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Disney Cruise Online Check In Process Explained

Are you looking for tips and information on navigating the Disney cruise check in process? The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App really comes in handy while sailing, but it also simplifies the registration and planning process before your trip even begins!

In addition to displaying the really exciting cruise countdown, the DCL Navigator App allows you to view the details of your reservation and book activities for your upcoming Disney cruise.

In this post, I will walk you through the Disney Cruise Line online check in process using the features of the Navigator App. We will discuss what time online check in begins, and I’ll give you tips on how to secure an early port arrival time along with coveted reservations.

So, continue reading below to find out all the tips and hacks you need to know for the Disney Cruise Line online check in process!

Disney Cruise Countdown

Once you download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, you will be prompted to login to your DCL account. This is where you can create an account or type in your current login information.

The screen should then display the reservation for your upcoming cruise. After clicking on your reservation, you will see a countdown calculator similar to the one pictured above.

This countdown is a super exciting reminder of how many days you have until your cruise. It’s also a really important feature since some important deadlines occur before your cruise embarkation day .

When can you check in?

While on the Disney Cruise Navigator App, you can scroll down below your stateroom information to find the important steps you need to take for planning your Disney cruise. We will go through each of these My Reservations sections below:

My Reservations

In the spot labeled Cruise Essentials , you will find important things like your Disney Cruise Line balance and your reservation information. You will also see the online check in button in this section.

If you are a first time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line, you may check in 30 days prior to your sail date as long as you’ve made your final payment. If you have previously sailed with Disney Cruise Line, the check in days for each Castaway Club level are as follows:

• Silver Members – 33 Days before Sailing
• Gold Members – 35 Days before Sailing
• Platinum Members – 38 Days before Sailing
• Pearl Members – 40 Days before Sailing

What time does Disney cruise online check in start?

Once you arrive at the 30-day mark before your scheduled cruise (or sooner depending on Castaway Club level), you may be wondering what time you can actually complete online check-in for your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Online check-in should open at midnight EST (12:00 am Eastern Standard Time).

What do you need for online check in?

When you are ready to fully complete the Disney cruise check in process, you’ll need to have several items on hand. Below, I will list each of these so that you are prepared once your online check in window opens up.

First, you will need to have your official identification documents handy. We highly recommend cruising with a passport even if it is not necessarily mandated for your itinerary.

Even though many cruises sailing from the United States and back allow U.S. citizens to travel with a birth certificate instead, you will need a passport in the rare (but possible) event you have a medical emergency overseas.

To view a full list of the travel documents required for your sailing, you can check out the DCL website here . During the Disney cruise online check in process, you will need to submit a photo of each passport/birth certificate. Each image should be free from glares and clearly show the information.

Credit Card

You’ll need to assign a credit card to your Disney Cruise Line account. This is the card that you will use onboard when charging things through your Key to the World Card or DisneyBand+. If you need to change the card once onboard, you can visit Guest Services for help.

Flight and Hotel Information

Disney Cruise Line will request that you fill in your pre and post cruise travel information. So, you will want to have your reservation info. for flights and hotels handy to type in.

Photo of Each Passenger

Disney Cruise Line used to take photos of cruisers at the port during your cruise terminal check in process. However, you now need to upload a photo of each person in your travel party. These selfie style photos need to clearly show each passenger’s face above the shoulders in a similar style to a passport or driver’s license photo. (Although, they should not be the same photo that is on your ID.)

Disney Cruise Check in Process

When you are ready to fully complete the Disney cruise check in process, you’ll want to set aside close to an hour (if it’s your first cruise) to give yourself enough time to cover all the parts. I will go over each section of the tedious online check-in process below.

Once your window opens up for checking in, your Navigator App screen will include different sections like Guest Information, Onboard Account, Travel Plans, Port Arrival Time, etc.

You will need to go through each of the tabs to fill out the relevant information. While this can be a time consuming process; once you complete it, Disney saves your information for your next cruise.

I will explain each section in more detail below:

Guest Information

This is the section where you fill in your personal information and your passport/identification info. If you have previously sailed with Disney Cruise Line, this should already be completed for you. If your contact information or your passport information has changed from what is shown on your account, you will need to update it.

↓↓ Visit My Etsy Shop ↓↓

Guests also need to upload a security photo (personal selfie) for each individual in your travel party. In addition, Disney Cruise Line requires guests to upload photos of their citizenship documents (birth certificate, passport, etc.).

Onboard Account

You will need to add a credit card to the Onboard Account section. While on the cruise, DCL charges gratuities and anything extra you choose to purchase to your online account. In this section, you can also choose whether or not to grant charging privileges to your family members.

Since my kids were 6 and 1 during our last sailing, they were not allowed to charge anything to the onboard account. If you have older kids, you can change this option to meet your needs.

Travel Plans

The Travel Plans tab asks for very specific information about your pre/post cruise plans. This includes the name of your hotel, flight information, etc. You can fill this out to the best of your ability during the check-in process. If you don’t yet have all of this information, you can always go back later and correct it. For example, you can choose to arrive by car if you don’t have your flight information yet.

Port Arrival Time (PAT)

Next, you will choose your Port Arrival Time. Once you click on this tab, you will see a list of times available for you to ARRIVE at the port. This is NOT the time that you will board the ship.

