For Erin Hymel, Disney has never been just a vacation destination. It has been part of her life since childhood.
Her earliest Disney memories include going to Disney movies with her mother, reading Disney books, and watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights. But the trip that truly stayed with her was a family visit to Walt Disney World in 1983, just one year after EPCOT opened.
“My love of Disney, like that of so many others, took root in childhood,” Erin recalls. “My mom took me to every Disney movie she could, I read Disney books endlessly, and Sunday nights were sacred because The Wonderful World of Disney was on. Those simple moments became some of my most treasured memories.”
That first Walt Disney World trip made the biggest impression. At the time, there were only two parks: Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. To Erin, it felt like stepping into another world.
“With only two parks—Magic Kingdom and EPCOT—I felt as though I’d been transported into pure magic and into entirely different worlds with each step,” she says.
That childhood experience became the beginning of a lifelong connection to Disney. Years later, that same love would become the foundation of a home-based travel business.
Today, Erin is a Disney Travel Advisor with Fairytale Journeys Travel, a Platinum-Level EarMarked by Disney Authorized Travel Agency, where she helps families, couples, groups, and individuals plan personalized Disney vacations. Her journey shows how a passion can become a business when it is supported by knowledge, service, organization, and a genuine desire to help others.
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A Love of Disney That Grew Into Something More
As Erin grew older, her love for Disney did not fade. Instead, it deepened.
She continued visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland as an adult, but she also became interested in what happens behind the scenes. She wanted to understand not only the magic guests see, but the planning, storytelling, leadership, guest service, and operations that make those experiences possible.
“In March 2023, I began attending Disney Institute courses to deepen my understanding of the methods behind the magic,” Erin says. “Beyond the enchantment of the parks themselves, I especially enjoy exploring Disney’s history, behind-the-scenes operations, and other intricate details which all contribute to the unique experiences only Disney can offer.”
That knowledge became part of what she now brings to her clients.
For Erin, Disney magic is more than fireworks, characters, and attractions. It is the feeling that anything is possible. It is the joy of a child meeting a favorite character and the quiet happiness of an adult feeling like a kid again. It is also the care behind the scenes that makes an experience feel personal, effortless, and unforgettable.
“To me, ‘Disney magic’ is so many things,” she explains. “It’s a feeling that anything is possible. At the parks or any Disney destination, it’s that wonderful moment when joy, excitement, storytelling, and thoughtful detail come together so perfectly that the world feels a little lighter.”
That is the same feeling she tries to create for her clients.
The Moment Passion Became a Calling
Erin did not set out to become a travel advisor right away. The idea developed gradually.
Friends, family members, coworkers, and acquaintances began coming to her for Disney advice. They asked about trip planning, resorts, itineraries, dining, and park details. Erin loved those conversations. She enjoyed researching, teaching, explaining, and helping people understand their options.
Eventually, she realized something important: what felt natural and enjoyable to her was valuable to others. That realization is often where a promising home business begins. Many successful entrepreneurs start by identifying the intersection between what they know, what they enjoy doing, and what other people need. Women considering entrepreneurship can explore similar possibilities in these profitable business ideas for women who want to work from home.
“People started seeking me out,” Erin says. “Friends, coworkers, even acquaintances would ask for trip-planning advice, behind-the-scenes details, or examples of how Disney’s approach to leadership could apply to their own work. I loved those conversations. They made me realize that my passion wasn’t just personal—it was useful.”
The turning point came when Erin noticed how much joy she felt during the planning process itself. She loved listening to people’s hopes for their trip, matching them with ideas, and helping them imagine what their vacation could feel like.
“I wasn’t just sharing tips; I was shaping experiences,” she says.
She realized she was already doing the work. She simply needed to make it official.
“So I took the leap,” Erin says. “Not because I wanted to ‘start a business,’ but because I realized I was already doing the work—I just needed to give it a home.”
That led her to Fairytale Journeys Travel, where she joined as an Independent Contractor. The agency’s culture, reputation, values, and client-focused approach felt like the right fit.
Finding the Right Business Home
One of the most important decisions Erin made was choosing the right agency to partner with.
