Disney is a place where dreams come true, so who wouldn’t want to work in a field where you can bring the magic of this fantasy park to other people?
If you’re ready to learn how to become a Disney travel agent, this guide will share the ins and outs of the process as well as let you know what you can expect on the job.
So read on to learn everything you need to know about becoming a Disney travel agent!
How to become a Disney travel agent
In order to become a Disney travel agent, you’ll need to have some specific qualifications and skills. First and foremost, you should have a passion for Disney and all things related to the Mouse House. This includes not only an encyclopedic knowledge of Disney movies, theme parks, resorts, and merchandise, but also an understanding of how the company operates.
After that, it’s a straightforward step-by-step process. Here’s everything you need to do to become a Disney travel agent and make a great income while having the time of your life:
1. Do your research and find an agency
The first step in becoming a Disney travel agent is finding the agency that’s right for you. There are many different types of agencies, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
There are two main types of Disney travel agencies: host agencies and independent contractors. Host agencies are businesses that provide support services to a group of independent contractor agents. They usually take care of back-office tasks like customer service, marketing, and accounting.
In contrast, independent contractors are self-employed agents who contract with a host agency or work directly with Disney.
The type of agency you choose will depend on your goals and preferences. If you’re looking for more support and guidance, a host agency might be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re more independent and self-motivated, working as an independent contractor might be a better option.
2. Learn how the commission works for Disney agents
You’re aspiring to be a Disney travel agent to make money, so it’s important to know how cash flow works in this industry. Since you’ll likely be working as an independent contractor, your income will be commission-based. This means you’ll earn a percentage of the total cost of the trip you book for your clients.
For example, let’s say you book a seven-day trip to Walt Disney World for a family of four. The total cost of the trip is $5,000. Disney pays a 10% commission on each booking, so if you were to receive 100% of the commission, you would make $500.
However, most agencies will take a portion of your commission as a fee for their services. So, if your agency charges a 20% fee, you would only keep $400 out of the $500 commission. Aim to take home at least 50% of the commission on each booking to make a good income as a Disney travel agent.
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3. Keep an eye out for any red flags
The process of becoming a Disney travel agent is relatively simple, but there are a few red flags you should be aware of.
First, beware of any agency that requires you to pay a sign-up fee before providing any information about their program. While some agencies do charge annual fees, you should be able to sign up to become a Disney travel agent for free before committing to an agency.
Make sure that the Disney travel agency you plan on working with is authorized by Disney. You can check this by searching for their name on the list of Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. This means that they have met Disney’s high standards and are able to offer their clients the best possible service.
A mid-sized agency is usually the best option because they’re big enough to offer support and resources, but not so large that you’ll get lost in the shuffle. They’ll be able to offer good support to their contractors and will have a substantial enough marketing team to create leads for their contractors.
4. Learn about all things Disney
As mentioned above, it’s going to be pretty challenging to become a Disney travel agent if you’re not already a huge fan of all things Disney. To be successful in this industry, you should have a strong knowledge of Disney parks, resorts, and products.
The best way to learn about Disney is to experience it yourself. If you haven’t been to a Disney park before, start planning a trip for yourself. This will not only give you first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a Disney guest, but it will provide you with first-hand Disney travel agent training.
You’ll be making FastPass+ selections, dining reservations, and booking hotel rooms. All things that are necessary to become a Disney travel agent.
In addition to visiting the parks, take some time to research Disney news and products. Read blogs about Disney travel planning and listen to podcasts about the latest Disney news. Familiarize yourself with the different types of Disney vacations so that you can better assist your clients in booking their perfect trip.
5. Apply to the top agencies on your list
Now that you’ve done your research and you’re ready to take the plunge, it’s time to start applying to Disney travel agencies.
Start by making a list of the top agencies you want to work for. Include a mix of small, mid-sized, and large agencies on your list. Once you have your list, it’s time to start applying.
The application process will vary from agency to agency, but most will require you to submit a resume and fill out a short questionnaire. Some agencies may also require you to complete a training program before becoming an official Disney travel agent.
Applying to multiple agencies at once will increase your chances of being hired and getting the specific benefits and perks you’re looking for.
6. Weigh the pros and cons of agencies that want to work with you
Congratulations, you’ve now received a few offers from your top picks of Disney travel agencies! But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each agency to make sure you’re making the best decision for your career.
When comparing agencies, you’ll want to consider commission rates, training programs, team support, marketing support, and lead generation. You should also consider the size of the agency and its overall reputation in the industry.
