Why You Need a Travel Agent Now More Than Ever

in Disney, Travel

walt disney world guests

Credit: Matt Stroshane/Walt Disney World Resort

The holiday season is quickly approaching, with many of the Disney Parks worldwide already celebrating Halloween and fall. Since July, Walt Disney World Resort has welcomed Guests back to the magic, and now, hopeful travelers are itching to get back to the Most Magical Place on Earth just in time for the most wonderful time of the year — Christmas! 

Whether you want to book a holiday vacation to Disney World to celebrate Christmas in the theme parks, or you’re looking ahead to 2021 and want to visit one of the many Disney destinations worldwide, we’ve got you covered. No matter how soon you want to visit, we highly recommend using a travel agent to guarantee you have the most magical trip yet. 

The world may be experiencing some uncertain times, and the idea of booking any kind of vacation right now may seem daunting and complicated. But it doesn’t have to be. If you book your next Disney trip with a skilled travel agent, all of your stress will melt away, and all you have to focus on is the excitement that comes with a Disney vacation (without any of the worries of planning!). 

aulani
Credit: Disney Vacation Club

Plan to Travel Anytime Soon? Utilize a Travel Agent

We’ve shared how much we value the skills and knowledge of travel agents — specifically, the Authorized Disney Vacation Planners who know everything there is to know about making a vacation magical and pixie-dusted. And if you’re planning on traveling in 2020 just in time for the holidays (or you want to book a spring or summer vacation in 2021) a travel agent can seriously help. 

The travel agent industry is alive and well, and we need it now more than ever before.  With the ever-changing world we now live in, travel agents are more in-demand every day — these vacation planning experts are the most up-to-date about booking a trip (especially with all of the new and exciting changes happening in places like Disney World!) in these tumultuous times. 

In the past, people would attempt to book their vacations online, only to leave them helpless if they had questions about their trip, issues with the booking, flight changes, cancelations, inclement weather — the list goes on. This is no longer the case, as more and more people are turning to travel agents to help them with their vacation planning. Your travel agent is an advocate who can rectify any issues that may arise during the vacation planning process and find solutions so you can still have a magical trip.

dcl ship
Credit: Disney Cruise Line

Changes to Planning a Disney Trip

During the recent few months, we have seen a multitude of changes within the travel industry, with Disney destinations being at the forefront.

In the past, planning a Disney vacation was an exciting time for families. They would gather around the computer, choose the resort of their choice, set up their Disney experience to fit their interests, and enjoy a stress-free time planning their magical vacation.

But in recent years, Disney has introduced a variety of features, options, and experiences. As the Disney Parks, Resorts, and Cruise Line are constantly changing, we have been turning to travel agents more and more. 

Yes, many of the people who choose to book a trip with a travel agent are first-time vacationers who don’t know where to start when it comes to planning a Disney trip. But there are also people who have been to Disney World year after year who are now choosing to go with a travel agent’s expert advice, just so they don’t have to worry about anything that has to do with planning. 

Over the past decade, it has become more time consuming and even stressful to plan a Disney trip. And with the pandemic affecting vacations in 2020 and beyond, changes, new systems, and health and safety protocol implemented by the Walt Disney Travel Company have made planning a Disney vacation best left up to the experts: the Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. These travel agents are the most well-versed in “the new Disney normal.”

Here are just a few components that have changed in regard to a Disney vacation:

  • Disney Park Pass reservation system
  • New Theme Park Ticket policy 
  • Face coverings, temperature checks, and social distancing
  • VIP Tour Reservations
  • New and extended Park Hours
  • Dining reservations
  • Magic Bands
  • Resort openings
  • My Disney Experience app changes and updates

The majority of Guests planning their own Disney vacation may be unaware of many of these changes, even if they have been to Walt Disney World several times already. Often, halfway through planning their own vacations, these hopeful Guests are seeking out the help of an experienced travel agent.

cinderella castle transformation finished
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Travel Agents That Specialize in Disney Vacations

So you want to book a Disney trip, but don’t know where to start (or don’t want to stress about anything in the process)? Don’t worry. There are travel agents who specialize in Disney vacations — and they can take care of every pixie-dusted detail.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are travel agents who specialize in Disney Destinations are required to take multiple levels of training in order to “earn their ears.” They are all graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge Program and continually train with the Walt Disney Company throughout the year. Part of their job is to stay up-to-date daily on all of the new and exciting changes happening at the Disney Destinations, as well as any of the new health and safety protocol that has been introduced to protect Guests who are visiting amid the pandemic.  

Related: Dreaming of a New Career? Become a Disney Travel Agent!

Disney Travel Agent

Does it matter which Travel Agency I choose?

Yes! When choosing a Disney Travel Agency to work with, the most important thing to look for is to see if they are a Disney Earmarked Agency. Becoming an Earmarked Agency is not an easy task. Extensive knowledge, value offered to clients, and training are just a sample of the requirements to become part of this prestigious group.

There are five Earmark levels that Disney agencies aspire to be accepted into:

Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Needless to say, working with a Diamond Earmarked Agency will only provide the best possible experience as they have achieved the highest recognition from the Walt Disney Travel Co.

earmarked diamond academy travel

Perks of Working with a Disney Travel Agent

Travel planners provide so much more than their expertise in Disney. Having an agent will save you time-consuming research, you’ll receive the best price possible and have a personal concierge service at no cost to you. That’s right: the services of a travel agent are free. Agents are paid by the suppliers they work with. Your price will be the same as if you booked the vacation yourself or in most cases, the price will be lower, as these travel agents know how to get you the best deal on your trip.

disney parks worldwide

An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner can help you plan a trip to the following Disney destinations

  • Disneyland Resort in California 
  • Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
  • Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney, traveling all around the world
  • Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii and other Disney Vacation Club properties
  • The international Disney Parks, including Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort

…as well as Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort, and so much more!

In these unprecedented times, isn’t it time to put your trust in a Disney Destination specialist who can assist you with the most magical vacation experience from start to finish — no stress, no worries, no research. If you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get away from it all and just relax and experience a Disney vacation with your loved ones that you will treasure forever, now’s your chance. It’s time to get back to the magic and the memories!

Visit Academy Travel today, a DIAMOND Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with 25 years of experience!

earmarked diamond academy travel

in Disney, Travel

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