do travel agents get disney discounts

Do Disney Travel Agents Get Discounts? (The Ultimate Guide)

Do Disney Travel Agents Get Discounts?

When it comes to planning a trip to Disney World, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important decisions is whether or not to use a travel agent. After all, travel agents can help you save money, book your flights and hotel, and make sure your trip goes smoothly. But do Disney travel agents get discounts?

The answer is yes, Disney travel agents do get discounts on tickets and other expenses. However, the amount of the discount varies depending on the agent and the type of discount. Some agents offer a flat percentage off of your total purchase, while others offer a set amount of money off. Additionally, some agents may only offer discounts on certain types of purchases, such as tickets or hotel stays.

If you’re considering using a Disney travel agent, it’s important to do your research and compare different agents to find the one that offers the best discounts and services. You can also ask for references from past clients to get an idea of what to expect.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Disney travel agent discounts and how you can get the best possible deal on your next trip to Disney World.

Disney travel agents are a valuable resource for anyone planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any other Disney destination. They can help you book your flights, hotels, and tickets, and they can also provide advice on the best places to eat, stay, and play.

One of the biggest questions that people have about Disney travel agents is whether or not they get discounts. The answer is yes, Disney travel agents do get discounts on their own travel, as well as on the travel of their clients.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of Disney travel agents, the discounts that they offer, and how you can find a Disney travel agent who can help you plan your next magical vacation.

Types of Disney Travel Agents

There are three main types of Disney travel agents:

• Authorized Disney Vacation Planners (AVDPs) : AVDPs are travel agents who are authorized by Disney to sell Disney vacations. They have access to special Disney discounts and offers, and they can help you plan your entire trip, from flights and hotels to tickets and dining reservations.
• Independent Disney Travel Agents (IDTAs) : IDTAs are travel agents who are not affiliated with Disney, but who specialize in booking Disney vacations. They can offer the same discounts as AVDPs, but they may not have the same level of access to Disney resources.
• Online Disney Travel Agents: Online Disney travel agents are travel agents who operate their businesses online. They can offer the same discounts as AVDPs and IDTAs, but they may not be able to provide the same level of personal service.

Discounts Offered by Disney Travel Agents

Disney travel agents offer a variety of discounts on Disney vacations, including:

• General discounts: Disney travel agents typically offer a 10% discount on Disney vacations. This discount is available to all clients, regardless of their age or travel dates.
• Discounts for specific types of travelers: Disney travel agents also offer discounts to specific types of travelers, such as military members, seniors, and students.
• Discounts for specific travel dates: Disney travel agents can also offer discounts on Disney vacations during certain times of the year, such as during the off-season or during special events.
• Discounts for specific travel packages: Disney travel agents can also offer discounts on specific travel packages, such as those that include airfare, hotel, and tickets.

How to Find a Disney Travel Agent

If you’re interested in finding a Disney travel agent, there are a few things you can do:

• Ask for recommendations: Ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations for Disney travel agents.
• Search online: There are a number of websites that list Disney travel agents. You can search by location, type of agent, or specialization.
• Contact Disney directly: You can also contact Disney directly to request a list of authorized Disney Vacation Planners in your area.

Once you’ve found a few Disney travel agents, you can interview them to see which one is the best fit for you. Be sure to ask about their experience, their level of expertise, and the discounts that they offer.

Disney travel agents are a valuable resource for anyone planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any other Disney destination. They can help you save money on your vacation, and they can also help you make the most of your trip.

If you’re thinking about planning a Disney vacation, be sure to consider using a Disney travel agent. You won’t regret it!

Additional Resources

• [Disney Travel Agent Website](https://disneytravelagent.com/)
• [Disney Travel Agent Blog](https://disneytravelagentblog.com/)
• [Disney Travel Agent Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTravelAgent/)
• [Disney Travel Agent Twitter Page](https://twitter.com/disneytravelagent)

Disney travel agents are often able to get discounts on Disney vacations for their clients. This is because they have access to special rates and deals that are not available to the general public. However, the amount of discount that a Disney travel agent can get varies depending on the agent’s experience, the type of vacation package they are booking, and the time of year.

In general, Disney travel agents can get discounts of anywhere from 10% to 20% off the regular price of a Disney vacation. However, it is possible to get even bigger discounts if you are booking a package that includes multiple tickets, hotels, and other extras.

It is important to note that not all Disney travel agents are created equal. Some agents are more experienced and have better relationships with Disney than others. This means that they may be able to get better discounts for their clients. It is also important to remember that the time of year you are booking your vacation can affect the amount of discount you can get. During peak season, Disney vacations are typically more expensive and there are fewer discounts available.

If you are considering using a Disney travel agent, it is important to do your research and find an agent who has a good reputation and is experienced in booking Disney vacations. You should also ask the agent about the specific discounts they are able to get and how they can help you save money on your vacation.

How to Find the Best Disney Travel Agent

There are a few things you can do to find the best Disney travel agent for your needs.

• Ask for recommendations from friends or family who have used a Disney travel agent. This is a great way to get a personal recommendation from someone who has had a positive experience with a particular agent.
• Read online reviews of Disney travel agents. There are many websites where you can read reviews of Disney travel agents. This can be a helpful way to get an idea of what other people have thought of the service they received from a particular agent.
• Compare the services and fees of different Disney travel agents. Not all Disney travel agents are created equal. Some agents offer a wider range of services than others, and some agents charge higher fees. It is important to compare the services and fees of different agents before you make a decision about who to use.

Once you have found a few potential Disney travel agents, you can contact them to get more information about their services and fees. You should also ask them about their experience booking Disney vacations and how they can help you save money on your trip.

Tips for Working with a Disney Travel Agent

Once you have chosen a Disney travel agent, there are a few things you can do to make sure you have a positive experience working with them.

• Be clear about your travel goals and budget. The more information you can provide your Disney travel agent about your travel goals and budget, the better they will be able to help you find the perfect vacation package.
• Provide the Disney travel agent with as much information as possible about your trip. This includes information about your desired dates of travel, number of travelers, and any special needs or interests you have.
• Be prepared to ask questions and negotiate prices. Disney travel agents are there to help you, but they are also working for a commission. It is important to be prepared to ask questions and negotiate prices in order to get the best possible deal on your vacation.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a positive experience working with a Disney travel agent and that you get the best possible deal on your vacation.

Using a Disney travel agent can be a great way to save money on your vacation and ensure that you have a positive experience. By following the tips in this article, you can find the best Disney travel agent for your needs and get the best possible deal on your vacation.

Do Disney travel agents get discounts?

Yes, Disney travel agents do get discounts on Disney vacations. The amount of the discount varies depending on the agent and the type of vacation package. Some agents offer discounts of up to 20% on Disney hotels, tickets, and other vacation packages.

How do I find a Disney travel agent?

There are a few different ways to find a Disney travel agent. You can search online for Disney travel agents in your area, or you can contact Disney directly for a list of authorized agents. You can also ask friends or family for recommendations for a good Disney travel agent.

What should I look for when choosing a Disney travel agent?

When choosing a Disney travel agent, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the agent is authorized by Disney. This means that the agent has been trained by Disney and is familiar with the company’s policies and procedures. Second, consider the agent’s experience. How long have they been working in the travel industry? How many Disney vacations have they booked? Third, get references from other clients. What did they think of the agent’s service?

What are the benefits of using a Disney travel agent?

There are many benefits to using a Disney travel agent. First, agents can help you plan the perfect Disney vacation. They can recommend the best hotels, tickets, and activities for your family. They can also help you find the best deals on Disney vacations. Second, agents can provide expert advice and support. They can answer your questions about Disney vacations and help you resolve any problems that arise. Third, agents can save you money on your Disney vacation. They can negotiate discounts on hotels, tickets, and other vacation packages.

How can I get a discount on my Disney vacation without using a travel agent?

There are a few ways to get a discount on your Disney vacation without using a travel agent. You can sign up for Disney’s email list to receive promotional offers. You can also check Disney’s website for special deals and discounts. Finally, you can try calling Disney directly to see if they have any discounts available.

Is it worth using a Disney travel agent?

Whether or not it is worth using a Disney travel agent depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a personalized vacation planning experience, expert advice, and the best possible deals, then using a Disney travel agent is a good option. However, if you are comfortable planning your own vacation and are not interested in paying a commission, then you may be able to save money by booking your vacation directly with Disney.

Disney travel agents do get discounts on their own bookings and on the bookings of their clients. The amount of the discount varies depending on the agent’s level of experience and the volume of business they do with Disney. However, even a small discount can add up to significant savings over time, especially for families who travel to Disney World frequently.

In addition to discounts on tickets and hotel rooms, Disney travel agents can also offer other perks such as free dining, character meet-and-greets, and front-of-the-line access to rides. These perks can make a big difference in the overall experience of a Disney vacation, and they can help to make it more affordable for families on a budget.

If you are planning a trip to Disney World, it is worth considering hiring a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations. A good agent can help you save money, book the best possible accommodations, and make sure that your vacation is everything you dreamed it would be.

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Table of Contents

Why become a Disney trip planner?

How to become a disney travel agent, save money as a disney vacation planner, how much do disney travel agents make, final thoughts on becoming a disney travel agent.

If you’re a fan of Disney and you like to travel, it’s possible for you to combine these passions into a career or side hustle. By becoming a Disney travel agent, you can earn money by making bookings for clients and also save on your own Disney adventures.

Here's a look at how to become a Disney travel agent and the ways it can save you money and help you earn some cash while helping others make their Disney dreams come true.

As a Disney travel agent:

You can receive benefits on personal travel, such as discounted hotel rooms, free theme park tickets and complimentary Disney cruises.

You control your own schedule and how much you work.

You will be able to work from home in most cases.

You’ll earn a commission on successful bookings.

» Learn more: 10 ways to save on your first — or next — Disney vacation

Becoming a Disney travel advisor is similar to the process of becoming a regular travel agent.

First, you’ll need to meet specific travel agent requirements — but there are additional criteria needed to specialize in selling Disney vacations.

You’ll have to become familiar with Disney’s entire portfolio of products including Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii and Adventures by Disney. In addition, clients may also ask Disney travel agents to book Universal Studios, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line packages.

If you’re already a travel agent , you can register for Disney travel agent training on the Disney Travel Agents website. Once you’ve created an account, you’ll need to complete the College of Disney Knowledge training, which includes online classes and information about Disney Destinations.

If you’re not already a certified travel agent , you’ll need to become one before signing up for Disney travel agent training. Certification programs vary in terms of cost, time commitment and requirements. Once you've completed a program, you can choose to join a travel agency or operate on your own as a small business. At this point, you can register for the Disney training.

Once finished, you’re eligible to become an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and entitled to all the benefits that the designation includes.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Disney travel agent benefits are one of the reasons to become a Disney vacation planner. Perks include special access to discounted hotel rates and other advantages, like:

Disney travel agent discounts

Disney travel agents can take advantage of discounted rates on accommodation and park entrance fees for their personal trips as well. This also applies to Disney branded hotels, in addition to other properties, cruises and excursions that include:

Disneyland Resort Hotels.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.

Adventures by Disney.

Disney Cruise Line.

Select all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

The discounts will vary based on where you’re going, but you can expect to save up to 50%.

Adventures by Disney are guided vacation packages, which include Antarctic cruises, European getaways and more.

