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Brooke - Never Look Back Vacations

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Brooke - Never Look Back Vacations

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08/16/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 10: DISNEY CASTAWAY CAY

Our final day has arrived. 😞 Taylor & I weren’t sure if 10 days would be too much, but we can honestly say the cruise flew right on by.

I bet you could guess how I started the day ... another Disney character latte ha! This time Elsa! ❄️

After my latte, I headed on to Disney Castaway Cay [Disney’s private island in the Bahamas] to run the Disney Castaway Cay 5k! I’ll be posting a full reel on how you can participate in this race, but it was my first time & it was awesome! Very hot 🥵 , but it’s awesome to explore the island this way. Plus, you get a fun medal once you finish!

I then got back on the ship for a quick shower / breakfast, then Taylor & I headed back on the island for some R&R on the beach. We usually always go to Serenity Bay, the adults only beach, but we decided to stay on the Family Beach this time around.

We LOVE Disney Castaway Cay - the BBQ lunch is always delish, it’s easy to get around the island, the beaches are beautiful, awesome character meet & greets, etc.

We then got back on the ship, showered & headed to Goofy’s Sports Deck to enjoy the virtual sports simulator. Taylor is OBSESSED with golf, so he was pumped for this. You can also play football, baseball, carnival games, dodgeball, soccer, cricket, hockey & bocce ball. Note you have to book this in advance!

It was then time for ice cream from Sweet On You. This ice cream parlor is home to famous ice cream sundaes, candies & other sweet treats! We got the signature sundae in a souvenir Minnie cup!

After ice cream, we relaxed & got ready for dinner! We were in Royal Court for our final meal. It was honestly so sad saying goodbye to our serving staff team who had been with us this whole cruise!

After dinner, we played 2010’s music trivia, got our nightly espresso martinis & saw Believe, the final Broadway-style production on the Disney Fantasy. This show makes me cry EVERY TIME.

Overall, we had an AMAZING 10 day Disney Cruise, even with just us 2 adults.

What Disney Cruise Line questions can I help answer for you?!

08/15/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 9: DISNEY LOOKOUT CAY AT LIGHTHOUSE POINT

You know I started the day with a Disney character latte. 🤣 They surprised me with Belle! 🌹

The big day we’ve been waiting for ... our first experience at Disney Cruise Line’s newest island experience! Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point made its big debut just 2 months ago, so it’s still very new.

In the coming weeks I’ll be posting a very detailed reel on our experience here, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, here are major highlights for us:

🏝️ The main beach is STUNNING! The ocean is crystal clear & the sand is so soft.
🍔 The food [lunch] was delicious. We enjoyed the hamburger, hot dog, potato salad, mac & cheese, sauerkraut, black bean salad, fruit salad, corn bread muffin & BBQ ribs.
📲 The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app was so helpful in letting us know where / when everything was happening – like character meet & greets, lunch, etc.
🐭 We loved meeting Mickey & Minnie in their new Bahamian inspired outfits! Next time we’ll have to meet more characters!

Also, here are some concerns [just to set expectations / be honest with y’all]:

🏖️ It was clear there weren’t enough chairs & umbrellas for everyone, at least for a sold out sailing on the Disney Fantasy. I do hope they add more in the future!
🪧 We noticed a lack of directional signage, so you can easily get lost. I do hope they add more signage in the future!

^ yes, I did submit this feedback in my post-cruise survey!

I do think there are some opportunities for Disney to enhance Guest experiences, but I also think that’s to be expected with something this new. Overall I think this is an awesome port addition for Disney Cruise Line & I cannot wait to go back!

For dinner back on the ship, we decided to skip main dining! 🫢 Instead, we went to Meridian Lounge for drinks & a charcuterie board, then went down to Flo’s Café for salad & chicken tenders. I loved choosing our own destiny with our dinner plans!

To end the night, we saw perform in the Walt Disney Theatre. Loved it!

Stay tuned for day 10!

08/14/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 8: DAY AT SEA

We started the day with churro Mickey waffles! This was the only day during our sailing these were available [in Cabanas], so it was our mission to indulge in them. I also got [another] Disney character latte at Cove Cafe.

Now it was time for Palo Brunch! If you’re looking to enjoy one of the adult-exclusive speciality meals during your Disney Cruise vacation, this is the best bang to your buck. It’s $50 all you can eat, and you also get a glass of prosecco, a mimosa or a juice included as well. It’s delicious & the service is impeccable. We got both antipastos, heirloom tomato & basil soup, zucchini frittata, salmon eggs benedict, goat cheese & sundried tomato flatbread, chicken parmesan, wild mushroom ravioli, warm apple cinnamon sticky bun, limoncello torte & buttermilk panna cotta pot.

After brunch it was time for the spa! We signed up for the Couples Choice in the Spa Villa. Our 150-min service looked like this: a foot cleansing ceremony out on our private outdoor verandah [connected to our spa treatment room] —> time to relax in the whirlpool on the private verandah —> 75 min full body couples massage inside the treatment room —> tea time on the private verandah, while we relaxed on the lounger chairs. We thought this was really wonderful! We may not do it again because it is on the pricier side, but it was amazing to experience during this celebratory trip.

After our spa service we got cozy in our robes & drank sparkling wine on our verandah — the perfect way to relax before dinner. For dinner we were at Animator’s Palate again. Upon arrival there were “Draw Your Own Character” worksheets at everyone’s table setting, where you essentially got to draw your own character. Our server collected our drawings & at the end of our meal, on the screens in the restaurant, everyone’s drawings came to life! It was so so cute.

