If you’ve always had a passion for Disney and enjoy sharing tips and advice with friends and family, then becoming a Disney Travel Agent might be the perfect career choice for you. But before you take the plunge, it’s crucial to understand how much money you can actually make. In this article, we’ll explore the commission structure, do some math to calculate potential earnings, and discuss ways to increase your income as a Disney Travel Agent.
An Overview of the Commission Structure
The commission structure with Disney is relatively straightforward. As a new travel agent, you’ll start with a 10% commission for most vacations. This means that if you book a $5,000 trip, you’ll earn $500 once the person travels. Disney cruises, on the other hand, offer a commission rate of up to 15% to 16%, depending on your sales volume. Keep this in mind as you consider different travel options.
As you grow your business and make more bookings, you may have to share a portion of your commission. This sharing arrangement depends on how your business is set up. If you work independently, you’ll earn 100% of your commissions. However, host agencies are becoming increasingly popular, and they may require a percentage of your earnings.
Running the Numbers
Doing some quick math can help you determine if becoming a Disney Travel Agent aligns with your financial goals. Let’s say your target income is $100,000 per year. To achieve this, you would need to make approximately one million dollars in sales. While this amount may seem daunting, let’s break it down further.
Suppose your average sale is around $5,500, with some bookings at value resorts and others at the luxurious Grand Floridian. To reach your goal of $100,000 per year, you’ll need to book about 15 trips per month. If your target income is $50,000 per year, then around 8 trips per month would be sufficient.
It’s worth noting that if you work with a host agency, you’ll have to share a portion of your profits with your host. This sharing percentage can range from 20% to over 50%. In that case, you would need to sell more trips per month to meet your earnings goal.
Boosting Your Earnings as a Disney Travel Agent
There are several strategies you can employ to increase your income as a Disney Travel Agent. One simple step is to start charging planning fees right away. Additionally, consider offering Universal add-on packages, as many clients with older kids may request them. Remember, it’s challenging to focus solely on Disney without considering Universal packages.
You can also offer concierge fees for services such as fast passes and dining reservations, which can greatly enhance your clients’ experience. Furthermore, being a Disney Travel Agent gives you access to exclusive Disney discounts, which can be an additional selling point that sets you apart from the competition.
Scaling Your Travel Business
If you aspire to be a successful Disney Travel Agent and make a substantial impact on your income, there are a few essential skills to master. Firstly, you need to acquire the knowledge and training of a professional travel agent. Disney won’t provide this training, so you’ll have to seek it out independently.
Marketing and promoting your services online will be crucial in finding clients and achieving your income goals. Regardless of whether you’re an independent agent or work with a hosting agency, the responsibility falls on you to attract and retain customers.
Need Help Scaling Your Travel Business?
If you’re excited about becoming a Disney Travel Agent but need guidance on how to get started, we’re here to help. Check out our Careers on Vacation certification program, where you’ll gain access to experts who will teach you how to excel in the industry. With this comprehensive program, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to operate at the highest level and achieve your career goals as a Disney Travel Agent.
