Wish Upon A Star With Us - Courtney Roberts

09/22/2024

Throwback to one of my all-time FAVORITE vacation memories!

Last April I traveled to California to visit Disneyland Resort for the first time. Our travel crew was made up of HUGE Marvel fans including myself, so we were dying to visit the new Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure Park. An absolute must-do for our group was riding Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! for the first time. The reason we were actually in California was for the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 movie premiere in Hollywood the previous night, so we all had built up anticipation for this attraction!

We all loved thrill rides, but there was still some nervous energy as we moved through the queue. While we were getting locked in on our "elevator" (this was previously the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror), the entire group of guests riding with us began hollering and clapping and were 1000% ready for a good time. It was so high-energy right off the bat! As soon as the ride started and we were given our song (you're randomly given 1 out of 6 songs), the entire elevator including us started screaming the lyrics and dancing in our seats. It was such a blast! Then of course the ride itself with the random drop sequences was completely exhilarating! Just about everyone in our elevator managed to strike some sort of pose for the ride photo, which resulted in the perfect picture to capture our ride (I'm in the middle row very left side). This was truly the best ride experience I've ever had! We survived the drops and eventually made it back out into Avengers Campus, when one of our group members surprised us each with Mission Breakout! trading pins to commemorate the experience.

I know theme parks may not be everyone's "cup of tea", but for me, this is a vacation memory I'll always treasure. For just a few short minutes, a group of complete strangers forgot about our outside problems and responsibilities, and allowed ourselves to act like complete lunatics while being immersed in one of the best fandoms in the world. Just one of those magical Disney moments that I wouldn’t change for anything!

09/19/2024

❗️HNN SCARE ZONES❗️

One of the main components of Halloween Horror Nights is the scare zones. These zones are themed outdoor areas, with wild props, soundtracks, and even smells! Scareactors freely walk around waiting to find their next victim. They follow you, lunge at you, talk to you, get REALLY close to you, but they cannot touch you!

Scare zones are strategically positioned around the park in areas that you can't avoid! Scareactors tend to stick to the streets where the heaviest guest traffic is, so if you're a "fraidy cat" you can usually avoid their jumpscares by traveling on the sidewalks (although some scare zones don't have sidewalks...)

There are 5 scare zones in Orlando, and this year's zones are:

⚫️DUALITY OF FEAR - the first zone you come across after entering the park. You choose your "path"; the visceral horror of SINIST3R or the unearthly terror of her sister SURR3AL (see my previous HHN post)

⚫️TORTURE FAIRE - SINIST3R's scare zone. Enter a renaissance faire filled with gory medieval torture devices

⚫️DEMON QUEENS - SURR3AL'S scare zone. Get caught in an otherworldly hellscape pulled from the darkest corners of your mind

⚫️ENTER THE BLUMHOUSE - navigate through terrifying Blumhouse characters from M3GAN, The Purge, Happy Death Day, The Black Phone, Freaky, and more

⚫️SWAMP OF THE UNDEAD - in the backwaters of Louisiana, you'll make your way through zombies risen from the bodies of trespassers killed and dumped in a nearby bog

09/17/2024

I got “magic mail” yesterday! What a great start to the week! I’ll be taking a quick 4-night cruise on the Disney Fantasy in early November, and I can’t wait to bring you along!

When you book a Disney cruise, you’ll receive your own magic mail about 45 days prior to sailing. This will include your vacation details, arrival day tips, and of course luggage tags! You’ll add a tag to your suitcase just before you arrive at the cruise port, and then crew members will deliver your bag to your stateroom when it’s ready (usually a few hours). This allows you board the ship hassle-free and easily enjoy the ship’s amenities bag-free. Be sure to pack a backpack or small day bag with your citizenship documents, swimsuits, medication, and anything else you may need until your luggage arrives.

09/14/2024

Time for more Halloween Horror Nights recap from my trip last week! Starting with a little backstory about the event (often referred to as HHN for short).

