Why do I need a Travel Agent?

 

Travel Agents are often asked for "deals" and "best prices" and for the most part, we will have the same price you would get if you book direct. There are occasions when we will have a better price, but the real value is the level of service.

When you go to a website that room recommendation has nothing to do with you or what you might like. Carnival has no clue that you have never cruised and don't know how gratuities work. The website is not going to tell you that room it's showing you is in the noisiest or has no privacy. You likely won't see Expedia tell you, "This resort is known for food poisoning outbreaks."

There are many times when someone will tell me, "Well the website is cheaper than what you sent me." Yes, that's because the website is showing you the bare bones price. Or you have a VIFP offer that is cheaper, but you actually have a VIFP offer that for a slightly higher price will include an onboard credit that already makes up for the price difference, plus you'll drink free in the Casino the entire length of your cruise, and you'll receive an arrival & departure gift.

When I provide a vacation quote I include things specific to YOU, because I have taken the time to get to know you, to learn what you like and don't like. Maybe there's a small and specific detail (like your husband can only drink domestic beer) that would make or break your entire trip. These details allow me to tailor your options to what I know you're looking for in a way a website just can’t. I go over all the details with you from start to finish to ensure it's the best experience for YOU!

Why should you always arrive early to the airport?

 

When it comes to airport arrival I am always team "better to get there early" But the truth is, my personal anxiety aside, there are good reasons why airlines encourage passengers to arrive 2-3 hours before their scheduled departure time.

Sometimes the lines to check your bags or to get through TSA can be backed up and take forever.

Arriving early allows you to be prepared for an unexpected gate change.

I've even had clients stuck in traffic just a few miles from the airport.

I feel like arriving early allows you to start your trip on a good foot. Who wants to start their vacation where they had to run through the airport? Or worse, where they missed their flight and have to try to get on another flight?

Why should you book your cruise early?

 

If you've had your eye on doing a Halloween or Christmas Cruise in 2024, do not wait to book.

January - March is the best time of the year to book a cruise.

Stateroom categories will sell out.

And the price will continue to go up.

Book early, pay as you go, and don't miss out!

The Boathouse in Disney Springs

 

One of my favorite places to eat in Orlando is The Boathouse in Disney Springs!

The rolls are incredible, good luck eating just one, but you have to try the Filet Mignon Sliders with maitre d'butter! Upgrade to the truffle fries with lemon aioli.

The Key Lime Pie Martini is incredible too! Click here and let me know if you have a favorite at The Boathouse!

How Do You Pay For a Walt Disney World Vacation?

 

"How do I pay for a Walt Disney World Vacation?" When I say it's super simple and flexible, I'm not kidding!

A $200 deposit secures your vacation package reservation. This also locks in your price.

From there your final payment is due 30 days before your check-in date.

You can pay however you're comfortable with; making weekly payments, monthly payments, just a random Tuesday payment, or pay it all off prior to that final payment date at one time.

Seriously simple, right?

If your plans change and you need to cancel or modify your reservation, there are no penalties to do so as long as you're not within that 30 day window.

Pro Tip: Book in advance (lock in the best price early) and take advantage of Sam's Club & Target Red Card discounts on Disney Gift Cards. You can use Disney Gift Cards to make payments on your trip!

I am always available to help you look at options for your next vacation. If you are ready for a no obligation vacation quote, please click here to reach out to me for a no obligation vacation quote!

Best Coffee at Disney World

 

I love a good cup of coffee but sometimes I don’t want to wait in line at the Starbucks on Main Street to get one. So I want to share some of my other favorite places to grab a coffee at Disney World!

Foam Art Latte at Contempo Grounds in the Contemporary Resort

Iced Latte at Le Petit Cafe in Riviera Resort

Cold Brew Black Caf at Kat Saka's Kettle in Hollywood Studios

Peanut Butter Cold Brew at Gideon's in Disney Springs

The signature brew at Kona Cafe in the Polynesian Resort

Nitro Cold Brew at Everglazed in Disney Springs

Viking Coffee at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Epcot

Joffrey’s Kiosks in the theme parks

Click here and let me know where your favorite place to get coffee at Disney World is!

Saving Money on Food at Disney World

 

My clients always tell me that one of their favorite documents I share with them is my "saving money on food at Disney" document. This is chalked full of absolutely every way I have found to save during my vacations.

So if you aren't booked with me (yet ) I want to share one of those tips, and it's sooo simple.

Share. Yep. Share your food. Disney portion sizes can be MASSIVE. Split entrees. Order 1 adult meal vs two children's meal. Many of those smaller portions are going to include a convenience fee and yes, the 2 piece chicken strip might come with a mandarin, but you can save $5 if you just order a 5 piece adult chicken strip with fries and have your kids share. And most of the time adults are going to throw most of their meal away, so they can share too!

Example: Check out the size of these breakfast bowls. We thought we were being smart getting an order of the hash brown bites to share, but we could have easily split one breakfast bowl too.

And sharing means more room in your tummy to try more snacks.

Click here if you're ready to start planning a Disney World Vacation!

