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.