Erica Shaffer-Travel Planner, affiliated with Main Street Travel Co.

11/10/2024

Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Head over to Apple Podcast and check out this week's episode of Once Upon A Park Podcast where we discuss all of the holly jolly happenings at the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs!

Podcast Episode · Once Upon A Park · 11/07/2024 · 1h 1m

11/08/2024

Happy Dining Day to all of my Marathon Weekend runners, including myself!

Here are some of the amazing Advance Dining Reservations (ADR's) secured this morning:

🍴Cape May Cafe
🍴Boma - Flavors of Africa
🍴Mama Melrose
🍴Garden Grill
🍴Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical R***e
🍴Ohana
🍴California Grill
🍴Storybook Dining at Artist Point

Planning your dream Disney vacation should be all magic and no stress, and that’s where I come in! As your Travel Planner, I’m up bright and early before 5am (yep, I’m serious!) to snag those coveted dining reservations before they disappear.

So while you’re catching a few extra Zzz’s 😴, I’m on the hunt for spots like those mentioned above! You get the best of Disney dining without lifting a finger.

11/06/2024

Welcome to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, where a fun, frosty, ski-resort theme combines with the sunny warmth of Florida! This imaginative water park is one of a kind, offering a winter wonderland that’s been transformed by a “meltdown” into a splash-filled paradise. Whether you’re looking to kick back in a lazy river or race down high-speed slides, Blizzard Beach has something exciting for everyone.

🌊Mount Gushmore
Blizzard Beach’s central “mountain” boasts the park’s signature attraction, Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall waterslides in the world. For thrill-seekers, this is a must-do experience with a 120-foot drop that will have your heart racing.

🌊Family Fun at Runoff Rapids & Teamboat Springs
Bring the whole crew together for Teamboat Springs, one of the world’s longest family whitewater raft rides, or race solo on the exciting Runoff Rapids with twists and turns down three different slides.

🌊Kid-Friendly Ski Patrol Training Camp
Blizzard Beach doesn’t just cater to the daring! At the Ski Patrol Training Camp, kids can enjoy a space designed just for them, with floating icebergs, smaller slides, and gentle water elements perfect for making family memories.

🌊Melt-Away Bay & Cross Country Creek
Looking to chill out? Melt-Away Bay offers a wave pool with gentle, bobbing waves, while the Cross Country Creek lazy river lets you relax and drift through the park at a leisurely pace.

‼Unique perk for Disney Resort guests‼

Starting January 1, 2025, guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort can enjoy complimentary access to Blizzard Beach! This exclusive perk is a fantastic addition to any on-property stay, giving you and your family the opportunity to enjoy a day of fun at the water park, along with all the convenience of staying within the magic of Disney. Soak up the sun, enjoy the cool waters, and let Disney’s signature touches and storytelling transport you to a truly unique water park experience.

Whether you're planning a day to relax or ready to brave thrilling water slides, Disney’s Blizzard Beach is the ultimate spot to chill out and have fun!

11/05/2024

🚨 Ticket Update: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates are starting to sell out! Be sure to grab your tickets soon if you want to join the festive fun this season! 🎟️

This after-hours event at Magic Kingdom has everything to put you in the holiday spirit: holiday parades with Santa, Minnie’s wonderful fireworks lighting up the night sky, exclusive seasonal treats, and yes—snow falling on Main Street! ❄️🎅

Picture yourself enjoying your favorite Disney rides with shorter wait times, snapping pics with Mickey and friends in their holiday outfits, and grabbing festive merch that’s only available to partygoers. Whether it’s the joyful music, twinkling lights, or unlimited cookies and cocoa, this is the holiday magic you won’t want to miss!

11/01/2024

🌸 Celebrate the everlasting bonds of family and the spirit of Dia de los Mu***os at Disney California Adventure Park 🌸

Step into the heart of DCA’s Plaza de La Familia, where the world of Coco and the celebration of Dia de los Mu***os come to life! Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Dia de los Mu***os with colorful decor, traditional music, and delicious Mexican-inspired treats. Don’t miss “A Musical Celebration of Coco,” featuring Miguel and friends sharing songs that honor family and remembrance.

