Going on a Walt Disney World vacation is magical- we truly believe that at Wish Travel Agency. I couldn’t even begin to count the amount of core memories my family has made over the years on our Disney vacations. For every holiday gathering- you can guarantee that when we sit around a reminisce- sharing stories and memories- there are going to be many tales from our Disney vacations. From the level of detail that the imagineers go into to create immersive experiences down to the cast members who bring the magic to life- Disney is truly a destination like no other.
On the flip side, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up with the frequent changes to their offerings. Whether you’ve never been on a Disney vacation before or you haven’t gone in a few years, one quick google search will quickly illuminate all that there is to learn or relearn:
“What is a Lightning Lane? Where did Fastpass go?”
“How do I know which hotel category is right for me?”
“Do I need a dining plan? Is it worth the money?”
“Do I need a park hopper ticket?”
“What’s the best way to minimize the time we have to spend waiting in lines?”
“Oh no! My daughter really wanted to do Bippidi Bobbidi Boutique but it’s booked up! I didn’t know you needed to book so far in advance!”
Each of these questions (and so many more that need answering) require real research and time to unpack. There are also the things that cannot be gleaned from reading general articles/videos that would really benefit from a customized approach for your specific family.
“I have older kids and young babies- how do I make sure we’re doing something for everyone?”
“We have two different nap schedules to consider, how can we make that work in the parks?”
“I really need to stay within my budget but we do want to skip lines and do a special dining experience, how can we save money elsewhere to allow for this?”
“Some family members aren’t super thrilled about going to Disney World for our vacation- what offerings are there that adults can get excited about?”
With so many details to consider, it can quickly become overwhelming. Working with a Disney travel agent can streamline the entire planning process, allowing you to focus on the fun while we handle the logistics. Here’s a thorough look at the process of working with a Walt Disney World travel agent, from start to finish.
And one more thing before we dive in- the MOST important thing to know is that all of the services below are FREE! So how do we get paid? Disney has already baked in compensation for travel agents into their prices. If you don’t work with an agent, that money simply goes back to Disney. If you do work with us, Disney pays it out to your agent. So whether you’d love for us to take some of the planning off of your plate or you love doing it all yourself- booking with us is a great way to support our business with no financial impact to you. We are happy to be as involved as you want us to be- this is about you after all!
Okay- so now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into what it’s like to work with us for Disney Destinations:
Walt Disney World
Disneyland
Disney Cruise Line
Adventures by Disney
1. Initial Consultation: Getting to Know You and Your Disney Goals
The process starts with an initial consultation where the agent gets to know your vision for the trip. During this step, the agent will ask questions about your group size, travel dates, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Do you want an action-packed adventure, a relaxing retreat, or a balance of both? Are you traveling with young kids, teens, or just adults? Do you have special occasions to celebrate? Are you early risers or night owls?
This step allows your agent to understand your specific Disney “wish list” and preferences, such as:
- Preferred dates and length of stay
- Favorite Disney characters or movies (great for personalizing experiences)
- Any specific parks, attractions, or restaurants you want to visit
- Your budget and accommodation preferences
With this foundation, they can start tailoring options that match your unique vision for the trip.
Depending on what you decide on with your agent- this could be a call, email, or text exchange. To get the ball rolling- you can complete our contact form to have an agent reach out to you directly.
And if you don’t know the answer to some of these questions- that is totally okay! We are happy to make recommendations based on our years of expertise.
2. Customizing Your Package: Accommodations, Tickets, and Dining
Once your agent understands your goals and preferences, they start customizing your Disney package:
- Resort Selection: Disney World offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly Value Resorts to the luxurious Deluxe Resorts. Your agent will provide recommendations based on your style, budget, and group size. They’ll discuss the benefits of each, like proximity to parks, pool amenities, and unique themes.
- Ticketing Options: Your agent will explain the various ticket types, such as Park Hopper options and single-day tickets, helping you select the best fit for your plans. They’ll also clarify whether special add-ons like Memory Make or Multi-Pass are worth it based on your group’s priorities.
