

Disney has terminated its relationship with former Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Smart Moms Travel. The CEO, Lauralyn “LJ” Johnson, who leads the agency that offers customized travel packages, has been accused by current and former agents of unexpectedly dismissing dozens of staff members and withholding their earned commissions.
One of the travel agents, Lauren Belair told NBC Universal Inc.’s NBC Connecticut:
The CEO of the company has made it very clear that she is not going to be paying anyone. I would be out of probably $2,000 plus… I just feel so sad and so horrible for the 70 plus agents that were terminated right before the holidays. You know, they were really relying on that income that they are not going to receive, and there was no warning.
Johnson’s website states that she offers “guidance, fellowship, and support to women looking to balance family and career in ways that are flexible and exciting.” She assembled a group of “Smart M.o.M.s” who assist with planning trips to a number of vacation destinations.
In an Instagram post to her 206,000 followers during a trip to Italy, Johnson wrote: “Day 2 of being in Italy and not in prison for firing people who stole from me.”
A terminated employee who had administrative privileges told NBC Connecticut that it’s not possible for agents to steal commissions in the alleged manner.
A Disney spokesperson addressed the matter, writing:
Based on concerns we have received regarding changes to Smart Moms Travel’s business practices, we have exercised our right to terminate our Authorized Disney Vacation Planner designation agreement with the agency.
