Calling All Disney Vacation Planners...Host Agency Reviews Wanted

if anyone would like to PM me with agencies that are taking on new reps - I would like info too.
I was really looking into ONT as well, but have not been to WDW more than 5 times the past 10 years (but have been 5 times in my life!)
 
I have been with my agency for about a year and a half. I started out with no TA experience, and they were the only host agency to offer me a contract. Since then I've learned that things can be better, and am looking for referrals and/or those who have come from my current agency. I want to know what the contract termination process is like, and any reviews on other agencies. I have been offered a contract with Magical Moments Vacations; does anyone have experience with them?
 
You are all missing something very important!! I did too, because I was not a travel agent. Because the larger, longer standing agencies have top tier commissions (Academy Travel, Dreams Unlimited etc.) Their agency gets paid more commission. up to like 16% for a Disney cruise! 60% of 16% is more commission than 70% of 10%? So its very misleading, they don't tell you they only get 10 or 12% of the total commission. (took a friend to figure that one out for me) I am always contacted by a smaller agency wanting to give me the world. But do the math people! I also found that the newer or smaller agencies are trying to get their commissions higher by only accepting experienced agents. Lastly, pick an agency that's been around a long time. I have a friend who worked for two - one closed, and the second she had to take to court to get paid. If they have fees tell them to be specific what it is for. seems wrong to pay someone to work for them? good luck.
 


You are all missing something very important!! I did too, because I was not a travel agent. Because the larger, longer standing agencies have top tier commissions (Academy Travel, Dreams Unlimited etc.) Their agency gets paid more commission. up to like 16% for a Disney cruise! 60% of 16% is more commission than 70% of 10%? So its very misleading, they don't tell you they only get 10 or 12% of the total commission. (took a friend to figure that one out for me) I am always contacted by a smaller agency wanting to give me the world. But do the math people! I also found that the newer or smaller agencies are trying to get their commissions higher by only accepting experienced agents. Lastly, pick an agency that's been around a long time. I have a friend who worked for two - one closed, and the second she had to take to court to get paid. If they have fees tell them to be specific what it is for. seems wrong to pay someone to work for them? good luck.
I am currently with one of the larger agencies you mentioned and they state that we get 60% of the 10% commission.
 
I applied with several agencies and got offers from a few. One charged $299 to start and $19.99/month. Another charged for training but no monthly fee and the other (I am considering), only charges $10/month for their system used to track sales. I'm starting to feel a little unsure, though, because they want you to make 12 sales/year and while I sure hope I do that-- I'm not sure that I have the audience to build a client base. Any thoughts on that? I'm just feeling like I may go through all the work and hear crickets instead of interest, especially since it's so easy to book on your own these days.
 
Hi friends,

I will put it in my two cents. I've been a home based agent since 1996, and I've seen many highs and lows in the travel industry. I'm not sure why you need an agency that specializes just in disney. Now, I would get an agency that is a "disney Authorized agency" as you, yourself get more benefits. That being said, I prefer one where you can also book other kinds of trips...funjet, apple, etc. I work with a agency in Dallas and I get 80% commission. I've been approached by local ones in WI, but I dont see the need, as I am looking to get the higher commission. Also, my agency is connected with Travel Leaders, which gives higher commission on funjet, apple, cruises, etc. (15-18% and I get 80% of that). When i started, I taught myself everything. It's a great job if you want to work at home, and you get as much as you put into it. If you are interested in my agency, PM me. I dont get anything special if you go with them...just like people to be able to get the higher commissions.
 


Most agencies will split the commission with you (you get 5%, they get 5%), and the training will vary on the agency. Its not something you can make a lot of money at, unless you put A LOT into it (think of it as selling something like avon or thirty one, unless you have people to buy, you don't sell). It is also something you have to be ready to commit to 24-7. I am just getting into it through a local agency. I worked with one that you didn't mention and it was a horrible experience. I was really gun shy at getting involved with another agency that I couldn't talk with someone face to face again, so I went with a local agency as an independent agent. I love helping people plan their vacations, and that is why I do it.

