How to Become a Disneyland Travel Agent

We’ve put together an in-depth guide below on how to become a travel agent for one of the most popular theme parks 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 Disneyland, 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!

Ahhh, Disneyland. What basically created the idea of a modern theme park! Without Disneyland, we probably wouldn’t have Six Flags, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and other theme parks out there, at least how they look nowadays.

Disneyland debuted way back in 1955 and has only grown bigger since then. We now have Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, both of which get new rides, shows, and restaurants practically every year. The original Disneyland is massive and one of the best theme parks in the world for children, with countless dark rides and classic attractions that are truly timeless. Meanwhile, Disney California Adventure is slightly more edgy and has plenty of cool rides for adults as well, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and Incredicoaster.

Being a Disneyland travel agent means helping people plan the vacation of their dreams. You need to understand the two major theme parks, park ticket options (and prices), Disneyland Resort Hotels, the best restaurants for guests, and FastPass options that can save (a lot of) time. It’s a lot to take in, but with the right training and mindset, you’ll become a Disney expert in no time.

That’s why we’re here, right? To guide you through everything you need to know about becoming a Disneyland travel agent. We’ll cover things like:

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

Now let’s get started!

Disneyland is BIG

Disneyland is HUGE and one of the most popular travel destinations on the West Coast of the United States. If someone is planning a trip to California, there's a good chance they'll visit Disneyland. After all, Disneyland has a lot of history as the original park with Walt Disney's personal touch. 

Since its debut in 1955, it has only grown bigger, with the introduction of a new theme park right next to it - Disney California Adventure - and the constant addition of new lands, rides, shows, and attractions. Millions of guests will be looking for a Disneyland vacation each year, and you’ll be there to lend them a hand.

Disneyland is Always Growing and Receiving New Updates

If Disneyland has one thing in common with Disney World and Universal, it’s that it’s constantly being updated. New lands and rides are introduced almost every year, meaning there will always be something new for guests to check out. 

This also means new guests will be coming to Disneyland each year to see what’s new, and that’s where you come in. Always stay one step ahead of the competition by researching the present and future of Disneyland so you can show potential clients that you know what you're talking about.

Discounts for Travel Agents

Disneyland is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, that’s a fact. But let’s face it, a Disneyland vacation can be really expensive. The good news? As a Disneyland travel agent, you can enjoy some pretty nice perks and discounts! Hurrah!

Perks for travel agents include a free one-day Park Hopper ticket each year, as well as discounts of 10% to 50% on select Disneyland hotels. 

Hey, We’re Talking About Disneyland!

Every year, thousands of families dream of visiting Disneyland to experience the magic of Mickey Mouse and friends. Guess what? You can help them make that dream come true! 

Being a Disneyland travel agent means helping people discover the amazing world of theme parks, explore Sleeping Beauty Castle, ride Space Mountain, and have a fantastic time in California. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be a travel agent, and after a long trip, hearing from your guests that they loved every minute of their stay at the Happiest Place on Earth. If you already love Disneyland, you’re one step ahead. Did you know that a lot of people become Disney travel agents as a side gig, because they love Disney so much they want to share the secrets and top tips with people from all over the world? This might be you!

Disneyland & Famvia are a Match Made in Heaven

VacationLab’s sister website, Famvia, is packed with everything you need to know about Disneyland. We offer planning guides, hotel reviews, and in-depth coverage of nearly every major attraction at Disneyland, from Mission Breakout and Matterhorn Bobsleds to Radiator Springs Racers and Indiana Jones Adventure.

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

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

Communication Skills

As a travel agent, it’s really important to be polite, informative, and understanding, especially when assisting guests planning a trip to Disneyland. Keep in mind that, most of the time, you’ll be working with families, many of whom are traveling with children, so tailor your advice and planning around their needs.

There’s also a good chance you’ll likely be booking people’s first-ever Disneyland experience, which means they might have plenty of questions. Be prepared to explain ticket options, the differences between Disney World and Disneyland and how things like Lightning Lanes and Virtual Queues work. Clear communication is crucial, so always stay calm, professional, and approachable.

It’s important to remember that as a Disneyland travel agent, some clients will be easygoing, while others may require more time and attention. Stay patient and focused, as you’re there to help make their Disney dreams come true.

Stay Up to Date with Everything Disneyland-Related

The theme park industry is constantly evolving, with new rides, ticket options, and features being introduced regularly. As a travel agent, it’s your job to stay informed and help guests navigate these changes, ensuring they’re never caught off guard. Keep up with updates on new attractions, temporary ride closures, and other important details.

Be sure to research key aspects like:

• Disneyland Park & Disney California Adventure
• The differences between Disney World and Disneyland
• Ticket & Transportation Options
• Disneyland Hotels & Good Neighbor Hotels
• The Best Rides at each theme park
• Lightning Lanes
• Virtual Queues
• Special Events
• …and more!

