As a Disney enthusiast, the idea of working as a Disney travel planner and getting free trips to Disney Destinations seems like a dream come true. We know they earn commissions, but do Disney travel agents really get free trips? In this article, we’ll explore the reality of Disney travel agent perks, including free and discounted trips, and hear from experienced agents in the industry.
FAM Trips: How Disney Travel Agents Experience Destinations at a Discount
What Are Disney Travel Agent FAM Trips?
One of the main ways Disney travel agents can experience the destinations they sell is through familiarization trips, commonly known as “FAM trips.” FAM trips are designed to educate Disney travel agents about the products they offer, allowing them to better serve their clients. These trips are typically organized by Disney or by Disney-focused travel agencies.
Travel agents on a FAM trip at Universal Studios, an additional destination often booked by Disney Travel Agents
FAM trips serve multiple purposes, such as:
- Providing hands-on training for agents: During FAM trips, agents attend seminars, workshops, and tours that offer in-depth knowledge about Disney destinations, resorts, and attractions.
- Showcasing new attractions, resorts, or cruise ships: FAM trips often coincide with the opening of new Disney offerings, giving agents firsthand experience to share with clients.
- Allowing agents to network with Disney representatives and other travel professionals: FAM trips provide a platform for agents to connect with Disney representatives, ask questions, and gain valuable insights.
- Giving agents the opportunity to experience the destinations they sell: By participating in FAM trips, agents can better understand the products they are selling and provide more authentic recommendations.
- Fostering camaraderie among coworkers: Some FAM trips are targeted at individual agents, but others bring several agents from the same agency together, fostering bonds and team spirit. They also serve as rewards for top performers and celebrations of agency milestones. Some agencies even have giant on-site conventions for their agents.
A panel discussion during an on-site convention of Disney Travel Planners
FAM trips are offered more frequently to Earmarked Diamond-Level Disney Travel Planner agencies. Some smaller agencies may not offer them at all. If FAM trips are important to you, seek employment with a premier Disney travel agency (see below for suggestions).
How Much Do Disney Travel Agent FAM Trips Cost?
Accommodations and park tickets for FAM trips may be free or discounted. For discounted trips, the exact savings vary, but agents can expect to pay a fraction of the regular price. Even if the hotel and tickets are free, there could still be costs. For example, the agent usually still pays for transportation and at least some meals.
A Disney Travel Agent’s Firsthand Experience with FAM Trips
We asked Bonnie, a travel agent with a top-tier Disney travel agency, to share her experience with FAM trips:
“My last FAM trip was incredible. I stayed at Art of Animation for several days, exploring the parks and immersing myself in the magic. The hotel stay and park tickets were entirely free, which was a huge perk. Although I had to pay for my airfare and a few meals, it was a small price to pay for such an amazing experience. I’ve never spent so little to enjoy Disney!
“During the trip, I attended seminars that provided valuable insider tips and training on the latest attractions and experiences. Despite having visited Disney World many times before, I still learned a lot and was thrilled to see the new offerings.
Concept Art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | Image © Disney
“What I enjoyed most was bonding with the other travel agents. We shared experiences and knowledge and formed real friendships, which have been invaluable in my career. When we chat in our agency Facebook group, I now have a personal connection with the person I’m talking to.
“After returning home, I felt invigorated and excited to share my newfound knowledge with my clients. With personalized recommendations based on my experiences, I’m able to create even more magical vacations for them.
“FAM trips may not be entirely free, but the experience they provide is highly beneficial, and the free aspects are an excellent perk of the job. The opportunity to learn, grow, and create long-lasting memories and friendships is awesome.”
Discounted Rates and Other Perks for Disney Travel Agents
Understanding Disney Travel Agent Discounted Rates
In addition to FAM trips, Disney travel agents may have access to special travel agent rates when booking their own vacations. These discounted rates can make visiting Disney destinations more affordable for agents and their families.
Disney travel agents can typically save up to 20% to 40% on select Disney resort rooms and Disney Cruise Line sailings. However, these discounts are subject to availability and may vary depending on the time of year and specific destination.