The most important thing to remember is that you should choose an agency that you’re comfortable with and that you feel will best support your goals in becoming a Disney travel agent. At the end of the day, you’ll need to use your intuition to make the best decision for your career.
7. Negotiate your contract
After you’ve decided which agency you want to work for, it’s time to negotiate your contract. This is where you’ll decide on your commission rate, what training programs are available to you, what type of support you can expect from the team, and what kind of marketing resources will be provided to you.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate for what you want. This is your career and you should make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, especially if you’re an expert in all things Disney.
There’s a likelihood that the agency won’t be able to meet all of your demands, but it’s important to at least try. The worst they can say is no, and they may even let you know what you can do in the future to increase your chances of getting everything you want.
How much money do Disney travel agents make?
Since working as a Disney travel agent is often a commission-based position, the sky’s the limit when it comes to earnings. Expect a range of $5,000 to $100,000 with an average of $40,000 in annual earnings. Experience is the main factor that will affect your earnings, so the more you have, the more you’ll earn.
In addition to experience, other factors that can impact your earnings include the number of clients you work with, how much time you’re willing to put into marketing yourself and your services, and whether or not you’re able to successfully negotiate higher commission rates.
In order to reach an average income of $40,000 to $50,000, you can expect to need about 3 to 4 years of experience working with 20 to 30 clients. You’ll need to prioritize marketing and networking in order to find new clients, as well as negotiate higher commission rates with your agency. You can reach this amount sooner if you make this your primary source of income and work full-time.
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Many new Disney travel agents wonder when they will see their first paycheck. In general, you’ll have to wait 6 months to a year before you start seeing any real earnings. This is because you usually won’t be paid out until your clients take their trip, which is usually 3 to 8 months after booking.
Then you’ll need to wait for your agency’s processing period, which is usually about 30 to 45 days. After that, you’ll finally receive your commission check!
Keep in mind that some agencies may offer advances on commissions, which means you could potentially get paid sooner. However, this is not always the case and it’s important to read your contract carefully to see if this is something your agency offers.
How much will I make on different Disney offerings?
In general, as a Disney travel agent, you’ll receive a 10% commission when selling Disney experiences. However, there is actually a range of 3% to 16% commission. Some Disney offers have higher payouts. So you may want to focus on these if you’re looking to increase your earnings.
Here’s a breakdown of the average commission you can expect on different Disney offerings:
- Packages: A Disney package includes lodging, park tickets, and sometimes dining plans. The average commission on these is 10%.
- Disney VIP tours: A VIP tour is a guided tour of the parks with a Disney cast member. These tours are popular with celebrities, high-profile guests, and groups. The average commission on these is 10%
- Tickets to the park: You can also book tickets to the park without booking a package. The average commission for tickets only ranges from 3% to 10%. This depends on the type of ticket and what park the ticket is for.
- Disney Adventures and Cruises: Disney offers a variety of adventures and cruises, such as safaris, riverboat cruises, and private island experiences. The average commission on these is 16%.
As you can see, the bigger the package, the higher the commission. So it’s the most profitable to book these types of trips. However, you’ll need to have the experience and knowledge to do so and offer your customers the best value.
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Do Disney travel agents make commission on room only?
You can earn a 10% commission when booking just a room for a Disney guest. This commission is based on the pre-tax room rate. So if you help a family book a 7-day 6 night stay at a Moderate Resort, they would need to spend $2,700 on their room to get you the $270 commission.
There are many official Disney accommodations at varying rates, so it’s important to know the different types of rooms and their prices in order to give your clients the best options.
The room categories are as follows (from least expensive to most): Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa. The average nightly rates for these range from $109-$399+.
You can also book off-site rooms for your clients. While Disney doesn’t offer a commission on these, you can still mark them up and make a profit.
Do Disney travel agents get commission on VIP Tours?
Yes, VIP tours are a great way for Disney travel agents to make money. You’ll receive a commission of about 10% of the total cost of the tour. Selling a VIP tour is a great way to make a sizable income because these packages tend to be high-dollar items.
Keep in mind that your customers will want the VIP experience to start with their agent. That means, in order to sell these types of packages, you’ll need to be an expert in all things Disney. You should know the parks like the back of your hand and be able to answer any question a client might have.
You’ll also want to know all of the perks and benefits that come with VIP Tours. People paying for an elevated experience at Disney are seeking benefits and outcomes, not prices and features. Get them excited about the experience by knowing everything about it and sharing your own personal experiences with them, if you have any.
Can anyone become a Disney travel agent?
