Have you ever wondered how to become a Disney travel agent?
Can you imagine having a job where you could spend your days sharing your knowledge, expertise and passion with others and earn money doing it?
Well, this could be it.
For Disney enthusiasts, the prospect of helping holidaymakers plan and book their next Disney vacation might just be a dream come true.
With 12 world-renowned theme parks located in 6 global destinations as well as a collection of luxury resorts and extraordinary cruise lines, Disney is truly a leader in the travel industry. Boasting itself as the most visited theme park in the world, Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom reported an attendance of over 20 million visitors in 2019.
As travel begins to restart, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the demand for Disney.
In this article we will share our top tips as well as lots of useful advice from industry professionals on how to develop an exciting career in the sector.
How to Become a Disney Travel Agent
Whether you are already a travel agent and want to expand your business or are looking for a change of career, it is important to do your research and find what fits best with your needs.
For newcomers to the industry, the best way to become a Disney authorised vacation planner is to find a host agency. To avoid scams, it is crucial to find an agency that is registered with Disney as a travel seller, and depending on the host agency, there may be specific entry requirements for the job. Agents are usually paid on a commission-based rate and work as independent contractors for the host agency rather than for Disney themselves.
On the other hand, if you are already a travel agent, you need to register with Disney to become an accredited travel planner and begin selling trips to your clients.
What You Need to Become a Disney Travel Agent
No experience in the industry?
No problem.
A love for all things Disney as well as excellent communication skills and a professional mindset will take you far in this role. While experience in customer service, sales and travel is useful, a desire to plan and book magical Disney vacations is the main requirement for the job.
This role is a lot more than simply booking trips; Disney travel agents offer assistance on everything from flights and hotels to which restaurants to dine in and which parks to visit. Patience, empathy and kindness are key, as is the ability to connect with a wide range of customers and put their needs first.
Most agencies offer training for the role, and there are other ways for prospective agents to build their skills and knowledge. Host agencies may require you to complete Disney’s College of Knowledge, an online program where you can learn the basics of marketing and sales as well as all of the information you need to know about the Disney resorts and how to book vacations.
Of course, if you work from home, you will need to have access to a quiet and professional workspace as well as a computer and smartphone. Although this role is rewarding, it is also demanding, and it is highly important to be available to answer customer queries as rapidly as possible.
As we discussed in our article ‘How to Design and Book Travel Itineraries’, Nezasa’s TripBuilder solution can help travel agents to create, plan and book itineraries for their customers. Our bleeding-edge software is an excellent choice for Disney travel agents looking to create hyper-personalised trips, all on a powerful and easy-to-use online platform that allows you to easily create and manage your clients’ dream vacations.
And it gets better, as TripBuilder also allows you to book Disney’s Theme Park Base Ticket for between 1-10 days for your clients, making the process even simpler.
Advantages of Being a Disney Travel Agent
Discounts
You might be wondering, do Disney travel agents get discounts?
Of course, discounts are an added perk that make this career even more appealing. Once you have completed or renewed your training and have proof of a CLIA or IATA membership, Disney will offer amazing discounts on their parks, hotels and cruises.
Flexible hours
Disney travel agents can choose between both full-time and part-time roles, and, depending on the host agency, hours can be flexible according to your other commitments and needs. While some Disney travel agents choose to turn the job into a full-time career, others prefer to simply plan trips for their family, friends or a small number of clients.
Work from home
As we mentioned previously, it is possible to work from home as a Disney travel agent. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have already become accustomed to having a home office, and this can offer many benefits to those pursuing this career.
Frequent visits to the parks
The best way to know your product is to experience it first-hand, and Disney is no exception. Some host agencies offer visits for training purposes, allowing you to enjoy Disney’s resorts and deepen your knowledge at the same time. Not bad, right?
Commission
Disney travel agents are paid on a commission basis, and the percentage of commission varies depending on the host agency. The more clients you gain, the more money you make.
Making customers’ dreams come true
There’s no better feeling than seeing a happy customer. A Disney travel agent job is truly rewarding, and all of the hard work pays off when you provide your clients with the trip of a lifetime.
Becoming a Disney Travel Agent During the Pandemic
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted travel plans over the past year, it is still possible to build a career as a Disney travel agent during these times. With increased vaccine rollout and rapid testing now available, customers are eager to embark on magical Disney vacations once again.
Recent research has shown that travellers are now more likely to book through travel agents than they were before the pandemic. This gives Disney travel agents countless opportunities, with many clients seeking out their expertise on changing travel rules and restrictions.
With the use of technology, you can build your career, complete training and communicate with clients all from the safety and comfort of your own home. Be sure to stay up-to-date with current regulations in order to give your customers the most accurate advice and information and help them to have a stress-free trip.
7 Tips from Disney Travel Agents
Although becoming a Disney travel agent is exciting, there is some important advice that is helpful to keep in mind before embarking on a new career path. Travel Market Report gathered information from a group of successful travel advisors in the industry and shared their top tips for prospective Disney travel agents.
Have a genuine passion for Disney
If you’re going to spend your day-to-day selling Disney vacations, it is essential to have a passion for all things Disney. Although it might sound straightforward, the job requires a lot of hard work, and a genuine love for the company and its products is what will keep you motivated.
Learn how to up-sell to a variety of different customers
Make sure to offer a variety of options to value and high-end customers and know how to sell to both. Whether your client is going on their first family vacation or is planning a luxury cruise, it is important to convey the benefits of services such as Disney airport transfers and deluxe rooms.
Visit Disney destinations as often as you can
Knowing your product is the best way to master the art of selling, and what better way to learn than by experiencing the magic yourself? Having first-hand experience of staying at Disney’s variety of resorts is an excellent way to inform your customers on what they have to offer.
Develop personal expertise in the area
Do your research, spend time visiting Disney resorts and develop your knowledge on all things Disney. It might sound like fun, but this is a key aspect of the job and requires dedication and time.
Build your personal service value proposition
Why should clients choose to book with you rather than with other agents or companies? In this competitive industry it is important to differentiate yourself and offer customers added value and services, therefore gaining their trust and loyalty.
Up-sell different vacation types to existing Disney customers
As we discussed in our ‘Automation versus Personalisation’ article, offering a personalised service to each client and adapting to their needs is a powerful tool that can enhance the customer experience. As you build up your client base, be aware of their specific preferences and needs in order to up-sell different styles of vacations such as Disney cruises.
Be persistent and have patience
Although becoming a Disney travel agent may seem like a dream job, it takes patience to build up a strong client base. Be determined, learn how to market yourself and persist to succeed in the industry.
Are you excited to take the next step and transform your career?
Here at Nezasa we are passionate about travel, and we’re sure that you are too. Head to our website to join our next webinar, and be the first to find out about our latest content by signing up for our marketing newsletter.