» Learn more: What a travel agent can do for you that a search engine can't

Complimentary Disney Park Hopper tickets annually

Businesses want you to be familiar with what you’re selling. After all, the better you know a place, the more capable you’ll be of helping clients choose the right vacation.

To that end, Disney provides Authorized Disney Vacation Planners with complimentary theme park tickets . As a standard Disney travel agent, you’ll receive a one-day Park Hopper ticket to either Walt Disney World or Disneyland each year.

Or, if you want to visit for a longer period of time, you can opt for discounted two- to 10-day Park Hopper tickets at Walt Disney World.

The highest-performing travel agents are recognized by Disney’s EarMarked. This invite-only program grants extra support and perks, such as additional complimentary theme park tickets.

» Learn more: Is the Disney Park Hopper worth it?

Discounted Universal Studios tickets

Cheaper tickets aren’t limited to Disney. As a Disney travel agent, you’ll also receive up to four half-price tickets to Universal Studios per year.

» Learn more: How to go to Disney World for cheap

Discounted Disney cruises and increased commissions

Disney cruise travel agents can also score reduced or free tickets to Disney cruises. Depending on the travel agency you work with, agencies with a high number of sales can earn increased commissions on sales associated with cruises.

» Learn more: How much does a Disney Cruise cost?

Disney travel agents work on commission, which means that they make money only when their clients book and complete vacations.

Disney pays up to a 10% commission to travel agents, depending on the package booked for the customer. Disney cruises yield a higher commission. If you’re working independently, you’ll receive the full commission amount — so if your client booked a $5,000 vacation pretax, you’d receive $500 in commission.

You can also opt to join an existing travel agency. These companies offer more support and can help you if you’re just getting started. Depending on the agency, it can also provide marketing support and send leads your way.

If you choose to join a travel agency , you’ll split your commission. The rate for this will vary based on where you’re working, but you can expect to receive up to 75% of the total commission Disney pays out.

This means that if you had a client taking a vacation that cost $5,000 pretax, Disney would pay the travel agency $500. At a 75% split, you would be paid $375. It’s less than you’d make if you were operating on your own, but it may be worth it for the added support and access to interested clients.

» Learn more: The best Disney resort for adults

There’s no denying that there are benefits to becoming a Disney travel agent. This includes free theme park tickets, discounted rates at official Disney hotels and even savings on cruises. Aside from these perks, you can also turn your passion into a job by selling Disney vacation packages to customers.

Whatever your reason for wanting to become a Disney travel agent, you’ll need to first become a certified travel agent, then complete Disney’s specialized training program.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1x-3x Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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.

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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

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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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October 05, 2018

3 minute read

Benefits of Booking Your Disney Vacation With a Certified Disney Travel Agent

Making it to   The Most Magical Place on Earth   can be a little stressful. Between piecing together the tiniest details and trying to figure out the various deadlines, planning the perfect Disney vacation is no easy task.

Ever try to blindly make a reservation at Cinderella's Royal Table, just to find out that they're the hardest reservations to get , and need to be snagged at least six months in advance ?

A certified Disney Travel Agent would have known that.

How They're Certified

Certified Disney Travel Agents are the real deal, and having one on your side will not only relieve tons of pressure from attempting to understand the ins and outs of Disney on your own, but they're also some of the most knowledgeable agents in the world when it comes to their specialty — and that's because of the College of Disney Knowledge.

An intense program only available to current travel agents, the College of Disney Knowledge (CDK) takes students through every aspect of ensuring their client's vacation is a resounding success.

Agents enrolled in the CDK are passionate about Disney and eager to learn more about the brand. They take advanced courses, and recertify each year.

Certified Disney Travel Agents learn everything from hotels to resorts to the Disney cruises, dining, rides, parks, and much, much more!

Why a Certified Disney Travel Agent Will Benefit You

Sure, some seasoned park-goers will know how to book their vacations, but for those looking to take their first trip, or even just have a more organized experience, using a certified agent will make all the difference .

Personalized Service

If you book your Disney vacation on your own, you'll be talking to a different person each time you call to discuss specific aspects of your trip.

The opposite happens when you book with a Disney agent. You'll have one individual on your side, and they're the one calling up Disney on your behalf. You'll never have to spends hours on hold waiting for the next Cast Member, and instead, you'll have someone who knows your wishes intimately, and can help build you and your family your dream Disney vacation.

Intimate Knowledge of Parks & Packages

Graduating from the CDK has left your agent in the perfect position to relay all kinds of park and package information to you. Disney sends certified agents the most updated refurbishment and closings lists, so they'll know any attractions or resorts that may not be available at the time of your vacation.

Dining Reservations

There are so many different factors that go into dining reservations. First off, if you're looking for character experiences, those restaurants open for reservations 180 days in advance — that means seven months of advanced planning is the average for a park-goer.

You'll also want to know the various dining plans, credits, refurbishment lists — all things your agent will be able to help you with, whether that means simply giving you expert advice, or actually booking the reservation for you. Whew.

FastPass+ Assistance

Because there's a tiered system in Epcot and Hollywood Studios, the FastPass+ system can be confusing at first. A Disney agent can assist in the FastPass+ process by explaining exactly what it is, and booking them for you.

Discounts & Promotions

Disney releases many travel discounts throughout the year, and a Disney agent will always be on top of that. Some of the most popular discounts include:

• Free Dining Offer: typically offered during September, November & December
• Room-Only Discounts: up to 25% off
• Play, Stay, Dine & Save Discount: offered in the Spring

A certified Disney Agent helps ensure a vacation The Most Magical Place on Earth is exactly that:  magical , from beginning to end.

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent – Complete Guide

• How do I become a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

• FirstHeading

How to pick a Travel Agency

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

• It's awesome to be a Disney Vacation Planner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLIA card requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the Earmarked logo for reference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple Commission Split example:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do they have training?

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

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

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

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

What support is there when you need it?

What is the agency owners background?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more at the California Seller of Travel Website.

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

From the CA Sellers of Travel Website:

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

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

From the Florida Sellers of Travel Website:

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

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

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

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

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

It’s awesome to be a Disney Vacation Planner

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

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

Application form Pixie Vacations

Step 1 of 3

What Social Media accounts do you have?

Previous experience.

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

Hi, The DTA classes are just for travel agents.

i would like to apply to be a travel agent

Hi, Christine,

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

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

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

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Travel Agent Discounts: Disney Edition

Jun 8, 2023 | Launch a travel business , Aspiring travel agents , Grow a travel business , Operations , Travel Business

Most obvious statement ever: Travelers around the world love Disney in all its many locations and varieties. There’s just something about Disney – call it Disney Magic – that excites people like nothing else in travel. 🏰 🐭

Disney travel is honestly very easy to sell. If you know your stuff as a travel agent, people will be knocking down your 🚪 door for you to help them have the Disney experience of a lifetime.

In order to become a go-to travel agent for Disney vacations, you’re going to need to learn everything you can about what Disney has to offer. Take some research trips to all the 🎢 parks, set sail on some 🚢 cruises, and all that sort of thing. It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it!

The one thing Disney is not, though, is cheap. 💰 I don’t think it’s overpriced, especially considering the top-of-the-line experiences and service you get, but it can still be a drain on the pocketbook. Fortunately, if you’re a travel agent who sells Disney vacations, you have a secret weapon up your sleeve: exclusive discounts that only you can access.

In my new 📽️ video, “Travel Agent Discounts: Disney Edition,” I break down just what sort of travel agent discounts you can get for Disney experiences, as well as what you have to do to get them. Prepare to be amazed!

Click here to watch on YouTube!

You can’t just call up Disney’s head office and say, “I’m a travel agent, please send me my discounts.” These discounts are exclusive to actual working, credentialled, trained Disney travel agents, and there are a few things you have to do to 🔓 unlock them. But if you follow the instructions I’ve given you in the video, then you’ll be on your way to some of the most exciting benefits you can get as a travel agent.

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Walt Disney World Releases 2021 Travel Agent Appreciation Program

Walt Disney World is giving travel advisors opportunity to experience the resort this year with new Walt Disney World Travel Agency Appreciation Program offers.

Qualified travel advisors who have completed the College of Disney Knowledge training can receive one discounted park ticket, from 1 to 10 days.

Special travel agent rates are for also now available for 2021 reservations. They are valid the advisor and members of their immediate family sharing the same room for no more than seven nights.

The company said it "value[s] you and the work you’ve done" to help your clients continue to plan Walt Disney World vacations throughout this unprecedented time.

2022 packages Looking ahead into next year, vacation packages and tickets are now available to book for 2022 at Walt Disney World.

There are some resort hotels that are not currently scheduled for reopening yet. Disney Dining packages remain unavailable at this time. In addition, Walt Disney World is ending Magical Express in 2022.

Walt Disney World will begin Early Theme Park Entry, a new perk that will allow Walt Disney World resort guests to enter any of the four theme parks 30 minutes early each day. This is the permanent replacement for Extra Magic Hours

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Travel Agent Discount

• Thread starter Martindis2006
• Start date Aug 24, 2008

Martindis2006

Mouseketeer.

• Aug 24, 2008

I am not a travel agent but a friend of mine is convinced that she can get a discount on her accomodations since she is a travel agent. Does anyone know if this true.  

DIS Veteran

TA's can get a discount on room only reservations if available ( but are treated as a package meaning has to be paid in full 45 days prior to arrival) also must send in with in certain time period a fax verifying TA status ( IATA , CLIA , IATAN card ) they can book through Disney TA site  

they have to book it on disneytravelagents.com and verify their iata/clia number, etc. Its room only and it is a package just like mousefan stated  

JandT'smom

You must also present your IATA , CLIA , IATAN card at check in.  

Bethpremier

Kidanites unite.

• Dec 9, 2009

Does anyone know the limit of rooms you area allowed to book if you are a travel agent ?  

• Dec 10, 2009

Travel agent must also occupy the room and the TA credentials are subject to verification.  

Bethpremier said: Does anyone know the limit of rooms you area allowed to book if you are a travel agent? Click to expand...

Responding to MarcielM's post: Depends on how the TA books the room. A travel agency /agent can pull a room block and negotiate a contract rate with Disney on rooms. There is a well known agency often mentioned on these boards who pulls rooms in this manner and in effect becomes a "wholesaler" of hotel rooms. Rooms which have been negotiated by contract are room-only reservations and may not have the dining plan added. Sometimes there are also some pretty stiff penalties when booking with a room block too so it is beneficial to read the fine print regarding changes after booking. Many agents/agencies do not do room blocks because of the contract issue and how payments need to be done on these particular rooms.  

glovergirls

Just curious. If you are a travel agent how much of a discount can you typiclly get on a single room? It just got me thinking of a new career. I am a stay at home mom.  

Oh, and I forgot to add: if a TA pulls a group with a contract this is at a negotiated rate with Disney, and not a TA rate. A TA rate is a single reservation and the terms are posted on Disney's TA web site.  

LindyN said: Responding to MarcielM's post: Depends on how the TA books the room. A travel agency /agent can pull a room block and negotiate a contract rate with Disney on rooms. There is a well known agency often mentioned on these boards who pulls rooms in this manner and in effect becomes a "wholesaler" of hotel rooms. Rooms which have been negotiated by contract are room-only reservations and may not have the dining plan added. Sometimes there are also some pretty stiff penalties when booking with a room block too so it is beneficial to read the fine print regarding changes after booking. Many agents/agencies do not do room blocks because of the contract issue and how payments need to be done on these particular rooms. Click to expand...

glovergirls said: Just curious. If you are a travel agent how much of a discount can you typiclly get on a single room? It just got me thinking of a new career. I am a stay at home mom. Click to expand...

marcielm said: Yeah, that's what I was trying to say. I looked at booking a block of rooms to get a discount in March... but the rate I was quoted for 10 rooms wasn't half as good as what a PIN or GP discount code could've gotten my guests. Maybe if I had done 100 rooms.... Click to expand...

