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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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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

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.

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Disney Cruise Lines 101 for Travel Agents

We’ve talked at length about all things Disney  here , here , and here . But for those of you with clients that aren’t inclined toward land-dwelling vacations to Disney World or Disneyland, I present to you Disney Cruise Lines (DCL), where the Disney Magic sets sail on the high seas (I swear I am not getting paid by Disney to say that, it just came out that way). 

Disney recently announced that they will almost double their fleet. By 2023, Disney will have completed three new ships. So this is as good a time as any to brush up on DCL knowledge. This is where I go into my refrain about how travel agents are smarter than me. So I chatted with a few agents who are DCL extraordinaires, Nikki Miller of Travel with Nikki, and Connie Saunders, owner of Total Travel and Events.

A Disney Cruise is not your average cruise, and similar to the complexity of booking Disney World, there tend to be more moving parts than on more “conventional” cruise lines. According to Nikki,

“After you make the initial reservation is where things are different [with DCL]—making sure your clients are informed of things that are pre-booked and prearranged. Say for the character meet and greets, princess meet and greets specifically.”

Especially for first-time DCL cruises, clients may need more information regarding advanced reservations for cruise activities, dining, nursery care, and add-ons such as Adventure By Disney tours (which are no longer packaged with Disney Cruise).

Why Should I Book DCL?

Here’s the thing about Disney—you will probably never have to explain the Disney brand to any of your clients unless they are a Neanderthal that was buried alive in the Pleistocene era and then excavated from a vast tundra and thawed into a new 21st-century life. 

Disney is ubiquitous. You won’t need to do much legwork for their brand, won’t need to explain how it’s different from other cruise lines, and clients are more likely to purchase a Disney cruise sight unseen because Disney sells itself.

DCL—like every Disney product is steadfast in its price stability and generally operates at a higher price point than the average cruise. This means that even though the commissions are frozen at a slim 10%, you know exactly what kind of commission you’re going to walk away with on any given day. 

The other advantage is that DCL incentivizes clients to really commit to taking the cruise since there are fewer itineraries (read, higher demand) and because DCL also incentivizes clients to make full payment sooner than later. So with DCL, clients are more likely to book earlier and less likely to cancel.

Qualifying the Disney Cruise Client

The Disney Cruise is a concentrated Disney World experience—all the magic on one tiny boat (err, without the epic rides). A Disney Cruise offers more flexibility among intergenerational groups to do as little or as much as they want.

While most parents won’t unleash young kiddos at Disney World (I know, it might be tempting to ditch them with Snow White), on the DCL, kids can run off to various Kids Clubs while moms or pops or caretakers just chill all day by the (adult-only) pool. It’s easy for everyone to go at their own pace. 

Miller offered a great time-saving tip to register your kiddos for the different Kids Clubs (listed below) at the port terminal before you board. This will save to save on your precious, bonafide on-board vacation time. Might as well. You’ll probably be waiting anyway :)

Miller provided a few things to consider when qualifying DCL clients:

• Kids younger than 3:  The minimum age for kiddos to sail is 6mo or 1 year for transatlantic itineraries. Kids who are younger than three do not qualify for Kids Club programs. What this means is that if you want time away from your baby, you will have to use their “It’s a Small World” nursery service. The bummer about this is that reservations are required, so your cruising parents won’t be able to partake in any spontaneous adulting at the bars, restaurants, or pools. Rates run $9/hr for the first kid and 8/hr for any kid after that. 
• Kids 3-12: All the Disney ships have an Oceaneer Youth Club and Lab, with open registration on embarkation day. Beyond the age requirement, the only other eligibility factor is that the kids need to be potty trained. Each ship has a different theme, so if not having Frozen or the Millennial Falcon is a deal breaker for your clients’ kids, make sure you study up to see what ship has what
• Tweens (11-14):  The Edge is the DCL haven for tweens, and similar to the Oceaneer Club and Lab, you register the tweens on embarkation day. In general, there seems to be consistency across the different vessels, but the Disney Magic and Wonder (unlike the Fantasy and Dream) provide a craft table for the artsy crowd.
• Teens (14-17):  The Vibe is for those adult imposters tagging along with you :). They provide a “club” feel and are exclusive to teens (sorry, no helicopter parenting allowed). The Vibe on the Disney Dream and Fantasy has more amenities, including an outdoor poolside deck and the Chill Spa.

Know Thy Teen:

Let’s face it: the teen years can be awkward (seriously, can I get a show of hands?). Nikki Miller had great advice when it came to teens, “When I’m looking at clients and they have older kids, that’s where it’s a little harder. A first-time teenager going on a DCL is not always the best fit unless they’re going with a group of friends and cousins or they go to the teen club together. You have to find the right type of teen, the older teen might not be as into it . . . It’s just kind of talking to them about what their teen is like. Do they like to chill on their own and be fine, do they like activities?”