Another perk is complimentary Disney Park Hopper tickets. If you become a Disney travel agent, you’ll be entitled to a Park Hopper ticket for one day at either Walt Disney World or Disneyland each year. Additionally, you can choose to purchase discounted two—to 10-day Park Hopper tickets at Walt Disney World if you plan to stay for a longer duration.
Tickets are “on the mouse” for travel agents (once per year)
Key Benefits of Disney Travel Agent Discounted Rates
- Disney travel agent rates can offer significant discounts on Disney vacations
- Discounts can be up to 40% on select Disney resort rooms or Disney Cruise Line sailings
- Discounts typically apply to accommodations and sometimes park tickets
- Rates vary depending on destination, time of year, and availability
- Discounted rates are for the agent’s personal travel only, not for clients
- Despite limitations, these perks help Disney travel agents experience Disney magic firsthand for much less
A Disney Travel Agent’s Personal Story: Making Magic More Affordable
Luis, an agent with another highly respected Disney-focused agency, shares his story:
“I started working as a part-time Disney travel agent because I love Disney. I was also aware that one of the perks of the job was access to discounts, which I knew would come in handy for my own family trips. Last November, I surprised my family with a vacation to Walt Disney World. We stayed at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn at a discounted rate of approximately 30% off the regular price.
“The discount allowed us to enjoy a Disney Deluxe Resort experience while staying within our budget. The hotel was stunning, with beautiful rooms and fantastic amenities. My kids loved swimming in the pool and watching the fireworks from our room’s balcony.
“The convenience of being close to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios was also great. Staying here would have been a pipe dream if it weren’t for the discount, so I was thrilled I took on this side hustle.
“However, Disney travel agent discounts don’t cover everything. We still had to pay full price for flights, meals, and souvenirs. The discounts vary depending on the time of year and availability, so they’re not always guaranteed.
“Despite not being entirely free, I’m grateful for the opportunity to experience Disney destinations at a more affordable price. It allows me to share my love for Disney with my family while enhancing my knowledge as a Disney travel agent, helping me better serve my clients.”
Conclusion: The True Rewards of Being a Disney Travel Agent
Becoming a Disney travel agent requires passion, dedication, and hard work to build a successful career. While the perks of the job – such as discounted FAM trips, complimentary park hopper tickets, and special Disney travel agent rates – can make it an attractive career choice, the true reward lies in turning a passion for Disney into a thriving career by helping others create magical memories.
If you’re considering a career as a Disney travel agent, you might be wondering about the annual salary of a Disney travel agent or how much Disney travel agents make when they book a trip. These are important factors to consider when determining if being a Disney travel agent is worth it as a career. Be sure to check out our in-depth articles on these topics to better understand the earning potential and benefits of this profession.
To start your journey, explore our step-by-step guide on how to become a Disney travel agent. This comprehensive resource will walk you through the process and provide valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in this rewarding career. When you’re ready to take the next step, review our tips for submitting a standout job application for Disney travel agent positions.
Although Disney travel agents may not receive entirely free trips, the discounts and perks allow them to experience the destinations firsthand, enhancing their knowledge and enthusiasm. This enables them to provide exceptional service and create unforgettable vacations for their clients.
Our Recommended Disney Travel Agencies to Apply With
When it comes to choosing a Disney travel agency to work for, two standout options are The Vacationeer and EnchantAway Travel. Both agencies are among the best in the business, known for their exceptional support, comprehensive training, and commitment to their agents’ success.
- The Vacationeer is an Earmarked Diamond-Level Disney Vacation Planner agency, meaning they offer more FAM trips to their agents than most other agencies. If FAM trips are important to you, The Vacationeer is an excellent choice for exceptional candidates seeking a full-time career in the industry, as they provide a steady stream of leads and offer competitive commission splits of up to 80%.
- EnchantAway Travel is a fantastic option for both part-time and full-time agents — especially those brand new to the travel industry — with a focus on flexibility and work-life balance. They also offer competitive commission splits of up to 80%.
To learn more about these Disney travel agencies and get insider tips on submitting your application, click the button below:
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