All Aboard the Hogwarts Express!!

Are you a Muggle? Sadly, I am too. But guess what? Even Muggles can ride the Hogwarts Express! I don’t know about you, but anytime I read a Harry Potter book or see a movie, I wish I was able to be a part of that world. And while I can’t change the fact that you’re a Muggle, I can help you experience the magic of the Hogwarts Express.

Our train compartment on the Hogwarts Express!!

First off, the Hogwarts Express is only at Universal Orlando. It runs between the King’s Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios Florida (on platform 9 3/4 of course) and Hogsmeade station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. ** IMPORTANT - To board the train, you will need a park-to-park ticket.

This ticket will allow you unlimited rides on the train as you go back and forth between the two parks. And don’t assume just because you rode the train one way that it’s the same on the return trip - it’s not! So be sure to ride both ways. The ride takes around 4 minutes each way.

The train compartments hold up to 8 passengers so if your group is larger you’ll be split up. Take a seat and along the way you’ll see a lot of familiar Harry Potter landmarks and friends out of the window. (It’s actually a video but looks pretty darn realistic).

While you can’t roam the aisles of the train, you can see silhouettes of happenings in the aisles - watch out for Dementors!!! You’ll also hear audio of what’s happening out there so pay attention.

A really fun feature is walking through King’s Cross Station and passing through the wall into Platform 9 3/4. Lag back a bit from your party so that you can get a picture of those ahead of you as they walk through the "wall" forming the entrance. Clueless people will try to push past you so hold your ground!!

Below are pictures of some of our rides on the Hogwarts Express. FYI, I would totally be wearing my Gryffindor robes if it didn’t embarrass my goofy family. Have you ridden the Hogwarts Express? Put your thoughts in the comments!! And if you haven’t… Be sure and give me a call and I’ll book and plan your trip to the Wizarding World for free - even if you’re a Muggle!!

Oklahoma is OK, but the other states are great too!!

My Oklahoma peeps pretty much have all heard about my Disney and Universal trip planning services and many have taken advantage of this FREE service. But I often hear (after the fact) that someone wished they could have used my services, but they don’t live near me so assumed that I couldn’t help them. No! Not true!!

Although I would love to visit in person with all of my clients, that’s not always possible even when they are local. We all have busy lives and sometimes schedules don’t work out. The thing is, it’s totally possible to plan and book the whole trip over the phone! I spend a lot of time calling, texting, emailing and facebook messaging my clients while we’re in the planning and booking phase.

Once it nears your trip, I’ll mail you a packet with any paperwork that you need to have. Disney will mail your MagicBands and Magical Express luggage tags.

So please, if you’re not local to me, still let me help you!! And if you’re one of my friends that lives out of the Oklahoma City area, please consider sharing this info with your own local peeps. Remember I have a referral program and will send you a $10 gift card to the restaurant of your choice if you send a booking my way!!

I Hate to Brag But...

Talking up my skills is something I find difficult in the marketing of my business.  I always feel like I'm bragging or pretending like I know everything when we all know that NOBODY knows EVERYTHING!  

But today I just want to remind you why you should give me a call when you're planning a trip to Disney or Universal.  Or if you're even remotely considering a trip - I'd love to try to talk you into it!  :)

First and most important - I LOVE what I do.  I love everything about Disney and Universal travel.  I love the research, I love the planning, I love the parks!  So when I say I want to help you, I truly mean it.  Yes, it's a job and if you book through me, I'll get paid which is an amazing perk - but I honestly love doing it.  

Even if you are an expert on these types of vacations, you would be helping to support my small business!  Giving me the chance to help you doesn't mean that I just take over and you are out of the loop.  Some of my favorite clients are experts themselves and just use me to verify their plans or answer a question about something they may have forgotten or aren't familiar with. Plus, I'm the one point of contact rather than having to call Disney or Universal and talk to a different agent every single time.  And don't forget about the long wait times to call in sometimes - I'll help as quickly as I can every time and you don't have to tell your whole vacation story when you call in.

What are the other benefits of using a certified travel agent like myself?  