With some basic research, almost anyone can become a Disney travel agent. However, it does take some time and effort to get started. You’ll also need some fundamentals such as an ID, a bank account, and a phone and stable Wi-fi connection so that you can legally and effectively work with agencies and clients.
What skills will I need to get hired by a Disney agency?
There are many important skills you’ll need to get hired as a Disney travel agent. Of course, you’ll need to be an expert in all things Disney. But you’ll also need the following skills:
The ability to work independently and be self-motivated
Working as a Disney travel agent is a commission-based job. That means you’ll need to be driven to sell to make a good income.
You’ll need to be able to hold yourself accountable for hitting your goals no matter what comes up. There won’t be a boss breathing down your neck, so you’ll need to be able to stay on track and get the job done.
Outstanding customer service skills
If you’re a “people person”, you’ll have a strong chance of getting hired by an agency. This means you should be able to build relationships easily, be patient and kind, and have great communication skills.
You’ll need to be able to manage customer expectations while still providing them with an amazing experience. This is no easy feat, but if you’re up for the challenge, it can be very rewarding.
An understanding of how to use technology
To be an effective Disney travel agent, you’ll need to know how to use technology. This includes being able to book flights, hotels, and tours online. You should also be familiar with social media and have a strong understanding of how it can be used to promote your business.
Being tech-savvy will also come in handy when you’re trying to stay up-to-date on the latest Disney news and updates. This way, you can be the first to share new information with your clients.
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Organizational skills
As a Disney travel agent, you’ll need to be organized in order to keep track of all of your bookings and deadlines. You should have a system in place for managing your client’s information and be able to easily access it when you need to, such as a program or detailed spreadsheet.
It’s also important that you’re able to stay organized while you’re on the go – a high income skill in any field, if we’re being honest. This means having a good understanding of how to use your time wisely and being efficient with your packing and planning.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
You’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with your clients in order to sell them on your services. This means being able to clearly explain the benefits of booking a trip with you and answering any questions they may have.
It’s also important that you’re able to write well. This will come in handy when you’re creating marketing materials or sending out emails to potential clients.
Sales experience
While it’s not required, having sales experience will give you a leg up on the competition, especially when you first become a Disney travel agent. This is because selling travel packages is very similar to selling other products and services.
If you have experience working in commission-based sales, then you should definitely highlight this on your resume. This will show potential agencies that you’re familiar with the challenges and expectations of this type of job.
Attention to detail
When you’re dealing with travel plans, it’s important that you’re able to pay attention to the details. This includes things like dates, times, prices, and itineraries.
If you’re not detail-oriented, then it will be very difficult to succeed in this industry. There’s simply no room for error when you’re dealing with people’s vacation plans.
Creativity
Being creative can definitely help you to become a Disney travel agent. This is because you’ll need to come up with new and innovative ways to market your business and sell travel packages.
For example, if you’re able to come up with unique marketing campaigns or come up with new ways to package your services, then you’ll be more likely to stand out from the competition.
A passion for travel
Last but not least, it’s important that you have a passion for travel. This is because you’ll be spending a lot of time researching different destinations and trying to sell people on the idea of visiting them.
If you don’t have a passion for travel, then you won’t be able to relate to your customers, and they will notice. It’s important that you’re able to sell them on the idea of taking a trip, not just booking one.
Is it free to become a Disney travel agent?
Yes, it is technically free to become a Disney travel agent. However, in order to be successful in this industry, you’ll need to invest in some training and education. The Disney Travel Agent (DTA) course is free, but there may be additional fees such as annual costs or commission splits when working with an agency.
It’s important to watch out for scams when searching for information on how to become a Disney travel agent. Don’t pay for anything that claims to offer you a guarantee of employment or special access to Disney. These are almost always scams.
You should also avoid so-called agencies that charge thousands of dollars for their services. This may mean that you’re working with a multi-level marketing scheme instead of a legitimate agency.
You can keep costs down by becoming a home-based travel agent. This means you won’t have any overhead costs, and you can work from anywhere in the world. You’ll need to have a dedicated workspace in your home, and you’ll need to be comfortable working independently.
Can I become a Disney travel agent with no experience?
As long as you are passionate about working in the travel industry and are willing to learn, you can become a Disney travel agent with no experience. However, having some sales experience will give you an advantage over the competition.
You’ll need to be able to sell yourself and your services in order to succeed in this role. This means being able to clearly communicate the benefits of booking a trip through you.
You’ll also need to be very detail-oriented and have strong time-management skills. This is because you’ll be dealing with a lot of different travel plans and itineraries.