It debuted in Orlando back in 1991 under the name Fright Nights, then was renamed to Halloween Horror Nights the following year. It started up a little later at Universal Hollywood in ‘97. It has now happened annually for 33 years! Originally a 3-night haunting, it eventually expanded to now hold almost 50 event nights per season! In Orlando, HHN strictly happens in Universal Studios park.

Each year, the event has a single encompassing theme. Usually that theme is personified with an “Icon”, or a character who serves as a physical representation of that year’s twist. This year’s icons were SINIST3R, who focuses on physical torment, and her sister SURR3AL, who specializes in psychological terror of the mind. They each had their own themed scare zones, and would come out occasionally for up-close interactions. This year is the 33rd HHN event season, so notice the 3’s in the spelling! Popular icons tend to make some sort of comeback in future HHN’s, making it fun to keep track each year! I only got quick videos of each that night, but they were incredibly detailed characters!

09/09/2024

A little interruption to the Halloween Horror Nights recap, because TRON Lightcycle/Run at Magic Kingdom changes from a virtual queue to a standby queue TODAY!

You can now "enter the grid" through the standby queue, OR by purchasing a Lighting Lane Single Pass to skip the line and save time.

09/06/2024

Had to decompress from the scares last night by visiting EPCOT today! Of COURSE I had to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and now I’m off to taste some of the International Food & Wine Festival 🍽️

09/06/2024

Happy to say that we survived Halloween Horror Nights! I made it through three houses, all five of the scare zones (multiple times), saw the nighttime show Nightmare Fuel Nocturnal Circus, and of course got picked on by Death Eaters in Diagon Alley.

While I’m not into the horror genre much, I AM into Halloween, and this event really had it all!!More pictures and breakdowns to come!

09/05/2024

Well we’re scared but prepared! Our first house of the night will be Goblin’s Feast!

If you want to be one of the first in line for the haunted houses, purchase both a daytime park ticket AND a Halloween Horror Nights event ticket for the same day. You’ll be allowed to enter specific “Stay and Scream Areas”, where you’ll have your event ticket scanned, and then you can wait out the event changeover (the park closes for 1 hour while Team Members turn the park over for the event). Grab a snack and drink and kick back with your friends for a bit, then as soon as the event begins, you’re already inside waiting to start instead of back at the turnstiles! You can usually fit in 2 or so houses before the bulk of the traffic enters the park!

09/05/2024

On the fence about Halloween Horror Nights (like me)? You need to check out the Unmasking the Horrors Tour!

This is an educational, lights-on, guided behind the scenes tour of the haunted houses. You’ll spend about 45 minutes in each house, learning the backstory, processes behind the insane creative designs, and most importantly find out where the scare actors will be! There’s a 3-house tour that lasts about 2.5 hours, and a 6-house tour that’s about 5 hours with a 45 minute break in the middle. Park tickets are NOT required for this event, as you’re escorted in and then back out after your tour.

I LOVED this experience, and feel it really prepared me for the real thing later tonight! And honestly, it just felt so cool walking behind the scenes. Regular guests do NOT get to do this! I’d love to tell you more and help you book your own tour!

09/04/2024

What a whirlwind first day at Universal!

We toured our on-site hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and let me tell you it’s absolutely built for families! A sprawling pool complex with sand beach and lazy river, large quick service dining area, bowling alley, and family suites that sleep 6!

Then it was a quick trip over to Islands of Adventure for a ride on the Velocicoaster. This coaster is WILD. The 70mph launch is exhilarating, then a 50mph launch later shoots you up a 155ft peak and right back down again at 80 degrees. Apparently this attraction crosses over and under itself over 40 times! Truly unlike any other coaster I’ve ever experienced. It’s a must-do for me now!

Then we stopped at CityWalk and explored the Epic Universe Preview Center. I can’t wait to check out Universal’s newest park next year! There is SO much coming!

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Margaritaville, and now we’re gearing up for day 2!

09/03/2024

If you recognize this carpet, you know I’ve landed in Orlando! I can’t wait to explore Universal Orlando Resort again with fellow WUASWU agents, and experience something new - Halloween Horror Nights!

09/02/2024

09/01/2024

“Dear Mr. Potter, please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from Kings Cross station, platform nine and three-quarters, at eleven o’clock.”

