There are so many elements to a Disney vacation- from tickets to park reservations to advanced dining reservations- it can get very overwhelming. You can prepare, read and research as much as you want, but ultimately, you don’t know what you don’t know. That in itself is reason enough to get a little extra help when planning your Disney vacation.
But not help from just any travel agent- but an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Which, in my completely biased opinion, is the GOAT of all travel agents.
Understanding Authorized Disney Vacation Planners
Understanding Disney vacation planners on the surface is easy. Travel agents that are specialized in Disney vacations. But there is so much more to these folks than meets the eye.
These people are true Disney adults. They aren’t just planning your vacation because it is their job. No. These people live, breath and sleep Disney. Ok yes that might be an exaggeration for some people…but for others, this nails it right on the head.
They are the ones that go to Disney multiple times a year. They know firsthand all the secret spots, the best food, and the most helpful tricks. These people are almost like a walking Disney dictionary.
Ok, I think you get the point.
So, while Disney vacation planners are intimately familiar with all things Disney, to be an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner they must have further, official, training directly from Disney.
Authorized Disney Vacation Planners + Agencies
As Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, these agents undergo specialized training through Disney’s College of Knowledge. These classes give further training on every aspect of Disney- from resorts, theme parks, cruises, and more.
I want to be clear: any travel agent can book a Disney vacation. However, working with an EarMarked Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is going to give you that magical touch to a great vacation. Plus it gives assurance that you are getting the most up to date offerings from Disney.
What does it mean to be EarMarked?
Disney’s EarMarked Program is assigned to those agencies that have met and maintained Disney’s strict qualification’s, excellence and training. Agents working in EarMarked agencies are Authorized Disney Vacation Planners trained and held to very strict standards. Thus, if you are looking to book a Disney vacation, look for that official EarMarked designation to be sure you get that magical experience.
6 Reasons Why You Should Use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
1. There is no cost to you.
A Disney Vacation Planners service is free. There is absolutely no upcharge or added fees when working with a Disney Vacation Planner. They are paid by Disney. So why not take advantage of the extra help and plan a stellar vacation!
2. Knowledge of Disney Parks and Attractions
As mentioned above, Disney Vacation Planner folks have their own true love for Disney, thus your getting help from someone with firsthand experience and knowledge. They are well-versed in the attractions, shows, and experiences available at each park. Their expertise can help you maximize your time and enjoyment, so you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions. Besides their official capacity of booking with Disney- their knowledge is great to give tips, tricks and answer questions one on one.
3. Official Training
They are trained by Disney. So not only do they have the firsthand experience, but they are also officially trained and tested before they can sell as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.
4. Access to Special Offers
One key advantage of using an authorized Disney Vacation Planner is their prompt access to special offers and promotions. These agents receive regular updates on new deals and discounts, ensuring you get the best possible price on tickets, accommodations, and dining packages. To be clear, it is not that Disney Vacation Planners have access to better discounts and deals- they don’t. But their service can end up saving you money through their persistence and constant attention on Disney so when deals do arise, they aren’t missed. This allows them the ability to snag discounts that otherwise would have been missed.
5. They navigate the complexity of Disney vacation planning.
Remember earlier when I said, “you don’t know what you don’t know”? Well, if you haven’t been to Disney in years or have never been – I am sure there are things you don’t know. First: Disney vacation planning is complex and cannot be completed in one sitting. There are timeframes and deadlines that need to be adhered to in order to get certain reservations. I’m looking at you advanced dining reservations. A Disney Vacation Planner can ease your stress by providing expert service, allowing you to fully enjoy the magic of Disney. They’ll cover all aspects of your trip and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.
6. Personalized Itineraries
Working with a Disney Vacation Planner is going to give you a personalized vacation that is not one size fits all. They can create a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, interests and celebrations. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or looking for a more relaxed vacation, they will take into account the activities and experiences you want to prioritize. They can also provide recommendations based on your tastes and the ages of the guests in your party. A personalized itinerary can help ensure your Disney vacation is a magical experience that fulfills your expectations.
Why You Still Need a Disney Vacation Planner
You’ve been before.
Even if you are someone who is fluent in Disney vacations, you might still want a Disney Vacation Planner. This is because they save you the hassle! You might be a whiz once you get to your Disney destination, and the need for daily itineraries isn’t needed, but why bother with all the headaches of the least fun part of a Disney vacation-the booking. Get someone else to do that for you—and do it free.
Working with a Disney Vacation Planner is not an all or nothing endeavor. You can accept certain services and decline others. If all you want is someone to get you the greatest price and deal with the scheduling, but you want to do the rest, then you can have just that.
You like control
This one hit close to my heart. I am a control freak and I like to know exactly what I am doing and have absolutely no trust in someone else to know what I like. Somedays I don’t even know what I like. But the beauty of working with a Disney Vacation Planner is that you aren’t giving up control, you are sharing it. You are allowed- and encouraged- to be involved in as much or as little as you want. So, if you want to work right along with your agent as they plan your vacation, you can do that. Vibing with the right agent is the real key here.
Let’s Book Your Next Disney Vacation
If you think that a Disney Vacation Planner is just what you need for your next Disney vacation, then I am here to help.
As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with If You Can Dream It Travel, you can book your next Disney vacation with an EarMarked Gold agency.
If You Can Dream It Travel is a dedicated family of travel agents who are passionate about travel, and providing exceptional service to our clients.
If you can dream it, we can plan it. Click here for a free quote.
By: Samantha Booth, If You Can Dream It Travel