DCL Is Not Just for Kiddos

Don’t be fooled by the princesses and pirates and playrooms galore. Disney also has adult-only options abound on their cruises for dining, at Castaway Cay, pubs, clubs, and lounges galore. With the intensive children’s programming on DCL, oftentimes the kids are corralled into certain areas so they’re—*ahem*—easy to avoid if you want to.

In regard to the adult experience on DCL, Connie Saunders said, 

“For my 50th birthday my husband said, you can go anywhere in the world, what do you want to do? And I asked to go on a Disney Cruise. It’s got a special place in my heart. They make it very unique and very special.”

Pitching dcl to clients:.

As with any type of travel, a Disney Cruise is easier to sell if you have the kind of passion for the product that agents like Nikki and Connie have expressed in this article.

According to Connie, “As an agent, it’s important to do lots of site-market research where you go travel on these different brands so you’re aware of what makes them good for different clients. [Clients] trust you as a subject matter expert because you’ve done it. I can still talk to [families with young children] because I can remember when my children were younger. I can tell them about my daughter meeting Cinderella or when Chip and Dale came and sat by us at the poolside. It’s about the experience and the quality.”

If clients are trying to choose between Disney World and Disney cruise, Connie paints “the picture of standing in the lines of 95% and humidity at 100% Or do you want to be sailing to the Caribbean where there are only 2,500-3,000 people. It’s a more personal experience.”

But in the end, Disney’s brand is strong enough that it will pitch itself, and what you need to do is attract clients to pass that info along to by amping up your marketing game or doing some social media legwork . 

Castaway Cay Cabanas & Other Amenities: Increasing Your Clients’ Chances 

Castaway Cay is pretty much the holy grail of Disney Cruises, so it’s no wonder that they’re in high demand. Who doesn’t want to go lounge on a private island?! 

• Send Them On a Double Dip Cruise: If you’re thinking what I was thinking it’s probably, “What the heck is a double dip cruise?” Now that I’m in the know, I can tell you that it’s when a DCL cruise stops twice at Castaway Cay. If you want to beef up your clients’ chances at a cabana, send them on one of these itineraries. For cruises with two Castaway stops, you can check here for rumors , but make sure you confirm the rumors at the trusty Disney Agent Portal .  In general, the short 3-day cruises will be most difficult for the Princess meet and greets . . . a longer cruise means more opportunities. Plus, who doesn’t want to go on a longer cruise? 
• Persistence, Persistence, Persistence: Check out our Early Reservation Date Calculator for Disney to see when your client can throw their hat in for a reservation. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Check-in weekly to see if there were any cancellations. If that doesn’t work, then on the day you disembark, arrive as early as you can and hightail it to the Port Adventures Desk before you even think about dropping your bags in your stateroom. On the day of embarkation, you can be put on the waitlist for Castaway Cay, and also get tickets for Princess Meet and Greets—according to Nikki, some tickets for Princess Meet and Greets are reserved for day-of reservations, so don’t despair if you weren’t able to snag tickets before embarkation. 
• Sail Concierge: Okay, let me just be upfront in saying that this is going to cost a pretty penny. But especially for DCL first-timers (or fewer-timers), sailing concierge is a great way to give yourself an added advantage when it comes to nabbing a Cabana at Castaway Cay, and making sure you’re front in line for adult dining, meet and greets and port adventures. The concierge service will email clients 125 days before embarkation asking what amenities they want to book, and automatically enter it in at midnight 120 days before the ship sails. This gives clients the same lead time as Platinum members and provides the best chances of getting a Cabana. 

This is going to be a short section because Disney does not have a groups department. Why? Their reputation is as such that they don’t have to do anything extra to fill rooms. They coast on their reputation for excellent customer service. In short, if you want to book a group, you will need to book each member individually.

Becoming a DCL Expert:

• Disney College of Knowledge : Anyone who wants to specialize in DCL will want to go through the Disney College of Knowledge (DCK) . . . which is the case for any Disney vacation. Agents can beef up their continued education by taking refresher courses through DCK as well (and will need to in order to maintain certification)
• DCL’s DISboards : Connie also recommended DCL’s DISboard (this is how I learned what double dipping meant in Disney’s Cruise Line speak). The board will provide a lot of insider info for curious agents to come across as true Disney Cruise aficionados.
• Cruise Ship Inspections : According to Nikki, Disney has been offering more cruise ship inspections, and she recommends keeping your ear to the ground on the Disney Travel Agents website (another staple for Disney Agents) to keep abreast of any opportunities.

Your Patience, Rewarded

We have a few goodies for you!!! Oh yes, we do. These are some materials inspired by Nikki, who graciously gave me a preview of her custom-made client-facing materials she gives to her Disney Cruisers! What a rockstar!