Best Resorts for Stroller Aged Children

 

Pushing around a stroller at Disney...I've been there and done that. You may be concerned about all the walking and where you're going to put that stroller. When you work with me, situations like this become less stressful. I can give you all the best resort options like:

Disney's Art of Animation - Not only will your stroller aged kids love the theme at this resort, the family suites will give you lots of room, and the Skyliner makes getting to Epcot & Hollywood Studios a breeze. (Pro Tip: Grab a donut + coffee from the Joffrey's at the Caribbean Beach depot.)

Disney's Contemporary Resort - Even the standard rooms here are very spacious + you can roll right out of bed and right over to Chef Mickey's for a breakfast with Mickey and his pals. If the monorail access is not enough, you also have a quick walking path over to Magic Kingdom, making you one of the first to get onto Main Street USA and into Main Street Bakery (aka Starbucks) for a Pink Drink and a Cake Pop.

Click here if you're ready to start planning your Disney World Vacation!

Disney Genie+ Priorities

 

Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, Lightning Lanes, oh my! It can all get really confusing and it's the most requested topic for help from all of my clients.

Here's a little cheat sheet of my current top priorities for Disney Genie+ selections, plus a little breakdown of what to expect.

Day Before: Confirm that everyone in your party you'll be purchasing Disney Genie+ for / managing plans for is linked and has valid theme park admission (and a park pass reservation until January 9, 2024.)

12am-6:45am: Purchase Disney Genie+

7am - Purchase any Individual Lightning Lanes for the day

7am - Make your first Genie+ selection

7am - If you have park hoppers you can purchase your second Individual Lightning Lane for a return time after 2pm at another park

(Please note that off-site guests cannot purchase Individual Lightning Lanes until scheduled theme park opening time.)

2 Hours After park opening OR after you've tapped in for your first Genie+ (whichever comes first) make your 2nd Genie+ selection! You can follow that 2 hour / tapped in window on repeat!

It might seem like you need a degree in Mickey Mouse to navigate booking a Walt Disney World vacation and that is exactly what I have! I am a graduate of Disney’s College of Knowledge and stay up to date on all things Disney to help make planning your vacation a pain-free process.

Already booked your trip but don’t know where to start? No problem! If you’ve booked in the last 30 days and are not paid in full, your booking can be transferred to me and I will be ready to help you start planning the perfect vacation!

Click here to save Disney Genie+ Priority Sheets for each park!

Universal Orlando Premier Resort Perks

 

You know when we talk about the perks of staying at a Premier Resort at Universal Orlando we typically focus on the Express Pass Unlimited being included. Which don't get me wrong, that's probably the biggest perk for me, but the proximity of these resorts is also unbeatable.

This photo was taken right off the walking trail from the Premier Resorts to the front entrance of Universal Studios. Yep, you literally turn off the path and it's right there! And do you notice anything about this photo? Like the lack of people. The walking trail + Early Park Admission puts you getting there to be one of the first families into the park. Not only do you get first access to attractions, but you get some great shots of your family without hundreds of people in the background too.

Don't want to walk? That's okay too! Water taxis will drop you off in the heart of City Walk, putting you a short distance from the park entrances!

Airport Travel Tip

 

This is one of the travel tips that I cannot stress enough: always give yourself spare time when it comes to the airport.

For international flights that means arriving three to four hours before departure. For domestic flights, you should plan on two to three hours in advance. Lines can be very long at ticket counters, baggage check, and security. If you cut it too close you run the risk of missing your flight, which just isn't worth it.

Favorite Eats at Disney World Part 2

I'm having a hard time accepting that 2019 has come and gone and it's 2020, but to start off the New Year I wanted to share some of the best things I ate at Disney World recently! And it would not be a "favorite Disney food" post without mentioning the Bacon Mac n Cheese Fries at Casey's Corner in Magic Kingdom. Seriously, there has not been a trip since these were announced that we did not order two of these bad boys (yep, we can't share, they are THAT good!)

Disney's Art of Animation Cars Family Suites

If you have ever wanted to feel like you were a part of the Cars, Little Mermaid, or Finding Nemo movie, Disney's Art of Animation Resort is where you need to go! This Resort brings those movies to life and throws you right into them and is designed with families in mind. From the family suites to tons of resort activities and the largest resort pool, there's just no shortage of fun to be had here.

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid Standard Room

Disney's Art of Animation Resort feels like a work of art. From the moment you enter the lobby you realize the walls tell a story. You move from sketches to colorized drawings and as you move through the resort, the progress of the art goes with you. Of course, that art continues throughout the entire resort where favorite characters come to life and that theme carries over into the rooms. The Little Mermaid standard rooms are a mermaid princesses' dream come true!

Epcot's 2018 Flower and Garden Festival

This Spring Epcot celebrated it's 25th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! You get to explore the outdoors, view beautiful topiaries and gardens, taste fresh flavors from Outdoor Kitchens and rock along with classic bands at the Garden Rocks Concert Series. (or you can just relax and smell the flowers!)