Becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency is an aspiration for many travel agencies specializing in Disney vacations. This coveted status signifies an agency’s expertise, dedication, and high sales volume in planning Disney vacations. But how do you reach this level? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process and requirements of becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency.
To become an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency, you need to first become a certified travel agent and join an authorized travel agency. Your agency should specialize in Disney destinations and consistently achieve high sales volumes in Disney products. All agents in your agency should complete Disney’s official training, the College of Disney Knowledge. Once these criteria are met, Disney may invite you to join the Earmarked Program, granting you the status of an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency.
What is an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency?
An Earmarked Disney Travel Agency is a travel agency that has been recognized by Disney for meeting specific qualifications, such as a high level of sales and completion of required destination training. These agencies have access to exclusive training, educational opportunities, and marketing support through Disney’s Earmarked Program. They are also designated as Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, which means they have been trained using official Disney training materials.
Becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency: The Steps
Here are the steps you can follow to become an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency:
- Become a certified travel agent: Complete a certification program to meet the travel agent requirements.
- Join an authorized travel agency: To sell Disney vacation packages, join an authorized travel agency that is registered with Disney as a seller of travel.
- Specialize in Disney destinations: Your agency must specialize in selling Disney Destinations and demonstrate a multi-year track record of success.
- Complete Disney training: All agents in your agency should become College of Disney Knowledge graduates, a requirement for the Earmarked Program.
- Achieve high sales volume: Your agency must consistently sell a certain level of revenue for each Disney product for at least two years in a row.
Once your agency meets these criteria, Disney may invite you to join the Earmarked Program.
Challenges in Becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency
The journey to becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency is not without challenges. These include joining an authorized travel agency, earning Earmarked status, maintaining Disney training, building a client base, navigating the commission structure, accessing FAM trips and perks, and receiving adequate training and support from your host agency.
Successful Earmarked Disney Travel Agencies
Several successful Earmarked Disney Travel Agencies have been recognized for their expertise, professionalism, and outstanding customer service. These include The Vacationeer, Fairytale Journeys, Academy Travel, Small World Vacations, and MickeyTravels. Factors contributing to their success include expertise in Disney vacation planning, high-quality customer service, and responsiveness, among others.
Maintaining Your Status as an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency
To maintain your status as an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency, agents must complete the College of Disney Knowledge training and improve upon their sales each year. This ensures that your agency stays updated and continues to provide the best service to clients.
Benefits of Becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency
Becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency offers several benefits for both the agency and its clients. For the agency, the benefits include sales and marketing support, exclusive training and educational opportunities, special agency designation, and rewards based on sales. For clients, the benefits include expertise in Disney vacation planning, personalized service, access to discounts and promotions, and more.
Tips for Becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency
Joining an authorized travel agency, completing Disney training, choosing a reputable agency, developing good communication skills, building a network, learning from successful agents, being passionate about Disney, learning how to sell up, visiting Disney destinations, and being patient and persistent are all important steps in your journey to becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency.
Conclusion
Becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency is a journey that requires dedication, expertise, and a passion for Disney. With these tips and guidelines, you can work towards achieving this status and providing your clients with the best possible Disney vacation experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the College of Disney Knowledge?
The College of Disney Knowledge is an online course offered by Disney to travel agents. It provides in-depth knowledge about different Disney destinations and vacation packages.
Is it possible to become an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency without joining an authorized travel agency?
No, joining an authorized travel agency that is registered with Disney as a seller of travel is one of the prerequisites for becoming an Earmarked Disney Travel Agency.
What does it mean to “sell up” in the context of a travel agency?
“Selling up” refers to the process of encouraging customers to purchase more expensive or comprehensive vacation packages, thereby increasing the agency’s sales and commissions.
What are FAM trips?
FAM (Familiarization) trips are discounted or free trips offered to travel agents by travel providers. These trips help agents become more familiar with the destinations and services they are selling.
How often do agents need to complete the College of Disney Knowledge training?
The frequency of the training is not specified by Disney, but it is recommended that agents complete the training periodically to stay updated with new developments and offerings.