We’ve adapted some of her ideas here, so you can spread the love to your clients too!

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent (2024 Update)

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

That’s why, in this definitive guide, I’ll explain the pros and cons of specializing in Disney travel. Then, I’ll show you the exact steps you need to take to pursue this career path.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

How to become a disney travel agent: 10-step process, faqs about becoming a disney travel agent, conclusion: is being a disney travel agent worth it.

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

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

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

1. Make a Good Income

Travel agents who focus on Disney vacations can make good money if they’re willing to put in the effort. This is a career in which what you put into it directly influences what you get out of it.

Being a Disney Travel agent is a job , not a hobby. You are paid to provide excellent service to your clients.

You can make good money in this profession, but it depends on how many trips you book and how much those trips cost.

That’s because Disney vacation planners do not receive a salary or hourly wage. They instead receive commission for each trip they book.

The agents who are most successful are those who:

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

We’ll discuss commissions in-depth later in this article.

2. Do What You Love

If you are a Disney fanatic, being a Disney travel agent may sound like the ultimate dream. You spend each work day thinking about, talking about, researching, and booking Disney Destinations.

What could be more rewarding than getting paid to do what you love?

You’re already obsessed with Disney – Imagine getting paid for it!

You’ll get a “dose of Disney” every day while planning magical vacations for your clients.

I can tell you from personal experience: booking a trip for someone else is almost as exciting as booking your own. And getting paid to do it makes it even better!

3. Work from Home… or Wherever!

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

For most people, this means setting up a quiet corner or extra room in their home to serve as their “office.”

Set up your workspace however you like it — it’s your home, after all!

But it doesn’t necessarily have to be work-from-home.

Some agents are full-time RVers who find that “home is where you park it.” Others might have a favorite café or local park where they do their best work. I know of at least one travel advisor near Orlando who sometimes works from Magic Kingdom or EPCOT!

Pretty much any place in the United States is fair game. It just needs to be reasonably quiet and have decent internet/phone service.

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

4. Work Flexible Hours

Travel agents generally have the freedom to set their own schedule.

Prefer a day shift? More of a night owl? Need to pick up the kids from school? The flexibility of being a travel agent makes it all possible.

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

5. Receive Potential Tax Benefits

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

Any Disney vacation you go on may be tax-deductible as a research expense if certain conditions are met. This ends up being a great perk for anyone that already spends a lot of time at Disney destinations.

Setting sail on another research trip

Other business expenses, such as office supplies and phone bills, may also be deductible.

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

6. Get Free Tickets and Discounts

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

Free Disney and Universal Tickets

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel agents on a FAM trip at Universal Studios

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

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

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

This is yet another reason to seek out a job with a high-level Disney travel agency. You’ll have access to more perks.

1. Understand How Commission Works for Travel Agents

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

Commission-Based Pay

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

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

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

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

Commission Split

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

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

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

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

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

Commission split ratios determine how much money you earn

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

As an example:

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

Just another reason to pick the right travel agency to work with!

For the Disney agencies with the best commission splits, we recommend The Vacationeer for full-time agents and Enchantaway Travel for those seeking part-time work. Both offer agent splits of up to 80%.

Delayed Commissions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning Fees

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

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

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

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

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

2. Watch Out for Shady Travel Agencies

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

Here are a few things to consider.

What’s the hiring process?

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

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

Do they charge you a fee to join?

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

Potentially scammy fees include:

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

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

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

Is their commission split fair?

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

Check their licenses and professional memberships

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

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

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

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

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

3. Become a Disney Expert

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

How can you educate yourself?

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

What should you learn about?

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

Go beyond the mouse

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

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

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

4. Know the 15 Characteristics of the Perfect Disney Travel Agent

Each Disney travel agency has its own set of criteria they require when hiring travel planners. Here are some of the most common characteristics Disney travel agencies seek from job candidates.

It’s no surprise that Disney travel agent jobs require a passion for Disney Destinations. There are so many Disney fanatics out there, why would any agency hire anyone but a genuine Disney enthusiast?

Disney Knowledge

It’s not enough just to love Disney. You must be experienced in visiting Disney Destinations . Agencies will want to know if you’ve actually been to some of these places you’ll be promoting.

It helps you make personalized recommendations for clients’ trips.

Firsthand knowledge also helps you translate what a client says into understanding what they want. If someone asks about “the restaurant in the castle,” you need to know it’s called Cinderella’s Royal Table so you can book it for them.

Extra Credit: Can you name this restaurant? A good Disney travel agent can!

Most Disney agencies want candidates who can devote as many hours as possible to their client’s needs. Becoming a Disney travel planner requires morning, afternoon, and nighttime phone calls and correspondence. Flexibility and availability is important to a host agency.

