How can I become a Disney Travel Specialist/Agent?

[princesskaycee]

Hello!

I need help! I am really wanting to work towards becoming a Travel Agent that specializes in Disney vacations. I have been trying to do my research but keep coming up empty. I've emailed agencies in my area (Dallas, TX) and they all have requirements that I don't meet. One said that I need to have used their services at least one time, and that I need to have gone on a Disney vacation 3 times in the last 5 years. The other agency said that I need to have been to Disney 10 times in my lifetime at least. I'm 24 years old and live in Texas, it's not easy for me to go very often. I have planned a couple trips for my family and each one has gone smoothly. My family tells me all of the time that I am the go-to person for questions they have concerning our future trips. Mind you, I have no experience in the TA field, but I have drive and determination and really want to make this dream a reality! Any advice on where to go from here?

 

[MrsDuck]

Hello!

I need help! I am really wanting to work towards becoming a Travel Agent that specializes in Disney vacations. I have been trying to do my research but keep coming up empty. I've emailed agencies in my area (Dallas, TX) and they all have requirements that I don't meet. One said that I need to have used their services at least one time, and that I need to have gone on a Disney vacation 3 times in the last 5 years. The other agency said that I need to have been to Disney 10 times in my lifetime at least. I'm 24 years old and live in Texas, it's not easy for me to go very often. I have planned a couple trips for my family and each one has gone smoothly. My family tells me all of the time that I am the go-to person for questions they have concerning our future trips. Mind you, I have no experience in the TA field, but I have drive and determination and really want to make this dream a reality! Any advice on where to go from here?

There are a variety of online planning agencies that most people join, if you are looking to just do Disney/don't actually want to become a full TA.

 

[princesskaycee]

There are a variety of online planning agencies that most people join, if you are looking to just do Disney/don't actually want to become a full TA.

Could you name/link me to a couple of these please?? And honestly, I wouldn't even mind becoming a licensed TA. I love planning any trip! There is just something special about planning a Disney trip

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

We can't post names, but if you Google it you can find several.

Keep in mind that being a TA is a sales job more than a planning job. If you aren't comfortable drumming up leads and being a salesperson you won't get many bookings.

 

[princesskaycee]

We can't post names, but if you Google it you can find several.

Keep in mind that being a TA is a sales job more than a planning job. If you aren't comfortable drumming up leads and being a salesperson you won't get many bookings.

Oh, alright! Sorry I'm a newbie and didn't know you couldn't post names, thanks for letting me know! And yes, I understand that. I think I would be good at it and already have a couple friends asking me for advice on how to plan their trips!

 

[Micca]

Being a TA must be a really tough job in 2016, as mentioned above, you'd have to really be hustling, networking, making cold calls, and really "putting yourself out there" to make any money. But if you're up for that, wouldn't it be better to become a certified TA working to book any kind of travel? You could still specialize in Disney, but you wouldn't be leaving money on the table for folks who need a TA for any other place.

I think it could be an interesting job, but it could also be stressful. You do everything in your power to organize a great trip for your client, but then you get the late night phone call. The rental car is wrong, the hotel is not where you thought it was, the room isn't the right size, it goes on and on. And even though those things are beyond your control, the client doesn't see it that way.

I worked with a TA to get a large group on a cruise (not Disney.) There were several dozen people in the group, and the TA was along for the cruise. People were up in her grill the whole time with some kind of issue they wanted her to take care of. I think she did a good job, but things happen and her moment of fun turned into hours of "I'll look into that for you."

Good luck with your search, I hope it all turns out great for you.

 

[princesskaycee]

Being a TA must be a really tough job in 2016, as mentioned above, you'd have to really be hustling, networking, making cold calls, and really "putting yourself out there" to make any money. But if you're up for that, wouldn't it be better to become a certified TA working to book any kind of travel? You could still specialize in Disney, but you wouldn't be leaving money on the table for folks who need a TA for any other place.

I think it could be an interesting job, but it could also be stressful. You do everything in your power to organize a great trip for your client, but then you get the late night phone call. The rental car is wrong, the hotel is not where you thought it was, the room isn't the right size, it goes on and on. And even though those things are beyond your control, the client doesn't see it that way.

I worked with a TA to get a large group on a cruise (not Disney.) There were several dozen people in the group, and the TA was along for the cruise. People were up in her grill the whole time with some kind of issue they wanted her to take care of. I think she did a good job, but things happen and her moment of fun turned into hours of "I'll look into that for you."

Good luck with your search, I hope it all turns out great for you.

Thank you! I seem to be getting a lot of that same response. I know it's 2016 and people have computers and can do this stuff themselves, but I also think there are a lot of people out there that don't like the planning aspect of a trip and would rather leave it in someone else's hands. I think I could handle the client's complaints. I am very patient with people and already deal with those kinds of issues with the job I have now. I would love to be a TA for more than just Disney trips as well, I just know that Disney is what I know best. I'm definitely willing to learn more about other destinations as well though!

 

[nkereina]

I worked for one of the Disney Vacation Planning agencies you can find through a Google search. You have to work for a sponsoring agency because travel agents require IATA numbers and you can't obtain one until you meet certain criteria. Many of the agencies you will see online will hire you on as an independent contractor. This means you'll get a 1099 form for tax purposes, which can bring some tax implications on any income you earn from your sales. In addition, you'll also likely have to complete Disney's training called the College of Knowledge before you can start booking. Other than that, you really don't need any experience.

