How do I become a Disney travel agent?
Becoming a Disney travel agent can be an exciting career path for many Disney enthusiasts (in fact many thousands of people search this on Google every single month!) This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from understanding the basics of “how does a travel agent get paid” to “how do I get clients” and everything in between!
Whether you're looking for a career change or want to turn your Disney passion into a profession, this step-by-step guide will provide you with the information you need to get started.
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Disney Travel Agent in 5 Easy Steps
Embarking on a career as a Disney travel agent involves several key steps. This process includes understanding the commission structure, choosing the right agency and developing your Disney expertise. By following our 5 easy step process, you'll be well-prepared to start your journey in the magical world of Disney vacation planning. Let’s get started!
Step #1 - The Skills Necessary to Become a Disney Travel Agent
As Goofy himself once said, “know thyself!” (maybe it wasn’t Goofy).. But the point is valid. You gotta know whether or not you are ready for this journey. Don’t get scared off just yet - it’s a lot of fun becoming a Disney travel agent! But you should ask yourself these questions up front to make sure you are ready for this journey:
Am I a self starter?
While your host agency (we’ll get to that in a bit) should help you strategize how to find lead or maybe even provide them to you - you will be responsible for generating your own business. That’s why this is such a rewarding experience because you can literally build yourself a massive book of business from scratch and maintain it for a lifetime.
Can I learn new concepts quickly?
If you are reading this article, then chances are high that you are just starting out in your journey to become a successful Disney travel agent. There will be a lot of new words and concepts and terms and processes that will be foreign to you at first. That’s ok! We all have to start somewhere and even if you are a Disney expert looking to become a Disney travel agent - there will still be things you learn.
Am I good at communication?
Building a successful travel brand for yourself requires good communication. You cannot under any circumstances book a trip then ghost your clients (we call them “guests” for good reason). You would never ignore your guests right? The same applies to being a successful Disney Travel Agent or Disney Travel Advisor. You have to love talking to people and helping them solve problems.
Am I a problem solver?
Look things are going to go wrong on vacation. It happens. As a Disney Travel Agent, your guests need to know that you have their backs always. They have to know that they can trust you to help them quickly navigate any problems that come up. We’re all about helping our guests actually enjoy their vacation - so when the problem pops up you have to be ready to solve it on the fly!
Am I able to pay attention to detail?
Unfortunately, things change monthly like rides go down for renovation or restaurants are flooded (ok so those are problems) but stuff like this happens all the time! Say your guest wants a specific room or floor or wants to hit a ride on a certain day for sentimental reasons… you need to be flexible enough to help them achieve their dream vacation and that starts with paying attention to the details that matter to them.
Am I ok not getting paid for months?
This is a hard one! Famvia Travel has advisors already booking out into 2026 (!!) for some cruises. That’s a suuuuuper long time to book a trip and have to wait for it. That’s why building your travel brand is the goal and not building your commissions. See the difference? We encourage our Travel Advisors to focus on their brands because as their brands are built up they will be able to book all sorts of travel for their guests. Some guests may have a spur of the moment trip next week while others are planning 6+ months away. Commissions are an entire section below as you have to be comfortable getting paid later.
Also you will most likely be classified as an independent contractor rather than a W2 employee. An important distinction come tax time!
Step #2 - Learn How Travel Commissions Are Paid
Disney Travel agents typically earn their income through commissions rather than a fixed salary. This means your earnings are directly tied to the vacations you book for clients and not a guaranteed amount per week.
Commission-based pay can be both exciting and challenging, as it offers the potential for high earnings but also comes with some uncertainty. You will receive a percentage of all travel bookings. A “travel booking” is the total amount of a trip you book.
Commission Split
When you work with a travel agency, you'll typically split the commission with them. The exact split can vary between agencies, but it's common for newer agents to start with a 50/50 or 60/40 split. As you gain experience and book more trips, you may be able to negotiate a more favorable split, but we think that is NUTS!
A reputable travel agency should start everyone off at least at 60% but the more reputable ones will start at 70%. FYI: at Famvia Travel, everyone starts at 70% and can go as high as 85%.
Reduced Commissions for Onboard Credit or Gift Cards
Many agencies offer incentives to their clients, such as onboard credits for cruises or Disney gift cards. These are not illegal but must be marketed appropriately. They can never be called cash back so be sure that your prospective agency has marketing aligned with the proper terms as there is a risk of getting blacklisted for offering discounted or below market pricing on the open internet.
Of course these incentives are deducted from the commission before it's split between the agency and the agent. It's important to understand how these deductions work at your chosen agency. When in doubt, ask! This is a great question to ask before you join a new agency.