08/29/2024

✈️
Ever wonder what I do on a daily basis for clients? While every day is different as a Travel Advisor, these are some of the things I regularly take care of for clients. I love what I do!

08/27/2024

Interested in making a magical West Coast trip to the Happiest Place on Earth? 2025 Disneyland vacation packages are now available to book! I visited Disneyland about a year ago and had an absolutely fantastic time! I'm up-to-date with all of the latest information, and would love to provide you with a quote!

✨ [email protected]

08/23/2024

🌠 Earlier today, Universal Orlando Resort introduced the Helios Grand Hotel, a majestic gateway to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort. Opening in 2025!

This celestial resort will feature top of the line dining choices, a rooftop bar, sprawling pool area with private cabanas, and more. Room options are vast, from Standard Rooms, to Club Level Rooms, to Celestial Suites. My favorite option? The special Kids Suites themed after How to Train Your Dragon!

A huge perk of this resort will be a private entrance directly into Epic Universe. No long waits at the shuttle bus station at the end of the night! If you want to stay right inside the action, THIS is the resort to be at!

While bookings are not currently available, I'd love to get you on my information list! Please reach out if you're interested in planning a visit to Universal Orlando Resort with a stay at the Helios Grand Hotel!

🌠 [email protected]

08/20/2024

"ACCIO VACATION!"

Have you visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort yet?

⚡ Diagon Alley at Universal Studios

⚡ Village of Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure

⚡ Ministry of Magic at Epic Universe (COMING SOON, 2025)

08/15/2024

🚨 NEW Universal Orlando Special Offer! 🚨

This morning, Universal Orlando released an amazing new sale promo for most travel dates November 7th, 2024 through April 10th, 2025! Book a 4-night stay (or longer) at a Universal Orlando hotel and get up to a $1,000 Dining Card! 🍴

You can use your Dining Card to enjoy delicious meals and snacks across the resort, from Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to mouthwatering dining at CityWalk. 🎢✨

Ready to start planning? Contact me today!! I can help you create the perfect Universal Orlando adventure for you and your family with this amazing new deal!

08/11/2024

🛳 The Disney Experiences Showcase also gave us a few Disney Cruise Line announcements!

⚓ Disney Cruise Line is introducing FOUR new ships to its fleet! These ships are scheduled to arrive between 2027 and 2031. The ship names, designs, and itineraries are still in development, but there will soon be 13 ways to sail the open seas with Disney!

💪 Hercules will be the signature production on board the Disney Destiny, which starts sailing next year from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

🌊 We also saw new concept art for the Disney Treasure's signature production, Disney the Tale of Moana. Te Kā will appear onstage as a 15-foot-tall puppet – the largest ever produced for a Disney Cruise Line show! The Disney Treasure will set sail this December from Port Canaveral, Florida.

08/11/2024

‼️ HUGE things are also happening on the west coast at Disneyland Resort! Check out these big announcements!

🌠 A new Avatar destination will be created at Disney California Adventure! This new destination will draw inspiration from Avatar: The Way of Water, Avatar: Fire and Ash (announced on Friday), and also future films. This area will have a spectacular new attraction where guests will go on the adventure of a lifetime in search of majestic natural wonders that can only be found on Pandora.

🎶 The first-ever Coco attraction is coming to Disneyland! This attraction will be filled with the characters — and music — you know and love from the beloved movie, as you join Miguel on a trip to the land of the dead. Work will begin in 2026.

👤 For the first time ever, you'll be able to see Walt Disney himself through the magic of audio-animatronic technology in Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This new experience will debut inside the Main Street Opera House, and will eventually run in rotation with the existing Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. This attraction is a fitting acknowledgement of Walt’s significant advances with audio-animatronics, since he first introduced the groundbreaking technology about 60 years ago!

💥 Not one, but TWO new attractions were announced for Avengers Campus in Disney California Adventure! This will DOUBLE the size of this land! The first attraction, Avengers Infinity Defense, is a multiversal attraction where you'll battle to save iconic locations like Asgard, Wakanda, and New York City. The 2nd attraction will be called Stark Flight Lab, where you'll run test flights with the help of Tony Stark.

