At 407&Beyond, ongoing education and firsthand experience are important parts of helping our travel agents better serve clients. Recently, Elizabeth Olson, a travel agent with 407&Beyond, participated in a Disney Agent Education Program (AEP) for Gold EarMarked Agencies, giving her the opportunity to deepen her knowledge of Disneyland Resort and the many hotel options available nearby.
“AEP stands for Agent Education Program, and it is an opportunity for travel professionals to expand their knowledge and best practices for selling the Disney product,” Elizabeth explained. “An AEP is different than most training because it allows you to step outside of a workshop or online module and lets you experience the product you are selling firsthand.”
That kind of firsthand training is especially valuable for travel agents. Rather than relying only on online materials or general overviews, agents can see resorts, compare accommodations, and better understand how to guide clients based on real experience. For destinations like Disneyland, where hotel choice and park strategy can shape the overall trip, that knowledge makes a real difference.
While the program included time to enjoy the parks, much of the trip focused on hotel education and learning the differences between onsite and offsite stays.
“While this AEP provided ample time to explore the incredible theme parks at Disneyland Resort, the majority of our focus was on learning about both the onsite and Good Neighbor hotels,” Elizabeth said. “We toured all three Disneyland Resort hotels, gaining firsthand experience with their various room categories and Club Level lounge, each offering unique amenities and elevated service. We also had the opportunity to take a closer look at several exceptional Good Neighbor hotels, including the JW Marriott and The Westin.” The experience helped Elizabeth feel far more confident when planning Disneyland vacations for her clients.
“After this experience, I feel much more confident and comfortable quoting and selling Disneyland,” she said.
“I love being able to sell something I truly believe in. For example, experiences that bring joy and create a lifetime of memories for my clients. Being part of this supportive community pushes me to grow professionally and inspires me to set high goals. I also enjoy connecting with other agents, celebrating what we do together, and building lasting friendships along the way.”
One of Elizabeth’s biggest takeaways from the trip was the value offered by Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels. “Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels offer incredible value, and many are just steps from the magic,” she shared. “Many now feature family-friendly amenities like bunk bed rooms, which are a huge hit with parents and kids alike.” She also came away with a stronger understanding of Disneyland’s park layout and how its Lightning Lane system differs from Walt Disney World, which is an important distinction for many travelers.
Experiences like this help 407&Beyond agents continue building their expertise while giving clients guidance backed by real, firsthand knowledge. For anyone planning a Disneyland vacation, that insight can make the booking process easier, more informed, and more personalized.
