How to Become a Disney Focused Travel Agent in Canada

Whether you’re in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, or anywhere else in Canada (outside of Quebec), becoming a Disney travel agent – or travel agent specializing in Disney vacations, as we’re often called – is absolutely possible and it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done!

It’s a question I get asked a lot because there isn’t a ton of information available online for Canadians who are new to the travel industry. There is quite a bit of misinformation and conflicting details out there, so hopefully I can clear some of that up.

Full disclosure, I’m Francine – I’m Pixie Dust Fan AND the owner of Playcation Travel, a Canadian Disney-focused travel agency.  I’ve been a travel agent for over 20 years and I’m happy to share what I know!

What You Need to Know About Joining An Ontario Based Agency

If you work for an agency that has its head office in Ontario you MUST be certified by the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO).   TICO is an organization mandated by the Ontario government to govern travel retailers and travel wholesalers registered in Ontario. TICO does not sell any travel services.  Registered TICO agencies and websites provide additional consumer protection that may not be available when booking with agencies based in other countries or provinces. A few of these protections include the compensation fund, travel complaint resolution, education standards, and set financial requirements for travel agencies.

You can find the education standards and requirements for TICO here.

Once you have your TICO certificate you need to decide what travel agency or program you would like to join.  Most times you are set up as an independent contractor  or home-based agent that is commission based.  There are some agencies that pay an hourly wage with little or no commissions that may have a physical location.

What About Becoming a Disney Vacation Planner in Other Provinces?

The TICO requirement applies specifically to agencies headquartered in Ontario – and since Playcation Travel is based in Toronto, all of our agents must hold a valid TICO certificate. If you are based in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, or another province, the process to join our team is the same – you will still need to complete your TICO certification as part of our onboarding. The good news is that the exam is available online and straightforward to complete. We welcome agents from across Canada, outside of Quebec.

(If you’re interested in joining an agency that is physically located in British Columbia or Quebec, the regulatory requirements will be different. I’d recommend reaching out to those agencies directly to understand what certifications or registrations they require before you get started. At Playcation Travel we have our BC license.)

What questions should I ask a potential host agency?

This is just a starting point – but very good to know:

• Is this commission based or salary?
• Is there an expectation of minimum sales?
• What are the start up and monthly costs?
• What is the commission split?
• Do you offer training?
• What tools do I need?
• Do your agents charge fees?
• What perks or benefits are available and when?
• Can I book things other than Disney and Universal?

These are just some of the things that you should consider when meeting with or starting the application process with a potential agency.  It’s important to understand if you will be a good fit in the team overall.  Who are the agency owners and how involved are they in the day to day operations?  Who will be there to support you as you navigate your first bookings?  Read the contract in detail before you sign as every agency has different terms included.

I cannot stress this enough – please beware of agencies that ‘free’ or ‘discounted’ vacations or who ask you to recruit others.  If your compensation requires you to ‘sign someone up’ – RUN.  These are not travel agencies, they are multi level marketing schemes that recruit new agents to pay the fees to the others.

Is it fun to be a Disney vacation planner?  Absolutely!  Planning Disney vacations and having a first time guest come back and tell you how much they loved it is the best feeling ever!  The home-based travel advisors generally set their own hours, build their own marketing plans and nurture their own client base.  They spend as much time (or as little) as they feel necessary to grow and sustain their business.  They may be Disney fans, but the best agent knows this is a job and it is hard work as well as being fun.

Things that you should consider before signing up with an agency:

• How will you attract potential clients?
• Do you have personal experience at the Disney parks and Disney resorts to offer professional advice?
• How will you manage your time in order to give the personal attention and customer service to your clients?
• Do you have anything that would prohibit you from being available to your clients?
• Are you willing to invest $$ in your business to get started?

Once you have signed on to join an agency you’ll have access to the College of Disney Knowledge.  This is the online course that all Disney travel planners have access to.  Each supplier has their own versions of online training including Universal Orlando Resort, Marriott hotels and others.

Vacation planners have such an important role in helping determine the best vacation package that meets the client’s needs.  You are expected to offer expert advice, find the best price and monitor new offers that may become available after booking.  There is a lot of work involved for Walt Disney World Resort packages when you consider travel tips for dining, attractions, ticket options and Lightning Lanes.  Having accurate information and knowledge of Disney destinations is key to planning the most magical trips for your guests.

Becoming a travel agent was one of the best decisions I ever made.  It really does make me happy to hear from clients who return from a vacation with  wonderful new memories made.  To know that my team was a part of making that happen for them is priceless.

If you’ve read through all of this and you’re thinking “this sounds like me!” – I’d love to hear from you.  Joining the right agency makes all the difference, and at Playcation Travel we’re always looking for passionate, motivated people who love Disney as much as we do.  Find out more about joining our team here – I’d love to have a conversation with you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Disney Vacation Planner in Canada

Do I need experience to become a Disney vacation planner in Canada?

Not necessarily, and different hosts will have different requirements.  From my experience, many successful Disney vacation planners started with no formal travel industry experience.  They started with a genuine passion and love for Disney travel along with a drive and determination to learn. At Playcation Travel, we welcome agents at different stages of their journey.

What matters most is having an entrepernurial spirit and determination to succeed.  This is a SALES job, you have to be comfortable putting yourself out there and doing the work it takes to grow your business.

What is the College of Disney Knowledge?

The College of Disney Knowledge is Disney’s online training program for travel agents. It covers Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Aulani. Once you join an agency that sells Disney destinations you will get access to this training.

What is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner?

No individual agent is an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner”,  the designation is “EarMarked by Disney” and it is given to the AGENCY overall.  This designation is given by Disney to travel agencies that meet specific sales and training requirements. Not all host agencies hold this status and if it is important to you and you will be focused on Disney destinations, it is worth confirming with the agency before joining.  Playcation Travel is EarMarked by Disney.

How much do Disney vacation planners earn in Canada?

Most travel agents that are home based in Canada work on a commission only basis.   Commissions are paid by Disney and the other suppliers and are split between you and your host agency according to your agreement.  The split varies by agency and depends on things such as fees and sales volume.  The income you can make depends on the size and volume of your bookings.  It is a business that is slow to grow and many agents start part-time and scale when finances allow for it.

Can I become a Disney vacation planner in Canada if I live outside Ontario?

Yes. While Playcation Travel is headquartered in Ontario and operates under TICO registration, we welcome agents from across Canada (outside of Quebec). Regardless of where you are based, you will need to complete your TICO certification as part of joining our team. The exam is available online and can be completed from anywhere in Canada.