After dinner Taylor & I got our nightly espresso martinis, then headed to the Walt Disney Theatre to see Frozen, one of the Disney Fantasy’s Broadway-production style shows. We loved it!

Stay tuned for days 9-10!

08/13/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 7: BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Our 4th port day YAY! We had a 5 hour catamaran excursion with , an excursion we booked outside of Disney Cruise Line. They were excellent beforehand [great communication throughout the booking process] & excellent once onboard as well. We saw storms on the forecast for this day, but our excursion was not cancelled so we were excited to still be able to go out on this adventure! But boy oh boy ... an adventure we did have. 😅

Our catamaran’s main focus was Norman Island, one of the British Virgin Islands. Norman Island has a well-documented history of being a hot spot for pirates back in the day [& said to be the inspiration for Treasure Island], but today it’s a renowned area for diving, snorkeling & boaters. We loved our time here! I’ve always been a big Pirates of the Caribbean fan, so anything connected to pirates calls my name. 🏴‍☠️

After a drink at Pirate’s Bight, various snorkeling spots & lunch, it was time to head back to the ship. However, we finally experienced the storm we saw on the forecast & it was SCARY. We had 30 mins in the open ocean of not seeing 2 feet in any direction of the catamaran, rain blowing sideways through the boat, waves knocking us around, etc. What we learned later is that we experienced Hurricane Debby before she was named / while she was still a tropical depression. Who knew we’d see her both at sea & back home in Charleston aha! Shoutout to the team for keeping us safe. [also enjoy photo 6 🤣]

We arrived back at the Disney Fantasy SOAKED. ☔️ We showered, relaxed in our stateroom & it was time to head to dinner. We were at Animator’s Palate, one of the rotational dining locations.

After dinner we went back to our stateroom, ordered chocolate chip cookies & watched the new House of Dragon episode. Our journey back to the ship drained us mentally, so a relaxing night in was exactly what we needed!

PS - be sure to order the chocolate chip cookies via room service on your next Disney Cruise ... you’ll thank me! 🍪

Stay tuned for days 8-10!

08/12/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 6: DOMINICA

Our third port day YAY! However, we actually stayed on the ship. We had a feeling we’d want to have a break from port adventures this day, so it was nice to take it easy this day [especially after an 8 hour excursion the day before].

While Taylor joined a conference call for work, I took a walk around the outdoor promenade walking path & worked out in the fitness center. I then showered, grabbed my laptop, went to Cove Cafe for [another] character latte & worked for a bit.

After I caught up on some emails, I went to a Pixar character drawing class! Some character drawing classes onboard your Disney Cruise will tell you exactly who you’re going to draw, but for this class all I knew ahead of time is that it would be a Pixar character. We ended up drawing Envy from Inside Out 2! I’ve included my final piece of art in the images above ... I think I’ll stick to travel planning ha! 🤪

I then got a Dole Whip float with rum! Yes you heard that right … you can get Dole Whip on a Disney Cruise vacation! Don’t worry, I shared with Taylor once he was done with work. 👏🏻

After Dole Whip, Taylor & I headed to Senses Spa, where Taylor had a men’s facial with beard grooming appointment. Taylor had never had a service done like this before & he loved it. I love how Disney Cruise Line offers men focused treatments as well!

It was then time for Bingo! We lost ... again UGH! I highly recommend Bingo on any Disney Cruise Line sailing - such a fun activity for the whole family, where you can win MONEY! 💸

For dinner we were at Enchanted Garden, one of our rotational dining locations. While here, you can savor a menu of flavors from around the world at this restaurant inspired by the gardens of Versailles. Our serving staff surprised us with a special anniversary dessert, too!

After dinner, we played Movie Music Trivia in The Tube, a London inspired lounge. Taylor & I quickly learned that the movies in focus were not geared for our age group. 🤣 We also stayed in The Tube for an adults only magic show by !

Stay tuned for days 7-10!

08/09/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 5: SAINT LUCIA

Our second port day YAY! And our wedding anniversary - July 29th! Taylor & I agree that this was our favorite excursion day. 🥰

We grabbed an early breakfast at Cabanas [buffet] & coffees [a Goofy latte for me & espresso for Taylor], then headed to The Walt Disney Theatre to meet for our 7 hour Land and Sea to Soufriere (SL25) [though it ended up being 8 hours].

During this tour we started on land, where a van [which fit about 16 people] drove us to various stops to experience breathtaking scenic views [including The Pitons], grab lunch at Morne Coubaril Estate & experience the famous sulphur springs mud baths. It’s said that the mud baths at Sulphur Springs attract people from all over the world because it detoxifies the body and helps heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints & more. It’s also located in the only drive-in volcano in the world!

After we cleaned up from the mud baths, it was time for the sea portion! We hopped on a catamaran near the base of The Titons & enjoyed a leisurely ride back to the ship. We also stopped at a beach for some swim time!

We decided to skip dinner at our rotational dining location & instead grab dinner at quick service location Flo’s Cafe. Flo’s Cafe is home to 3 food stations — Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill & Fillmore’s Favorites — inspired by Cars! Here you can get pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, fries, sandwiches & salads.

Side note - we saw a double rainbow on our way to dinner! 🌈

Tonight was Pirate Night! We had packed full pirate attire for this evening, but after our 8 hour excursion we were SO TIRED. So we wore cozy attire instead with pirate bandanas. 🤣 At 7:35pm we watched Mickey’s Pirates of the Caribbean Deck Show & later at 10:15pm we watched the Buccaneer Blast, which includes fireworks at sea!

