Miguel Cunant of Sri Lanka in Style
• Javier Echecopar of Journey Costa Rica
• Daniel Fraser of Smiling Albino , for Southeast Asia
• Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys , for Africa
• Kleon Howe of the Art of Travel , for French Polynesia
• Jay Johnson of Coastline Travel , for Hawaii and California
• Antonello Losito of Southern Visions Travel , for Puglia, Italy
• Rabia Malik of Fora Travel , for general worldwide travel
• Robyn Mark of Mayamaya Travel , for Africa, the Alps, Patagonia, and Japan
• Marisol Mosquera of Aracari , for Peru and Bolivia
• Zach Rabinor of Journey Mexico
• Raluca Spiac of Beyond Dracula , for Romania

Travel-advice columnist Jen Murphy is now a believer in using a travel agent. Thanks to their expertise and connections, she’s avoided dozens of trip catastrophes. 

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What is the cheapest trip to Disney World? How to save without sacrificing the magic

• There are accommodations for every budget within minutes of Walt Disney World, but staying on property can make the most of a trip.
• Unlike other theme parks, Disney World welcomes guests to bring in their own food and alcoholic drinks, which can save a lot of money.
• Discount vacation packages and theme park tickets may be available from employers or places guests have a membership to like AAA and Costco.

It's easy to spend a lot of money at Walt Disney World.

Tickets alone to  Disney Very Merriest After Hours  can cost a family of four roughly $1,000. Add a sit-down dinner, some souvenirs and a hotel for the night and the budget balloons. Multiday vacations cost even more. 

There are, however, lots of easy  ways to save without skimping on the experience, which for some families may only come once in a lifetime.

From choosing where to stay to what to skip, here is how to get the most bang for limited bucks on a trip to Disney World.

►What can I get for free at Disney World?: 10 freebies for your next trip

►Tried and true tips: How to get the most out of Disney World in a day

Where to stay at Disney World

From motels to Airbnbs, timeshares to five-star resorts, there are accommodations for every budget minutes away from Disney World, but to maximize time and benefits, one of the best options is to stay on property.

That's because Disney resort guests get early theme park entry , which can be key for beating long lines for rides later in the day, especially for folks who don't want to spend extra money on Disney's new Genie+ or Lightning Lane  add-ons.

Disney transportation is free for everybody, but resort guests have the added convenience of regular service to the parks and Disney Springs from their hotels. Guests who bring their own cars have to pay for parking at the resorts, but they don't have to pay additional parking fees at the parks.

►Is it worth upgrading to Genie+?: Testing out Disney Genie at Disney World

By far, the cheapest option for staying on property is a campsite at Disney's  Fort Wilderness Resort . Campsites for traditional tents, pop-up campers and camper vans start at $66 per night in the off-season. Peak dates and larger campsites for RVs cost more. Perks of staying at Fort Wilderness include free evening sing-alongs with Chip 'n' Dale, lakeside views of the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom, and all the bells and whistles of staying at an official Disney resort.

Guests who prefer traditional rooms can choose from four Disney value resorts: three All-Star properties with average nightly rates listed at $126 in the off-season and  Pop Century  which averages $168 nightly off-peak. Standard rooms at both resorts sleep up to four adults. The All-Star resorts have been recently renovated and have similar layouts to Pop Century. One big difference is Pop Century has direct access to Disney's Skyliner , which connects the resort to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and several other Disney resorts.

There are a number of non-Disney hotels near Disney Springs that also offer early park entry and accept rewards points for booking, like Holiday Inn Orlando and  DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando . Some even pop up in Express Deals on Priceline.

Another option for redeeming rewards points is staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin , which are operated by Marriott and within walking distance to EPCOT. In addition to early admission at the parks, Swan and Dolphin guests are eligible for extended evening theme park hours , which are otherwise only open to guests at deluxe Disney resorts and villas and Shades of Green.

►Disney World prices keep climbing: Here's why die-hard fans keep going back

Shades of Green  is an Armed Forces Recreation Center on Disney property that is not open to the general public. Eligible guests  include military service members, Armed Forces retirees, disabled veterans and their families. While Shades of Green is not a Disney resort, guests can enjoy both early admission and extended evening hours as well as discounted rates on stays and park tickets .

One more option is booking a Disney Vacation Club stay through a rental company like David's Vacation Club Rentals  or  DVC Rental Store . These companies serve as a middleman between guests and Disney timeshare owners renting out stays at official Disney resorts. Cancellations may not be as flexible as booking directly through Disney. And while guests are able to score significant savings on deluxe Disney resorts, these rentals aren't cheap.

Discount Disney tickets

Costco members can buy discounted vacation packages for Disney World, which include park tickets and hotel stays. AAA also offers deals , but starting prices for tickets on their website may match  Disney's prices online  depending on the desired date. Some employers may also offer discounted park tickets through corporate benefits programs, though restrictions vary.