• I work for FREE!!  Ok, so not really.  Disney and Universal both pay me a commission.  But that commission is NOT added on top of your vacation cost.  You will pay the EXACT same thing to Disney or Universal regardless of if you book through me or do it yourself.  
• I research the best dates for the best value/best crowd level/best weather for your time frame.
• I monitor the specials that Disney releases.  Doesn't happen often, but if a special comes out after you've booked that can be applied to your trip, I will do that for you!
• I will get up before sunrise on the day of your FastPass and Advanced Dining Reservation windows.  I will talk with you before that day to find out what you'd prefer so that you get as close to what you want as possible!
• I am available anytime to chat about your trip.  It's really hard to say "here's what to do on your trip" as all families are different.  I love getting to know my clients and helping them decide on a plan.
• I am also available at any time for questions - and if I don't know the answer (it happens!), I have a direct line to Disney and Universal.  I also have relationships with a large number of other travel agents that may have ideas to help us in an unusual situation.  
• Have a problem on your trip?  Call me!  It's a nice feeling knowing you aren't in it alone if a problem arises.

Again, I don't want to brag but I do have these awesome pins that speak for themselves when they say I'm a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge!

Please give me a call and let's talk about your vacation needs.  And I'd appreciate it immensley if you would give my information to anyone you know considering a trip.  THANK YOU!!

Rantings of a Frustrated Travel Agent

OK, so I should start by saying it’s not your fault.  You just don’t know how it works! 

In the past few weeks, I’ve had many potential clients contact me for information and pricing on Disney trips and Disney cruises.  But only a couple have actually booked a trip.

I know that there are times when the price isn’t what is expected or dates of availability don’t work out.  But lately, I’ve had a lot of people tell me thanks and then go book it on their own online.

My first instinct is to be frustrated.  Typically I’ve spent a decent amount of time finding out about what they want in a trip and then customizing a quote based on that.  And time spent doing that is something I do enjoy but when it boils down to it, it takes time away from my family.  That’s easier to justify when it becomes a job and I’m paid for it, but when a trip isn’t booked, I don’t get paid.  (Cue the Mom Guilt at that point). 

That’s something I think people just don’t quite understand.  I only get paid when I book a trip.  Now if the trip is not right for you, you decide not to go, circumstances change… I totally get it.  But to go book online with the info I’ve provided stings a bit.  

I truly think people just don’t know how it works though so I try not to take it personally. I do want to educate everyone on a couple of things though.  Click the links below to find out why you need a travel agent and how I actually get paid...

Do you really Need a travel agent to go to Disney?

How Do I get Paid?

Disney is no small business.   But when you book your trip through an authorized Disney travel agent (like myself!) you are supporting a local business.  Doesn’t cost you a penny more and in fact may save you money in the long run.  

The best benefit for you is that you have access to my expertise and one-on-one planning.  I am your direct link to Disney or Universal!  If you book yourself and need to make changes, have a question or just want to get some advice, you can call Disney/Universal.  But you’ll have a different agent every time that doesn’t know you or your situation.  And be prepared for a long wait on the phone. 

With me, I get to know what you want out of your trip and work to make it the best possible.  If there’s any need to call Disney/Universal, I will do that for you.  And there's a reason I only book Disney/Universal vacations.  I've been there, done that.  I don't book other areas because I'm not an expert!  Not to brag, but I do feel like an expert when it comes to Disney and Universal and I'd love to be your Fairy Godmother.

I really hope I haven’t offended any of you that might be reading this.  If you’ve asked me for information but didn’t book a trip, just know that I totally understand.  And honestly, before I became a travel agent, I most likely did the same thing in asking for info but doing it myself.  

Do me a favor and spread the word on this new knowledge - there’s no reason for you to plan alone when it costs you nothing to have an expert in your corner!!

Coming in August - Universal's NEW Aventura Hotel! Booking now!

Universal’s Aventura Hotel, opening August 2018, is a modern and stylish place for you to stay. This perfectly priced hotel is within walking distance of Universal’s Volcano Bay!  Of course, walking paths and shuttle buses are available to get to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  It's available to book today for your late summer vacation!

As with the other Universal on-site resorts, you'll enjoy Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay™ one hour before the parks open (valid theme park admission required).

The rooms will feature wooden (tile) floors, which is a first for standard rooms at Universal Orlando, and each will come with a tablet that will allow guests to control many of its features, such as the lights, television, and air-conditioning. Universal is promising this will be the most technologically-advanced hotel on-property.