For example, if you select a Port Arrival Time of 11:00, that means you plan to show up at the cruise terminal at 11:00. It has been my experience that boarding does not typically begin until at least 11:30, so you shouldn’t expect to be on the ship immediately after arriving for your 11:00 PAT.

It’s also been our experience that if you purchased Disney Cruise Line ground transportation , you will not be prompted to choose an arrival time. Instead, you will be permitted to enter the cruise terminal once the DCL transfer shuttle drops you off at the port.

Cruise Contract and Port Arrival Form

Once you have completed online check in for your Disney cruise, you will be prompted to review the cruise contract. Then, your last step is to print the Port Arrival Form in the bottom tab. You will need this form on embarkation day when you arrive at the cruise terminal.

Note that you can save the Port Arrival Form QR Code to scan on your phone at the port. However, we like to also have a printed copy of the form and prefer to print it as well.

The Port Arrival Form now shows your Muster Station and Boarding Number. (In the past, you did not get this information until you received your Key to the World card in the terminal.)

After choosing your PAT, you can register your child for the kids club appropriate for his/her age. You may also note special needs or dietary restrictions for your child in this section. Additionally, you will need to choose who your child is permitted to disembark the cruise ship with.

Children are not allowed to get off the ship without an adult. However, there may be an adult in a different stateroom with whom your child is permitted to debark. For example, you can choose to allow your child to get off the ship with a grandparent staying in a different stateroom. You may choose to allow this at EVERY port, at just Castaway Cay, or not at all.

More App Features

In addition to the check in process for Disney Cruise Line that we discussed above, the Navigator App is a great resource for additional trip information and tasks.

Cruise Options

In this section of your account, you will see some of the options that were available for you to choose during your Disney cruise booking. This includes your dinner seating time, trip insurance, Disney cruise ground transfers, and special requests.

Note that if you are not happy with your dining time, you can call Disney Cruise Line to ask the cast members to move you to a different seating. If you booked through a travel agent, the agent will need to call to do this. Additionally, you can regularly check the app to see if a more desired seating opens up.

Finally, you can often switch seating times onboard the ship by meeting with crew members in the dining room during the specified changing time. You can find more information in my post: Disney Cruise Dining Rotation Explained .

The next section of your Navigator App displays the itinerary for the cruise you booked. This is where you will see your cruise broken down by day. Some of the important events available onboard will be listed here.

Once you book your activities, you will see them listed in this section as well. You can also click on the Add Activities button on your itinerary to add certain items to your plans.

Disney Cruise Onboard Activities Booking

If you are a first-time cruiser with Disney Cruise Line , you can book some of your cruise activities 75 days before sailing. Under your cruise itinerary on the Navigator App, you will see a section that looks like this:

You can click on each of the categories listed to book cruise activities offered. I will walk you through each of these below.

Disney Port Adventures

When you click on the section for port adventures (aka shore excursions), you will again see your cruise itinerary. Here, you can click on the ports you are scheduled to visit on your cruise. The app then takes you to a page that lists all of the available Disney port adventures at that location.

For example, if your cruise is visiting Castaway Cay , you will see excursions like bicycle rentals, parasailing, fly fishing, etc. After clicking on the port adventure that you want, you will be able to choose the family members that want to take part in that excursion.

Most of the options for port adventures have age restrictions. If you are cruising with a toddler , your available excursions will be narrowed down quite a bit.

The age restrictions are prominently displayed, and you won’t be able to click on the name of any family member not meeting the requirements. Next, you will see the available times for the excursion that you want to select. Choose the time that works best for you, and you’re finished!

Disney Spa & Fitness

When you click on the Spa & Fitness tab, you will be directed to your cruise itinerary. You can then select the day that you would like to book a fitness and spa appointments. Disney Cruise Line offers many activities in this section including facials, massages, manicures, personal training, etc.

Just like the section above, you can choose the activity and time that works best for you!It’s important to note that these appointments come with an additional cost and are not included with your cruise fare.

Onboard Fun

Under Onboard Fun in the Disney Cruise Ling Navigator App, you will find activities like wine tasting, Royal Tea, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

The princess meet and greet and the Frozen Gathering are also located in this section. These two events are free on your Disney cruise, but you must book a time to attend the character meet and greets because they are so popular.

After clicking on the activity, it’s super simple to choose a day and available time to attend the event. It will then show up in the itinerary section of the app.

When you get on the ship, you just show up at the meet and greet during your scheduled time slot. The cast member at the character meet should have your name on the list.

Adult Dining and Nursery Times

These two sections work the same way as the above activities. Here, you can select the date that is appealing to you. You will then be directed to choose a time for your specified activity, but you should note that you do not pay ahead of time. So, once you book your appointment, it should show up on your itinerary without any further steps.

Final Thoughts on the Disney Cruise Online Check-In Process

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App and the Disney Cruise Line website are really helpful tools to use for online check-in. Whether your travel plans include leaving from Port Canaveral, Miami, or another cruise port, the Disney cruise online check in system works the same.

The only difference you may find is that port arrival times can vary depending on the port you are sailing from. We highly suggest downloading the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App prior to online check in since it allows you to easily access your reservation and book cruise activities. 

Once you are on the cruise ship, the Navigator App has even more helpful features, including texting! Once you complete each section in the app as described above, you should see a message that your checkin is pending .

Disney Cruise Line will review the information you entered along with your uploaded documents before confirming that your checkin is complete. You will then be ready to set sail to enjoy your cruise vacation.

