How to become a Disney travel agent?

[woverbay11]

I am a stay at home dad and my youngest will be starting Kindergarten in July so I will have a lot more time on my hands. I have always loved planning vacations and absolutely love Disney World. We are DVC members and try to go at least every year. So I figured what better to do than to use my love for Disney to help others enjoy the most magical place on earth. Can anyone give me any tips on where to start?

Thanks!

 

[bektex]

I have been trying to become a Disney Travel Agent for at least a year. How in the world do I land one of these positions?

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Ok the first thing that we need to clear up for everyone is that there are no "Disney Travel Agents". They are travel agents specializing in Disney travel.
If you do not have experience, I suggest you go with an agency that will train you but do your research first to check out the agency. You could also take the required courses as well as the TAP exam to become a certified travel agent.

Pam

 

[bektex]

Ok the first thing that we need to clear up for everyone is that there are no "Disney Travel Agents". They are travel agents specializing in Disney travel.
If you do not have experience, I suggest you go with an agency that will train you but do your research first to check out the agency. You could also take the required courses as well as the TAP exam to become a certified travel agent.

Pam

I understand, but the way I said it was easier. I have applied to a couple of comanies, and can’t get hired. I understand that I would be a 1099 contractor, but can’t even get hired as a contractor.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

I understand, but the way I said it was easier. I have applied to a couple of comanies, and can’t get hired. I understand that I would be a 1099 contractor, but can’t even get hired as a contractor.

Have you questioned them on why they didn't hire you?

Pam

 

[bektex]

Did you meet their requirements?

I heard from one that said I didn’t at the time, but didn’t even hear back from the other 3 I applied to. I can’t imagine how many people they have apply, but it’s so frustrating, because I know how good I would be at it.

 

[bektex]

I guess something else that makes it frustrating is that I have had friends that used a Disney Travel specialist, and were calling me on their Disney vacations, because their travel agent hadn't done everything that they needed her to do. So, I was helping them, and walking them through getting things figured out, while someone else had gotten the commission, and then wouldn't call them back.
I also already have people calling and reaching out to me, asking advice and help planning their trips.
I understand that I may not check off everything on a check list, but I wish someone would take a chance on me. Or, maybe one of you guys could explain why it has to be so tough to get on, since I would just be a 1099 contractor, and not an actual employee.
And, I am not assuming this would be easy, or that anyone can do it. I understand how complex and challenging this could be. I have years experience planning and coordinate weddings, so I understand how people are when they are in the midst of planning something that is not only special, but expensive.

 

[courtlynndear]

following

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

I will add on to what Joe has mentioned. I look for the same qualifications as Joe but I also get the person on the phone once they pass what I require and I ask them questions to test their actual knowledge of the hotels, policies, etc I hire going by my gut instinct when talking to someone. If you can't prove to me how knowledgeable you are, I won't hire you.

Pam

 

[cem1of3]

Thank you all for all your information on this topic, I'm in the mist of changing to a new career after 25 years of being a mortgage banker. I'm looking for some thing home base and this seems a perfect fit. However, when trying to register at the disneytravelagents.com it is asking for Agency ID, I thought this was free? Any help is appreciated.

 

[wannabeBelle]

The training is but you must be affiliated with a Travel Agency that is registered with Disney to sell their product. The Agency ID identifies the agency that you work for. Marie

 

[DisneyJoe]

Thank you all for all your information on this topic, I'm in the mist of changing to a new career after 25 years of being a mortgage banker. I'm looking for some thing home base and this seems a perfect fit. However, when trying to register at the disneytravelagents.com it is asking for Agency ID, I thought this was free? Any help is appreciated.

You need to be part of an agency first

 

[DisneyJoe]

The training is but you must be affiliated with a Travel Agency that is registered with Disney to sell their product. The Agency ID identifies the agency that you work for. Marie

Well said Marie!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Well said Marie!

 

[artvandelay]

@Kingdom Konsultant @DisneyJoe thanks for answering all these questions in the thread. I have some questions too:

1) How does it work bring part time? Do you tell your employer that you’re only available certain days and certain times?

2) Are the discussions with clients done over the phone or through some kind of voice over internet system?

3) Do any of your agents use assistants who help them with travel planning?

4) Do you have sales thresholds that increase the commission paid to agents?

Thanks again.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

What the agent tells their employer is between them. I don't get involved in that.
75% of our interaction with clients is done via email. A very small percentage is done over the phone.
No the agents do not use assistants.
Yes my agents have commission tiers that they will achieve due to their sales.

Pam

 

[artvandelay]

What the agent tells their employer is between them. I don't get involved in that.
75% of our interaction with clients is done via email. A very small percentage is done over the phone.
No the agents do not use assistants.
Yes my agents have commission tiers that they will achieve due to their sales.

Pam

Thanks for the fast reply. I didn’t phrase my first question correctly. I was asking if your part time agents are given specific days or hours that they have to work?

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Thanks for the fast reply. I didn’t phrase my first question correctly. I was asking if your part time agents are given specific days or hours that they have to work?

My agents actually set their own hours.

Pam

 

[jrogue]

Bumping an old thread! I am obsessed with my WDW vacation planning and love helping others with theirs. Looks like the best suggestions for becoming a travel agent that specializes in Disney are:

1. Take travel agent courses/trip kit and the TAP exam.
2. Brush up on all things related to where you will have your area of expertise (ie WDW and its resorts, attractions, insurance?).
3. Contact the agencies!

Also, Pam, I saw a few years ago your agency was hiring -- I'd definitely be interested if you are looking to hire again!

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Bumping an old thread! I am obsessed with my WDW vacation planning and love helping others with theirs. Looks like the best suggestions for becoming a travel agent that specializes in Disney are:

1. Take travel agent courses/trip kit and the TAP exam.
2. Brush up on all things related to where you will have your area of expertise (ie WDW and its resorts, attractions, insurance?).
3. Contact the agencies!

Also, Pam, I saw a few years ago your agency was hiring -- I'd definitely be interested if you are looking to hire again!

Send me your resume and a list of your travels in the last 3 years as well as what social media platforms that you are interested in and let me know if you too any courses to become an agent

Pam
pam@kingdomkonsultant.com

 

[jrogue]

Send me your resume and a list of your travels in the last 3 years as well as what social media platforms that you are interested in and let me know if you too any courses to become an agent

Pam
pam@kingdomkonsultant.com

Thanks Pam! I'll send that all over in the morning