Detail-Oriented

Clients depend on Disney travel planners to take the headaches out of booking a trip . As their vacation planner, these hassles are your responsibility. You must possess excellent attention to detail when you book travel. One small error can complicate or even ruin a Disney trip. A reputation for making mistakes will doom you in this industry.

Well-Organized

You will be juggling multiple client trips at once. Having a good organizational system is key to keeping everything in order. You will need an efficient system to track all the key dates, dining reservations, payments, etc. Your agency may have dedicated software to help.

Proactive and Prompt

Disney travel agents must be proactive and prompt. Travel planners answer questions before they’re asked and prevent problems before they arise. They address their client’s questions and concerns quickly. They are always looking out for the best interests of their clients. A great agent automatically re-books the client’s vacation package when new savings promotions are launched.

New promotion? The best Disney Travel Planners are already rebooking eligible clients.

Solution-Oriented

Good agents love a challenge. A client might want something that’s not available. But you can’t just say “sorry.” You’ll need to find alternatives that still give them the type of experience they want.

Customer Service Skills

Travel professionals balance calmness and friendliness to put the client at ease. But they also have the confidence to make decisions and the ability to close the sale. You do not want to alienate potential clients with a bad attitude or a hard sales pitch; but you shouldn’t be wishy-washy in the process.

Good Communication Skills

Like many sales roles , Disney travel agent jobs require good communications skills. You must possess excellent written and verbal skills. Effective agents are upbeat, articulate, and helpful. This doesn’t just apply to phone conversations.

It’s not always easy to convey a pleasant tone via texts and emails, so avoid writing anything that sounds abrupt, angry, or unsympathetic.

Marketing and Social Media Savvy

Some larger agencies may provide a few business leads. But the most successful agents mainly find their own clients.

Community groups, social media, and word of mouth are just a few ways to promote yourself. Knowing how to market your business increases your chance for success. See the Market Yourself section for tips.

Friends and Family

It helps to have a large circle of friends, family, and acquaintances to pitch your services to. Having a large target group from the start will help you hit the ground running. This is especially important for part-time agents who won’t have as much time to market to strangers.

Prior travel agency experience is great, but prior Disney travel experience may be more important. Those who have not previously worked as travel agents should at least have experience booking their own trips. It’s even better if you’ve helped friends or family plan their trips.

Tech-Savvy Multitasking

Disney travel professionals use multiple online booking systems and client management software. You’ll regularly communicate via text, email, and telephone. You should understand how to use all of these (or be comfortable learning them). Strong troubleshooting skills help, too.

Trustworthy

Clients will be giving you their credit card numbers to book trips. And you’ll have access to other personal information. The company that hires you must fully trust you — their reputation is on the line!

Positive Character Traits

Most Disney travel agent jobs require a strong work ethic, professionalism, ambition, positivity, independence, business-mindedness, seriousness, fun, etc. Put simply, agencies seek all the good qualities and none of the bad!

5. Pick the Agency You Want to Work With

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

Learn about Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agencies

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

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner logo | Image © Disney

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

Learn about Earmarked designations

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

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

Logos showing Earmarked Designations | Elements © Disney

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

Joining a higher-tier agency has its benefits:

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

Looking to join an Earmarked Diamond agency?

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

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

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

Size Matters, But It Isn’t Everything

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

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

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

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

Good Support Structure

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

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

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

Do they Market Themselves?

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

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

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

Ask Their Agents

See if you can reach out to current employees and get some feedback on the company.

Questions to ask include:

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

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

Our Recommendations: the Best Disney Travel Agencies to Work For

With the above factors in mind, here are our recommendations:

Best for Travel Agents Seeking Part-Time Work

Not many travel agencies are willing to hire someone who is only looking for part–time work. But EnchantAway Travel embraces part-time travel agents.

As a result, they offer some of the best flexibility around.

• Choose How Much Time to Devote: EnchantAway doesn’t just hire full-time agents – it also welcomes part-timers. So it’s perfect for those who simply want to make a bit of extra income.
• Hours That Work for You: You can set your own schedule, as long as you’re properly serving your clients.
• Work From Anywhere: EnchantAway is proud to be a remote-first organization that understands you don’t have to be in a cubicle to be successful.
• Support and Resources: EnchantAway Travel was started by the owner of one of the top performing (total sales) Disney Travel agencies, so you can be assured that they know how to help their people succeed!
• High Commission Splits: EnchantAway agents are eligible for commission splits as high as 80%. Some other agencies pay 50% or less.

Best for Travel Agents Wanting to Work Full-Time

Those who intend to treat their travel planning work as a full-time career have more options than those who only want to work part-time.

As mentioned in the previous section, EnchantAway Travel offers great flexibility and resources to its agents. We made them our top choice for part-time agents but you should certainly consider applying with them even if you want to go full-time.