LindyN said: Exactly. A GP or PIN rate is going to be better and those contract terms are not as guest friendly. Click to expand...

<font color=red>My Mommy told me I look pretty all

tone.def said: is an education not required anymore? it's like people buying a Mac, pirating software and calling themselves editors and filmmakers. Click to expand...

Shall we play a game?

Great info marcielm. To glovergirls - it also depends on where you live. I'm sure some of the requirements vary from state to state. I can't speak for the US, but if you are an Ontario resident, you need to bide TICO law to sell travel. Starting with taking (and passing) the Education Standards exam. http://www.citc.ca/tico/en/train-tico-intro-e.asp My aunt works for TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario), who governs all people selling travel in Ontario, BC and Quebec. There are hefty fines and jail time for those who are caught selling travel and not abiding by TICO law.  

Earning My Ears

• Sep 22, 2014

Does any one know if you can get park tickets discounted with your IATA card?  

jhibdon said: Does any one know if you can get park tickets discounted with your IATA card? Click to expand...

tinka-belle

• Sep 26, 2014

Although the education requirements for US agents are low, various travel suppliers, of which Disney is one, have their own rules and requirements before granting any discounts. Disney requires agent education (done online), and that the agency books Disney trips in the course of their business (in other words, has produced revenue for Mickey!). Disney reviews the produced revenue when granting the discounts, don't know what amount levels they use though. Discounted rooms or tickets must be applied for through the agency in advance, some resorts are limited at different times. When a resort discount is available it's 50% for up to 7 nights once per year. Also, just a one time annual ticket discount for ONE ticket just for the agent, 50% off, but cannot be non-expiring and MUST include hopper and waterpark fun & more options, so if you want a basic pass only it's really a savings of less than the 50%. These tickets are picked up at the parks with an agent I.D. In lieu of the discounted ticket, an agent may choose a ONE DAY free park hopper with waterpark fun & more, so that would be just one free day per year.  

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Global Munchkins

Travel + Global Inspired Lifestyle

April 12, 2023

10 Things you didn’t know about Disney Travel Agents!

After 25 Disney World Trips and 8 Disney cruises, I never thought of using a Disney Travel Agent. Then we decided to give it a go just one time to save money on our Disney Cruise. Here is why I am never going back to booking one on my own. The Best Disney Travel Agents (Here are my top 5) take care of all your worries and the best part, they are free.

From lightning lane to dining reservations , to shore excursions, to which rides to take, to planning for the 3:00 rain in the summers at Disney World (yes, pretty much every day) planning a Disney World trip is a monumental task.

From now on I tell people they should book their Disney trip with a Disney Travel Agent which is basically their own personal Disney expert. Disney World, Disney Cruise, & Disneyland are often once in a lifetime vacation with your planning.

The excitement your kids have for this kind of vacation is unmatchable. However, planning one of these vacations can be quite a task. Here are 10 reasons you might want to use a Disney Travel Agent for your personal travel planning.

1) Disney Travel Agents have their Disney Degree!

Disney Travel agents have to not only be a regular travel agent, but they also have to take the College of Disney Knowledge course to be able to book Disney Travel. This extensive online course goes through every type of Disney Vacation.

The travel agent will learn about the hotels, how far in advance dining reservations can be made, amenities of staying on property, transportation and so much more. Not only do they have to pass a test to be a certified travel agent, but they also have to take a test every year as Disney has new courses each year so that the travel agent is up to date with all the new changes at Disney Parks.

They will learn extensively about:

• Disney Cruise Line
• Walt Disney World Resort
• Adventures by Disney
• Aulani Resort and Spa
• Disneyland Resort

2) You will save yourself a lot of time, especially with a Walt Disney World Vacation

If time is a limited resource then you don’t even need another reason to book your Disney Vacation packages with a Disney Agent.

Here are just some of the things they will be able to teach you in just a short amount of time rather than learning on your own

• How to book a lightning lane pass ?
• How far in advance you need to make your dining reservations?
• Which restaurants have character breakfasts and dinner (plus, which is the best)?
• What is the Disney Dining Plan?
• What kind of Park Ticket do I need to buy?
• How to get from the resort hotel to the airport?
• Do you need a car rental?
• What are Magic Bands ?
• What is the My Disney Experience App?
• Getting groceries delivered to your room
• If Pluto is a dog, what is goofy? (ok I just threw that in to see if you were paying attention)
• How to save on photos aka Memory Maker?
• Where to rent a stroller ?
• What are Extra Magic Hours?
• Booking Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirates League/Specialty Cruises
• What items to pack for your Disney Trip ?

3) You will get the Best Price especially with a Disney Cruise

One of the things I never realized was that authorized Disney Vacation planner Services are FREE! I always assumed I would get the best deal if I booked everything on my own. If you are booking with a Disney Travel Agent the price should be exactly the same as Disney’s website, sometimes slightly better if the travel agency is offering an extra incentive to book with them.

Disney keeps pricing the same across the board so you don’t have to stress about finding the site with the best deal. However, Disney Travel Agents will know the times of year that Disney is offering special offers, such as Free Dining, Half Off Cruise Deposits and more!

Disney Cruises you’ll often see some serious additional savings as often times travel agents will give you hundreds of dollars of onboard credit to use on the ship, all for the same price you would normally pay.

4) Help with Disney Dining Reservations

Do you know that there are over 140 sit down restaurants within Disney World? That’s a lot of menus and Yelp reviews to scour through to find out which restaurant to go to. Plus, with Disney, a lot of these reservations get booked up super fast.

Did you know that you need to book the Be Our Guest Restaurant 60 days in advance just to have a chance at a reservation?

Of course, not, there is too much information to know about your Disney World trip. Your Disney Travel Agent should help guide you to the best places to eat, and some will even book them for you.

5) A re Disney Travel Agents Free?

Yes, when you book your vacation the Disney Travel Agents prices are the same as if you booked directly through Disney. They earn revenue via a commission from Disney.

Some Disney Travel agents do have some premium services they do charge for, such as complete planning of your entire vacation.

Some have a complete guide to which parks you want to visit that day, they will set up your fast passes, your dining reservations, and offer a complete layout of your vacation so you can just focus on fun. These websites should post that they charge for these premium services.

However some of Disney Travel Agents offer those services free of charge: For Instance, Best Day Ever Vacations will provide complimentarily:

• Itinerary Planning
• Provide Lightning Lane Recommendations w/ Height Requirement info
• Book your dining reservations and remind you when they can be booked. Along with which restaurants have character dining and restaurants that have Fast Passes for select evening time entertainment. (My Favorite Perk)
• Setup Magical Express to get you from the airport to the Hotel and back.
• Give you advice on how to get groceries order delivered to your room.
• Book Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique/Pirates League/for guests’ children.
• Provide Video Tutorials on My Disney Experience App, Setting up Magic Bands & More
• Even Simple things, like “Where can I rent a stroller?” is a nice thing to have someone tell you so you are not wasting your time searching.

6) One Point of Contact

Have you ever called the Disney World Reservation line, they are extremely nice people, but every time you get on the phone you need to go through the same rigamarole of having to wait on hold, give your name, spell it four times if you have a hard to spell name, and then about 20 minutes into the call you finally get to ask the question you wanted the answer to.

It’s a bit of a tedious process and it’s probably why I receive so many questions on my social media channels. (Don’t worry, I love them so keep them coming) When you use a Disney Travel Agent, they are your main contact so anytime you need to make a change just give them a call, which brings me to my next point.

7) Agents are there for you In case of an Emergency

Unfortunately sometimes life gets in the way of a vacation, and when those things happen, it is nice to have just one person to call to make changes or if need be cancel your reservation. When Hurricane Irma struck Central Florida, the Disney phone lines were backed up for hours with people needing to change or cancel a reservation.

I saw so many people on message boards who were thankful they had a Disney Travel Agent because they had to make just one phone call with no hold time and know that everything was going to be taken care of. Definitely puts your mind at ease so you can enjoy your vacation worry-free!

8) Disney World Travel Agents Have Invaluable Expert Knowledge 

Your travel agent will know Disney inside and out. This kind of knowledge is seriously invaluable when it comes to having a magical time at Disney, and you will be so thankful you had it.

Not only will they be able to help you plan your time in the park, but they have extensive knowledge about restaurants and resorts as well. As far as booking your resort stay, a travel agent is the best way to find a good rate. This can save you a ton of money on your trip!

9) You Will Truly Get to Relax

A Disney vacation isn’t just for the kids, it’s for you too! You want a travel agent because they will take so much of the pressure off of planning. You can confidently go into your day knowing things will go as smoothly as possible. 

10) Why you should use a Disney Cruise Travel Agent

We recently cruised on the Disney Dream to the Bahamas with the help of a Disney Travel Agent. After 8 Disney cruises booking on our own we finally used a travel agent. Here are a couple of things I learned about booking a cruise with a travel agent. Now, I am not sure if this is all travel agents, but this is what our experience was with Best Day Ever

• Onboard Credit – With a Travel Agent I paid the same price as I normally would but also received an onboard credit to spend including quite the delicious meal at Palo
• Booking Spa & Dining Reservations –  Our agent, knew we wanted to dine at Palo and set up a time for us on this cruise
• Booking a Cabana – Best Day Ever set us up with a cabana reservation (which is nearly impossible to get) because they have a full system set up to give you the biggest chance to get a Cabana at Castaway Cay.
• Room Location –  Lastly, our agents had been on the Dream more than 15 times so they knew not only which rooms to book, but also which ones to avoid and which rooms are the best bang for the buck. They even know about a secret mini suite which is the same price as a standard oceanview room.

So, there are definitely advantages of booking through a Disney Travel Agent, if you have any more questions feel free to message us.

How to Become a Disney Travel Agents – 

One of the many questions people ask us is how do you become a Disney Travel Agent . The first thing you need to do is to connect with a Disney Travel Agency about joining their team. Second, you will need to take the Disney Travel Professionals Course. It is a pretty extensive course that teaches you about everything from Disney World to Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii . 

Perks of Becoming a Disney Vacation Planner

When you become a Disney travel agent, there are some pretty fun perks. You can get some incredible savings on Disney Cruises. I have seen cruises for as little as $50 a day for certified Disney Cruise Planners. Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland and Disney Aulani also have some pretty impressive savings of up to 50% off!

Other perks you can receive include a 1 day Park Hopper ticket to both Disney World & Disneyland .  Nothing better than Free tickets to some theme parks.

Do you love being the vacation planner? No worries, check out the following articles to plan your next Disney Vacation!

• Disney Cruise Tips & Trick [Over 100 of our Best Cruise Tips]
• Disney World Tips & Tricks [Over 75 Amazing MUST KNOW Tips]
• The ULTIMATE Guide to Disney’s Aulani- Full Aulani Review + Top 10 Tips & Photo Tour
• The Ultimate Disney World Packing List [Over 50 Must-Pack Items]
• The BEST Disney Cruise Packing List (+ Pirate Night Details)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to book disney through a travel agent.