We hope you have a magical time onboard the cruise ship and at your ports of call!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Thank you for such detailed information! I have two rooms to get checked in…do you think I could do both at the same time, just on two different devices? Also, if I leave travel info blank to start (to fill back in later) would I be able to still get a PAT?

I have never checked in for multiple rooms with Disney Cruise Line, but I linked my two rooms on a different cruise line in order check in for both. I just had to toggle back and forth between the two rooms. You will need to fill out the travel info in order to advance to the next page. But, I would fill out the least amount of info as possible in order to advance. Then, I would go back later and correct it all. For example, you could choose the cash option instead of typing in credit card information. And you could select arriving by car rather than typing out all of your flight information. Just don’t forget to go back and update information later. Have a great trip!

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Job Applications » Cruise Ship Jobs » Disney Cruise Line Application Online: Jobs & Career Info

Disney Cruise Line Application Online: Jobs & Career Info

Facts about working at disney cruise.

Hiring Age : 21 Years Old years old (How old do you have to be to work at Disney Cruises Application?)

Available Positions: Crew Member, Crew Purser, Desk and Engine Maintenance Technician, Cabin Steward, Waiter, Housekeeper, Chef, Restaurant Manager, Food and Beverage Director, Youth Counselor, Musician, Wiper, Main Stage Performer, Character Performer, Entertainment Technician, Port Adventures Host, Entertainment Host, Guest Communications Coordinator, DJ, Server, Bartender, Cook, Guest Services Host

Printable Application : No. Search Job Openings or visit official site .

Disney Cruise Line Job Opportunities

Job opportunities remain abundant for the cruise ship industry leader. Careers available include work in hotel operations, entertainment, and marine and technical operations. Hotel operations job titles include server, bartender, housekeeper, steward, cook, and guest service host positions. The marine and technical operations departments offer roles such as ordinary seaman, GP hotel maintenance, wiper, and GP assistant electrician jobs. Disney Cruise Line commonly hires DJs, entertainment hosts, main stage and character performers, and musicians to work shipboard. The cruise line also offers a number of positions in youth counseling and camp activities.

The company requires applicants to speak fluent English, possess some relevant work experience, and meet the minimum age of 21 years old. Disney consistently looks to hire positive, customer-focused crew members. The cruise line company also looks for applicants with strong oral and written communication and organization skills. Youth counselors must possess several years of experience working in a recreational/camp environment with children, while preferential treatment remains offered to counselors with educational certifications. Technical and marine operations jobs also typically require formal education and experience requirements.

Disney Cruise Line and Salary Information

Dedicated to employee welfare, Disney provides excellent salary options to workers and supplies crew member with bi-weekly paychecks. Deckhands typically earn between $1,000 and $2,000 per month. Youth activities specialists may earn between $1,400 and $1,600 a month. In addition to salary options, employees enjoy lucrative work benefits. Qualified associates earn employment benefits, such as 401(k) retirement plans, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability coverage, and life insurance options. Workers also enjoy job perks, such as laundry services, theme park admissions, hotel discounts, merchandise discounts, internet cafes, crew gyms equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and crew dining areas.

Popular Disney Cruise Line Positions:

Youth counselor.

• Youth activities counselors supervise children participating in onboard activities.
• Additionally, counselors plan, set up, and execute activities.
• Workers must possess excellent attitudes and enjoy high-energy environments.
• Youth counselors may also prepare food trays and snacks for children.

Cruise Staff

• As a general staff member, individuals assist in differing areas of the ship.
• Workers partake in deck parties, games shows, sports, island and ship tours as well as assist guests with island reservations and other services.
• Staff members must display enthusiasm and fun-loving characters, as high levels of guest interaction occur.

Housekeeper

• Housekeepers maintain cleanliness of staterooms, crew accommodations, and public areas.
• Housekeeping staff must completely clean 10 to 17 cabins twice a day.
• When necessary, housekeepers assist guests with luggage and other requests, as needed.
• Other job titles in housekeeping include stateroom host, house person, and custodian positions.

Other Information

A subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, Disney Cruise Line began operations in 1998. Based in Celebration, FL, the company operates four ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy. All ships carry over 2,400 passengers. Offering a wide range of vacation packages, the company meets the needs of any traveler.

The award-winning cruise line provides exceptional hospitality and a comprehensive array of amenities. Vacationers enjoy onboard activities, such as deck parties, dining, entertainment, live shows, nightclubs and lounges, spas and fitness centers, theaters, youth clubs, and pools. Destinations include Alaska, the California Coast, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and the Panama Canal.

I Nyoman Indrawan says:

Great benefits for crew also good work environment

Great benefits and good working place for all crew

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How to Become a Disney Travel Agent: Step-by-Step

How do you become a Disney travel agent? Over 3,000 people search this question every month on Google.

That’s why, in this definitive guide, I’ll show you the exact steps you need to take to pursue this career path. I’ll also explore some important considerations before you embark on a career specializing in Disney travel. And I’ll answer some frequently-asked questions.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent: 10-Step Process

Considerations before applying to be a disney travel agent, faqs about becoming a disney travel agent.

For this article, I interviewed the owner of one of the best-performing Disney-focused travel agencies in the country. He told me what he looks for when hiring new agents. He also shared the traits and habits of his most successful agents.