Delayed Commission Payouts
One of the unique aspects of being a Disney travel agent (and to be honest, most travel partners work this way nowadays) is that commissions are typically paid after the client has completed their trip. This means there can be a significant delay between booking a vacation and receiving your commission. It's crucial to plan your finances accordingly and be prepared for this delay in income.
Additional Sources of Revenue and Income as a Disney Travel Agent
Understanding the commission structure is crucial for anyone considering a career as a Disney travel agent. Commissions are the primary source of income for most agents and knowing how they work will help you set realistic expectations.
Some travel agents charge planning fees to clients in addition to earning commissions if it’s allowed by their host agency. While these fees can help offset the time spent researching and planning trips, whether to charge planning fees is often a personal business decision and practices can vary between agencies.
We recommend against charging specific travel planning fees, but instead allow our travel advisors to do something more unique if desired here at Famvia Travel.
Realistic Commissions on Disney Travel Bookings
While specific commission percentages are protected by NDA (“Non Disclosure Agreement”) between all travel partners/travel suppliers and the host agency, you can assume that commission percentages range from 10% up to 20% (depending on the type of booking).
A theme park vacation package will earn on the lower side while a cruise will be on the higher side. Let’s look at two scenarios using assumed percentages for both a trip to Disney World (10%) and a Disney Cruise Line vacation package (16%). Every host agency will have their own defined commission percentages based on annual travel bookings with each travel supplier.
A Disney World Vacation
5 Nights at Boardwalk Inn with 4 Day Park Hoppers for a Family of 4
- Total Cost before Taxes and Fees:some text
- $7,500
- Note: Commissions are always paid on the pre-tax amount!
- Gross Commission Amount Available:some text
- 10% * $7,500 = $750 Gross Commission
- Assume you have a 70% Commission Split with you agencysome text
- 70% = $525 to YOU
- 30% = $225 to the Agency
A Disney Cruise Line Vacation
3 Nights on the Disney Wish for 2 Adults in the Concierge Stateroom
- Total Cost before Taxes and Fees:some text
- $9,200
- Note: Commissions are always paid on the pre-tax amount!
- Note: Cruise lines also deduct what are called “NCFs” or Non-Commission Fares and typically range from $100 - $250 per person.
- Gross Commission Amount Available:some text
- $9,200 less $300 in NCFs
- 16% * $8,900 = $1,424 Gross Commission
- Assume you have a 70% Commission Split with you agencysome text
- 70% = $996.80 to YOU
- 30% = $427.20 to the Agency
Step #3 - Research Potential Host Agencies for Disney Travel Agents
While many travel agencies are reputable, it's important to be aware that some may not have your best interests in mind unfortunately. Learning to identify common red flags can help you avoid potential scams or unfair business practices. Here are some key things to consider when evaluating travel agencies on your quest to become a Disney Travel Agent.
Do they charge a fee to join?
Reputable agencies typically don't charge large upfront fees to join. While small fees for things like background checks or software access may be legitimate, be cautious of agencies requiring significant "start-up" costs. These could be signs of a multi-level marketing scheme rather than a genuine travel agency.
This is one of the scammiest practices in travel and our CEO hates it with a passion.
What is the hiring process?
A legitimate travel agency should have a thorough, but very straightforward, hiring process. Be wary of agencies that hire without an interview or seem too eager to bring you on board. A proper and balanced interview process shows that the agency values quality and is selective about who represents them.
If an agency allows you to sign up by paying an initiation fee and then you get full access to everything and can begin booking without any onboarding or training - oh boy beware!
What do other agents say?
Reach out to current agents at the agencies you're considering. Ask about their experiences, the support they receive and any challenges they face. Their insights can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision. You should be able to easily find other travel agents at the agency.
What is the commission split (including after onboard credits or other incentives?)
Research industry standards for commission splits. While splits can vary, be cautious of agencies offering unusually low percentages to agents. A fair commission split is crucial for your potential earnings and indicates that the agency values its agents.
Our advice: don’t even consider any agencies that offer less than 70% net commission on travel bookings… especially if they force you to absorb the entirety of any incentives you may offer to a client.
What is an Authorized Planner or Earmarked Agency?
“Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” agencies are those which have met Disney's high standards for knowledge and service. Working with one of these agencies can provide you with additional resources and credibility, but it’s not required. Agencies may display an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner logo or a logo showing an Earmarked designation. Agencies with higher Earmarked status often receive more perks and may have a larger client base, potentially leading to more booking opportunities for you.
What support systems are in place?
