Are you interested in becoming a Disney Travel Specialist?
I am frequently asked by Disney fans about the logistics of how they can become a Disney Specialist Travel Agent.
- What are the requirements?
- How do you get started?
- What are the benefits?
I love my job! I love sharing in the excitement of planning a Disney vacation with others. I am so happy when I receive a text message from a client with a picture of their child counting down to their vacation start date. Or a Facebook message with the hashtag #livingtheirbestlife and a photo of them during the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks spectacular.
If you have a passion for Disney travel, are outgoing, have good written & verbal communication skills, are active on social media, are business minded and detail oriented, this may be an option for you as well!
Embrace The Magic Travel is considering new advisor applications for our ‘Sharing the Magic travel training program’. This program is a 4-6 weeks guided training (depending on your level of experience in the travel industry and marketing).
Our guided training program is designed to help you build your small business by
- identifying your ideal travel client,
- brainstorming opportunities to locate & connect with your ideal clients both in person & online,
- creating a marketing plan that establishes you as an expert on Disney vacations,
- plus helping you set up your virtual & physical office space to run an effective business.
If you would like to be considered for this program, click here to join our private Facebook group. You’ll find information on how you can join our team and become a Disney travel agent.
Why you need to be more than a Disney super fan…
Most new Disney specialists come to the table with lots of knowledge about Walt Disney World or Disney Cruise Line and are considered the “go to girl” (or guy!) among their friends and family for Disney vacation planning. They know a lot about the parks and resorts, but not a lot about finding clients beyond their immediate circle. We want to make sure that you begin this journey equipped with the knowledge and tools for ensuring your long term success as a Disney travel specialist AND business owner.
The goals of the Sharing the Magic travel training program include:
- identifying your ideal client
- strategies for marketing to your ideal client
- establishing an online presence that “brands” you as an expert in Disney travel
- customer service processes that will wow your clients
- all of the “how to’s” of working as a travel advisor
- plus much more!
Once you’ve made the decision to move forward with becoming a Disney specialist, one of your first decisions will be deciding which agency you would like to work with. There are a number of Disney specialist agencies available and most will consider new agents either on an ongoing basis or from time to time.
As you review agency opportunities consider the following things:
- Industry Reputation & Experience – check out their credentials and ask about their experience and personal business growth in the travel industry. Another good question – how are they continuing to grow their business?
- Support System – what are they offering as way of training and support as you learn the industry AND establish your business. Remember this is about travel and business. Building your long term business is more than taking a discounted vacation and sharing your tips with your friends/family.
- Supplier Portfolio – Are the destinations/suppliers that you want focus on included in the network? Think about your growth too. Does the agency offer expandability?
- Marketing and Sales – No matter if you are brand new to travel or an experienced agent, growing your business is about growing your clientele and sales. The resources to market and promote your business are an important part of your business plan.
- Compatibility – This includes mindset, foundational ethics, and goals. While you will be operating your own unique travel business, you are still aligning yourself with a business partner. The partnership should be beneficial for both parties.
With all the things there are to love about this job, it’s not all pixie dust…
It isn’t nearly as easy as most people assume it will be. Keep in mind that travel agencies are a commission based business. Like all commission based business, earnings will vary from month to month and are typically not received/paid out until after the client has traveled. This means at the beginning you may spend countless hours building your business and will not see a financial benefit for some time in the future.
Another thing to remember is that most travel agents very rarely get to take a truly “work free” vacation. Clients will still have questions or need assistance even while you are on vacation. You are never truly “off duty” 100%. I’ve spent lots of time sitting in a hotel room or camped out on a park bench working on someone else’s vacation while my family is off enjoying the attractions or the resort.
Is it worth it?
For me, absolutely! Being a stay at home working mom was perfect for me – I could be present to homeschool my son, be consistently involved in my church and community, all while providing for my family.
On the flip side of the ‘you rarely get to take a truly work free vacation’ mentioned above, you CAN build a lot of flexibility into your day to day work schedule. You CAN prioritize your family and volunteer to be the class mom without having to ask the boss for time off.
You CAN live a laptop lifestyle!
If you are interested in being considered for the Sharing the Magic travel training program with Embrace The Magic Travel, click here to join the private Facebook group and learn about the next steps!
If becoming a Disney specialist travel agent is one of your goals, I wish you well and hope that you find great success in your endeavor!
PS – We aren’t just looking for Disney specialists. As a full service travel agency, Embrace The Magic Travel has a variety of options available for anyone ready to join the travel industry. If you are ready to begin you travel business, let’s connect and explore if we are a good fit for each other.