I also relied on my personal experience. I spent nearly seven years as a Cast Member planning vacations at one of Disney’s reservation call centers. During that time I trained hundreds of other agents on how to do the job, too.

By the time you’ve finished this article, you’ll have all the information you need to be successful at booking and planning Disney vacations for others.

1. Understand How Commission Works for Travel Agents

Commissions are the primary source of income for travel agents. It’s important to understand how they work.

Commission-Based Pay

Most host travel agencies categorize their travel planners as independent contractors.

For most agents, the sole source of income will be commissions from booking clients’ travel.

In other words, you will not earn a regular monthly salary or hourly wage. Instead, you’ll receive a percentage of the cost of each vacation you book.

Not all parts of the vacation package will earn a commission.

For example, at Disney World, you’ll generally earn commission on :

• Hotel accommodations
• Most multi-day theme park tickets (3-days or longer)
• Disney Dining Plans (commission rate may be different from the rest of the package)
• VIP tours and other select enhanced experiences

But you won’t earn commission on :

• Dining reservations
• Annual passes
• Genie+ / Lightning Lane and other add-ons
• 1-Day and 2-Day tickets

Commission is paid by the destination (such as Disney World), not the client. The client pays the same price they would have paid if they’d booked it on their own.

Commission Split

Disney pays travel agencies a 10% base commission for each Disney World vacation booked . The agency then gives part of that commission to the agent who booked the trip – and keeps the rest for itself.

The ratio at which the agency and the agent share the base commission is called the commission split :

• Novice vacation planners usually start out receiving 50%-60% of the commission the agency receives for each booking (though some agencies pay less)
• Over time, this can increase to around 70%-80%
• Some agencies offer a better commission split for clients you find on your own (as opposed to leads given to you by the agency)

Here’s a realistic commission example for a $5,000 Disney World vacation:

• The agency receives a base commission of $500 ($5,000 x 10%)
• An agent on a 50/50 split would earn $250 ($500 x 50%)
• An agent on an 80/20 split would earn $400 ($500 x 80%)

Commission split ratios determine how much money you earn

A 10% base commission is standard for all Disney World vacations. The most successful agencies may earn a higher percentage on other types of trips (such as 16% on Disney Cruises).

As an example:

• 50/50 split: $250 for the agent
• 80/20 split: $400 for the agent
• 50/50 split: $400 for the agent
• 80/20 split: $640 for the agent

Use our Disney Travel Agent Commission Calculator to see how different commission rates will affect your income.

Client Incentive Deductions

Some agencies offer booking incentives to potential clients. Maybe you’ve seen agencies offering a Disney gift card upon booking, or perhaps an onboard credit to use on a Disney Cruise.

When those are offered by an agency, it’s common for the value of that promotion to be deducted from the base commission before the remaining amount is split between the agent and agency.

Delayed Commissions

This is one of the most important things to know about working as a Disney travel planner.

Disney pays commissions after the trip is over . You don’t get paid when the client books the trip, only when they travel .

This means there can be a long delay between the time you book a trip and the time you get paid for it.

Most people plan their trips far in advance. It could be several months – even a year or more – before you get paid.

For that matter, the client could cancel the trip and you would not receive any commission at all .

This can be discouraging to newer agents who don’t have many client trips lined up. You can easily feel like you’re working hard and not seeing any income from it.

This becomes less of a concern as you become more established. You’ll eventually have clients traveling year round and your income will be more steady. Stick with it!

Planning Fees

Recently, many planners have begun charging their clients a planning fee or research fee. These are non-refundable upfront fees to cover the work the agent will do for the client. It is especially common in smaller agencies which may not have a steady flow of bookings.

Agents who charge the fee say it protects them from “working for free.” (Creating trip quotes takes work, but agents don’t get paid if the client doesn’t book or cancels.)

Those who don’t charge fees say doing so would drive away potential clients. (The client could book the trip on their own without paying a fee.)

Whether or not to charge the fee is a business decision that is usually made at the agency level.

Our research shows most major Disney-focused travel agencies do not charge these fees .

2. Watch Out for Shady Travel Agencies

Sadly, not all travel agencies are on the up and up. Some are outright scams.

Here are a few things to consider.

What’s the hiring process?

Beware of any agency that automatically hires you without an interview. This is a strong sign that they have no minimum standards. They might be bringing you onboard just to charge you fees (see below).

It’s reasonable to expect a phone interview before being hired. Ideally, you’ll interview with the agency’s owner or senior manager. That’s a good sign they take their business seriously.

Do they charge you a fee to join?

Some travel agencies operate like multi-level marketing schemes. Others simply try to get as much money as they can out of the people they “hire.”

Potentially scammy fees include:

• Charging you hundreds of dollars in startup fees (a major red flag)
• Requiring you to pay monthly affiliation fees
• Making you pay for your initial training

There are , however, a few legitimate fees you might be charged:

• Errors & Omissions insurance. (This offers financial protection for booking problems.)
• A small technology fee to cover licenses for client management software
• FAM trips and on-site education may require a fee. (These are usually heavily discounted.)

Is their commission split fair?

We suggest avoiding any agency which gives you less than 50% of the commission earned on a trip. You are doing most of the work; we think you should get at least half of the money the agency receives for it.

Check their licenses and professional memberships

Some states require travel agencies to hold Seller of Travel licenses.

For Disney-focused agencies, Florida and/or California licenses are common. Agencies often post these license numbers at the bottom of their websites. You can check online to ensure they’re valid.