Look for agencies that offer comprehensive training and ongoing support. A good support structure can significantly impact your success and job satisfaction. Ask about mentoring programs, team meetings and resources available to agents.
If an agency is not continually investing into their agents then run far, far away! An agency is only as successful as its agents!
How does the agency market themselves?
Consider how the agency markets itself and its agents. Some agencies invest heavily in marketing, which can lead to more client leads for you. Ask about their marketing strategies and how they support their agents' individual marketing efforts. This is one of the best questions and topics to discuss during the interview process.
Important - Some Host Agencies Are BAD NEWS!
Legitimate travel agencies should have proper licensing and often belong to professional organizations. Check if the agency has a Seller of Travel license if required in their state. Memberships in organizations like IATA, CLIA, or ASTA can also be good indicators of a reputable agency.
Consider the size of the agency when making your decision. Larger agencies may offer more resources and leads, but smaller agencies might provide more personalized support. Think about which environment would best suit your working style and career goals.
Above all else - you should feel 100% comfortable with whichever agency you decide to work with for the next few years. They should always be dependable and in fact - work for you.
Step #4 - Prepare for Travel Agency Interviews
Once you've chosen your preferred agencies, it's time to apply! Prepare a professional resume highlighting your Disney knowledge and/or customer service skills. Be sure to follow application instructions carefully and proofread your application before submitting.
Don’t have a ton of Disney knowledge but you have been to the parks or sailed on Disney Cruise Line multiple times? Great! That should be enough to get you in the door.
Look through the agency’s social media
Obviously this can be a red flag if they are not active on social media, but see what the agency’s vibes are and what they are passionate about. Tailor some of your questions and topics to what the agency cares about and see if it matches your passions.
Be patient!
After submitting your application, the waiting game begins. Agencies may take several weeks to respond, especially during busy seasons. However, no agency should take more than 4 weeks to get back to you. The best agencies have automated processes in place to help guide you through the interview process. If you are stuck in a waiting game then it’s a good sign of how they will treat you when you are onboarded.
Use this time to continue expanding your Disney knowledge and researching the industry. Stay positive and consider applying to multiple agencies to increase your chances of success!
Remain calm during the interview!
Some folks get super nervous and that’s ok! But at the end of the day - you are taking an amazing step towards furthering your future and that’s an amazing accomplishment. Good for you for taking a chance and really betting on yourself to follow your dreams.
Ask questions
If you're selected for an interview, preparation is key. Be ready to demonstrate your Disney knowledge and enthusiasm. Prepare thoughtful questions about the agency and the role to show your genuine interest and that you have chosen this agency because it best aligns with your goals.
Read the travel agent terms thoroughly
You should not need to hire independent counsel to understand the terms. If you do not understand something, feel free to ask! If the agency is cagey or does not want to discuss a term you don’t understand - it’s a good signal that it may be best to move on to somewhere else.
Accept the offer
It’s go time, baby! You interviewed the agency. They interviewed you. It’s an exciting time and your are about to embark on a super fun and rewarding journey!
Step #5 - Learn about Disney and Become an Expert
To be a successful Disney travel agent, you need to have extensive knowledge about Disney destinations. Your clients will rely on your expertise to plan their vacations. Becoming a Disney expert requires dedication and continuous learning.
College of Disney Knowledge
There are numerous ways to expand your Disney knowledge. Read official Disney websites, planning guides and travel blogs. Once you receive your login to disneytravelagents.com, you will be able to do an annually required training through the site called the College of Disney Knowledge.
Check out the content on famvia.com
While we would obviously love to have you here… you don’t have to be a certified Famvia Travel Advisor in order to utilize the amazing content we have on our site. Feel free to share it with your clients as you help them prepare for their trip. We have 100s of guides, 100s of reviews and tons of travel news all about helping families prepare to take on Disney vacations!
Visit the parks!
This is the best part of being a Disney Travel Agent! Getting to travel to the parks and experience everything yourself or heading out on a cruise. After becoming a travel agent, you start to see the parks and cruises a bit differently. You begin thinking about how you could post a story to capture an idea you have about helping your next guest experience some more magic!
The BEST Disney Travel Agency / Host Agency is Famvia Travel
If you are looking for the best disney travel agency or best disney host agency, then look no further than the fine folks here at Famvia Travel.
We built our own in-house sorcerer, called SORS, which helps manage the guest-facing experience such as our travel dashboard and travel rewards etc - but it also helps our Travel Advisors manage the entire vacation process from quotes to proposals to trips and even alerts.
We also have created our own Mastering Travel Social Media course, exclusively for our own active Travel Advisors. Hundreds of hours of research went into producing this course and our team will help you create your own travel brand through this course.
