disney travel agent income

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

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

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

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

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.

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

1. Understand How Commission Works for Travel Agents

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

Commission-Based Pay

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

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

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

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

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

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

But you won’t earn commission on :

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

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

Commission Split

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

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

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

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

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

Commission split ratios determine how much money you earn

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

As an example:

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

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

Client Incentive Deductions

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

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

Delayed Commissions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning Fees

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

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

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

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

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

2. Watch Out for Shady Travel Agencies

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

Here are a few things to consider.

What’s the hiring process?

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

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

Do they charge you a fee to join?

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

Potentially scammy fees include:

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

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

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

Is their commission split fair?

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

Check their licenses and professional memberships

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

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

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

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

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

3. Become a Disney Expert

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

How can you educate yourself?

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

What should you learn about?

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

Go beyond the mouse

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

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

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

4. Know the Characteristics of the Perfect Disney Travel Agent

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

Among other things, you’ll need to be:

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

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

5. Pick the Agency You Want to Work With

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

Learn about Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agencies

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

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner logo | Image © Disney

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

Learn about Earmarked designations

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

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

Logos showing Earmarked Designations | Elements © Disney

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

Joining a higher-tier agency has its benefits:

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

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

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

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

Size Matters, But It Isn’t Everything

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

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

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

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

Good Support Structure

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

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

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

Do they Market Themselves?

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

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

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

Ask Their Agents

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

Questions to ask include:

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

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

6. Apply to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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

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

A typical application to become a Disney travel planner

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

Ready to Apply?

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

7. Be Patient

Now comes the hardest part – waiting to hear back.

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

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

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

8. Ace the Interview

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

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

9. The Offer: Get Hired

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

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

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

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

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

But! You still have work to do…

10. Market Yourself

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

Friends and Family

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

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

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

Social Media

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

Consider creating a Facebook business page to market your travel services

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

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

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

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

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

Direct Marketing

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

Regular emails keep clients informed and engaged

Repeat Business and Word-of-Mouth Referrals

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

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

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

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

Considerations Before Applying To Be a Disney Travel Agent

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

Income Considerations

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

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

The agents who are most successful financially are those who:

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

Doing What You Love

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

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

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

Work from Home… or Wherever

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

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

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

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

Flexible Hours

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

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

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

Potential Tax Benefits

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

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

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

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

Free Tickets and Discounts

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

Free Disney and Universal Tickets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel agents on a FAM trip at Universal Studios

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

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

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

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

FAQs About Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

How much do disney travel agents make.

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

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

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

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

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

When do you get paid?

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

What equipment and software do you need?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do I need an LLC?

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

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

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

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

Do you need a license to sell Disney vacations?

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

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

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

How do taxes work for travel agents?

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

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

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

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

Do I need a College Degree?

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

Do I need to go to Travel School?

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

Do you need experience to become a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

What’s the training like?

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

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

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

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

Can I work part-time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do Disney Travel Agents sell other destinations, too?

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

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

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

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

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

Being a Disney-focused travel agent is no different.

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

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

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

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

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

Get Started Today

Check out our additional travel agency employment tips  and submit an application directly to two excellent Disney-focused travel agencies by clicking the button below:

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

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent – Complete Guide

• How do I become a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

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

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

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

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

• FirstHeading

How to pick a Travel Agency

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

• It's awesome to be a Disney Vacation Planner

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLIA card requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is the Earmarked logo for reference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simple Commission Split example:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do they have training?

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

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

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

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

What support is there when you need it?

What is the agency owners background?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more at the California Seller of Travel Website.

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

From the CA Sellers of Travel Website:

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

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

From the Florida Sellers of Travel Website:

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

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

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

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

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

It’s awesome to be a Disney Vacation Planner

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

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

Application form Pixie Vacations

Step 1 of 3

What Social Media accounts do you have?

Previous experience.

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

Hi, The DTA classes are just for travel agents.

i would like to apply to be a travel agent

Hi, Christine,

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

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

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

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

By Author Ziggy Oskwarek

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

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If you love the Disney theme parks as well as traveling, perhaps you have thought about becoming a Disney travel agent . But getting started in a new profession is easier said than done, so what steps do you have to take if you want to sell Disney vacations?

In this post, we are going to show you exactly what you need to know to become a Disney Travel Agent including all the perks and benefits you can get from being one.

We’ll cover how much you need to work, how much money Disney travel agents make, how you get paid, and what requirements you need to fulfill to make this your line of work. After all, with Disney vacations getting more and more complicated, guests always need someone to explain it all to them and to make the vacation planning process much easier and less stressful.

We’ll also show you what to look for in a Disney travel agency, how to prepare for your interview, what scams to be careful of, and the challenges you will face in this profession.

Of course, it’s not a dream job for everyone, and just because you love Disney, it doesn’t mean that you should necessarily make it your full-time job, so we’ll go over all the advantages and disadvantages of joining this profession and who is really best-suited for it.

Still, making money by doing what you love can be both thrilling and greatly rewarding so if Disney is your passion it may be the perfect career path for you either in a part-time capacity as a side hustle or to make a full-time income. If that is the case, we’ll cover what you need to know here.

Instead, if you don’t want to become an Authorized Disney Travel Planner yourself but are looking for one to help plan your next Disney trip, we highly recommend Show You the World Travel . They can help you get the best prices, they have amazing customer service and they are 100% FREE to use.

Before we get started, don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Weekly E-Mail Newsletter. There we bring you the latest Disney vacation planning tips including how to save money, where to stay, and the best things to do, which would be very helpful to know if you are planning on becoming a Disney travel agent. You can sign up here: Join our E-Mail Newsletter!

Table of Contents

What is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Travel Agent)?

An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is basically a travel agent that specializes in Disney vacations.  However, there is much more to it than just that.

The days of using the term “travel agent” are almost as old as the days of the dinosaurs, and Disney has adequately prepared vacation planners to be equipped with modern technologies to meet a different age of clients in the 21st century. 

With online booking these days seen as the norm with infinite amounts of popular booking sites, Disney utilizes specialized independent contractors who work with an affiliated travel agency. 

Remove the term travel agent from your dictionary and instead replace it with Disney Vacation Planner. These planners are specialized to deal specifically with Disney Vacations, from cruises to Disney World trips to Disneyland trips to Adventures by Disney trips. And the list goes on and on. 

These “travel agents” can book Disney vacations for guests over the phone, over the Internet, or through emails. They are NOT Disney employees and are instead independent contractors. 

What Perks Do You Get as a Disney Travel Agent?

Working as a Disney Travel Agent or Vacation Planner brings a number of tremendous benefits, especially if the agent is a big Disney fan. Here are some of our absolute favorite perks you get: 

Benefit #1 – Get Paid to Talk about Disney

If you love Disney, there are a few things you can do that are more enjoyable than talking about and helping other Disney fans plan the trips of their lives! You get to immerse yourself in Disney every day, talking about and researching the various different Disney Destinations. 

And if you love what you do, what can top that?!

Benefit #2 – Flexible Schedules 

While you do work for an agency as a Disney Travel Agent, you’re more or less your own boss. That means that you don’t have to have a set schedule and you can work your Disney Travel Business around your own schedule. 

You will likely need to accommodate your client’s schedules if you want to have success while meeting different Disney deadlines such as the 60-day mark for dining reservations . 

Many clients also will reach out to you in the early morning hours or late in the evenings, and you’ll likely want to get back to clients quickly if you want them to use you again, so you’ll need to be flexible and adaptable.

Benefit #3 – Work from Home 

One of the beautiful things about being a Disney Travel Agent is that you’ll do the bulk of your work likely at your home and while on the computer. Forget about dealing with traffic or long commutes to work!

You will likely need to take some phone calls and don’t necessarily need to be home for that, but the majority of your work will be booking for guests via emails and Disney booking sites. 

Benefit #4 – Set Your Own Hours 

Another amazing benefit as a Disney Travel Agent is that you can set your own hours. There is no clock to punch or someone telling you exactly when you need to work.

If you want to sleep in and wake up on the later side, go ahead! If you want to stay up late helping guests, you can do that too. 

Benefit #5 – Training Opportunities

As a Disney Travel Agent, you will have access to The College of Disney Knowledge so you can learn all about selling Disney properties. Your individual agency might also have other online and in-person training opportunities to expand your selling and destination knowledge. 

Benefit #6 – Personal Travel and Discounts 

Agencies offer different discount opportunities and even free park tickets at times, depending on your progress and sales. If you reach eligible qualifications you can get some nice travel incentives. 

Benefit #7 – Tax Deductions 

Since you’ll be an independent contractor, you’ll likely be able to get a number of different business deductions including portions of your Disney trips, internet costs, computer, and even potentially some of the cost of your home office.

*It’s always best to consult with a tax advisor for the current laws in your state before you begin writing things off. 

Benefit #8 – Make a good income 

If you treat your Disney Travel business like a real business, you can make a really nice income. Your income is completely commission-based meaning that the more vacations and trips you help people plan, the more money you can make!

If you’re a motivated person that is willing to learn how to grow your business, you can have great success and more money than you can make in some other professions.

How Many Hours Do You Need to Work?

Many different agencies have different views on how many hours you need to work, so it will depend on which one you choose. Many of them expect their independent contractors to begin their careers full-time with 40+ hour work weeks immediately. 

Other agencies allow their travel planners to start as slow or as fast as they want, allowing them to treat it as a true side hustle. If you want to spend 5 hours a week on it, that’s perfectly doable. Just make sure whatever agency you go with, you ask what is expected from the get-go. 

And like all things, the more you put into it, the more likely you’ll have success, and have it more quickly. If you don’t treat it as a business and just do a little here and there, you’ll likely not have the same kinds of success. 

How Do Disney Travel Agents Get Paid?

Let’s talk about the fun part, getting paid! And while it might seem like slow sledding at the beginning as an agent, Disney Travel Agents can make great money!

Most Disney Travel Agencies pay their agents in commissions, albeit some of them have slightly different commission structures. How it works is simple:

• Disney, as the travel vendor, gives agencies a commission on the final booking cost.
• The agency you work for will pass on a percentage of that commission to you.
• This does NOT add any additional costs to a vacation for guests, instead, Disney pays out a finders’ fee of sorts to the agency meaning that Disney makes less money on the vacation, not the guest paying more 

For instance, let’s say a guest books a vacation package with room and park tickets through you. Imagine the cost of this trip is $5,000 in total. Disney will then pay the agency a percentage of this. 

In many cases, it’s around 10%. So from this particular trip, the agency that you work for receives $500. Once the agency receives the payment from Disney, they’ll give you a percentage of that commission.

Generally, agencies will pay commissions between 50-90%. Agencies will raise the commission rates for agents that bring in more sales as incentives often. 

How Much Do Disney Travel Agents Make?

Like with most commission-based pay structures, a lot of that depends on you! How much you sell, the overall cost of the trips in which you book, the commission split with which your agency offers, and the total number of trips you sell will be the deciding factor! 

Some agents make tremendous income, and some agents make no money. It can be a great gig for a self-starter-type person that is willing to put in some work to build a business. 

Are there Minimum Booking Requirements

In some cases, there are minimum booking requirements, but that all depends on the agencies with which you work for. Some agencies have minimum booking requirements such as meeting a minimum dollar booking amount each year and others might expect you to make at least one sale a month. 

In that case, if you don’t reach the minimum booking requirement, you might lose your agent status or receive a decrease in your commissions. 

When Do You Get Paid?

Disney Travel Planners always get paid after the guest travels. So if you book a trip for a guest that isn’t traveling for another few months, you’ll need to wait until AFTER the trip is over. 

And if the guest cancels at the last minute, you unfortunately will not get paid, since the trip was never taken and Disney didn’t get paid from that guest.

As you can see, it’s important to continue to build up your client base initially when you first start. The payouts will be minimal for a little while until your clients begin going on their trips.

Don’t think you’ll immediately be quitting another job the second you start, you have to view it as a business, and eventually, it’ll grow if you continue to build your client base.

If you can keep a steady supply of trips booked, you’ll begin to see some money flying in, and in that case, you can evaluate if the money you make as a Disney Vacation Planner is enough to support you full-time or if you want to keep it as a side-job.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Disney Travel Agent?

Like with all businesses, being a Disney Travel Agent generally requires a little bit of an initial investment. Expenses that you’ll likely have at the beginning include:

• Hosting Fees – Monthly or annual fees for you to belong to an agency
• Registration Fee – Usually a small outlay of about $100 or so to get started with an agency
• Training and Technology Fees – These are additional fees that agencies use to get access to certain programs and emails that allow you to use certain software for your business. These fees can be $50 to $100 per month.

These are the main expenses! Usually, in total, it’s a couple of hundred dollars or so to get started. 

There are also what’s called “No-Fee Agencies” that charge no fees to agents. And while this seems nice initially when you have no clients, they often come with no benefits to new agents. You’ll be completely on your own, limiting your ability to get help if you need it. 

And with No-Fee Agencies generally comes significantly reduced commission structures. These types of agencies are attractive to Disney fans that just want to venture out and do this as a hobby and aren’t fully committed to doing this full-time. 

If you want to make a full-time career or livelihood out of this, you’ll likely be better off finding an agency that will offer you training and all the tools that you need to be successful quickly. While it might seem like a lot initially, the additional training will likely allow you to have far greater success quickly, enabling you to get your initial outlay of money back quickly. 

Make sure whatever agencies you choose have IATA (International Air Transport Association) and/or CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) accreditation. This will ensure you don’t get involved with any kind of scams. 

How to Become an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Step by Step)

If you’ve read through this so far and you’re considering becoming an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , here are the step-by-step instructions on exactly what you need to do to become one.

