If you’re a first timer at the Walt Disney World Resort, you’re struck by the complicated nature of a Disney vacation even before you set foot on property. What is the Disney Dining Plan? How do I get a Lightning Lane pass? Do I need a Park Hopper?
The complications don’t stop once you arrive at Disney World either. How do I work the app? Where am I even going? Why are there so many people here?
It’s no wonder that, in an attempt to demystify the process, many Disney vacationers turn to specialized travel agents for help in creating their own piece of the Disney magic.
However, like many things in this world, scams are trying to steal people’s money for their Disney vacations. This is why Disney has authorized Disney Vacation Planner designations. Sometimes, though, even that can be shady.
Disney recently severed ties with Smart Moms Travel, a nationwide travel agency, after former employees accused the agency of wrongful termination and withholding compensation. Meanwhile, Smart Moms Travel CEO Lauralyn Johnson is accusing her agents of “stealing” from the company.
Last week, Smart Moms Travel informed over 70 agents that they were being terminated, and some agents who remained with the company were told that Smart Moms Travel would be withholding their commissions.
While Johnson is accusing her employees os stealing, one of her former agents said they can’t steal from clients. Clients book and pay for their vacations directly with Disney, and Disney then sends commissions to Smart Moms Travel. The agents never have any interactions with the money, so they cannot steal it.
A spokesperson for Disney told NBC News Connecticut, “Based on concerns we have received regarding changes to Smart Moms Travel’s business practices, we have exercised our right to terminate our Authorized Disney Vacation Planner designation agreement with the agency.”
Johnson did not respond to a request for comments; however, she did post to her Instagram account from a trip in Italy, saying, “Day 2 of being in Italy and not in prison for firing people who stole from me.”
While this will likely end up in the courts, hundreds of Disney World vacations are now in limbo as they await word from Smart Moms Travel regarding their vacation plans, and hundreds of agents are now seeking new employment.
What’s the best advice you have for first-time Disney World visitors? Let us know in the comments.
The post Disney Vacationers Scramble at Disney Cuts Ties With Travel Agency Over Accusations of Theft and Wrongful Termination appeared first on Inside the Magic.