In between performances, you can take pictures with Miguel, stroll over to the Mexican Arbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) and write a message to your loved ones on the Memory Wall, design your own paper alebrije mask (spirit guide) and so much more!

This festive event takes place every year at DCA and I highly recommend setting aside time to take a break, listen to the incredible musicians and storytellers during the Dia de los Mu***os celebration!

10/31/2024

Wishing you a magical day filled with spooktacular treats and not-so-scary fun—the kind that would make even the Sanderson Sisters proud! Whether you’re trick-or-treating with Mickey, heading to a haunted mansion, or watching Halloween classics like Hocus Pocus, may today be filled with Disney magic and a dash of Halloween mischief!

Have a frightfully fun day, and remember, a little Disney pixie dust makes every Halloween boo-tiful!

10/30/2024

Alright Summer travelers! It's time to book your air with Southwest!

As a travel planner, I love Southwest Airlines for the perks that make travel easier and more affordable! And with two free checked bags per person, my clients get great flexibility and savings. And here’s a travel tip: Southwest fares often go up as seats fill, so booking early helps you lock in the best rates and schedule.

Let’s get those flights booked and take one step closer to your next adventure!

10/30/2024

Wishing a Happy Travel Day to John and Liz! They’re off on a 19-day New Zealand adventure, discovering the magic of Auckland’s vibrant city life, the stunning Bay of Islands, and the cultural richness of Rotorua, where they’ll dive into a traditional Maori experience!

They’ll journey south to Christchurch and be awe-struck by the landscapes around Mt. Cook, before enjoying the serene beauty of Milford Sound and Queenstown, where a scenic Lake Wakatipu cruise and a charming sheepdog demonstration await. 🐑💙

Bon Voyage, John and Liz!

10/29/2024

dropped some great news today! 2025 info for TWO races!

Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend will be held September 4-7, 2025 at the Disneyland Resort!

Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend 2025 at Walt Disney World will be held October 23-26, 2025!

Who’s shooting for a Coast to Coast in 2025 and what races are you doing?!

10/25/2024

Did you hear the news?!

A brand new private island experience is coming for Royal Caribbean!

Here's what we know so far...

-Perfect Day Mexico is about 200 acres in size, half will be preserved for environmental protection
-Slated to open in late 2027
-There will be a beach club, similar to the Coco Beach Club at CocoCay
-Access to water in Perfect Day Mexico will also include a pool
-There will be a water park at Perfect Day Mexico (more than likely an additional cost)
-Costa Maya has four piers, that gives it double the ships that CocoCay can handle, and there's a good chance the water park in Mexico will be bigger than Thrill Waterpark in CocoCay.
-There will be an adults-only area
-Up, Up and Away helium balloon will be available (additional cost)
-MEXICAN FOOD. Say less. I'm there.

I absolutely love CocoCay and I'm super excited for this new private stop for Royal Caribbean!!! What do you think?

10/22/2024

✨NEW at the Disneyland Hotel✨

The hotel lobby lounge has now been re-themed after Disney’s classic 1959 film "Sleeping Beauty", and opened yesterday to rave reviews!

Guests can relax in a charming forest setting while enjoying fun drinks, flavorful small bites, and conversation. Menu highlights include dry-rub chicken wings, a classic Caesar salad, savory steak frites, and even specialty whiskey flights, where guests can choose from Scotch, Rye, Bourbon, or Japanese Whiskey.

The Broken Spell Lounge does not take reservations and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will be open daily beginning at 4 p.m.

✅Fun Fact: This was part of Steakhouse 55, which unfortunately closed permanently 3 years ago, but Disneyland Hotel reopened the area as an unnamed lounge earlier this year.

10/20/2024

🚨ATTN runDisney runners!🚨

Nutrition is so crucial to our training and race day success, and if you’re local to Franklin or Nashville, you NEED to visit ! They have helped me improve my diet so much for D***y, I now hit my protein goal daily!

