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How to Work From Home Taking Disney Reservations

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The Walt Disney Travel Co. contracts with various travel agencies to provide guests with reservation services by telephone. With basic customer service skills and an available computer, you can secure work with these companies as an independent contractor, working from the comfort of your home.

Customer Service Skills

Working as a reservations agent requires customer service skills. According to the employment website O*Net Online, this includes proper speaking techniques, using clear pronunciation and an appropriate volume. You must communicate with the customer to gather and provide necessary information. Active listening skills are vitally important as well. As you assist the customer, you type information into a computer program. You must listen to the customer's requests and concerns while you are entering necessary data. Depending on the contracting agency, you also may need to learn specific computer programs and demonstrate accurate data entry skills.

Academy Travel

Academy Travel is a travel agency that offers work as an at-home Disney reservations taker. According to the company's website, it is an officially authorized contractor for Disney parks and cruises. Potential contractors must demonstrate excellent computer skills and a professional telephone manner. Once accepted as a contractor, you are required to take an online training course before accepting sales. Contractors have complete control over their work hours and compensation is solely based on commission. It's important to note that your earnings are equal to 60 percent of the agency's commission, not the total cost of the reserved trip.

The Arise Co.

Arise Co. is another Disney Resort reservation program. The company asks applicants to have at least one year of customer service experience, with general knowledge of Disney parks and services. Compensation can be earned in various ways. The company offers a rate of $0.16 to $0.21 per minute, based on job performance. An hourly rate of $9 per hour also is offered, but this rate can increase to $13 per hour, based on your customer satisfaction scores. Arise contractors work a predetermined number of hours with a set work schedule. Applications are available on the company website.

GalaxSea Cruises and Tours

GalaxSea Cruises and Tours operate MyFavoriteMouse.com, a travel agency website that also uses contractors to take Disney reservations. The company's website states that is is an "earmarked" agency, which is a high designation from the Walt Disney Travel Co. The agency looks for applicants who are familiar with Disney travels and willing to assist travelers with their vacation planning. Flexible, work-from-home opportunities are available for accepted contractors. The company website provides an email address for resume submissions.

Impediments to Earning

Aside from these contract arrangements, Disney provides its own reservations services to potential guests. With competition from other travel agencies and Disney itself, finding sales leads may prove challenging and create an impediment to substantial earnings. To maximize your sales, be prepared to market your services independently and generate your own sales leads.

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Erika Winston is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, with more than 15 years of writing experience. Her articles have appeared in such magazines as Imara, Corporate Colors E-zine and Enterprise Virginia. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Regent University and a Masters in public policy from New England College.

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