Planning any vacation can be complicated. But planning a Disney vacation has an extra level of complication, especially for Disney vacation newbies. Disney travel agents like myself are here to help with stress-free planning for a more enjoyable vacation. Sound good, but what does a Disney travel agent do? Here’s a list of the training, experience, and resources that a Disney travel agent uses to help you experience an extra magical vacation.
Training
First, not every travel agent is a Disney travel agent. To become a Disney travel agent, one must first register with Disney as a travel agent – often requiring licensing and other business requirements. Then, a Disney travel agent must complete hours of training on Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Aulani, Disneyland, and Disney World known as the College of Disney Knowledge. Each year, Disney travel agents refresh their training with additional course training. Disney supplements our training with exclusive email updates each week. In addition to the training and emails, I also attend weekly and monthly conferences for Disney travel agents to learn more about the latest updates.
Visit the magic
Experiencing Disney vacation destinations and products is also a must for Disney travel agents. Since I live in Central Florida, for example, I usually visit a Disney World park or Disney Springs each week so that I can share those experiences with clients. I also live close to Port Canaveral, a Disney Cruise Line port, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. I have first-hand experience at those destinations too so I can help clients know all the tips for the best experience. I have also visited Disneyland in Anaheim, California, Aulani in Oahu, Hawai’i, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, adding to the information that I can share with clients for an amazing vacation.
Promos
Did know that that Disney often notifies travel agents first before any pricing promotions? Yep! That way we can then let you know about any promotions for a new trip, but also apply any new promotions to an existing booking. When special events are announced, travel agents can make sure their clients are the first to know about reservation and pricing too so you can be sure to get the best vacation value.
Events
Along with promotions, we are also among the first to know about the details of new announcements. New Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary details are being released each week, and Halloween and Christmas events are returning soon. Want to be the first to know when a new or previously existing experience will return? Connect with me for the latest event information and special offers.
Updates
Along with special offers and events, updates are also communicated to travel agents early and often so that we can prepare and educate our clients if there are any impacts that may result in rescheduling, cancellation. It is always nice to be able to prepare clients for a new rule changes – and over the last year there have been many! I make it my job to know the rules to I can keep clients updated.
Quotes
Through the exclusive travel agent website, a Disney travel agent can easily prepare a quote for Disney park tickets, resorts, cruises, and experiences. In some cases, a Disney travel agent can also hold a resort stay for you for up to three days while you decide on the best option. For a Disney World vacation, a Disney travel agent can prepare a quote comparing up to four resorts for you showing prices, amenity, and transportation options. For a Disneyland vacation, travel agents have enhanced abilities to search neighboring hotels. It is helpful to be able to look at so many resort options on one page to help with the decision process. Along with the quote, Disney travel agents can help you understand important terms and conditions, deposit amounts, final payment due dates, and cancellation policies.
Refurbishments
Before you book your Disney vacation, a Disney travel agent can check on all of the must-do attractions and experiences. We have access to a list of closures and refurbishments in the Disney travel agent website. Nothing is worse that going on vacation than to be disappointed that the attraction or experience you had your heart set on is closed for refurbishment. I would never want any Disney guest to experience that disappointment.
Expert recommendations and tips
No more guessing about the restaurants, activities, and information you need for the best Disney vacation. All of your questions can be personally answered by a Disney travel agent. Disney travel agents have multiple resources to answer your questions. What parks should I visit? What is the best resort? What is the weather like? What restaurant should I go to? What are the best snacks? What state room should I reserve? If all else fails, we also have special contact information to get you the answer you need, if we don’t already know the answer.
Extra pixie dust
Celebrating a birthday, milestone, anniversary, or other event on your vacation? I can assist with having a cake delivered, flowers, balloons, reserving the best restaurant, or experience to help make extra special vacation memories. I can also reserve private photo sessions, ground transportation, groceries for lengthy stays, and more. Many options are available to Disney vacation extra special. I always start with notifying Disney during the booking of any special celebrations so clients have a chance to experience some magic.
Book and confirm your reservation
Once you have settled on a Disney vacation experience, I can apply payment and book and confirm your reservation. Once you have your reservation confirmation, you can view all of your vacation details online using your confirmation number. Some reservations require a phone call and Disney travel agents have exclusive phone numbers to make reservations for clients. If you already booked a Disney vacation, you can even transfer it to a Disney travel agent within 30 days.
Tech
Several apps and website options are available to enhance your Disney vacation experience. The My Disney Experience app, Disney Cruise Line app, Dinseyland app, Aulani app, as well as the websites for My Disney Experience and Disney Cruise Line have special features guests should know about before their vacation. Disney travel agents have special resources and training on how to use these apps and websites for everything from managing your vacation, to park reservations, ordering food, contactless payments, tickets, and more. Assistance with these apps adds an extra level of convenience to your trp!
Rescheduling and cancellations
If you need to reschedule or cancel any of your Disney vacation plans, your Disney travel agent makes those changes for you. When rescheduling or cancelling your plans, a Disney travel agent can also advocate for you if there is any issue and help you understand any extra charges you may incur by changing a reservation.
Advocate
We rarely anticipate the many problems that can occur during a vacation from an illness, accident, or even an emergency back home when we travel. In the case of the unexpected, a Disney travel agent is your personal contact and advocate. We can help you through an unexpected situation and try our best to put you at ease while on vacation with personal service so that you do not feel that you are navigating any obstacles on your own.
Insurance
In case of the unexpected, Disney travel agents also offer travel insurance. One of the lessons of the last year is that we should prepare for the unexpected. I can help you understand your travel insurance options and pricing to protect your vacation investment. Many clients often glance over these options, but you should seriously consider travel insurance.
One contact for it all
I provide all of these services as a Disney travel agent. Above and beyond these services, I offer dynamic itineraries accessible by mobile app and sharable with multiple people in your travel party. I also provide secure invoicing for reservation payments. As a Disney World and Disney World Annual Passholder., I add another level of value and experience at the Disney parks. While you could book a Disney World vacation on your own, working with a Disney travel agents assures you are getting the best value, saving time and frustration, and have an overall better vacation experience. If you like to contact me about planning your next Disney vacation, contact me today for a FREE quote. Want to receive the latest Disney travel information and tips? Sign up for my occasional newsletter to stay connected and informed on the latest Disney travel tips, special offers, and events.
