Disney World is a magical place. It’s one of those places where you are guaranteed to have the time of your life no matter what – but are Disney travel agents free? No, they are not. Below I’ll share with you the surprising reason they are not free, even if they tell you they don’t charge a fee… and why you should go through a Disney Travel Agent for every Disney vacation.
Disney Travel Agent Commission is Built into ALL Disney Packages
You’re paying for a Disney Travel Agent, whether you use one or not. In other words, you’re paying for a travel agent’s time, expertise, and services no matter what. You might as well take advantage of these services you’re paying for.
Can’t I find cheaper packages without an agent?
No. Disney Travel Agents have access to the same packages and prices that you can access on the Disney website. Occasionally you’ll find slightly cheaper room rates (not packages that include tickets and other perks) on discount sites like Expedia or Travelocity. But you won’t find a cheaper Disney Vacation Package than the one you can book with a Disney Travel Agent. Even discounted military tickets are available through a Disney Travel Agent!
What do you get with a Disney Travel Agent?
A Disney Travel Agent will help you plan your entire vacation from start to finish! When booking a package with a travel agent, the first thing they are going to do is ask for your budget and needs. This allows them to find out what type of room (value or deluxe) would suit your family best – Are there kids in tow? Are you going in the off-season? Are there any special requests or needs that need to be met, like wheelchair accessibility for a friend who is disabled? All of these questions are important and will help your travel agent find the perfect package.
Don’t forget about their expertise! You can ask as many questions as you want because they know all the ins and outs of the Disney Parks. Plus, they are going to help you avoid any pitfalls that are common when traveling to the parks for many different reasons – How busy are things this week? Where are all the best places to eat? What is a reasonable time frame for your visit? From booking rooms at nearby hotels (to make getting around easier) to find the best place for your kids to enjoy a character meal, they are going to make your vacation stress-free and memorable.
Many Disney Travel Agents offer additional perks like gift cards for booking packages, pre-travel gifts mailed to your home, and surprise in-room gifts you’ll discover upon check-in.
In other words: A Disney Travel Agent will help you with every aspect of your trip, even things you didn’t know you needed to consider.
Why are Disney Travel Agents worth it?
They are full of hidden surprises that you don’t want to miss out on! But most importantly – they are knowledgeable about everything Disney World-related and have access to all of the same packages and prices that are available to you online. Do yourself a favor – use your Disney Travel Agent!
I’m a seasoned Disney traveler. Can I still benefit from a Disney Travel Agent?
Absolutely! Disney Travel Agents are always willing to answer your questions and provide help with things like using the My Disney Experience mobile app, ticketing options, dining reservations – even FastPass+ selections. In other words: they are a great resource if you are new to planning trips or just want some extra support.
Unless you love sitting on hold for hours, you will benefit from a Disney Travel Agent, even if you’re a Disney expert. Your Disney Travel Agent will make all the necessary phone calls directly to Disney for any of your vacation needs. Plus they have a priority phone line, so they can handle any of your requests or changes quicker than you sitting on hold for minutes (or hours).
The Bottom Line
Are Disney Travel Agents free? The bottom line is this: No, even if you don’t use one, you’re paying for it. Disney Travel Agents are worth it, even if you are a seasoned Disney traveler. They are experts at helping with everything and will make your vacation stress-free while providing the best possible memories for you and your family. Booking packages online is not enough to experience all the magic – use a travel agent!
FAQs
Here's the best part: their services come at no cost to you! That's right - using a Disney Vacation Planner doesn't cost a penny more than if you book it online yourself. I always say that the best way to find a great Disney travel agent is by word of mouth from satisfied customers.
How do you know if a Disney travel agent is legit? ›
If you do not see this logo or the Ear-Marked status, I would steer clear of that site if you are looking for an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. The status is a pretty big deal to travel agents, so if they have it, they will proudly display it.
What is the average Disney travel agent commission? ›
Disney pays up to a 10% commission to travel agents, depending on the package booked for the customer. Disney cruises yield a higher commission. If you're working independently, you'll receive the full commission amount — so if your client booked a $5,000 vacation pretax, you'd receive $500 in commission.
Is it better to use a Disney travel agent? ›
Could save you money. Not only does it not cost you anything to use an agent, it can actually save you money because agents are aware of all new discount codes and will apply them to your reservation as they become available.
Is using travel agents free? ›
Travel agents may charge service fees, flat-rate trip fees or consultation fees. For example, you might pay a flat rate of between $100 and $500 for a travel agent. There are some travel agents who operate with no cost to customers and instead receive commissions on the flights and accommodations they book.
What discounts do Disney travel agents get? ›
Top Disney Travel Agent Discounts
- Reduced or Free Resort Stays.
- Reduced or Free Theme Park Passes.
- Reduced or Free Cruises.
- Discounts on Alternative Disney Resort Properties.
AAA offers Walt Disney World® Resort packages and Disneyland® Resort packages to accommodate your preferred length of stay, the things you want to do and your budget.
Can a Disney travel agent save me money? ›
However, there are times when a Disney travel agent can save you money. For starters, most Disney travel planners don't charge their clients any fees to plan their vacations. That means you won't pay a dime in commission for their services.
Do Disney travel agents get commission on one day tickets? ›
We also do not earn commission on 1 & 2 day Disney theme park tickets or 1-day 1-park Universal tickets. How do I pay for my vacation? To process any payment, your credit card information will need to be provided to your Travel Advisor and they process it with the supplier or tour operator.
Can you make a living as a Disney travel agent? ›
The benefits of becoming a Disney travel agent
Because these trips are often comprehensive (hotels, tickets, etc.), becoming a Disney vacation planner can be lucrative for travel agents, who can earn a substantial income even from a single trip.
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Disney Travel Agent Jobs
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|
| Berkeley, CA | $55,048 | $4,587 |
| Bailey's Crossroads, VA | $52,244 | $4,353 |
| Daly City, CA | $52,097 | $4,341 |
| San Mateo, CA | $50,525 | $4,210 |
6 more rowsDisney pays the agent for you. Each agent gets a commission from Disney for the bookings they've made on your behalf. That's why most Disney travel agencies have a policy of not charging their clients any sort of itinerary planning fee — because they're already getting paid.
Is it actually cheaper to use a travel agent? ›
Travel agents can save you money sometimes, but it comes at a cost that might not fit into your budget. Some agents charge high fees or percentages of the total vacation cost. Finding the right agent. It can take time to find the right travel agent, advisor or expert.
Does it cost money to be a Disney travel agent? ›
No start-up, set-up, or monthly fees (An agency should not charge you to work for them!) Top tier supplier commission at 16% for Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line. Walt Disney World and Disneyland highest tier is standard at 10% Highest travel agent commission levels up to 90% with no fees.
Can someone plan my Disney trip? ›
Authorized Disney Vacation Planners can book your entire trip, including park tickets, resort reservations, airfare, and transportation if needed. They can even assist with dining recommendations, Disney Genie+ information, and much more.
How to get clients as a Disney travel agent? ›
Top Tips from Successful Disney Travel Agents
- It will require a very personal love for all things Disney. ...
- Learn how to sell up, especially as your clientele matures. ...
- Visit as often as you can. ...
- Develop your personal expertise. ...
- Develop your personal service value proposition.
