Key to the World Travel® Mentor Qualifications

There have been a few questions lately regarding how agents are selected to be a part of the Mentor / Agent Training Team. This decison is based on many factors, the first being that there is a need for another Mentor in the group - and this is based on the amount of hiring that is being done by the agency, as well as how long it is taking for current new agents to complete their training.

Mentors not only service their own clients, but they also coach new KTTW agents on how to attract clients as well as learn all of the booking processes and rules. Here is the list of qualifications needed to be considered for a Mentor position:

A minimum of two years with Key to the World Travel®

Consistently demonstrates a willingness to help others by answering questions and offering advice in KTTW groups, without being asked to do so

Regular involvement in KTTW events (such as KeyCon), webinars and supplier trainings

Demonstrates commitment to building their business and furthering their own education through non-mandatory supplier training, ship inspections, personal research, etc.

Solid sales record - minimum of $100,000 per year

Consistently positive feedback from clients

Consistently positive feedback from peers (other KTTW agents)

Active and continued participation in KTTW Family on Facebook

Sets a positive example for peers

Consistently positive attitude and willingness to seek positive solutions to problems

Abides by KTTW and Disney policies and procedures Maintains accurate and up-to-date client records in the Key to the World Travel® Client System

Demonstrates a high level of professionalism

Demonstrates a willingness and ability to put in the extra work required by the program responsibilities

The decision ot add another Mentor to the team is not made lightly, as the ultimate goal is that all KTTW agents have the best training and information available to serve their clients and build their businesses. We have a great team of trainers on board - and we thank each and every one of them for all of the hard work and extra time they put in to help make Key to the World Travel® the awesome agency that it is!!

Social Media Contest

Congratulations to Andrea Cline, this month's winner!!

At the end of February, Kendra and her team of tiny helpers will give away an Epcot® International Festival of the Arts print from one of the artists to one lucky winner, so get out there and SHARE!

Remember, you need to share directly from the KTTW Facebook page for it to count! Each share gets an entry - good luck!!

KeyNotes: Key to the World Travel® Blog

Do you love to write? Have a great idea for a blog post? Do you want to get your name out there, and attact more clients? The Key to the World Travel® blog can help!

You can find the Blog Submission Process informationby logging into the Agent Area and following the direct link to the Blog Submission Process or by going to here! To submit an idea for a blog post, please utilize this form, and be sure to read all of the instructions before submitting.

The Key to the World Travel® blog will soon be renamed KeyNotes - so be on the lookout for that change. We are also in final stages of developing an agency newsletter called KeyNotes to Go which will be mailed out to our clients. More on that in a future KeyConnection.

Facebook Roundup

There was A LOT of great information shared on Facebook in the past few weeks - here are some things you may have missed! Ordering Collateral

Please remember, if you're ordering collateral from Disney (or any supplier) you need to have it shipped to yourself, NOT to the office.

KTTW Gear

Looking for some new clothing options to show off that you are a travel agent with Key to the World Travel®? Head over to RedBubble and check out all of the cool new options!

Land's End is also having a free logo embroidery promo. The code is EMFREELOGO100. You have to order $100 or more of merchandise.

Disney's Magical Express Tags

Set your client's ground transfers directly up with Disney's Magical Express online, and have your clients luggage tags shipped directly to you or your client (NOT THE OFFICE) within 10 to 15 business days. Here is a link where you can provide your information - please remember to bookmark this!

Client System

We only keep two calendar years worth of records (trips and reservations) active in the client system, so if you noticed your "All Time" number drop on your Dashboard, that's why! It will always only reflect the previous and current calendar year.

Password Security

Deanna Burdsall posted the following: Hey friends, I got an email at my day job that I thought might benefit us all in our business. This is an excerpt of that email, "I wanted to share a web site that allows you to check and determine if your email address(es) have been compromised in a data breach. This was eye-opening for me: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

If you find that your email address has been pwned (pronounced "poned") don't panic. But either way you should start the process of making sure you have a unique password for every web site possible.

It is a good idea to use a different password for EVERY online service you use. However, I personally maintain 210 different accounts/passwords. That's why we all need a password manager, and my current favorite is LastPass. DashLane and 1Password are also good choices.

Travel Insurance

A primer on travel insurance, cancelled trips and commission:

1) If a client adds travel insurance to their WDW through Disney and then cancels the trip, they do not get the insurance cost refunded but you will also NOT receive any commission on that insurance. Disney does not pay commission on canceled trips, period. Not even on the non- refundable insurance portion.