However, before Buccaneer Blast / fireworks at sea, we got to see Deadpool & Wolverine! Yes you read that right ... Disney Cruise Line shows new movies onboard, just as they hit theaters. We were laughing out loud during the movie oh my goodness.

Stay tuned for days 6-10!

08/08/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 4: ANTIGUA

Our first port day YAY!

We started the day walking around the ship, grabbing lattes [well, a latte for me & espresso for Taylor] & eating breakfast at Cabanas [buffet restaurant].

Fun fact - I’m actually not a coffee gal! At Starbucks I gravitate towards the refreshers or a matcha, but I was ALL about the lattes during this trip. Almond milk + vanilla = 🥰

We then got off the ship in St. John’s, Antigua & enjoyed a resort day pass at . This adults only all-inclusive resort, just a 15min cab drive from the port, is absolutely STUNNING. I am going to post a full reel in the coming weeks regarding my experience here, but to give you a little glimpse on what to expect here:

✨ located on one of Antigua’s best / most famous beaches, Dickenson Bay
✨ two sections of resort — Caribbean Beachfront Village & Mediterranean Oceanview Village
✨ 6 pools, including the largest pool in the Eastern Caribbean
✨ 11 world class restaurants & 7 bars
✨ tennis, pickleball & other land sports
✨ Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling

Did you know I can also plan an all inclusive vacation for you?!

We then got back to the ship & relaxed in our stateroom for a bit!

For dinner we were back at Animator’s Palate, one of the rotational dining locations. On Disney Cruise Line you can either select 5:45pm or 8:15pm as your dinner time. I’d say there are pros & cons to each time, but I work with my clients to have an understanding what time may be best for them. Taylor & I do prefer 5:45pm!

To end the evening, we got our nightly espresso martini & enjoyed an awesome performance by , a magician / illusionist!

Stay tuned for days 5-10!

08/07/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 3: DAY AT SEA

Taylor & I kicked off our day at sea with room service breakfast on our verandah! There’s nothing more peaceful than waking up to the view of the ocean with breakfast in hand. PS — did you know that room service is complimentary? YES! Savor breakfast, grab a quick between-meal snack or satisfy a late-night craving 24 hours a day from the comfort of your room — included in the price of your cruise.

Then we went for a walk around the outdoor promenade, to get our steps in & enjoy fresh air. I also popped by the fitness center for a workout. On my way out, I grabbed green juices for Taylor & I as well from Senses Juice Bar. I LOVE the juices / smoothies from here!

After a quick shower, it was time for Bingo! Throughout every Disney Cruise Line sailing you have multiple opportunities to play Bingo, where you can win cash prizes. Unfortunately we did not win this time around ... BOO!

It was then time for lunch in Cabanas [buffet restaurant] & our first ice cream cone of the cruise. The ice cream cone station has all sorts of flavors — vanilla, chocolate, banana, strawberry, mango, etc.

After lunch it was time for some R&R on the adults only pool deck, with a Moet Ice in hand [I highly recommend this drink on any Disney Cruise - one of my favorites!]

For dinner, we were at rotational dining location Royal Court, a French inspired restaurant inspired by classic Disney Princess films.

After dinner, we enjoyed a Mojito & Caipirinha Tasting, where we learned the history behind these drinks, made our own mojito AND tried 5 different drinks. I thought this beverage tasting was wonderful - highly recommend! We booked this the moment our booking window went live – beverage tastings do book up quickly!

After our tasting we met Donald Duck, grabbed our nightly espresso martini & enjoyed 2 adults only game shows in The Tube [a London themed bar in Europa, a district of 5 lounges / bars]. The game shows were Majority Rules & Match Your Mate – both always a crowd favorite!

Stay tuned for days 4-10!

08/06/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 2: DAY AT SEA

I started the day exploring the ship while Taylor worked for a few hours! One of the areas I checked out was the kids clubs [during open house], which are simply adorable. I also got to meet C-3PO [my photo with him is so awkward HA]! If you have kids looking to enjoy the kids clubs during your sailing, I recommend visiting on embarkation day to get your children registered & to tour the facilities!

I then grabbed breakfast in Cabanas, the buffet restaurant available for breakfast & lunch. For breakfast you can find an full assortment — Mickey waffles, pancakes, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, bacon, sausage, yogurt parfaits, fruit & more.

Then in the afternoon, Taylor & I both had a hair appointment in the Senses Spa Salon! Taylor got a haircut & I got a blowout. We had never gotten our hair done together side by side before, so we found it entertaining. We loved both of our services! PS - we booked both of these services once onboard, so head to the spa on embarkation day if you’re looking to book any hair services [or spa services] if you did not book ahead of time.

Tonight was formal night woo woo! After getting ready, we headed to our first trivia of our sailing - Disney Food Trivia. We did pretty well - 17/20!

For dinner, we enjoyed one of the adults-exclusive specialty dining locations — Palo! For dinner at this upscale Italian restaurant, you can either select the $50 pre-fix menu OR you can go the a la carte route. We went with a la carte & shared SO MANY amazing foods - Baby Arugula Salad, Antipasto, Soft Potato Gnocchi, Piquant Dover Sole, Osso Buco, Chocolate Souffle. They even made us a sign for our anniversary!