Yes and No. It is actually the same price if you book through Disney as if you did through a travel agent, however Disney Travel Agents often have extra promotions they might offer through their agency. For example onboard credit on a Disney Cruise or Dining Cards at Disney World.

What is the best Disney travel agency?

In our opinion, Best Day Ever Vacations is by far the best Disney travel agency. They have an incredible knowledge of all the Disney Parks, Resorts and Cruises. Their services are complimentary and they usually save you money!

Do Disney travel agents get paid?

Disney Travel Agents do not get paid by the customer, the agent make their money on commissions from Disney when a customer books a trip. The price a customer pays is the same whether they book through Disney or through the Travel Agent!

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Reader Interactions

May 2, 2018 at 8:09 pm

I love this! As a Travel Planner specializing in Disney Destinations, I couldn’t agree more. I found myself nodding along…until I got to “Dream Catcher” to save money on pictures. Is that supposed to be Memory Maker? I would love to share this post with my agency, if i could just get clarification on that phrase. 🙂

July 23, 2018 at 11:03 am

Yes, I did mean Memory Maker. Whoops. I must have been daydreaming about my next Disney vacation when I typed that. All is fixed.

September 14, 2018 at 11:43 am

Can I make a suggestion on a great item to grab for kids traveling to Disney? I’ve written a book called “Kid’s Travel Journal – Disney Edition” that would be great for kids to take with them so they can write about their adventures and experiences as they happen. A great keepsake for them! It is available on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1508804656 or on my website: https://blueforestbooks.com/kids-travel-journal-disney-edition/

February 17, 2019 at 10:20 am

This is a great post with super helpful tips! I had read this post while planning my Disney vacation – do you mind if I share this in my upcoming blog post recapping my planning?

February 17, 2019 at 3:22 pm

Yes, of course, you can. I am glad it was helpful. Have a great trip!

March 1, 2019 at 8:22 am

thank you for all of the helpful information. i am a single mom of 2 – ages 5 and 7 and want to plan our trip for 2020. i have just started researching and almost gave up until i found your article. is there an agent you can suggest?? thanks so much for sharing and i appreciate any feedback!!

March 2, 2019 at 8:28 pm

We truly love Tinks Magical Vacations. They booked our most recent Disney Cruise and were amazing. I will have Kristin from Tink’s reach out to you.

October 19, 2019 at 6:26 am

We are living in Africa, and would like to take our three children on a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Disney. Our children will be 8, 10 and 12 years old, so we would need a mix of some of the magic of childhood, some of the adrenalin fantastic (like the waterpark) and anything anything that makes for quicker, cheaper (but not tacky!) holiday, as we would have a maximum of 6 days available. If you think staying in a B&B is going to save us a whole lot rather than staying in the park, please recommend it! Thank you, thank you.

October 19, 2019 at 7:31 am

Hi Katherine,

Yes, an Airbnb might save you money, but I would check out David’s Vacation Rentals . You can stay up to 50% off a Disney resort and you get stay in some of Disney’s nicest properties. Otherwise, check out Disney’s Value resorts. They are an affordable option to stay on property.

December 27, 2019 at 1:39 pm

I am planning a trip to Disney World the last part of April 2020. Would you please have Tinks Magical Vacations contact me as well. Thanks!

December 28, 2019 at 6:52 am

I will message them now. Have a great day.

March 6, 2019 at 11:10 pm

I actually booked a reservation at be my guest restaurant 32 days before our trip on my Disney app.

March 7, 2019 at 4:58 am

That’s Awesome!

March 12, 2019 at 5:33 am

Mama I agree, Disney Fastpasses are key. If we had not had our agent book fastpasses we would have wasted soooo much time. I also think staying at Disney World itself saved us. We got to book fastpasses that much sooner than if we stayed in Orlando at the Holiday Inn.

January 8, 2020 at 2:50 pm

Hi I am thinking about taking my granddaughter to Disneyland during President’s week 2020 Beginning Tuesday the 18th. Is that an okay time to go. Is there a hotel that has a monorail to the park like in Disney World. Is there a height requirement to go on all the rides.

Thank you for any help in advance. Please ask Kristan from Tinks to contact me as well.

January 28, 2020 at 9:45 am

Presidents Day Weekend is going to be SUPER busy!

There is a HUGE Dance Competition being held at the Disneyland Hotel that literally sells out the hotel and it’s also the USA High School Cheer Nationals at the convention center.

January 20, 2020 at 3:29 pm

I completely agree. When I was in training to become a Disney Specialist, I learned so many cost saving tricks and park secrets that have proven time and again to please my clients beyond measure. Take the stress off yourself of creating the perfect trip and let an agent plan it for you. Best part is our services are free.

January 29, 2020 at 3:23 am

Please help. I have a trip partially planned and it is 2/14-2/22. I need the premium services of details of each day. Thank you.

February 12, 2023 at 6:27 pm

Hi there. Great info here. I was wondering; I’m based in Singapore, and want to use a Disney Travel Planner for Disney in Tokyo. Do you know of a Travel Planner who can help and works with international customers.

February 24, 2023 at 5:45 am

Checkout TDRExplorer.com he has tons of resources and I believe has travel agents

March 30, 2023 at 4:09 pm

We LOVE our Disney travel agent!!! She does it all and cost us nothing to use. With all the many many changes happening at the Disney parks these days like having to use an app to reserve rides!! She helped our tech challenged family through it all and is now helping us with a Royal Caribbean Cruise! She’s the best and she’s free.

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Theme Parks for Grown-Ups

What's it like being a Disney and Universal Travel Planner?

Travel Agent · Travel Guide

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Disney or Universal Travel Planner

So you want to become a Disney Travel Planner, but have no idea where to start?

Want to know the burning questions like “What’s the salary of a Disney Travel Planner?” “How long before I start making money as a Travel Agent?” or “Where do I even start?” I totally get it.

There is so little information about how to become a Travel Agent on the internet and it can be frustrating to find the answers you need.

I started my career as a Disney and Universal Studios Travel Planner about 3 years ago. And believe me, when I realized that people could make money by planning Disney vacations, I scoured every internet source available to me.

There really isn’t much out there and it’s tough to ask questions about the career in Facebook groups without being PM’d by a bunch of people trying to sell their Multi-Level Marketing scam.

I understand that starting the process can be intimidating. You’re basically starting your own business. I had to figure it out on my own but since then, I’ve planned many vacations for families and travel groups of all sizes.

It’s tough out there!

So, I put together a list of frequently asked questions that I’ve seen posted in Facebook groups and Disney forums over and over again.

Another article you’ll find helpful is my Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Disney Travel Planner that you can find here!

I also set up a free 5-day email challenge that details how to become a Disney Travel Planner in full detail. Each day I send you the next step to jumpstart your new Travel Agent career. You can sign up for the challenge here .

What’s a Disney Travel Planner’s salary?

Host Agency Reviews states that Travel Agents with more than 3 years of experience made an average of $40,000, new Agents with less than 3 years made around $5,500, and Agents with 11+ years made $100,000+ in 2017. 

I will note that these numbers are an average and can differ greatly from Agent to Agent. It also doesn’t single out Agents who specialize in Disney. Your salary depends on how much you put into your business!

A lot of Disney Travel Planners treat the profession as more of a side hustle and use the extra cash they earn as a vacation fund. Others have committed to turning it into a full-time business. This means working a full-time day job and building your business at the same time.

After about 3-4 years of hard work, you’ll most likely have enough clients to go full-time. For some, it takes longer and others shorter.

I made more than the average $5,500 in commission during my first year because I invested a lot in marketing and advertising.

How long before I start making money as a Travel Agent?

Generally, it will take you about 6 months before you start earning your commission. This includes the time it will take to find and book your clients and the time it takes to actually get paid. Travel Agents don’t get paid commission until the client has gone on vacation. (If they cancel, you don’t get your deposit.)

Then, it takes about a month for Disney or Universal to pay out the commission to your Host Agency who will then deposit your cut of the payment to your bank account. 

This is why I choose to charge a planning fee. It gives your clients an incentive to not cancel their vacation or book it by themselves (leaving you without a commission) and it allows you to get paid some money upfront. 

Charging a fee can be intimidating, especially when you’re a new Travel Agent. It’s hard to know how much to charge and how to go about it. Again, I give a lot of information about planning fees and how to use them in my free email course that you can sign up for here.

How much commission do you make when selling Disney or Universal vacations?

Disney and Universal vacations vary between 3% to 13% commission, depending on you’ve sold. And you have to remember that most Host Agencies will take a cut of your commission as well. I’ll list some examples to give you an idea, but these are subject to change.

Packages: Disney and Universal offer a 10% commission on vacation packages for their theme parks. Packages usually consist of hotel and tickets purchased together. 

Tickets: Disneyland tickets range between 3%-7%, depending on the type of ticket. Disney World ranges between 8%-10%. 

Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney: Between 10-16%, depending on the size of your Agency and what you’ve sold.

Disney VIP Tours: About 10% commission as well.

Do Travel Agents get Disney and Universal discounts?

Yes, you definitely get some benefits when you work with Disney and Universal. Disney Travel Planners receive free tickets once a year, some Resort discounts, and training benefits like tours of the hotels and Cruise Lines. Universal offers similar benefits. Other companies offer bonuses, discounts, and free travel as well.

The only catch is that you must have your own IATA or CLIA card to receive most of these benefits. Travel Agents usually earn their card by selling about $5000 in commission in one calendar year and they receive it from their Host Agency. 

To learn more about IATA/CLIA cards (and what they are), check out this post by Host Agency reviews.

What’s it like being a Disney Travel Planner? What does the job entail?

The answer is: a lot. 

There are so many fine details you need to pay attention to when you’re planning a theme park vacation. And there’s a lot more follow-up you need to attend to with your clients. 

For most vacations, you’ll book the hotel, transportation, and give them a basic itinerary. For a Disney or Universal vacation, you need to go over resorts, transportation, dining plans, dining reservations, FastPasses, and everything in-between. 

This is why the Disney Travel Planner profession isn’t going anywhere. Disney needs experts to plan these vacations for guests visiting the parks. Most people get so overwhelmed by the process of going to Disney World, they don’t want anything to do with the theme parks. Disney Travel Planners are there to take care of everything so they can actually enjoy their vacation. 

Want to learn what exactly the job entails? Watch my tutorial about a day in the life of a Disney Travel Planner!

Our work is so very important! If it wasn’t for Travel Agents, many people wouldn’t step foot into a theme park.

How do I get started and become a Disney or Universal Studios Travel Planner?

This is another long answer, so I wrote an extended post that answers this question in detail!

You can familiarize yourself with the full process in my article: How to Become a Disney Travel Planner

In brief, you’ll need to find a Host Agency and apply to it. This is the most important step and one of the hardest to do. Once you have a Host Agency then you can set up your marketing plan via social media, ads, and a newsletter that will attract and keep awesome clients. There are a lot of moving parts to the process so I suggest signing up for my email challenge below!

In addition to my article, I also have my free 5-day email course that walks you through the process in great detail. You can sign up for that here or fill out the form below! 

Have any specific questions? Leave a comment below or email me at [email protected] and I’ll do my best to answer it!

Don’t lose these tips!

11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Two travel truths right now are that travel has become very expensive and air travel is more unpredictable and unpleasant than normal. Personally, I spent $700 round-trip each on domestic economy tickets to take my kid to summer camp 1,000 miles away. That's absolutely insane.

On the other end of the spectrum, another type of travel is having a different kind of moment.