2) If your client purchases travel insurance through YOU, via a policy you sell them through Travelex, you do still get the commission on the insurance even if they cancel their trip.

3) Commission Protection, which is part of a Travelex policy, only applies IF three things happen - the client cancels for a covered reason, the client files an insurance claim AND that claim is approved. If you know your client has canceled for a covered reason and is filing a claim, then you can also file a claim for your commission. It's not automatic, you do have to file.

Mobile Ordering

Since launching last spring, Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience mobile app has been a popular service. Currently offered at 23 locations throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs®, this convenient service allows your Clients to order meals and snacks on demand, pay in advance and skip the line at select quick-service food and beverage locations.

With a recent My Disney Experience update, Guests with Disney dining plans can redeem meals and snacks in Mobile Order, providing them with more free time to enjoy all of the attractions and entertainment experiences throughout Walt Disney World® Resort.

Mobile Order will accept any of the three Disney dining plans: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Disney Dining Plan and the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. To access Mobile Order, Guests can tap the "Order Food" button under "My Plans" in the app.

Please remember to advise your clients to update the app on their device so this new option will work.

Blocking Users from your Facbook Page

Unfortunately there are times when you need to block people from your business Facebook page. Nicole Newgas put together a handy how-to guide which depicts how to ban someone that likes your page, a follower of your page and also someone who is neither a fan nor a follower of your page. Hopefully none of you will need to use it, but just in case you do, now you know how to do it!

Just one note, if you are going to block the person from your personal page and want to ban them from your business page, make sure you ban them first!

Commisison Inquiry for Disney Destinations

Please remember, don't contact Kendra with questions about your commission discrepancies until you've checked your confirmation to verify you entered the correct numbers, and then contacted the supplier. We can't tell you why they paid what they did; all we can do is tell you what they sent us. If you think it was a mistake, you have to contact them.

If you have a commission discrepancy at any Disney destination, please refer to this this document, which will guide your inquiry.

Disney Cruise Line Placeholders

From Jen Van Hill: Don't forget to remind your DCL clients of the great placeholder option. This is an easy way for you to get another cruise booking. You'll get an email directly from DCL when they book it and you just need to follow up with them on their future sailing date.

Here is the blurb Jen Van Hill puts in her DCL form letter for their trip kit. Adjust as much as you like:

***If there's a chance you'll sail Disney Cruise Line again within 2 years, you can book what's called a Placeholder Cruise. It's a refundable deposit of $250 which you can apply to a cruise in the future. It also gives you a nice discount on your next cruise. This is the cheapest way to cruise next time! The sales desk is located on Deck 4 Midship. Please give them my email address if you choose to do this.***

Your clients can also book their next cruise if they are sure of their dates and give DCL your email as well. This a very handy option since most people don't know their dates yet but want the discount.

Mailers From Emily Baumann: I know we all have different ways of delivering docs but I bought these poly mailers and LOVE them for more "flat" packages (when I need to send stuff via mail). They have super fun patterns that differentiate the package from normal bland envelopes and the 10x13 fits the folder perfectly! It's also really affordable! I think my pack of 100 unicorns was $15!!! Here is a link to some random designs...there are also solid colors too!

Taking Notes

From Cathleen Christie: Suggestion for us new(er) agents, something I have found helpful... Start a recommendations notebook or file. Since this is my full time career I am on the family page all throughout the day. I see a lot of requests for recommendations for certain destinations, and some great options given by other agents. The a few weeks later, the same destination is asked by someone else with the same responses. I have found it quite helpful to keep a notebook in One Note where I record the recommended resorts/hotels/and attractions for the destinations when I see them rather than when I go to search for them. It gives a bit of a foothold to begin your research process for the right scenario for your client.

Disneyland Sales Contest!

In honor of our this year's KeyCon, our next sales contest is all about DISNEYLAND! Now through March 31, every Disneyland Resort sale you book and enter into the client system will be one entry into the contest (to qualify, an entry must be a DLR on-site package, any DLR on-site room only, a DLR Good Neighbor package booked through DTA, a commissionable Tickets Only sale, or an off-site hotel sale that also includes tickets).