• You need to first join an authorized travel agency that is registered with Disney. Do your research and pick a good company that offers competitive commission rates while also being reputable and having a good reputation! Agencies that are in good standing with Disney receive “Earmarked” status with four levels of recognition – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
• Make sure the agency is accredited by either CLIA or IATA and make sure they are in good standing with at least one of these organizations.
• Avoid companies that charge significant fees upfront when you apply, and be sure it isn’t an MLM organization that is simply looking to get your money when applying. A good agency will offer you the official Disney travel agent training course called the College of Disney Knowledge.
• Reach out to other agents in the company. Ask them questions that are pertinent to the agency. Ask about the training, ask about the commission structure and the rates, and anything else you think would be beneficial to know.
• If you begin to feel good about a particular agency, then apply online! Fill out the instructions carefully.
• Let the agency know about your experience and love for all things Disney on the application. If they see your enthusiasm and knowledge about the Disney brand, it’ll give you an advantage. Also, if you have any kind of previous sales or customer service experience it is a major positive.
• If the agency brings you on board, then make sure you have a dedicated work area in your house someplace and begin training immediately! 

It Depends If You are Already a Travel Agent or Not

While the steps above are mostly applicable if you’re not already a travel agent and are going to work for a Disney Travel Agency. But what if you are already a certified agent and want to sell Disney Vacations on your own? 

If You are Already a Travel Agent

While being a Disney travel planner is similar to being a regular travel agent, there are some additional criteria you will need to specialize in to sell Disney vacations. First, you’ll need to register for Disney-specific travel agent training on the Disney Travel Agents site .

After creating your account, you will need to complete the College of Disney Knowledge training, which will give you specific online classes and information about Disney Destinations and vacations. 

If You are Not Already a Certified Travel Agent

You’ll first need to become a certified travel agent prior to signing up for a Disney travel agent training course. The certification programs vary in terms of the cost and the necessary requirements. Once you’ve finished the program and have the necessary licensing to sell in various states, you can then register for the training mentioned above. 

*Remember this is ONLY necessary if you will not be working with an agency. 

Things to Look For B efore Choosing a Disney Travel Agenc y

When researching different Disney Travel Agencies, it’s important to look out for any concerns prior to committing to a particular agency. Here are our favorite things to look for:

• If the agency has significant upfront training course fees (more than a few hundred dollars) or registration fees, these could be MLM companies. Training should generally be provided by the agency free of charge. While reputable agencies likely charge a little bit of money for technology fees and insurance, these are never usually more than a few hundred dollars. 
• Check to make sure they have either IATA (International Air Transport Association) and/or CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) accreditation and that they want all of their agents to finish the College of Disney Knowledge.
• Make sure they are an Earmarked Travel Agency. This designation means that Disney recognizes this agency as meeting certain criteria and it also gives travel agents the confidence knowing that Disney trusts and relies on this agency to be a solid company. 
• Look for companies that are neither too big nor too small. If they have too many agents, you’ll likely not get the attention or help you need. If they are too small, they might not have the quality technology or training in place for you to have success. 
• Does the agency provide any kind of perspective client leads to their agents? The best agencies provide leads, allowing you to potentially get additional business, rather than being solely reliant on bringing all of your own customers to the table. 
• Take a look at online reviews of the agency by looking at sites such as Facebook and Google. Do customers have positive things to say about the agency? Have they had good experiences using the agency to book their trips? 
• It’s important to see that the agency provides a good and friendly working environment. Does the agency provide good support? Are the other agents friendly and willing to assist you? A good agency should feel as if everyone is pulling together and you can freely talk to the owner of the company as well as to the other agents. 

How to Prepare for Your Application and Interview

When preparing for your application and interview, it’s helpful to brush up on your Disney knowledge. Each application has very different questions. 

Different agencies look for different qualities and place a certain emphasis on certain levels of criteria. Qualities that they will likely want to see demonstrated during the interview process will be things such as:

• Passionate about the Disney Brand
• Well-versed in different Disney Destinations around the world
• Prior experience in customer service or planning Disney trips 
• Available to put in a lot of time and commitment 
• A social media presence can be helpful, and at the very least the ability to use social media
• Being a tech-savvy person that can easily talk clients through the booking process
• Have some capable sales qualities with closing abilities 
• A personable person that people feel comfortable with on the phone
• Ability to create your own leads through marketing means or a large network
• Organized and detail-oriented to be able to manage multiple clients and keep track of past clients. You’ll need to be reliable in helping customers book things at certain deadlines

These are just some of the qualities that will be helpful in ensuring you get brought on board by the agency you’ve well-researched. Make sure you try to highlight these points during the interview and the application process. 

Go to Disney College

Whether it’s the first agency you applied for or the 10th, it doesn’t matter. Congratulations! Make sure you have a great feel and excitement for the agency which hires you. If you’re going to devote years to building your business to this agency, you’ll be happiest if you love the agency.

Once you are hired and decide to take the position, you can begin Disney College! Training is done online and can usually begin immediately. The College of Disney Knowledge will help agents on each of the different destinations they offer including Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Aulani, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. 

The college sessions are done over Powerpoint presentations with voice-overs and you’ll be watching videos and visiting the Disney Travel Agent website for additional references. 

Take the course slowly, even though it’s only about 24 hours in total. Each lesson has a quiz and you’ll need to complete each of the core lessons and then take a 50-question quiz. It’s best to take notes if it’s something you’ll likely forget. 

You’ll be expected to know all of the different aspects of a Disney trip such as tickets, resorts, lands, parades, shows, etc…, which are crucial when you are answering questions from your clients.

Get Hired and Start Booking Vacations

After completing The College of Disney Knowledge and getting your IATA number, you can begin your travel agent career and book your very first Disney Vacation! Learn the ropes as you go, and you’ll feel more and more comfortable as you dive in and continue to follow any necessary training programs and support that the agency provides as well. 

You’ll likely want to build your social media accounts and start building an audience on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. 

Do Disney Travel Agents Get Free Trips?

The number one question I hear people ask is if Disney Travel Agents get to go on Disney vacations for free. While that would be AMAZING, generally speaking, the answer is no. 

Disney does not offer free trips to travel agents, although they do sometimes offer discounts on certain things such as the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney. They might also receive benefits when booking different vacations such as receiving additional perks such as a room upgrade. 

In addition to that, many of the different agencies offer incentives for their agents that have high volumes of sales giving them free perks at times such as free park tickets or a hotel night. These aren’t provided directly by Disney, but if you are a high performer, you may get some free stuff!

Scams to Look Out for

There are a few additional things you need to look out for so you don’t get scammed: 

• If you’re told that you got the job but they then proceed to ask for $500 to work for them, it’s likely a scam
• If you’re working for a travel agency and aren’t getting paid, even AFTER your guest goes on their trip, it’s likely a scam
• If you see things such as membership fees, training fees, registration fees, or affiliate fees, it’s likely a scam

Can You Be a Disney Travel Agent Without an Agency?

Yes, you can be a Disney Travel Agent without an agency, but it’s complicated and will require additional work and money. 

You will need many different certificates and licenses that the various different agencies already have in place for you to work with different suppliers in different states. It’s a far greater risk and requires a much greater outlay of money and resources initially. 

Instead, if you work with an agency, you’ll be able to operate under their licenses which makes things much easier.

Can You Offer Disney Vacations and Experiences?

Yes! Once you’re an official Authorized Disney Travel Agent you can book Disney trips to all of the different Disney destinations, but you can also book other types of travel as well. This can range from hotels to cruises to Adventures by Disney Tours all over the world! 

You can also specialize in other forms of travel outside of the Disney Parks by adding other things to your repertoire such as Universal Studios, or thousands of other travel destinations as well! 

Many of the different travel agencies will offer free training courses to help their agents learn about different destinations and have the ability to specialize in other popular vacation destinations both domestically and internationally. 

Challenges You Face As a Disney Travel Agent

And while being a Disney Travel Agent has significant perks, it doesn’t mean it’s perfect all the time. There will be challenges and hurdles for new agents, especially in the early stages. What are these? 

• Finding Clients – It can be challenging to grow your initial customer base. You’ll likely need to be active on social media and talk up your services to people you meet. Finding prospective clients is the lifeblood of your business and if you can’t find customers, you’re not going to make money. The good news is most agencies offer great training to help you find buyers.
• Continuous Education – Disney news comes out practically by the hour, and keeping up with all the latest happenings both at Walt Disney World and Disneyland can be a full-time job in and of itself! Imagine keeping up with all of the Disney Parks around the world and potentially other vacation destinations. You’ll need to keep educated to fully assist your customers on their trips.
• Working around Clients’ Schedules – Just because you CAN work when you want, doesn’t mean that’s in the best interests of your clients. Some clients have vastly different schedules than you, and you’ll have to meet their demands and work around when they have time to talk.
• Distractions at Home – While working from home is wonderful most of the time, if you have children or distractions at home, it can be easy to lose track of what you need to get done, wasting valuable time that could be spent building your business.
• Monthly Fees – You will likely have some monthly fees, such as technology fees and insurance fees when working with an agency. While these aren’t much, when you aren’t making any money your first few months, it could set you back a little.
• Taxes – We love tax deductions by being an independent contractor, but if you’re not used to it, you’ll need to keep better track of your expenses and your income. You’ll likely want to set aside 25-30% of any income you make to pay taxes since commissions are NOT taxed. 

How to Choose a Disney-Focused Travel Agency?

While it’s important to choose a Disney Focused Travel Agency to partner with since you want Disney to be your main specialization, there are some other factors to consider when picking an agency. 

• Does the Disney Travel Agency have ‘Earmarked Status?’ If it does, that’s a major positive. While this isn’t a dealbreaker since it’s possible the company you are looking at hasn’t been around long enough for it to get this status. 
• Does the agency offer the ability to book other forms of travel for guests that choose NOT to book a Disney trip? Are these destinations that interest you, and do they offer training for these locales? 
• How long has the agency been in business? What are their reviews like on social media? 
• Is the agency owner freely available for you to speak to? Are there successful agents that you can speak to? 

Once you get a good feel for a potential agency, at that point it’s worth applying! Remember, there are a lot of agencies, and don’t accept the job if you’re not 100% convinced of the agency’s credentials.

The Best Disney Travel Agency

After explaining everything to look for and be aware of if you are planning to become an Authorized Disney Travel Planner, which agency do we recommend the most? To us, that is a no-brainer… Show You the World Travel .

You probably know that we recommend Show You the World Travel to our readers who need help planning their trips, but they are just as good of a company to work for as they are at planning guests’ trips.

If you are interested in becoming a Disney Travel Agent, go to their website here and contact the owner Rene Cittadino who will be happy to talk with you and see if it’s a good fit.

In fact, we have a friend who learned about them through this website and actually started working for them as a Disney travel agent, and she absolutely loves everything about it. She confirmed to us they are a great company to work for and they cover all the checkpoints we went over earlier in this article.

With her testimony, I am confident to recommend them to anyone wanting to start selling Disney vacations.

And if you are planning a Disney trip soon, please reach out to the friendly group of experts they already have working as agents. They will make your trip planning experience stress-free and help you every step of the way! Fill out a free request here .

Ready to Start Planning Your Disney Vacation?

If you feel overwhelmed planning a Disney vacation, use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner such as Show You the World Travel . They are experts on every Disney location and can tell you where to stay, what to do, how to save money, and give you personalized service for your most magical vacation ever!

That wraps up our look at how to become an Authorized Disney Travel Planner. If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our guide to becoming an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner…

• What is your favorite benefit of being a Disney travel agent?
• What important tips have you learned over the years that can help others if they want to become one?

Let us know in the comments section below!

If you enjoyed this article, as always I appreciate it if you’d share it with others via social media.  I work hard at making this website into a useful resource for you and your family to plan your visit to the Disney Parks and I hope it can help you! Thanks 🙂

My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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Table of Contents

Why become a Disney trip planner?

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

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

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

As a Disney travel agent:

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

You control your own schedule and how much you work.

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

You’ll earn a commission on successful bookings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Disney travel agent discounts

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

Disneyland Resort Hotels.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.

Adventures by Disney.

Disney Cruise Line.

Select all-inclusive resorts in Mexico.

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

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

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

Complimentary Disney Park Hopper tickets annually

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

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

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

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

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

Discounted Universal Studios tickets

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

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

Discounted Disney cruises and increased commissions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: The best Disney resort for adults

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

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

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 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.

85,000 Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent: Fora’s Full Guide

The Modern Travel Agency

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/how-to-become-a-disney-travel-agent

The “Most Magical Place on Earth” sits on many families’ dream vacation lists. But the options and variations on a Disney vacation can feel like it's even more complicated than Moana’s quest to restore the heart of Te Fiti. That’s where you — a travel agent — step in to save the day. Below, we’re breaking down how to become a Disney travel agent: the steps, common questions and why you might want to consider this niche to complement your travel agent career.

(If you’re interested in learning how to become a travel agent in general, our guide has everything you need to get started.)

What is a Disney Travel Agent?

A Disney travel agent is someone who plans and books Disney vacations for their clientele. You may decide to focus only on Disney vacations, or, you can also book other types of trips and travel experiences for your clients. 

Related Article: How to Become an Independent Travel Agent

Why should you become a Disney Travel Agent?

The job of a Disney travel agent isn’t only for the Disney-obsessed. Learning how to become a Disney travel agent is also a great way to help build a career that makes income while helping travelers plan a trip that, for them, means everything. 

