This is an essay as told based on a conversation with Chelsea Guffy, who recently started working as a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. Edited for length and clarity.
Last year, I noticed on social media that one of my sorority sisters had started working as a travel agent on many Disney vacations and working for a travel agency called ET Family Travel.
A Disney vacation was coming up that November, and I had already booked everything, but I had asked her if she could make dining reservations for me, because that’s the hardest thing to get at Disney World, and she agreed. She helped me get all the dining reservations I wanted.
Then he said to me, “Chelsea, you know Disney inside and out. You should come as an agent.” So I thought about it, and in the new year, I thought to myself, “Okay, this could be a really cool thing.” I joined the team and fell in love.
Travel is just in my blood, and I love booking vacations for my family, so it was a no-brainer.
I grew up in Florida about two hours away from Disney World and grew up going. Read also : Travel checklist for the summer of 2022: 8 must-haves for fun and safe travel.
The first time I went there, I was probably three weeks old. I’ve always loved travel – I studied abroad in college, and growing up my family took trips at least once a year to different places around the country.
Travel is in my blood and I love booking vacations for my family, so it was a no-brainer that I would like to do it for other people.
The agency I work for focuses on Disney and family travel, so most agents focus on theme park vacations. However, we do all kinds of travel. At first I mainly focused on Disney, but then I got requests from my friends so I decided to branch out.
I did a trip to the UK for a friend of mine in June, and now I’m doing another trip to the UK as well as a trip to New York. I have also helped with trips to California and even stays.
My clientele is mainly my friends and people in my network, but now I’ve had two clients I didn’t know before: one got in touch with me through my social media and another was a referral through of the agency.
I can help my clients save a lot of time. I have a lot of knowledge; While it may take them months to plan a trip, I can do it for them in three weeks. Sometimes I find lower prices there too.
I also make sure to tell my clients that this is my second job and that I have a full-time job. I try to give my clients as much time as I can, but I make sure to set expectations.
I do also get benefits like free Disney tickets and discounts at hotels.
As a side hustle, the extra money is nice to have. I am an independent contractor who makes money from commissions from theme parks and hotels. The amount of time I spend at work varies, but I average 12-15 hours a week on top of my full-time job. I start as soon as my son goes to bed, so 7.30pm. and at 10 p.m. they are my first
I also get perks like free Disney tickets and hotel discounts. I have to meet a certain commission in a year to qualify for some benefits. Read also : Looking at lifestyle: how to get back to rest and freshen up after the holiday. One of them is the CLIA card, which is focused on cruise travel, and once you’ve met their minimum fees, you can get special travel agent rates. For example, there are Disney cruises this October that would be available for about $20 per person per night.
I look forward to having access to these benefits.
Why are Disney Travel Agents free?
How is it free? Usually the customer does not pay anything extra for the service provided by a travel agency. Read also : Encourage Your Team to Take a Break and Look at Business Intelligence. Travel agents make their living off a small commission paid by the travel provider (in this case, Disney) for the resort hotel rooms, theme park passes, and vacation packages they book.
Do Disney travel agents go to Disney for free? Their services are 100% free and will make sure you get the cheapest and most magical trip possible! Thanks for reading our post “It’s Cheaper to Book Disney Through a Travel Agent†. Remember to check out our Disney World Crowd Calendar, Disney World Map, Magic Kingdom Rides, and Epcot Rides.
Why are Disney Vacation Planners free?
However, the services provided by an agent are at no cost to you. Disney pays commissions to Disney Authorized Vacation Planners for the sale of hotel rooms, tickets, dining packages and more.
Is booking with a Disney agent worth it?
This comes at a time when vacationing at Walt Disney World is more complicated than ever and dealing with Disney (due to the aforementioned staff shortage) is more time-consuming. Travel agents are certainly worth these extra expenses, as their expertise and professional experience are valuable.
What percent do travel agents get?
Most travel agents who earn commission booking tickets on airlines earn 5% on domestic flights and 10-20% on international flights. The commission rates are similar for booking hotels.
How much discount do travel agencies have? The second reason to become a travel agent is the discounts you get on travel for you and your family. As a travel agent, you can save up to 75% on travel, including hotels, resorts, car rentals, cruises, theme parks and vacation packages â¦
What is a standard travel agent fee?
While there are still a few agents who will offer free travel quotes, the more confident and experienced travel professionals will charge a service fee. Fees can range from $50 to $500 depending on their years of experience and knowledge of the destination.
How do travel agents get commission?
In addition to the plane, corporate travel agencies earn commissions for booking cars and hotels for business travelers. Corporate travel agencies make money primarily from service fees, net/private rates and airline commissions.
What is the markup for a travel agent?
A commission level of 7% to 8% is somewhat standard with host agencies that work with self-sustaining agencies. Independent Travel Agents who earn 90%… 100% commission are usually experienced high volume agents who require little or no host agency support.
Can you make a living as a Disney travel agent?
By becoming a Disney Travel Agent, you can earn money making reservations for customers, and you can even parlay the savings into your own Disney adventures.
Are Disney Travel Agencies Worth It? This comes at a time when vacationing at Walt Disney World is more complicated than ever and dealing with Disney (due to the aforementioned staff shortage) is more time-consuming. Travel agents are certainly worth these extra expenses, as their professional experience and knowledge is valuable.
How much money can you make as a Disney travel agent?
According to GlassDoor, the average Disney travel agency salary in 2021 is $43,000, making it an attractive job for someone who loves Disney.
What do you get for being a Disney travel agent?
Free tickets and discounts Disney travel agents can receive free tickets and discounted trips to Disney and Universal properties. Each College of Disney Knowledge graduate receives a one-day Park Hopper ticket to Walt Disney World (one per year).
Do Disney travel agents Get Free Trips?
You might hear that you can travel for free. You can stay at Walt Disney World and Disneyland hotels for free. Not exactly. There are Disney travel agent perks, but if you want to be a travel agent just for the perks, this is not the job for you.