🐸 We also found out Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland November 15th!

08/11/2024

‼️‼️‼️ Are you ready for some WILD Disney Parks news!? Disney dropped LOADS of information last night at the D23 Disney Experiences Showcase! Buckle up, we're starting with Walt Disney World!

⚡ A new villains-themed land is coming to Magic Kingdom! This fearless new vision will be GRAND in scale, and will feature two major attractions, dining locations, shopping, and more. No word was released on location or timeframe, but it's coming!

👾 A Monsters Inc. inspired land is coming to Hollywood Studios! Walk the streets with your favorite monsters, and even tour the Laugh Factory on the first ever SUSPENDED coaster at any Disney theme park! Construction is slated to begin in 2025.

🚗 Cars is finally coming to Magic Kingdom! The current Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island will be filled in to make room for two new attractions in Frontierland. One attraction will invite you on a thrilling race through the mountains, while the other will be a family friendly experience geared toward smaller guests. Construction will begin in early 2025.

🌴 Over in Animal Kingdom, the DinoLand U.S.A. retheme will finally begin later this year with the new land debuting in 2027. This new "town" based on the tropical Americas will be called Pueblo Esperanza. Inside will be the first attraction based on the movie Encanto! Additionally, a brand-new Indiana Jones attraction will replace DINOSAUR. This new land will also feature one of the largest quick-service locations in all of Walt Disney World.

🦊 A new theater show called Zootopia: Better Together will replace It's Tough to be a Bug inside the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom in winter 2025.

✨ A new nighttime parade is finally starting back up at Magic Kingdom next summer!! Disney Starlight will feature light-up floats with characters from Peter Pan, Encanto, Frozen, and more.

🚀 Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Hollywood Studios will be updated to include a storyline from the upcoming Star Wars movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu. This update will happen in 2026 after the movie is released. This Is The Way.

💨 EPCOT's reimagined Test Track attraction is set to open in 2025.

🍻 A new Spaceship Earth-inspired lounge will open in EPCOT in 2025. A new pirates-themed tavern will also open in 2025 in Magic Kingdom.

Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro promised that "dirt is moving" on every one of these announcements. They're. All. Coming! Imagineers will be working overtime to bring these ideas to life, and I can’t wait to see the concrete results!

08/09/2024

The time to think about spring break is NOW! I'm so excited for a family that will be spending their break at Walt Disney World! Pop Century is a fabulous value resort where you can travel via Skyliner over to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

Don't have your spring break plans set yet? I'd love to provide you with a quote! Shoot me an email anytime you'd like to discuss options!

✨ [email protected]

08/06/2024

Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights begins in just 24 days! This year will be my first time in "the fog", and I'm ready for some terrifying fun!...I think...

🎃 Step inside 10 incredibly detailed haunted houses, where nightmares truly come to life. Insidious, Ghost Busters, and a Quiet Place are among this year's showcase. You'll experience top-notch scare actors with screams around every corner!

👻 Creep through 5 scare zones scattered throughout the park, each with their own unique theme, music, scare actors, and even smells!

💥 The live entertainment at this event is wild! This year's live show is called Nightmare Fuel: Nocturnal Circus, and includes aerial dancers performing to pyrotechnics and metal/electronica music.

🎢 And of course don't forget that most of your favorite Universal attractions will still be open during the event!

I can still help you experience Halloween Horror Nights this year! Whether you're interested in standalone event tickets, a full vacation package, or even a private tour of the event, I can assist you with the perfect vacation to celebrate spooky season.

08/02/2024

Now that we're used to Disney Cruise Line's traditional color scheme, I can't imagine orange being thrown into the mix!
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07/31/2024

⚡️ In honor of Harry Potter's birthday, Universal Orlando Resort released details on it's final Epic Universe land, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic! I. CAN'T. WAIT.

From the magical streets of Paris to the British Ministry of Magic, this new land will extend the universe that we all know and love. Encounter fantastic beasts, experience the Floo Network, and find new details around every corner!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic opens 2025 at Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort!

