Jen Theisen - Chasing More Vacations

08/20/2024

Tip Tuesday!

Celebrating a birthday or something else special at Walt Disney World? Let a Cast Member know by indicating it on your dining reservation! You could get a little Mickey magic in the form of a cupcake (or champagne in the case of an anniversary)! We always mention who is celebrating when the server visits the table.

“Pixie dust” is at the discretion of our amazing Cast Member friends, and is a pleasant surprise when it happens. Never asked for, always appreciated! ❤️

Have you ever had a special treat for your celebration?

08/19/2024

My Favorite Monday!

Who is a favorite character that you wish had a meet and greet in the parks? Mine is definitely Marie. While she appears briefly in the Adventure Friends Cavalacde at Magic Kingdom, there is currently no place to meet her at Walt Disney World! I wish they would find a nice spot for her in the France Pavilion in EPCOT.

I’d love to hear what character you think is missing from the parks!

08/18/2024

Happy !

One of the announcements at D23 last week was a new Spaceship Earth lounge! I’m pretty excited about that idea. The lounge will take over a space overlooking World Celebration that was formerly a corporate lounge, and will be inspired by the metallic tones and geodesic shape that make Spaceship Earth so beautiful!

The space is set to welcome guests sometime in 2025. Are you excited for this news? 🌐

08/16/2024

FAQ FRIDAY!

“Aren’t travel agents free?”

This question came up again recently- so let’s go over how travel agents work! Travel agents do not typically have a “normal” salaried job. Many of us are paid a small commission by a vendor (such as Disney, Universal, etc) when you book a vacation package with us, but only AFTER you travel. This commission is built into the price that the vendor charges EVERYONE, which is how travel agents are able to offer “free services.”

“So you’re not free?”
I personally offer MANY complimentary services to clients who book a vacation package with me! You won’t hear me say “travel agents are free,” because we often spend hours of time assisting with your vacation. My time and expertise absolutely have worth! I also may charge a concierge fee for some extra services, or for planning help outside of a package.

“Aren’t agents who charge a planning fee scamming people?”
Absolutely not. Many agents choose to charge a fee for their time and know-how, either because there is a service clients want that isn’t compensated by the vendor, or just because they feel their skill isn’t well-compensated by the vendor. Some also charge fees to protect the work they do up until your trip, as we are not typically paid if you cancel. No matter the reason, fees are totally normal- just like any other service provider you may encounter in your life!

So, no- travel agents aren’t free, in the sense that we are professionals who have to be compensated for our work somehow! 🙂 In many cases, that is done by the vendor, making it possible for us to give our clients complimentary assistance with planning their vacations.

Questions? I’d love to answer if I can! ⭐️

08/15/2024

She’s baaaaaack!

Food menus for the 2024 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival were released this week, and at least one of us (me) was excited to see that the polarizing pickle milkshake will be returning to the line-up.

Lots of old faves and new creations to be found! Here are five new items I’m excited to check out:

5. Crispy Duck Bao Bun (China menu)
4. Curried chicken and South African Boerwors sausage stew with chickpeas and potatoes served in a bread bowl (Refreshment Outpost)
3. Spanish charcuterie: Jamón, Manchego and pan con tomate (Spain menu)
2. Wagyu Temaki Sushi: Handheld sushi with sweet and savory American Wagyu beef topped with Takana Japanese pickles and spicy mayo sauce (Japan menu) 
1. Liquid nitrogen frozen Sweet Potato Mousse with candied pecans and maple-caramel sauce (Swirled Showcase)

Listen, there’s a lot more I’d like to try, so I’ll link to the full list. I’d love to hear what sounds exciting to you! 👀 The festival runs from August 29th to November 23rd!

08/13/2024

Tip Tuesday!

Slow down! Disney parks are not ALL about the rides. If the park offers entertainment like shows, outdoor bands, etc… please stop and bop!

These talented performers are some of my favorite parts of Walt Disney World, but so often we are rushing to that next dining reservation or ride. It’s worth it to stop and enjoy the music!

