Satya
Embarking on a career as a travel planner for Disney is a magical way to combine your passion for Disney destinations with a wonderful job planning unforgettable trips for families.
If you are someone seeking a career in the travel industry, being a Disney travel planner offers you all the things we love about jobs: flexibility in when and how we work, independence in running our own business, and the chance to immerse ourselves in the Disney magic that we all love.
Understand the Role of a Disney Travel Agent
Before you jump in, it’s essential to understand what it means to be a Disney travel consultant. These travel planners help clients book vacations to Disney destinations, like Walt Disney World, Disneyland, the Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. This job involves creating personalized itineraries, booking accommodations, securing dining reservations, and offering tips to make the vacation experience more enjoyable.
Planners don’t work directly for Disney; instead, they work as independent travel agents under a travel agency that is part of Disney’s Authorized Vacation Planner program. This allows them to earn commissions on bookings while leveraging the Disney name, which is a trusted brand nationwide.
Assess Your Passion and Expertise
Travel planners who work with Disney destinations thrive when they genuinely love all things related to Disney. Think long and hard about your knowledge of the Disney parks, resorts, and their associated experiences.
If you don’t feel like an expert in the go-to knowledge or the kinds of wisdom you share with friends making the pilgrimage to a park, you really should be before taking the leap into travel planning. And keep in mind that the world of Disney travel is ever-changing, so what you knew about the parks five years ago doesn’t necessarily apply today.
Research the Industry and Licensing Prerequisites
The travel industry has particular licensing and accreditation stipulations, which differ by destination. Some U.S. states ask travel agents to register or acquire seller-of-travel credentials. Look into these prerequisites and follow their lead to ensure you’re operating aboveboard.
You’ll also want to get comfy with major industry associations like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Both provide helpful resources and certifications that might come in handy.
Become Established with a Disney Travel Agency
Since Disney travel planners work under established agencies, picking the right one is a vital step. When you evaluate agencies, consider:
- Support and Training: What does the agency furnish in terms of initial and ongoing training?
- Commission Rates: How are commissions earned and paid?
- Flexibility: Does the agency allow you to work remotely and set your own hours?
- Reputation: What do current agents say about the agency?
Develop Your Business Acumen
Simply adoring everything that has to do with Disney World or Disneyland doesn’t automatically make someone a good Disney travel planner. It also takes a healthy mix of business know-how with a dose of marketing savvy to make this a profitable venture. If you don’t have some of these essential skills, it’s time to hit the books or check out some online courses.
Create an Impressive Digital Footprint
A necessary first step in achieving any amount of new business involves establishing an inviting, professional presence where the potential clientele live and play – online. Set up accounts on every social platform relevant to your business and post regularly, not only about your business but also about your business’s overarching theme; in this case, all things Disney.
Then showcase what a charming, informative, and engaging digital presence you’ve curated by directing potential clients to all your platforms. Let them see them what you’re spreading on the digital word-of-mouth circuit.
Connect with Disney Fans
Establish connections with communities that share your enthusiasm for all things Disney, both online and off. This is not just about trying to make potential clients out of the people you meet; it is also vital to your establishing a credible persona in the Disney space where you then can be seen as leading.
And you have to do this in order to be seen as an authority in the latest happenings and trends in the Disney universe, a critical part of your being a reliable Disney travel planner.
Utilize the Many Benefits of Working with Disney
As a person who plans Disney vacations, you are privy to some wonderful benefits. That’s because the Disney Company and the firms with which it partners offer a ton of discounts and deals just for people like you.
Disney’s policies and offerings change all the time, from fresh new attractions to revised dining reservation processes. Keep up with the changes by following Disney’s official channels, attending agency training sessions, and subscribing to industry newsletters.
Center on Client Relationships
The key to being a successful Disney travel agent is building trust and getting along with your clients. They don’t have the chance to get to know you very well, and if they can’t trust you then you can’t plan their trip successfully.
The planning should be like a mini-vacation in its own right, and your clients should feel free to give you the kinds of special requests that they might not give to a travel planner who comes off as stuffy and unavailable.
Set Achievable Goals
Some Disney travel consultants start out part-time and work up to a fuller schedule. They balance the demands of coming up with a preliminary itinerary, building relationships with industry insiders and accommodation providers, as well as managing a growing client roster.
The work-from-home adventures of a Disney vacation planner can be exceedingly enjoyable if you love Disney and love helping others create a dream vacation.
Transform Your Career Aspirations by Becoming a Disney Travel Planner
Embarking on the journey to become a Disney agent requires a unique blend of creativity, passion, and entrepreneurship. By working with a supportive travel agency and nurturing your client relationships, you can translate your passion for all things Disney into a lucrative career.
With a little determination (and maybe a bit of pixie dust) you’ll help your clients carve out wonderful memories that will last a lifetime, and do it all while working in a job you love. Take your first step, and let the magic begin!