Another thing to note is that Disney commission is relatively low. I believe it's about 10% of the price on packages to give you a rough idea. The agency I worked for split commission with me, so I only got 5%. Of that 5%, the company also deducted shipping fees for my clients' documents (they received them and then mailed them to me) as well as liability insurance fees. So my net commission was not much. You really have to do A LOT of bookings to make any significant money, and most of these agencies will not give you leads or assist in marketing efforts. You're on your own with getting bookings, which ended up being harder than I anticipated.

I hope this isn't discouraging, but just wanted to give you some of the fine print from my own experience. It can be fun and lucrative for the people who have the time and energy to dedicate to building a business. I did not have the time or energy, since I have a full time job as well. Good luck!

 

[princesskaycee]

I worked for one of the Disney Vacation Planning agencies you can find through a Google search. You have to work for a sponsoring agency because travel agents require IATA numbers and you can't obtain one until you meet certain criteria. Many of the agencies you will see online will hire you on as an independent contractor. This means you'll get a 1099 form for tax purposes, which can bring some tax implications on any income you earn from your sales. In addition, you'll also likely have to complete Disney's training called the College of Knowledge before you can start booking. Other than that, you really don't need any experience.

Another thing to note is that Disney commission is relatively low. I believe it's about 10% of the price on packages to give you a rough idea. The agency I worked for split commission with me, so I only got 5%. Of that 5%, the company also deducted shipping fees for my clients' documents (they received them and then mailed them to me) as well as liability insurance fees. So my net commission was not much. You really have to do A LOT of bookings to make any significant money, and most of these agencies will not give you leads or assist in marketing efforts. You're on your own with getting bookings, which ended up being harder than I anticipated.

I hope this isn't discouraging, but just wanted to give you some of the fine print from my own experience. It can be fun and lucrative for the people who have the time and energy to dedicate to building a business. I did not have the time or energy, since I have a full time job as well. Good luck!

Thank you for your post! I have a full-time job right now so it's really not about earning an entire income right now at least! I honestly just love doing it and if I can get a little money for it, then AWESOME!

 

[nkereina]

Thank you for your post! I have a full-time job right now so it's really not about earning an entire income right now at least! I honestly just love doing it and if I can get a little money for it, then AWESOME!

There's nothing to lose in giving it a try. The company I joined did not have a start up fee (some do). Most of them are full service planning agencies, so you'll be expected to handle your clients' ADRs and FP+ reservations too. If you're good with it all, might as well give it a whirl!

 

[Dotj27]

I too want to become a disney travel agent but there's so many online. Can someone DM and let me know which ones are hiring. I've turned in 7 applications and no such luck

 

[Kristin3210]

Hey everyone! I've been reading a lot of forums on becoming a Disney TA, and I feel like it may be best to have a one on one chat with a few of you. I am interested in becoming a TA in general, and I love Disney so that falls into place easily. I understand a previous post about specializing in Disney but not having that as your only option, and I do have quite extensive travel experience in Italy, so I could have more than one specialty. I'd love some honest feedback.

 

[Arielfan42]

Are there any book that's would be helpful to study up on? I know you go through the interview process and they ask a lot of questions you wouldn't expect. This is my dream job and I want to get it right.

 

[Nayan]

There are a number of threads here on TA's. It really isn't the 'dream job' most people think it is:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/so-if-i-want-to-become-a-travel-agent.3457566/#post-54618209

http://www.disboards.com/threads/becoming-a-disney-travel-agent.3236855/

 

[usnuzuloose]

A travel agent is not part time. People will call you at all hours. You could end up researching many days. You do not get paid until they have taken the trip. You could wait a year to be paid. People can book through you and then after all the work you did , and then they cancel. This is not an easy job. Not trying to discourage you, this is the truth. You need the IATA , and CLIA number as well. And classes you need to attend to keep those numbers as well. Hope this gives you something to consider.

 

[Allons-y!]

Keep in mind that much of TA work needs to be done during working hours. So, depending on what kind of full-time job you have, you might have difficulty making calls for your clients.

 

[Arielfan42]

There are a number of threads here on TA's. It really isn't the 'dream job' most people think it is:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/so-if-i-want-to-become-a-travel-agent.3457566/#post-54618209

http://www.disboards.com/threads/becoming-a-disney-travel-agent.3236855/

Well, I have done an internship with Disney and have a marketing jobs where I take care of clients everyday. I love helping people and I have worked towards this as best as I can. I'm not about to quit my job for it, but this has definitely been my goal.

 

[Nayan]

But can you take an hour or two or three during your work hours to help a client if something is wrong? Would your boss mind? Being a TA isn't a part-time job, nor is it one that when it hits 5 o'clock you can go home. If you book a trip for someone and they call you with a major issue at 1:30 am, you can't brush it off until morning, you make a pot of coffee and get to work to fix it no matter how long it takes. Same if they called while you were at work, you have to take care of them first.

 

[Arielfan42]

I understand the challenge that comes with it and nothing ever comes easy. I am a strong believer that the greatest of things seem the most impossible. I am not saying that I am going to start off with 8 clients and breeze through. I plan on working with close clients (i.e., friends and family) so that I can go over all the information with them when we are together and checking in on them frequently and then answer their questions as they come. Once I have gotten to a comfortable level then I will work on getting my name out there and using who I have helped as references and personal advertising. Working up to it all is worth the worry.