Back in January I got pulled up to dance with the drummers in Africa. It is one of my favorite memories of any Disney trip! ❤️

08/12/2024

🚨 WALT DISNEY WORLD NEWS 🚨

It’s time to say goodbye to a couple of Magic Kingdom oldies…. Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America! Both TSI and the current Liberty Belle boat began servicing guests in 1973.

The Frontierland expansion that will explore a new frontier with the Cars crew will begin work next year, giving guests some time to say goodbye to these classics! The new area will bring in a brand-new thrilling rally race through the mountains, climbing trails, and dodging geysers, in addition to a second attraction geared towards fun for the whole family.

I recognize change is hard (especially when it comes to the more classic Disney spots), but what do we think of this news? Having recently visited Tom Sawyer Island a couple of times… I’m okay with it. The island is not very accessible-friendly, and needed some extensive love to survive.

08/11/2024

With the official announcement of Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand being rethemed to Tropical Americas (featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones), let’s have a moment of silence for the greatest meet and greet of all time…

Are you excited for the overhaul to this area of the park? Or do you think the dinosaurs should stay?

08/11/2024

LOTS of D23 parks news in my stories!!

Some unbelievable stuff!! 👀👀👀

08/10/2024

Snacky Saturday!

Pinocchio’s Village Haus in Magic Kingdom is a fun place to eat, as they have a small number of tables that overlook it’s a small world! The menu consists of mostly flatbreads, which typically range $12-$14. They also have breadsticks, salad and chicken strips for those that don’t want pizza!

If the seating around small world is full, I also recommend heading upstairs if it’s open. There’s a nice (small) seating area outside that overlooks Fantasyland!

Have you eaten at this Magic Kingdom mainstay before? It opened with the park in 1971; while the food is simple, the decor inside is honestly very cute.

08/08/2024

You can only ride one today:
Tron, or Cosmic Rewind?

08/07/2024

Way Back Wednesday!

Who remembers the old World of Disney, back when Disney Springs was Downtown Disney? It had a lot of character!

Do you prefer the old style, with lots of different rooms? Or do you like the new remodel with a more open floor plan?

08/06/2024

Too good, must share… Orlando International Airport (MCO) is always making me laugh!!

08/05/2024

My Favorite Monday!

What’s your favorite attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Mine is Tower of Terror, Kit’s is Rock n Roller Coaster, and Kevin’s is Rise of the Resistance!

Hollywood Studios is a great park to visit for a thrill ride, but I think it’s an equally great park to take in a show. We’ve enjoyed the Frozen Sing-Along and Indiana Jones in the past, and MuppetVision is a must do for us each trip.

What’s your favorite ride or attraction at Hollywood Studios?

08/03/2024

Snacky Saturday!

Need a quick and delicious EPCOT snack? Stop by Choza de Margarita outside of the Mexico temple for something yummy. I had the guacamole and chips for $11; the chips were warm, and even Kit was scarfing the guacamole (she didn’t think she liked avocados).

They also have tasty offerings like empanadas, tacos, quesadillas, tostadas and elote! And margaritas, of course.

Are you a guacamole fan?

08/01/2024

Battle of the Magic Kingdom “mountains”: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Big Thunder or Space Mountain?

07/31/2024

Happy birthday, Harry… new details released about Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic! Coming to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando in 2025.

From the streets of Paris with Fantastic Beasts to using the FLOO NETWORK (!!!) to get inside the Ministry of Magic and defeat Delores Umbridge, I’m super excited for this one. ⚡️

Take six minutes out of your morning and check out the “sizzle reel,” haha! Really cool.

This is the final announcement for the Epic Universe lands… which land are you most excited for?

⭐️ Ministry of Magic
⭐️ Dark Universe
⭐️ How to Train Your Dragon
⭐️ Super Nintendo World
⭐️ Celestial Park

07/31/2024

We’re getting a first look at staterooms aboard the Disney Destiny, Disney Cruise Line’s new heroes and villains-inspired ship! The Destiny sets sail in late 2025 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

I think these are BEAUTIFUL! Fort Lauderdale is easy to get to from Orlando with the Brightline train, too! ⭐️

07/30/2024

Tip Tuesday!