The winner will be drawn on April 1 and will receive a 3-day, 3-night Disneyland Resort package for up to four people that includes 3-day park hopper tickets and three nights in either the Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Paradise Pier.

Good luck!!

TSA Confirms REAL ID Deadline Extension

From Travel Market Report: In an interview with Business Insider, the TSA confirmed that it would not start requiring passports to travel domestically from states not in compliance with the REAL ID Act until Oct. 1, 2020.

Ultimately, the news means that travelers from the states still not in compliance and without a deadline extension - Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington - will not have to worry about traveling domestically without a passport until October 2020 at the earliest. Each of those states, according to Business Insider, have been granted extensions.

The news also means that agents will no longer have to wonder whether or not to advise clients traveling domestically to get a passport, as all states now are either in compliance or are operating under a DHS extension.

About half of the states in America are not in compliance with the new and stricter federal ID standards. States in full compliance as of Nov. 20, 2017, are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

States granted an extensive until October 2018 are: Alaska, California, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington.

American Samoa, Guam, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island and the U.S. Virgin Islands are awaiting a review of their extension requests from DHS.

Dog Friendly Hotel Chains

With Puppy Bowl coming up this weekend (if you don't know what this is, Google it - it is adorable!), it got me thinking about places I can take my dogs on vacation. Here is the list I found from iheartdogs.com that may be helpful for clients who are looking to travel with their pups (no word on if Peacocks are included!):

Motel 6

Perhaps the most affordable option, the no-frills Motel 6 chain allows well-behaved pets to stay with their humans for free, although there is a limit of two per room. However, pets of any size are welcome to stay for no additional fee. With that said, some Motel 6 locations may be in cities that do not allow pets in hotel rooms, unless they are service animals. Call ahead to be sure! Red Roof Inn

The vast majority of Red Roof Inns are pet-friendly, and of course, service dogs are always welcome. There is no fee for furry guests, but there is a weight limit of 80 pounds. The company also requests that animals never be left unattended, and that they stay on a leash (or in a carrier) when outside the room. Kimpton

This trendy hotel chain doesn't hold back their love of pets - of all kinds. Their online pet policy states: At every Kimpton boutique hotel, we invite you to bring your furry, feathery or scaly family member - no matter their size, weight, or breed, all at no extra charge.

While rooms can be pricy depending on location and time of year, the company not only welcomes pet, they cater to them, too. Amenities for four-legged (or feathered, or scaly) friends include:

Soft loaner beds Door hangers alerting guests and staff of your pal's presence Courtesy bags for dog walks A concierge list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers and pet boutiques A nightly wine reception where pets are welcome (no drinking for them, though!)

La Quinta

This chain's pet policy is specific to dogs and cats, and limits animals to two per room (it does not specify any size restrictions). There is no fee, but they do ask that owners clean up and look after pets, reserving the right to ask dangerous or disruptive pets to leave. La Quinta also requests that guests with pets get in touch with housekeeping, who prefer to clean the room while everyone's out on the town - four-legged guests, included. Canopy by Hilton

This new boutique hotel chain charges a $50 non-refundable pet fee, but promises to pamper your pup(s), thanks to a partnership from Planet Dog. Up to two dogs weighing 75 pounds or less will be allowed to stay with their owners. Doggy guests will have their very own bed along with food and water bowls, as well as a Planet Dog toy, homemade treat, dispenser with poo bags, and guide to local pet-friendly amenities.

There are only hotels in Reykjavik, Iceland and Washington, D.C. right now. According to Travel + Leisure, future locations are planned for: Rockville, Maryland; Portland, Oregon; Dallas and San Antonio, Texas; Ithaca, New York; London, England; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Atlanta, Georgia; Toronto, Canada; West Palm Beach, Florida; Charlotte, North Carolina; Baltimore, Maryland; Columbus, Ohio; and Hangzhou, China.

Loews

Depending on the Loews location you choose, the pet fee varies ( check each location's individual website under Useful Information). It also appears that some may not allow pets at all. But for those that do, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of two per room. In return for the fee, the hotel offers (furry) visitors a welcome package, including a name tag, bowl, and treats. Room service has special menu items for cats and dogs, and pet are also equipped with bedding, leashes, collars, litter boxes and litter, litter scoopers, and pet placemats.

