Today we’d like to introduce you to Colette Spirer.
Hi Colette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am born and raised in Dallas, TX and attended Plano West High School. I grew up going to Disney every year of my life since I was just three years old. We would go for two weeks at a time and I would STILL cry when we would leave. It was truly our happy place. On top of my love and wonderful memories with Disney, I was also a dancer/performer. I had been serious about pursuing a career in the entertainment industry since I was about 14/15. At the time I was dancing in a pre-professional company and dedicated all my time to my craft. I was accepted and studied at one of the top five dance schools, Oklahoma City, University, and graduated with a degree in dance performance. During my junior year of college, I was starting to think about what would be next and I knew I wanted to work for Disney. It sounded so magical to think I could say, “I work for the Walt Disney Company!” During my senior year, I flew to Orlando to audition for a role in entertainment, got the job on the spot, and the rest is history. I had many roles at Disney, but my main one and most favorite was being a “friend of Princess Jasmine.” That is Disney code of course. I was also extremely fortunate enough to participate in many social media and press events for this company. I loved every minute of my time with the company.
I returned back to Dallas where I met my husband. We have two boys, now 9 and 5. Just like my childhood, I would take them yearly, if not more, to Disneyland and Disney World. There was no better place to be and seeing Disney though the eyes of my children was a whole new side and more magical than I could have ever imagined. We also traveled to other Disney destinations like Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney, and aboard Disney Cruise Line.
In 2018 I decided to become a travel agent specializing in Disney and Universal destinations and was brought on board at an existing agency. Since I was already known as the “go-to” Disney planner for friends and family, this was such an easy and natural decision to take my love of Disney to the next level. I was very successful in what I was doing and enjoyed every minute helping families create the same magical memories I had shared with my family.
Once Covid hit, it gave me some time to reflect on next steps in my life. Never in a million years did I expect to love helping people plan travel as much as I did. In December of 2020, I was approached by Mahra Pailet, also of Dallas, to leave my current agency and come onboard Castle Coaches Travel. I would have a much higher role and knew this was where my future was. In 2021, I become co-owner of the agency and it has been nothing shy of wonderful. In just one short year, where we started with three agents, we have continued to grow and excel. We now are a team of eleven and are still growing. While our passion and hearts lie with focusing on Disney destinations, we can book others like Universal Studios, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Beach destinations, all-inclusive vacations and so much more.
I feel so incredibly fortunate to share something so near and dear to my heart. It truly has been a dream come true.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
COVID-19 has been the biggest struggle being in the travel business.
There is often some confusion about how it is to work with a travel agent. Sometimes people think I work for the travel companies themselves or am on salary with them or charge fees. No! I’m paid BY the supplier after the client has successfully traveled. If I book a Disney trip for you, I get paid a commission – a percentage of what you’re already paying for the trip, but by Disney itself. You pay exactly the same for your vacation (and most likely more) if you book on your own, only you have a real person to reach out to for help. It works the same way no matter where you travel!
Unfortunately, though, there is no pay until a trip is completed and nothing for quoting and booking and just talking shop. I don’t charge ANY extra fees for all the planning unless what you are booking, for whatever reason, pays me no commission. That’s industry standard. Some agents charge extra fees all the time, I do not. With closures and people changing plans due to COVID, there were lots of canceled trips where I had put in hours and hours of time. I am forever thankful for loyal clients who rescheduled trips and sent referrals my way to keep travel and my small business alive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Castle Coaches Travel?
Castle Coaches Travel is a concierge travel agency specializing in Disney destinations and family vacations around the world. At Castle Coaches Travel, we believe that everyone who is young or young at heart deserves the joy of the magical moments and cherished memories that only a Disney vacation can create; and our obsession is designing custom-crafted, flawless Disney travel experiences that will bring pleasure and satisfaction for years to come. When you book your vacation package with us, our concierge-level planning services are absolutely free.
Our vision of being the very best Walt Disney Parks and Resorts destination travel company means being recognized by our clients for our exemplary customer service, all-encompassing knowledge of our products, and creative and innovative planning that led to stress-free, magical vacations. We achieve this by having the best technology and continuing education available for peak performance, training our Coaches to build relationships based on sincerity, trust, and integrity, and delivering one-on-one attention so that you are guaranteed the high touch experience you are promised when you chose Castle Coaches Travel.
The Castle Coaches personalized and flawless vacation planning approach will maximize your time, money, and pleasure while it minimizes stress, anxiety, and confusion.
From selecting a resort to customizing itineraries, I truly love details and sharing tips that suit your family’s interests and needs. Whatever your travel style, I can help you maximize your time on a Disney vacation. I have spent countless hours over three decades experiencing all that Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Universal Studios has to offer. I am aWDW Annual Passholder, travel to the Disney destinations almost monthly to stay up to date on the latest Disney experiences. I make it a point to attend special events and tours at the parks, try all the dining options and stay at every resort to pass the knowledge onto my clients.
I have helped families of all sizes and with a variety of age ranges to enjoy the magic of their family vacations. I take great pride in helping both first-time and veteran visitors make the most out of their trips. I am a seasoned pro at helping large groups, ensuring everyone has their wants met. Most importantly. I am always available via phone, email, or text with questions before, during, and after your vacation! I am truly there every step of the way.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I am a go-getter, passionate, independent, persistent, organized, and a good communicator
Contact Info:
- Email: colette@castlecoachestravel.com
- Website: https://www.castlecoachestravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colette_the_castle_coach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castlecoachestravel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7JCT2PPOwWKqoW5dz98-Gw
Image Credits:
Disney PhotoPass
k_kennedy_photography