As she researched host agencies, she kept coming back to Fairytale Journeys Travel. She was drawn to the agency’s collaborative and supportive culture. She wanted to be part of a team that valued education, high standards, and thoughtful client care.
For any entrepreneur, finding the right business model, opportunity, or partner requires careful research. The same principles involved in choosing the right home business—understanding your interests, resources, goals, strengths, and lifestyle—can help when evaluating companies and organizations to work with.
“As I was researching various agencies, I kept coming back to Fairytale Journeys Travel,” she says. “The culture of the agency immediately stood out to me as a collaborative, considerate, and conscientious group that I wanted to be a part of.”
For Erin, that mattered because she did not want to simply book vacations. She wanted to create carefully planned experiences that reflected each client’s family, travel style, priorities, and dreams.
“I didn’t want to simply book trips—I wanted to create thoughtful, well-designed experiences backed by deep knowledge and genuine care,” Erin says.
Fairytale Journeys Travel is a Platinum-Level EarMarked by Disney Authorized Travel Agency, and being part of that agency gives Erin access to training, resources, support, and up-to-date information that helps her serve her clients more confidently and comprehensively
Most of all, she appreciates that Fairytale Journeys Travel believes Disney travel should feel personal. Every family, couple, and celebration is different. That philosophy matched the way Erin already approached planning.
Making Every Vacation Personal
One of Erin’s favorite parts of being a Disney travel planner is that no two vacations are the same.
“One of my favorite parts of being a Disney travel planner is that no two trips are ever the same—because no two clients are the same,” she says.
A family celebrating a child’s first Walt Disney World trip may need a very different itinerary than a couple celebrating an anniversary at Disneyland. A group traveling during the holidays may want special events, character meals, and carefully planned rest days. Another traveler may prefer flexibility, food, atmosphere, and time to explore.
Erin pays close attention to those differences.
She asks questions. She listens. She learns what excites each person in the travel party. She wants to know whether the client dreams of fireworks, character dining, resort relaxation, thrill rides, holiday events, family traditions, or once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Then she builds the vacation around those details.
“I’m not just booking dates and tickets,” Erin explains. “I’m learning how my clients travel, what excites them, and how they want to feel during their vacation. Disney gives us the pieces; my job is to put them together in a way that makes each trip feel truly personal.”
That client-centered mindset is one of the ways she stands out in a crowded travel market.
Helping Clients Feel Less Overwhelmed
A Disney vacation can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.
There are parks, Disney Resort hotels, tickets, transportation, dining reservations, Lightning Lanes, special events, recreation options, and budget decisions. For first-time visitors especially, the number of choices can quickly become stressful.
Erin helps clients by slowing the process down and taking it step by step.
“It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options a Disney vacation has to offer,” she says. “That’s why I believe the most important part of my job is listening to my clients first.”
Before talking about dining, park strategies, or extras, she wants to understand what matters most to the client. What kind of vacation are they hoping for? What are the ages and interests of the people traveling? Are they celebrating something special? Do they want a full park schedule or a slower pace?
From there, she often begins with one of the most important decisions: choosing the right Disney Resort hotel.
“In my experience, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is also one of the first: choosing the right Disney Resort hotel,” Erin says. “Your resort sets the tone for your entire vacation.”
To Erin, the resort is not just a place to sleep. It affects transportation, daily schedules, dining options, amenities, rest time, and the way the family experiences the parks.
Dining can require advance planning as well. Disney provides current information about Walt Disney World dining reservations and other planning considerations directly through its official website.
Once the right resort is selected, the rest of the vacation becomes easier to shape.
“My goal is to simplify the process, make planning enjoyable, and help create a Disney vacation that feels uniquely designed for you and your family,” she says.
The Business Model: Complimentary Planning With Real Value
Erin’s vacation planning services are complimentary for clients. Clients pay the same vacation cost as if they booked directly, and Erin is compensated after travel is complete.
“My Disney vacation planning services are always complimentary for my clients,” Erin explains. “The cost of your vacation is the same as booking directly with Disney, and I am compensated by Disney after your travel is completed.”
That does not mean her work is simple or casual.
Professional travel advising is an established part of the travel industry. Organizations such as the American Society of Travel Advisors provide education, professional resources, advocacy, and information about the role travel advisors play in helping consumers plan and manage their trips.