To end the evening, we grabbed drinks & watched Aladdin, the first Broadway style show of our sailing. The Disney Fantasy offers three Broadway style shows you can experience - Aladdin, Frozen & Believe [a Disney Cruise Line original show]. All three are absolutely worth watching! Since this day was a day at sea, they offered Aladdin 3 times — 12:45pm, 6:00pm & 8:30pm.

Stay tuned for days 3-10!

08/05/2024

10 Day Disney Cruise Recap! ⤵️

📍Southern Caribbean
🛳 Disney Fantasy
🥂 2 year wedding anniversary trip

DAY 1: EMBARKATION DAY

Upon our arrival at Port Canaveral, Disney Cast Members took our checked luggage & we parked our car. So easy! We then checked in for our sailing [you'll need your required travel documentation], went through security & headed up to the cruise terminal waiting area!

Upon entering the Disney Fantasy, we went straight to visit the Dining Team to switch our Palo Dinner reservation to another evening & ask about Palo Brunch availability. Both inquiries were successful, so I highly recommend meeting with the dining team on day 1 if need be! At this time I also reconfirmed what evening we wanted to celebrate our anniversary.

It was then time for our Kick Start Your Day beverage tasting. This experience included 3 non-alcoholic juices, a Mimosa, a Bloody Mary & a Screwdriver. Overall we enjoyed this tasting, but probably wouldn't do it again because it took place directly next to the spa which was LOUD as people toured, so it was hard to hear. I'd recommend another tasting on Day 1 instead!

Then our stateroom was ready! We were Stateroom 8646 [Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah]. We loved our stateroom & location!

In our stateroom upon our arrival was an onboard gift I surprised Taylor with -- the Luxury at Sea for Two Romance Package. It included 2 cozy Disney Cruise Line robes, a red rose, chocolates & sparkling wine. There are A LOT of wonderful onboard gifts you can add to your stateroom to surprise your loved ones with.

We then headed to the mandatory muster drill, followed by the Sail Away Party. The Sail Away Party is truly the perfect way to kick off your Disney Cruise vacation.

Our dinner was at Animator's Palate, 1/3 rotational dining locations. On a Disney Cruise vacation, you rotate between 3 restaurants on a nightly basis for your dinners, but your serving staff rotates with you!

To end the evening we grabbed drinks at Ooh La La champagne lounge & La Piazza Italian bar, walked around the promenade outdoor path & met Mickey Mouse.

Stay tuned for days 2-10!

07/24/2024

Now THIS is magic mail! 🤩

My agency just received this special package from Disney Cruise Line as a preview of their upcoming ship, the Disney Destiny, expected to set sail in 2025!

More information to come starting Tuesday July 30th, but for now we have these fun clues to build excitement & curiosity!

Who’s excited for this new Disney Cruise Line ship?! 🙋🏻‍♀️

Disney Cruise Line

07/15/2024

Hello from the new Utopia of the Seas! 🛳

I’m SO excited to share that I’m here on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship for a media preview sailing, representing my travel agency! This is truly is a pinch me moment. When I started my travel business [almost 5 years ago now], never in my dreams did I think I’d ever have an opportunity to attend a media preview event like this. 🥹

I can’t wait to share my experience on the world’s second largest ship & show you bigger ways to dine, celebrate & make a splash during a cruise vacation — both onboard & onshore at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.

Be sure to follow along my stories to tag along for the fun! 🎉

Plus, book your next Royal Caribbean cruise with me as your travel advisor now through Sunday July 21st & receive onboard credit up to $100!

🔗 Head to the link in my bio to get started on your Royal Caribbean cruising vacation planning!

07/07/2024

Where in the world are my clients [+ myself] traveling this month! ⬇️

H E L L O ☀️ J U L Y

I have a lighter load of clients heading on vacations this month, before a heavier travel season this fall! Between girls’ trips, honeymoons & family summer travel, my clients have A LOT of fun travels coming their way this month. 🎉 I’ve been working on their vacation guides & I’m seriously so excited for every single family / couple / group!

Here’s where they’re going:

🏰 Walt Disney World
🏝 St. Lucia

As for myself, I have two special cruises I’m really looking forward to— [1] Royal Caribbean sailing & [1] Disney Cruise Line sailing. I cannot wait to share more details with y’all as we get closer to those sail dates. 🥰🛳🌴

What travels are on your calendar this month?!

📸 - Disney Castaway Cay

06/23/2024

Everything I did in New England! ⤵️

I was surprised [in the best way] by the amount of interest in my recent trip to the New England area, so I wanted to share with y’all what I did to help your future travels!

* we didn’t have much time in each spot, but I believe we got the perfect taste of everywhere we visited *

PORTLAND:

🏨 Stayed at [LOVED & perfect location] // I can book for you!
🍽 Ate / drank at , , , , , , &
🚒 Toured city via // I can book for you!
💡 Self-guided lighthouse tour [Portland Head Light, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Bug Light Park]
🚶🏻‍♀️ We also walked around to explore

BOSTON:

🏨 Stayed at [LOVED & perfect location] // I can book for you!
🍽 Ate / drank at Quincy Market, , , , , &
🏎 Raced at [only one in the USA right now]
⛳️ Mini golf at
🦆 Toured city via // I can book for you!
🚶🏻‍♀️ We also walked around to explore, including a stop to Acorn St. [most photographed street in USA]

PLACES IN BETWEEN I LOVED:

📍Kennebunkport, ME
📍Ogunquit, ME
📍Portsmouth, NH
📍Rockport, MA
📍Salem, MA

Though as a travel advisor I don’t necessarily specialize in the above destinations, it was amazing to explore an awesome new [to me] destination!