While some families frequently travel to Walt Disney World, Disneyland or another Disney destination, others only do so once in their lifetimes, which means hopes and expectations can be high. Stepping in to help families plan a bucket-list trip is not just a great career option, but also a rewarding way to give families the chance to make meaningful intergenerational bonds during a trip of a lifetime.

The benefits of becoming a Disney travel agent

Because these trips are often comprehensive (hotels, tickets, etc.), becoming a Disney vacation planner can be lucrative for travel agents, who can earn a substantial income even from a single trip. (If you’re interested in learning how to become a luxury travel advisor , the same concept applies.)

But there’s more to love about becoming a Disney travel agent.

It’s a flexible career option 

One of the perks of becoming an independent travel agent is that you are your own boss — whether you’re selling Disney travel or otherwise. It’s a flexible career option: you can work from where you want, and when you want. You can work part-time or full-time, depending on your schedule (and you can also ramp up your business over time). In particular, becoming a Disney travel agent can be an especially great career option for parents. 

In terms of how much you earn, travel agent commissions for Disney can be lucrative — and Disney offers them for most experiences, from single-day tickets to full vacation packages. For background, most independent travel agents partner with a travel agent host agency (like Fora). At Fora, we offer you all the resources to help you build and scale your business, including training on Disney as well as an IATA number , the legal framework needed to collect commissions for booking travel. 

Commission rates vary by what you’re booking, with better rates for more substantial experiences. Generally, ‌the rates hover around three to seven percent for multi-day tickets, and between eight and 16 percent for stays at Disney resorts or for major expeditions. Commissions really add up when you start booking for multiple families.

"From the day I started working as a Fora Advisor, I had all of the tech tools and educational resources available to help launch my new career," Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. "I have also had the support and advice of all of my fellow Fora Advisors, which is an invaluable help when I am booking travel to places that are unfamiliar to me. With all of those elements, I was able to hit the ground running and make bookings from day one.

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You can share your passion for travel and Disney

If you’re the type of person who nerds out over new attractions, great hotels and the latest Disney flicks, learning how to become a Disney travel agent is a great career option. 

You’ll be able to share the magic of Disney with your clients, curating unforgettable experiences at beloved destinations — from the fairytale castles of Magic Kingdom to outposts from a galaxy far, far away.

Disney offers fun perks like free tickets & discounts for selling travel

Disney travel agents who book a certain number of experiences (it changes year to year) are eligible for all sorts of fun perks, such as theme park tickets. On occasion, Disney also offers special incentives. For example, Disney travel agents who sold three Adventures by Disney Danube River Cruise 2023 reservations received a complimentary cruise to enjoy themselves.

How to become a Disney travel agent: the steps

Learning to become a Disney travel agent is a relatively straightforward process. Read on for detailed steps.

1. First, you need to become a travel agent

You can’t apply to become a Disney travel agent directly. To book Disney vacations for others, you’ll need to become a general travel agent first. 

Travel agents are certified sellers of travel through licensed host agencies like Fora.

2. Choose the right host agency

First things first, make sure you’re picking a host agency that partners with Disney and also offers training on Disney. (At Fora, we do). 

"If I had to describe Fora's training program in one word, it would be robust," Fora Advisor Caroline Weilert said. "I love that Fora considers all angles related to training – business planning, destination overviews, hotel spotlights, mentorship programs, supplier overviews – and that it provides webinars, live trainings, recordings and best of all, access to the entire supplier community. Everyone at Fora is a learner and a trainer because we all have different types of knowledge to share with each other."

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A few other considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a host agency include…

Make sure they offer a comprehensive training program

Especially if you’re just getting started, remember that you’ll want to find an agency with a comprehensive training program. At Fora, we offer travel agent certification so that you can learn everything you need to start building your Disney travel advisor business. We also have ongoing training so that you can stay in-the-know with the latest travel trends. 

Look for an agency that aligns with your business goals and lifestyle

If you’re looking to work part-time or you are just starting out and ramping up your business, a host agency with a high booking minimum likely isn’t right for you.

Consider upfront and ongoing costs

For example, if the training program is super expensive, it might feel like a good investment on the surface, but it’s going to take you a long time to earn that money back. You want to find something that feels approachable. At Fora, we offer a flat-rate monthly subscription of $49 for everything you need. 

Find a community that you align with 

There’s a lot of pros to being an independent travel advisor, but it can also be lonely. We’ve built a community to make it easier than ever for travel lovers to develop meaningful and lasting businesses as travel agents. Our community is built around cooperation and inclusivity. We have built a community app, called Forum , for you to connect with fellow advisors in a digital space. We also have Local Chapters so that you can connect with others in real life. 

3. Once you become a travel agent, unlock access to Disney’s travel agent portal

If you choose to become a Fora travel advisor , you’ll get access to Disney’s dedicated travel agent portal, which houses the company’s training program.

On top of standard travel agent training, Disney requires that all sellers of travel enroll in this program. Disney’s travel agent training is designed to familiarize yourself with Disney properties and experiences around the world. Once you’ve completed the training, you can start earning an income selling Disney vacations.

Become a Disney travel agent through Fora

If you’re looking for an opportunity to satisfy your travel-planning bug while organizing life-changing family vacations at Disney properties around the world, learning how to become a Disney travel agent is a great career option. 

"Prior to working with Fora, I had only planned trips for myself and other family members," Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez shared. "Working as a travel advisor had always appealed to me but I couldn't figure out how to do it on my own in a way that made sense. That is, I couldn't figure it out until I came across Fora."

When you’re ready to get started, apply to join Fora . We’ll set you up with all the tools and support you need to be successful as a travel agent, from training to community and tech.

How to become a Disney travel agent: FAQs

There are a lot of details to consider if you’re learning how to become a Disney travel agent. Many Fora Advisors who double as Disney travel agents share tips on Forum, our community app . We’ve gathered the most common questions below and provide in-depth answers sourced directly from experts with firsthand experience.

Do I need to become a Disney expert to be a Disney travel agent?

Becoming a great Disney travel agent is more about understanding the nuances of each park and resort while maximizing your clients’ vacations and experiences. Don’t feel like you need to watch every Disney film — unless you really want to, of course! Adding a little bit of Disney magic to your booking process is a great way to boost your clients’ excitement (and keep them coming back to you).

How much do Disney travel agents make?

It depends on how much and how often you book. As a travel agent, you’ll earn money from commissions made from booking travel. Depending on the vacation package, commissions vary. Fora can help you navigate the various options Disney offers and learn how to scale your business. If you have questions about travel advisor pay in general, like how travel agents get paid or how much travel agents make per booking , check out our guides.

Related Article: Everything You Need to Know about a Fora Travel Advisor Salary (and How Our Advisors Get Paid)  

How many hours a day do Disney travel agents work?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to how many hours Disney travel agents work each day because most are independent business owners.  

Many Fora travel advisors begin their travel agent career part time, booking everything from Disney experiences to hotel stays and cruises — while also working a day job or as a full-time parent. T he most successful travel advisors put in a lot of dedicated hard work, but are able to do so on their own terms. 

With us, it’s up to you whether you transition to a full-time career or stay part-time. That’s one thing we love about becoming a Fora Advisor : endless flexibility to run your business how you want.

What types of Disney vacation packages can travel agents book besides Walt Disney World?

There are many types of experiences Disney travel agents can book and earn commission on beyond passes to Walt Disney World or Disneyland (in the United States or abroad). This includes vacation packages at resorts like Aulani in Hawai’i or Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida, as well as Disney Cruises and National Geographic expeditions. There are also Adventures by Disney, which are curated vacations to popular destinations around the world, such as Cape Town in South Africa, the Greek Isles, Machu Picchu and many more.

Plus, as a Fora travel advisor, you can book Disney experiences as well as vacations outside of the Disney name brand.

Related Article: How to Become a Cruise Travel Agent

What support do I get as a Disney travel agent?

If you’re booking a trip to Walt Disney World or other Disney destinations, you’ll receive a wealth of resources from both Disney and your host travel agency (like Fora).

One of the most exclusive and special tools that Disney offers travel agents is its massive travel advisor online platform. It’s the mothership for Disney travel agents and Disney destinations. This comprehensive resource allows travel agents to find and book Disney resorts (including Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Aulani Resort in Hawai’i), Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions and more. 

Beyond booking, you’ll also get helpful and detailed information about every attraction available in the Disney ecosystem, like the operating hours of It’s a Small World, for instance. With this intel, you can build the most detailed and comprehensive itinerary for your travelers.

Disney travel agents also get access to an extensive learning portal, called the College of Disney Knowledge. Inside the college is a series of courses that gives you an introduction to Disney resorts around the world. 

As a Fora Advisor, you also get many more resources. Fora is a one-stop shop for everything you need to run your travel advisor business. Learn more and apply to become a Fora Advisor today. 

Does a host agency have to be “EarMarked” or labeled as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agency?

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are travel agencies that specialize exclusively in Disney vacations. They’re also known as “EarMarked” travel agencies. These certifications show that the travel agency has a long-standing reputation for selling tickets to Walt Disney World, as well as Disney vacation packages. However, you do not need to be EarMarked or an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner to sell a Disney vacation package or Walt Disney World tickets. 

Fora partners with Disney, and our travel agents can book all Disney vacation packages while also making income on other types of trip planning. 

Once you become a Disney travel agent, can you only work with Walt Disney World and other Disney experiences?

Nope. Disney doesn’t employ any kind of policy that restricts the types of bookings you can make. 

If you become a Fora Advisor, you can book many other types of travel, too, from hotels to cruises and even travel insurance. That also means you can specialize in other theme parks beyond Disneyland, like Universal Studios, or book other travel experiences like family vacations, honeymoons, corporate retreats — you name it. (Fora hosts regular destination training classes online to help advisors get to know places around the world, too.)

Do you need to build your Disney travel agent business from the ground up?

Disney offers plenty of resources to learn about their systems and properties, but they don’t send client leads to travel agents. This may be something your host agency helps you with, though. Learn more about how Fora helps advisors build their book of business .

Do you need experience to become a Disney travel agent?

Disney doesn’t have any requirements to become a certified Disney travel agent.

However, we do recommend participating in a comprehensive training program so that you can book travel for your clients confidently and professionally. We offer an initial certification program as well as ongoing training to meet you where you’re at during every stage of your career. Learn more about Fora’s travel advisor training program.

Ultimately, the best way to learn how to become a Disney travel agent is to dive in. With a community like Fora’s, we equip you with everything you need to start your travel agent career . 

“I love being a travel advisor because it truly doesn't feel like ‘work,’” Fora Advisor Danielle Fisher said. “I get to help others while doing something I'm passionate about and enjoy. “I also love the flexibility so I can be a travel advisor, but also a stay-at-home mom with my two toddlers.”

Ready to get started? Apply to become a Fora Advisor . 

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More travel advisor resources

Check out more travel advisor resources below:

The Destination Management Company: A Travel Advisor’s Ace  

Is Being a Travel Agent Worth It? Fora Discusses the Pros & Cons  

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Travel Agent? Fora Tells  

Take it from Our Advisors: 8 Reasons to Become a Fora Advisor  

Debunking 3 Myths about Becoming a Travel Advisor  

How to Market Yourself as a Travel Agent 101  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert

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Unlocking The Magic

We talk about Disney World, Disneyland and Universal

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

September 1, 2023 by Unlocking the Magic

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent in 2023

Becoming a Disney Travel Agent offers many benefits that can make the role professionally and personally rewarding. Being a Disney Travel Agent means having the opportunity to help families plan unforgettable experiences, all while cultivating a deep understanding of one of the world’s most beloved brands. 

Income Is Not Limited.

As a Disney Travel Agent, your earning potential is not capped. The commission-based structure allows for flexible income that corresponds directly to your level of dedication and the number of clients you serve. The more effort you put in and bookings you secure, the higher your income. This can be particularly advantageous for those seeking a career with financial rewards proportional to individual hard work and success.

Work From Anywhere

Being a Disney Travel Agent offers the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere. With the primary tools being a computer, cell phone and a reliable internet connection, you can manage your business from home, a coffee shop, or sometimes even while on vacation. This level of flexibility is particularly appealing to those who value the ability to set their schedules and work in a location of their choosing.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a digital nomad, or someone who dislikes the restrictions of a traditional office setup, this career provides the liberty to shape your work environment according to your preference.

Disney Travel Agents Are Eligible For A Variety Of Benefits, Including:

Free Tickets:

Disney travel agents who complete specific training programs or meet certain membership requirements may be eligible to receive free theme park tickets. For example, College of Disney Knowledge graduates receive a one-day Park Hopper ticket for Walt Disney World, and travel agents who complete the Universal and U training program receive a free Universal Orlando 3-Park 3-Day ticket.

Discounted Travel:

Disney travel agents are eligible for discounts on Disney park tickets, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. The deals available will vary depending on the travel agent’s membership status and the type of travel they are booking.

In addition to these benefits, Disney travel agents can access exclusive resources and information about Disney and Universal destinations. This can be helpful for agents who are planning vacations for their clients.

Work Doing What You Love.

Being a travel agent for Disney or Universal offers financial rewards. It brings the joy of helping others make magical memories. The work allows you to combine your passion for travel and love for these theme parks into a fulfilling career. Imagine spending your days planning and discussing exciting adventures for families and groups.

This doesn’t just grant you exclusive perks, benefits, and the satisfaction of doing what you love – bringing joy to people’s lives through unforgettable travel experiences. 

Potential Tax Write-Offs

There are some tax benefits to being a Disney travel agent. Namely, any Disney vacation you go on can potentially be tax-deductible as a research expense. This is an excellent perk for anyone who spends much time at Disney destinations.

