I get asked all the time how I started being a Disney travel agent- and it was from getting a normal quote through an agency like you may have done.
There are plenty out there that DON'T require an annual/maintenance fee- in fact, Authorized Disney travel agencies can't have those! Always ask an agency if they have up front fees, because there are plenty that don't and want you to put it toward your own advertising and building your name.
Do your homework! Look up complaints against the agency either by their agents or clients. Ask a few agents how they have liked working there and if they are paid regularly. It will save you lots of hassle! There are numerous agencies that do this as a 3rd party outside of Disney, so check around at more than one to find the right fit. It's supposed to be fun and magical- because you are making someone's vacation dreams happen! This little extra research at the beginning will make all the difference.
Email: info@EnchantingVacationDeals.com
Phone: 1-317-6PIERCE
There are plenty out there that DON'T require an annual/maintenance fee- in fact, Authorized Disney travel agencies can't have those! Always ask an agency if they have up front fees, because there are plenty that don't and want you to put it toward your own advertising and building your name.
Do your homework! Look up complaints against the agency either by their agents or clients. Ask a few agents how they have liked working there and if they are paid regularly. It will save you lots of hassle! There are numerous agencies that do this as a 3rd party outside of Disney, so check around at more than one to find the right fit. It's supposed to be fun and magical- because you are making someone's vacation dreams happen! This little extra research at the beginning will make all the difference.
Email: info@EnchantingVacationDeals.com
Phone: 1-317-6PIERCE
Follow: Twitter or Facebook or blog: Enchanting Deals
Could you elaborate a little bit about where to get started and how to become Disney approved?
ReplyDeleteI found an agency that specializes in Disney travel- sure I can do other things but I just choose not to. They have to have the right credentials (CLIA/IATA) in order to work with Disney. I basically just asked if they were hiring agents! There are lots out there- do searches for "magical" or "mickey" or something like that relating to travel. Check out their sites, do searches for complaints and ask what their policies are. They will have you go through the training program that Disney has set up called the "College of Disney Knowledge" and hopefully they have their own additional training as well to help you do the extras that make it special for your clients! Good luck with the hunt!
DeleteI am a current authorized Disney travel planner but have had to move because of my full time job (I travel agent part time) and can no longer work for the agency. Do you know of agencies I can "transfer" to or work with? I have had to turn 6 rooms to other people because I can't bill out for them. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIs your current one a brick and mortar and that's why you have to change? I have never worked in the same state as my agency- so it can go where I go! There are many that hire outside of their own state. Please heed my caution and do your homework when applying to a new agency. I have heard many stories where it became a nightmare, so just watch out!
DeleteIt's always been a dream of mine to be a travel agent, however a disney agent wouldn't be over the top! We just went on a land and sea Disney vacation and went through an authorized Disney travel agent and I did most of the work because our agent never would follow up. I called the main office to talk to her supervisor and left a message and then my agent called and acted like she wanted to know if she could help me with anything andy from then on did nothing. We didn't even get our documents until the day we flew out and booked the vacation 12 months ahead of time. Will never do that again.........grrrrrr! Not so magical!
ReplyDeleteHeather, I'm SO sorry to hear about that. Your agent really didn't do the things that a good agent strives to do- I'm glad you reported her. Do post this so others will be warned when they are thinking about using that person/agency. I always tried to do my best to help my clients and other agents like that really give the good ones a bad name. If you do give an agent a second chance, make sure to read some reviews from their clients so you know what type of person you will be working with. I'm so proud that I have never gotten a bad response from my clients, and when they come back again that is when I know I need to keep that trust that I've earned from them.
DeleteDo you think it would be worth it to specialize in one park? I am the go to girl for Disneyland and California Adventure but don't have a clue about MK.
ReplyDelete