This type of travel remains affordable and typically isn't as stressful as dealing with airports, delays and cancellations. In fact, I'd argue it's the most relaxing and affordable vacation available right now: a cruise ship.

Personally, I'm partial to Disney Cruise Line .

Disney Cruise Line has a reputation for being expensive and designed just for families — though neither of those things actually has to be true . While these cruises can be more expensive than some other cruise lines, if you can select a port you can drive to, you may be surprised at how affordable a Disney cruise can be when viewed as an all-in vacation price.

Here's how to save money on a Disney cruise — and find the cheaper Disney cruises that start at around $500 per person (based on double occupancy) for the entire experience.

That's less than that painful $700 flight — which, unlike a cruise, doesn't include accommodations, meals or entertainment.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Pick the dates that start at just over $1,000

Yes, Disney Cruise Line costs more than Carnival or Royal Caribbean, but throw away the notion that a Disney cruise is unattainably expensive. It simply isn't true. The peak school break weeks are expensive, but with so many three- and four-night sailings, you can choose a long weekend and avoid those pricey weeks if you want to.

As an example, two people can sail for three nights from Miami to the Bahamas on Disney Dream from Friday, Sept. 9 to Monday, Sept. 12 for just $1255.72 in a verandah cabin (not some windowless inside space).

Good luck finding a hotel you actually want to stay at that weekend for three nights in Miami for that price — and remember this $1,256 rate is the price for the entire cruise experience, not just the room.

You don't have to sail from Florida ports during hurricane season to find that $1,000-ish price point. You can sail for roughly the same price from Galveston, Texas to Mexico on Disney Magic in January 2023 on a four-night cruise to Mexico for just $1,441 for two people in a balcony cabin.

Adding two kids to that same Galveston itinerary to make a trip for four people would raise the price to $2,324.

Or, sail from San Diego to Mexico starting at $1,086 in an inside cabin or $1,278 for a verandah room.

Think about it. That $2,324 rate from Galveston for four people works out to $145 per person, per day — which isn't bad compared to what other trips cost these days.

For those same travel dates of Jan. 27-31, 2023, it would cost a family of four $1,444 for four nonstop Basic Economy flights on United from Houston to Cancun. Four nights of lodging at the all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva resort in Cancun (which includes meals, entertainment and a kids club, like the sailing does) come to $3,392 for those four nights.

For the flights and hotel stay, that's just over double the cost of the Disney Cruise for the same number of days visiting roughly the same destination.

Related: 7 ways the brand-new Disney Wish surprised me

Let Disney choose your cabin

A good way to save money on a Disney cruise is to let the cruise line choose your cabin in exchange for a discounted fare. These are called guaranteed rates. You pick the room type (inside, verandah, etc.) but Disney gets to be the one that selects exactly which room within that category you get.

These fares come with additional restrictions around payments and changes, but you can save up to 35% off the going rates. I've had great success with these discounted fares in the past. As long as you aren't too picky about where your room is on the ship, this strategy can be a tremendous way to save on your Disney cruise.

Book via a travel agent that gives you onboard credit

You can log onto the Disney Cruise Line website and book the cruise yourself, but you may not want to when you know a travel agent can do the work for you — and give you some credit back in the process.

The amount varies, but I've gotten up to $750 as a statement credit when I booked a pricier Disney cruise at the concierge level . On the more affordable cruises and cabins, expect the credit to be more in the $75-$200 range.

While the amount will vary, you can often get somewhere between 5-10% of the price of your cruise back in the form of a gift card or shipboard spending credit through a travel agent or even via Costco Travel .

If you aren't sure where to start, you can get offers from agents who want to book your cruise — sometimes with extra perks and credits — via Cruise Compete .

Pay with discounted Disney gift cards

At wholesale clubs, such as Sam's Club and Costco, you can reliably purchase Disney gift cards at a discount . Sometimes, these discounts get even bigger around sales such as Black Friday. But on an ongoing basis, you can usually get a $500 Disney gift card for about $485.

That's not a huge discount, but if you paid for your $3,000 Disney cruise with those cards, it would save you $90.

If you have a Target credit card, you can also save 5% on Disney gift cards at Target. On that same $3,000 Disney Cruise, that's $150 saved by going that route.

Remember that you can often earn bonus points with certain credit cards when shopping for Disney gift cards depending on where you purchase them. Office supply stores, grocery stores and even wholesale clubs can be good bonus categories for different rewards credit cards, allowing you to earn 3, 4 or 5 points per dollar on your card while you buy your gift cards.

Use your credit card points

Not all credit card points can easily translate to a "free" Disney cruise, but some can.

The easiest way to do this is to pay some — or all — of the cruise with a credit card that lets you use your points at a fixed value to erase a travel charge. This way, you could book with a travel agent to get that onboard credit and then use your points to wipe out your deposit or final payment.

For example, if you put the charge on your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , you could use the miles at 1 cent each in value to wipe out the cost. The first example given, on the three-night cruise from Miami to the Bahamas for $1,255 ,would take about 125,500 Venture miles to fully erase the cash cost.

With those two welcome bonuses currently each at 75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 in spending in the first three months from account opening, that's not an unrealistic goal.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles worth $750 in travel with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card after $4,000 in spending in three months from account opening.

Upgrade at the port for less

This tip isn't exactly about saving money overall, but it is a way to get a better room for less than the original list price.

If the cruise isn't sold out, you can go to a special desk at the port before you board and ask about any space-available discounted upgrades. At Port Canaveral, where all the Disney check-in desks are on the left side of the terminal building, the upgrade desk is the rightmost desk.

The cost to upgrade will be related to the room type you've booked and the one you'd like to upgrade to. The supervisor will use a pre-printed chart to find that cost differential. It will cost less than if you had booked a better room initially, sometimes by about half, though that number varies.

On our Disney Dream cruise this spring, I was able to upgrade to a larger and more deluxe cabin for $34. Total. Get to the terminal as soon as you can if you are hoping for a suite or concierge upgrade because those are very limited and go quickly.

While I haven't done it, I've also heard that even cheaper prices become available on board once the ship sets sail, though I haven't tried that myself.

Related: Is Disney Cruise concierge-level worth it?

Save 10% by putting a deposit for your next cruise down while you're on board

The easiest way to save 10% on a Disney cruise doesn't work for your first cruise, but can work for all subsequent ones.

When you are on a Disney Cruise Line ship, you can put a $250 placeholder deposit down on a future Disney cruise to be used within two years. This can be done in your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app while on board.

You don't have to pick which cruise you want to do at that moment, but by putting that $250 in a placeholder you can not only apply that $250 when you ultimately pick your next Disney cruise but also save 10% off the rate valid on most dates and room types in the process.

That one step can save you hundreds of dollars on your vacation. Worst case scenario, that $250 is refunded to you if you don't book another cruise in the next two years. That happened to us during the pandemic, and the money came back automatically and without a problem once the 24 months were up.

Related: 12 ways new cruisers waste money on their first cruise

BYOB and skip the extras

If you are looking to trim costs on your Disney cruise, bring things from home that you would otherwise likely purchase.

For example, you can bring up to six cans of beer or two bottles of wine per person aged 21 and up. Instead of paying cruise prices for those beverages, you can bring what you want from home at regular land-based prices, up to those maximum limits.

You can also bring one case of unopened water bottles on board. These come in handy for shore excursions or when you need to hydrate by the pool. (Better yet, pack a refillable water bottle.)

Since a Disney Cruise already includes meals, room service, snacks, soft-serve ice cream, fountain drinks and plenty of entertainment, you don't need to spend anything additional on board if you don't want to. This is especially true on a new-to-you ship and on those shorter three- and four-night cruises where there is more than enough to do and explore already.

Just carry on a few beverages and skip all the extras.

If your sailing goes to Disney Cruise Line's private island, Castaway Cay , beach chairs, umbrellas, the ocean waterslide and lunch on the island are also included at no extra charge.

Seek out spa discounts

If you're focused on saving money, you'll want to skip the spa entirely on your cruise. But if nothing says vacation like a massage, you can find a discount on onboard spa services on a Disney cruise.

I've received a port day discount that was about 20% off because most people book their treatments on sea days, and the spa is less busy when the ship is docked. The Disney Visa also advertises a 20% discount on select massages or facials on port days on an ongoing basis.

I've also received $50 off a second service while checking out for my first. It's fairly common for cruise ship spas to offer discounts when you book multiple treatments.

If you don't see a discount advertised, just ask at the spa desk. That's how I got hooked up with spa deals on previous Disney cruises.

Use Disney Visa onboard cruise discounts

In addition to the 20% off select spa treatments, Disney Visa cardholders also get 10% off a Castaway Cay package that includes snorkel gear, a bike rental and an inner tube. Additional discounts include 10% off onboard merchandise purchases of $50 or more and onboard photos.

If you need time to spread out payments, those with a Disney Visa can also get a 0% annual percentage rate on their Disney vacation for six months. Right now, the card also has a welcome bonus of up to $300 toward a Disney vacation.

Related: Best credit cards for booking a cruise

Book early and go off-peak

This is a no-brainer tip to avid cruisers, but if you are newer to cruising, know that booking early and sailing off-peak are great ways to save money on a Disney cruise.

I booked our Alaska cruise for the summer of 2023 the day the calendar opened this year because the price typically increases as the sailing date nears. You can sometimes find last-minute specials, but most of the time, cruise prices only go one direction — up.

You'll put 20% down when you first book and then have until much closer to sailing to pay off the remaining 80%.

Date flexibility will also help you save money on a Disney cruise. The same itinerary that costs $2,000 in September will be up to three times more expensive if you want to sail over winter break.

If you can't find any affordable prices, I recommend scrolling the cruise list by price instead of starting with the perfect date or itinerary. A sailing you may not have initially considered may turn out to be the perfect vacation option.

Bottom line

Believe it or not, a Disney cruise can be much cheaper than a trip to the Disney theme parks. ( A cruise is often much less stressful, too .)

Remember that $2,324 four-night sailing from Galveston to Mexico for a family of four? At $145 per person, per night, it's absolutely less than a trip to Disney World. Park tickets alone these days can be close to $145 per person and Disney resort rooms are $200-$700 or more per night, depending on your resort choice.

Add food costs on top of that, and you're almost certainly well above the price of a Disney cruise.

Related: How much does a Walt Disney World vacation cost ?

If you stack on some of these tips to save money on your Disney cruise, you could knock anywhere from 10-25% off the list price, depending on how many of the tips you are able to use.

As for me, I'm seriously contemplating that January getaway from Texas that will take us to Mexico and provide for all our lodging, meal and entertainment needs in the process.

Now I just need to figure out how much in additional savings I can stack onto the already pretty fair rate.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

[email protected]

(800) 969-2267

Do disney travel agents get discounts?

Hotel tariffs are the biggest source of savings for Travel Agents. Aside from that, you can save a lot of money on Disney cruises, Aulani, Adventures by Disney, and pretty much anything else they own.

You can get some very good deals on any of them, just as you can on resorts. I’ve seen cruise accommodations marked down from $1600 to $800. This is dependent on ship availability, and rooms are normally released roughly two months before the departure date. This means you’ll have less time to prepare for your trip, but you’ll save money.

Do travel agents get a discount at Disney?

Once you have finished (or renewed) your training, Disney normally provides the following agent discounts: A Disneyland Resort Hotel is around 50% discounted. A Walt Disney World Resort Hotel is around 50% off. Aulani hotel rooms are discounted by 30-40%.