Please note that we are not tax experts and urge you to consult a tax advisor before writing off these   expenses .

You will have the potential to earn a competitive commission and gain exclusive access to resources and discounts that can enhance your and your clients’ Disney experience.

Finally, the role can allow you to work from home and set your hours, making it an excellent option for those seeking a balance between their professional and personal lives.

Understand How the Commission Works for Travel Agents

Disney travel agents earn a commission for each vacation their clients travel and typically split their commission with the agency. Ticket sales are also commissionable, and those are usually paid out by the supplier quicker, making it a great supplement to an agent’s income. Commissions also vary and are typically higher for those who book more sales or are experienced. Agents also usually receive a higher commission on clients they find themselves vs. any potential leads given to them from the agency.

What to Look For As A Career As A Disney Travel Agent

When researching Disney travel agencies or jobs, there are several factors to consider. One of the critical aspects when considering a travel agency, is the level of support and resources the agency provides. Along with this includes a strong commission structure for you to succe ed. Finding a balance between independence, support, and potential earnings will help you find the best fit for your career as a Disney travel agent.

What Skills Are Needed To Become A Successful Disney Travel Agent

Excellent communication skills :.

Disney Travel Agencies look for candidates who are passionate about Disney, have excellent customer service skills, and possess a keen attention to detail. They value individuals who can use their knowledge of Disney products and services to create memorable vacation experiences for clients.

Proactive :

Agents are always in high demand. They anticipate the client’s needs, staying one step ahead to ensure a seamless travel experience. Whether promptly addressing queries, foreseeing potential issues, or taking the initiative to provide personalized recommendations, a proactive approach can significantly enhance client satisfaction.

Reliability

Reliability is a paramount quality for Disney travel agents. Clients entrust their vacation plans to the agent, expecting timely and accurate information and promptly resolving any issues that might arise. An agent’s ability to consistently meet these expectations can significantly influence their reputation and success in the industry.

Handling stressful situations with grace is crucial in this line of work. Travel planning can be complex, and unexpected obstacles are often part of the process. An effective Disney travel agent can manage these challenges calmly and efficiently, ensuring clients’ vacation experiences remain undisturbed.

This helps maintain client satisfaction and contributes to the agent’s professional growth and resilience.

Experience With Disney Products

Experience in the travel industry and a thorough understanding of the Disney brand are invaluable assets for a Disney travel agent. This wealth of knowledge enables them to craft travel experiences that align perfectly with Disney’s unique magic and charm.

Whether recommending the most enchanting Disney resorts or guiding clients through the vast array of entertainment options at Disney parks, familiarity with the Disney brand empowers agents to bring clients’ dream Disney vacations to life. Additionally, industry experience equips them with the skill to navigate the complexities of travel planning efficiently, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable process for their clients.

Disney travel agencies expect their agents to have reliable technology and be computer savvy. This includes having a quiet home office with good cell phone service and high-speed internet access. Agents will use an online booking system and talk to clients throughout the day, so their technology must be up to the task.

Social Media Knowledge

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to market Disney travel services. Effective Disney travel planners use social media to connect with potential clients, build relationships, and promote their services.

Learn The Ins and Outs Of Booking Disney Vacations.

Mastering the intricacies of booking Disney vacations is integral to providing top-notch service to clients. This involves understanding the optimal times to visit for minimal crowds, securing dining and Genie+ reservations , being well-versed in the various ticket types, and keeping abreast of the latest park updates and events.

A proficient Disney travel agent should also be adept at customizing vacation packages to cater to clients’ diverse needs and budgets, including accommodation, transportation, dining, and entertainment options.

They should additionally be familiar with the different Disney locations worldwide, each offering a unique blend of experiences. Lastly, ongoing self-education is essential as Disney continually evolves, introducing new attractions, discontinuing specific offerings, and tweaking its booking procedures.

Take the next step in achieving your career goals by joining Unlocking The Magic Travel! As a travel professional with Unlocking The Magic Travel, you will be able to unlock your true potential. With our incredible support and access to ongoing training and course workshops, you’ll have the keys to succeed.

Why Choose Us?

Direct access to owners

Private agency messaging channel for help with questions

Monthly sales training and round table discussions (virtual)

Free social media training and courses

Competitive commission splits

Our Desired Qualifications Are:

At least five recent visits to Disney Destinations or, if you wish to specialize in another area, at least five trips to another destination, with at least one of those in the past 12 months

Expert-level knowledge of Disney Destinations, Universal Parks & Resorts, or at least one other travel niche (such as cruising, Europe, all-inclusive, beach destinations, honeymoons, destination weddings, etc.)

Highly motivated and organized

Comfortable with technology and online research

Self-directed

Active user of social media

Comfortable with sales and marketing

Strong communication skills

Strong customer service skills

Do You Have A Passion For Travel?

Are you willing to promote yourself to make others aware of your expertise and presence, especially on social media?

Do you have the time and resources to maintain client relationships and continue your education for the Disney brand and other travel vendors?

If you can answer these questions with a yes, please read the F.A.Q.s and complete the application below!

As an agent, you can earn a commission helping people create magical vacation experiences, all at no extra cost to them.

Unlocking the Magic Travel is a full-service travel agency specializing in creating custom vacations for families all around the world. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service so you can sit back, relax and make unforgettable memories! Best of all, our services are 100% free! 

VIP Disney Travel

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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

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

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

Working as a Disney Travel Agent

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

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

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

What do Disney Travel Agents Do?

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

What Are the Benefits of Being a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

Work from home

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

Set your own hours

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

Training Opportunities

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

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

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

Personal Travel

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

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

*Be sure to consult your financial advisor.

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

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

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

Make friends and have fun

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

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

Do Disney Travel Agents Get Discounts?

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

What Are the Challenges of Being a Disney Travel Agent?

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

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

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

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

Set your own hours, but be available for clients

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

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

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

Training and travel

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

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

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

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

Finding clients

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

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

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

Customer service with a smile

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do disney travel agents get paid.

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

How Much Do Disney Travel Agents Make?

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

Commission for Disney Travel Agents

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

Commission Splits

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commission Bumps

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

Simple Commission Split example:

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

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

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

What Does the Agency Do for Their Share?

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

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

The cost of doing business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Am I an employee of the Disney Travel Company?

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

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

Product knowledge.

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

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

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

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

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

Be ready with answers

A client may ask:

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

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

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

Good Communication

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

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

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

Be clear with your responses and helpful with your advice.

Self-Starter

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

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

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

Prompt and Proactive

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

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

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

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

Detail-Oriented

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

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

Well-Organized

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

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

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

Technical Skills

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

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

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

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

Marketing Savvy

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

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

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

Social media presence

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

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

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

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

Passion, drive, and motivation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Communication Skills

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

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

Good Personality

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

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

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

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

How to find Disney Travel Agent Jobs

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

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

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

Research Travel Agencies

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

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

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

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

Look for a Support System

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

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

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

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

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

Agency Fees

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

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

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

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

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

The Cost of No-Fee Agencies

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

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

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

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

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

Look Out for Scams

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

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

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

Find the right fit

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

What Do Disney Travel Agencies Look for in Applicants?

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

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

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

✓ Knowledge

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

✓ Previous Planning Experience

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

✓ Commitment

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

✓ Availability

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

✓ Character Traits

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

✓ Salesmanship

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

✓ Customer Service Skills

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

✓ Tech-Skills

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

✓ Social Media Presence

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

Looking for a Recommended Disney Travel Agency to Join?

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

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

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

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

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

Testimonials from actual agents:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How To Become A Disney Travel Agent

Posted on Last updated: June 5, 2024

If you are wondering how to become a Disney travel agent, this post is for you! Guest post by Heather of WDW Travels . 

If you’re a Disney fan, have you ever considered becoming a travel agent? It’s not as hard as you might think!

This article will answer all your questions and give you tips on how to become a Disney travel agent from someone who was one.

If you love planning Disney vacations for your friends and family, then this might be the perfect job for you.

How do you become an independent Disney travel agent? 

The first thing that you need to do is figure out what travel agency you want to work for.

You can do a Google search for “Disney Travel Agencies” to get started.  I also suggest you do research and talk to people.

Contact a few agencies and see what their commission structure looks like and also find out what their yearly fees are.

I jumped on the first agency that responded to me and in the long run, I should have done more research! 

In particular, look for agencies that are “EarMarked”, or designated as Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.

Here’s the logo to look for on the agency’s site: 

Once you have found the right agency you will sign a year long contract and agreement and pay your fees for the year.

The fees go towards software the agency needs and other licenses.

When I started the fees were about $250 for the year.

Once you are set up with the agency you then will need to complete the Disney College of Knowledge.

This is an online course where you will learn about everything Disney travel. There are separate sections for Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruiseline and Adventures by Disney.

Once you get your certificate at the end, you can then start booking trips for clients!

How do Disney Travel Agents get paid?

Disney travel agents get a commission based on the amount of the travel package that they book.

The agency gets the money directly from Disney and then the agency will give the individual agent who booked the trip their commission.

With most travel agencies the travel agents work solely on commission, and they do not receive their money until after you have traveled on your trip.

How Much Do Disney Travel Agents Make Per Booking?

This can vary depending on what agency you work for. Like I said above, do your research.

Here is how my commission plan worked:

The agency received 10% gross commission directly from Disney. So if you book a $5000 trip, the agency gets $500.

The agent then has a commission split. Mine was 60/40 meaning that the agent would get $300 (60%) and the agency would keep $200 (40%).

Obviously the more that you book the more money you make! Some agencies will give you more of a split the more you book per year.

Something that you need to keep in mind is that you will not get paid until after the client travels to Disney.

So if you are booking a trip one year out, that means your commission is one year out.

What Are The Perks Of Being A Disney Travel Agent?

Being a Disney travel agent can be really a lot of fun.

If you love Disney and love planning trips then it could be a really great fit for you!

Depending on the Travel Agency that you work for, the “perks” can vary.

There are some agencies that have yearly meet ups with all of their agents at the parks to just have fun or as a trip for further training.

The agency that I worked for offered 100% net commission on my own travel once I had booked $5000 in trips for guests each year. 

Is It Cheaper To Book Through Disney Or A Travel Agent?

Believe it or not, it actually costs the exact same amount whether you book thru Disney directly or use a travel agent.

That’s because if you are using a travel agent, they are actually paid by Disney.

If you are looking online at package prices and find a great deal, your travel agent can find that same exact deal for you.

Sometimes they can even find deals that you didn’t know about. They can also be the ones to wait on the phone or online to get you the hard to get Dining reservations.

Does Disney Have Their Own Travel Agents?

Disney has cast members who work the phones to book the trips that people call into Disney to book, however they are not “travel agents” they are just Cast Members who work in that department.

Why Am I A Former Disney Travel Agent?

I learned a lot while I was a Disney travel agent and not just about Disney.

I learned that just because I loved Disney didn’t mean that I should just focus on being a travel agent.

There were a lot of factors in me not renewing my contract with the agency I was working for.

For me it was tough to have to wait until after the client took their trip to get the commission.

Also, personally, I didn’t feel supported by the agency, and finally the yearly fees nearly quadrupled after my first year and I just didn’t see the value in paying that amount of money for what I was getting in return.

And that’s where my blog, WDWTravels , was born. I chose to take my knowledge and love of Disney and start a blog to help people plan their Disney vacations.

Even though it didn’t work out for me as an agent I wouldn’t discourage anyone from trying it out, it may be a perfect fit for some.

About Heather

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve loved traveling to Disney World . As a former Disney Travel Agent I have planned trips for people from all over the world including close friends and family members. Let me help you plan your best trip yet to the most magical place on earth! Click here to visit Heather’s site. 

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How Much Do Disney Travel Agents Make Per Booking

Published: October 19, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Harri Katz

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Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of Disney travel! If you have a passion for all things Disney and love helping others plan their dream vacations, becoming a Disney travel agent can be a rewarding career choice. Not only do you get to immerse yourself in the magic of Disney, but you also have the opportunity to earn a steady income by assisting clients with booking their travel essentials and accessories.

Disney travel agents play a crucial role in helping travelers navigate the vast array of options available at Disney destinations, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. They provide expert guidance, personalized recommendations, and handle all the necessary arrangements to ensure their clients have an unforgettable experience.

In this article, we will delve into the factors that affect the income of Disney travel agents, explore the commission structure they work with, discuss average earnings per booking, highlight the benefits and perks of being a Disney travel agent, and provide insights on how to kickstart your career in this exciting field.

Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast or someone looking for a fulfilling career in the travel industry, understanding the earning potential and opportunities available as a Disney travel agent is essential. So let’s dive in and explore the world of Disney travel agents and how much they make per booking!

Factors Affecting the Income of Disney Travel Agents

The income of Disney travel agents can vary depending on several factors. Let’s take a closer look at some key elements that can impact their earnings:

• Experience and Expertise: Like any profession, experience and expertise play a significant role in determining the income of Disney travel agents. Agents with a strong knowledge of Disney destinations, including the various parks, resorts, dining options, and attractions, are better equipped to provide valuable insights and recommendations to their clients. As agents gain more experience and expertise, they can build a reputation for delivering exceptional service, which can lead to higher income opportunities.
• Clientele and Network: The size and quality of a Disney travel agent’s clientele and network can greatly affect their income. Agents who have established relationships with a large number of loyal clients, repeat business, and referrals can expect a more consistent flow of bookings, resulting in higher earnings. Building a strong network through effective marketing strategies, social media presence, and strong customer relations can contribute to the overall success and income potential of a Disney travel agent.
• Booking Volume: The number of bookings a Disney travel agent handles can significantly impact their income. Generally, the more bookings an agent is able to secure, the higher their income potential. However, it’s important to note that the volume of bookings alone may not guarantee a high income if the commission rates are low or if the agency charges a flat fee structure.
• Commission Structure: The commission structure set by the travel agency or company also plays a crucial role in determining the income of Disney travel agents. Some agencies offer a tiered commission structure, where agents earn higher percentages as they reach certain sales targets. Others may have a fixed commission rate for all bookings. It’s important for agents to understand the commission structure and how it aligns with their income goals when choosing a travel agency to work with.
• Additional Services and Upselling: Disney travel agents can increase their income by offering additional services and upselling opportunities to their clients. This can include organizing special experiences, dining reservations, FastPass selections, transportation arrangements, and more. By providing personalized and enhanced vacation packages, agents can earn additional commissions and boost their overall income.

