I'm Going to Disney... Again?

I'm actually not going anytime soon (but do have trip planned for Marathon weekend in January - more to come on that in the future!).  But anytime I tell someone that I'm going to Disney, they always have the same reaction.  Again??  Yes again!  It's obviously not my home but I really do feel at home while there.  Something I really love is that the cast members at every resort I've ever stayed at on Disney property always say, "Welcome home" to me while checking in or returning after a day at the parks.  Insert warm, fuzzy feeling here!

This is the sign as you enter Magic Kingdom.  And it tells it all - I love visiting my favorite older attractions from years past. And since I'm not able to go as often as I'd like there tends to be something new each time I go.  Just this summer, Disney is opening the new Pandora land and it won't be too long until the new Star Wars and Toy Story lands open. So I'm always excited to experience new things.  The best part of the sign though is the Fantasy.  

I'll never get too old (I hope!) to believe in the Magic of Disney and the feeling that dreams and wishes do come true here.  Even if it's only for a few days, that's an amazing feeling.  Throw in the fact that I don't do dishes or laundry and it truly is a dream come true!!

Disney allows - and encourages - everyone to be a kid again.  I love traveling with my boys to a place where they can act Goofy and it's totally normal!  I wish daily for time to slow down and my kids to stop growing older and I feel like it really does happen when we're at Disney.

Here's proof:

So when people ask why Disney again, I feel like they never quite understand when I say that it feels like home.  I could go into the unbelievable customer service Disney provides, the amazing attractions and shows, the mouth-watering food, the wonderful resorts and pools...  But the main reason I return is a feeling that you won't know about until you've experienced it.  Call me and let me help you get that feeling for yourself!!

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!

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!

That Time I Went to Disney World by MYSELF

So last week, I did something I would've never believed I'd do...  I went to Disney World alone.  Without my family.  All by Myself!  

Here are some pictures to prove it:

You may be wondering how I could be so cruel as to go there without my kids.  I thought the same thing before I went.  But it's not like I just yelled, "See ya suckers!" and took off for my Happy Place.  I went for training and really, truly, had no choice in the matter.  :)

I was offered a chance to go to Disney's Agent Education Program.  Of course since it's a training program for agents, families weren't allowed.  I really did agonize over the decision and went back and forth for a bit, but let me tell you - I'm so glad I went!  

Although I already felt like I was an expert at Disney World, there were tons of things I learned to help you make your trip even better.  We toured many of the resorts I hadn't been to and even were lucky enough to take a tour of Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream.  

In the next few weeks, I will post specifics about what I learned, what's new and exciting at Disney World and even more tips and tricks that I learned from Disney Cast Members and the 40 other agents in attendance.  

I can honestly say I've NEVER come back from a work conference or training feeling pumped about my job - until now.  A Magical time was had for sure!