What’s the benefit of using a Disney travel agent?

Your Disney Travel Agent serves as both your primary point of contact and an emergency contact. When you plan your Walt Disney World vacation via a Disney travel agency, you will deal directly with one individual. Not having to coordinate with someone for your resort, another for your ticket bookings, and still another for transportation.

What percentage do Disney travel agents get?

How much commission do you get when you sell Disney or Universal holiday packages? The fee for Disney and Universal holidays ranges from 3% to 13%, depending on how many you sell. You should also keep in mind that most Host Agencies will take a portion of your commission as well.

Do travel agents get discounted rates?

Travel agents may get travel discounts for hotel stays, vehicle rentals, cruises, and excursions in addition to making a livelihood and assisting their customers in planning trips and holidays.

Is booking with a Disney agent worth it?

Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner may alleviate the burden of organizing a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation, which can be a difficult and intimidating undertaking for first-time visitors. Even if you are a frequent tourist, a travel agent may make your life much simpler. (Revised on May 18, 2022.)

Can you negotiate with Disney?

No, you cannot negotiate DVC costs when purchasing directly from Disney. Each Disney Vacation Club resort has a fixed per-point pricing. At the time of writing, the lowest price for DVC at Walt Disney World Resort was $190 per point in Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Do you tip a Disney travel agent?

The tip may be included in the fee depending on the agency you choose. Make sure to inquire about this while making your reservation. In general, tip about 15-20% of the price.

How do Disney agents get paid?

When a Disney travel agent organizes a trip for a customer, Disney pays a 10% commission to the host agency, which then transfers the agent’s portion of the commission to him or her. Please keep in mind that Disney does not pay out the commission until after the trip has been finished.

How much extra do you pay using a travel agent?

“The only time there could be a cost is if I purchase direct flight solely,” he says. “Those costs vary from from $25 to $75 per ticket, depending on the agency.” Another benefit of utilizing a travel agent?

How many hours do Disney travel agents work?

People underestimate the amount of hard labor and time necessary. It takes time to become a good agent (40+ hours a week and a year of hard effort to get started).

What can travel agents write off?

Tax Breaks for Work-from-Home Travel Agents One of the numerous benefits of running a home-based travel agency franchise is the tax breaks you may be eligible for. Mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and residential upkeep, as well as travel expenditures, may be deductible.

Is it cheaper to book through a travel agent or do it yourself?

According to Seaton, booking via a travel agency is usually not more expensive. She claims that, although some agents will charge you a modest planning fee, many agencies, including hers, do not. “We are paid a commission from the merchant on the back end, so that’s how we earn our money,” she said.

How big of a discount do travel agents get?

(For example, depending on the itinerary, group size, and when you book, you may enjoy travel agency (and companion) discounts ranging from 25% to 100% for Globus brands.) Familiarization (FAM) Excursions: In my opinion, FAM trips are more of a bonus than a discount or rate from a travel agency.

Do you pay more booking through a travel agent?

They are normally free of charge. It’s a common misconception that dealing with a travel agency would cost you more money; most are compensated by commissions from the hotel or outfitter.

How much does a Disney travel agent make a year?

Typically, the agent receives 75-80% of the commission, so in the case above, they would get $750. The typical Disney travel agency pay in 2021, according to GlassDoor, is $43,000, making this an appealing profession for someone who loves Disney.

Is it cheaper to book Disney in advance?

Having said that, prospective guests (who book in advance via the Disney Park Pass System) should anticipate the early portion of the year (January, February, and March) to be cheaper as normal, making it one of the cheapest times of year to visit Disney World.

How much does a certified Disney travel agent make?

Average The hourly wage for a Walt Disney Company Travel Agent in the United States is around $13.31, which is 20% less than the national average.

What is a reasonable Disney budget?

10 Cheap Ways to Visit Disney World. A trip to Disney World may cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 or more for a family of four, which is a lot of money. However, you can do it for less. There are several methods to save money on your Disney dream vacation—up to thousands of dollars, in fact.

How can I pay less for Disney?

Here are my top tips for how to save money on Disney tickets:

• Purchase discounted tickets.
• Visit during the cheaper months.
• Don’t purchase more tickets than you need.
• Use discounted Disney gift cards to pay for your tickets (if applicable)
• Take your children before they reach the age of three.
• Purchase prior to the yearly price hike.

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How Much Do Disney Travel Agents Make Per Booking?

As a Disney travel agent, your earnings are directly tied to the bookings you make. But exactly how much can you expect to earn per booking? The answer depends on several factors, including the cost of the trip, your commission split with your agency, and any additional incentives or bonuses you may receive.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of how much Disney travel agents make per booking, with insights from experienced agents in the industry. We’ll also explore how you can maximize your earnings and build a successful career as a Disney travel agent. This should help you determine if Disney travel agents make good money and, ultimately, whether being a Disney travel agent is worth it.

Understanding Commission Splits

The primary way Disney travel agents earn money is through commissions. When you book a Disney vacation package for a client, Disney pays a base commission to your agency, which then splits that commission with you based on a predetermined percentage.

• Base Commission:  Disney pays your agency between 10% and 16% of the cost of the trip. Disney World vacations always earn 10%, while Disney Cruises and Adventures by Disney may earn up to 16% depending on how many the agency books each year.
• Most start around 50/50 for new agents, meaning you’ll receive half of the commission paid by Disney. (Some agencies do give new agents a split lower than 50/50, meaning you earn less than the agency does — so review any job offers very carefully).
• As you gain experience and prove your value to your agency, your commission split may increase to 60/40, 70/30, or even 80/20 in your favor.
• You may receive different splits depending on whether you found the client yourself or were provided a lead by the agency.
• Splits are usually calculated based on the remaining base commission after any booking incentives for clients (such as cruise onboard credits) have been deducted.

After factoring in the base commission rate and subtracting the agency’s share of it, you will typically net between 4% and 12.8% of the cost of each Disney trip you book.

This wide range of possibilities can significantly impact how much Disney travel agents make per year .

Typical Commissions Per Booking

So, what does this look like in terms of actual earnings? Let’s consider a few examples:

For a $5,000 Disney World vacation package (such as a shorter trip):

• Disney pays a 10% commission to the agency, which equals $500
• With a 50/50 split, you’d earn $250
• With a 70/30 split, you’d earn $350
• With an 80/20 split, you’d earn $400

Commission split ratios affect how much money you earn

For an average-priced Disney World vacation package , which is estimated to cost around $6,559 for a family of four in 2024:

• Disney pays a 10% commission to the agency, which equals $655.90
• With a 50/50 split, you’d earn $327.95
• With a 70/30 split, you’d earn $459.13
• With an 80/20 split, you’d earn $524.72

For a $10,000 Disney vacation package (such as longer Disney World, Disney Cruise, or Adventures by Disney packages):

• Disney pays a 10-16% base commission to the agency, which equals $1,000-$1,600
• With a 50/50 split, you’d earn $500-$800
• With a 70/30 split, you’d earn $700-$1,120
• With an 80/20 split, you’d earn $800-$1,280

Some agencies get higher commission on cruises, which earns you more money than a land vacation at the same price.

As you can see, the higher the cost of the vacation package (and the higher the base commission rate), the more you can potentially earn per booking.

To see more examples of how much you could earn for booking a client’s trip, try our interactive Disney Travel Agent Commission Calculator .

Additional Considerations for Commissions

It’s important to remember that these figures are before taxes and any other fees or expenses you may incur as an independent contractor. It’s also worth noting that Disney travel agents do make a commission on tickets as part of the overall vacation package, but they don’t get paid for making dining reservations, specifically.

Real-World Insights from Disney Travel Agents

To better understand how much Disney travel agents make per booking, I sought the insights of several experienced agents.

Sarah, a full-time Disney travel agent, shares her experience:

“On average, I earn around $300 per booking, but it can range from $100 for a simple hotel reservation to over $1,000 for a deluxe cruise package or an Adventures by Disney trip. It really depends on the size and scope of the trip.”

Nicole, another seasoned agent, notes:

“My earnings per booking have increased over time as I’ve gained more experience and built a strong client base. I now have a higher commission split with my agency, which means I earn more per booking than when I first started.”

When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a Disney travel agent, it’s important to factor in not only the earnings per booking but also the possibility of receiving free Disney trips . Although it’s not guaranteed, many agents have the chance to visit Disney destinations firsthand, courtesy of their travel agency, at no extra cost to them. This can be a significant perk of the job.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Disney travel agent, our step-by-step guide can help you get started.

Maximizing Your Earnings Per Booking

To increase your earnings per booking, consider the following strategies:

• Encourage clients to book higher-value packages , such as deluxe resorts, suites, or premium experiences like private tours or special events.
• Upselling add-ons like dining plans, park hopper tickets, or travel insurance can increase the overall trip cost and, in turn, your commission.
• Stay informed about Disney promotions and discounts , which can help you attract more clients and boost your booking volume.
• Provide exceptional service to your clients , which can lead to repeat business and referrals, ultimately increasing your earnings over time.

In addition to these strategies, it’s crucial to develop the essential character traits of a successful Disney travel agent , such as passion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Investing in the right equipment for Disney travel agents can also help you work more efficiently and professionally.

In conclusion, the amount you can earn per booking as a Disney travel agent varies based on factors like the cost of the vacation package, your commission split, and your ability to upsell and maximize the value of each booking. By focusing on these elements, providing exceptional service, and continually growing your knowledge and client base, you can build a rewarding and profitable career as a Disney travel agent.

Our Recommended Disney Travel Agencies to Work For

If you’re considering becoming a Disney travel agent, two agencies stand out in the industry: The Vacationeer and EnchantAway Travel . Both offer competitive commission splits, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on agent success .

Researching these and other agencies can help you make an informed decision about where to begin your career as a Disney travel agent.

To learn more about what it takes to become a successful Disney travel agent, be sure to explore our other informative articles on topics such as the Disney travel agent job application process and the best Disney travel agencies to work for. By understanding the various aspects of this rewarding career, you can make an informed decision about whether becoming a Disney travel agent is right for you.

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How To Become A Disney Travel Agent – Get Started Today

The term “travel agent” can sound outdated at times. Who walks into a travel agent shop and books their vacation when it can all be done online? This is a valid question when it comes to travel in general. With websites like Expedia, Priceline and Google, there’s almost no reason to even speak with a person in this way. But Disney travel agents are different.

Disney knows that technology has advanced past the need of in person meetings when it comes to travel. This is why they have built a solid platform for their travel agents to use as they book clients vacations via the phone, internet and email.

This alone has sped up the process of booking a Disney vacation while keeping the personal touch of a human.

If you’ve ever tried to book a Disney vacation on your own without having done it before, it can be overwhelming. There are so many components for the theme parks and cruises that one can get lost very easily or miss out on something important.

That’s where a trained Disney travel agent comes in. Travel agents with Disney have been trained on all their vacations including theme parks, cruises, Adventures, Aulani and resorts.

This allows the trained agent to provide not just the basics of booking for a client, but inside information to make sure they get the most out of it. And when this happens, the client becomes one for life.

How To Become A Disney Travel Agent Selling Disney

To become a Disney specialized travel agent you first need to join an authorized travel agency that is registered with Disney as a seller of travel. MainStreet Travel is one of the easiest companies to join online as they typically get you started training same-day and ready for booking within 24-48 hours.

They are an approved agency with Disney and have been trained agents for over 10 years. Their program is easy to join , has friendly and helpful team managers, and most importantly, on-time with their commission payments.