Disneyland Requires Ongoing Research

Disneyland is constantly evolving. It’s not just about the introduction of new rides and lands from time to time. Sometimes, even the way Disneyland operates 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. The Lightning Lanes work the same way in Disneyland as the old Disney Genie+, but they function differently at Walt Disney World. These small changes can catch many people off guard – including travel agents – so it’s always important to stay updated on the new surprises introduced by Mickey.

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

Understand Universal Hollywood and Disney World as well

If a guest is planning a trip to Disneyland, there’s a good chance they’ll also want to visit Universal Hollywood. Universal Hollywood is just as fun as Disneyland and features the incredibly popular Super Nintendo World. It’s a smart move to become a Universal travel agent as well, so you can book itineraries that include both Disneyland and Universal Hollywood.

You should also familiarize yourself with Disney World. Disney World is massive, and understanding the key differences between the parks in Florida and Disneyland in California is very, very important. If you’re already planning to specialize as a Disneyland travel agent, expanding your expertise to include Disney World and Universal Orlando is a great next step. Start with Disneyland to get your bearings, but keep in mind that expanding your knowledge will open more opportunities down the road.

Work on Your Social Media or a Website

Keeping your social media updated is a great tip for any travel agent, even if it's just for marketing, but it’s especially important when specializing in a destination like Disneyland. Disney is an incredibly competitive market, and you need to stand out among countless other travel agents.

Post pictures of yourself at the theme parks on Instagram, write blog articles about your experiences, and showcase your expertise. Even YouTube livestreams can help establish your credibility and attract potential clients. The more you engage with your audience, the more they’ll trust you as their go-to Disneyland expert!

Guess what, you’re already browsing one of the best host agencies around! We have a lot of information about Disneyland on our sister website, Famvia, and plenty of travel agents across the globe who can help you with this top tier destination. 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 magical as Disneyland!

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

• You don’t have any experience as a travel agent? That’s okay! We're here to help you from the start.
• We have a 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 detailed guides and reviews covering major cruise lines, beach resorts, and theme parks – including Disneyland! We have a wealth of free resources available, where we dive into rides like Alice in Wonderland, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Incredicoaster, and provide individual reviews for every Disneyland hotel.
• We’re always ready to listen, chat, and share a magical moment with you!

Become a Disneyland Expert

Well, we are not asking you to become the Wikipedia of Disneyland, but if you’re planning to become a travel agent, it’s important to study and familiarize yourself with Disneyland. 

This includes being able to answer common questions like the best times to visit, must-see rides, ticket options, FastPass options, and more. 

Hey, don’t worry if you’re new to Disneyland! At Famvia, we offer several free guides and reviews that can give you a great head start.

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

• Planning a Trip to Disneyland
• Guide to Resorts vs Good Neighbor Hotels
• Disneyland Park Early Entry & Rope Drop Guide
• California Adventure Early Entry & Rope Drop Guide
• Indiana Jones Adventure Review
• Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Review
• Disneyland Hotel Review

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

Prepare for your Interview

Make sure to research the host agency and travel supplier you're applying to before your interview. For Disneyland, this means understanding the basics, such as the two main theme parks, ticket options, Disneyland Hotels, and FastPass options. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with Universal Hollywood and Disney World so you can draw comparisons and demonstrate your knowledge. Stay calm, ask questions to show interest, and before you know it, you’ll be a Disney travel agent!

Expand Your Expertise to Become a Disney & Theme Park Specialist

While you can certainly specialize as a Disneyland 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, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Orlando.

Remember, many travelers visiting Disneyland may also be interested in exploring other theme parks and vacation spots. By expanding your knowledge and working with multiple travel suppliers, you'll be able to book more trips, attract a wider client base, and grow your business.

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 even 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.

Disneyland 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 show an example of what you can earn as a Disneyland travel agent.

A family staying at the Grand Californian hotel for four days, having bought four park tickets will pay around $6,200.

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

Total Cost before Taxes and Fees: $6,200

Gross Commission Amount Available: 10% of $6,200 = $620 Gross Commission

Assume you have a 70% Commission Split with you agency

70% = $434 to YOU

30% = $186 to the Agency

Disneyland Travel Agent Salary

Determining an exact salary for a travel agent can be challenging, especially for those specializing in Disneyland. With two theme parks, multiple ticket options, various hotels, and seasonal price fluctuations - oh, not to mention your actual sales volume - there are many factors that affect your annual salary.

One thing is certain: if you’re just starting out as a travel agent, your initial focus should be on building a client base rather than making a high income right away. 

As a Disneyland-focused travel agent, you can expect to earn between $20,000 and $50,000 per year. However, since Disneyland is not as large as Disney World or Universal, expanding your expertise to these other destinations can definitely help increase your earnings!

Disneyland 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 Disneyland, but also on Disney Cruise Line, Disney World 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.

Disneyland 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.

Disneyland 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 Disneyland Resorts. These discounts are typically available during the off-season, such as in September or October.

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 tons of pictures and videos of Disneyland as well, from rides all the way to shows and hotels, which are super helpful when contacting guests.