But if you feel that you are an exceptionally-qualified candidate who is capable of extremely high performance, you should also consider applying with The Vacationeer .

If you have high qualifications and performance aspirations, The Vacationeer is among the agencies you might consider.:

• High Volume, High Quality: The Vacationeer prides itself on hiring the best people and keeping them busy! As a prestigious Earmarked Diamond-level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, they book thousands of Disney trips for their clients every year and provide concierge-level customer service.
• Peak Performance With Personal Attention: The Vacationeer accomplishes its impressive sales levels with a group of about 100 agents. Some agencies at the same tier need ten times as many agents to do so. The Vacationeer is sized just right to personally support its agents while making sure everyone has plenty of business.
• High Commission Splits: Vacationeers earn commission splits of up to 80%. And their high sales volume earns them more commission on certain types of trips such as Disney cruises.
• Exclusivity: Less than 5% of those who apply are selected to be part of this elite agency. That’s not merely a point of pride – it’s a great way to surround yourself with experts who will help you become an even better agent.
• Marketing and Leads: You will always be your own best marketer. But The Vacationeer helps by aggressively marketing their agency to ensure a steady stream of leads will come your way.
• Work from Wherever, Whenever: Working with a remote-first travel agency like the Vacationeer means you’ll never be told that it’s time to return to the office!
• Excellent Reputation: The Vacationeer has more than 700 5-Star reviews on Google. And they’ve been quoted as travel experts in news coverage from CNBC, Washington Post, Travel & Leisure, Good Housekeeping, and other media outlets.
• FAM Trips: As a high-performing agency, The Vacationeer offers many opportunities to send its agents on FAM trips and training opportunities in the parks and on the cruise ships.

6. Apply to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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

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

A typical employment application to become a Disney travel planner

Here are our tips on filling out an application:

• Be professional. This is a job application, not a group chat. Would you hire someone who writes “I want 2 work 4 u”?
• Remember the tips we’ve outlined in this article. Factor them into your answers to the application questions.
• Highlight your passion for Disney. Travel agencies can teach you systems and techniques. But they can’t teach you to love Disney. Make sure they understand how you feel about Disney World or Disney Cruises. Show them how much you know about Disney destinations.
• It’s okay if you don’t have travel agency experience. Just show how your past jobs will help you at this new job. For example, “my job as a grocery store cashier taught me customer service skills. I also learned how to accurately handle transactions involving money.”
• Proofread everything before submitting. Double check your email address and phone number. Make sure you answer all questions completely.

7. Be Patient

Now comes the hardest part – waiting to hear back.

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

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

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

8. Ace the Interview

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

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

9. The Offer: Get Hired

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

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

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

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

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

But! You still have work to do…

10. Market Yourself

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

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

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

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

Social Media

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

Consider creating a Facebook business page to market your travel services

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

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

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

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

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

Direct Marketing

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

Regular emails keep clients informed and engaged

Repeat Business and Word-of-Mouth Referrals

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

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

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

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

How much do Disney travel agents make?

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

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

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

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

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

When do you get paid?

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

What equipment and software do you need?

Almost everything you do for a client will either happen online or over the phone. That means all you really need to become a Disney travel planner is:

• A computer with internet access – you’ll need to be able to email clients and visit websites to book travel
• A telephone – cell phones allow you to talk and text with clients, but you must have good reception. Consider activating Wi-Fi calling if you have trouble getting a signal. A landline is another option.

You probably already own the equipment you need to become a Disney Travel Agent (Mickey mug optional)

Other things that may make your job easier – but aren’t required – include:

• Wireless earbuds or a phone headset – you’ll regularly be talking and typing at the same time
• Dual monitors and wireless keyboard/mouse – working in multiple systems is easier with multiple screens. A separate keyboard and mouse can be more ergonomic than using a laptop all day.
• Basic office supplies – notepads, pens, file folders, and the like can come in handy
• A dedicated phone number for clients – Google Voice lets you route a second number through your existing cell phone at no additional cost
• Video conferencing apps – some clients may enjoy face-to-face discussions. Zoom, Facetime, and Google Meet are standard. I like Whereby because it doesn’t force your client to log in or download anything.

A more complex work-from-home setup, prime for a travel planner’s multitasking

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

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

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

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

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

Do I need an LLC?

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

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

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

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

Do you need a license to sell Disney vacations?

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

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

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

How do taxes work for travel agents?

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

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

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

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

Do I need a College Degree?

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

Do I need to go to Travel School?

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

Do you need experience to become a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

What’s the training like?

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

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

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

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

Can I work part-time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do Disney Travel Agents sell other destinations, too?

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

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

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

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

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

Being a Disney-focused travel agent is no different.

