If you’ve ever researched how to become a Disney travel agent, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I apply directly to Disney, or should I join a Disney travel agent host agency?” It’s one of the biggest questions new agents face — and the answer makes a world of difference in how your business will grow.
Let’s break down both options so you can see the pros, cons, and why most aspiring Disney specialists choose to partner with a host agency instead of working directly with Disney.
How Disney Works With Travel Agents
Disney does not hire individual agents who want to sell vacations from home. Instead, they work with agencies that are registered with industry organizations like IATA (International Air Transport Association) or CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).
That means you can’t simply apply to Disney and get a “Disney travel agent license.” Instead, you must be affiliated with an accredited agency.
So if you want to sell Disney vacations as an independent agent, you have two realistic paths:
- Start your own fully accredited travel agency (requires industry numbers, insurance, contracts, and a large financial investment).
- Join a reputable host travel agency that already has those Disney credentials.
Let’s explore both avenues and see which one is the best choice for you to achieve your travel and business goals.
Turn your passion into
a business. your way.
- High-Paying Commissions: 70% paid directly to you.
- Outstanding Support: Call, email, or chat with our team directly.
- Amazing Benefits: Discounts on hotels, resorts, cruises, and park tickets.
- Premier Partners: Disney, Universal, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and many more.
- Incredible Community: Network with our active community of travel pros.
Boardwalk Travel Agency is one of the fastest-growing host agencies in the country.
Join our team today and begin building your travel business on your own terms.
What Is a Host Agency?
A host agency is a larger travel business that independent contractors (like you) can join. The host provides industry credentials, supplier relationships, training, and support so you can focus on booking travel for your clients.
For example, Boardwalk Travel Agency is one of the country’s top host agencies and provides our new agents with:
- Access to Disney and other top travel suppliers like Universal, Sandals, cruise lines, and much more
- High commission splits
- Training and mentorship
- A community of supportive fellow agents
This means you get to run your own Disney travel business without the high startup costs or red tape of becoming an accredited agency on your own.
You can also read our article about why we think Boardwalk is the best host agency for travel agents.
What About Working Directly With Disney?
Some people imagine they can just apply to Disney to become a travel planner. But Disney does not operate that way.
The closest thing would be applying for a job with Disney in their call center or sales office — where you’re an employee taking inbound calls and booking vacations. That role is very different from being an independent Disney travel agent.
In that case, you’re an employee, not a business owner. You work on Disney’s schedule, not your own. You earn a fixed hourly wage, not commissions based on your effort. And tou won’t build your own brand or client list.
For most people who want flexibility, commissions, and entrepreneurship, joining a Disney host travel agency is the clear path.
If you’re worried about not having a background in travel or Disney, check out our article on how to become Disney travel agent with no experience.
Training and Education
Knowledge is critical to your success as an agent, so you’ll want to make sure that you join a host agency that provides you with excellent training and support.
Everyone can get access to the Disney College of Knowledge, which is Disney’s online program to train you on Disney resorts, parks, cruises, and more.
In addition to the Disney College of Knowledge, your host agency should provide you with specific training for suppliers, including Disney. For example, Boardwalk agents also get:
- Business-building training
- Marketing templates and strategies
- One-on-one mentorship to get you started on the right foot
- Peer support in our private Facebook group
Working directly for Disney, you’ll get product training — but not business coaching, because you’re not building your own business.
Flexibility and Lifestyle
One of the biggest reasons people want to become Disney travel agents is flexibility.
With a host agency: You set your own schedule, choose your own clients, and decide how much (or how little) you want to work. Want to book vacations part-time for extra income? Totally possible. Want to scale up to full-time? Also possible.
Working for Disney directly as an employee: You’re bound to Disney’s scheduling, hours, and policies. There’s no flexibility to work around your family’s needs, and you don’t control your workload.
Branding and Ownership
When you join a host agency, you’re building your own book of business. Those clients belong to you, and they can become repeat customers who return year after year. You can market yourself as “the Disney expert” in your community and grow a recognizable personal brand.
Working directly for Disney, your clients belong to Disney — not to you. You won’t be building long-term relationships, and you won’t be creating your own brand.
Support and Community
This is one area where host agencies truly shine. At Boardwalk Travel Agency, we’ve built a private, supportive Facebook group where agents cheer each other on, answer questions, and share strategies.
Instead of feeling alone, you’re part of a lively community of agents who love Disney just as much as you do.
Working directly for Disney, you’d be part of a corporate environment. You’ll have coworkers, but not the same entrepreneurial, collaborative spirit you find in a host agency community.
Costs and Startup Requirements
Starting your own accredited agency requires thousands of dollars in licensing, fees, and insurance. That’s why most new agents choose to join a host.
- With a Disney host travel agency: Low startup costs, usually a one-time or small monthly fee, with all credentials already in place.
- Working directly with Disney: No cost, but you’re an employee with no ownership or commission flexibility.
So Which Path Is Right for You?
If your dream is to build something that you can run your own way, with support from experts, joining a host agency is the way to go. You will be able to:
- Be your own boss
- Work from anywhere
- Earn commissions based on effort
- Build long-term client relationships
- Have flexibility in your schedule
If instead you want a traditional job with predictable hours, steady pay, and no entrepreneurial risk, then working directly for Disney as an employee might suit you better.
But for most people drawn to this opportunity, the host agency path offers the magic mix of freedom, fun, and income potential.
Final Word
If you’ve made it this far, you are clearly someone who wants to pursue your dreams of building your own travel business, on your own terms.
If you’re ready to make Disney magic part of your career, Boardwalk Travel Agency is ready to help you succeed. Join the Boardwalk family today and let’s start making your dream a reality!