On these hot Florida summer days, don’t forget to stop by the EPCOT exhibits and museums in World Showcase! Not only do they share interesting info about the countries each pavilion showcases, they are usually air-conditioned. 🙂 They’re also often empty, as most people are rushing to their next ride!

What’s your favorite EPCOT pavilion?

07/29/2024

Happy 25th birthday to one of our family’s favorite attractions: Rock n Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

From the 0 to 65 mph launch to the final pull up to the “concert,” it’s one we never get tired of. It’s still Aerosmith after all these years… if you could retheme it to another band or Disney movie, what would you choose?

07/29/2024

My Favorite Monday!

Who is a favorite character that you haven’t been able to meet at Walt Disney World as of lately? Mine is definitely Tinkerbell… she did not return post-pandemic! Her meet & greet area was really well-themed. 💚

Is there a character that doesn’t meet anymore that you’d love to say hi to?

07/28/2024

Happy Spaceship Earth Sunday! If you were in EPCOT right now, what would you be doing? 🌐❤️🌐

07/26/2024

What’s something about traveling to Walt Disney World that you think more people should know?

07/25/2024

After an extensive refurb, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion is opening ahead of schedule with its Nightmare Before Christmas theming! 🎃

The ride will be available only via virtual queue, as work continues on the area around the attraction.

🔊Happy haunts will welcome guests to Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland beginning July 29! 🎃

07/24/2024

Happy Lightning Lane Multi & Single Pass Launch Day! 🚀

Goodbye Genie, hello Lightning Lane… Disney’s new program launched today. Here are a few fast facts about how it works at Walt Disney World! (Disneyland will remain the same as it was, with only the name changing.)

⚡️ Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets you book three attractions per day ahead of your trip.
⚡️ Lightning Lane Single Pass lets you additionally book up to two special attractions per day, like Tron or Rise of the Resistance.
⚡️ Guests of a Walt Disney World resort hotel can make these selections up to 7 days in advance, for their length of stay (up to 14 days).
⚡️ Guests staying off-property can book up to 3 days in advance of day of visit.
⚡️ Cost is largely identical to Genie+, with the major difference being the removal of a Multi-Park pass. Park Hopping guests will now make three selections for their first park, and make a selection for a different park after using their first selection (at no additional charge).

I will have a lot more specific info going out to my clients in advance of their trips, to help prepare you to make these bookings! I absolutely love being able to set these plans ONCE ahead of vacation, without having to roll out of bed at 6:45 AM to set them every day of my trip. Very similar to the old FastPass+ system!

Are you excited for the improved Lightning Lanes?

07/23/2024

OMG I WISH I WAS GOING TO CALIFORNIA 🤣❤️

07/22/2024

My favorite Monday!

What’s your favorite Disney experience that surprised you?

For me, it was the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. We did this for the first time when Kit was 8, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I knew on paper that it was a makeover, but I wasn’t prepared for how fun and cute the experience actually was! Kit was all smiles picking out her dress, getting made up, and interacting with the cast members who assisted her. And I may have had a tear or two in my eye, thinking about how much she was growing up.

It’s a fond memory I’ll have from our Disney Kid years, especially as we now crest into Disney Tween years!

Do you have a Disney experience that surprised you?

07/21/2024

Spotlight Sunday!

Where in Universal Orlando can I meet a Minion?

Over in the Universal Studios side you can visit Illumination Theatre, Minion Land’s unique ‘meet & greet’ location. Pose for photos with Illumination film characters like the Minions, Gru, Margo, Edith and Agnes, along with characters from the film Sing.

The exit for the Minions Mayhem ride also often has random pop up character appearances; we saw Stuart here recently, as well as Gru.

(Please note: Appearance of characters listed is subject to change without notice, and not all characters listed are guaranteed to appear at the same time, or on the same day.)

Are you a fan of the Minions?

07/19/2024

Flashback Friday… here was Kit on her first Disney trip! This was taken 7 years ago today. 😍

My husband recreates this picture almost every trip; I’ll post the most recent one in the comments. Do you have any Disney trip traditions?

07/18/2024

Let’s eat- what’s the best place for a meal in EPCOT? 🌐 Table service or quick service!