Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

[andrealbowman]

Hi Everyone...
I know there are other posts about this, but I am very interested in becoming a disney travel agent and am not sure how to go about finding the best company to go through. Can anybody who is/or has been an agent for a great company pm me some information? I can also give you my email address if that helps (it won't let me post it now because I haven't posted enough). I would like a company that works directly with disney (disney approved), makes good commission and takes care of their agents with training, etc. There are so many companies, I wasn't sure where to start so I figured I could reach out here and see what I could find out! I have already read about all the pros and cons and am still on board, but just want to make sure I go with the right company. Thanks in advance for any input you might have!
Andrea

 

[aksmith83]

I would also be very interested to hear about this. I am seriously considering trying to become a Disney Travel Agent and would love to hear what a normal day is like and if anyone has any advice about how to get into the field.

 

[Feralpeg]

There have been several lengthy threads on this subject. You might want to do a search and read through them. You'll find a ton of good information.

As far as someone giving you the name of an agency, I doubt that will happen. Agents work on a commission basis. There is a ton of competition out there and most are not looking for more.

The best thing to do is Google Disney authorized travel agents and then look to see what they offer. You'll find a lot of difference in training provided and commission rates. The majority work directly with Disney. You'll need to decide what works best for you and see if the agencies are looking for more agents.

Good luck!

 

[Nayan]

Being a Travel Agent isn't a 9-5 job, it's actually a 24/7/365 job.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2988021&highlight=disney+travel+agent

 

[usnuzuloose]

You do not get paid until they finish the trip.

 

[Poohforyou]

I don't want to be mean but I don't understand the need for a travel agent these days for anything but the most far flung trip like an African safari or a trek through Asia.

 

[Nayan]

Some folks like using a TA, even for Disney. The reality is that it's not a glamorous career. You have to really bust your tush to get clients, expect calls at all hours of the day/night if something isn't right and you only get paid after they travel. So if you only manage to get, say, 5 clients who don't actually travel until next year, are you willing to wait that long to get paid a small commission (it is really small for all the work you just did). Everyone wants in on Disney because, well, it's Disney. Honestly, don't do it, it is not worth the time or money.

 

[Lauriejl2]

It is hard work but it is fun too. I started last year and its part time hobby job for me and I love it! I was fortunate to attend the ear marked Disney agent education program for 5 days and tgey put us up at GF it was a great learning experience and awesome to stay in a deluxe hotel !!! There are good host agencies and not so good. Look for one with a low start up fee or no start up fee besides paying for your insurance. Look for one with the best commision splits... mine is 80/20 with the host

 

[aksmith83]

Can I ask a bit of a personal question? Everyone says they aren't in the business for the money and that it's hard to make a career out of being a Disney Travel agent. But in just wondering roughly what those of you who are agents make. Obviously feel free to PM etc. I just really have very little idea of what to expect. What is a reasonable number of trips to book a month etc?

Thanks in advance.

 

[aksmith83]

Has anyone done this while having small kids at home? I have found a few sites that seem legitimate and I'm thinking about moving forward with applying. I have 2 kids at home with me though and I'm wondering if anyone else has been able to be a Disney specialist while at home?

 

[Feralpeg]

Can I ask a bit of a personal question? Everyone says they aren't in the business for the money and that it's hard to make a career out of being a Disney Travel agent. But in just wondering roughly what those of you who are agents make. Obviously feel free to PM etc. I just really have very little idea of what to expect. What is a reasonable number of trips to book a month etc?

Thanks in advance.

I'll answer. I did it for about 8 months. I know, in the grand scheme of things, that wasn't very long. If I hadn't had other things come up, I'd have tried a little longer.

In that timeframe, I gave quotes to at least 15 people. I made nothing. Zilch. Nadda! I spent hours putting together quotes and other info for them. Then, they booked themselves. I don't know why all of them did this. One told me that she just felt more secure doing the actual booking herself. She did tell me she appreciated all my help doing the research. Gee, thanks! I did book one family, but I left the agency before their trip.

As I stated before, my case may be a bit unique. While it might be really handy should a client have a problem during their visit, it is extremely hard to find clients when you live on WDW's doorstep. Obviously, most people living in my area do not book "trips" to WDW. They go for a day and they are already very Disney knowledgeable. I do know that the lady who owns the agency I worked for is very successful, but she's been at it for a long time.

 

[Nayan]

I tried it for two years and I made about $300. That was it. I spent more promoting myself in time, gas and money than I made. Like Feral, I spent many hours answering questions, pricing trips, etc. but then many booked themselves. One thing you have to remember is that you are selling yourself more than the trips and you really have to get out there and hustle. I went to bridal shows, trade shows, anywhere I could pick up clients.

To the poster asking if you could do it while at home, do you have the time to devote to spend hours promoting yourself and getting clients? Are you able to drop everything to handle a situation, no matter the time of day or night?

I'm not trying to sound mean or discouraging, but it is the reality that you have to compete with many other Disney TA's and it takes a lot of time and money to market yourself and to convince people to book with you instead of someone else.

 

[Shmily1]

It really depends on what you put into it. If you spend the time to market yourself and get the word of mouth and repeat customers, you can make money. I think any agent that doesn't look forward to the commission check would not be 100% truthful with themselves. It may not be why the do it but I'm sure they'd agree it's a nice perk.

 

[BlovesC]

In all honestly, I think it would be easier to earn money as a Unicorn poacher than it would be to earn money as an independent Disney-focused travel agent. But good luck!

 

[Freezing Maine Mama]

A unicorn poacher.. OMG that was hilarious!!

I applied at Off to Neverland Travel. Haven't heard back yet. But I am worried about all the things everyone has mentioned. While it is my dream job if i could make money at it. I feel like it may not be profitable.

I somehow want to work for Disney, but I live in Maine. I figured Disney Travel Agent is the closest I could get. But still trying to come up with ideas to merge work/Disney/ and my life

 

[wiigirl]

Being a Travel Agent isn't a 9-5 job, it's actually a 24/7/365 job.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2988021&highlight=disney+travel+agent

 

[HisMinnie]

I'm a travel agent in Maine specializing in Disney destinations. It's a lot of work with all the research you do for a client. If you are planning on making a living off of it then you may need to readjust your expectations. Sometimes it will seem busy and other times of the year hit a lull in prospective clients. It's not a constant flow. You are only paid after they vacation. I do it because I love it not for the money. Don't do it just for the anticipated "discounts" either. You'll tire quickly. It's not an easy business. You just have to weigh all the pros and cons first before committing. I don't regret my decision a bit.

 

[Shmily1]

A unicorn poacher.. OMG that was hilarious!!

I applied at Off to Neverland Travel. Haven't heard back yet. But I am worried about all the things everyone has mentioned. While it is my dream job if i could make money at it. I feel like it may not be profitable.

I somehow want to work for Disney, but I live in Maine. I figured Disney Travel Agent is the closest I could get. But still trying to come up with ideas to merge work/Disney/ and my life

Don't give up if you really want to do it and don't have to have the income to live off of. Contact another agency that will be a good fit for you. Make sure you get most of the commission and that they will be helpful when you have questions. Some travel agencies have a group that is always available to help. That's the ones you want!