Joining an agency like MainStreet takes little to no travel skill at all. This is because all your training is provided at the time of joining. The only “skill” you need to posses is a desire to book Disney vacations. A background in sales and customer service is always a plus.

The biggest thing that helps any new agent is if they have been on a vacation before to one of Disney’s resorts or on a cruise. If you have found yourself wanting to go back again and again, this job is probably right for you.

You’ll also want to have a dedicated workspace for when you do get started. Training and booking in a quiet place whether at an office or home is desirable. You don’t want to be booking a clients vacation while your dog is barking or kids are hitting you with pillows (this has happened).

You always want to sound and be professional when it comes to booking so having a place to go is something you’ll want to make sure you have.

You’ll want to make sure you have access to a computer full-time, a phone and the internet. Most of your bookings will come via email or online through websites like Facebook or Instagram. Thus being able to respond to these, even on the go, is important.

Make sure you brush up on your communication skills as well. While most bookings are not done over the phone, some guests do like to speak to you like this so be ready.

There will be guests who know exactly what they want to book when they reach out to you and there will be some who know nothing and will rely on your expertise to help book them a magical vacation. When you’re prepared for all of the above, that’s when you’ll succeed the most.

Can I become a Disney Travel Agent on my own?

You will need to join an agency in order to become a Disney Travel Agent and sell travel to clients. This is due to the need of many certificates and licenses that agencies already have in order to work with suppliers and states.

Becoming a Travel Agent During the Pandemic

It may seem like during the global pandemic, with travel slower than normal, it’s the worst time to become an agent specializing in Disney travel. The truth is, it’s just the opposite. The need for agents once travel gets back to 100% is going to be tremendous. Once airlines and resorts reopen fully, with no limitations, people are going to want to travel. Even as we write this, Summer have been selling out at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line. And the demand is only going to increase come summer/fall time.

What this means for anyone considering becoming an agent with a focus on Disney is now is the best time to get yourself situated and trained because come post-COVID, things are going to get crazy and there will be a lot of people booking Disney vacations .

Lastly, Disney has suffered through a lot during the pandemic with closures and full stops but demand has never changed. Traveling in general has become harder but now more than ever people want to get back to Disney to resume what they already had planned all along.

How Much Money Does A Disney Travel Agent Make Selling Disney?

Don’t put it past yourself to ask this question. While it’s fun to help others book their vacations, you deserve compensation for your time and effort.

Of course this question is a loaded one as there are some many factors that go into it including vacation type, how many guests are traveling, accommodation type, tickets, if they need airfare or transportation and anything else you can think of that a guest may utilize while gone.

The standard industry pay on a vacation package is 10% to the agency. This is the price before taxes are added. Some components like airfare may pay less than 10% or not at all. When it comes to Disney, you can typically expect an agency to get 10% across the board with a few exceptions.

Now as an agent working for an agency, you are going to collect a bit less than this. Why? Because most agencies take about half of your commission for themselves. This is an industry standard but does have some flexibility. Many will offer a tier program that lets you keep more as you book more.

An agency like MainStreet or Boardwalk actually starts you out at 70% and then lets you go up from there. To date, they are the highest paying agency for new agents. What this means is, an agent working for MainStreet who books a vacation with a commission of let’s say $425 will ultimately collect $297.50 at 70%.

When an agent completes a booking, most of the time they are going to be paid after the travel takes place. This is because Disney only pays after the guest has travelled, for obvious reasons. Cancelled trips don’t pay thus agencies have to wait.

As an agent, you can expect to be paid within 30 days after your guests have finished traveling. MainStreet however, will complete the payment to you within 7 days or less which is another nice perk that they offer.

Most agents are paid by direct deposit or check though some can be paid by PayPal or Venmo.

Any agent who books one vacation package a month can expect to make about $200-$300. This is because the average package costs a client around $2,500 to $3,500 for Disneyland in Southern California and about $3,500-$4,000 at Walt Disney World.

Some vacations, like Disney Cruise Line , will earn an agent well over $300 on a single booking as most cruises run the average family $5,000 to $6,000.

There are so many ways to bring this number up as well with add-ons so keep that in mind.

We’ve had many people ask us what the Disney Travel Agent salary is per year. There is no “salary” per se as an agent is paid based on their bookings and there’s no guarantee on the amount of these an agent does.

If you’re looking for something that pay hourly or a salary each year as an agent, this is not the job for you. However, the upside is that your earnings are unlimited.

For instance, a booking could net you several hundred dollars. Doing a few of these each week would pay much more than earning $12 an hour.

Do I Have To Start A Business To Become An Agent?

That’s totally up to you! No matter what you choose to do, you will always be considered an independent contractor to an agency and not an employee. What this means is that you will receive your full pay without any taxes being taken out by them.

This also means that when you file your taxes, you’ll need to pay any taxes you might owe, whether you’re a sole proprietor (yourself as a business) or as a business.

There can be benefits to both of these and we would highly recommend talking to your tax person to figure out what’s best for you. Don’t let any of these ideas scare you from starting. It’s actually much easier than you think and so are the taxes.

Many travel agents like to register as an LLC for the protection that it offers as well as the various tax write-offs. Again, we’re not offering professional advice here so talk with an expert. Typically this is done when you expect to be paid more than a certain amount each year.

We’ve seen agents write off their computers, phone and office space. Basically anything you use to work your job and provide for your clients can typically be written off. Just something to keep in mind as you move forward.

What Is Disney’s Travel Agent Training Like?

It’s pretty simple actually. Agencies like MainStreet will send you a welcome packet after you’ve joined. It goes over everything including pay, perks (see below) and how to start your training.

Training is done online and in most cases can be started right away. Disney offers something called the College of Disney Knowledge which helps train a new agent on each of the destinations they offer. This includes Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Aulani, Disney Cruise Line , Adventures by Disney and their beach resorts.

The entire training process can be done in about 24 hrs though we highly recommend taking it slow to begin with. You really want to learn what’s being taught as we guarantee you’ll use it as some point.

College of Disney Knowledge sessions are done in Powerpoint presentation with voiceover. There are times where you will watch videos and visit the Disney Travel Agent website for references.

You can pause, stop and continue any lesson later if needs be. Each lesson has a quiz at the end and to become “certified” you’ll need to complete all the core lessons and then take a 50 question quiz to pass.

While studying super hard probably isn’t necessary, you will want to take notes. Memorizing cruise ship names and the names of restaurants they offer isn’t something to just glaze over.

You’ll also be expected to know different vacation components like tickets and their options, resort hotels, lands inside the parks and names of firework shows to name a few.

Even going beyond Disney and into the realm of Universal Vacations , the training is the same. Work at your own speed.

Are There Any Perks To Disney’s Travel Agent Program?

Of course! One of the great things about the DTA program is that they want their agents to be involved in what they sell. This means offering some special discounts so agents can visit and familiarize themselves with resorts and cruises.

We will highlight one thing before getting into the details: All perks from Disney are subject to change. While we have not seen them change per se in over 5 years, this doesn’t mean they won’t. Basically, don’t bank on something.

Disney typically offers the following agent discounts once you have completed (or renewed) your training:

• About 50% off a Disneyland Resort Hotel
• About 50% off a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel
• About 30-40% off an Aulani hotel room
• About 50% off a Disney Cruise Line Booking
• One free 1-day Disneyland Park Hopper Ticket
• One free 1-day Walt Disney World Hopper Ticket OR a deeply discounted multi-day Hopper Ticket
• Discounted Adventures by Disney Itineraries
• Discounted River Cruises through Adventures by Disney

Again, these are earned upon completion of your training each year AND proof of a CLIA or IATA membership.

Your CLIA or IATA membership will come from your agency. While some agencies enroll you for free into these programs, there is a cost for your agent ID card at $120 per calendar year. This ID card is necessary to book any of the above perks. Be aware that there are agencies that require you book so much before giving you access to a CLIA card. Programs like MainStreet do not.

While it may seem steep, the savings on any one of those components will easily cover (and then some) the cost of the ID. If you don’t plan to travel in a certain year, then you don’t have to get it.

Completion of your training and your ID card is required to complete your booking of any of these perks. Booking is done online and in real time meaning you should only book once you have completed everything and have your CLIA card.

What’s an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” or “Earmarked” Agency?

A lot of people come across this term or marking on agency websites. The term Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is part of an optional program that private agencies can join. The program, referred to as “Earmarked” is a way for Disney to recognize agencies who have consistently sold a certain level of revenue for each product (Aulani, Disney Cruise Line, Walt Disney World) for at least two years in a row.

By doing so, Disney invites these agencies to participate in the Earmarked program. Agencies who accept can reach different levels within the program including silver, gold, platinum, etc. Agencies must improve upon their sales each year in every category or they face removal from the program. There is no difference in how travel agencies book whether they participate in the program or not.

Host agencies typically do not participate in the program due to having independent contractors instead of employees. Again, the program is completely optional and up to the agency to decide whether they want to participate in it or not. Agencies who are not Earmarked are still authorized to book Disney vacations and have the same tools as those who are.

Best Disney Host Agency

A host agency provides you with access to suppliers, support and tools. a Disney Host Agency does just this for Disney Destinations including Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Aulani, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney. You’ll gain access to and be able to sell them making commission.

We’ve already mentioned them serval times but right now the best Disney Travel Host Agency to join is MainStreet Travel. They have been growing for several years and have moved from private to host in the last year. This means that they are accepting agents to join their program right now.

We love MainStreet Travel for a lot of things but here’s our top list:

• 70% of all commission paid (industry average is 50%)
• Tons of suppliers – Disney, Universal, Cruise Lines, VAX, Sandals, Expedia and more!
• No monthly or yearly fees. Just a one-time $99 fee to join.
• Online training – Train online at your own pace.
• CLIA access – Get your CLIA card for agent benefits
• Online Tutorials – Lean how to complete tasks, market, and train through videos.
• Giveaways and benefits every month including cash.
• Support – Live chat, email and phone support.

There’s a lot more to their program but as a Disney Host Agency, you won’t find a better option. Take a look at their agent website and go thought their FAQ’s.

How Do I Market Myself To Clients?

While an agency gives you everything you need to book a clients vacation, finding that client can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing.

The best place to start is social media. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and the top three places to create profiles. TikTok is also becoming a great place to get followers.

Create a profile and then invite your friends and family. Ask them to share your page or profile with their friends. Let them know you book Disney vacations and you should get a pretty good response as most people love Disney.

On your pages, stay active with posts about special offers and fun tips or hacks. While these take very little effort, they can produce great results as people get excited when they learn about cool Disney things.

You can list yourself with Google My Business so that when people search for Disney vacations in your area, your name pops up. This is a great way to get locals to your website/phone/email asking questions and eventually booking.

On Facebook, join local community pages and let people know you’re available to book Disney vacations and how they can reach out to you.

There’s an endless number of options to get potential clients talking to you. Be patient though. Bookings don’t just come overnight (sometimes they do). Keep at it and eventually it will pay off.

Are There Minimum Booking Requirements?

For some agencies there are and for some there are not. It comes down to the one you join. Some may require you to book at least once a month or maybe even once a year. These ones don’t have a dollar minimum so all you need to do is complete a booking, whatever that may be.

Other agencies may require you to hit a minimum dollar booking amount, say $5,000 each year. Not hitting this mark may cause revocation of your agent status or a decline in your commission percentage.