Our team also invests in content for you to use with your guests (it’s free!). We have taken a holistic approach to creating a travel brand which includes a killer guest experience but also all the planning tools a guest will need to prepare for and actually enjoy their next family vacation.
That’s what we are here to do - help folks actually enjoy their vacation.
Sound like a mission you can get behind? Say hello to the fine folks on our Advisor Success team today!
Marketing Yourself as a Disney Travel Agent
As a new Disney travel agent, marketing yourself and building your travel brand is the key to your success. We encourage our own travel advisors to think about their three circles:
Circle #1 - Family
Start by letting your family know about your new career as a Disney travel agent, even if you are doing it as a side hustle! They can be your first clients and will (hopefully) be more forgiving if you make a mistake early on (hey it happens!). They can also be your first testimonials.
Circle #2 - Friends
Provide exceptional service to every client to encourage repeat business and referrals. Follow up after trips to get feedback and maintain relationships. And your friends are probably going to be some of the most enthusiastic about giving you great referrals and repeat business! Your friends circle is a great place to begin building the muscle memory of taking care of your clients so they keep using your services for their own families.
Circle #3 - Social Media
Create professional social media accounts dedicated to your travel agent business. Share Disney tips, news and engaging content to attract followers. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to showcase your Disney knowledge and connect with potential clients.
Your social following will also be amenable to things like newsletters which you can use to provide regular valuable content to your subscribers.
At the end of the day, each circle builds upon the others and as you take care of one, you can take care of the others. Your family and friends circles will help you gain the necessary experience and feel confident as you begin to take care of folks that ping you because of your awesome tiktoks!
Things to Remember When Becoming a Disney Travel Agent
Income Potential
As a Disney travel agent, your income can vary significantly based on factors like your client base, booking volume and commission structure. Keep in mind that income may be inconsistent, especially when starting out. It's crucial to have realistic expectations and potentially a financial buffer as you build your business.
Work from Home (or in the Parks or on the Disney Wish!)
Most Disney travel agents work remotely, offering flexibility in your work environment. This can be a significant advantage, allowing you to create your ideal work setup. However, working from home requires self-discipline and the ability to separate your work and personal life effectively.
As a Disney travel agent, you often have the freedom to set your own schedule. This flexibility can be great for work-life balance but also requires excellent time management skills. Be prepared to occasionally work outside traditional hours to accommodate client needs or time-sensitive bookings.
Btw, feel free to work from the parks! It’s a great post for your socials that instead of drinking your way around World Showcase, you’re hard at work booking the next amazing trip for your clients!
Work Trips (aka FAM Trips)
Familiarization (FAM) trips are educational trips offered to travel agents at reduced rates. These trips provide in-depth exposure to destinations and can significantly enhance your ability to sell and plan vacations for your clients. Your new agency will have all the details on timing and availability.
Discounted Travel
As a travel professional, you may have access to discounted rates on Disney vacations, cruises and other travel experiences. These discounts can make personal travel more affordable and provide opportunities to expand your product knowledge. One thing to keep in mind is that you will need to show proof of active work in the form of active bookings, but most travel partners will require you to have your own CLIA card.
Your agency will also probably require a certain amount of bookings before taking advantage of travel partner rates.
Take advantage of every opportunity to visit the Disney parks or hop onboard a cruise because you can create valuable content for your socials and of course figure out unique experiences to recommend to your current and future clients.
Save Your Receipts
Working as an independent contractor may offer certain tax benefits. You may be able to deduct business expenses such as your home office, travel for research purposes and marketing costs. However, it's crucial to consult with a tax professional to understand your specific situation and obligations. Fair warning: the IRS is particularly fond of auditing those who claim a home office deduction so be sure to have any and all documentation readily available come tax time just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Disney Travel Agent
This section addresses some of the most common questions potential Disney travel agents often ask. These answers provide additional insights into the career and can help you make an informed decision about pursuing this path.
Question: How much can you make as a Disney travel agent?
Generally, for every $100,000 in travel bookings, you can expect to earn $7,000+ in net commissions starting out. The determining factor is the type and quantity of vacation packages you are booking as theme park vacations have a lower commission rate while Disney Cruise Line commissions are higher.
Question: How to get paid as a Disney travel agent?
Most agencies pay commissions after the client has completed their trip as someone can cancel last minute and there are no commissions earned. This means there can be a significant delay between booking a vacation and receiving your commission.
Question: Is it possible to work from home as a Disney travel agent?
Yes! You can work from home or the parks or on a Disney ship as a Disney travel agent! As long as you have the internet and a computer or tablet, you can make bookings on disneytravelagents.com.