There's also a Kids Suite - this 575 square foot room sleeps 5 and features a special interior area for the kids that includes two twin beds. You can put the little ones to sleep securely while you enjoy a few hours of downtime in a separate area that offers a king bed and a couch that converts into a deluxe, foam bed. 

Universal’s Aventura Hotel Introductory Offer

Book a 4-night stay or longer and you'll not only be among the first to stay at the newest on-site hotel, but you'll also receive a FREE $50 hotel dining credit* (per room). To take advantage of this introductory offer, you must book by June 15, 2018 with travel August 16 to December 20, 2018.  

And of course, if you book with Trips By Mouse, I will provide all of my planning services for FREE!  The cost is the exact same if you book with me or book yourself, so you'll want to make sure to take advantage of my expert planning.

Guest Room Amenities

• 600 guest rooms and suites; rooms start at 258 sq. ft.
• Flat panel television with HD channels and On Demand® in-room movies (fees apply)
• Coffee maker
• Mini refrigerator
• Iron, ironing board, hairdryer and in-room safe
• Two compartment bathroom – tub/shower with toilet, and separate compartment with sink and vanity
• Complimentary wireless internet access in each guest room and most common areas of the hotel (or upgrade to Premium Plus wireless internet access for optimal entertainment and business needs.)

Standard Room at Aventura

Pool:

Underwater speakers allow for Universal’s dive-in movie experiences!  The pool area also features a kids' splash zone and a fire-pit!

Pool at Aventura

Dining Options at Aventura:

FOOD HALL

The food hall is where unique, high-quality restaurants come together, offering a multitude of cuisines for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Throughout this expansive space are dining options sure to fit everyone’s palettes. Guests can enjoy their meals indoors or poolside, where the free WiFi flows.

LOBBY BAR

The lobby bar is contemporary, spacious and inviting. This breezy and comfortable meeting space is the perfect before or after dinner hangout.

ROOFTOP BAR - Bar 17 Bistro

Here, you can take in the views of the city and the theme parks - including Krakatau at Volcano Bay and Hogwarts at Islands of Adventure. All your drink favorites, some custom potions and delicious small plate specialties make the rooftop bar a cool hangout.

Rooftop Bar at Aventura

POOLSIDE BAR AND GRILL

You might spend a whole day in the relaxing surroundings of the hotel’s pool. And why not, when all your snacks and meals, along with frozen drinks, cocktails, beer and wine are right here?

STARBUCKS® COFFEE

Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. The Starbucks at Universal’s Aventura Hotel is in the heart of the hotel lobby and offers their full menu of food and drinks.

Other Amenties:

A couple of other great amenities are an on-site Universal Studios Store, a Complimentary Fitness Center and a Virtual Reality game room where technology and motion tracking controllers deliver an experience unlike any other.

*Terms and Conditions of Dining Credit:  One (1) $50 hotel dining credit per room. Credit applies to food and beverage (excluding alcohol) at Universal’s Aventura Hotel restaurants only, days/hours of operation may vary. Hotel dining credit must be used in full during stay and excludes gratuities and applicable taxes. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any prior purchases. Any unused credit is non-transferable and non-refundable and forfeited if not used. All prices and options are subject to availability to change without notice and additional restrictions may apply.

Please Support Small Business Saturday!

***  FREE STUFF for sharing this post - Be sure and read to the bottom of this!

Disney is no small business.   But when you book your trip through an authorized Disney travel agent (like myself!) you are supporting a local business.  Doesn’t cost you a penny more and in fact may save you money in the long run.  

The best benefit for you is that you have access to my expertise and one-on-one planning.  I am your direct link to Disney or Universal!  If you book yourself and need to make changes, have a question or just want to get some advice, you can call Disney/Universal.  But you’ll have a different agent every time that doesn’t know you or your situation.  And be prepared for a long wait on the phone. 

With me, I get to know what you want out of your trip and work to make it the best possible.  If there’s any need to call Disney/Universal, I will do that for you.

For more info on my services and that touchy subject of how I get paid (and how you support this local business) - click here:  An Uncomfortable Subject... How Do I Get Paid?

*** Please share this post to spread the word and support my business! I really, really appreciate your support!  So on Saturday, I will draw a name from the list of people that share this for a fun prize!