Jacob Ward - Travel Genie

11/14/2024

Want a fun and unique way to celebrate the Mardi Gras season? Universal Orlando Resort has you covered with its annual Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnaval event! ⚜️🎶👑

📿 Enjoy a parade with floats inspired by the culture of New Orleans and other Carnaval celebrations around the world!

🍽 Dine on various dishes and treats from around the globe as you unleash your inner foodie!

🎸 Rock out to live concerts on select nights featuring well-known artists!

All of the above is INCLUDED with your park ticket, but if you want something a little extra, go for the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience where you get to PARTICIPATE in the parade by reserving a spot on one of the floats where you can toss out beads to your fellow guests! You also get a three-course meal at participating Universal restaurants!

The good times roll at Universal from February 1, 2025 through March 30, 2025. Reach out to your Travel Genie today to begin planning for the festivities of Carnaval season!

11/13/2024

Check out this incredible offer for Disney+ subscribers! 👀

Experience the Happiest Place on Earth during the most wonderful time of the year! There's still time to book a holiday getaway to the Disneyland Resort! Take advantage of that Disney+ subscription and reach out to your Travel Genie today! 🎄❄️☃️

Disney+ subscribers, this special holiday offer is for YOU!

Make special holiday memories visiting Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park during the most magical time of the year! 🎄 Ride favorite attractions, watch dazzling nighttime spectaculars and more 🎆.

Disney+ subscribers—get tickets now to take advantage of this special limited-time offer! Then, visit 3 days from November 18 through December 27, 2024. Park reservations are required and subject to availability.

(Ages 3+)
3-Day Ticket with Admission to 1-Park Per Day – $330

Tickets are valid November 18 through December 27, 2024, subject to restrictions and park reservation availability.
This ticket is valid for 13 days after first use or on December 27, 2024, whichever comes first.

Park Hopper ticket upgrade and Lightning Lane Multi Pass can be added for additional fees.

Let the experienced team at Genie Travel Co plan your perfect Disneyland trip! We spend our days in the parks, gaining firsthand experience to share with you and make the happiest trip to the Happiest Place on Earth! Reach out here or fill out our quote request form, linked below in the comments.

11/11/2024

Happy Veterans Day to those who have defended our country! Thank you for your sacrifice and your dedication! 🇺🇸

Did you know that Walt Disney World has a very cool and touching way of honoring our nation's veterans?

Every day, a Veteran of the Day is selected from the guests of Magic Kingdom, and they are invited to take part in a Flag Retreat ceremony which happens near the end of the day. The veteran, along with cast members and the Main Street Marching Band, meet around the flag pole in front of the Walt Disney Railroad Station in Main Street USA. The Pledge of Allegiance is performed along with the Star Spangled Banner, as the flag is lowered and then presented to the Veteran of the Day. It's a moving ceremony and one that all guests are allowed to witness. It's a great tribute to our nation's heroes that happens every day in the Magic Kingdom.

11/08/2024

My knowledge of the cruise industry continues to grow as I am now a Master of Adventure with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line! It was so much fun to learn about these megaships which are truly like amusement parks on the sea! If you're looking for an adventurous and fun idea for your next family vacation, a Royal Caribbean cruise could be just what you're looking for and your Travel Genie is here to make it happen! 🧞‍♂️🛳⚓️

11/07/2024

Walt Disney World isn't the only theme park in Orlando creating some yuletide cheer! 👀

Universal Orlando Resort gets in on the holidays by offering exclusive experiences seen only during the most wonderful time of the year! 🎄☃️

⚡️ A different kind of magic enters The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade, and Diagon Alley become decked out for the holidays and popular shows take on a Christmas spin!

❄️ Seuss Landing is transformed into Who-ville where guests can interact with the Whos themselves and even meet none other than the Grinch! Make sure to also check out the The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular, a live show retelling the classic story of the Grinch!

🎄 Witness the wonder of Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy's, where you'll see larger than life balloons inspired by the Minions, the Shrek films, the Madagascar series, among others! You'll even get to see Santa himself as holiday cheer strolls along the streets of Universal Studios!

And this is all INCLUDED in your park ticket during the holiday season! There's plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays while in Orlando!

