How to Become a Disney World Travel Agent

We’ve put together an in-depth guide below on how to become a travel agent for one of the best (and happiest!) travel destinations in the world. But if you’d prefer to get answers right away, just click vacationlab.io/join to chat live with our team and learn firsthand how to become a travel agent for Disney World, and gain access to all our other travel partners as well. Best of all, clicking the link is completely free - no dues or fees from us, ever!

What more is there to say about Disney World?

This truly is the Happiest Place on Earth and one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Magic Kingdom has been the most visited theme park on Earth for the past decade, with other parks like EPCOT and Hollywood Studios following close behind.

Disney World is all about saying hi to Mickey Mouse, riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, shopping at Disney Springs, and,why not, visiting Universal Studios, which is only about 40 minutes away.

Disney World is massive, and it will always be that way. In fact, more and more expansions are happening, with two new lands coming to Magic Kingdom, a complete overhaul underway at Animal Kingdom, and a Monsters, Inc. area in development for Hollywood Studios. Yeah, it’s safe to say that there is at least one new major surprise each year.

As a Disney World travel agent, you need to stay on top of everything new and become best pals with Mickey as quickly as possible. Your job is all about helping people plan the happiest vacation ever. You’ll assist them with flights, itineraries, must-do attractions at each park, hotel and restaurant reservations, and more. You’ll also need to teach them about FastPass alternatives like the new Lightning Lanes and how virtual queues work.

There’s actually a lot to learn when visiting Disney World, and you’ll be there to sprinkle extra pixie dust on every vacation!

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about becoming a Disney World travel agent. We will cover:

• Benefits of Becoming a Disney World Travel Agent
• Skills Required to Become a Disney World Travel Agent
• Finding a Disney World Host Agency
• The Best Host Agency for Disney World
• Tips for Those Starting Out
• Training Courses for Disney World
• Getting Paid
• Free Stock Library
• Disney World Travel Agent FAQs

Now let’s get started!

Disney World is MASSIVE

Well, it goes without saying, but Disney World is really big. And we’re not just talking about the four main theme parks - it also includes a massive shopping district, water parks, and numerous hotels throughout the area. It’s also big in another way: it welcomes millions of guests each year from all over the world. Disney World is a global destination, and there will always be travelers planning their dream trip to Florida. That’s where you come in.

Sure, competition is fierce when it comes to being a Disney World travel agent, but if you can make a name for yourself, you’ll quickly rack up hundreds of new commissions just from Disney World alone.

Disney World is Always Getting Updated

Disney World is massive, yes, but it’s also a travel destination that’s constantly evolving with new surprises and updates, ensuring that guests return year after year to experience something new. If you stay at the top of your game, you’ll be able to guide and educate guests not only about what’s currently in Disney World but also about what’s coming in the future. For example, a Villains-themed area and Cars Land are planned for Magic Kingdom, while Encanto, Zootopia, and Indiana Jones are set to be introduced at Animal Kingdom soon.

This means even more guests will be eager to visit Disney World in the near future once these new areas open. Make sure to research them now and stay ahead of the game. Not only will you be able to educate guests and showcase your expertise, but you’ll also have a competitive edge when these attractions finally debut.

Discounts for Travel Agents

Disney World is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, that’s a fact. But let’s face it, a Disney World vacation can be pricey. The good news? As a Disney World travel agent, you can enjoy exclusive discounts from the Big Mouse himself!

Perks for travel agents include a free one-day Park Hopper ticket each year, as well as discounts of 10% to 50% on select Disney World resorts. Not bad, right?

C’mon, it’s Disney World!

Is there anything more rewarding than helping people fulfill their dream of visiting Disney World? There’s nothing quite like seeing families enjoy the Happiest Place on Earth and then thanking you for making that dream a reality. That’s why it’s so important for you to be there to guide them through hotels, rides, and restaurants. With so much to see and do, planning a Disney trip can be overwhelming for most guests. Give them a helping hand, and you’ll feel truly fulfilled when they come back to thank you for the vacation of a lifetime!

Disney World & Famvia are a Match Made in Heaven

VacationLab’s sister website, Famvia, is packed with everything you need to know about Disney World. We offer planning guides, hotel reviews, and in-depth coverage of nearly every attraction at the Happiest Place on Earth, from Tower of Terror and Slinky Dog Dash to Space Mountain and hundreds more.

As Disney World experts, we make it easier for you to kickstart your career as a travel agent and become a true Disney specialist alongside us!

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Of course, being a travel agent for any travel supplier requires a certain set of skills, and if you want to specialize in Disney World, there are some specific ones you'll need. Let’s take a look.

Communication Skills

As a travel agent, you always need to be polite and informative, especially when working with Disney World guests. Keep in mind that 99% of the time, you’ll be talking to families with children, so consider that when planning trips and explaining what they can do at Disney World.