Thrifty travelers may be tempted to purchase discounted park tickets through third-party timeshare sellers promising steep savings in exchange for sitting through a sales pitch, but those can take precious hours away from vacations. Disney's official timeshare program, Disney Vacation Club, does not offer discounted tickets for listening to presentations.

How to save on food

Unlike other theme parks, Disney World welcomes guests to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Guests who drive to Disney can pop into numerous grocery stores off property.  Amazon Fresh and Instacart also deliver groceries.

To save money, guests can eat breakfast in their hotel rooms then pack simple lunches and snacks for the park.

Water bottles can be filled at fountains or wherever fountain drinks are sold. 

At the parks, quick service restaurants have the most budget-friendly meal choices. Guests can plan ahead and budget accordingly by checking out menus online .

While some adults may be inclined to order off kids' menus to save money, those portions are notably smaller and offerings are generally more basic. Instead guests may want to consider buying and sharing multiple snacks throughout the day so they can try different things without spending too much.

Skimp on souvenirs

The dazzling array of souvenirs at Disney World can break the bank. Fortunately  Shop Disney  runs various sales year-round, and retailers from Walmart to Gap sell licensed Disney merchandise, which also goes on sale.

Guests can keep an eye out for deals before their trips to avoid going hog wild when they arrive at Disney World.

►Disney World 4 Parks in 1 Day challenge: '19,338 steps later, my husband and I agreed we'd do it again'

More ways to save

Disney Visa Card from Chase customers can save 10% on select merchandise, dining and experiences. They can also earn rewards dollars throughout the year that can be redeemed across Disney World.

Another way to save is through Disney gift cards, which are as good as cash at the parks.  Target RedCard members  can save 5% on gift Disney cards. Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale members can also pay a little less than face value. Gift cards purchased for full price at Kroger  can rack up fuel points for savings on gas.

One tactic that won't cost a thing is asking for Disney gift cards for holidays or birthdays. Those can be saved up to help pay for trips.

At Disney World, adult visitors increasingly mix remote work and play

When working remotely on a laptop, technically, a worker can be anywhere. They could even be at Disney World.

From Disney bloggers and freelance journalists to tech industry professionals, travel agents and people with double monitors at Epcot, adult Disney World fans are documenting their remote work habit from inside the parks in social media posts.

It’s a phenomenon that has gained steam since around 2022, with a post-pandemic surge of people returning to the theme parks and the rise of both remote work and jobs in which people never truly sign off.

“People want to move to Orlando, they want to feel like they live in Disney World,” said AJ Wolfe, who has been writing about Disney parks, including via her popular Disney Food Blog , for more than 15 years. “You’re closer to the place that makes you happy, and you can access it much more quickly when you’re done working.”

Wolfe has been working in the parks and advising people where the best places are to work within them for almost as long. Since the parks reopened in late 2020 after Covid-19 forced their first-ever extended closure, Wolfe said she’s been noticing more people purposefully choosing to work remotely from inside Disney World.

“Lines are blurring between conventional workspaces and leisure time across the board,” she said. “I think people are adopting and looking to adopt a situation where they can work at the same time they’re experiencing something they enjoy.”

Disney World’s committed and vociferous fan base — there are dozens of online communities and creators dedicated to almost everything about the parks — has wrestled with the remote work practices.

The emerging practice has drawn some disbelief — and criticism. In late April, an Orlando resident posted on the Disney World subreddit about setting up a workspace at a cafe that opened in 2022 in Epcot. The thread had to be locked after users started complaining that the remote worker could be taking up a table that other guests wanted to use to eat (the post was from a Tuesday afternoon and the cafe appeared mostly empty).

Disney has also installed more places throughout the resort where people can charge their phones, since the mobile Disney World app has become an essential part of the experience — guests use it to bypass lines, order food, scan tickets, check wait times and more. Many counter service and cafe-style restaurants inside the parks have places to charge your devices. The newer wireless charging ports, like at the Epcot cafe, and outlets have in turn provided a place for people to plug in their tablet or laptop.

“I think they also probably realized that would also benefit folks who have just moved to Orlando to be closer to the parks and need some place to work,” Wolfe said.

Walt Disney World didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The rise of remote work at Disney World is accompanied by the steady growth of online content related to Disney Parks in general. Wolfe, who is working on a book about the “ Disney Adults ” phenomenon, said online “side hustles” related to Disney World are becoming more common.

Some of the people who have posted about working inside Disney World also offer travel-planning services to other Disney fans. Dozens of people have full-time jobs creating daily content about and from within the Disney parks, posting on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and blogs. They are almost never officially affiliated with The Walt Disney Co. They often fall somewhere between independent media and professional fans .

Separately, there are even more people who don’t make money from posting about Disney, but instead find community from sharing their Disney experiences online.

“It’s that vibe of ‘Epcot is my coffee shop,’” Wolfe said. “Instead of ‘I’m going to close my laptop and start watching Netflix,’ it’s like, ‘I’m going to close my laptop and go on Spaceship Earth.’”