• Florida Seller of Travel License search
• California Seller of Travel License search

Disney travel agencies also typically join at least one of the major travel industry groups, such as:

• International Air Transport Association ( IATA )
• International Airlines Travel Agent Network ( IATAN )
• Cruise Lines International Association ( CLIA ).

3. Become a Disney Expert

Anyone who expects to be hired for this job must be well-versed in all Disney Destinations. Before you submit a job application, you should first brush up on your Disney knowledge.

How can you educate yourself?

There are tons of online resources to keep up with the latest Disney news. Read Disney websites, planning guides , and TripAdvisor reviews . Watch Disney YouTube channels . Browse the hundreds of resources published here on MagicGuides, such as our crowd calendars and transportation maps . Ask friends about their experiences and recommendations. Join Facebook groups and chat with your fellow Disney fanatics.

What should you learn about?

Becoming a Disney travel planner doesn’t just mean learning about Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Disney Cruise Line vacations are especially popular (and pay good commission). Adventures by Disney travels around the world . Someone might ask you to book Aulani (a Disney resort in Hawaii).

Go beyond the mouse

You’ll need to know about more than Disney. Most Disney travel agencies also book trips to Universal Orlando Resort . Maybe it’s time to brush up on their newest theme park .

Some agencies book all-inclusive Caribbean Resorts such as Atlantis , Sandals , and Beaches . You might also book Royal Caribbean cruises or other cruise lines.

Learning about these now will make you a stronger candidate when you apply.

4. Know the Characteristics of the Perfect Disney Travel Agent

Each Disney travel agency has its own set of criteria they require when hiring travel planners.

Among other things, you’ll need to be:

• Passionate and knowledgeable about Disney theme parks
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Proactive and prompt when handling client bookings
• Solution-oriented with a keen sense of customer service
• Flexible and able to commit enough time to do the job right
• Trustworthy

Want to make sure you have what it takes? Review our article on the Character Traits of Successful Disney Travel Agents . It has the inside scoop, direct from the owner of an Earmarked Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency!

5. Pick the Agency You Want to Work With

We previously discussed the red flags of a bad travel agency. So what makes a good agency to work for? Here are a few things to look for when picking which agency you will apply to.

Learn about Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agencies

Some of the best Disney travel agencies are Authorized Disney Vacation Planners . This is an official designation from Disney. It simply means the agency meets the highest standards of service and sales volume in the industry.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner logo | Image © Disney

This elite ranking assures clients that they are dealing with a legitimate, Disney-approved agency. And it gives potential travel agents confidence that they will be working for a reputable agency.

Learn about Earmarked designations

Some Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agencies also show a tiered Earmarked status. These include:

• Earmarked Silver Producer
• Earmarked Gold Producer
• Earmarked Platinum Producer
• Earmarked Diamond Producer

Logos showing Earmarked Designations | Elements © Disney

These designations mean the agency is one of the highest-producing (selling) Disney travel agencies. Of these, Diamond is the highest level.

Joining a higher-tier agency has its benefits:

• Disney issues more comp tickets and FAM trips to Platinum and Diamond agencies.
• Higher-tiered Earmarked agencies also simply do more business than other agencies. That’s good for you as someone who works for commission!

If an agency is not Earmarked, does that mean it’s a bad place to work? Absolutely not (or at least, not necessarily).

You can find fantastic agencies who aren’t Earmarked yet because they’re brand new. Getting in on the ground floor can be quite lucrative as the business grows and new agents are added.

Just do your research; who runs the agency, for instance? We know of one newer agency, EnchantAway Travel , which was started by the owner of another major top-performing Disney travel agency. We have a feeling EnchantAway ’s agents are going to be well-set-up for success despite it being early days.

Size Matters, But It Isn’t Everything

You might be tempted to seek out a huge agency with hundreds of agents. An agency that big must be successful, right?

We’ve found that the best Disney travel agencies are neither too small nor too large.

• Agencies that are too small may not have the brand recognition or a marketing budget needed to bring clients to you. They may also lack the infrastructure, technology, or business savvy of larger agencies.
• Agencies that are too large can also be problematic. If they have over, say, 200 travel agents, chances are you will get lost in the shuffle. You don’t want to be just another number, a faceless member of the team.

Rather than focusing solely on size, a better question to ask may be: how are their agents doing?

Good Support Structure

A good agency will make sure its agents succeed. You should have solid training. The owner should be available to answer your questions. An agency doesn’t have to be large at all to make this happen – they just have to be dedicated to their agents’ success.

The best Disney travel agencies have a good support network in place. They promote an open and friendly (i.e., non-competitive) dialog between each of the agents.

There will inevitably be agents who know more than you at the start. The best agencies to work for will embrace these learning opportunities and support you along the way. Before long, you might be mentoring new agents!

Do they Market Themselves?

Marketing is key to success in the travel industry. You will be primarily responsible for marketing your own services . However, some agencies also spend their own resources to market their brand and bring in new clients.

Larger, more established agencies may have a prominent social media presence or high Google search ranking. Some agencies even pay to advertise their brand at no cost to their agents.

The best Disney travel agencies even provide client leads to their full-time agents. It helps to work for an agency such as The Vacationeer which sends extra business your way.

Ask Their Agents

See if you can reach out to current agents at the company to get some feedback on their working environment.