Here are the vacations I specialize in:
✨ Disney Destinations
✨ Universal Orlando Resort
✨ The Caribbean
✨ Mexico
✨ Hawaii
✨ Cruises

🤍 Follow for your vacation planning needs

06/03/2024

Where in the world are my clients [+ myself] traveling this month! ⬇️

H E L L O ☀️ J U N E

It’s a VERY busy travel month for my clients! Between multigenerational family vacations, honeymoons, anniversary trips & summer travel, my clients have A LOT of fun travels coming their way this month. 🎉 I’ve been working on their vacation guides & I’m seriously so excited for every single family / couple / group!

Here’s where they’re going:

🏰 Walt Disney World
✨ Disneyland Resort
🌎 Universal Orlando Resort
🎥 Universal Studios Hollywood
🏔 Alaska via Princess Cruises
🏝 St. Lucia
🍹 Mexico

As for myself, I have some travel on the calendar as well! Next week my husband Taylor & I head up to Portland [ME], Portsmouth [NH] & Boston for our very first New England trip, to celebrate Taylor’s friend getting married! Please share with me ALLLL your recommendations for these places!

Then the end of the month I head down to Orlando for my agency’s annual agent education program, where we’ll be experiencing the magic of both Universal Orlando Resort AND Walt Disney World!

Plus, it’s my birthday month! Any other June birthday peeps out there? 🥳

What travels do you have on your calendar this month?!

05/10/2024

Let me (re)introduce myself! 🤍

Hi y’all! I’m Brooke & I’ve been a travel advisor since October 2019. I specialize in planning your vacations to Disney Destinations, Universal Orlando Resort, the Caribbean, Mexico & Hawaii [along with cruising to any destination].

Some random fun facts about myself:

🌴 I JUST moved to Charleston, South Carolina! Previously, I lived in Chicago for 7.5 years. Before that, I grew up in a suburb outside of Cleveland, Ohio! I’m noticing a lot of C’s here. 😂

❤️ I graduated from [the] Ohio State University in 2015 with a degree in Strategic Communications. Go Buckeyes!

🏰 I completed the Disney College Program in Fall 2013 (I worked Quick Service Food & Beverage in Magic Kingdom) & a Disney Professional Internship in Fall 2015 / Spring 2016 (I was an event planner for Disney Internships & Programs). I LOVED both experiences & would recommend them to anyone!

💍 I married my best friend Taylor in July 2022 — I seriously cannot believe we’re approaching our 2 year wedding anniversary! In terms of the proposal, he got down on one knee at Disney’s BoardWalk — it was perfect.

✈️ My favorite vacations in the most recent years are my Hawaii honeymoon (2022), Cabo 1st anniversary trip (2023) & Disney Cruise Line 30th birthday trip (2023).

🌮 When I’m not working, you can find me taking fitness classes, running, listening to podcasts or watching tv, going to Starbucks more than I should be, drinking kombucha / matcha / sangria / any type of spritz, eating desserts / Mexican food & planning my own vacations. AND of course spending time with my family & friends!

I’d love to learn about you guys! What’s a fun fact about yourself? Do we share anything in common?!

05/03/2024

Where in the world are my clients (+ myself) traveling this month! ⬇️

H E L L O 🌸 M A Y

Between multigenerational family trips, bachelorette parties, honeymoons & other family vacations, my clients have A LOT of fun travels coming their way this month. 🎉 I’ve been working on their vacation guides & I’m seriously so excited for every single family / couple / group!

Here’s where they’re going:

🏰 Walt Disney World
🌎 Universal Orlando Resort
🏝 Antigua

As for myself, I’ll be home in Charleston all month long! My June & July are veryyy busy with travel, so I’m really looking forward to exploring my new town, finalizing the organization of my new home & focusing on my travel business this month. Plus, my first visitors are arriving over Memorial Day Weekend which makes my heart SO HAPPY! 🥰

What travels do you have on your calendar this month?!

05/01/2024

It’s Global Travel Advisor Day! ✨

The 1st Wednesday in May holds a special place in my heart, as it’s a day dedicated to travel advisors! I cannot believe I’ve been working in the travel industry for 4.5 years now – I truly cannot picture my life without this career journey.

I wouldn’t be here today without:

1️⃣ My husband Taylor & my family / friends — they’ve been my # 1 cheerleaders from day one & their constant support means the absolute world. 🫶🏻

2️⃣ My clients – to my past, present & future clients – thank you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me with your vacations, supporting my small business, allowing me to help you bring your dream travels to life, building friendships with you along the way & so much more. You are the reason I have the opportunity to pursue my dream job, and my dream job is to spread happiness into your life through travel. I feel very fortunate that I have a job where I can share my passion of Disney Destinations / travel in general on a daily basis. Please know I do not take it for granted!

3️⃣ My team at Never Look Back Vacations. I’m SO grateful to be a part of such a kind, supportive, hardworking & talented team. I’m counting down the days until our next agency program (NEXT MONTH 🎉) where we can see each other in person again ahh!

Cheers to the future of travel & the many vacations we have ahead of us. I am always here for you whenever you’re ready to place your next trip on your calendar – my email inbox & my DM’s are always open. 🤍

Also — CHEERS to my fellow travel advisors out there — you’re all rockstars! 😘

PS - both word of mouth & referrals are a HUGE part of my travel business. My heart would be SO SO happy if you gave my small business a little love on your social media today showing appreciation to travel advisors. Be sure to tag me so that I can see!