Gravy train days are long gone. Internet took care of that. Carriers no longer have to depend on travel agents. Airlines were first to start reducing commissions
 
Has anyone had any experience with Magical Vacation Planning? Are they a legit hosting travel company?
 
I worked with an agent from there and she was wonderful. I haven't worked for them. I got an offer for an agency and I would have to pay 249 per year and then 10 dollars a month. I have been looking into this as well.
 
Here is my advice (I've been a Disney Vacation Specialist for 3 years):

- Use Google (search for EarMarked or Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agencies)
- Can you call and speak to the owner? What is the response time to your emails?
- Ask to speak to existing agents
- Ask about their application process
- Run far, far away from those who take a fee and make you an instant agent!

I love the agency I work for and we definitely have a team feel. We are constantly in contact with one another and can ask questions and get instant responses. We all work from home and most of us are SAHM's like me. I can also book non-Disney vacations (most cruise lines, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland, all-inclusives, etc). I am Disney focused but have done a few non-Disney vacations for close friends.

You have to be ready to devote time to your business. Most likely, you won't get leads from the agency and it's word of mouth marketing. You have to treat it as a job, not a hobby.

I do as much or as little planning as my clients want me to do. For some, I do day by day itineraries and others don't need that. Some like to book their ADR's on their own and some want me to handle everything. It is a wonderful job and it allows me to do what I love and stay at home with my kids.
I would love to be able to get some info about the agency you work for, please.
 
I'm a Disney TA ( work at home) I get 70% off commission & 90% for personal travel..

Also with the CLIA or IATA card their are lots off opportunities to save or even Disney will put out specials for travel professionals..

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & CR Sept 8-15, 2013
May I please have more info on your agency?
 
The agency I work for pays 80 percent commission and is a Disney earmarked agency... that said, I can also book any type of travel which is a huge bonus. One group trip to Cancun netted me enough money for a week at a suite at ASM.. not to mention the travel benefits Disney offers to travel agents.
What agency do you work for?
 
Please be aware that this thread and many posts are very old and some of the info here may be very outdated and members may no longer be on the boards (thread started in 2013).
 
Hi friends,

I will put it in my two cents. I've been a home based agent since 1996, and I've seen many highs and lows in the travel industry. I'm not sure why you need an agency that specializes just in disney. Now, I would get an agency that is a "disney Authorized agency" as you, yourself get more benefits. That being said, I prefer one where you can also book other kinds of trips...funjet, apple, etc. I work with a agency in Dallas and I get 80% commission. I've been approached by local ones in WI, but I dont see the need, as I am looking to get the higher commission. Also, my agency is connected with Travel Leaders, which gives higher commission on funjet, apple, cruises, etc. (15-18% and I get 80% of that). When i started, I taught myself everything. It's a great job if you want to work at home, and you get as much as you put into it. If you are interested in my agency, PM me. I dont get anything special if you go with them...just like people to be able to get the higher commissions.

I would love to know which agency you work for, please PM me the info! Thanks so much!
 
And just look at the volume of "agencies"

Seriously, I know women who do this. None of them can afford to quit their main job LOL! There's a LOT of competition for the guests going to Disney
 
Hi friends,

I will put it in my two cents. I've been a home based agent since 1996, and I've seen many highs and lows in the travel industry. I'm not sure why you need an agency that specializes just in disney. Now, I would get an agency that is a "disney Authorized agency" as you, yourself get more benefits. That being said, I prefer one where you can also book other kinds of trips...funjet, apple, etc. I work with a agency in Dallas and I get 80% commission. I've been approached by local ones in WI, but I dont see the need, as I am looking to get the higher commission. Also, my agency is connected with Travel Leaders, which gives higher commission on funjet, apple, cruises, etc. (15-18% and I get 80% of that). When i started, I taught myself everything. It's a great job if you want to work at home, and you get as much as you put into it. If you are interested in my agency, PM me. I dont get anything special if you go with them...just like people to be able to get the higher commissions.

I would love to know which agency you work for, please PM me the info! Thanks so much!

I would love the information too, please! It's not allowing me to PM you for some reason, but if you could get it to allow you to PM me, that would be great! Thanks so much.
 

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