Looking to become a travel agent...

[dreamsrsweeter]

Hi! I am looking to become a travel agent that specializes in Disney only vacations (Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures By Disney). I know all products and everything like the back of my hand and have great customer service experience. Anyone know a good place to start? Companies that are work from home and are willing to work with a new agent?
Thanks!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Moving to the community board.

Sent from my iPod touch using DISBoards

 

[anniemck]

Sign up with Outside Agents outsideagents.com It is free, then take the Disney College of Knowledge Classes, also free. This will give you Disney Certifications. I would also learn about other cruise lines and go from there. It is hard to make a living as a Travel Agent these days because of the ease of the internet, and people wanting control over their own bookings, however it is possible.

 

[DisneyCrazyMomma]

Sign up with Outside Agents outsideagents.com It is free, then take the Disney College of Knowledge Classes, also free. This will give you Disney Certifications. I would also learn about other cruise lines and go from there. It is hard to make a living as a Travel Agent these days because of the ease of the internet, and people wanting control over their own bookings, however it is possible.

Is the Disney College of Knowledge Classes something you can take just on your own? I help a lot of friends with trips and while I don't do it for money, I'm always looking to expand my knowledge. Also, would you then be able to actually book trips for them? I'm not looking to make a living, just get better at helping friends because it's SO fun. Sorry OP, not trying to hijack your thread.

 

[mdsoccermom]

Is the Disney College of Knowledge Classes something you can take just on your own? I help a lot of friends with trips and while I don't do it for money, I'm always looking to expand my knowledge. Also, would you then be able to actually book trips for them? I'm not looking to make a living, just get better at helping friends because it's SO fun. Sorry OP, not trying to hijack your thread.

You have to actually be a travel agent to take them. You have to have an ARC/IATA/CLIA number. It's for real agents who do real bookings, not for people playing travel agent.

 

[minnie56]

Is the Disney College of Knowledge Classes something you can take just on your own? I help a lot of friends with trips and while I don't do it for money, I'm always looking to expand my knowledge. Also, would you then be able to actually book trips for them? I'm not looking to make a living, just get better at helping friends because it's SO fun. Sorry OP, not trying to hijack your thread.

It's now also called Disney Destinations Genius and you must be with an agency or a certified travel agent to complete the course. You can book trips for anyone, you just won't get any commission.

 

[DisneyCrazyMomma]

You have to actually be a travel agent to take them. You have to have an ARC/IATA/CLIA number. It's for real agents who do real bookings, not for people playing travel agent.

Ouch! Honest question.

 

[minnie56]

Hmmm...that was a little harsh

 

[DisneyCrazyMomma]

You have to actually be a travel agent to take them. You have to have an ARC/IATA/CLIA number. It's for real agents who do real bookings, not for people playing travel agent.

Hmmm...that was a little harsh

I thought so too. Every thread I read through lately on here, about half the people are being really vicious. Not very DIS like IMO.

 

[jamelynn24]

I just started working as a travel planner this past July. I googled all sorts of things to find websites of online agencies. They all have a 'join our team' section of their website, so take a look at that. I sent out a lot of emails, too. There is a very big difference in agencies...some want you to do this full time, while others are ok with part time. Some want you to have a dedicated 800 number and fax, each agency pays different commissions, etc. It's a lot of research, but so worth it! I am a nurse, so this is just a part time thing for me. I don't make nearly enough $$ to make a living but it helps fund our vacations!

 

[ebtbmom]

House of Mouse travel is looking to expand. They had it on facebook and I've talked to the owner about doing it. I'm supposed to let her know this week, I don't know a ton about the agency but it seems pretty legit. Maybe you can check out their website and see if they are still looking for people.

I'm just planning on doing part time since I'm a full time nurse, need some $$ for my WDW fund!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I've just become a certified Disney Travel Specialist and finished the Disney training program. One thing to keep in mind is that Disney does have quotas for the year, and if you don't meet your quota or have any new deposits in 3 months they will ask the host agency to, um, terminate your access.

 

[minnie56]

I've just become a certified Disney Travel Specialist and finished the Disney training program. One thing to keep in mind is that Disney does have quotas for the year, and if you don't meet your quota or have any new deposits in 3 months they will ask the host agency to, um, terminate your access.

What? Really? Never heard that..not the case in Canada that I can tell you!

 

[mdsoccermom]

I've just become a certified Disney Travel Specialist and finished the Disney training program. One thing to keep in mind is that Disney does have quotas for the year, and if you don't meet your quota or have any new deposits in 3 months they will ask the host agency to, um, terminate your access.

Where on earth did you hear that? Is that new for new agents? Because it simply is not true for me or any established agent I know.

 

[dakcp2001]

Hmmm...that was a little harsh

Rude is the word I would use.

 

[dreamsrsweeter]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the feedback!

 

[ohiomom28]

I thought so too. Every thread I read through lately on here, about half the people are being really vicious. Not very DIS like IMO.

I agree, very harsh. That's why I don't frequent the Dis much anymore.

 

[jkfio5]

I would certainly love to do this job. I've read past threads on this same topic & most say that it's a lot of work for little pay but they love it. I am there with them!

I've applied at a few agencies that have the "Join our team" tab & have not heard anything yet. I thought I was a pretty good catch with a BA degree and admin asst experience. ;0)- I am sure they get a lot of emails of inquiry though.
Cheers, -Judy in VA

 

[cosmolette]

My 4th trip to disney world as well as our first disney cruise is coming up in September. I am very excited 1 because its disney and 2 because I want to become a disney travel agent. Does anyone have tips on how to get the ball rolling?

 

[katrina1122]

What? Really? Never heard that..not the case in Canada that I can tell you!

I haven't heard that either. No bookings from me since March and my agency has not told me to book or I'll be cut off. He's always said you get out what you put in with no quota requirements.