Why Should You Have Me Book Your Disney Trip?

I've talked about this before but just wanted to remind everyone why it's a good idea to use a travel agent (preferably me!) when booking a Disney trip!

My services are totally free.  You will pay the same amount as you would if you booked on your own.  Often times, you'll pay less using me because I will monitor upcoming specials and apply them to your trip if possible!  Plus, check out some of my other posts - I have lots of ideas that will help you spend less once you are there.

I can work with any client anywhere!  People often think they have to live near me to use my services and that's not the case at all.  Most of my communication is done over email and phone.  I can ship any documents to you (at my cost) that you may require.

I think it's obvious that I love all things Disney!  That love makes it fun for me to learn and research the new options at Disney and investigate any questions you may have.

Take advantage of my referral program!  Simply forward on my name, email, website...  to your friends and family.  I always ask new clients how they heard of me and if they mention your name (and of course, book a trip!), I will contact you to find out your favorite restaurant and send you a $10 gift card to it!

Character Greeting Tips

One of the most fun parts of a Disney vacation is meeting your favorite Disney characters.  A little planning helps as some of the characters have long lines.  Here are a few of my favorite character pics and then see below for tips to make the most of your time with your Disney pals.

This is one of my favorite character greetings to date.  Andrew had spent the week wearing his Mickey Mouse baseball cap.  Each time we went up to meet a character, he would turn his hat around backwards so he could get a big hug without bumping his hat into them.  When he saw Buzz, he threw his hat down and took off running.  Looking back, I imagine he totally jumped the line but Buzz gave him hugs and high-fives and it was THE BEST.  If you know Andrew, you know he's always been super shy, so to see him so excited was the cutest thing ever.

Here are other favorite character pics:

Tips to get the most fun out of your character greetings:

* Be sure and get a FastPass if your favorite character has one available.  If your kids are desperate to meet Anna and Elsa, you really need a FastPass.  Wait times are often over an hour for them.

* Don't waste time.  It drives me nuts when the group in front of me gets to the front of the line and waits until it's their turn to start digging in bags for cameras, autograph books...  Be ready!  May not seem like a big deal but if a minute is wasted on each group going thru, the lines get unnecessarily long.

* Be ready with your phone if you want the photographer to take a picture with it.  I love Memory Maker and Disney's Photopass service, but sometimes I want a pic on my phone so that I can immediately post it on social media.  Photographers are awesome and are always willing to take other pictures using your phone/camera.

* Be prepared for your little one to wait in line, be super excited to see the character and then refuse to go near them for pictures.  Sometimes it's all a bit overwhelming to them.  The photographers are great at getting candid shots and if you can just coax your child into getting into the general vicinity of the character, you can probably still get good photos.

* Be creative.  Characters that are able sign will sign other items besides autograph books.  I've heard of them signing hats, MagicBands (I can't believe I've never done this!), shirts (as long as you're not currently wearing it), hats and postcards.  Be sure to bring your own pen - sharpies work well on everything except autograph books.  Use a regular pen for those.

* Check the times.  Most characters have posted times as to when they'll be where.  Get to them early.  If you wait until late in the time frame, you may be told that even though the character is still there, the line is "closed" to new arrivals.

* Visit with them.  The characters that are able to speak will answer questions about themselves and their stories.  Super fun and can be quite funny - in the case of Gaston, Cinderella's Step Sisters, Peter Pan...

* Book a character meal.  If you want to meet Mickey but don't want to worry about getting a FastPass or waiting in line, you can book a breakfast.  You'll get a few minutes during your meal where you are guaranteed to meet and visit with characters and get photos.

Have fun and enjoy your time with the characters.  Where else can you get a warm hug from Olaf?  When you're ready to go get that hug, give me a call!!!

 

 

 

Adults Only Trips to Disney

If you read my blog post last week (if you didn't, don't tell me!), then you know that I just returned from a solo Disney World trip.  I came back from that trip with several thoughts for those of you that might be considering a Magical vacation but think you'll go somewhere else because you aren't planning to take any kids with you.

First of all, without kids you are free.  I missed my family the entire time, but I was free to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted.  One night I didn't even stop for dinner until well past 10:30pm.  If kids were there, we would have had a massive meltdown well before that time.  And my dinner one night was pretty much just what I bought at Goofy's Candy Co.  My kids would have loved it for sure, but I wouldn't have wanted to hang with them after that!

Spontaneity is much easier.  I was headed for the Haunted Mansion when I saw that it had been temporarily closed.  Checking the MyDisneyExperience app, I saw that Buzz Lightyear had a 10 minute wait.  I instantly changed my plans and took off at a very brisk walk for Buzz, enjoyed that and then back to Haunted Mansion.  I wouldn't have asked my kids to walk that much for one ride.  And I would have been frustrated at their lack of speed in doing so if they'd agreed!

I sat and watched every parade and fireworks show without anyone telling me they were bored or wanted to move on.  I visited every Princess and character meet and greet that I wanted without the boys teasing me for wanting to hug Cinderella.

The most hilarious moment was when I witnessed a young boy throw a spectacular fit outside of the Lego store in Disney Springs because he didn't get what he wanted.  By the end of it, his shoes and hat were in 3 different locations spread out among the crowd.  I tell you that kid deserved an Oscar.  I partially felt sorry for the parents and partially laughed my head off that it wasn't my kid.  Luckily they never did that (in public anyway) but it felt pretty good to know that wasn't happening to me.

There are tons and tons of amazing restaurants and bars at Disney that cater to the adult crowd.  I'm not much of a foodie, but if you are, then you're in for a treat at these places.  They will accommodate children of course, but are wonderful for adults.

You're also free to come and go as you please.  I tend to make my family go from open to close at the parks, but if you're looking for a bit more relaxation, you can go at a slower pace.  There are 2 amazing golf courses at Disney World and several spas to indulge in. 

Most resorts have a "quiet pool."  They aren't adults only, but with the appeal of the other resort pool which usually has slides, there are rarely children in the quiet pool.

To be honest, I would prefer taking my kids with me just because I love seeing Disney and all of the Magic through their eyes.  But trust me when I say you can have a perfectly Magical trip as grown ups.

If you're curious about all Disney has to offer for an adults only trip, please give me a call!  I would love to help you plan the perfect getaway!