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

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

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

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

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

Our Recommendation For Those Wanting Part-Time Work

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One Comment

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

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Why you should be using a Travel Agent to book your Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Line is back to sailing with four ships and a fifth one coming this summer! The ships sail to multiple destinations around the world. While you could go online and book your Disney cruise yourself, using a travel agent is more beneficial to you. Here’s why!

Related – Does Disney Cruise Line offer any discounts?

Travel Agents Don’t Cost Extra

Authorized Disney travel agents don’t charge a fee for their services. The commission travel agents make is already included in the price of the cruise. So, the price is the same whether you book it yourself or with a travel agent. Why not use a travel agent and have the extra help for no extra cost?

Disney Cruise Line Knowledge

As an authorized Disney travel agent, I keep up with all of the changes and updates to the Disney Cruise Line. I’ll make sure you’re kept up to date on everything you need to know. Covid-19 policies and procedures, different staterooms, cruise destinations, port adventures, dining times, and so much more!

Related – Common Travel Agent Myths Busted

Special Offers

Disney Cruise Line occasionally has special offers and deals. Your travel agent will make sure you’re aware of the deals so you can save as much money as possible! I’ll also keep an eye out in case an offer is released after you’ve booked your cruise. If the offer applies to your cruise, I can get it applied.

Don’t have time to be online trying to figure everything out? Don’t want to sit on hold if you need to make a change or payment? Your travel agent does that for you! Travel agents want to make sure their clients are happy and taken care of so they will do all the work required to get the cruise booked.

Seasonal/Themed Cruises

Disney Cruise Line offers Halloween and Christmas sailings along with themed cruises. You can enjoy Marvel Day at Sea or Pixar Day at Sea. These special cruises only happen at certain times of the year. If you want to experience one of these sailings, your travel agent will make sure you have all of the information and dates.

If you need transportation from the airport or your resort to the cruise port, your travel agent can help you book that. Want to add pre-paid gratuities to your cruise? Your travel agent can do that! If you’d like to add a pre or post-cruise hotel stay, your travel agent can help with that as well! Your travel agent will also make sure you know when your dates open to book port adventures and other extras you might want to book for your cruise.

Have you ever sailed with Disney Cruise Line?

If you are ready to plan your next Disney cruise, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, my services are complimentary, and I’d love to help you plan a magical Disney cruise!

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

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Why Use A Travel Agent To Book A Disney Cruise

Your vacation should be everything you want it to be – relaxing, adventurous, a chance to unplug. But the one thing it shouldn’t be is stressful. So many questions. Endless information. The possibilities are endless. So, where do you begin?

My number one tip for first time Disney Cruisers (outside of joining our Community for free ) is to work with a Disney Travel Agent.

Now you might be thinking that you have planned many vacations for your family, your friends, and maybe even your job in the past so why bother having an agent this time around when you’re more than capable? Then we’re two peas in a pod! I thought the same thing for years. Sure, you could book directly through Disney all on your own or through a third-party, but what I’ve learned in all my years of cruising with Disney (started in 1999) is that you’re leaving a lot of value on the table.

If you’re wondering why this is my number one tip for Disney Cruisers, you’re in the right place!

Why Use A Disney Travel Agent? The perks!

While all the information in this blog is amazing (I’m obviously biased), let’s get to the big reasons that more and more people every year choose to book their Disney Cruise through a Travel Agent instead of through a third-party or directly.

First, it’s free ! Disney pays your Travel Agent. So for $0 additional, you can have an expert on-hand for any and all questions, to help you through the planning process, and offer customized recommendations. Talk about value!

Second, not all agents, but some will offer incentives like onboard credit . If you’re looking for ways to save on a Disney Cruise, onboard credit is one way to do that. One of the best ways to save money on your Disney Cruise is to book another one while you’re onboard and then transfer the reservation within 30 days to your Travel Agent.

Pro tip : you cannot have paid in full to transfer to a TA (Travel Agent). This way, you’ll get 10% off your placeholder plus the potential onboard credit.

Insider tip : while onboard credit is wonderful, this typically comes from the agent’s own pocket giving you a portion of their hard-earned commission. It’s a great surprise when it’s offered, but don’t always expect it.

Reminder: your agent costs you $0 so you’re already getting expert services that save you time for free. Anything additional should be considered a bonus, not mandatory.

Next, some agents can offer special perks like group booking discounts, complimentary meals or packages, credits, access to unpublished rates or specialty excursions, and some can even negotiate lower deposits or flexible terms on pricing.

One thing we learned is that Disney’s insurance, while good, is not always the best option for your party. Depending on a variety of factors, your agent can help determine which travel insurance will be suit your family’s needs vs the standard option. What if you need to cancel for any reason? What if any emergency happens? Your agency or individual agent does all the heavy lifting in researching to ensure you feel nothing but ease throughout the planning process.