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Chicago, IL

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Tuesday	9am - 5pm
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Friday	9am - 5pm

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https://happilyeverbrooke.my.canva.site/

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3 reasons why a balcony stateroom is worth it ⤵️ 1️⃣ Easy / convenient access to both fresh air AND relaxing sounds of the ocean waves 2️⃣ Breathtaking views, always at the edge of your fingertips [hello to beautiful sunrises & sunsets] 3️⃣ Ultimate privacy [a nice escape from the hustle & bustle of your ship] Note that most cruise lines call these staterooms Balcony Staterooms, but Disney Cruise Line calls them Verandah Staterooms. Yes, it can be confusing 🤣 but not when you work with me as your travel advisor. 🫶🏻 🤍 Follow @happilyeverbrooke for your travel inspo / planning needs 🔗 Head to my bio to get started with your next cruise vacation

Say hello to the NEWEST & SECOND largest ship in the world! 🛳 I had the opportunity to check out @royalcaribbean’s brand new ship Utopia of the Seas on a media preview sailing this past week & OH MY GOODNESS … Royal Caribbean does it again! Key things to know about Utopia: ✨This is an Oasis Class ship [so a sister ship to Wonder, Harmony, Symphony, Allure & Oasis] ✨ 3 & 4 night sailings out of Port Canaveral [perfect pairing with a theme park vacation OR on its own] ✨ If you want to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, all itineraries except 1 visit this iconic private island ✨ 23 bars, 2 casinos, 8 hot tubs, 5 pools, 3 waterslides, 21 dining venues ✨ There’s a new immersive dining experience called the Royal Railway [Deck 4] & there’s a new lounge called the Pesky Parrot [Deck 5] ✨ Different from other Oasis class ships, you can experience Izumi in the Park [sushi window; Deck 8] // Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar now on Deck 12 with an incredible view ✨ You can experience incredible entrainment like All In! [Royal Theater], Aqua80too [AquaTheater], YOUtopia [Studio B ice skating rink], The Effectors Homecoming Parade [Royal Theater], comedy shows [The Attic] & so much more ✨ @meghantrainor is the ship’s Godmother What questions can I answer for you regarding Utopia of the Seas?! ◽️ Save to remember for future travel inspo 🤍 Follow @happilyeverbrooke for your travel needs ⚪️ Head to the link in my bio to get started with your cruise vacation planning

Consider this my gift to you! ⤵️🎄🎁 First off yes … I did wear a Santa hat on the beach yesterday & people gave me interesting looks. 😂 But let’s talk about the holiday season … we’re about 5 months away. That may sound like a lot of time, but we all know how the concept of time works … it’ll fly on by! Creating lifelong memories via experiences with loved ones continues to be a trending gift every holiday season. So this Christmas in July, why don’t you surprise your loved ones with the best type of memorable experience … a vacation? Maybe you reveal on July 25th this epic trip you have in the works for your loved ones OR maybe you surprise them on Christmas morning? 🥹 As a travel advisor, I’d be honored to help you bring this Christmas in July concept to life for you! Planning NOW will give you more time during the naturally busy holiday season. Also, we can already put a payment plan in place so that you have more time to save & pay off your vacation package. 👏🏻 Plus, I have a special offer just for you! Book your next Royal Caribbean cruise with me as your travel advisor now through this Sunday July 21st & receive onboard credit up to $100! 🔗 Head to the link in my bio to get started on your vacation planning 🤍 Tag someone in your life as a subtle hint that you’d like the gift of travel this holiday season

Add this spot to your Disney vacation itinerary! The best part? You can find all [3] of these drinks at the same restaurant — Narcoosee’s! Pro tip — make a reservation for this popular restaurant right when your dining booking window opens! OR there’s a small bar [sits about 9 people] that’s first come, first serve. 🤍 Follow @happilyeverbrooke ✨ Save to remember for your next Disney vacation 🔗 Head to the link in my bio to get started with your Disney vacation planning

Say hello to your next Disney Springs meal! First off, thank you SO much @winebargeorge for #hosting me a couple weeks ago for a delish dinner! I can honestly say this restaurant is one of my all time favorites at @disneysprings & I always have an amazing experience here — for any meal. The ambience, the service, the food / drinks … 10/10. 👏🏻 One of my favorite elements of this restaurant is all the shareable plates / options. It’s awesome to have the opportunity to try a little bit of everything & easily share with your table! Here’s everything I got [I loved it all]: 🥂 American 75 - $16 🔥 Saganaki On Fire - $17 🫒 Warm Spiced Olives - $9 🍟 Fried Gnocchi - $12 🧀 Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites - $16 🥩 Skirt Steak - $81 [serves 2-4 people] 🍋 Key Lime Pie - $8 Tip - you can book a reservation via My Disney Experience OR @opentable. Have you been to Wine Bar George yet?! 📌 Save to remember for your next Disney Springs visit

A must-do at Universal Orlando Resort! 🦖 This right here is the Raptor Encounter, which you can find in Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Whether you’re a Jurassic Park / Jurassic World fan or not, I 100% recommend this! It’s such a unique experience & as you can see by my reaction, it feels real … I MEAN it is real. 🫢 This experience runs daily from 10am-9pm, subject to change [with some breaks during the day; be sure to check the Universal app during your trip for the most up to date info]. Show times are about every 20mins. Pro tip - you can select an encounter time in the Universal app, then set up an alert so that you don’t forget! Alert options are 5mins, 15mins, 30mins & 1hour before! Plus, you can add this experience [& any experience / attraction / etc.] to your favorites list in the Universal app. 🦕 Tag the dinosaur / Jurassic Park / Jurassic World loving people in your life 🔗 Head to the link in my bio to get started with your Universal Orlando Resort vacation