Oh, and there’s a good chance you’ll be booking people’s first-ever visit to Disney World, meaning they might have tons of questions. You’ll need to explain ticket options, early entry benefits for Disney hotel guests, and how Lightning Lanes and Virtual Queues work. Clear communication is key, and it’s important to always remain calm and professional.

Remember, as a Disney World travel agent, some clients will be easygoing, while others may require much more of your time. Stay patient, and get ready to make their Disney dreams come true.

Stay Up to Date with Everything Disney World-Related

The theme park world is always evolving, as new rides, ticket options and features come up from time to time. As a travel agent, you need to be at the top of your game and teach new guests about changes so nobody is taken by surprise. Read about new rides, inform them if an attraction is going to be temporarily closed and so on.

You need to research some basic things like:

• The main Disney World theme parks
• Disney World Resorts
• Ticket & Transportation Options
• Disney Springs
• The Best Rides at each theme park
• Lightning Lanes
• Virtual Queues
• Special Events (Disney After Hours, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party…)
• …and more!

Disney World Requires Ongoing Research

Disney World is constantly evolving. It’s not just about the introduction of new rides and lands from time to time, by the way. Sometimes, even the way Disney World works changes without prior notice.

For example, the old FastPass system transitioned from Disney Genie+ to the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass. Virtual Queues also change frequently, such as when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind moved from a Virtual Queue to a standard standby line (with the option for a Lightning Lane Single Pass).

Yes, there’s a lot to keep track of, but staying informed is essential so you can keep your guests updated on the latest changes.

Understand Universal Orlando as well

If someone is visiting Walt Disney World, there’s a good chance they’ll also be heading to Universal Orlando, and they’ll likely have questions about it. While your focus may be on Disney World, knowing Universal well allows you to help plan the perfect vacation for your clients.

Universal Orlando is an incredible destination for families, and it’s only going to get bigger with the introduction of Epic Universe. To stay ahead of the competition, make sure to research Universal and stay up to date with its latest offerings.

Work on Your Social Media or a Website

Keeping your social media updated is a great strategy for any travel agent, even if it's just for marketing, but it’s especially important when specializing in a destination like Disney World. Disney is an incredibly competitive market, and you need to stand out among countless other travel agents who already have a strong presence on X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. 

You can start small to build a client base, that’s perfectly fine. You can post pictures of yourself at the theme parks on Instagram, write blog articles about Disney World, or even take on a side gig as a Disney World journalist to showcase your expertise. If you have the chance to visit the parks, make sure to take plenty of pictures and use them on Instagram or your personal website! People are more likely to trust you if they see that you have hands-on experience with Disney World.

Guess what, you’re already browsing one of the best host agencies around! We have a lot of information about Disney World on our sister website, Famvia, and plenty of travel agents across the globe who can help you with Mickey & Minnie. We’d love to have you here, of course, but here are some tips for choosing a host agency. Look for host agencies that:

• Have a good track record and good online reviews
• Offer an interview process and listen to you
• Share commissions with you fairly (typically starting at 70% for the travel agent)
• Are as awesome as Disney World!

VacationLab is the best host agency if you want to focus on Disney World, cruise lines, other theme parks, and even beach resorts. Here’s why!

• Huh,  you don’t have experience as a travel agent? No problem! We're here to help you from the start.
• We have a really fun interview process and listen to what you have to say!
• We offer SORS - our very own Travel Dashboard to help you manage bookings and travel rewards. Yes, SORS like in sorcery, it’s that good.
• We provide exclusive courses, like Mastering Travel Social Media, to support travel advisors of all backgrounds.
• We offer a commission split starting at 70%.
• On our sister site, Famvia, we offer hundreds of in-depth guides and reviews covering major cruise lines, beach resorts and theme parks - including Disney World! You’ll find hundreds of reviews of rides, hotels, shows, and detailed guides on topics like the best days to visit, character meet & greets, and much more!
• We’re always ready to listen, chat, and lend a helping hand!

Become a Disney World Expert

If you plan to become a Disney World travel agent, you need to know the ins and outs of Disney World and have key answers at the tip of your tongue. You should know about ticket options (and prices), Lightning Lanes, Virtual Queues and the main Disney World Resorts for different budgets.

Lucky for you, VacationLab’s sister site, Famvia, offers hundreds of original articles dedicated to Disney World. From a comprehensive beginner’s guide to everything Disney World has to offer, to transportation guides, ride strategies, and even a specialized Christmas guide, we provide one of the best websites on the internet when the subject is Mickey Mouse and friends.

Oh, you’ll also find hundreds of reviews for nearly every ride at Disney World, complete with individual ratings, pros, and cons.