Finally, you cannot put a price tag on having a Disney Cruise Line expert that you can call, text, email, or even Facebook message any day for any reason.

Over the years, we have become great friends with our agent. Our Recommended Travel Agents have even told us that they miss their guests (you!) after they sail and can’t wait to plan their next vacation because of the bonds created during the planning process. We become like family. You have a dedicated resource that knows you, your budget, your family, and your priorities and can help you plan the best Disney Cruise vacation ever .

Why Use A Disney Travel Agent? This is your first Disney Cruise.

If you’re planning your very first Disney Cruise (which by the way, I am so excited for you!) then having a Travel Agent would definitely be something I recommend.

Why should you get a Travel Agent for your first Disney Cruise? As with anything new in life, I’m sure you’re filled with excitement and probably feeling the pressure to plan the best vacation possible for your party. You decided to cruise with Disney, but with so many ships, ports of call, lengths of itineraries, themes, etc.

I can only imagine you’re thinking, “ Where do I even begin? ”. This is where a Travel Agent comes in to save the day, similar to The Incredibles. Yes, you might have gone to Walt Disney World or Disneyland countless times or perhaps even cruised with other cruise lines, but having a Disney Cruise specific resource in your pocket to help be a partner in your planning is priceless. They’ll be able to offer recommendations based specifically on your goals, party, and budget.

Working with a Certified Disney Vacation Planner takes a ton of pressure off of you in having a knowledgeable, experienced person to guide you in planning a vacation filled with memories. This is your vacation too, so working with a Travel Agent to remove some of the pressure to know and plan everything will allow you to enjoy the process.

Personally, I am a super planner. I love to have everything planned out, but it’s hard to do so when it’s your first time onboard. Sure, you can read up online and ask around, but there’s tremendous value in having an expert in all things Disney Cruise Line ready to help guide you and answer all your questions. And speaking of questions…

Why Use a Disney Travel Agent? You ask a lot of questions.

Which Disney ship is the best? What’s the best time of year to sail? What excursion should I do on Castaway Cay? Which ship has Frozen characters? What hotel do I stay at before? Can I rent a car? Where do we park it? When can I check in? Is 3 years old too young to bring onboard? Will my teenager have enough to do? Is there anything for adults only?

The questions you can ask when planning a Disney Cruise are endless and can make the process overwhelming to say the least. That is exactly where a Disney Travel Agent can be a lifesaver.

Some agencies who specialize in general travel (or even some big box stores that we will talk about later) are not going to be experts in Disney Cruise Line.

There is a tremendous amount of value that comes from working with someone who has sailed on the ships , knows cast members, and has a resume lined with making family’s dreams come true onboard.

If you ask a lot of questions because you want every detail of your vacation to be as perfect as possible , then choosing to work with an Authorized Disney Travel Agent will give you constant access to someone who knows everything about your vacation options and what you want from your vacation. This allows them to answer all your questions in a way that is personalized to you instead of getting generic responses.

Why Use a Disney Travel Agent if I enjoy planning my own vacations?

That’s wonderful! The best Disney Cruise Line Travel Agents love working with those who want a turnkey, hands-off planning experience just as much as someone who comes to the conversation completely prepared.

You might know exactly what you want, but a DCL Travel Agent still has tremendous value they can offer. Top Disney Travel Agents can act as partners in your planning process . They can provide you with instructions, timelines, deadlines, itineraries, and recommendations based on their personal and professional experiences.

As much as you want to do everything, you might not want to wake up at midnight when your booking window opens or wait on hold for hours to make one update to your reservation. Your Disney Travel Agent can take care of any details you want to delegate while helping make sure no detail is overlooked.

As a super planner myself, I totally understand the anxiety that can come with “giving up control”. It took us years to consider working with an agent and then even more to convert, but we won’t go back. A great Disney Cruise Line Travel Agent is worth their weight in gold! Yes, they can save you time and money in instances; however, my favorite part about using a Disney Travel Agent is that, as the person planning the vacation, I don’t have to do absolutely everything. They take some of the stress away , and that is priceless.

Why Use a Disney Travel Agent? They do the work for you.

Let’s be honest – the internet is both wonderful and exhausting. Once you start down the rabbit hole of research, you might as well be in Wonderland. Information can be outdated and flat out incorrect which is where a Travel Agent can save the day.

Especially with international travel, insurance, testing requirements, and protocol changes, there’s so much to keep track of before your Disney Cruise Line vacation. You might be extremely organized, but keeping track of all the moving elements could be a full-time job all on its own.

A DCL Travel Agent is a great person to have in your corner to double check everything before you leave your house . Because let me tell you – we have seen people in our Community at the Port who forgot something and cannot board. Talk about heart-breaking!