It’s important to note that while these factors can influence the income of Disney travel agents, individual results may vary. It takes time, effort, and dedication to establish a successful career as a Disney travel agent and maximize income potential. By continually refining their skills, expanding their network, and providing exceptional service, Disney travel agents can create a rewarding and financially fulfilling career.

Commission Structure for Disney Travel Agents

The commission structure for Disney travel agents can vary depending on the travel agency or company they work with. While specific details may differ, here is a general overview of how commission is typically calculated for Disney travel agents:

1. Percentage-Based Commission: Many travel agencies offer a commission structure based on a percentage of the total booking value. The percentage can range anywhere from 10% to 15%, and it may increase as the agent achieves certain sales targets or establishes a track record of successful bookings. This type of commission structure rewards agents for their sales performance and incentivizes them to secure higher-value bookings.

2. Flat Fee Commission: In some cases, travel agencies may offer a flat fee commission for each booking made by their agents. This means that the agent receives a fixed amount for each booking, regardless of the total value. Flat fee commissions are typically used when the agency operates on a lower-margin model or for bookings that have a standardized rate.

3. Combination Structure: Certain travel agencies may utilize a combination commission structure that incorporates both a percentage-based commission and a flat fee. This allows agents to earn a baseline commission for each booking as well as an additional percentage-based commission for higher-value bookings or reaching specific sales targets. This hybrid commission structure provides agents with the opportunity to earn a steady income while also incentivizing them to strive for more substantial bookings.

It’s important for Disney travel agents to understand and be familiar with the commission structure of the agency they work for. This knowledge helps them set realistic income expectations and determine the strategies needed to maximize their earnings. Additionally, agents should also be aware of any additional fees or expenses that may be deducted from their commission, such as administrative fees or marketing costs.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the commission structure for Disney travel agents may be subject to change over time. As the travel industry evolves and market conditions fluctuate, agencies may adjust their commission rates or structures. Therefore, it is crucial for agents to stay informed and regularly communicate with their agency to ensure they are up to date on any changes that may impact their income.

Average Earnings Per Booking for Disney Travel Agents

The average earnings per booking for Disney travel agents can vary based on several factors, including the commission structure, the type of booking, and the overall booking value. While it is challenging to provide an exact figure, we can discuss some estimates and factors that influence the average earnings.

Disney travel agents typically earn a commission based on the total cost of the booking, which includes accommodations, park tickets, dining plans, and any additional services or upgrades. As mentioned earlier, the commission percentage can range from 10% to 15% or even higher in some cases, depending on the agency and the agent’s performance.

Let’s consider an example to illustrate the average earnings per booking. Suppose a client books a Disney vacation package with a total cost of $5,000. If the agent’s commission rate is 12%, they would earn $600 for that booking. Higher-value bookings can result in higher earnings, while lower-value bookings would correspondingly generate lower commissions.

Additionally, it’s important to note that some agencies may have lower commission rates for certain types of bookings, such as discounted packages or promotional offers. In such cases, the earnings per booking may be lower than the average commission rate.

It’s worth mentioning that Disney travel agents may also have the opportunity to earn additional income through upselling and providing supplementary services. For example, if the agent offers dining reservations, special experiences, or additional activities to enhance the client’s vacation, they can earn additional commissions on these add-ons.

Keep in mind that the average earnings per booking can also be influenced by the agent’s experience, client base, and sales performance. Agents with a robust network of loyal clients and a proven track record of successful bookings can potentially earn higher commissions due to their reputation and the trust they have built with their customers.

While it’s difficult to provide an exact average figure, it is reasonable to estimate that Disney travel agents can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars per booking, depending on the factors mentioned above. Agents who consistently secure high-value bookings and provide exceptional service have the potential to earn a substantial income in this industry.

It’s important for Disney travel agents to consult with their agency or employer to obtain detailed information about commission rates, earning potential, and any additional incentives or bonuses that may be available to them. This will help agents set realistic income goals and identify strategies to maximize their earnings per booking.

Benefits and Perks for Disney Travel Agents

Becoming a Disney travel agent comes with various benefits and perks that go beyond the financial aspect. Let’s explore some of the enticing advantages of working in this exciting field:

• Travel Discounts: One of the most enticing perks of being a Disney travel agent is the opportunity to enjoy discounted or complimentary travel to Disney destinations. Agents may be eligible for discounted accommodations, park tickets, dining experiences, and even special events. This allows them to experience the magic of Disney firsthand while also gaining valuable insights to share with their clients.
• Educational Opportunities: Disney travel agents often have access to educational programs and training opportunities provided by Disney. These programs allow agents to stay up to date with the latest park updates, new attractions, dining options, and other offerings. This knowledge enhances their expertise and enables them to provide accurate information and valuable suggestions to their clients.
• Industry Recognition: Working as a Disney travel agent provides credibility and recognition within the travel industry. Agents have the opportunity to attend industry conferences, seminars, and events, networking with other professionals in the field. This recognition can lead to collaboration opportunities, partnerships, and a stronger professional reputation.
• Flexible Work Environment: Many Disney travel agents have the flexibility to work remotely or set their own schedules, making it an appealing career choice for those seeking work-life balance. This flexibility allows agents to manage their workload, accommodate client needs, and create a comfortable work environment that suits their lifestyle.
• Personal and Professional Growth: Being a Disney travel agent requires continuous learning and staying informed about the latest Disney trends and offerings. This ongoing education not only enhances the agent’s knowledge but also fosters personal and professional growth. Agents develop valuable skills such as customer service, communication, organization, and sales, which can be transferrable to other areas of their lives or future career opportunities.
• Supportive Community: Disney travel agents often have access to a supportive community of fellow agents who share insights, best practices, and valuable advice. This sense of community not only serves as a resource for knowledge and support but also provides opportunities for networking and collaboration.
• Passion and Fulfillment: Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of being a Disney travel agent is the inherent joy and passion that comes from helping others create memorable experiences. Disney is synonymous with magic and happiness, and being able to play a role in making dreams come true for clients can be incredibly fulfilling.

It’s important to note that the benefits and perks for Disney travel agents can vary depending on the agency they work with and their level of experience. Agents should inquire about the specific benefits offered by their agency or consider joining professional organizations for additional perks and resources.

Overall, being a Disney travel agent provides a unique blend of professional opportunities, personal growth, and the chance to immerse oneself in the enchanting world of Disney, making it a truly rewarding career choice.

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

If you have a passion for Disney and a desire to help others plan their dream vacations, becoming a Disney travel agent can be a fulfilling career choice. Here are some steps to guide you on the path to becoming a Disney travel agent:

• Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with all things Disney, including the various parks, resorts, attractions, and dining options. Stay up-to-date on new offerings and changes within the Disney universe. Attend seminars, webinars, and conferences to enhance your knowledge and expertise.
• Gain Experience in the Travel Industry: While not mandatory, having prior experience in the travel industry can be beneficial. Consider working in a travel agency, tourism office, or related field to understand the inner workings of the industry and gain valuable customer service and sales skills.
• Research Travel Agencies: Explore reputable travel agencies that specialize in Disney vacations. Look for agencies that have a strong track record, positive client reviews, and a good reputation within the industry. Consider factors such as commission structure, training programs, and support provided to their agents.
• Complete Training Programs: Many travel agencies offer training programs specifically tailored to Disney travel agents. These programs provide comprehensive education on Disney vacation planning, booking procedures, and customer service skills. Completing these training programs not only enhances your knowledge but also demonstrates your commitment and expertise to potential clients.
• Obtain Licenses and Certifications: Depending on your location, there may be specific licenses or certifications required to operate as a travel agent. Research and fulfill any legal or regulatory requirements necessary to start your business as a Disney travel agent.
• Build Your Network: Establish relationships within the Disney community, both online and offline. Connect with Disney enthusiasts, attend Disney-inspired events, participate in forums or social media groups, and collaborate with other travel agents. Networking can help you gain insights, referrals, and support in your journey as a Disney travel agent.
• Market Your Services: Develop a strong online presence through a dedicated website, social media platforms, and a blog focusing on Disney travel tips and recommendations. Showcase your expertise, provide valuable content, and engage with your target audience. Consider attending trade shows, hosting client events, or partnering with other Disney-related businesses to expand your reach.
• Deliver Excellent Customer Service: As a Disney travel agent, providing exceptional customer service is key. Be responsive, attentive, and detail-oriented. Listen to your clients’ needs and preferences, and tailor their vacations accordingly. Going above and beyond to create magical experiences for your clients will build your reputation and lead to positive referrals and repeat business.

Remember, becoming a successful Disney travel agent takes time, dedication, and a genuine passion for Disney. Continuously educate yourself, adapt to industry changes, and provide unparalleled service to your clients. Enjoy the process of helping others create unforgettable Disney vacations, and the rewards of this exciting career will follow.

Becoming a Disney travel agent allows you to combine your love for Disney with a rewarding career in the travel industry. As highlighted in this article, Disney travel agents play a vital role in guiding and assisting clients in creating unforgettable experiences at Disney destinations.

Factors like experience, clientele, and commission structure can affect the income of Disney travel agents. Agents have the opportunity to earn a commission based on the total booking value, with average earnings varying depending on the booking types and values. Additionally, agents can benefit from perks such as travel discounts, educational opportunities, flexible work environments, and a supportive community.

To embark on your journey as a Disney travel agent, it is crucial to educate yourself about Disney offerings, gain experience in the travel industry, and research reputable travel agencies. Completing training programs and obtaining any necessary licenses or certifications will further enhance your credibility.

Building a strong network, marketing your services, and delivering exceptional customer service are essential for success in this field. By fostering a genuine passion for Disney and continuously expanding your knowledge, you can create magical experiences for your clients and establish a thriving career as a Disney travel agent.

Remember that the income and opportunities for Disney travel agents may vary, and it takes time and effort to establish yourself in this competitive industry. However, the satisfaction of helping others plan their dream vacations and being part of the Disney magic is truly rewarding.

So, if you have a love for Disney and a desire to turn that passion into a fulfilling career, take the leap and become a Disney travel agent. Your expertise and dedication will allow you to play a valuable role in creating unforgettable memories for Disney enthusiasts around the world.

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The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Disney Travel Agent

Ankita tripathy.

Oct 24, 2023

• Travel Guides

Becoming a Disney travel agent might be your dream job if you’re a Disney enthusiast and love planning trips. Imagine combining your deep knowledge and passion for all things Disney with the rewarding opportunity to help others create magical memories that will last a lifetime.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to embark on your exciting journey as a travel agent for Disney.

From understanding the intricacies of Disney destinations to mastering the art of creating personalized itineraries, you’ll gain invaluable insights and practical tips that will set you up for success in this magical career path. Get ready to unlock a world of possibilities and make dreams come true as a travel agent for Disney .

Understanding the Role of a Disney Travel Agent

Discussing from the tour operators’ perspective, the travel agents establish coordination with the other stakeholders, like the hotel owners, so that the clients do not have to take any responsibility for the same. 

Besides these two major ones, they make the reservations, suggest the upgrades, and deal with the complaints most calmly and diplomatically.

At the same time, they ensure that they keep the product and brand knowledge up to date. It is an impotant part of the service. Now, when you narrow the discussion down to Disney travel agents, they are on the same line.

A Disney travel agent is a specialist who plans and books Disney vacations for clients. They have an in-depth understanding of Disney experiences, including theme parks, cruises, resorts, and other offerings. They use this knowledge to help clients choose the best options based on their budget, preferences, and desired experiences.

What Does a Disney Travel Agent Do?

Disney travel agents provide personalized service to their clients. They handle everything from advising on the best time to visit, selecting the right resort, securing dining and FastPass+ reservations, and planning daily itineraries. Their goal is to make the planning process as stress-free as possible for their clients, ensuring they have a fantastic Disney vacation.

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

This section discusses some ways you can become a disney travel agent. Let’s discuss some of the points that offer you an idea in this section.  

1: Immerse Yourself in All Things Disney

The first step to becoming a travel agent for Disney is to understand all things Disney deeply. Visit the parks, stay at the resorts, dine at the restaurants, and immerse yourself in the Disney experience. This firsthand knowledge will be invaluable when advising your clients.

2: Complete Disney’s Training Program

Disney offers an online training program called the College of Disney Knowledge. This program provides comprehensive training on all Disney destinations, including Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. Completing this training is a crucial step in becoming a Disney travel agent.

3: Join a Travel Agency 

Once you’ve completed your training, you can join a travel agency specializing in Disney. Most agencies provide excellent commission splits. 

Benefits of Being a Disney Travel Agent

Being a travel agent for Disney comes with several benefits.

1: Flexible Schedule

You can set your hours and work as a Disney travel agent anywhere. This makes it an excellent career option for those seeking work-life balance.