The MainStreet agency has no minimums for agents so whether you book once a year, never a year or 3 times a year, you’re an agent. Agents who book more than 35 bookings a year with them can increase their commission percentage, up from 70%.

What Is The College of Disney Knowledge?

Travel Agents wanting to sell Disney Destinations will take the College of Disney Knowledge training courses provided by Disney. The College gives agents an introduction to all their products including Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, Adventures by Disney and the Disneyland Resort. Courses consist of video presentations as well as quizzes at the end of each one.

Each year travel agents have to retake the basic courses that have been updated with new information. To graduate from the College of Disney Knowledge agents must complete each of the basic courses and then pass the annual assessment that consists of 25 questions about all 5 products. After passing with 80% or more agents receive a certificate showing that they have successfully completed the College of Disney Knowledge.

Outside of the 5 basic courses, agents can also take advanced classes that dive deeper into each product. These courses are being updated throughout the year and are not required to take.

Agents who pass also receive access to yearly benefits that include hotel and ticket offers at a discounted rate for the agent.

In order to join and train in the College agents must join an agency like MainStreet Travel. Once under them they can register and start taking the classes.

Make sure you look for a reputable travel agency who can help you sell Disney products. If you want to focus on just Disney, find someone like MainStreet who does just this . They offer free E&O insurance, are a Registered Seller of Travel in CA and FL and they offer superb customer service.

You should know that being an agent requires a time commitment, especially during training. You’ll want to focus on getting this done and learning all you can before you start selling.

Working from home is a nice perk but you’ll want to make sure you have a few items including a laptop, internet and phone.

Agents get paid a commission and it typically isn’t at the time of booking. It’s when the travel has taken place by your guest. Once done, an agency will pay once the supplier has paid them.

It’s a great idea to create a Facebook Page for your agency and invite friends and family to like it. Then keep active posting deals and fun trip ideas. These get people excited about taking a Disney vacation and can easily turn into bookings. List your agency online so people can find a Disney travel agent near them.

Joining the right agency can make or break your experience so be sure to choose one that can support you!

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Walt Disney World Swan Reserve: Exclusive Travel Agent Discounts

Overview of walt disney world swan reserve.

Welcome to our blog, where we bring you the latest and most exciting travel destinations and opportunities. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the enchanting Walt Disney World Swan Reserve . Situated in the heart of the magical Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, this exclusive property offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a luxurious retreat that seamlessly blends modern elegance with the enchantment and wonder of Disney. Boasting stunning architecture, impeccable service, and a prime location, this resort is a haven for travelers seeking the ultimate Disney experience. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure to the world of Disney, the Swan Reserve promises to exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Importance of travel agent discounts

As a travel agent, you play a crucial role in guiding travelers to their dream destinations. Your expertise and knowledge are invaluable when it comes to curating unique and personalized vacations. At the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, your role becomes even more significant, as you have the opportunity to offer your clients exclusive discounts and benefits that will enhance their Disney experience.

Travel agent discounts at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve are not only a perk for you, but also a way to provide added value to your clients. By accessing these discounts, you can offer your clients a more affordable and accessible way to enjoy the magic of Disney. This not only strengthens your relationship with your clients but also showcases your dedication to providing exceptional service.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the benefits of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve for travel agents, as well as explore how you can access these exclusive discounts. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the wonders that await you at this extraordinary destination!

Benefits of Walt Disney World Swan Reserve for Travel Agents

Travel agents who partner with Walt Disney World Swan Reserve enjoy a wide range of exclusive benefits that enhance their professional experience and provide added value to their clients. From exclusive discounts and offers to access to special events and training, the Swan Reserve is a haven for travel agents seeking to provide exceptional service to their clients.

Exclusive Discounts and Offers

One of the primary benefits of partnering with Walt Disney World Swan Reserve as a travel agent is the access to exclusive discounts and offers . These discounts are specifically tailored for travel agents, allowing them to book rooms at the Swan Reserve at a reduced rate. This not only enables agents to save money on their own accommodations but also empowers them to pass on these savings to their clients, making their services even more attractive. With these exclusive discounts, travel agents can offer their clients a truly memorable and affordable stay at one of Disney’s most prestigious resorts.

Enhanced Client Experience

When travel agents partner with Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, they gain the ability to provide their clients with an enhanced client experience . The Swan Reserve goes above and beyond to cater to the needs and desires of guests, ensuring that every aspect of their stay is exceptional. From luxurious accommodations to world-class amenities, the Swan Reserve sets the stage for a truly magical vacation. By offering their clients the opportunity to stay at this exclusive resort, travel agents can elevate their reputation and establish themselves as trusted advisors who go the extra mile to create unforgettable experiences.

Access to Special Events and Training

Another significant advantage of partnering with Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is the unique opportunity to participate in special events and training . The Swan Reserve hosts exclusive events specifically for travel agents, where they can network with industry professionals, gain insights into the latest trends and innovations, and expand their knowledge base. These events provide travel agents with invaluable resources and connections, enabling them to offer their clients the most up-to-date and relevant information. Additionally, the Swan Reserve offers specialized training programs that empower travel agents to become experts in Disney travel, ensuring they can provide the highest level of service to their clients.

In conclusion, travel agents who partner with Walt Disney World Swan Reserve gain access to a host of benefits that enhance their professional journey. From exclusive discounts and offers to an enhanced client experience and access to special events and training, the Swan Reserve equips travel agents with the tools they need to excel in their field. By taking advantage of these benefits, travel agents can elevate their services and provide their clients with truly exceptional and unforgettable Disney vacations.

How to Access Travel Agent Discounts at Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

To take advantage of the exciting travel agent discounts available at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, there are a few simple steps that travel agents need to follow. By following these steps, agents can unlock exclusive offers and provide their clients with an unparalleled experience at this one-of-a-kind resort.

Registering as a Travel Agent

The first step in accessing travel agent discounts at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is to register as a travel agent. This process is straightforward and ensures that agents can enjoy the many benefits and perks available to them. By registering, agents gain access to a world of opportunities and can begin making their clients’ dreams come true.

Partnering with Authorized Agencies

In addition to registering as a travel agent, another way to access travel agent discounts at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is by partnering with authorized agencies. These agencies have established relationships with the resort, allowing their agents to enjoy exclusive offers and discounts. By partnering with an authorized agency, agents can maximize their benefits and provide their clients with exceptional value.

Proof of Eligibility

To access the travel agent discounts at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, agents must provide proof of eligibility. This may include documentation such as a valid IATA or CLIA card, proof of employment with a registered travel agency, or other relevant credentials. By providing proof of eligibility, agents can ensure that they meet the criteria to access the exclusive discounts and offers available.

By following these simple steps, travel agents can unlock a world of travel agent discounts at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. Whether it’s registering as a travel agent, partnering with authorized agencies, or providing proof of eligibility, agents can enjoy the many benefits and perks that come with being a part of this extraordinary resort. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to provide your clients with an unforgettable experience. Start accessing those travel agent discounts and make their dreams come true today!

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Tips for Maximizing Travel Agent Discounts

As a travel agent, staying up to date with the latest promotions and offers is essential to maximize the benefits of Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. By staying abreast of the current discounts and promotions, you can ensure that you take advantage of every opportunity to save money and provide your clients with the best deals available.

To stay informed, make it a habit to regularly check the official website of Walt Disney World Swan Reserve for any new promotions or discounts. Additionally, sign up for their newsletter or follow their social media accounts to receive updates directly in your inbox or feed. By doing so, you will be among the first to know about any exclusive offers or limited-time deals that may arise.

Another valuable resource for travel agents is the availability of comprehensive training and resources provided by Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. They offer specialized training sessions and workshops that cover various aspects of their resort, including accommodations, dining options, and recreational activities. By taking advantage of these training opportunities, you can deepen your knowledge and expertise, allowing you to better serve your clients and provide them with personalized recommendations.

Furthermore, don’t forget to extend the benefits of the travel agent discounts to your clients. As you plan their vacation to Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, highlight the exclusive discounts and offers they can enjoy as a result of booking through you. Emphasize the value they will receive by saving money on accommodations and possibly even additional perks such as complimentary upgrades or special amenities. By showcasing these benefits, you not only enhance the value of your services but also strengthen your relationship with your clients.

In conclusion, by staying up to date with promotions, utilizing the available resources and training, and offering the benefits to your clients, you can maximize the travel agent discounts offered by Walt Disney World Swan Reserve. This proactive approach will not only save you money but also elevate your expertise as a travel agent, enabling you to provide exceptional service to your clients. So, keep an eye out for the latest promotions, invest time in training, and share the advantages with your clients to unlock the full potential of travel agent discounts at Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

In conclusion, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is a dream destination for travel agents looking to experience the magic of Disney while enjoying exclusive discounts and benefits. By partnering with authorized agencies and proving their eligibility, travel agents can unlock a world of opportunities for themselves and their clients.

The importance of travel agent discounts cannot be overstated. Travel agents play a vital role in helping clients plan their vacations, and being able to offer exclusive discounts and offers at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve enhances their credibility and attracts more clients. These discounts not only provide cost savings but also create a sense of exclusivity and value for clients, making their vacation experience even more memorable.

One of the key benefits of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve for travel agents is the access to exclusive discounts and offers. These discounts can range from reduced room rates to special packages that include dining and entertainment options. By staying up to date with the latest promotions, travel agents can maximize their savings and pass on the benefits to their clients, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

In addition to the financial benefits, travel agents who book their clients at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve can also enjoy an enhanced client experience. The resort offers a range of amenities and services that cater specifically to travel agents, including dedicated concierge services and personalized assistance. This ensures that both travel agents and their clients receive top-notch service and have a seamless and memorable vacation.

Another advantage of accessing travel agent discounts at the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is the opportunity to attend special events and training. The resort regularly hosts workshops, seminars, and networking events exclusively for travel agents, allowing them to expand their knowledge, network with industry professionals, and stay on top of the latest trends in the travel industry. This not only enhances their professional development but also enables them to provide valuable insights and recommendations to their clients.

In order to access these travel agent discounts, travel agents must register themselves as authorized agents and partner with authorized agencies. They will need to provide proof of eligibility, such as a valid travel agent identification card or a letter of authorization from their agency. Once they have met these requirements, they can start enjoying the exclusive benefits and discounts offered by the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.

To maximize their travel agent discounts, it is important for travel agents to stay up to date with the latest promotions and offers. By regularly checking the resort’s website and subscribing to their newsletter, travel agents can ensure that they don’t miss out on any exciting opportunities. Additionally, utilizing the resources and training provided by the resort can further enhance their knowledge and expertise, enabling them to provide exceptional service to their clients.

Lastly, travel agents should not forget to offer the benefits of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve to their clients. By highlighting the exclusive discounts and perks available at the resort, travel agents can attract more clients and provide them with a truly magical and unforgettable vacation experience. Sharing the details of the travel agent discounts with clients can also help build trust and loyalty, as it demonstrates the travel agent’s commitment to providing the best possible value and experiences.

In conclusion, the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve offers travel agents a unique opportunity to enjoy exclusive discounts, enhanced client experiences, and access to special events and training. By taking advantage of these benefits and sharing them with their clients, travel agents can elevate their professional standing and create unforgettable vacation memories for their clients. So, why wait? Register as a travel agent, partner with authorized agencies, and start exploring the wonders of the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve today!

For more information on travel agent discounts at other Disney resorts, check out Disney’s Pop Century Resort Travel Agent Discounts and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Travel Agent Discounts .

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