As we mentioned above, you can absolutely take the lead when planning your family’s perfect Disney Cruise. If that’s what you prefer then think of a Disney Cruise Travel Agent like your sidekick . A Travel Agent can be Woody to you Buzz Lightyear, Piglet to your Winnie the Pooh, Roy to your Walt!

If you’re someone who truly wants everything to be planned for you, then a Disney Cruise Line Travel Agent is going to be the best gift you can give yourself . They will do all the research on itineraries , the ship’s features, and recommend anything from hotels to flights to onboard additions like Adult Dining and Character Meet and Greets. They will read the fine print for you, keep you organized, and make the planning process seamless.

A Disney Cruise Travel Agent will take care of just about everything for you almost like your very own Fairy Godmother.

Why Use a Disney Travel Agent? You want a personalized vacation experience on your Disney Cruise

My favorite part of a Disney Cruise, and cruising in general, is that your vacation is exactly what you make it. My perfect Disney Cruise and yours might be completely different experiences even though we’re on the same ship visiting the same places at the same time.

While I enjoy completely disconnecting and relaxing onboard, you might want to take advantage of the activities and excursions . I love the Adult Only Restaurants, but you might love the magic found in the Main Dining Rooms more.

What you’re reading online might be perfect for someone else, but this is where booking through a Disney Travel Agent vs online provides immense value.

Disney Cruise Travel Agents can make personalized recommendations for you and your family. Adventure? Relaxation? Little ones? Someone with a disability? Adult only? Just here for a good time? They’ll provide thoughtful and customized recommendations to maximize your time cruising with Disney.

Sure, you could call Disney Cruise Line on your own and ask questions or perhaps even use Costco, BJ’s, Expedia, or the like; but you will get a different staff member each time who only knows as much as your reservation number tells them. They don’t know you, your family, your party, your priorities, etc.

Just a side note – we get asked all the time about booking through Costco, BJ’s, etc. While those are amazing stores that we happen to have memberships to, their specialty is bulk products. We have even used Costco to book our Disney Cruises in the past.

With the financial incentives, I totally understand wanting to book a Disney Cruise through Costco. The issue is that everything has to go through Costco or BJ’s, etc. So if you have a question, need to make a change, or if something goes wrong, you call their Travel Center who then still has to call Disney.

Plus, they aren’t experts on Disney Cruises. I like having the most recent information which our Travel Agent always provides because our Agent has inside connections, industry knowledge, and has been on all the Disney Cruise ships.

Booking through Costco and other bulk retailers or travel sites has value, absolutely; but personally for us, the one-on-one, dedicated attention and recommendations plus the time saved was enough to make us switch.

Last thing here is that Disney Travel Agents get to know you and your family . They’re all about relationships! They’ll remember that last time that your son had the time of his life parasailing or that your daughter still talks about her trip to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique over a year later.

You expect Disney quality service when you’re onboard creating connections, so why wouldn’t you want that magic throughout your planning process as well?

Let’s be frank here – it’s in your Travel Agent’s best interest to help you plan the best vacation ever. They’re invested in your vacation’s success and want you to come back for countless future vacations. Your DCL Travel Agent will know what you can’t miss and what you can save for your next time onboard. Working with a Disney Cruise Travel Agent allows you to plan the vacation of our dreams specifically for your family. No cookie-cutter vacations here!

Why Use a Disney Travel Agent? They’re the experts. It’s literally their job!

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners have been recognized by Disney as reliable resources for anyone planning a Disney Cruise or any Disney Vacation. They know which Disney properties offer what, which characters are onboard which ships, how the technology works, best food for everyone in the family, where the water parks are, what to pack , where to leave your rental car, the list goes on.

Plus, they have the inside scoop being part a of Disney to know about what is happening, when promotions can be applied to your vacation, when to book the lowest rates, get sneak peeks, and get you the answers to your questions from the source – the Mouse!

Don’t leave questions that could make your make or break your vacation – like passport requirements, travel documents, theme nights, and whether or not to get dessert ( Insider tip : the answer to that last one is always yes).

They have sailed on the ships, they have gone through the process countless times, and they are here to be your best friend you never knew you needed answering the questions you didn’t know you had until you decided to go on a Disney Cruise.

As you can see, working with a Disney Cruise Line Travel Agent has a great deal of value which is why so many cruisers take advantage of using one each day. If you’re ready to book your next Disney Cruise Line vacation and are interested in using a Travel Agent, we have some of the top Recommended Disney Cruise Travel Agents on our site with some information on them, where they’re from, and what makes them the best possible agent for you.

If you would like one of our Recommended Travel Agents to reach out to you, fill out this form .

Regardless of how you book your Disney Cruise Line vacation, we know that you will have the most magical time! If you’re still wondering if a Disney Cruise is for you, join our online Community for free on Facebook!

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