No Stupid Questions: What Exactly Does a Travel Advisor Who Specializes in Disney Do? And Is It Really Free?
If you’ve ever been in a Disney Facebook group, you’ve probably seen people talking about “using a Disney travel agent” or “booking through an advisor.” Maybe you’ve even thought about it yourself but got stuck on a few questions. Do you have to pay them? If it’s free, how does that work? Is it some kind of trick?
I get it. “Free” is a word that makes most of us suspicious these days. So let’s clear it up once and for all. Here’s what I actually do, how I get paid, and why there really isn’t a catch.
So, what do you actually do?
I’m a travel advisor (or travel agent. Same diff!) which means I plan vacations for a living. I personally happen to specialize in Disney because it’s literally my favorite thing on the planet. I help guests with Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney.
If you’re imagining me just booking a hotel and calling it a day, that’s not even close to the full picture. A Disney vacation has a lot of moving parts, and my job is to make sure you don’t have to figure them out the hard way.
I help you choose the best resort for your budget and preferences, secure park tickets, make dining reservations, give you strategies for Lightning Lanes, and help you map out your park days so you’re not crisscrossing the park in 90-degree heat just to ride what you want. (I’ve done that before and it sucks.)
I also answer all the little questions that pop up along the way (like “Do I really need a MagicBand?” or, “What’s rope drop?) so you don’t waste hours searching Google or watching random YouTube videos hoping the advice is still accurate.
Do I have to pay you?
Nope. Not a penny.
Whether you book directly on Disney’s website or through me, the base price of your trip is exactly the same. Sometimes it’s even less with me because I watch for discounts and promotions that pop up after you book. If there’s a price drop, I’ll rebook your trip at the lower rate without you having to do a thing.
You’re paying for your vacation either way. You might as well have someone in your corner who knows the system and can make the process smoother.
How do you make money then?
This is the part that feels like a secret, but it’s really not. Disney pays me a commission after your trip happens. It’s already built into the cost you pay, whether you use an advisor or not.
If you book on Disney’s website, they keep that commission for themselves. If you book with me, they send it to me instead. The amount you pay does not change. There’s no mystery surcharge or “advisor fee” hiding in your total.
Why would Disney do that?
It’s actually smart business. Disney wants you to have an amazing trip so you’ll come back again and again. They also know that planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming. If guests try to plan it themselves, miss key steps, and end up frustrated, that can hurt their brand.
Travel advisors take the pressure off their call centers and guest service teams. We’re the ones who answer the late-night “wait, what time is early entry?” texts and handle the “my flight got delayed and I’m going to miss my dinner reservation” situations. The better your experience, the more likely you are to book another trip, and Disney knows it.
What’s the catch?
The only thing to know is that once you book through me, I’m your point of contact for any changes or questions instead of Disney’s general phone line. If you need to add a guest to your reservation, update your travel dates, or have a question about your package, you call me and I handle it with Disney on your behalf.
Some people see that as a downside if they’re used to calling Disney directly, but most of my clients prefer it. You don’t sit on hold for an hour, and you get the same person every time — someone who already knows the details of your trip and your preferences.
But what about scams?
This is a fair concern. Sadly, there are people out there posing as travel agents who are not actually affiliated with any legitimate agency. A legit travel agent will:
Work with an agency that’s authorized by Disney
Provide you with an official Disney confirmation number for your reservation
Take payment only through secure Disney or agency systems, never through apps like Venmo or CashApp for your vacation costs
Gladly show you their agency’s credentials if you ask
If anything feels off, trust your instincts and double-check. Disney even has a list of authorized agencies you can look up online.
Why bother using a travel advisor at all?
Planning a Disney vacation isn’t like booking a weekend hotel stay. There are dining windows, park reservation rules, Lightning Lane refresh strategies, transportation questions, seasonal events, and ticket types to consider. I keep up with all of that so you don’t have to.
I also monitor for deals, handle last-minute hiccups, and give you insider tips that make your trip better without making it more expensive. My goal isn’t just to get you booked. It’s to make sure you’re walking into the parks with a plan that fits your style, whether that’s rope-dropping every ride or taking it slow with snacks and shows.
Let’s plan your dream trip
A travel advisor who specializes in Disney is like having a Disney-loving friend who also happens to know the ins and outs of booking and planning your trip. You don’t pay extra for the help, the price you get is the same as booking direct, and you gain someone who will walk you through the whole process.
There’s no hidden trap. No surprise bill. Just a better, less stressful vacation.
If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip and want someone in your corner who knows the system, I’d love to help.
📅 Start planning your dream trip today.