Ask about the Chipotle Chicken Bowl! 57g of protein! 🐓

New store open in Franklin TODAY!

10/16/2024

🚨The rumors were true!🚨

A new option for Lightning Lanes are being added for purchase to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland!

This is a game changer folks. This means that you will NOT have to schedule return times when you purchase this level of ‘skip the line’ privileges. Instead, you will get one entrance to each attraction at any time for the day you purchased, including attractions that offer Lightning Lane Single Pass, without additional purchase. Hello, Cosmic Rewind!

Walt Disney World- Starting October 30, 2024

Purchasing a Lightning Lane Premier Pass provides Guests with one-time access to any Lightning Lane entrance at a single Theme Park. (Will not honor park hopping abilities).

Guests may purchase a Lightning Lane Premier Pass for only one Theme Park each day.

Guests of eligible Resorts can purchase Lightning Lane Premier Passes up to seven days prior to their check-in date for the length of their stay (up to 14 days) starting at 7 a.m. Eastern.

Eligible Resorts include Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green® Resort.
**Another Perk for upgrading your resort stay**

Disneyland- Starting Oct. 23, 2024

Purchasing a Lightning Lane Premier Pass provides Guests with one-time access to any Lightning Lane entrance at both Theme Parks (valid admission and Theme Park reservation required).

Guests with admission that lets them visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day may use their Lightning Lane Premier Pass at both Theme Parks that day.

Guests can purchase their Lightning Lane Premier Pass up to two days prior to the day of their Theme Park visit, starting at 7 a.m. Pacific.

10/11/2024

TEARS OF JOY!!!

PAINT THE NIGHT IS COMING BACK TO DISNEYLAND!!!!! 😭

10/09/2024

Praying for our parks and everyone in Milton's path.

🌀Hurricane Milton update: Walt Disney World Theme Parks

-On Oct. 9, theme parks and Disney Springs will be closed in phases beginning at 1 p.m.

-Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close at 1 p.m.

-Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney Springs will close at 2 p.m.

-It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. We will consider opening Disney Springs Thursday late afternoon with limited offerings. This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on Oct. 10. Event tickets will be refunded.

-Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating Wednesday, Oct. 9 after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close.

-Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be available to Walt Disney World Resort Guests.

-Due to potential weather impacts to guest travel plans, change and cancellation fees imposed by Disney will be waived for check-in through Monday, 10/14.

10/05/2024

Girls trip to Mexico? Yes please!

Happy Travel Day to Deb & her sister in law that are on their way to Cabo for some much needed girl time and relaxation!

Taking time for friends and family is so important, and what better way to do it than with a getaway to Mexico? Whether you're relaxing on the beach or exploring new adventures, Mexico offers the perfect backdrop for making memories that last a lifetime.

Wishing you both a fabulous trip filled with sunshine, laughter, and fun!

10/05/2024

Happy Travel Day to Jessica & fam as they make their way to Walt Disney World! They will be staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort, my absolute favorite Value Resort on property!

Dive into a world of nostalgia with larger-than-life icons from the 20th century scattered throughout the resort! From Rubik's Cubes to yo-yos, every corner is bursting with fun memories! With comfy rooms, awesome pools, and dining options that'll make your taste buds dance, Pop Century is the ultimate value resort for an unforgettable Disney getaway!

Have a safe trip down to Florida and be sure to post lots of pics!

10/05/2024

Happy Travel Day to Matt & crew that are embarking on the Disney Fantasy today! They are going to love Halloween on the High Seas!

Get ready for haunted hallways, special character meet-and-greets, and eerie entertainment that will have the whole family enchanted. Plus, don’t miss Mickey’s Mouse-querade and all the Halloween treats you can handle! Cruising this time of year is a real treat. Enjoy festive fun while soaking up the sunshine at sea! It’s the best of both worlds: fall magic and tropical bliss!

Thank you so much for always allowing me to help plan your amazing Disney Cruise-cations!