11/01/2024

This week, I became a Carnival Cruise Line expert by completing their travel advisor training program! 🥳😄

What this means is that, as Carnival puts it, I'm now an expert of fun and can help guide you through any voyage you may partake on Carnival Cruise Line! 🛳⚓️🏝

As I continue to strengthen my knowledge of the travel industry and all the providers out there, I continue to become an even better resource for you with planning amazing vacations! Your Travel Genie is here to help no matter what vacation wish you may have! 🧞‍♂️

10/28/2024

Disney recently announced that the International Festival of the Arts returns to Epcot starting on January 17, 2025 and will run through February 24, 2025! 🎨 🖼 🧐

This festival celebrates various forms of creativity, from musical performances, to artistic performances, and even creative foods! But one of my favorite aspects is the ability to view and purchase actual pieces of art from both local and well-known artists! These range from Disney-themed pieces to original works. It's turned into a tradition where every time I attend this festival, I need to purchase a Disney print to hang in my home office! I thought it'd be fun to share just a small example of the talent on display that I currently have!

The first image I picked up during the 2023 Festival of the Arts and it's themed to the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. This was a special celebration that lasted for quite a while in the parks celebrating 50 years of magic! I went to Disney World several times during this celebration so I have a lot of nostalgia for the 50th anniversary, and this painting is a fun reminder of that time. It's one of my favorite pieces of Disney merch that I own!

The second image I picked up earlier this year in February and it shows Mickey and Minnie going on an evening stroll in London with their friends in various spots in the background. I love this piece because it makes me think of my wife who's always dreamed of going to London, a dream we'll hopefully make a reality one day, so it makes me think of her when I look at it ☺️

Who knows what treasures you'll find at Epcot's International Festival of the Arts!

10/24/2024

"People often ask me if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is you do it by working." - Walt Disney

There is no shortcut to success, no "secret sauce" to get where you want to be. It takes showing up every day, doing the work, and maintaining the faith even when it feels like nothing is happening.

While I'm still relatively new to the travel industry, I've been working behind the scenes to deepen my knowledge and learn about even more destinations outside of the Disney bubble to make me the strongest travel advisor I can be.

There's alot of work to be done on this journey, but I've been enjoying every minute of it 😊

10/23/2024

Walt Disney World ticket packages for November and December 2025 are finally available! 🥳😄

This is personally my favorite time of the year to visit due to the pleasant weather and the Christmas vibes as the parks are decorated for the most wonderful time of the year! 🎄☃️

Reach out today if you're wanting to get a head start on planning your magical vacation experience!

📣 NOW ON SALE: Walt Disney World Resort hotel and ticket packages for November and December 2025! 🎉

10/22/2024

The portals are opening...👀

Ticket packages for the newest theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort, Epic Universe, are NOW AVAILABLE! Experience the new thrills, adventures, and excitement coming to Orlando! The park officially opens on May 22, 2025, but you can start planning your awesome trip to Universal today! Reach out to your Travel Genie to experience all the Universal Orlando Resort has to offer!

10/19/2024

Is it obvious that The Haunted Mansion is my favorite ride at Disney? 👀

10/17/2024

Something EPIC is coming to Orlando! 🚨👀🚨

On May 22, 2025, the highly anticipated fourth theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort opens to the public, Universal Epic Universe!

Journey into FIVE new immersive lands inspired by franchises such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the worlds of Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and the classic Universal Monsters! 😱

New thrills, new experiences, and new adventures await within the gates of Universal Epic Universe!

Tickets and packages for Epic Universe go on sale NEXT WEEK on October 22, 2024! If you've been thinking about traveling to the Universal Orlando Resort, there's never been a better time, and your Travel Genie is here to make it happen! 🧞‍♂️

Message me here on Facebook or email at [email protected] to get your EPIC journey booked!

10/16/2024

🚨Breaking Disney Parks news! 🚨

On top of the existing Lightning Lane Multi-Pass and Single-Pass options for skipping the standby lines at the parks, Disney has now announced they will be piloting a 3rd offering later this month! 👀

⚡️ Entitled Lightning Lane Premier Pass, this offering will allow guests to access the Lightning Lane queues at ALL available attractions once per day in their chosen park WITHOUT having to book return times like in the current Multi-Pass and Single-Pass system! Simply walk up to the queue when you want and enjoy the ride!

⚡️ Walt Disney World guests can choose to purchase the Premier Pass 7 days prior to their check-in day at 7am EST for each day of their vacation (up to 14 days), selecting one park each day. At the moment, guests can only use the Premier Pass at one of the theme parks each day. Much like the current Multi-Pass and Single-Pass options, guests who purchase Premier Pass will also receive digital copies of their attraction photos at no additional cost. At launch, Premier Pass will only be available for guests staying at Disney's Deluxe, Deluxe Villa, and select partner resorts.

⚡️ Disneyland Resort guests can choose to purchase the Premier Pass 2 days prior to their theme park visit at 7am Pacific. Guests who purchase the Premier Pass can use it at BOTH Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure parks, pending the guest has an eligible park hopping ticket. Guests who purchase the Premier Pass will receive digital copies of ALL their Disney PhotoPass pictures taken throughout the day, including attraction photos, at no additional cost. Premier Pass will be available for all guests with a valid theme park ticket and theme park reservation.