Training is provided along the way, but it’s important to be proactive about learning as much as you can. There are many videos, forums, and groups that can help you get started in this industry.
Do Disney travel agents work from home?
It’s common for Disney travel agents to work from home, at least part of the time. This is because it’s a role that can be done remotely, as long as you have a computer and an internet connection. Working from home has a lot of advantages and can also save you money in the long run.
This makes working as a Disney travel agent ideal for busy stay-at-home parents, retirees, or anyone else who wants to have a flexible full time or part time online job.
Of course, working from home doesn’t mean that you’ll never have to leave the house. You may still need to attend occasional conferences or meet with clients in person.
However, this can be done on your own schedule and doesn’t have to interfere with your personal life.
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Can you be a part-time Disney travel agent?
Yes, you could be a part-time Disney travel agent. Since most agents are contractors, their agencies cannot force them to work full-time. This means you can set your own hours and work as little or as much as you want.
Of course, the more time you’re able to dedicate to your job, the more successful you’ll be. But if you only have a few hours a week to spare, you can still make a decent income as a part-time Disney travel agent.
You can also work full-time during busy periods and then scale back your hours during slower times. This can help you manage your workload and avoid burnout.
Just make sure that your agency is okay with you working part-time before you make any commitments. While they can’t technically stop you from doing so, they may not be willing to give you the same level of support or company perks if you’re only working part-time.
Do Disney travel agents get discounts on tickets?
Yes, Disney travel agents do get discounts on tickets. In fact, they often get greater discounts than the general public. There are often incentives that travel agents can take advantage of, like free or discounted tickets for themselves or their families depending on a certain number of sales.
This makes being a Disney travel agent an ideal job for someone who frequents Disney parks. It’s also a great way to try out other Disney offerings, such as cruises or resorts, without having to pay full price.
Of course, the discounts that you’ll receive will depend on the agency you work for and your sales volume. But if you’re able to sell a lot of tickets, you can expect to see some pretty significant savings.
Should I be a Disney travel agent?
Being a Disney travel agent is a great way to work from home, set your own hours, choose your own income goals, and experience some pretty amazing discounts on Disney tickets and products. So, if you’re looking for these benefits, working for a Disney agency may be right for you.
It’s not a job for everyone, but if you have the right skills and personality, it can be a fun and rewarding career.
Here are some of the perks of being a Disney travel agent:
The job is fun
If you get excited about planning vacations and helping people save money, being a Disney travel agent is a lot of fun. It’s also a great way to learn about different destinations and get first-hand experience with the products you’re selling.
You can work from home
Many Disney travel agents are able to treat this as a stay at home job, which can be a great perk. This allows you to have a flexible schedule and avoid wasting time and money on commuting.
You can choose your own income goals
As a Disney travel agent, you’ll be able to set your own income goals. This means you can decide how much money you want to make each month and tailor your work schedule accordingly.
You get discounts on Disney products
One of the best perks of being a Disney travel agent is the discounts you’ll receive on tickets and other products. This can help you save a lot of money if you’re a frequent Disney park visitor.
These discounts can range from a few dollars off per ticket to free tickets for you and your family. The agency is incentivized for you to become familiar with the Disney line, so there are usually some good perks available.
You can learn about different destinations
As a Disney travel agent, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about different destinations, since Disney properties can be found all over the world. This can be a great way to explore the world and find new places to visit.
You can build lasting relationships with clients
Another perk of being a Disney travel agent is the opportunity to build relationships with clients. This can be a great way to make friends and network with people who share your interests. It can also provide you with recurring income if you’re able to build a client base that returns to you for vacation planning year after year.
You’ll receive free training
When you become a Disney travel agent, you’ll receive free training from the company. This will familiarize you with the products and services that you’ll be selling. It’s also a great way to learn about the company’s policies and procedures.
The training is usually conducted online, so it’s convenient and easy to complete.
This can be a much more accessible and user-friendly way to learn about being a travel agent than some of the more traditional methods.
You’ll have support from the company
As a Disney travel agent, you’ll have access to support from the company. This can be helpful if you have questions or need assistance with anything related to your job.
The support team can also help you troubleshoot any problems you may have with the booking process or other aspects of your job.
This will eventually help you to become a more efficient and effective travel agent.
You’ll be an expert at planning your own trips
These important skills can come in handy when you’re planning your own vacations. Having the inside knowledge of how the booking process works can help you save time and money when planning your own trips.
You’ll also be familiar with all of the different Disney products and services, so you’ll be able to find the best deals for your family.
