I might have the opportunity to earn a little extra money by leading a tour group in Disney World. It'd be very casual--no big deal. I'd help out with their planning a bit, then lead the group around to different rides and shows while in Florida.
I wouldn't mind doing it, but I'm not sure I'd find it...well..."fun." And do you take a group to all the rides, or just the biggies? 
May 2008 CSR 
I might have the opportunity to earn a little extra money by leading a tour group in Disney World. It'd be very casual--no big deal. I'd help out with their planning a bit, then lead the group around to different rides and shows while in Florida.
I wouldn't mind doing it, but I'm not sure I'd find it...well..."fun." And do you take a group to all the rides, or just the biggies?
It wouldn't be my idea of a great time, but if it meant getting me a free trip to WDW, then I could learn to live with it. I'd coordinate them getting to the big things, then give them "casual time" with suggestions about the minor things they might want to experience.
Do you get one of those spiffy 'flags on a stick' to walk around with, so your group can keep up with you? 
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I'm pretty much in agreement with MT, but how much fee time will you have? And where would you stay?
It would totally depend on the group. Are they people you know? What's the demographic? For the right group of people, I'd do it. I think it would be fun.
Gray
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You might be surprised how many people in the world would welcome such a service. Think of all the time you'd waste at WDW if you were going for the first time and didn't "know the ropes".
You could probably prove on paper that the average person going for 'X' number of days WASTES a major portion of their time because they don't know the ins and outs.
Prove that on paper, and prove that it will save visitors money, and you might have a nice little business op!
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I hear that you'll be doing this casually, but with MT's great business plan suggestion I have to ask: Would Disney crack down on running a "tour guide" business within their parks?
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I want that job!!!
I would have to feel out the group to determine where I took them, But ALL tours would start at MK.
I would have to feel out the group to determine where I took them, But ALL tours would start at MK.
Assuming I get a trip out it, it could totally be fun. You'd get to basically "teach" WDW to a bunch of neophytes AND get to go to WDW to boot! Now if I didn't get free trip and or pay out of it, I've lost interest, but I could totally do it if the perks were right.
I hear that you'll be doing this casually, but with MT's great business plan suggestion I have to ask: Would Disney crack down on running a "tour guide" business within their parks?
I liked the comment about "teaching Disney". Thats exactly how I see it. You put together a mini-handbook of "how to do Disney" and meet with the group first thing to go over basics. Time allocation, best time to go to certain areas, rides, shopping, etc.
You have a few basic "group things" going and the rest of the time you gently guide them through their vacation.
Know your topic and convince them how much time (and money) you'll be saving them, and at the end of the visit they'll be recommending you to EVERYBODY!
As for Disney and their reaction to this, I'm not sure. Unless you are blatantly doing something within the parks, I think they'd be happy you were bringing them business. And if you got in good with a couple of the resorts, you could have your preliminary meetings set up fairly easily on an 'as needed' basis.
Whew. I like this concept!!!
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One other thing. If you set this up properly as a group trip, you could get a comp room for being the trip leader. You could truly offer these escorted trips at a nearly free cost to your customers then!
< - MT...."Tour Leader"
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Thanks for the advice! I just might get a 'flag on a stick'--who knows!
@SF: The group would be a couple of family friends, who are traveling along with about 15 of their friends and family. They're handling most of the reservations, etc. (though I'd help them choose some of the Grand Gathering options, meals etc.).
@Cdub: They'd be traveling in Sept/Oct, which is when I was hoping to book a trip as well (which is why I wouldn't get a completely free trip out of it. They asked me because I'd already be there).
As far as free time and payment, they mentioned that they'd be willing go negotiate a daily rate for the days that I help them out, along with a small amount for the planning sessions. I don't think they expect me to be with them every single day. Personally, I feel like most of the work would have to be done up front, meaning I'd like to prepare people with information so that we don't have to "follow the leader" around the parks.
Also, we'd be traveling during a fairly slow time (though with free dining who knows!), so I don't think there would be too much commando planning around fastpasses and such.
@MT: I really like the mini-handbook idea. Also, who do you work with to "set it up properly as a group trip?" Would you have to be a company, or would family/friends be able to take advantage of a block set of rooms?
@Marzyar: All tours start at the MK! I am in total agreement!
@SpaceAce: Not sure about the specifics and what Disney cracks down on. I know they have a service where they sell the time of their VIP tourguides (you can hire them to take you around the parks). I don't know at what point I'd be infringing on their income there.
Thanks again, guys! Any other advice would be appreciated. I'll keep you updated!
May 2008 CSR
@MT: I really like the mini-handbook idea. Also, who do you work with to "set it up properly as a group trip?" Would you have to be a company, or would family/friends be able to take advantage of a block set of rooms?
!
Good question and I'm not sure how they would do a family group like that. Normally you get comp rooms IF you have a group (like a convention) and you get comp rooms as you add to the total number of rooms. In this scenario, you're probably starting with a finite number of rooms, so I'm not sure how they would handle it.
