What Really Happened to 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.
Investigators Examine Owner’s Finances Amid Possible Fraud Claims
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.
In 2024, however, the foundation of that trust began to crack. Agents, including myself, started noticing a troubling pattern: commissions we had earned were not being paid.
And in September 2025, the owner announced she would be closing Magical Vacations Travel.
The Promise of a Smooth Exit
The travel agents were told that there was a solution in place — our bookings and clients could be transitioned to another host agency, Keys to the Castle Travel, with minimal disruption.
For me, this was a good time to retire. I spent 2 decades working as a travel advisor, part-time, in addition to being a teacher (full-time). Today, I make travel videos for YouTube and have a lot of fun doing it.
Unpaid Commissions and Ongoing Disputes
Despite assisting with the transition and completing work for clients, many former MVT agents did not receive commission payments they believe were owed to them. Based on records shared among agents, the total amount of unpaid commissions is estimated to exceed $200,000, though this figure has not yet been resolved through the courts.
From our perspective, these funds were never formally released to us, nor were we clearly informed that payment would not occur. As a result, the travel agents believe they were wrongfully denied compensation for completed travel bookings.
Why this is Especially Bad
Many of my clients booked cruise travel through me. As part of my agreement with the agency, I was required to offer onboard credits to most clients, which meant I agreed to give up a portion of my anticipated commission as a booking incentive.
Michele DeNofa required me to fund those onboard credits myself, upfront. I was never paid the commissions I had earned on those bookings, so the onboard credit came entirely out of my own pocket.
Basically, I gave other people my own personal money to go on a cruise, totaling over $12,000, and would never receive my commission from their bookings.
A note to travel agents: If you work for a travel agency that requires you to spend your own money on onboard credits, rethink that policy! The agency should pay your onboard credit, and subtract it from the commission.
Regulatory and Law Enforcement Involvement
As agents sought answers, complaints were filed with various regulatory and investigative bodies. According to information shared with former agents, the New Jersey Department of Labor has been notified due to potential issues involving unpaid compensation, as Magical Vacations Travel operated out of Haddon Heights, New Jersey.
In addition, former agents have reported that the Haddon Heights Police Department has received complaints related to these matters. Because commission payments often involve interstate transactions, agents have also indicated that federal authorities were notified. At this time, any reviews or investigations are ongoing, and no criminal findings or charges have been publicly announced.
Police investigators have shared that Michele DeNofa has not responded to their requests for a meeting.
Responses From Travel Suppliers
The situation has been further complicated by how major travel suppliers have responded. According to former agents, companies such as Royal Caribbean and Universal Orlando have helped protect future earnings for agents who transitioned to Keys to the Castle Travel.
Former agents report continued frustration regarding Disney Destinations, which, according to statements relayed by agents, indicated that it does not have an internal process to intervene in host-agency commission disputes. As a result, commission payments continue to be issued under existing arrangements, despite ongoing disagreements about unpaid compensation.
Business Litigation and Bankruptcy Discussions
Public court records show that Magical Vacations Travel, Inc. and Michele P. DeNofa have been named as defendants in a civil lawsuit filed by Fuji Funding LLC. The case, Fuji Funding LLC v. Magical Vacations Travel, Inc., et al., appears to involve a business or financial dispute, commonly associated with funding or repayment obligations. As with many civil cases, the filing represents allegations by the plaintiff and does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.
Additionally, DeNofa has reportedly indicated that bankruptcy may be pursued as a potential resolution to the outstanding financial disputes. While bankruptcy could complicate recovery efforts, former agents have been advised that it does not necessarily eliminate all avenues for pursuing unpaid compensation.
Moving Forward
Although I am now retired from the travel industry, I stand with my former colleagues who continue to seek clarity and resolution. I am grateful to Keys to the Castle Travel, which stepped into an extraordinarily difficult situation and is in no way connected to the disputes involving Magical Vacations Travel.
This experience has been a sobering reminder that even in an industry built on trust and long-standing relationships, serious financial disputes can arise. Former agents continue to pursue answers and accountability, seeking recovery of what they believe to be more than $200,000 in unpaid commissions.
This article reflects my personal experience and opinions. All allegations described are disputed unless otherwise stated. No criminal wrongdoing has been proven in court as of the time of publication.
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
Search for more information on my blog.
Recent Articles
Tomorrowland’s most "crusty" classic is finally getting the love it deserves. Disney just confirmed that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin will reopen in Spring 2026 with a total technical overhaul. We’re talking handheld blasters, haptic feedback, and a brand-new character named Buddy. Here’s why this might finally become the best blaster ride in the world.