How to become a Disney Travel Advisor

As an Authorized Disney Travel Agency, we have nearly 300 Disney travel agents all over the USA!

If you are interested in becoming a Disney vacation planner, we want to be your #1 pick! After becoming a Disney agent, if you want to add more travel specialties in the future, with Vincent Vacations you can! Beyond Disney, we have agents who specialize in Universal, romance, all-inclusive resorts, Europe, Hawaii and so much more.

Here are our top and best suggestions for learning more about becoming a Disney travel agent.

#1, as a Disney travel agent, you have the world to sell!

There is a wide range of Disney products and experiences available. This includes Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, National Geographic Expeditions and SO MUCH more. Agents earn commissions by booking these vacations while also enjoying personal travel benefits. As a Disney travel agent, you provide personalized service, leveraging your Disney expertise to enhance client experiences, making you a valuable resource for families and others planning trips. However, agents must navigate a competitive market and often face challenges, such as client retention and commission structures.

Jump straight to our How to Become a Disney Travel Agent: A Comprehensive Guide, or read more below:

Here are the top 10 questions people interested in becoming a Disney travel agent often have:

1. What training is required to become a Disney travel agent?

Important Note: While there’s no formal certification specifically for Disney travel agents, completing the Disney College of Knowledge and becoming a Disney Authorized Vacation Planner demonstrates your expertise.

Disney-Specific Training
Disney College of Knowledge (DCK): This is the primary training program for Disney travel agents. It covers everything from park information to booking systems.
Host agency training: Your host agency will likely provide additional training on their booking systems, policies, and procedures.

Read more about What is the Disney College of Knowledge.

2. How do I become an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner?

#1, You will need to apply with an Authorized Disney Travel Agency.

You can apply with us at this location: Become a Disney Travel Agent.

Once you have been approved, you will be given a welcome packet that contains your logins. The most important is the Disney Travel Agent website, which contains the College of Disney Knowledge.

Typically, only travel agencies can gain access to the College of Disney Knowledge, and they provide this access to their travel agents. When you join as an agent with a travel agency, they will set up a Disney Travel Agent (DTA) account for you, which includes access to the College of Disney Knowledge. This training is essential for agents to be able to sell Disney vacations effectively and take advantage of Disney travel agent offers.

A genuine love, and exceptional passion for Disney is essential for success in your role as a Disney travel agent. Providing exceptional service to clients is crucial for building a loyal customer base.

3. What are the commission rates for Disney travel agents?

Disney pays a base commission to the agency: This is usually between 10% and 16% of the total vacation cost.
The agency splits the commission with the travel agent: This split can range from 70% to 90% of the base commission, depending on different factors.

4. Do I need to be a certified travel agent before specializing in Disney?

Yes, typically, you need to complete the College of Disney Knowledge training before you can sell Disney vacations as a travel agent. This training includes online classes that provide information about various Disney destinations, such as Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, and Adventures by Disney. Completing this training is necessary to take advantage of Disney travel agent offers and to effectively sell Disney vacation packages.

5. What kind of support do agencies provide to their agents?

Training and Education, Marketing Support, Leads and Client Support, Vendor Relationships, Community and Networking and so much more. You can read more here:

What kind of support do agencies provide to their agents?

6. Are there any fees associated with joining a travel agency?

$300 Training Fee & $25 / Month

This includes hosted email, a client management system, SEO powered website, email marketing, CRM, access to deals and promos you can promote at any time, our exclusive Facebook group of agents who create the sense of community no matter what city you live in, and so much more.

You can read more here: Details about becoming a Disney Travel Advisor.

7. How often do I need to visit Disney destinations to stay knowledgeable?

As a Disney travel agent, there is no strict requirement on how often you need to visit Disney destinations to stay knowledgeable. However, many agencies recommend that agents visit Disney destinations regularly to maintain their expertise. For instance, some agencies suggest at least five recent visits to Disney destinations, with at least one visit in the past 12 months, to ensure that agents have up-to-date knowledge and can provide the best service to their clients. Regular visits help agents stay informed about new attractions, changes in park procedures, and other updates that could affect client experiences.

8. What are the benefits of working with an established agency versus going independent?

To be a Disney agent, you would need to join an Authorized Disney Travel Agency.