Kat Tenbarge is a tech and culture reporter for NBC News Digital. She can be reached at [email protected]

Services for Guests Who Are Neurodivergent

Disney is committed to delivering a wide range of innovative support services aimed at helping our guests with disabilities visiting our theme parks. explore ways and resources for guests with neurodivergent disabilities to use throughout the theme parks and in the resort hotel areas. some tools found on this page may benefit a variety of individuals and are not limited to guests with neurodivergent disabilities., know what to expect at the parks.

For more information, download the Accessibility Planning Guide & Recommendations.

How to Prepare

Plan a visual schedule.

Next, fill in the remaining times with possible attractions and use a question mark or a change card to build flexibility into the schedule. Review the visual schedule with your family member before your visit so they have an idea of what to expect.

By providing a possible timeline, you can help the Guest with a neurodivergent disability understand what to expect—such as crowds, sights, sounds, and smells—and so that they can learn the routine.

For an example of a timeline, please download our Accessibility Planning Guide & Recommendations .

Study Location Maps

Review the maps with the Guest with a neurodivergent disability and try to lay out a plan for the day. We recommend that you consider downloading the My Disney Experience app to have information on your mobile device, including entertainment showtimes. You can even order food and beverages via the My Disney Experience app .

What to Bring

Being prepared for a day at Walt Disney World Resort goes beyond the parks. Plan ahead by bringing along an assortment of items.

Some suggestions include:

• A Safety Bracelet or Nametag
• Ear Plugs or Headphones
• A Favorite Device or Activity
• A Sensory Toy

Practice Waiting in Line

To prepare, practice waiting with the Guest with a neurodivergent disability at home or in lines at places they might already frequent.

Attraction Planning Resources

Sensory experience details.

Review a list of details about Walt Disney World experiences—including details about scents, lighting effects, attraction vehicle speeds and more.

Accessing Attraction Queues

Walt Disney World Resort offers tips and a variety of programs to help Guests with disabilities access attraction queues including Rider Switch, Single Rider, Disability Access Service and more.

At the Parks

Companion restrooms.

Learn more about restrooms

Choose a Meeting Location

Should they get lost, stress the importance to the Guest with a neurodivergent disability of finding a Cast Member who will assist in attempting to reunite you. In addition, there are also designated locations in each park where lost persons can be escorted.

It is recommended that you take a photo of the Guest with a neurodivergent disability on your mobile device or digital camera, especially if they tend to wander off. You may also consider making a nametag that includes their name, as well as your name and mobile phone number.

Take a Break

Some examples include:

Magic Kingdom Park:

• Main Street, U.S.A. – Center Street
• Adventureland – Area near Swiss Family Treehouse; Area next to the Pirates of the Caribbean restrooms
• Frontierland – Miner’s Cove; Area near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure restrooms
• Liberty Square – Area behind Ye Old Christmas Shoppe; Area next to the Hall of Presidents
• Fantasyland – Area near the Wishing Well; Area outside Pete’s Silly Sideshow
• Tomorrowland – Pathway near TRON Lightcycle/Run leading towards Fantasyland; Area between Space Mountain and the Rockettower Plaza Stage; Area near Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
• World Celebration – Areas throughout
• World Nature – Area between the Seas with Nemo and Friends and the Coral Reef Restaurant; Imagination Pavilion near the restrooms
• World Discovery – Area near Mission: SPACE and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
• Mexico Pavilion – Accessible ramp to right of pavilion
• Norway Pavilion – Corridor between Norway and China
• China Pavilion – Area next to the Temple of Heaven
• Italy Pavilion – Seating nook next to Pizza Al Taglio
• America Pavilion – Corridor between Joffrey’s Coffee and Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
• Japan Pavilion – Garden seating area
• Morocco Pavilion – Near Restaurant Marrakesh and Lamps of the Wonder
• France Pavilion – Between France and the United Kingdom near the water
• United ­­Kingdom Pavilion – Garden area
• Canada Pavilion – Garden walkway towards Le Cellier Steakhouse

Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

• Sunset Boulevard – Courtyard near Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
• Sunset Boulevard & Hollywood Boulevard – Area next to The Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant
• Animation Courtyard – Near the restrooms
• Pixar Place – End of block near archway
• Toy Story Land – Corridor between Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Area next to First Order Cargo; Area between Oga’s Cantina at the Walt Disney World Resort  and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run; Area next to Toydarian Toymaker
• Grand Avenue – Corridor on right just before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; Pathway between Muppet Vision 3D and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
• Echo Lake – Area by Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost to the right of 50’s Prime Time Café

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park:

• Discovery Island: Areas throughout
• DinoLand USA – Area next to theater
• Asia – Maharajah Jungle Trek (locations throughout) and the pathway next to Caravan Road leading to Africa
• Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Locations throughout
• Africa – Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (locations throughout)

All Parks – First Aid and quick-service restaurant seating areas (during non-peak periods).

Learn more about break areas in the Accessibility Planning Guide & Recommendations.

Dietary Accommodations

View more information about  special dietary requests  throughout the Resort.

Guest Health Care Services Presented by AdventHealth