Questions to ask include:

• Do they like working there?
• Is the owner supportive and responsive?
• Is there open dialog among the agents?
• How is the training?
• Are they getting paid on schedule?

Getting the inside scoop from people who work at the agency can be very helpful.

6. Apply to Become a Disney Travel Agent

You’ve done all your prep work. Now it’s time to actually apply for the job.

Application questions will vary depending on the agency. Expect to provide basic contact information and work history. They also often ask how familiar you are with Disney destinations.

A typical application to become a Disney travel planner

When filling out an application, remember to be professional. This is a job application, not a group chat. Would you hire someone who writes “I want 2 work 4 u”? And don’t forget to proofread everything before submitting. Double check your email address and phone number so the agency can contact you. Make sure you answer all questions completely.

Ready to Apply?

You can get started right here on MagicGuides. Get additional hiring tips  and submit your application to our two recommended travel agencies by clicking the button below:

7. Be Patient

Now comes the hardest part – waiting to hear back.

In especially busy agencies, it could take upwards of a month to hear back on your application.

Don’t waste this time. Make sure you keep up with everything that’s happening at Disney and the travel industry while you wait.

If you get the interview (see next step), there may be more waiting afterwards. Don’t get discouraged!

8. Ace the Interview

If you’re fortunate enough to interview with an agency, you’ll want to prepare. Here are our top tips:

• If it’s a phone interview , make sure you’re in a quiet area free of family and pet noises. For a video interview , be sure to dress nicely and be well-groomed.
• Be “in place” and ready to go a few minutes early so you’re not rushing at the last minute.
• It’s understandable to be a bit nervous, but try to be as natural and friendly as possible ! Remember, you might never meet most of your clients in-person. Your interview needs to show how well your personality shines on a phone call or on a video chat. Be polite, engaged, and well-spoken. Speak clearly and don’t mumble. Don’t sound disinterested or distracted.
• Be prepared with a pen, paper and a copy of your resume to reference as needed
• Why do you want this job?
• What do you think is your greatest strength?
• What is your biggest weakness? (Tip: tell them how you’re working to fix it!)
• What unique traits would you bring to this job?
• When was the last time you visited Disney?
• What’s your favorite Disney theme park?
• What does a typical workday look like?
• What are your schedule expectations for me?
• What type of training will I receive?
• What resources will I have to succeed?
• What do you consider to be the sign of a successful agent?
• What is your commission split and how often are payments processed?
• Does anything about my work history concern you? (Tip: be prepared to respond!)
• If an agent underperforms, how do you help them?
• What is your timeline for filling this position?
• If you don’t like what you’ve heard, politely inform them that you’d like to remove yourself from consideration. No agency wants to hire someone who already wants to leave!
• Be sure to thank the interviewer for the time they spent with you!

9. The Offer: Get Hired

We hope your interview goes well and you’re offered a chance to join your preferred agency.

But don’t get discouraged if you’re not hired. Competition can be steep and it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad candidate. Find another agency and keep at it!

If you are fortunate enough to receive a job offer, it can be tempting to instantly accept.

• Make sure to thoroughly review the offer to ensure it matches what you discussed.
• You’re well within your rights to request 24-48 hours to consider the offer.
• If you’ve interviewed with multiple agencies, inform everyone else that you’ve accepted a position elsewhere. Agency owners do talk to one another – it’s not wise to burn any bridges.
• Promptly return any requested documents during the onboarding process. Expect to provide photo ID, an I-9 form , and to sign an offer letter or other agreement.

And that’s it! With your skills and effort, you can build a career planning Disney vacations.

But! You still have work to do…

10. Market Yourself

Getting hired is a huge accomplishment, but it’s only the beginning! Now you need to build up a client base by marketing yourself. Your agency may provide some help, but you’re mainly responsible.

Friends and Family

A large group of friends and family is the best way to start. More connections mean more potential clients. Let everyone know that you’re ready to help them book their trips.

Don’t forget casual acquaintances, either. Your church, social clubs, and neighborhood are full of potential clients.

Many clients would rather deal with someone they know – even just a little – than a total stranger.

Social Media

Social media is a fantastic way to build a following. Successful Disney travel planners create dedicated accounts just to market their services. Facebook pages and Instagram accounts are common choices. Some agents have a large TikTok or YouTube following. And there are many other platforms.

Consider creating a Facebook business page to market your travel services

Find the platforms you’re most comfortable with and begin posting. Invite your friends to follow you, and ask them to invite their friends.

Everything you post is another reminder to your followers that you are ready to plan their next Disney trip. Consider posting:

• Special offers and promotions
• News and updates from the destinations you book
• Content produced by your travel agency
• Sample trip itineraries and prices
• Pictures and videos from your latest trip
• Photos and testimonials from clients (get their permission first!)

The possibilities are endless! But remember: anything you post must follow Disney’s and your agency’s guidelines.

And remember, social media is social ! Be sure to regularly interact with comments/replies. Respond promptly to direct messages.

Direct Marketing

Your agency may send email or postcards to your clients. In some cases, these are generic messages from the agency as a whole. Or they may appear to come directly from you. Either way, they keep your clients engaged and eager to book with you.

Regular emails keep clients informed and engaged

Repeat Business and Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Do a good job planning people’s vacations and you’ll soon start to get repeat business.

Happy clients come back again and again – and they tell their friends!

Successful agents agree: repeat clients and referrals are essential to their success.