How to visit Disney AND Universal in ONE trip! ⤵️ Let me introduce you to a split stay. 👏🏻 First, did you know that Walt Disney World & Universal Orlando Resort are just about a 20-25min drive from one another? 🤯 That’s right … you can easily visit both Orlando castles in one trip. There’s just so much to experience at both Disney & Universal [especially with Universal Epic Universe opening next year]. And trust me, you’ll want / need more than just 1 day in each destination to truly embrace the magic they both offer. Here’s how a split stay comes into play: 1️⃣ You’ll contact your travel advisor [such at myself 😉] to get started with your vacation planning 2️⃣ We’ll build your vacation to start at Disney OR Universal [we can chat through your travel wants & needs for your starting destination so that I can recommend how many days to spend here]. Your package will include a hotel stay & tickets AT your starting destination, creating a seamless & easy experience. 3️⃣ For the second portion of your vacation, you’ll then transfer to whichever destination you haven’t visited yet [I can help you coordinate transportation between the two as well; we’ll also chat through your travel wants & needs at your ending location so that I can recommend your length of stay here]. This package will include your hotel stay & tickets AT your ending destination. You’ll LOVE this convenience factor. It’s as easy as that! Plus by doing this, you’ll receive all the perks of staying on-site when visiting the parks at Walt Disney World AND Universal Orlando Resort. 🎉 Comment SPLIT STAY to get started with your next Orlando vacation! ✨ 🤍 Follow @happilyeverbrooke for your vacation planning needs

This is THE character meet & greet of 2024! 💚 DreamsWork Land is now open at Universal Orlando Resort [Universal Studios Florida park to be exact]. The three main areas of this new immersive land are: ✳️ Shrek 💞 Trolls 🐼 Kung Fu Panda I LOVED the Shrek & Donkey character experience for a variety of reasons, the main reason being that Donkey actually talks with you! Fiona does come out sometimes as well. Pro Tip - go in the morning to meet Shrek & Donkey … the line isn’t as long! Plus there’s little shade in their waiting queue, so it won’t be as hot waiting in line earlier in the AM. 🤍 Follow @happilyeverbrooke ✨Head to the link in my bio to get started with your vacation planning

You’ll want to save this! 😍 During my recent New England trip, I was on the hunt for all the amazing lobster! & I have to say … the lobster rolls / bisque / etc. were just as amazing as I had hoped. 🥰 My favorites stops were: 🦞 @biteintomaine [secret menu item — get a combo of the Maine & Picnic] 🦞 @highrollerlobsterco [SO many sauce options! for sure get a roll AND the lobster corn dog] 🦞 @eventideoysterco [get the brown butter lobster roll] 🦞 @batsonrivermaine [get the lobster bisque] 🦞 @footbridgelobsterperkinscove [hot with butter lobster roll] 🦞 @roymoorelobster [SO many awesome choices] 🤍 Follow @happilyeverbrooke for your travel inspo & vacation planning needs

Did you know about this room?! 😮 Welcome to the Club Level Garden Room at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn! 🎉 Newly refurbished 🛏 1 King Bed [sleeps up to 2 adults] 2️⃣ It’s a two-story room [living room, kitchenette & half bath on level one; bedroom & full bathroom on level two] 🌸 Views of the gardens or leisure pool 🏡 You have your own outdoor entryway to enter your room [it feels like you’re in a cottage!] 🌟 You have access to all Club Level amenities, including access to the Innkeeper’s Club Level lounge [7am-10pm], personalized front desk & guest services, etc. 1️⃣5️⃣ There’s only 15 rooms available in this category, so it is very in-demand Adorable, right?! This is truly hotel room goals! ⚪️ Head to the link in my bio to get started with your vacation planning 🤍 Follow @happilyeverbrooke

We have 2024 Halloween info! 👻 Y’all … we have been waiting for this spooky Walt Disney World info & now we have it! 🎃 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) returns! This year’s event kicks off August 9th & will take place select nights through October 31st. 🎃 Walt Disney World Resort guests can purchase event tickets starting this week on May 8th; all other guests can purchase starting May 15th. I LOVE Halloween at Walt Disney World not only for MNSSHP, but also the festive treats, decor, merchandise, etc. across every park & resort. It’s truly a special time to visit! To my clients traveling to Walt Disney World this fall — you’ll be receiving an email from me today regarding when you want to attend this iconic special event! PS - you get to see the Headless Horseman featured here at the start of Mickey’s Boo to You Parade! 👻 🔖 Tag someone you want to enjoy Halloween festivities with this year at Walt Disney World 🔗 Head to the link in my bio to get started with your vacation planning ✨ Follow @happilyeverbrooke for your Disney tips & tricks

Anyone else? 🤭🙋🏻‍♀️😂 So this scenario is usually the story of my life, BUT I do have to share a funny story regarding this hidden Mickey plant! My husband Taylor & I were recently shopping for plants to add in our new apartment, and there was a build your own terrarium bar. So naturally we had to participate! Then Taylor proceeds to say, “what if we arranged the plants to look like a hidden Mickey?” 🥹 I about fell over when he suggested that. Yes … the plant featured in this video was actually HIS IDEA. True story! I gave him the most obnoxious hug in the plant store & I’m sure he was regretting his idea. 🤣 So is this now the green light to possibly add other subtle Disney decor? I’d say yes. 😬 Do you have any Disney decor in your home? What’s your fav? ✨ Be sure to share this with the people in your life who believe Disney home decor is the best decor