- Dining Recommendations: The Disney Dining Plan can make your vacation package “all-inclusive” of meals if that is something you’re interested in! Since popular dining spots fill up quickly, your agent can handle reservations to secure spots in advance.
- Travel Insurance: We offer travel insurance through Travel Insured that can provide comprehensive trip coverage from start to finish at a low cost. This is particularly helpful if you’re travelling to multiple destinations- like Disney AND Universal (which we also book!)
Once everything’s tailored to your liking, they’ll present a comprehensive quote that includes accommodation options, ticket details, and any additional extras you’ve discussed.
3. Booking and Confirming the Details
Once you’re happy with the proposed plan, your Disney travel agent takes care of all the booking. We’ll invite you to our client portal and use the details you provide to reserve your hotel room, purchase your park tickets, and reserve any other paid add-ons. We’ll also monitor for any special deals or discounts that could apply to your trip, helping you save wherever possible.
For some destinations, there are advanced booking windows where you reserve certain experiences like Signature Dining, Bippiddi Bobbidi Boutique, golf, VIP tours and more! This takes place very early in the morning, so this is a major perk of working with an agent. Let us wake up early and take care of this on your behalf!
4. Planning Magical Extras and Personalized Itineraries
Disney vacations are all about the details. Your travel agent will help you explore options for magical extras that can elevate your experience, such as:
- Special Events: From Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to After Hours events, your agent can secure tickets to seasonal events that offer unique shows, parades, and lower ride wait times.
- Experiences: Interested in character meet-and-greets, VIP tours, or behind-the-scenes experiences? Your agent can arrange these experiences to create special moments your family will never forget.
- Personalized Itineraries: Disney travel agents excel at crafting daily itineraries that balance fun with flexibility. They’ll recommend the best times for popular rides, shows, and parades, maximizing your day without the stress.
Your agent can also build in downtime or rest spots, like favorite snack locations and entertainment breaks, to keep everyone in the group happy and energized.
5. Preparing You for Your Trip: Tips, Tricks, Packing Lists, and Custom Itineraries
In the weeks leading up to your trip, your Disney travel agent will make sure you’re fully prepared. They’ll provide essential Disney travel tips, like navigating the latest lien skipping systems (this has been changing so frequently), using the My Disney Experience app, and understanding park security protocols. We can even provide packing checklists, especially helpful for first-time visitors, so you’re ready for Florida weather and prepared with essentials like comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
We’ll also guide you on how to make the most of Disney’s transportation options, and they’ll remind you about check-in procedures for your trip, especially if you plan to use Disney’s Online Check-In.
6. On-Trip Support: Your Disney Concierge
One of the biggest perks of using a Disney travel agent is having on-trip support. If you have any issues during your trip—whether it’s a last-minute dining cancellation, a question about your resort, or a need for alternative plans due to weather—your travel agent is just a call or text away. They can help you adjust plans and ensure that your trip stays on track, providing the peace of mind that you’re not on your own.
7. Post-Trip Follow-Up
When you return home, your travel agent will likely reach out for a follow-up, allowing you to share highlights and any feedback about your trip. This conversation helps the agent tailor future recommendations and improve your next Disney experience, ensuring each visit becomes more magical than the last.
If you’ve used Memory Maker, we can walk you through accessing your photos, so you can relive the best moments from your trip.
Why Work with a Disney Travel Agent?
When you work with us, we want you to feel like you’ve gained a friend who’s as excited about your trip as you are. We bring Disney expertise, planning efficiency, and insider knowledge that frees you up to focus on the fun and magic that is a Disney vacation:
- No Extra Cost: Disney travel agents don’t charge you for their services; they’re compensated by Disney, so you get expert help for free.
- Insider Tips: From ride strategies to restaurant recommendations, your agent’s expertise will improve every part of your visit.
- Peace of Mind: With your agent managing reservations and troubleshooting, you’re free to focus on enjoying your time with family and friends.
Whether it’s your first trip or your fifteenth, working with a Disney travel agent can turn the dream of a Disney vacation into an stress-free reality. With our expertise, you can experience the magic of a Disney vacation without the planning headaches, making your trip a once-in-a-lifetime adventure full of unforgettable memories. To get started, reach out to an agent today!