The Commission Scandal at Magical Vacations Travel
I spent 20 years building my career with Magical Vacations Travel. Now, the owner is allegedly closing the company and keeping over $200,000 in commissions that belong to me and my fellow agents. This is my story of betrayal, the active FBI probe, and why Disney is still paying her.
For over 20 years, I proudly worked as a part-time travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel (MVT), a New Jersey-based agency owned by Michele DeNofa. It was a good run—two decades of helping families plan unforgettable trips. My work was structured around earned commissions, a standard practice in the industry: I would make the booking, the supplier (like Disney or Royal Caribbean) would pay MVT the commission, and MVT, in turn, would pay me.
But in 2024, the foundation of this trust began to crumble. Agents, including myself, started noticing something deeply wrong: our commissions were not being paid.
The False Promise of a Smooth Exit
The situation reached a head in September 2025, which was a natural transition point for me. DeNofa announced she was closing MVT. She offered the agents a lifeline: we could seamlessly move our bookings and clients to another host agency, Keys to the Castle Travel.
For me, after two decades in the business, this felt like the perfect, natural stopping point. I decided to retire then and there, stepping away from this as my part-time job. Full time, I am an educator. While the move to Keys to the Castle Travel initially seemed like a positive step for my former colleagues and ensured clients weren't left stranded, it was actually the last act of a devastating betrayal.
The Big Theft: Despite having helped transition the business, the money we had earned was gone. DeNofa withheld commissions totaling over $200,000 intended for her travel agents. To me, it seems she never had any intention of paying us. She kept the massive sum, and did not formally disclose that we would not be getting paid for our work. I and dozens of other agents, scattered across the country, became victims of what we believe to be systematic embezzlement.
Seeking Justice: Law Enforcement Steps In
The scale and scope of this theft quickly moved it from a simple business dispute into a multi-jurisdictional criminal matter. Our pursuit of justice has drawn the attention of several powerful regulatory and investigative bodies:
New Jersey Department of Labor (NJ DOL): Given that MVT operated out of Haddon Heights, NJ, the state DOL is investigating the agency for potential violations related to unpaid compensation and labor laws.
Haddon Heights Police: Local police are involved in the investigation, indicating the start of a potential criminal case at the local level. DeNofa has refused to answer questions, according to the detective assigned to the case.
The FBI and Wire Fraud: Because agents live all over the country and the commissions were transferred across state lines, the FBI has been notified. This is critical, as the alleged scheme to steal commissions could be prosecuted as federal wire fraud.
The Disney Complication
Our collective frustration has been amplified by the varying responses from the major travel suppliers:
Royal Caribbean and Universal Orlando learned of the investigations and, commendably, stopped sending commission payments to Michele DeNofa. This step has protected future earnings for the agents now at Keys to the Castle Travel.
Disney Destinations, however, remains the primary problem. DeNofa is still actively collecting our earned commissions from Disney because, as Disney representatives have reportedly stated, they have no internal mechanism to investigate or intervene in an agent-owner commission dispute of this nature. It is disheartening to see a company built on magic effectively enabling a fraud by continuing to send stolen funds.
DeNofa was supposed to work at Keys to the Castle Travel following the closure but has since been reported as no longer employed there. Her stated solution to the financial disaster she created is to file for Bankruptcy, a maneuver that will likely make recovering our earned money nearly impossible.
A Silver Lining for the Scammed
I may be retired, but I am standing with my former colleagues. We are fortunate that Keys to the Castle Travel stepped up in an incredibly difficult situation. They are in no way involved in DeNofa's alleged crimes, and they have done a wonderful job taking on and supporting many of the former MVT agents, prioritizing the clients caught in the middle and treating the agents with respect.
This experience has taught me that even after 20 years in a field built on dreams, you can still be a victim of outright theft. Our fight continues for every dollar of the $200,000 that was stolen from us.
About Darren:
Darren is an Orlando-based travel writer and YouTuber who specializes in helping travelers make the most of their vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruises. Through detailed travel guides, reviews, and insider tips, Darren gives families, couples, and first-time visitors everything they need to plan magical Orlando theme park trips and unforgettable cruise adventures.
🎥 Watch his latest videos and travel guides on YouTube: Orlando Parks Guy
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What are Agency Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel?
FAQs about Magical Vacations Travel Agency Exclusive Offers
Magical Vacations Travel occasionally arranges special rates and discounts that cannot be found anywhere else.
An Agency Exclusive Offer at Universal Orlando Resort is typically a deep discount on the nightly room rate at select hotels.
Agency-exclusive offers are only valid during the advertised travel window. You can select any number of nights within that window.
Are Agency Exclusives vacation packages?