Here’s a small example of what you can find there:

• Planning a Trip to Walt Disney World
• Hollywood Studios Ride Strategy
• Disney World Weather & Crowd Calendar
• Resort Categories Comparisons for Disney World
• Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Review
• Magic Kingdom Review
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Review

There’s a lot of information there, so use all this info to familiarize yourself with Disney before trying the training courses!

Prepare for your Interview

Always prepare for your interview by researching both the travel agency and the travel supplier - in this case, Disney World. You don’t need to know everything about Disney World during your interview, but you should be familiar with the basics and show that there’s always room for growth. 

Make sure you’re comfortable with key topics like the four main theme parks, Disney Springs, ticket options (such as Park Hopper), and important things like Lightning Lanes and Virtual Queues. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to show your interest, and remember, it’s perfectly fine if there are a few things you don’t know. Disney World is huge, and it takes time to learn about every hotel and attraction at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Expand Your Expertise to Become a Disney & Theme Park Specialist

While you can certainly specialize as a Disney World travel agent, consider broadening your expertise to become a full-fledged Disney travel expert or a theme park specialist. This means researching destinations like Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando.

Many travelers visiting Walt Disney World may also be interested in exploring other theme parks and vacation destinations. It’s common for visitors to spend a few days at Disney World, then head to Universal Orlando, and end their trip with a Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Wish or Disney Treasure.

By broadening your expertise to include Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, and other top travel experiences, you'll not only attract a larger client base but also increase your booking potential and commission earnings.

The Earmarked Travel Agencies

You may occasionally come across the term "Earmarked Travel Agencies." This designation means that Disney has recognized a travel agency for achieving a certain level of sales over a specific period. While Disney doesn’t disclose the exact sales volume required, they personally invite agencies that meet their criteria. In practice, Earmarked Travel Agencies are those with extensive experience working with Disney and have booked numerous trips in the past.

Commission Payout

Commission payment to travel agents depends on whether the guest purchases a vacation package, tickets, or a VIP tour. Typically, commissions are paid after checkout or once tickets have been mailed to or picked up by the guest. For more detailed information on commissions, please check this out.

Disney World Travel Agent Rates

While specific commission percentages are protected by a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) between all travel partners/suppliers and the host agency, you can expect commission percentages to range from about 6% to 15%, depending on the type of booking.

Disney typically pays a 10% commission on vacation packages that include accommodations and tickets, and 4% to 10% on tickets only.

Let’s now run a quick simulation to estimate your potential income as a travel agent.

A 5 Nights vacation at Boardwalk Inn with 4 Day Park Hoppers for a Family of 4:

^{Note: Commissions are always paid on the pre-tax amount!}

Total Cost before Taxes and Fees: $7,500

Gross Commission Amount Available: 10% of $7,500 = $750 Gross Commission

Assume you have a 70% Commission Split with you agency

70% = $525 to YOU

30% = $225 to the Agency

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Disney World Travel Agent Salary

Determining an exact salary for a travel agent can be challenging, especially for those specializing in Disney World. With multiple theme parks, varying commission structures, and sales potential, it's difficult to come up here and pinpoint an exact number.

However, according to several reports, the salary for Disney World travel agents ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 per year, with the average falling around $43,000. Some agents who book higher volumes and build a strong client base can earn more than $100,000 annually.

‍Disney World Travel Agent Course‍

The College of Disney Knowledge is Disney’s official training program that offers everything you need to become a Disney expert. They focus not only on Disney World, but also on Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland and even Aulani, their beach resort in Hawaii. There, you will find interactive training courses, videos, experiences, seminars, and more.

Training covers a range of topics, including Disney Destinations, Resort Accommodations, Attractions and Entertainment, Dining Experiences, Planning and Booking, and Special Events and Packages. To become a certified Disney travel agent, you must complete a series of courses followed by an online exam. Upon finishing this stage, you will receive a special certification and may gain access to exclusive benefits.

To maintain your certification, travel agents are required to complete annual training.

Disney World Travel Agent Course Requirements

To apply to the College of Disney Knowledge, you must first be part of a host agency. Then, simply head to the link above, fill out the required fields, and select the courses you’re interested in. The College of Disney Knowledge is free.

Disney World Travel Agent Perks

As a travel agent working with Disney, you can enjoy some pretty good perks for your vacation as well! Keep in mind, however, that these benefits become available after you've gained experience and completed a certain number of bookings. 

Perks include a free one-day Park Hopper ticket each year and discounts ranging from 10% to 50% at Disney World Resorts. These discounts are typically available during the off-season, such as in September or October, and can be really valuable for staying at some of the more expensive Disney World resorts, like the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village.

VacationLab gives you access to thousands of images and videos from major cruise lines, theme parks, and beach resorts.

By joining us, you'll also gain access to our exclusive database, which makes it easy to showcase images and videos to your clients based on their preferences. We have thousands of pictures and videos related to Disney World, from shows, rides, hotels and even special events like After Hours and Jollywood Nights.