UPDATED August 4, 2024

Planning for a Disney trip can be overwhelming, even for the most seasoned Disney visitor. There are SO many things to consider and learn. Where do you stay? What’s the dining situation like? What types of theme park tickets are there? Don’t worry, you do NOT have to figure this all out on your own.

Should I use a Travel Agent?

A decade (or two) ago, planning your Disney trip was do-able…and even fun — like the anticipation of seeing all of the presents under the tree before Christmas. But today, things are different. With Disney World’s Lightning Lane services in place, dining that needs to be booked 60 days in advance, literally dozens of Disney World Resort hotels on property and hundreds off-property, dessert parties, memorable behind-the-scenes tours, activities, and more…it’s just plain overwhelming to try to figure it all out. Disney World is about TWICE the size of Manhattan…and just as packed with options.

So when a friend or family member has questions about planning an upcoming Disney trip (including a Disney Cruise Line vacation), our immediate response is to swiftly give them the name of a trusted travel agent. And don’t worry — that’s what we’re going to do for YOU, too.

If this is your first Disney vacation, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed.

If you’ve been to Disney before, you may have a general idea. Maybe a specific idea. Maybe a very specific idea, including a spreadsheet and a three-ring binder detailing every move your family will make once they pass beneath that magical archway.

But regardless of where you fall on this planning spectrum, using a Travel Agent might be a good idea.

Disney Certified Travel Agents are FREE

You’ve pulled out your trusty calculator, or whipped out your phone and crunched some numbers, and you’ve come to a solid conclusion: Disney vacations are expensive. And the thought of forking out more of your hard-earned, 9-to-5 (or let’s face it, it’s more like 8-to-7-and-still-on-call) moolah on a travel agent just seems excessive, right? How hard can it be? You’re educated, you manage your family’s day-to-day life, and surely you can figure out your vacation days without any extra help, right?

Are you ready for some good news? You may think the services of a Travel Agent cost more. And that there are hidden fees they don’t tell you about. And that’s honestly what I used to think, too. But as it turns out, Travel Agents don’t cost you a penny. EVER.

They work on commissions from their suppliers (e.g. Disney), so you pay no extra fees and can spend more time anticipating and enjoying your vacation. It’s a win for the Agents (who genuinely love doing this stuff) and a win for you.

They Find the Deals and Discounts for You

Travel Agents, especially those considered “Authorized Disney Vacation Planners,” know what deals are out there ahead of the rest of us. If a new deal comes along after you’ve already made a reservation (e.g. Disney World Resort Hotel room discounts, Free Disney Dining Plan promotions, etc), they can rework your existing reservation to save you some cash. They can also run the numbers to see which deal is going to be the better value.

Oh, and they also get a head’s up on upcoming discounts, so they probably already know what deal is best.

Before it’s even announced.

And all that money they save you can be used on super important things, like Mickey-shaped snacks and souvenirs to bring home and keep those memories alive, until you book your next Disney trip (because those Disney World feelings can be addictive).

They Make Your Vacation & Planning Stress-Free

Your agent’s got your back. They can advise you on Disney World Resort hotel choice, vacation packages, and Disney World theme park tickets that will suit your traveling crew’s unique needs. Overall, they make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. They’ve been there and done that, and they can tell you the most stress-free way to have your best vacation ever.

Now let’s talk reservations and planning for when you’re actually on Disney property! Here’s where a Travel Agent can be a super-valuable asset. Disney travel agents know:

• The most popular restaurants and when they need to be booked;
• How to get those super-coveted Advance Dining Reservations;
• Alternatives to those restaurants if they’re full;
• Which rides, attractions, and events will suit your family’s unique needs;
• How to help you plan an extraordinary trip within your budget;
• How to craft a trip where you get to do everything you want to do…and still get enough sleep and real, honest-to-goodness “vacation” time when you’re NOT chasing your brood around the theme parks.

An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner can make suggestions for you based on which park you’ll be in for the day, whether you have access to a Dining Promotion, and what types of foods your family will…or won’t!…find appealing.

In short, they’ll help you narrow down those 200+ restaurant choices, hundreds of rides, activity options, and more, and make sure to help you hand-craft the perfect vacation for YOUR family.

