Happy summer everybody!
I hope you are doing well. I have been enjoying time with my
family, as I’ve been on maternity leave following the birth of my son in April.
We’ve been having a lot of fun planning our next few Walt Disney World vacations
and searching for which Disney Cruise we’d like to do when our infant son gets
just a bit bigger.
(We are dreaming up where our next Disney Cruise Line vacation will take our family of four!) |
(Our son keeps asking us 'When are we taking our next Disney Cruise?') |
This month, I would like to cover my thoughts on why it is
beneficial to use a travel agent when planning your Disney vacations. In the
past I have used AAA to book Walt Disney World vacations, and a travel agent
friend to book our most recent Disney Cruise Line vacation.
First, let me mention that the great thing about using a
travel agent who specializes in Disney is that they typically are experts on
the subject. Before an agent sells Disney vacations, they must take courses from
the College of Disney Knowledge and pass a test on all things Disney. Most
independent travel agents also work for a larger business, which provides
additional resources to you and your agent if need be.
(Most Travel Agents specializing in Disney Destinations spend a lot of their time doing 'Disney research' to be able to best help their clients!) |
The best news of all- your favorite Disney blogger has
become a travel agent! If it is Walt Disney World you are looking to visit,
then I am your gal. I have been to Walt Disney World many, many times- I have
been to every Disney resort multiple times, I am familiar with every restaurant
on property (there are well over 100!), I have been on nearly every attraction
and seen nearly every show on property, and there aren’t many questions that
stump me. I have also visited with just my husband as a young couple, and as a
group of multiple families with children of varying ages. I’ve done Disney in
so many different ways, and I can definitely recommend the best options for
your family or group!
(Have a 4-year-old boy? You won't want to miss Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, one of my son's favorite rides at Walt Disney World!) |
If it is Disney Cruise Line that you are looking for, I
would love to help! I sailed on a 7-day cruise with a Star Wars Day at Sea last
February with my family, and this trip was unbelievable. We enjoyed impeccable
service, an exquisite atmosphere, fun activities galore, and of course- Disney
Magic. There are so many memories that stand out from this trip, but one of my
favorites is leaving for dinner one night, and our room host Filip tells us
that he will have a surprise waiting for us when we return to our room that
evening. When we returned later that night, we saw that Filip had placed Cars bedding
on my son’s bed! Camden had brought his Lightning McQueen suitcase with him on
the trip, which Filip had undoubtedly seen, and decided to make a little magic
for our son, which he LOVED.
(Everyone we've ever met on the Disney Cruise Line has gone above and beyond to give us a truly magical experience!) |
Many travel agents, such as myself, will get up at 5:45 in
the morning to secure your dining reservations and Fast Passes, so that you do
not have to worry about doing this (yes, EVEN the morning after the 4th
of July, which I am doing for a client next week!). I take a LOT of pride in my
small business, and I truly want each and every client of mine to love Disney
as much as I do. If a client asks for a specific document- such as a client who
recently asked me for a list of the best Disney snacks to use her Disney Dining
Plan snack credits on- I get right to work on making a detailed list to send
out.
(A BEAUTIFUL- and delicious- cupcake I enjoyed at the Grand Floridian!) |
(One of my favorite Disney snacks- a Magic Cookie Bar!) |
I do it all- I will spend hours on the phone, as I did
earlier this week, calling Disney to apply new promotions which are released to
try and save my clients money. I am available during your vacation via
telephone or text if you think of any questions- even ones just as simple as ‘I’m
eating dinner at Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge, what is the fastest way to get
back to the Grand Floridian?’ No question is too big or too small. I also am
happy to work with any budget- from $2,000 (or less!) to $20,000, I can help you create
the perfect trip for your family.
(Say you are here, and are wanting to get back to your resort, the Grand Floridian. Just call or text me and I'll get you there!) |
Finally, before you head out on your trip, I will send you
your custom itinerary so that you do not miss a thing! Your itinerary will
include your Fast Pass reservation times, advance dining reservations (ADR’s)
and confirmation numbers, extra experience times and dates, theme park hours, and
more!
(What time is that FastPass for Under the Sea again? Have no fear, your itinerary is near!) |
One final thing that I’d like to mention is that even if you
have already booked your Disney vacation, it may be possible to still use a
travel agent. It is possible for your reservation to be taken over by a travel
agent if you have booked within 30 days, and if your trip has not yet been paid-in-full.
Some travel agents will also assist you with your planning and itinerary-building,
even if your trip has already been booked and paid, simply by charging a small
planning-only fee for their work.
(I can even tell you about my favorite places to relax, have a drink... put together new Lego sets, and more!) |
I hope that this post has been informative and interesting! Please
feel free to contact me at any time via email at dana_w@wishingonastartravel.com. Happy Travels!