2: Potential Earnings

The earnings potential as a Disney travel agent can vary greatly depending on the volume and type of bookings you make. However, you can earn a substantial income with dedication and hard work.

3: Exclusive Information and Discounts

Disney travel agents often have access to exclusive information and discounts not available to the general public. This can benefit your clients and allow you to enjoy discounted trips to Disney destinations.

Tips for Success as a Disney Travel Agent

1: stay updated.

Disney travel agents must stay updated with new attractions and promotions regularly introduced. This will ensure you provide the best service to your clients.

2: Prioritize Customer Service

Top-notch customer service is critical in this field. Be responsive, and attentive, and go the extra mile to ensure your clients have a memorable Disney vacation.

Networking with other travel agents and industry professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities. It’s also a great way to stay informed about industry trends and developments.

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Disney Travel Agent – In Conclusion

Becoming a travel agent for Disney can be a gratifying and fulfilling career for those who have an unwavering passion for Disney and derive joy from assisting others in planning their dream vacations.

By combining your deep love for all things Disney with the proper knowledge, comprehensive training, and unwavering dedication, you can transform your affinity for the magical world of Disney into a prosperous career.

So why not embark on this enchanting journey and make dreams come true for Disney enthusiasts around the globe? Start your path to becoming a travel agent for Disney today and unlock a world of endless possibilities.

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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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Bhd. is completely committed to offering extraordinary travel experiences to our loyal customers. Their focus is on providing an unrivaled passenger ferry that bridges Langkawi and the mainland. It operates all day and every day of the year. With more than two decades of experience in the field of ferry, Langkawi RORO ferry remains constant. Its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards throughout every ferry operation. Amenities on the Langkawi RORO Ferry Services The Langkawi Kedah RORO ferry can accommodate a capacity of 400 passengers. They aim to reduce delays and wait times to ensure a relaxing environment for all of our guests. The ferry is designed to meet all demands for cargo and freight of passengers! catering completely to commercial and non-commercial needs. The journey by boat to Langkawi is distinguished by luxury and comfort. The vessels are outfitted with modern conveniences, which ensure the smoothest and most enjoyable trip. Popular Langkawi RORO Ferry Services Routes Kuala Kedah-Langkawi, as well as Langkawi-Kuala Kedah, is the most well-known route that is served using the RORO ferry. The Kuala Kedah Jetty has been serving as the beginning point for your Langkawi excursion. The busy jetty is a bustling hub, brimming with tourists eager to discover the island. Kuala Kedah to Langkawi : Travel Duration The length of your trip to Kuala Kedah to the Langkawi Jetty is contingent on a variety of elements, such as weather conditions and ferry speed. In general, the Kuala Kedah to Langkawi ferry ride takes between 1 45 minutes and 1 hour, giving you plenty of time to take in the views from the beach and prepare for the exciting experiences that lie ahead in Langkawi. Langkawi RORO Ferry Schedule 2023 Planning is the key to organizing a trip that is well-organized. This is also true for Langkawi travel. The timetable you check in advance lets you align your travel plans to the ferry schedule, which will ensure that you have a smooth experience. Langkawi RORO ferry departs daily at 01:30 pm. Langkawi RORO ferry sets off every day at 01:30 pm and departs from Kuala Kedah Jetty to get to Kuala Kedah on its Langkawi journey. The ferry leaves at 9:15 AM at the Langkawi Tanjung Lembung Port for the return trip via Langkawi up to Kuala Kedah. For more info, contact: Kuala Perlis: 604-985 1899 / 604-9852539 / 604-985 2690Langkawi: 604-966 1125 / 604-966 1126. Getting to Langkawi By Air If you are coming to the island from Singapore, traveling by air is your safest and most hassle-free choice. It will take a mere hour and a half if you take a direct flight in order to reach the island. You have the option of Air Asia and Scoot. They both offer direct as well as affordable flights from Singapore to Langkawi each day of the week. If you do not have a problem with connecting flights, Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air both stop at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Getting to Langkawi By Road There are no roads connecting Langkawi. But you can drive from the Malaysian mainland, such as Kuala Lumpur, using a car or a bus to any of the following spots.  Ferry Terminal in Kuala Kedah is located on the northwestern coast of Malaysia. If you are planning to ride along the North-South Expressway, you must take the exit at Alor Setar Selatan and then follow the road signs. It could take around 6 hours to reach Kuala Kedah via a car from Kuala Lumpur. The ferry terminal at Kuala Perlis, which is further up, will take you about an hour longer.  The regular coaches and buses are available between KL and Kuala Perlis, and it takes about 8 hours. The buses usually leave from the Pudu Sentral bus station or even the Hentian Duta bus station in KL. You will find the bus stand within walking distance from the ferry clock at Kuala Perlis.   Getting To Langkawi By Train If you're traveling from Kuala Lumpur, it's advisable to book an ETS (Electric Train Service) ticket to Arau. Being the royal capital of Perlis, Arau is regarded as the starting point for the journey to Langkawi and Thailand, where every adventurer begins their journey to the island via Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal. Choosing Arau as your final stop is recommended as it is closer to the port, and the ferry ride's duration will be shorter.  The journey takes approximately four hours and 49 minutes and is considered the fastest inter-state train service in Malaysia. If you want to enjoy a picturesque journey and are not in a hurry to reach your destination, this is a great travel choice. Ticket prices range from RM72 to RM92, and you can book your journey on the official website. Upon arriving at your destination, you can hire a Grab car or a taxi to reach the ferry terminal, which operates from 7 am to 7 pm. Wrapping Up You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, and you will need one blank page to make an entry of the immigration stamp. Furthermore, you will not need a visa to enter the country. You could be visiting for business or pleasure for a period of 90 days or less, and still, you wouldn’t need a visa. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: 5 Best Temples To Visit In Bangkok Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Travel A Country By Ferry The Reasons To Choose A Tropical Island Vacation Every Year

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An Inside Look at Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

January 13, 2024 by admin Leave a Comment

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Living the Most Magical Work-from-Home Life: An Inside Look at Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

For many moms, the idea of becoming a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations presents an appealing opportunity. This career path merges the flexibility of a work-from-home job with the fun of planning magical memories for families.

Yes – I’m talking about becoming a travel agent who specializes specifically in Disney vacations. Could there be a more perfect fit for a parent? It seems like a legitimate way to leverage insider Disney expertise into a work-from-home small business.

The wheels in my head started turning with possibilities. But I still had SO many practical questions. What’s commission structure like? How much work goes into learning the ropes? Would Disney trips still feel enchanting after making a career out of them?

Time for some first-hand myth busting and advice from moms building businesses in Disney’s backyard! Here’s what I discovered…

Decoding the Disney Travel Agent Career

Before we dive under the pixie dust veil, let’s ground ourselves in what this role actually entails. No, you would NOT work directly for Walt’s empire. Think affiliate model.

As a Disney-focused travel agent, you partner with established agencies boasting coveted contracts providing insider access for booking vacation packages, events, transport, etc.

You then leverage their wholesale rates, marketing assets, training programs and support to build YOUR own home based travel planning business as one of their affiliate agents.

With your personal website and branding , you market yourself as a Disney trip planning expert. Parents then hire you to handle logistics, research deals, recommend itineraries to maximize park time, and essentially sprinkle magic onto every detail!

photo @MagicGuides

Why Parents Happily Pay for This Service

“But don’t people just book online themselves?” Great question! While the web has transformed travel planning, the explosion of options has only complicated decisions for many.

Especially overwhelmed parents striving to carefully craft a once-in-a-lifetime, yet cost-effective, trip amidst their already chaotic lives.

That’s where we come in – using insider knowledge and precious time they lack to expertly evaluate options and seamlessly piece together a Disney vacation catered specifically to each family’s budget and priorities.

We oversee reservations, FastPasses, airport transport, dining plans – removing ALL stress so parents can simply soak up the magic! Plus, access to wholesale packages and perks families can’t get themselves.

What it Takes: Skills, Passion & Disney Nerdery

Operating your own business, remote or not, isn’t all rainbows and rose petals. Running a personal life alongside? Even more dizzying. Fair warning!

BUT – the perks outweigh the work for many. So what’s involved to launch yourself as a home-based Disney travel planning guru? Let’s break it down…

You’ll Need To: ∙

• Research respected partnering travel agencies
• ∙ Complete Disney College of Knowledge certification
• ∙ Set up your home office (quiet space, tech suite, etc.) ** BEST DESK ORGANIZING TIPS **
• ∙ Build online presence and marketing assets
• ∙ Officially launch services, acquire licensing, secure insurances
• Get CLIA or IATA Agent ID card

Required Traits For Success Include:

• ∙ High-level communication & customer service skills
• ∙ Meticulous organizational abilities & attention to detail
• ∙ Passion for all-things Disney parks & resorts
• ∙ Persistence & self-motivation as an entrepreneur
• ∙ Willingness to complete ongoing Disney training

This may be the perfect path for approachable moms able to hyper-focus amidst playdate chaos. And who adore seeing the wonder through kids’ eyes enough to want that joy as their career!

What’s Income Really Like in This Role?

Cha-ching! Let’s address the elephant in the room. As amazing as jet-setting to Disney World for “research” sounds…you still need to pay the bills!

The majority of travel agent income comes from:

• ∙ Commission – Percentage of full vacation package price
• ∙ Range is typically 10-30% depending on agency deal & package
• ∙ Popular packages = lower commission unfortunately
• ∙ Sales volume and negotiations can increase commission rate

Building a client base is an investment requiring months of hustle before seeing profit. Many agents suggest having 6 months of backup income before launching.

But for those willing to tough out growing pains, a side hustle as a Disney agent can become a full-time gig in time. Top level agents boast $5-10k+ a month!

Marketing Magic: Attracting Clients & Making Dreams Come True!

Bibbidi Bobbidi…let’s talk strategy! Show off your insider expertise through:

• ∙ Digital marketing – social media, blogging, targeted ads
• ∙ Local networking – tap school, church, sports teams
• ∙ Direct outreach – prospect at community events
• ∙ Leverage existing relationships
• ∙ Seek partnerships with aligned brands

Strike balance showcasing your unique personality alongside disposable income parents have for vacations. Conversion requires conveying quality over cost first.

Deliver exceptional service, and raving fans can’t help but gush referrals for that “friends and family” treatment!

What’s Realistic To Earn Year One?

Let’s ground expectations. That first booking can easily take 4-6+ months. Initial goals include:

• ∙ Focus on positioning yourself locally to build buzz
• ∙ 2-4 Disney vacay bookings per month
• ∙ Earning $1-2k+ monthly by year end
• ∙ Limit hours or risk burnout!
• ∙ Not all friends/family will book – seek unbiased testimonials

The income ramp-up phase brings growing pains. But by year two, profit typically snowballs through referrals allowing you to scale. Remain driven, budget scrappily, provide 5-star service, and this may launch that elusive career-family balance!

Who Else Wants to Create Magical Memories?

And there you have it folks! The inside scoop on building a Disney travel planning biz tailored to working parents. It’s no fairy godmother bibbidi bobbidi easy button…but could allow you to earn solid income leveraging insider Disney expertise.

What excites or concerns you most? Which Disney destination speaks to your inner child? Do you think the income opportunity seems doable amidst our crazy parent schedules? Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Til next time my hard-working, mobile-juggling friends! Remember opportunity often hides behind chaos – never stop chasing the magic!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the requirements to become a disney travel agent.

Becoming an authorized Disney travel agent allows you to access special rates and perks to book dream vacations to Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney cruises for clients. But it does come with some specific requirements to qualify.

The main requirement is that you must have an existing travel agency business or work with a host travel agency that has the Disney specialists program. Disney does not authorize agents who simply want to book their own personal trips and those of friends and family. They expect you to operate as a real business, marketing to and serving a client base of travelers.

If you don’t currently have a travel business, partnering with an established host agency that participates in Disney travel agent programs is the easiest way to go. The host agency will provide training, software, support services, marketing channels and more so you can start booking Disney vacations. There are fees involved to work with a host, usually $500-$1500 to get started and then annual renewal fees.

You will also need to pay annual program fees directly to Disney. As an example, the Earmarked agent program costs $549 per year. Higher level programs like Platinum that offer more perks and higher commissions can cost over $3,000 annually. Disney may also require you take training courses and pass exams that cost around $100-$200 each.

It’s important to note there are sales requirements to remain active as a Disney specialist. For the Earmarked program, $25,000 in qualifying Disney sales are required in the first full year. Higher amounts are required at other program tiers.

Besides paying fees and meeting sales minimums, Disney also expects agents to have strong customer service skills and extensive Disney parks knowledge. First-hand experiences at the Disney parks and resorts is incredibly helpful for advising clients. Some travel industry experience is also preferred.

The application process to become a Disney-authorized agent entails submitting a request form, supplying business documents, paying program fees, and signing legal agreements with Disney. In some cases a phone interview may also be required during the application process.

Do I need to pay any fees to Disney to become an authorized agent?

Becoming an authorized Disney travel agent does come with a financial investment in the form of multiple fees you must pay directly to Disney on an ongoing basis.

The first fee due is an initial application fee which covers administrative costs of setting up your agency in Disney systems. This runs around $50-$100 typically. If you apply via an affiliated host agency, they may cover your application fee.

Assuming your application is approved, the next major fee is for the actual specialist program level you want to participate at. Disney offer different tiers based on factors like intended sales volume and additional perks offered. Some examples – the Earmarked program costs $549 per year while the Platinum program is over $3,000 annually. Higher commission rates come with higher status programs.

On top of your base program fees, you also need to pay for mandatory training courses and exams that provide details on Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and more. These online courses usually cost between $99-$159 each. Expect to spend $300+ getting started on required training to book basic packages confidently with Disney knowledge.