Continuous, Personalized Support Throughout Your Vacation

And your Agent’s support doesn’t stop when you get to your resort. No matter what problems arise during your getaway — if your your room isn’t ready, or you need to find a doctor — your Agent knows who to call to put your vacation back on track. They’re just a phone call or text message away no matter what goes down! And when hurricanes sweep through Orlando (and they do!), yep, your Travel Agent is working in your corner to help you sort through flight changes and everything that goes with it!

So whether you’re a spreadsheet-toting Disneyphile or a first-timer at the Disney rodeo, consider a Travel Agent. You may just be surprised by how much magic your Agent can conjure up just for you!

IT’S FREE AND EASY

What you get:

1. A highly-qualified Agent with expertise in planning your dream vacation

2. Savings of time and money

3. A trouble-free trip

4. No fees or charges — ever

Ready to go, but not sure who to choose? We highly recommend Small World Vacations, and here’s why:

DFB highly recommends Small World Vacations for your trip to any Disney park, resort, or cruise ship.

1. I TRUST THEM:

I (AJ) have been friends with Sue Pisaturo, the owner of the agency, for years. And SWV is also highly recommended by three of my most trusted colleagues — Len Testa of TouringPlans.com and the Unofficial Guide book series, and Don and Sarah Munsil of Mousesavers.com. These are people who KNOW DISNEY and have been in the Disney travel arena for dozens of years.

2. THEY’RE EXCEPTIONAL IN THE INDUSTRY:

Small World Vacations is one of the biggest Disney-focused agencies in the world, BUT all of their highly-qualified agents work full-time. This is exceptional in the travel planner arena. It means that all day, every day, Small World Vacations agents are planning Disney trips for clients — learning everything they can about how to create magical vacations and getting the depth of experience necessary to make sure your trip is a dream come true. It may sound like a little thing, but it offers huge benefits when it comes to working with an agent.

3. JUST LISTEN TO A FEW OF THEIR SATISFIED CUSTOMERS:

Sue sent me, like, a million testimonials to share with you, but I just took the ones off the top:

I’m writing to let you know about the simply exceptional service I’ve received from the marvelous Marion Carlson over the past year. I found her via a Google search and approached her in May of 2021 to help me plan a Christmas trip to WDW to surprise my 7-year-old daughter, Alice.  Marion is amazing. She makes me feel like I am her only client, even though I know that couldn’t be further from the truth. She told me that she was thinking about me and Alice over Christmas, and I am certain that she was. Really, Marion basically IS Disney World. She is magic. I know we won’t go to WDW every year forever. And Alice won’t be this perfect WDW age forever. This is a special time in her childhood, and I’ll always be grateful to Marion for her help in giving our girl such a magical present after the terrible pandemic time (virtual school, quarantine, all of it). I am willing to bet I’m not the first of Marion’s clients writing to let you know how outstanding she is, and I’m certain I won’t be the last. — Lora

I am a very hands on planning type person and I have always planned our vacations. I decided this time to give you a try. Best thing I could have done. Beth was able to handle the booking part, which is the tedious part of the planning. Then she was able to get me free dining for my trip, which saved me a ton of money. She answered all my questions very promptly as well. — Cindy

My wife and I have been working with Small World Vacations’ agent, Stephanie to book our first Disney cruise as a family. She has been super helpful, and responsive to our requests and questions. She has booked and rebooked our cruise all while traveling which speaks loads to her dedication to being an outstanding travel agent. I cannot recommend her enough. I will continue to refer my friends and family to Stephanie Page at Small World Vacations. — Josh

I would heartily recommend her to anyone who seeks the services of a Disney travel expert. Kudos to Small World Vacations and to the wonderful service your agency provides. You’re fortunate to have someone like Tracy working for you! — Wes

DFB Readers Get Special Treatment 😃

Yep — if you do decide to book with Small World, you just note that you heard about them through Disney Food Blog, and you could get a special, unique surprise! Click here for current details! So, that’s a credible Disney Travel guru helping you plan and book your trip FOR FREE, plus there’s always potential for a bonus special gift! What are you waiting for?

It’s time to get started! Simply head over to Small World Vacations and Let the Magic Begin!