Question: How many hours per week do I have to work as a Disney travel agent?
Most agencies allow agents to work part-time or to set their own hours; however, you get out of being a Disney travel agent what you put in. Investing less hours up front will make it harder to build your travel brand and gain more clients.
Question: Are there continuing education or formal training requirements to become or stay a Disney travel agent?
Formal travel school is not usually required to become a Disney travel agent. Most agencies provide their own training on Disney products and booking procedures. However, additional certifications from organizations like CLIA or IATA can enhance your credentials and knowledge.
Question: Can anyone become a Disney travel agent?
No prior travel industry experience is required to become a Disney travel agent! If you have a love of the parks or the Disney brand, that's a great place to start and your agency should help show you how to harness that passion into a travel career.
Question: Do I need to have a license to become a Disney travel agent?
Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states require travel agents to have a "Seller of Travel" license. Check your state's regulations and those of any states where you plan to do business. Many agencies hold licenses that cover their agents, but it's important to verify this.
Question: Do I need to pay taxes on commissions as a Disney travel agent?
Most Disney travel agents work as independent contractors, which means you're responsible for paying your own taxes. Be sure to consult a tax professional to ensure you are meeting all tax obligations such as any quarterly tax payments or self-employment taxes if required.
Question: Do I need to have a business or form an LLC to become a Disney travel agent?
While not always necessary, forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) can provide personal asset protection and potential tax benefits. Consult a business attorney or accountant to determine if an LLC is right for your situation vs operating as a Sole Proprietor.
Question: Do I need a special computer or any software in order to become a Disney travel agent?
At minimum, you'll need a reliable computer with internet access and a smartphone. Many agencies provide booking software and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. You may also want to invest in a good headset for client calls and consider a separate business cell phone.
Question: Do Disney travel agents have to live close to the parks in Orlando?
No, Disney travel agents can work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection. While being near the parks can be beneficial for frequent visits, it's not required. Many successful agents live far from Disney destinations and still provide excellent service to their clients. Just be sure to visit often!
Question: Can Disney travel agents sell other things like Universal or Royal Caribbean?
While some agents specialize solely in Disney, many also book other destinations. This can include Universal Studios, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and more. Diversifying your offerings can help you attract more clients and increase your earning potential.
Question: Can I become a Disney travel agent by myself or do I need to join a host agency?
While it's technically possible to become an independent travel agent, it is incredibly difficult to maintain this status and operate a functional travel business. Agencies provide training, support and often have preferred partnerships with Disney, which can lead to better commissions and perks.
Question: What is the worst part about being a Disney travel agent?
It always hurts when you make a mistake for a client. It's not an if... it's a when. The most important thing to remember is BE PROACTIVE. Talk to your Guests often and you can catch things before they go bad or a problem occurs!
Question: What is the best part about being a Disney travel agent?
It always hurts when you make a mistake for a client. It's not an if... it's a when. The most important thing to remember is BE PROACTIVE. Talk to your Guests often and you can catch things before they go bad or a problem occurs!
Final Thoughts on Becoming a Disney Travel Agent
You should pursue this!
One of the biggest perks of being a Disney travel agent is turning your passion into a career. You'll spend your days talking about and planning Disney vacations. However, remember that it's still a job with responsibilities and challenges, so maintain a balance between your love for Disney and professional obligations.
Becoming a Disney travel agent can be a rewarding career for those who are passionate about Disney and enjoy helping others plan their own magical vacations. It offers the opportunity to turn your love for Disney into a profession, with potential perks like working from home, flexible hours and travel benefits. Free visits to see the Mouse aren’t a bad perk!
Set realistic goals for yourself
It’s super important to approach this career with realistic expectations. Success as a Disney travel agent requires dedication, continuous learning and strong customer service skills. The income can be variable, especially when starting out and there may be challenges in building a client base and managing the administrative aspects of the job.
Before embarking on this career path, carefully consider your personal goals, financial situation and commitment level to this venture. If you decide to pursue it, choose a reputable agency, invest in your Disney knowledge and be prepared to work hard to build your business.
Remember, the most successful Disney travel agents are those who combine their passion for Disney with professionalism, attention to detail and a genuine desire to create magical experiences for their clients. With the right approach and dedication, becoming a Disney travel agent can be the start of an exciting and fulfilling career in the world of travel and tourism.
If you are ready to get started, then talk with the fine folks here at Famvia Travel! We love helping folks turn their passion for Disney into rewarding travel careers that start with Disney and then turn into so much more!
Talk with our team today!
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