Remember, everything you do counts toward your reputation! Treat every client like a VIP every time and it will pay off for decades to come!

If you’re on the fence about whether you should apply or not, here are some considerations to think about. I’ll weigh the pros and cons of each to help you decide.

Income Considerations

Travel agents who focus on Disney vacations can make good money if they’re willing to put in the effort. Being a Disney Travel agent is a job , not a hobby. And it’s a career in which what you put into it directly influences what you get out of it.

Disney vacation planners receive commission rather than a salary or hourly wage, which can be both a pro and a con. You can make virtually unlimited money (in theory). But you can also make… well, nothing . And having an irregular income can make it harder to budget for yourself.

The agents who are most successful financially are those who:

• Are self-starters
• Treat it as a full-time career
• Build up a reliable client base
• Regularly market themselves and build a social media following
• Work with an agency that offers a favorable commission structure

Doing What You Love

If you are a Disney fanatic, being a Disney travel agent may sound like the ultimate dream. You spend each work day thinking about, talking about, researching, and booking Disney Destinations. What could be more rewarding than getting paid to do what you love?

That said, burnout is a real risk. If Disney is your work, then sometimes going to Disney can feel like going to work.

And you can’t simply walk away — if you get frustrated with planning your own vacation, you can take some time off and come back to it later. Clients, no matter how difficult, won’t be willing to wait for you to get your pixie dust back.

Work from Home… or Wherever

One of the best benefits of a job booking Disney Vacations is that you can work from wherever you like (within reason).

For most people, this means setting up a quiet corner or extra room in their home to serve as their “office.” Some agents are full-time RVers. Others might have a favorite café or local park where they do their best work. I know of at least one travel advisor near Orlando who sometimes works from Magic Kingdom or EPCOT!

You probably won’t be allowed to work from HQ at Men in Black: Alien Attack. But you might be able to visit!

Just make sure that working from home is right for you. On the surface it seems fantastic, but you have to be of the right mindset. You’ll need the discipline required to get everything done without a boss hovering over your shoulder. And some people are surprised to find out that they miss the camaraderie of office co-workers.

Flexible Hours

As independent contractors, travel agents generally have the freedom to set their own schedule. Prefer a day shift? More of a night owl? Need to pick up the kids from school? The flexibility of being a travel agent makes it all possible.

Just keep in mind that flexibility goes both ways. Clients may contact you early or late. There will be days you must be up at 6:00 AM Eastern Time to get the best possible dining reservations for a client. And your agency might have mandatory meetings or other scheduling expectations.

Those who have difficulty fully unplugging from work can find this bizarre schedule all the more challenging, leading to a sort of workaholism. For others, knowing that no one’s watching you “punch the clock” can lead to the temptation to sleep late and duck out early. Either way, your paycheck and mental health can suffer if you’re not disciplined.

Potential Tax Benefits

When booking Disney is your business, then visiting Disney can be a business expense!

Any Disney vacation you go on may be tax-deductible as a research expense if certain conditions are met. This ends up being a great perk for anyone that already spends a lot of time at Disney destinations. Other business expenses, such as office supplies and phone bills, may also be deductible.

Just remember that deducting business expenses requires that you keep very detailed records and receipts, and it can make your tax return much more complicated. You might even need to hire a CPA or other financial professional, which could eat into the savings.

Disclaimer: We are not accountants. Please consult an expert before attempting to write off these expenses.

Free Tickets and Discounts

Agents who sell travel are eligible to receive freebies and discounted travel opportunities.

Free Disney and Universal Tickets

Each graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge (Disney’s online training program) receives a free one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket each year.

Tickets are “on the mouse” for travel agents (once per year)

Travel agents who complete the Universal and U training program receive a free 3-Day Universal Orlando ticket.

Your agency may also receive Comp Tickets (complimentary theme park tickets). These are additional free tickets which may be given to travel agents as an incentive.

Travel agents who have a valid IATA/IATAN or CLIA membership card can get discounts on Disney and Universal theme park tickets or hotel stays. Friends and Family discounts may also be offered.

But even free and discounted tickets can lead to more expenses. If you don’t live near the parks, you’ll need a hotel, maybe airline tickets, food money, and more. Consider tickets a nice perk, but not necessarily a major money-saving strategy.

A FAM trip (familiarization trip) is a chance for travel professionals to experience a destination for themselves. For example, Disney World or Universal Orlando might invite agents to visit for free or at a discount so they can experience a new hotel or ride. FAM trips also help build comradery within a travel agency. They can be a great learning experience and are a lot of fun!

Travel agents on a FAM trip at Universal Studios

Top-tier agencies tend to receive more FAM trip opportunities than smaller agencies receive.

Some of the largest agencies even have on-site conventions for their agents!

A panel discussion during an on-site convention of Disney Travel Planners

This is yet another reason to seek out a job with a high-level Disney travel agency. You’ll have access to more perks. But again, keep the potential associated expenses in mind.

How much do Disney travel agents make?

A well-established Disney travel agent can reasonably earn $50,000 per year , assuming that they:

• Work full-time
• Join a high-performing agency
• Have favorable commission splits
• Market themselves often
• Receive additional leads from their agency
• Have a steady stream of bookings
• Have earned repeat business and referrals

The pay can be much lower or much higher depending on the number of trips booked and how much those trips cost.

Agents who just book a few vacations for family and close friends might make only a few hundred dollars per year.