Other possible fees that apply for certain programs and situations are monthly computer system access fees around $25 and add-on fees if you want to book Adventures by Disney specialty tours. Also once you hit certain higher annual sales thresholds with Disney, additional program fees in the range of several hundred dollars could be unlocked.

So while the initial Earmarked program investment may be under $1000 for many new agents’ first year, be prepared to spend $1500+ annually on renewal fees, and more if you pursue advanced Disney specialist programs with higher commissions. The costs may seem high but the long term profits from booking Disney dreams for clients and perks you receive outweigh the required fees.

Another advantage agents have is that Disney provides affordable payment plans to spread costs out over multiple months. You also get discounts on your own trips booked through agent rates, on theme park tickets, and mercy purchases which helps defray some of the fees over time through savings. Higher commissions also let you earn back your investment faster.

How much can I earn as a Disney travel agent?

Becoming a Disney travel agent can be quite lucrative if you put in the time and effort to build a solid book of business focused on Disney vacations.

As a new Disney travel agent, you can expect to earn around 10% base commission on your gross qualifying Disney sales. This means if you book $100,000 in travel to Disney World, Disneyland and Disney cruises, you would earn roughly $10,000. Commission rates increase to 15% and higher over time as you hit certain annual sales milestones with Disney.

Additionally, you can earn extra commission bonuses and incentives from Disney for hitting goals around certain travel seasons, package types, destinations and more. It’s not uncommon for established agents at the Platinum or Executive card program levels to average 20% or higher on all Disney commissions.

Besides base commissions, many Disney agents also charge consultation fees for helping clients plan their custom Walt Disney World or Disneyland packages. These service fees added on top of the trip payments can be anywhere from $50 all the way up to $500+ depending on the length of vacation and complexity of reservations. This extra income really adds up.

Between commissions from Disney and service fees charged to clients directly, six-figure income thresholds are achievable for full-time Disney agents focused on marketing after 2-3 years. Top agents who sell over $5 million and $10 million+ in Disney vacations annually can easily reach over $500,000 in total compensation.

The key is that becoming a Disney specialist travel agent is running a real business. In order to earn the high end commissions, you need to put time and money into marketing your services, establishing yourself as an expert, providing exemplary customer service to travelers, and building referral partnerships with other vendors focused on Disney vacations.

What types of Disney vacations can I book?

As an authorized Disney travel agent, you have the ability to book a wide variety of dream vacations to top Disney destinations for clients.

The most popular package that Disney agents sell is Walt Disney World vacations. This encompasses booking resort hotels, theme park tickets, dining plans, and extras like magical express airport transportation. You can customize every aspect of a Disney World trip from length of stay to special tour add-ons. Commonly you’ll bundle rooms, tickets and a dining plan together as a vacation package deal.

Disneyland Resort packages are another common offering agents sell. This includes Disneyland park and California Adventure tickets paired with Good Neighbor hotels or value onsite resorts like Paradise Pier Hotel. You can also arrange ground transportation and bundled dining packages for Disneyland guests.

Disney Cruise Line adventures span quick getaways to 7-night or longer sailings stopping at tropical destinations in the Bahamas, Caribbean and beyond. These are always in high demand with Disney travelers and great for multigenerational trips. Agents can potentially earn the highest commissions packaging cruises with resort stays.

Beyond core theme park packages, agents also have access to book guided Disney tour add-ons like special VIP Tours inside the parks and water parks. These tours access extras not available to regular guests. You can also book clients on rounded Adventures by Disney itineraries to places like Yellowstone National Park or River Cruises through Europe.

Additionally, agents can make arrangements for Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Disney Vacation Club villas and rooms using member points, guided family group travel, and even weddings or honeymoons at select Disney resorts. Guiding anniversary trips and planning Disney-themed celebrations for clients are great specialties too.

Will I get discounts on my own Disney trips?

Becoming an authorized Disney travel agent offers exciting perks like gaining access to discounts on your personal Disney vacations.

One of the top perks Disney agents receive is discounted hotel rates at over 30 Disney resorts across Walt Disney World, Aulani, Vero Beach and Hilton Head. Rates are exclusively for agents, family and personal travel. Depending on the time of year, these agent room discounts can offer over 30% off compared to regular published rates that guests pay. That adds up to huge nightly savings multiplied over a week-long vacation.

You’ll also have access to buy deeply discounted general admission and park hopper tickets for all 4 Walt Disney World Florida parks or 2 parks at the Disneyland Resort in California. Again the savings compared to gate prices can reach up to 30% or higher in some cases. The more friends and family you host on Disney trips, the faster the savings from agent ticket rates can defray annual program fees.

Along with resort and ticket discounts, Disney agents also receive a 20% merchandise coupon code good for the duration of any personal trips to access savings on Disney character items, collectibles, clothing and more at merch locations across Disney World and Disneyland. Purchasing $500 or more in souvenirs and magic like light sabers or Frozen dolls over just a couple trips provides huge added value.

Travel agents with Disney can also take advantage of special cruises just for agents to experience ships first hand as well as sample itineraries. These are offered periodically at reduced rates only for agent bookings. The savings compared to a regular cruise can offset annual program fees for the year.

There are other random perks like occasional free or discounted conference admission if you decide to attend yearly Disney travel agent conferences and training events. These on-site gatherings offer educational sessions plus time exploring the Disney parks and resorts with fellow agents.

Do I need to have visited Disney parks to be a Disney agent?

Becoming a Disney travel agent does not strictly require previous first-hand experience visiting Disney theme parks and resorts. However, having direct Disney destination expertise gained from personal trips provides huge advantages when advising and selling to clients.

Knowing Walt Disney World and Disneyland along with Disney Cruise Line from your own past travel provides invaluable expertise. Describing rides, resort features, restaurants and entertainment from experience builds client trust and confidence much more easily. You gain credibility as an expert guiding their family through what to expect.

Visiting also allows you to make personalized recommendations suited to travelers with young kids, thrill ride fans, foodies, multi generational groups and more based on insights from your past Disney adventures. Convincing clients why certain FastPasses, dining plans or activities make sense relies on relatable stories from your travels.

Along with advising on attractions and trip planning, first-hand knowledge prepares you for an array of client questions ranging from resort transportation options to best parade or fireworks viewing spots and everything in between. Addressing needs around mobility access, height restrictions, etc becomes second nature.

Additionally, exploring Disney destinations yourself better enables creating tailored vacation packages and add-ons that play up unique details about certain resorts, tours, events and parks. Leveraging your own experiences across Disney offerings like Aulani, guided Adventures tours or specialty cruises sells their value.

While reading guidebooks and taking Disney training courses helps agents without past visits gain decent foundational knowledge, nothing quite compares to witnessing the magic yourself. Describing a ride’s thrill factors, a resort’s convenient location, an evening show’s emotional impact or a meal’s deliciousness relies on personal travel memories to win over hesitant or first-time Disney travelers.

When can I become an authorized Disney travel agent?

Becoming an authorized Disney travel agent is accessible to those both new and established in the travel industry if you meet the base eligibility requirements around being actively in business with a client roster and join an affiliated host agency.

Technically speaking, you can submit an application to Disney to become an authorized travel agent at any time as soon as you have either an existing travel agency/client base or have established ties to an accredited host agency ready to take your onboard. There are no set restrictions around launching a Disney agency immediately.

However, while Disney does not impose specific experience requirements, at least one year actively operating in the travel industry or building out an existing book of business in an adjacent field like event planning does help streamline the application. Disney prefers agent applicants demonstrate real commitment, even as a part-time small business initially.

The time factor that holds some aspiring agents back is that Disney requires you complete multiple training courses and exams, spanning Essentials, Earmarked Agent and potentially specialty coursework. Devoting at least 25-30 hours to consuming online video lessons, passing quizzes and then booking first trips takes focus over a few months typically before officially selling Disney.

Additionally, expect that curating marketing materials, building initial consulting packages for clients, establishing referral partnerships with other travel agents or influencers, designing a robust travel website and more realistically takes 6-12 months to lay the foundation for a Disney travel business, even with host agency assistance. Registration timing comes secondary to preparation work.

The ideal path forward timeline-wise for a prospective Disney agent involves intensive upfront planning of the business early in year one, applying to Disney programs once established with a host agency by mid-year and completing initial Disney training/certification to book basic packages towards year end.

How much work is involved for Disney agents?

Becoming a Disney travel agent offers amazing opportunities to enrich lives creating magical memories and see good profits along the way. But make no mistake – it requires real dedication beyond the fun of Disney itself.

A common misconception is that just having official Disney agent status means easy income earned booking occasional family/friend trips or dabbling as a side hobby. The reality is sustaining a travel business promoting Disney as your specialty area requires multiple consistent efforts:

Chief among them is sales and marketing work reaching prospective travelers through channels like social media, blogging, local networking, community sponsorships and any method possible to continually put your services front of mind. Disney agents often invest 20+ hours a week pitching their expertise and creatively advertising special offers just to generate interest.

On top of business development, Disney agents also spend significant time staying on top of latest Disney developments to provide insights and advice tailored around new attractions, resorts, cruise ships or guided tour itineraries launching across Disney’s ecosystem – requiring hours consuming company information. Extensive Disney research and planning is nonstop.

Additionally, top-tier service demands devoting time assessing each inbound client request around desired trip experiences, then meticulously planning customized packages inclusive of all details while also mapping out payment/documentation needs and post-booking support. Handling complexity around travel logistics for families, groups or couples all differs.

Do I need errors and omissions insurance?

Becoming a Disney travel agent does come with legal and financial responsibilities around accurately booking complex travel arrangements, properly counseling clients and managing payments. Carrying errors & omissions insurance is mandatory for this reason.

Errors & Omissions insurance (also referred to as E&O insurance) protects travel agents from costly lawsuits, claims or professional mistakes relating to sales, advising or other business services tied to arranging Disney vacations for clients.

Think of it like malpractice insurance doctors carry in case a procedure leads to unexpected complications or poor outcome. E&O coverage helps agents afford to financially compensate clients should a major service failure, booking error or miscommunication happen.

Some examples would be failing to confirm key resort or dining reservations leading to denied entry, terms in a travel protection policy not covering client needs during trip cancellations, or incorrect guidance on park hours/closures causing missing events. Lawsuits from major Disney trip issues can request huge payouts without protection.

Additionally, E&O safeguards the Disney intellectual property and systems access agents utilize. Disney requires coverage minimums around $1 million in place through endorsed providers before approving advisor status since customer data, reservation platforms and pricing all get entrusted. If legal situations occur, Disney’s interests stay protected by default.

The cost for individual agents runs approximately $600-$1200 yearly depending on sales volume, provider discounts and required liability limits. Many host agencies include base E&O plans with additional protections available. Compared to potential six-figure lawsuit payouts, it’s incredibly affordable long term insurance for peace of mind.

Do I have to specialize only in Disney destinations?

Becoming a Disney-authorized travel agent does not lock you into only selling Walt Disney World packages, Disney cruises, or Disneyland resort stays. Agents have flexibility to market a wide variety of destinations and travel products while still capitalizing on Disney’s brand power.

Many successful full-time travel agents actually maintain diverse portfolios beyond Disney to serve clients interested in visiting destinations across Orlando, Florida, the Caribbean, Europe and beyond.

Disney travel specialists will always want to prominently promote their expertise booking Disney vacations across marketing content, web pages, social media and advertising. This captures primary interest from Disney fan travelers looking to make magic memories come true.

However, a profitable strategy involves also offering auxiliary vacation planning around areas near Disney hubs that complement headline Disney packages. This allows bundling things like Universal Orlando resort stays, dining plans and park passes at extra commission rates to extend family trips.

Additionally, promoting all-inclusive resorts, island cruises, guided group tours to locations like Costa Rica or Italy for honeymoons, sibling getaways etc. provides income diversity while clients also rely on you year-over-year for repeat Disney trips.

Travel agents partner with abundant cruise line, tour operator, hospitality and entertainment vendors beyond Disney which opens doors to all types of popular vacations you can earn commissions on. Many agents essentially operate full-service agencies with Disney as their spotlight.

The key is ensuring your deeper travel inventory never dilutes too heavily from Disney vacations being your true specialty and passion. Find the right balance promoting add-on vacation options while keeping magical Disney trip planning the core focus across all branding.

Will I get special rates for theme park tickets as an agent?

As a Disney travel agent, you can access discounted Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme park tickets to provide savings for clients booking packages — and savings for yourself — paying for training forward faster.

Theme park passes remain a fundamental element of nearly every Disney trip and resort package. Disney travel agents earn commission on the prepaid ticket portion of bookings so everyone purchasing packages needs them. The good news is that agent ticket prices are discounted.

Passes like 2 park per day Walt Disney World tickets give access to the theme parks for either the full, entire trip or for a set number of days. Depending on the ticket level, options like adding theme park hopping capabilities or waterpark entry get bundled into overall ticket pricing tiers.

Getting this major booking cost component discounted then becomes big savings to build into competitive vacation packages agents construct for client groups. The typical discount range agents can expect to see on general admission and Park Hopper ticket types is 20-25% off current gate pricing at Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks.

Savings can get as high as 40%+ in some cases for certain multi-day tickets or add-ons like waterparks or no-expiration date options that have the most retail markup. Agents buy allotments of tickets upfront to resell to package purchasers. The deeper the discount, the more profit opportunity.

Across an entire vacation package for a family of four with 4-5 day ticket bundles, a few hundred dollars of savings alone on gate prices from agent ticket access allows for undercutting other general travel sites when marketing Disney trips. So securing these special rates enables lucrative competitor pricing advantages to win clients.