No. These offers are discounts on hotel rooms only but tickets and other add-ons can be included in your quote. So, it’s just like having a package but we just can’t call it a “package” because some of the terms and conditions are different.
Can I include theme park tickets with an Agency Exclusive?
Yes. Tickets will be a separate purchase. I can include both the hotel and tickets in your quote with one total price, to make it easy. Theme park tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you need to cancel your vacation, you will be offered a future credit on tickets.
Can I cancel an Agency Exclusive Offer if I need to?
Yes. The cancellation policy is much more lenient than a traditional package. In most cases, you can cancel your hotel reservation up to 5 days prior to check-in for a full refund.
Do you have Agency Exclusives for cruises?
Agency Exclusive Offers on cruises, also known as Magical Voyages, are specially priced cruise fares that Magical Vacations Travel has arranged with the cruise line.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Travel Hack: How to Get 50% off Your Deposit with Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World
Right now you can use the current deposit policy at Disney Cruise Line to your advantage when you add a Walt Disney World Land and Sea package to your cruise.
Right now you can use the current deposit policy at Disney Cruise Line to your advantage when you add a Walt Disney World Land and Sea package to your cruise.
Yes, “Disney World Land and Sea packages” are still offered but they are now called “Disney Cruise Line Add-on Packages.” I still like to say Land and Sea (I’m old school).
You can also take advantage of select cruises currently being offered at a discount. Discount promotions from Disney Cruise Line are extremely rare, so take advantage of it while you can!
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See more about Disney Cruise Land and Sea vacations
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Disney Cruise Line is allowing guests to book now and pay only half of the required deposit. To use this offer, you must book your cruise by March 11, 2022.
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walt Disney World - Land and Sea Package
Port Canaveral is about an hour away from Disney World. Disney provides coach bus transportation for a small fee.
Many clients often book a 3 or 4 night Bahamas Cruise on the Disney Dream followed by 3 or 4 nights at Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll have 2 vacations in one week.
The normal Walt Disney World package deposit is $200. But when you book as a Disney Cruise Line add-on package, no additional deposit is required.
For over 12 years I have been helping clients plan Disney World Land and Sea packages from Florida. My clients enjoy:
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Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Disney Cruise Line Offer from Magical Vacations Travel
Special Offer from Magical Vacations Travel on Disney Cruise Line bookings.
Book a NEW 2022 or 2023 Disney Cruise Line reservation through Magical Vacations Travel between now and December 31, 2021, and receive a FREE $100 Disney Gift Card!*
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This is in addition to the shipboard credit, which is already provided by Magical Vacations Travel for all Disney Cruises!
What does an extra $100 to spend on a Disney Cruise mean?
It means more time relaxing in the spa, more specialty beverages, an upgraded wifi package, dinner for two at Palo, more money to spend on fun shipboard activities, such as Bingo and Mixology Classes, or even more souvenir photos to take home with you.
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When you book a new Disney Cruise Line reservation through December 31, 2021, you will be entered to win FREE gratuities for your sailing from Magical Vacations Travel.
Save on over 35 Disney Cruise Sailings
Disney Cruise has special offers available on select Bahamas and Caribbean sailings through April 2022.
*Terms & Conditions: This Disney Gift Card and Drawing Offer applies ONLY to NEW Disney Cruise reservations, booked through Magical Vacations Travel, between the dates of December 6, 2021 and December 31, 2021, and does not apply to Placeholder reservations or reservation transfers. The $100 Disney Gift Card will be sent via email to guest's valid email address in the form of an E-Gift Card shortly before the sail date of the Disney Cruise. If the reservation is cancelled for any reason, this offer will be null and void and the $100 Disney Gift Card will be forfeited. Shipboard Credit amount is determined based on the value of the cruise. Please ask your Magical Vacations Travel Agent to confirm the amount of this credit. Drawing for FREE Gratuities will be held on January 1, 2022, and the winner will be contacted by email once the drawing is completed.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean are Here!
Magical Vacations Travel now has Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line!
Magical Vacations Travel now has Agency Exclusive Offers with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line! Here is your chance to save big on some of the most popular itineraries RCCL has to offer.
Agency Exclusive Offers from Magical Vacations Travel - Darren Wittko
These offers will sell out - early booking is highly recommended. Contact me now to learn more!
Agency Exclusive Offers for Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s own private island in the Caribbean - Coco Cay
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March 27, 2022 | Harmony of the Seas
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Disney Cruise Line is also sailing to Alaska. Read more here.
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For more information about sailing on Royal Caribbean, including special offers and onboard credits, visit my Royal Caribbean Cruise Page here.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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I spent 20 years building my career with Magical Vacations Travel. Now, the owner is allegedly closing the company and keeping over $200,000 in commissions that belong to me and my fellow agents. This is my story of betrayal, the active FBI probe, and why Disney is still paying her.