W Hotels

Most W Hotels have a P.A.W. program, which stands for Pets Are Welcome. Mostly catering to dogs and cats, there is a limit of one animal per room. Guests with pets will pay a non-refundable cleaning fee on top of an additional nightly room charge, so staying here can get quite pricey. While rates may vary, for reference, the W Hotel in Downtown New York City charges an extra $25 a night for pets, plus a $100 non-refundable cleaning fee. With that said, furry friends will enjoy a luxurious stay with a pet welcome kit, treats, toys, a custom bed, potty pads or litter box, walking or pet sitting services, and more.

Graduate Hotels

These trendy hotels are themed according to the college town in which they're located, and of course, they're pet-friendly. Four-legged pals stay for free, and pups get complimentary BarkBoxes, to boot! If you're looking for a fun and casual place for you and your canine to stay - and you're headed toward a major college town - this chain may be your best bet!

There are currently Graduate Hotels in Ann Arbor, MI; Athens, GA; Berkeley, CA; Charlottesville, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Oxford, MS; Richmond, VA; and Tempe, AZ. Future locations are planned for Iowa City, IA; Seattle, WA; and New Haven, CT.

Aloft Hotels

Another chain that's free for dogs, this one does have a 40 pound weight limit. However, they do mention in their pet policy that larger dogs, or any other pet animals, may be given a waiver and allowed to stay; just contact the hotel directly to ask.

Canine guests will enjoy, "a special bed, bowl, and a doggie bag of woof-alicious treats and toys, all complimentary to use during your stay."

...and of course....

(Select) Walt Disney World® Hotels

If you're willing to pay an extra cleaning fee, up to two pooches can stay with you, then head to the nearby pet sitting service while you're at the parks (for an additional fee, of course). Pooches will be treated to Pluto's Welcome Kit, and are allowed in the following hotels, with applicable fees:

Disney's Art of Animation Resort $50/night Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort $50/night Disney's Yacht Club Resort $75/night Cabins at Disney's Ft. Wilderness Resort $50/night

Walt Disney World® Resorts "Incredible Summer"

This summer, beloved stories from several Disney films will come to life at Walt Disney World® Resort in the form of new attractions, entertainment, experiences and more at all four parks, setting up summer 2018 to truly be an "Incredible Summer."

Here's what your Clients can expect at each Walt Disney World Resort location.

The Incredibles Take Over Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom® Park

Your Clients can party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney*Pixar's "The Incredibles" and the soon-to-be blockbuster "Incredibles 2." Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer, will also make her debut appearance. Each evening, your Clients can enjoy a "SUPER" dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. [NOTE: Disney*Pixar's "Incredibles 2" opens in theaters June 15, 2018.]

The Guardians of the Galaxy Take the Stage at Epcot®

StarLord, and Gamora from "The Guardians of the Galaxy" will join an alien band, taking your Clients on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mix Tapes 1 and 2 - fun and favorite tunes from the two movies' soundtracks - building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

"Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure" & A "Dino-Tastic" Celebration for Donald Duck Will Debut At Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Two new can't-miss offerings will debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom in time for the park's 20th anniversary. First, your Clients can discover new bird species from around the world at the new show "Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure," which will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug. The park will also launch a "dino-tastic" celebration, in which Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, U.S.A., in a new character celebration.

See "The Incredibles 2" at AMC Disney Springs®

Everyone's favorite family of superheroes is back in "Incredibles 2" - but this time Helen is in the spotlight, while Bob navigates the day-to-day heroics of "normal" life at home with Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack, whose superpowers are emerging. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again-which is easier said than done, even when they're all Incredible. "Incredibles 2" busts into theaters on June 15, 2018.

And last, but not least ...

Toy Story Land Opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios®

One major highlight of "Incredible Summer" will be the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This new 11-acre land will shrink guests to the size of a toy and allow them go explore the fun and adventure of Andy's backyard. There, your Clients can experience two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Land also will feature an existing guest-favorite attraction, Toy Story Mania!, which will expand to add a third track into the rotation. The land's Woody's Lunch Box will be a new quick- service restaurant that will offer up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats to Toy Story Land Guests.

#ThisIsHowWeKeyCon

We had such a great time meeting everyone in December that we decided that one KeyCon is never enough! So, to celeberate Key to the World Travel's 5th anniversary, we are going to have TWO next year!

Stay tuned for more information and the exact dates for Spring Fling. We hope you can make it! If there are ever any topics you would like covered in KeyConnection, please email [email protected]!!

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