I tend to think that if you called them and said we're bringing a group, they'd work a deal with you for comps, upgrades, etc.
With the group you are talking about, you are kind of going in to it backwards. It would be more easily pursued from the other way.
The good thing about this trip is that you could hone your skills, prepare the handbook, etc., and be ready for another group down the road.
(But family aside, I'd sure as heck not get in a position like that without SOME kind of payment!)
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bali wrote:
@MT: I really like the mini-handbook idea. Also, who do you work with to "set it up properly as a group trip?" Would you have to be a company, or would family/friends be able to take advantage of a block set of rooms?
!
Good question and I'm not sure how they would do a family group like that. Normally you get comp rooms IF you have a group (like a convention) and you get comp rooms as you add to the total number of rooms. In this scenario, you're probably starting with a finite number of rooms, so I'm not sure how they would handle it.
I tend to think that if you called them and said we're bringing a group, they'd work a deal with you for comps, upgrades, etc.
With the group you are talking about, you are kind of going in to it backwards. It would be more easily pursued from the other way.
The good thing about this trip is that you could hone your skills, prepare the handbook, etc., and be ready for another group down the road.
(But family aside, I'd sure as heck not get in a position like that without SOME kind of payment!)
I would think Disney would frown on anyone giving the appearance of a tour guide in the parks?
Disney's version of MiB are going to escort you to a back room, never to be seen again... 
I suspect if you kept things low key, behaved yourself and led a group of happy people around who were spending money, they'd pretty much ignore you.
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I suspect if you kept things low key, behaved yourself and led a group of happy people around who were spending money, they'd pretty much ignore you.
May 2008 CSR
MouseTraveler wrote:I suspect if you kept things low key, behaved yourself and led a group of happy people around who were spending money, they'd pretty much ignore you.
That's what I'm hoping.
Yeah, it would be hard to tell the "tour guide" from just the "chatter box Disney expert." 
Yeah, it would be hard to tell the "tour guide" from just the "chatter box Disney expert."
May 2008 CSR
You're definitely going to have to lose the flag.
You're definitely going to have to lose the flag.
Maybe I'll carry a mini-rainbow umbrella like all the New York City tour guides!
May 2008 CSR
dsoup wrote:You're definitely going to have to lose the flag.
Maybe I'll carry a mini-rainbow umbrella like all the New York City tour guides!
You could dress up like Mickey. Then they might not notice you!
As far as free time and payment, they mentioned that they'd be willing go negotiate a daily rate for the days that I help them out, along with a small amount for the planning sessions. I don't think they expect me to be with them every single day. Personally, I feel like most of the work would have to be done up front, meaning I'd like to prepare people with information so that we don't have to "follow the leader" around the parks.
I LOVE giving private tours. I live close to one of the most historics cities in America...Savannah, GA. I have learned so much about its history. When we have family and friends come to this area, I give my version of a private tour.
I also set up a cruise for a group of co-workers (started with 35 people and ended up with 137) For my efforts, I got free transportation and my cabin was paid for. When I set the price, I added a couple bucks to each persons rate for the bus ride...the cruise line comped my room....
So, being a tour guide at WDW...oh heck yes. Problem is I dont know enough about it to be good at it...I just know what I like.
Life is what you make it...then there's Disney!!!
Savannah! I would LOVE to have a private tour of that city. Ever since reading Midnight in the Garden that city's been on my bucket list.
I know what you mean about only knowing what you love at Disney World. It's been tough to develop the plans as I have to "think like a regular person" and not like a "me," who, frankly, doesn't know WHY you'd want to go to Stitch's great Escape!
May 2008 CSR
Bali...any time you are down this way, give us a call. We love walking around Savannah and would be glad to have you come with us.
There are so many Midnight in the Garden tours, its hard to keep them all straight!
Life is what you make it...then there's Disney!!!
There are so many Midnight in the Garden tours, its hard to keep them all straight!
This, I imagine, is very VERY true.
Methinks Savannah is close enough to WDW that I can make it a double trip if I ever get down to that area...
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2005 Port Orleans Riverside
2006 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2007 Wilderness Lodge
2008 Animal Kingdom Lodge
2009 CBR/Polynesian
The invitation to visit Savannah is open to all that happen to be down this way. Even if you are headed somewhere else. The historic district is about 4 miles off I-95...and we live about 20 minutes from there. C'mon down!
Life is what you make it...then there's Disney!!!
The invitation to visit Savannah is open to all that happen to be down this way. Even if you are headed somewhere else. The historic district is about 4 miles off I-95...and we live about 20 minutes from there. C'mon down!
Sold! Should I just move my things into the spare bedroom, then? 
Sure Annie! C'mon! But Donna says you have to make your own bed...vaccum the house...help cook...and walk the dogs...all 4 of them everyday!
And you should probably know...the extra bedroom is...um...how to put this delicately...used for 'adult entertainment'?
Life is what you make it...then there's Disney!!!