She helps clients navigate and secure choices, monitor and apply promotions, assist with all reservations and special events, answer questions, provide recommendations, and feel supported before, during, and after their trip.
“My role is to help you navigate the planning process, monitor promotions, assist with reservations, answer questions, and provide personalized recommendations to help you get the most out of your vacation,” she says.
Because the service is complimentary, trust is especially important. Erin makes sure clients understand how the process works and what kind of support they can expect. She listens carefully, communicates clearly, and stays available when questions come up.
“Building trust with my clients is incredibly important to me,” she says. “In a business model where my planning services are complimentary, trust begins with listening.”
She also follows up after clients return home. She loves hearing about their favorite moments, what exceeded expectations, and what they might want to do differently next time.
Those conversations often lead to future trips and referrals.
“There is no greater compliment than having someone trust me with their vacation plans and then feel comfortable recommending my services to others,” Erin says.
Marketing Through Relationships and Word of Mouth
Erin markets her business through traditional networking, local relationships, social media, referrals, and word of mouth.
“Primarily, I market myself through traditional networking with friends, family, and various local businesses where I regularly interact within my community,” she says. “I also utilize social media by sharing Disney tips, resort highlights, park information, special offers, and planning advice to educate and engage potential clients.”
Her goal is to be helpful, not pushy. She wants potential clients to understand the value of working with a travel advisor who can personalize the process and reduce stress at no additional cost.
Referrals are especially meaningful to her. When a past client recommends her to a friend, family member, or colleague, it is a sign of trust.
“Referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations from past clients are incredibly valuable as well, since personal experiences and trust play such an important role in the travel industry,” Erin says.
For a home-based business owner, that kind of trust is priceless. Many small service businesses grow the same way, with one satisfied customer leading to another through community relationships, referrals, and word-of-mouth marketing.
Working From Home With Structure and Flexibility
Running a client-facing business from home requires organization.
Erin uses calendars, email, scheduling tools, client relationship systems, notes, and task lists to manage consultations, deadlines, promotions, client preferences, and travel milestones.
“Working from home requires a great deal of organization, discipline, and flexibility,” she says. “Because I run a client-facing business, I make it a priority to be responsive and available to my clients while also creating structure in my day.”
That structure helps her stay responsive and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Having a productive home office and work-from-home setup can also make it easier for entrepreneurs to separate business responsibilities from the distractions and demands of home life.
At the same time, she has to remain flexible. Client needs can change. Promotions may appear. Questions come up. Travel plans sometimes require adjustments.
“Flexibility is also essential,” Erin says. “No two days are exactly alike, and being able to adapt while still maintaining a high level of service is an important part of running a successful home-based business.”
She sees every task, whether it is answering an email, creating social media content, completing training, or helping a family plan a dream vacation, as part of the larger goal of growing her business and serving her clients well.
The Challenges of Turning Passion Into Business
When Erin first started, the biggest challenge was not a lack of Disney knowledge. It was learning how to treat something she had always done for fun as a professional business.
“When I first started my travel business, the biggest challenges weren’t really about Disney itself—I already loved planning trips,” she says. “The harder part was learning how to turn something I’d always done for fun into an actual business.”
She had to learn systems, policies, workflows, marketing, and client management. These are among the many practical lessons entrepreneurs learn when starting and growing a business, even when they already have considerable knowledge about their product, service, or industry.
“I also believe you’re always working to find and refine your individual voice as a Disney Travel Advisor,” Erin says. “There are a lot of Disney Travel Advisors out there, and it took time for me to feel comfortable sharing what makes my approach to travel planning different.”
Standing out is an important challenge for many home-based entrepreneurs. Customers frequently have numerous alternatives, so expertise alone may not be enough. Entrepreneurs also need to communicate why their approach, customer experience, knowledge, or service is different.
Erin also had to trust the process. Building a business takes time. There are busy seasons and quiet moments. For Erin, the key has been consistency, patience, learning, and giving every client her best.
“Building a business takes time, and learning to trust the process—especially during quieter moments—is part of the journey,” she says.