Who else could get used to this view? 🙋🏻‍♀️ I LOVE sending my Walt Disney World clients to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn for this majestic water view of Crescent Lake. Okay, let’s be real … I also like sending myself here for this view. 😂🙌🏻🥳 The best part? Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has newly renovated rooms that are just STUNNING. I don’t know about you, but I love a new, fresh room! 🌀 Tag someone you wish you were with at Walt Disney World right about now, enjoying this view ✨ Follow @happilyeverbrooke for your vacation planning 📌 Save to remember for future vacation inspo

One of my favorites. 🤩 Maybe you guessed it … maybe you didn’t. But welcome to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! This Walt Disney World Resort hotel holds a special place in my heart as this resort is one I stayed at frequently with my family growing up. Why do my clients & I love this Disney Resort hotel? ➡️ The VERY relaxing & peaceful ambiance. ➡️ Detailed theming sprinkled with Disney magic. ➡️ Standard room sizing AND villas. Plus, Club Level rooms. ➡️ Just a short boat ride away from Magic Kingdom. ➡️ Varied food options, including Geyser Point Bar & Grill. & much more! Have you ever stayed here?! 📌 Save to remember for your next Walt Disney World vacation 📲 Click the link in my bio to get started with your vacation planning ✨ Follow @happilyeverbrooke for Disney tips & tricks

A day in the life of a travel advisor living in Charleston, South Carolina! ☀️✈️🌴 I’ll be totally honest that as a travel advisor, my day to day looks different every single day. All of my work days incorporate a client focus, but some days have more of an overall business operation focus as well as I co-own a travel agency. Some days I’m out traveling as well, experiencing the destinations I specialize in. It all just depends! Follow @happilyeverbrooke (that’s me!) for all your travel inspiration & tips. ✨

4 benefits of booking a cruise in advance! ⤵️ 1️⃣ FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS: Booking early allows you to take advantage of flexible payment options. Spread the cost of your cruise over a period of time, making it easier on your budget. Enjoy the freedom to plan & pay at your own pace — sounds nice, huh? I work closely with my clients on a variety of payment plan opportunities! 2️⃣ EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS: Secure the best rates by reserving your cruise ahead of time. Many cruise lines offer enticing early booking discounts, giving you the opportunity to save big. Think of it like supply & demand — the more staterooms that are booked as time goes on, the higher in demand that sailing becomes & the cruise line will increase the overall cost! 3️⃣ PREFERRED STATEROOM SELECTION: Booking early not only ensures the best prices but also allows you to choose from a wider selection of staterooms. Whether you prefer a verandah / balcony with an ocean view, a spacious suite or a cozy interior room, early booking guarantees you get the accommodations that match your preferences. Plus if you’re looking for connecting staterooms, booking early is key! 4️⃣ PEACE OF MIND & EFFORTLESS PLANNING: Planning ahead provides peace of mind — that’s just fact. Booking in advance with a travel advisor (like myself 😉) means less stress for you. I can take care of everything from securing the best stateroom for your family to coordinating travel logistics. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a dedicated travel professional manage the planning process, leaving you free to anticipate the excitement of your upcoming cruise! I can promise you the wait is worth it. 😍 Click here to get started with your vacation planning: https://happilyeverbrooke.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAAaYoifkWwJT9ebNAowxEpc7URgUJnRQVS3jrh0CuTRPKBUT5mZg6-IgFIac_aem_AWog1ezz1nDyTLptZxTiKvu36SeZ-Wg27cy8aS2leG4VKjx9IVP1cDK8bsKiHj7O-SI

Forget the flowers this year … … instead, gift her (or him) uninterrupted quality time where you have the opportunity to reconnect in a beautiful, relaxing setting! 🏝☀️🌊 Picture this: Luxury in the Caribbean? ☑️ Adult-only environment? ☑️ Unlimited food & drinks? ☑️ Private candlelight dinner? ☑️ On-site spa services? ☑️ Local adventure tours? ☑️ Daily & nightly entertainment? ☑️ & so much more. 🤩 You can find all of these things at a Sandals Resort! And where can you find these luxury Caribbean Resorts? I’m glad you asked! Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Antigua & Curaçao. As a travel advisor, I’m here to help you decide which specific resort(s) are the best for your travel needs & wants! PS - this video was captured at Sandals Royal Bahamian! 🔖 Tag your spouse / significant other as a little clue on what you may like this Valentine’s Day 👀 📲 Click the link in my bio when you’re ready to start planning your next Sandals Resort vacation ✨ Follow @happilyeverbrooke (hey that’s me!) for all your vacation inspiration #sandalsresorts #romancetravel #anniversarytrip #honeymoon #honeymoontravel #caribbeantravel #caribbeanvacation #allinclusiveresort #sellsandalsandbeachescontest #sandalsroyalbahamian #allinclusivevacation #allinclusiveluxury

Disney Cruises have hidden Mickey’s, too! Okay, so this Mickey may be not so hidden, but it’s just too fun! 🤩 TRAVEL TIP — whether you’re on the Disney Dream (featured here) or any other Disney ship, take the time to explore the ship to discover hidden Mickey’s & other Disney character touches as well. Disney Imagineer’s are truly amazing with all the Disney details they incorporate on every ship!