How to find a Disney travel agent to make the most of your vacation
Remember the thrill of those family Disney vacations when you were a kid? Every moment was special.
You met your favorite characters. You enjoyed new rides. You stayed at the magical resort hotels.
Though a lot has changed, you can still capture that wonder. You can relive your own memories while making new ones with your kids.
What does it take to make a Disney vacation full of good stories? It starts with a bit of preparation and some thoughtful choices. And to make it easier, you can seek help from a Disney expert—what some may call Disney travel agents.
You'll find different names for a Disney travel agent. Some refer to them as a Disney travel planner. Some prefer Disney vacation planner. But they all have the same role. This is a travel agent Disney certifies through its College of Disney Knowledge.
Moreover, they are agents specializing in Disney travel. At Good Story Vacations, we call them travel advisors. Or, Advisors for short.
Disney travel advisors make your vacation easier. From the Disney Parks to Disney Cruise Line and beyond, they handle it all. They book hotels, park tickets, and transportation. They offer guidance every step of the way without any extra cost.
They help your family make the most of every moment, so you can enjoy the magic.
So should you use a Disney travel advisor for your next vacation? Let’s look at the benefits.
Expert knowledge
Disney travel advisors are vacation experts. Beyond loving Disney destinations, they train to stay up to date. This training is direct from Disney. They call it the College of Disney Knowledge.
Every year, advisors take courses and get a certificate. This means you can count on them for the best and latest vacation tips.
Advisors also travel to Disney destinations often. They learn firsthand everything they need to pass on to their guests.
Don't know which of the Walt Disney World® Resort hotels is best for your budget? Your advisor will help you narrow down your options.
Want to toast an anniversary at Disneyland® Resort? Your advisor can help with that, too.
Have a question about an event you found on the Walt Disney World website calendar? Your advisor can tell you all about the event and how it fits into your schedule when you visit the parks. And because they know you, they can say how it matches your family's interests.
That's the advantage of working with a Disney travel advisor. They know you, your family, and how to plan a Disney vacation. This combination can help you find the best options for your trip to Disney destinations.
With their help, you'll have access to insider tips that can make your trip one you won't forget.
Peace of mind
Disney travel advisors make planning simple. Get peace of mind knowing they are handling all the details with care.
From the initial booking to when you arrive, they'll help you prepare with ease. Their dedication ensures seamless, magical vacations. This frees your mind to focus on having fun with your family.
With your advisor, you can relax and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Personal touch
Every family has its own ideas about what makes a vacation special. An advisor's first task is to listen. They take it all in and bring you options that fit your personal preferences.
At Good Story Vacations, we make sure everyone has stories to tell when they return. That's part of what we call story-based advising. Our Advisors focus on lifelong stories.
Let's say you've booked a Disney trip at Walt Disney World Resort and your kids love Frozen. They might suggest a sing-along, a ride on Frozen Ever After, and photos with Anna and Elsa. Or let's say your family is into Toy Story. They might suggest eating at Roundup Rodeo BBQ and riding Toy Story Mania!®
What's important to us is that you look back at your trip and say, "Remember when…" with a smile.
Saves time
Disney vacations are all about fun family time. So, free yourself up by letting a trusted advisor handle the details.
They'll compare the best offers and prices. They book your rooms and tickets. They sort out transportation to and from the airport.
Navigating travel packages and park policies can be a lot to manage. Your advisor will streamline the process so that every part of your trip is in order.
They even have a direct line to Disney for managing your reservation. We know that life can get busy. You have no need to wait on hold. They'll handle the phone calls, so you can focus on what's important.
Reminders
Advisors keep track of your important dates. They'll remind you about advance dining reservations. They'll keep track of special experiences too. For instance, you can reserve a spot to build a Star Wars lightsaber in Savi's Workshop.
With a few reservations in your plans, you'll start your trip feeling ahead of the game.
Save money
So, is it cheaper to book Disney through a travel agent? We get that question a lot. The answer is yes, and here’s why.
