Will People Pay Me to Plan their WDW Trips?

[lizandjason]

No, of course I don't have a Ph.D. What I do have is accountability and accessibility, training, resources if something goes wrong. There is far more to know about to booking a Disney trip (or any trip for that matter) than you seem to think. I am committed to being there for my clients 24/7 (see accountability). My job does not stop once I hit the submit button for their reservation. But, you didn't answer any of my questions. How will you handle things if something does go wrong?

You are completely correct about the accountability issue. While I could attempt to call Disney reservations/airlines etc to fix issues, there are security measures in place and if I'm not a travel agent I wouldn't have privilege to that information. Great point.

 

[lizandjason]

Very true, except for maybe the inflated prices as TS's can't pad a quote.

To the OP *************

I do know as a travel agent myself that there are many many classes we can take through the industry providers to become very knowledgeable about the products out there.
I took the classes through Disney so I could learn everything about all the products they offer, like Disneyland, cruises, Adventures by Disney.

When a client books a trip and then a promotion comes out that saves them money, are you going to go back and rebook to get them the savings? Are you going to be on top of everyone's reservations to be able to do that?
And how would you make changes on the reservations if you are not listed on it?

When a client decides 5 different times where to eat are you going to go in and make all the changes?

I myself know that I would not give an unlicensed, uninsured person any of my financial info to book a trip for me.

While I admire your entrepreneur spirit, there is much more to the travel industry then just picking up the phone and making a reservation.

You're so right...maybe I should go through this training myself! Do you get perks to travel to Disney? That would make it EXTRA worth it!

 

[lizandjason]

Absolutely!

But there are a whole boatload of travel agencies who specialize in Disney (Dreams Unlimited, Magical Travel, Mousefan Travel etc). They know how to look for discounts, book things at just the right time to get that elusive ADR, All the ins-and-outs etc. I still think the OP could parlay her vast Disney knowledge into a lucrative career (even part-time) as a Disney-specialized travel agent. Once she's built a bit of a track record with a licensed agency, she could hang a shingle or start a consulting website offering her services (at a price well below the unrealistic one she originally posted) touting her years of industry training/experience and all her accreditations.

In the same vain, How would they lay-person know to even trust the OP over a TA? She's got no credentials, no training, no insurance, no access to things TA's have access to. Sure we all know she's a seasoned Disney veteran, but Joe-public wouldn't and would probably turn to a TA (even a very poor one) before going to a stranger "consultant" with their money.

I was looking to do this more as a hobby...but once you put a price on it, it does become a business, and you make some great points above. I underestimated the value of a TA. Thanks for your help, and sorry about the hostility. You're actually one of my favorite posters on these boards, I really enjoy reading your comments.

 

[lizandjason]

Absolutely!

But there are a whole boatload of travel agencies who specialize in Disney (Dreams Unlimited, Magical Travel, Mousefan Travel etc). They know how to look for discounts, book things at just the right time to get that elusive ADR, All the ins-and-outs etc. I still think the OP could parlay her vast Disney knowledge into a lucrative career (even part-time) as a Disney-specialized travel agent. Once she's built a bit of a track record with a licensed agency, she could hang a shingle or start a consulting website offering her services (at a price well below the unrealistic one she originally posted) touting her years of industry training/experience and all her accreditations.

In the same vain, How would they lay-person know to even trust the OP over a TA? She's got no credentials, no training, no insurance, no access to things TA's have access to. Sure we all know she's a seasoned Disney veteran, but Joe-public wouldn't and would probably turn to a TA (even a very poor one) before going to a stranger "consultant" with their money.

I was looking to do this more as a hobby...but once you put a price on it, it does become a business, and you make some great points above. I underestimated the value of a TA. Thanks for your help, and sorry about the hostility. You're actually one of my favorite posters on these boards, I really enjoy reading your comments.

 

[Feralpeg]

Why not become a home based agent? Find a good host agency that will give you access to things like the Disney travel agent website, training portal, etc. I recently become an agent working with a great host company. The other agents have been wonderful. I thought I knew everything about Disney. I live five minutes from WDW, but it turned out that there were many things I did not know. My agency has been terrific about helping me learn the proper way to book a trip for my clients, how to follow up to make sure no better deals come out and how to expand my area of travel expertise.

Since joining the agency a couple of months ago, I took the training and am now a Disney Travel Specialist and a Universal Parks & Resort Travel Specialist. I'm quite proud of that!

It is hard work to build a client base, but rewarding when someone is pleased with the work you do. The clients I obtain are all based on the amount of effort I am willing to put into promoting myself as an agent. OP, you can make it what you want it to be based on the time you want to commit.

Give some thought to actually becoming an agent. It's great to know that you have a team to back you if you have a problem, insurance to protect you should the unthinkable happen and it's fun!

 

[escape]

Very true, except for maybe the inflated prices as TS's can't pad a quote.

I'll bet the poster was refering to a higher quote vs. a padded one. About 10 years ago, a cruise specialist quoted me $7,000 for an Alaskan cruise (balcony) & air for two people. A second agency didn't do much better. I found a better deal (& room - mini-suite) on the Internet for $3,000 - same cruise line. Granted, I had to spend A LOT MORE TIME doing the research - something I had hoped the TA would do. Now the Internet is chocked full of info and deals for travel - it wasn't as much back then. It also sounds like I've just been using the wrong TA's in the past as I have always found much better deals on my own. Honestly, this is why I stopped using them years ago.

OP - good luck with your venture. As others said (and you agreed), become a TA first and learn some of the ins and outs of that industry and then consult. With your vast Disney knowledge and new TA know how, I'm sure you'll be able to offer your clients the best deal for their buck and a terrific vacation.