⚡️ Lightning Lane Premier Pass will be available at the Disneyland Resort starting October 23, 2024 while Walt Disney World will begin offering Premier Pass on October 30, 2024.

The Premier Pass will be offered on a very limited basis at first as Disney pilots and trials this new system. This is a premium offering for guests and pricing will fluctuate based on the date and theme parks the guest will attend. The current Multi-Pass and Single-Pass system will still be available for purchase as well, so there are multiple options available for guests looking to maximize their time in the parks by waiting in the shortest lines possible!

10/15/2024

We got some news from Walt Disney World today concerning some updates and changes coming soon to the parks! 🚨👀

🚂 On January 6, 2025, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom will be closing for a major refurbishment that will sadly last over a year. This is my personal favorite rollercoaster style attraction at Walt Disney World so it hurts a little that I'll have to wait this long to ride it again, but the attraction will open back up in 2026 with some "new magic" added. Looking forward to seeing what that is!

🦖 The phased closure of Dinoland USA in Disney’s Animal Kingdom begins on January 15, 2025 as Triceratops Spin and the surrounding area will close permanently. This will start the transformation of Dinoland into a new land themed to South and Cental America called Tropical Americas which will feature new attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones! Tropical Americas is expected to open in 2027.

10/09/2024

My thoughts are with everyone being affected by Hurricane Milton. Being from Southern Louisiana, I know too well what hurricanes can bring. Stay strong and stay safe!

We continue to closely monitor the path of Hurricane Milton. For a full list of operational impacts visit DisneyWorld.com/Weather. Thank you and stay safe!

10/04/2024

This week, the Disney Skyliner turned 5 years old! 🚡

The Skyliner is my favorite mode of transportation at Walt Disney World because it makes it so convenient and quick to get to two of the parks, Hollywood Studios and Epcot! Plus it makes it easy to get to several Disney resorts, opening your day to more potential activites and dining options! It also acts as an attraction itself, taking you into the sky and giving you a fun and unique view of the Walt Disney World property!

Skyliner access is available at Disney’s Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riveria resorts and it is a huge perk of staying at any of them!

10/01/2024

Want to save money on a Walt Disney World vacation in early 2025? 🤑💸

There are TWO new promotions that have just gone live for Walt Disney World bookings next year! 😃🥳

🌟 First, you can save up to $200 a night on a 3-night, 2-day Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels! Valid for arrivals most nights between 2/26/25 through 6/30/25. Packages may be available for longer lengths of stay.

Full details: https://tinyurl.com/3n7t5mmw

🌟 OR you can save up to 25% on rooms for most nights from 2/23/25 through 4/30/25! You can also save up to 20% on rooms for stays most Sundays to Thursday nights from 1/1/25 - 2/20/25.

Full details: https://tinyurl.com/567fkure

Reach out to your Travel Genie today and let's see how we can save you some money on a magical 2025 visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth! 🧞‍♂️🎆✨️

Save on a room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels with this special offer, for arrivals most nights from February 26 to June 30, 2025.

09/24/2024

Why use a travel advisor when booking your vacation? 🤔

Several reasons!

✈️ Custom Itineraries - A great travel advisor will take the time to get to know you and your interests in order to help build an itinerary that is perfectly suited for you and your family, creating an unforgettable experience!

✈️ Expert Advice - As travel advisors, we know the vendors we work with, we have experience, and we have the resources available to ensure you know everything you need to in order to have a great vacation! We guide you every step of the way and give you our best bits of knowledge!

✈️ Stress-Free Planning - Planning a vacation can be difficult at times and stressful. Having an expert on your side to handle all the specifics and details is a huge weight off your back so all you need to focus on is having a great time!

✈️ Assistance with Extra Experiences - Many vacations offer additional experiences outside of your primary destination, and travel advisors can assist you with getting these booked as well! Some will even handle booking entirely for you! Whether it's dining reservations and lightning lanes at Disney, tours and fun activities in whatever destination you're visiting, or shore excursions while on your cruise, a travel advisor can help you add these experiences to your vacation!

✈️ A Constant Resource - Things happen involving vacations. Plans change, things go awry, and you need help sometimes to figure it all out. A good travel advisor is a resource for you before, during, and after your trip! We know how to successfully navigate any change you need to make and we know who to contact when there's an issue. Another way we take the stress out of vacations!

And of course, all of the above apply to your Travel Genie! Know that I have your back whenever you're ready to go on your magical vacation! 🧞‍♂️😁