Explore the wonders of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™, one of five amazing worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe, opening 2025 ...

07/26/2024

Say goodbye to the old Genie+ system at Walt Disney World, because big changes were officially instated this week!

📣 Genie+ has changed to the Lighting Lane Multi Pass. You can now select return times for up to 3 Lightning Lane attractions in a theme park BEFORE your visit! You'll be able to see all available selections and times before you actually purchase your Multi Pass, increasing your control over your park day.

📣 Individual Lighting Lanes have changed to the Lightning Lane Single Pass. This is reserved for the biggest attraction(s) at each theme park. You can select up to 2 of these attractions per day. Just like the Multi Pass, you'll be able to select your return time before you purchase Single Pass.

Guests saying on-site at a Disney resort have the ability to make selections and purchase their passes 7 days prior to check-in, and 4 days ahead of off-site guests. This is a HUGE perk of staying on-site!

If you need a travel advisor in your corner to walk you through these changes and help you make the most of your park day, please contact me! I'm in-the-know and ready to go! Please reach out for information on planning an upcoming visit to Walt Disney World!

07/23/2024

🎶 EPCOT's International Food & Wine Festival is quickly approaching, which means the Eat to the Beat Concert Series schedule has been released!

Every night during the festival, you can enjoy live music at the America Gardens Theatre from local acts AND world-renowned bands. This year's schedule includes The Fray, Yellowcard, MercyMe, Switchfoot, Hanson, Boyz II Men, Smash Mouth, and more!

The BEST way to experience a concert is by booking an Eat to the Beat Dining Package. With this package, you'll get to enjoy a meal (entree, dessert, and nonalcoholic beverage) at a participating EPCOT restaurant, and also receive a guaranteed seat for the concert!

Great food, live music, and Disney vibes? Sounds like the perfect trio to me!

Listen up - Here's your quick EPCOT Eat to the Beat concert schedule at the 2024 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE.

07/19/2024

This family is starting 2025 off right with a trip to Walt Disney World! Can't get better than that!

Have you heard about the NEW on-site perk for 2025? When you book a vacation package, you'll get FREE entry to one of Walt Disney World's water parks on your check-in day! This is a great way to fit a little extra magic into your trip!

07/16/2024

Have you ever stayed at French Quarter? Inspired by the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, its cobblestone walkways, antique lamp posts, and bubbling fountains make for a very cozy and quaint environment. French Quarter is one of the smallest on-site resorts, making it a great option for couples, single travelers, or anyone wanting a quieter experience!

And have I mentioned, BEIGNETS!! French Quarter is usually the only place you can find this delicious treat in all of Walt Disney World!

06/25/2024

🎄We're halfway to the most wonderful time of the year, and there's no better place to celebrate than at The Most Magical Place On Earth! Check out some of Walt Disney World Resort's exciting holiday offerings for this year!

🎁 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party RETURNS to Magic Kingdom! This separately ticketed event is a must-do tradition for many, filled with joy and magical memories. Complimentary cookies and cocoa, special holiday attraction overlays, a special Christmas parade and fireworks show, character meet-and-greets in their festive attire, and even "snow" on Main Street U.S.A.!

🎬 Disney Jollywood Nights is back and more glamorous than ever! Get ready for a star-studded evening at this separately ticketed event in Hollywood Studios, where guests can enjoy some big holiday fun. Over 20 beloved characters interactions, spectacular shows, dance parties, delicious treats, and more!

🌍 The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays kicks off on Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 30. Guests can experience global holiday traditions with amazing storytellers, delicious dishes, unique merchandise, and entertainment that celebrates diverse cultures and holidays around the world.

❄️ At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, enjoy the enchanting Merry Menagerie of winter animal puppets, and meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their holiday attire.

🎄 Disney Springs is your holiday shopping paradise with dazzling decorations and the return of the popular Christmas Tree Stroll.

🎅 And let’s not forget Santa Claus, who will be making appearances across all four parks and Disney Springs!

All this excitement and more awaits you during a holiday getaway to Walt Disney World! Please contact me when you're ready to start planning!