A Disney travel advisor can find special offers that you might not know about. Plus, they track new promotions to save you money when possible. If a discount pops up, they can try applying it to your reservation.
With the savings, you'll get the same vacation for less. Or, it can open your budget for another Disney experience.
Extra perks
Be on the lookout for Disney travel agencies that offer extra perks. Take advantage of loyalty programs and more.
The Legendary Program at Good Story Vacations is a good example. You can earn points every time you book a trip with us. These points increase with each new adventure, from 1x to 4x.
Redeem them for gift cards that can go toward a little extra vacation magic. Grab a MagicBand+. Book character dining. Transform your kids at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
The choice is yours. Your Disney vacation can only get better.
Another benefit to look for is a focus on the planet. Take our Doing Good initiative. We donate 1% of our profits from every trip you take to environmental projects. So while you’re having fun, your vacation is also helping our world.
Perks can make your vacation even more rewarding. So use them if you can find them.
How to find a Disney vacation planner
The right travel advisor can make a huge difference in the quality of your trip. To find an advisor who can craft your Disney vacation, follow these tips:
- Seek recommendations. Ask friends and family for recommendations. See what your social networks have to say. Personal experiences can give you good insights. It also speeds up your search. Remember that different people call them different titles: Disney travel agent, Disney vacation planner, Disney travel planner, Disney travel advisor, etc. This is shorthand for a travel advisor who specializes in Disney destinations.
- Verify their training and experience. Ensure the advisor has completed official training. Find one who specializes in Disney vacations. They should be able to offer firsthand tips and tricks.
- Look for added value. Some offer extra perks. See if they provide detailed trip guides for your family. Loyalty programs are a bonus that make your trip even more rewarding.
- Check reviews and testimonials. Look for statements from previous clients. This can give you an idea of the advisor's reliability.
- Check their responsiveness. Contact the advisor with a few questions at first and see how long it takes for a response. Good, detailed communication is essential when planning.
Questions to ask
Before picking a Disney travel advisor, ask a few questions. You want to make sure they will meet your needs. These questions will help you see if they are the best fit to plan your Disney adventure.
- Do you charge a fee? For most advisors, they provide services free of charge. But please note that some will charge a planning fee. Ask so you know this upfront.
- Are you up to date with the College of Disney Knowledge? This will check if they have received training from Disney. They should receive a certificate each year.
- Beyond Disney, what extra services can you arrange? Check for stroller and scooter rentals. If you're flying, ask about ground transportation. If your trip is in Orlando, see if they can help with Universal theme park tickets as well.
- How do you handle payments and cancellations? Knowing how cancellations work can put your mind at ease. Understanding how payments work is also helpful. Most advisors pass payment information to Disney.
- Do you provide personalized recommendations? The biggest advantage of an advisor is the suggestions you'll get. They tailor recommendations for your family. A customized guide with thoughtful tips is hard to beat.
- Can you track promotions and discounts? Advisors who hunt for discounts can save you money. You may find offers from third parties that have separate terms. But a Disney travel advisor's agency has a contract with Disney. So the offers you'll get from them are official.
- Do you offer any extra benefits? Look for a loyalty program to earn some extra rewards on your trip. See if there are any other programs you should be aware of.
- What kind of support do you offer leading up to the trip? Knowing your advisor is there to help you prepare can provide peace of mind. That's what Disney travel advisors do best.
Ask this list to help you find the best Disney travel advisor for your family. When you find them, you can rest easy. You'll get top-notch service to make your trip a memorable one.
Make the most of your Disney vacation
Disney vacations are more than trips. They’re stories that your family will remember forever.
Your Disney travel advisor is a partner on this journey every step of the way. They consider your time, budget, and dreams with diamond-level care and expertise. But most of all, they make sure that you experience all the magic that Disney has to offer.
Ready to start planning your next vacation? Reach out to Good Story Vacations and our Advisors will start you on your journey. With us, your next Disney vacation will be easy, rewarding, and full of good stories.