How often do I need to book travel to remain an active agent?

Becoming a Disney travel agent does come with certain sales expectations and requirements around consistently booking magic for a minimum number of travelers each year.

The entry-level Disney agent status known as Earmarked requires completing 20 “personal case” bookings of Disney vacations when you first start out as a new agent, which comprises a booking for any individual client or family traveling together on a vacation package. This gives Disney confidence in abilities before higher targets apply.

After satisfying those 20 personalized Disney travel bookings in the first partial calendar year enrolled as a Earmarked member, official annual sales minimums based on previous year’s activity apply to retain active rights to book Disney trips on an ongoing basis. The sales threshold is set at $25,000 in gross qualifying Disney vacation sales volume.

In simple terms, as long as you sell enough Disney resort stays, park tickets, cruises and guided tours in total per year exceeding that $25K minimum through new and repeat client bookings, your Earmarked credentials stay fully valid to make future reservations using Disney technologies and travel agent rates.

If for some reason you were to not hit that target because of circumstances one year, Disney would issue a warning and probation period to work back above the minimum sales activity and maintain credentials. Consistently falling below the threshold after repeated warnings could trigger removal from agent programs.

Additionally, specialized agent status levels like Premier or Platinum have higher sales expectations the more perks and higher commissions you want to unlock. But any level of consistent Disney sales activity generally satisfies requirements. Building up from a few trips a month to regular weekly bookings is recommended to grow within tiers over time.

Do Disney agents get insider information about new attractions and resorts?

As a Disney travel agent, you do get some select insider access to information about upcoming new rides, resorts, and entertainment offerings months ahead of public announcements to help preview selling points.

Joining Disney agent programs gives you registration access to special annual events like Disney Destinations Travel Agency Focus sessions and presentation seminars at the Disney Parks & Resorts pavilion during larger travel industry conventions.

During these exclusive gatherings, Disney executives will offer confidential previews of major attractions, themed lands, dining establishments, transportation offerings, and resort hotels slated to open across Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line over the next 2 years. The reason is to allow agents early insights they can leverage persuading vacation planners.

Some examples would be learning timing for Galaxy’s Edge debuting at Disneyland before its grand opening to guide clients interested in Star Wars. Or revealing which existing Epcot rides are getting overhauled along with new country pavilions coming to showcase updated concept art and elevation models.

Having this privileged information arms agents with compelling sales angles months ahead of park-goers about the new family thrill ride opening at a certain park, the higher-end Star Wars hotel details, or when Arendelle castle expansion opens to get Frozen fans committed to future return trips. This works especially well attracting repeat Disney visitors.

While overall public relations strategy and major announcements still come on Disney’s schedule via press releases, travel agent partners definitely gain uniquely early data relevant to selling tactics that Walt Disney World and Disneyland leverage to boost vacations packages during construction adjustment periods.

Gaining confidential understanding around timelines, ride vehicles, restaurant menus, or resort room counts epically helps in marketing role as that resident Disney vacation planning expert – making agency status extremely valuable being “in the know” sooner.

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How Do Disney Travel Agents Earn Their Income?

Have you ever found yourself marveling at those Disney travel agents and the magic they work to plan perfect vacations? Well, my curiosity got the best of me—I just had to know how their world spins.

As it happens, these planners make their cash through a nifty commission-based system that’s actually pretty sweet once you get the hang of it. I was honestly surprised by what I uncovered after going down this particular rabbit hole.

So, consider this post your exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the enchanting realm of Disney travel planning economics. Stick with me; understanding how they turn dreams into dollars is more straightforward than a spin in a teacup!

Key Takeaways

• Disney travel agents make money through commissions when they book vacations. They share this commission with the agency, and it’s often paid out after the client completes their trip.
• Agents can earn a substantial income with commissions that range from 50 – 70% of the vacation package cost, depending on their agreement with the agency.
• Working as a Disney travel agent provides flexibility such as working from home, setting your own schedule, potential tax benefits, and perks like free tickets or discounts on Disney experiences.
• To succeed in getting hired by a good agency, be wary of red flags and aim for agencies recognized as authorized Disney vacation planners for reliable support and expertise.
• Marketing efforts by an agency are important to consider because strong promotional strategies can lead to more clients and better earnings for agents.

Understanding Disney Travel Agent Commissions

Disney travel agents earn their income through commission-based earnings. This includes a commission split with the agency and earning delayed commissions after the vacation has been completed.

Commission-based income

Earning my keep as a Disney travel agent hinges on commission-based income. Each time I successfully book a Disney vacation package, the agency receives a slice of that booking commission, and so do I.

It’s straightforward: the more trips I arrange for families eager to meet Mickey Mouse and explore Cinderella’s Castle, the heftier my paycheck becomes.

This payment structure incentivizes me to craft dream vacations that fit every client’s whimsy while staying in tune with their budget. Knowing the ins and outs of all things Disney boosts my ability to secure trip bookings which, in turn, cranks up my travel agent earnings.

Because it’s all about commission, there’s no ceiling to what I can earn; each new vacation planner commission is a reflection of the hard work and expertise put into tailoring those magical experiences.

Commission split

I need to consider the commission split while planning vacations for my clients. Basically, it’s how travel agencies and I divide the earnings from any Disney vacation package we sell.

The agency typically takes a cut for providing support and resources, leaving me with my share of the income.

The exact percentage of a commission split varies between agencies but often falls around the 50-70% range for agents like myself. If I book a trip worth $5,000 with an agency that offers me a 60% commission rate, I earn $3,000 just from that one booking! This structure motivates me to create more Disney magic and dream vacations because my payment grows with each successful sale.

Delayed commissions

While understanding the commission split is important, you should also be aware that travel agent commissions, especially those from Disney vacation bookings, aren’t paid out immediately.

Once your client travels and completes their magical experience at Disney, that’s when you’ll see your hard work pay off in earnings. This means patience is key since your income depends on clients taking their trips.

It can take up to 60 days after the vacation ends for an agency to receive payment from Disney. Consequently, it’s normal for there to be a delay before I get my share of the travel package commission.

This lag time encourages me to stay diligent with my trip bookings because today’s efforts contribute to tomorrow’s income stability as a Disney vacation planner. Maintaining consistent booking activities ensures a steady flow of delayed commissions over time – even if each takes a while to arrive in my bank account.

Benefits of Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

– Making a good income and having the flexibility to work from home are just a few of the perks that come with being a Disney travel agent. Plus, there’s also the potential for tax write-offs and free tickets and discounts.

Making a good income

As a Disney travel agent, I earn a good income through commission-based earnings on vacation bookings. My income comes from the commission split with the agency for each trip booking I secure.

This payment structure allows me to make a substantial income, especially when I successfully sell Disney vacation packages and services.

In addition to monetary rewards, working as a Disney travel agent also provides opportunities for free tickets and discounts on travel packages. These incentives contribute to making my career lucrative and enjoyable, ensuring that my hard work translates into excellent earning potential within the Disney travel industry.

Working from home

I work from the comfort of my home as a Disney travel agent, which gives me the freedom to create my own work schedule and balance personal commitments. This flexibility allows me to handle vacation bookings, research Disney packages, and communicate with clients at times that suit my lifestyle.

By leveraging technology and online platforms, I efficiently manage trip bookings while enjoying the convenience of working in a comfortable environment.

As a Disney travel agent who works remotely, I have the advantage of saving time and money on daily commutes. Instead, I focus that energy on providing excellent service to my clients by promptly responding to their inquiries and ensuring they have an unforgettable experience with their Disney vacations.

Flexible hours

Transitioning from the convenience of working from home, flexible hours are another attractive aspect of being a Disney travel agent. This allows me to schedule my work around personal commitments and other obligations.

I can adjust my hours to fit around family time or engagements while still ensuring that I meet the needs of my clients and make necessary reservations.

Being able to dictate when I work means that if something comes up during regular business hours, I have the flexibility to handle it without disrupting my job as a Disney travel agent.

Potential tax write-offs

As a Disney travel agent, I can take advantage of potential tax deductions to reduce my taxable income. Expenses such as office supplies, internet and phone bills, marketing costs, professional development courses, and travel expenses for business purposes may be eligible for tax write-offs.

Additionally, if I use a dedicated space in my home for my travel agency work, a portion of my mortgage or rent may also qualify as a tax deduction. It’s essential to keep detailed records and consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

Working as a Disney travel agent allows me the benefit of taking advantage of various potential tax write-offs. This includes deducting expenses related to promoting and running my business such as advertising costs, website maintenance fees, membership dues for industry organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), client entertainment expenses while on Disney trips, among others.

Free tickets and discounts

As a Disney travel agent, I get the perk of free tickets and discounts on vacation packages. This benefit not only allows me to experience the magic of Disney firsthand but also helps me save money when planning my own trips or recommending options to clients.

These free tickets and discounts are a great way for me to stay updated on all things Disney while enjoying some well-deserved time off.

In addition to complimentary admission and reduced rates, these perks can also be extended to family members or friends, making it easier for them to come along and enjoy the Disney experience with me.

Tips for Finding the Right Disney Travel Agency

When looking for the right Disney travel agency to work for, remember to look for red flags and consider authorized Disney vacation planners. It’s also important to assess the size and support structure of the agency, as well as their marketing efforts and reputation.

Look for red flags

While researching potential Disney travel agencies, pay attention to any red flags that may indicate a less reputable organization. Confirm the agency’s authorization as an official Disney vacation planner and watch for negative reviews or complaints from previous agents.

Additionally, take note of any unusual payment structures or high fees associated with joining the agency. Keep an eye out for transparency around marketing efforts and support provided by the agency as well.

Consider authorized Disney vacation planners

When searching for a Disney travel agency, considering authorized vacation planners is crucial. These professionals are recognized and supported by Disney, ensuring that you receive accurate information and reliable service.

By choosing an authorized Disney vacation planner, you can trust in their expertise to plan your magical trip effectively and efficiently.

Authorized Disney vacation planners have specialized knowledge about the various Disney destinations and can offer valuable insights into maximizing your experience. With their official recognition from Disney, these planners provide added assurance of quality service and attention to detail throughout the entire planning process.

Size and support structure

When looking for the right Disney travel agency to work with, it’s important to consider the size and support structure of the company. A larger agency may provide more resources, marketing support, and a stronger reputation in the industry.

On the other hand, a smaller agency might offer a more personal touch and closer relationships with clients. Evaluating the support structure can help determine what kind of experience you’ll have as a Disney travel agent and how successful you could be in your role.

Consideration of size and support are crucial when assessing potential Disney travel agencies. Larger companies may provide greater resources while smaller ones could offer more personalized attention.

Marketing efforts

When considering a Disney travel agency to work for, it’s essential to evaluate their marketing efforts. A well-established and successful agency will have strong marketing strategies in place, allowing you to benefit from their brand reputation and reach.

Look for agencies that actively promote their services through various channels such as social media, online advertisements, email campaigns, and partnerships with other travel-related businesses.

Effective marketing efforts can lead to more leads and potential clients, ultimately boosting your opportunities for earning commissions and growing your income as a Disney travel agent.

To maximize your income potential as a Disney travel agent, align yourself with an agency that prioritizes marketing initiatives to attract clients interested in Disney vacation packages.

Best Disney travel agencies to work for

In my experience, the best Disney travel agencies to work for are the ones that offer excellent training and support, a competitive commission structure, and strong marketing resources.

Look for agencies with a proven track record of success in selling Disney vacations and providing exceptional customer service. Additionally, consider working with agencies designated as Authorized Disney Vacation Planners for their specialized knowledge and expertise in planning Disney vacations.

When considering potential employers, also take into account the size and support structure of the agency. Larger agencies may offer more resources but potentially less personalized attention.

Applying and Getting Hired as a Disney Travel Agent

To apply and get hired as a Disney Travel Agent, here are the steps to follow:

• Research different Disney travel agencies online or through recommendations from other agents to find the right fit for your skills and career goals.
• Prepare a professional resume and cover letter tailored to the specific agency you want to work for, highlighting any relevant experience in the travel industry.
• Submit your application through the agency’s website or by directly contacting their human resources department.
• If selected for an interview, make sure to demonstrate your passion for Disney travel and showcase your knowledge of their vacation packages and planning services.
• Upon receiving an offer, review the terms of employment carefully, including commission structure, training opportunities, and any additional benefits offered by the agency.

In conclusion, Disney travel agents earn their income through commission-based arrangements. They benefit from flexible work hours and the potential for tax write-offs. When looking for the right agency, be sure to consider red flags while also exploring opportunities with authorized Disney vacation planners.

Working as a travel agent offers not only the chance to make a good income but also perks such as free tickets and discounts.

1. How do Disney travel agents make money?

Disney travel agents typically earn their income through commissions from Disney for booking vacation packages, tickets, and accommodations.

2. Do I have to pay extra fees for using a Disney travel agent’s services?

No, there are usually no additional fees for using a Disney travel agent’s services as their commission is paid by Disney.

3. Are there any advantages to using a Disney travel agent compared to booking directly with Disney?

Yes, using a Disney travel agent can provide personalized assistance, expertise in planning, and often access to exclusive promotions or discounts.

4. Can I negotiate the commission rate with a Disney travel agent?

The commission rates for Disney travel agents are usually standard and non-negotiable due to pre-established agreements between the agency and Walt Disney Company.

5. How does using a Disney travel agent benefit me as a traveler?

Using a Disney travel agent can save you time, offer expert advice on resort options and ticket packages, provide itinerary planning assistance, and sometimes access special perks not available when booking directly with Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

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