Planning a Disney vacation involves many details, from choosing the perfect resort to securing coveted dining reservations. For those considering a career as a Disney travel agent, one question that often arises is whether they get paid for making dining reservations. Do Disney travel agents receive compensation or commission for this specific task?

The short answer is no — Disney travel agents do not receive direct compensation or commission for booking dining reservations on behalf of their clients. While making dining reservations is an essential part of planning a magical Disney vacation, it is considered a complimentary service provided by the travel agent. The reason for this lies in the nature of dining reservations and how travel agents earn their income.

A plate of sushi at a Disney World restaurant

Why Don’t Disney Travel Agents Get Paid for Dining Reservations?

Disney travel agents earn their income primarily through commissions on vacation packages, which can include accommodations, tickets, and add-ons like Disney Dining Plans. Unlike these components, dining reservations usually do not involve an upfront financial transaction. When a travel agent books a dining reservation, they secure a table at a restaurant for their client, but no money is exchanged at the time of booking.

Since making a dining reservation does not involve a direct sale, the travel agent does not earn a commission. Instead, agents provide this service as a value-added benefit to their clients, ensuring they have access to the best dining experiences by making reservations in a timely manner. This might not earn the agent any money upfront, but the goodwill it builds helps encourage repeat business.

be our guest restaurant entrance

How Do Disney Travel Agents Earn Commission?

Commission on Vacation Packages

Disney travel agents make money by arranging vacation packages for their clients. These packages typically include hotel accommodations and theme park tickets. Some packages may also include add-ons or special experiences.

When a client books a package through a Disney travel agent, the agent earns a commission based on the total cost of the package. The more components included in the package, the higher the potential commission for the agent. Even without dining reservation commissions, a Disney travel agent can earn a good annual income by booking complete vacation packages for their clients.

Commission on Disney Dining Plans

Although Disney travel agents don’t earn commission on individual dining reservations, they can earn commission when clients purchase Disney Dining Plans as part of their vacation package. Disney Dining Plans are pre-paid meal packages that offer a set number of meals and snacks per day, often at a discounted rate compared to paying out of pocket. Agents can increase their overall commission by encouraging clients to add a dining plan to their package.

Disney Dining Plan Logo

It’s important to note that Disney travel agents generally do not earn commission (from Disney) on airfare or other transportation booked separately from a vacation package, nor do they earn a commission on Disney Annual Passes.

Insights from Disney Travel Agents

I spoke with two experienced Disney travel agents who work for top-tier agencies to get their thoughts on commissions and dining reservations.

Sarah, a Disney travel planner, shares:

“Making dining reservations is just one of the many services we provide to ensure our clients have the best possible Disney experience. While we don’t get paid specifically for those reservations, helping our clients plan their dream vacation is incredibly rewarding. At the end of the day, I make good money as a Disney travel agent, so not being compensated for dining reservations is okay because my main goal is to satisfy my clients and make them happy. If I keep them happy, they’ll book with me again and tell their friends to book with me, too.”

Melissa, another Disney vacation planner, adds:

“Although I don’t receive a commission for dining reservations alone, recommending the Disney Dining Plan to my clients can increase my overall commission per booking. But more importantly, I want my clients to be satisfied with their dining choices. Securing those hard-to-get reservations is all part of my job, even if I don’t get directly paid to do it. As their Disney travel advisor, the satisfaction of helping clients have the best vacation experience ever is what makes being a Disney travel agent worth it.”

Conclusion

While Disney travel agents don’t get paid directly for making dining reservations, they can still earn a good living by booking complete vacation packages and providing exceptional service to their clients. By focusing on creating magical experiences and building strong relationships with clients, Disney travel agents can enjoy a rewarding career in the travel industry.

Ready to take the next step?

Becoming a Disney Travel Agent

If you’re passionate about Disney and enjoy helping others plan their dream vacations, becoming a Disney travel agent could be a fulfilling career path. To become a successful Disney travel agent, you’ll need to:

  • Develop essential character traits such as passion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.
  • Invest in necessary equipment like a reliable computer and phone.
  • Apply to work with a reputable Disney-focused travel agency.

Two of the best Disney travel agencies in the business are The Vacationeer and EnchantAway Travel. Both agencies offer competitive commission splits of up to 80%, comprehensive training, and a strong focus on agent success.

  • The Vacationeer, an Earmarked Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency, is an excellent choice for exceptional candidates seeking a full-time career in the industry. They have an outstanding reputation and, thanks to their elite Diamond-Level status, offer more agency perks like free trips to Disney destinations (FAM trips).
  • EnchantAway Travel is ideal for new agents or those looking for part-time opportunities with plenty of flexibility. They provide a supportive environment for agents to grow and succeed in the industry, with a focus on work-life balance.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for Disney into a rewarding career, consider applying to work with The Vacationeer or EnchantAway Travel today!