Joining an established agency gives you improved commission structure. Established agencies typically have negotiated commission structures with Disney and other vendors. They may offer competitive commission splits, which can be advantageous for new agents who might not have the same bargaining power independently

Typically, only travel agencies can gain access to the College of Disney Knowledge, and they can then provide access to their travel agents. When you join a travel agency, they will set up a Disney Travel Agent (DTA) account for you, which includes access to the College of Disney Knowledge. This training is essential for agents to be able to sell Disney vacations effectively and take advantage of Disney travel agent offers.

9. How do I find clients as a Disney travel agent?

Social Media Marketing, Networking, Referrals and Recommendations, Partnerships with Established Agencies, local marketing, content creation and so much more.

Read more here: How do I find clients as a Disney travel agent?.

10. What are the typical working hours and time commitment for a Disney travel agent?

This can vary significantly based on whether they work for an established agency or operate independently. Here are some key points regarding the time commitment and working hours.

One of the benefits of being a Disney travel agent is the flexibility in scheduling. Agents can often set their own hours, allowing them to work around personal commitments. However, this flexibility also means that agents may need to be available during evenings or weekends to accommodate client needs, especially when clients are planning vacations.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time: New agents often start part-time, booking trips for friends and family while gradually building their client base. As they gain experience and confidence, they may transition to full-time work. The ability to start slowly makes this a viable option for those looking to enter the field without a full-time commitment initially.

Client Interaction: Agents may need to be available at various times to respond to client inquiries, which can occur outside of traditional business hours. This means that while agents can enjoy flexibility, they must also be prepared for irregular hours based on client needs.

Read more here: What are the typical working hours and time commitment for a Disney travel agent?

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the Role of a Disney Travel Agent

Before diving into the steps, it’s crucial to understand what a Disney travel agent does. They specialize in planning Disney vacations, offering expert advice, booking accommodations, park tickets, dining reservations, and more. They provide personalized service, making the planning process seamless for clients.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Develop a Strong Passion for Disney:

• Immerse yourself in “the Disney world.” This can include all of the Disney experiences, services and offerings.
• If possible, visit the parks, and other Disney experiences. It’s best to be there first hand!
• Stay updated on Disney news and events.
• Become familiar with Disney’s history and culture.

2. Choose an approved Disney Host Agency:

• Research host agencies specializing in Disney travel.
• You only want to join a Disney Earmarked agency. Read more: 11 Reasons to Apply to Disney Earmarked Agencies.
• Consider factors like commission structure, training programs, and support services.
• Understand the agency’s business model and requirements.
• Sign a contract with your chosen host agency.

3. Complete Disney Training:

• Enroll in the Disney College of Knowledge (DCK).
• Master Disney destinations, resorts, attractions, and offerings.
• Understand Disney’s booking systems and policies.
• Achieve certification as a Disney Authorized Vacation Planner.

4. Build Your Business:

• Create a strong online presence (website, social media).
• Develop marketing strategies to attract clients.
• Network with other travel agents and Disney enthusiasts.
• Offer exceptional customer service.
• Build relationships with clients through repeat bookings.

5. Continuous Learning and Development:

• Stay updated on Disney changes and offerings.
• Attend industry conferences and workshops.
• Expand your knowledge of travel destinations beyond Disney.
• Seek advanced certifications or specializations.

Read more about Our Best Advice For New Disney Travel Advisors.

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Essential Skills for a Disney Travel Agent:

• Excellent communication skills: Building rapport with clients is crucial.
• Strong organizational abilities: Managing multiple bookings and client needs.
• Problem-solving skills: Addressing client concerns and finding solutions.
• Attention to detail: Ensuring accurate bookings and itineraries.
• Sales and marketing skills: Attracting and retaining clients.
• Passion for travel and Disney: Enthusiasm is contagious.

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Additional Tips:

• Leverage social media: Share Disney content, engage with followers, and build a community.
• Offer specialized packages: Create unique vacation packages for different client segments.
• Build relationships with Disney professionals: Network with Disney cast members and other industry experts.
• Join industry associations: Connect with other travel agents and stay informed about industry trends.
• Provide exceptional customer service: Go the extra mile for your clients.

By following these steps and continuously honing your skills, you can build a successful career as a Disney travel agent. Remember, patience and dedication are key to achieving your goals.

Would you like to delve deeper into any specific area, such as building a client base or marketing your business?