It is possible (though not common) for exceptionally successful agents to make hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When do you get paid?

Disney travel professionals get paid after their client has traveled . This may be anywhere from a couple of months to more than a year after the trip is booked. Some Disney Cruises are booked upwards of 18 months in advance.

What equipment and software do you need?

Almost everything you do for a client will either happen online or over the phone. That means all you really need to become a Disney travel planner is a computer with internet access and a telephone.

But there are some additional pieces of equipment that can make the job easier. See our Essential Equipment List for Disney Travel Agents for further details.

Do I have to join an agency? Can I become a Disney travel agent on my own?

It is possible to go solo as a Disney travel planner , but you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons.

Being an individual agent means you don’t have to split commissions with anyone. You get the entire amount for yourself. And you truly are your own boss.

But you won’t have any help marketing yourself or getting leads. You’ll start out with zero reputation and can’t “stand” on your agency’s established good name. And you’ll be solely responsible for following all laws and licensing requirements.

For most people, it makes more sense to join an agency – especially as a brand new agent. Solo Disney travel agents are rare.

Do I need an LLC?

Most travel agents are considered independent contractors, even when affiliated with a travel agency. As a result, it is often wise to avail yourself of the legal protections that an LLC provides .

Consider a worst-case scenario in which a client sues you for financial damages. Having an LLC may help shield your personal assets if a court rules against you.

Many agents also purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance . This further shields them from potential financial liability.

Disclaimer: we are not lawyers and nothing here should be considered legal advice.

Do you need a license to sell Disney vacations?

Several states require a Seller of Travel license . Severe financial penalties may be levied against unlicensed agents.

The travel agency you work for should have a Seller of Travel license which covers all its individual agents. You might still need to complete an exemption form or meet some other requirements.

Depending on your local regulations you might need a business license . Check with your city, county/parish, or state licensing bureaus to verify requirements.

How do taxes work for travel agents?

Earlier in this article we mentioned that some of your expenses may be tax deductible. But what about income tax itself?

Most travel agents work as independent contractors for their agency. This means you probably won’t have taxes withheld from your paychecks. Rather than a W-2, you’re more likely to receive a 1099 form at year’s end.

You may need to pay quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties at tax time.

Disclaimer: We are not tax professionals. Consult an expert for specific advice on your situation.

Do I need a College Degree?

A college degree isn’t necessary to become a travel agent. You don’t even necessarily need a high school diploma.

Do I need to go to Travel School?

Most Disney-focused travel agencies do not require their agents to have formal training such as travel school.

Do you need experience to become a Disney Travel Agent?

People who have already worked at travel companies are certainly at an advantage. But most Disney-focused agencies accept new hires who’ve never done any type of travel work before.

You will , however, need to have experience visiting Disney World. Very few Disney-focused agencies are willing to hire someone who knows nothing about Disney.

What’s the training like?

Disney, Universal, and other travel providers offer free online training on their products. You’ll be asked to complete those once you’re hired.

The training typically is just a series of online videos or slides, perhaps followed by a quiz. You can typically complete this at your own pace. It usually won’t take more than one or two days of your time.

Your agency may also have its own training. (That’s a great question to ask during your interview!)

And your training never really stops. It’s reasonable to expect regular refresher training on the destinations you book.

Can I work part-time?

It is possible to work part-time as an agent, but you’ll need to find an agency that supports it.

Most agencies prefer full-time agents rather than part-timers. The agency must commit a significant amount of resources to train and onboard a new agent. They want that investment to pay off with many bookings and large commissions.

There are, however, some agencies which are open to accepting part-time workers. As an example, Enchantaway Travel embraces part-time agents and happily hires them.

Just remember, your income potential will be significantly limited if you only work part-time.

Do Disney Travel Planners have to live in Orlando or Anaheim?

Not at all! You’ll want to visit Disney at least once every year or two (so you can keep up with what’s happening). But it’s not necessary to live in the shadow of Cinderella Castle!

Do Disney Travel Agents sell other destinations, too?

Absolutely! It’s common for most Disney-focused travel agencies to sell:

• Disney World
• Some international Disney theme parks
• Disney Cruise Line
• Adventures by Disney
• Hilton Head Island

• Universal Orlando Resort
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Atlantis Bahamas
• Sandals Resorts
• Beaches Resorts

This list might seem daunting. But remember: more options means more chances to book something for your client. And that means more chances to earn a commission!

When I taught Disney Traditions to new Disney Cast Members on their first day at work, there was one thing we wanted them to remember above all: “We Create Happiness.”

Being a Disney-focused travel agent is no different.

Every day, you’ll be sending people on vacation. They’ll be excited to talk to you – and you’ll be excited to talk to them. There’s really nothing like the feeling of knowing someone is having the time of their life because of something you made possible.

I wouldn’t dare promise that every single moment will be Mickey Ears and Pixie Dust. You’ll work hard. There will be early mornings, late nights, and hectic booking days. It requires discipline, initiative, and the right attitude.

But for most agents, those photos of happy clients smiling in front of Cinderella Castle make it all worth it .

I know we’ve covered a lot in this article. It may seem overwhelming or scary. It might even seem impossible. But, as Walt himself once said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible!”

I wish you the best possible success as you begin this journey. Go make some magic!

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One Comment

Good tips here. Wish I’d known some of this when I started out.

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