The Joy of Helping Families Create Memories
One of Erin’s proudest moments came after helping a family plan their first Walt Disney World vacation. When they returned home, they were so excited about the experience that they immediately wanted to plan another trip for the following year.
“I enjoy every planning experience with my clients, but one of my favorite moments was helping a family plan their very first trip to Walt Disney World,” Erin says. “When they returned home, they were so excited about their experience that they immediately wanted to book another trip for the following year.”
For Erin, that is what makes the work meaningful.
She knows she played a small role in helping a family create memories they will carry with them for years. That feeling is one of the reasons her business does not feel like work.
“Knowing that I played a small part in helping make those memories possible is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Disney Travel Advisor,” she says.
She enjoys matching clients with the right resort, building a vacation around their priorities and budget, and watching all the pieces come together into a plan that feels personal and manageable.
Most of all, she enjoys helping clients feel cared for.
Keeping the Magic Alive
Working in the Disney travel business every day has not diminished Erin’s love for Disney. In many ways, it has strengthened it.
“I never stop being a Disney fan myself,” Erin says. “I’m always learning something new about Disney history, discovering new experiences, exploring Disney Resort hotels, and keeping up with the latest park news and offerings.”
During her own visits, she makes a point of slowing down and appreciating the details: the music, landscaping, storytelling, Cast Members, and small moments that make Disney special.
She also keeps the magic alive by seeing Disney through her clients’ eyes.
“Most importantly, seeing Disney through my clients’ eyes helps keep the magic alive for me,” she says. “Sharing in their excitement as they plan, count down to their vacation, and return home with unforgettable memories is the magic.”
Erin’s Advice for Aspiring Home-Based Entrepreneurs
Erin’s advice to anyone who wants to turn a passion into a business is simple: go for it, but be prepared to invest in yourself.
“Go for it!” she says. “My Disney travel business truly does not feel like work. It is incredibly rewarding to help clients create the Disney vacation experience that is the right fit for their family, interests, and travel style.”
For someone interested in becoming a travel advisor, she recommends researching host agencies carefully and choosing one that fits your goals, values, and business style. She also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, staying current on travel trends, building relationships, and communicating the unique value you bring to clients.
“From there, be prepared to invest in yourself and your business,” Erin says. “Success requires continuous learning, staying current on Disney destinations and travel trends, building relationships, and effectively communicating the unique value you bring to your clients.”
More broadly, Erin believes every home-based entrepreneur should remember that success rarely happens overnight.
“Building a successful home-based business takes patience, consistency, and a genuine commitment to serving others,” she says. “Success rarely happens overnight, and there are no shortcuts to building trust and meaningful relationships.”
She also cautions against comparing your journey to someone else’s.
“Your style, your journey, and your success are uniquely your own,” Erin says. “There is value in embracing what makes your business different.”
That lesson applies well beyond the travel industry. Entrepreneurs building businesses from their homes often compete with larger companies as well as countless other independent businesses. A distinctive point of view, specialized expertise, personal service, and strong customer relationships can become meaningful competitive advantages.
Most importantly, keep learning.
“The moment you think you’ve learned everything is the moment you stop growing,” she says. “Staying curious, continuing to learn, and striving to improve every day are some of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself and your business.”
For another perspective on Erin’s entrepreneurial journey and the lessons she has learned from building her travel business, read Erin Hymel: How She Built a Home-Based Disney Travel Business on PowerHomeBiz.com.
What Success Looks Like
For Erin, success one year from now means continuing to grow a base of happy clients who trust her with their Disney vacations and refer their friends and family to her.
“One year from now, success looks like continuing to grow my base of happy clients who trust me with their Disney vacations and confidently refer their friends and family to me,” she says.
It also means building her business while maintaining the personalized service and attention every client deserves. It means continuing to learn, improve, and provide the most current recommendations possible.
But success is also about relationships.
“Success is about the relationships I build along the way,” Erin says. “I want my clients to know they have someone they can always count on to guide them through the planning process, answer their questions and concerns, make the experience as seamless as possible, and help them create a Disney vacation that feels uniquely theirs.”
If she can help more families create magical memories, reduce the stress of planning, earn her clients’ trust, and build a thriving business around something she genuinely loves, that is success in her eyes.
