Andrea Swift-Hanlon-An Affiliate of Academy Travel

09/22/2024

09/19/2024

It’s true! It’s a fact! No one does it better than us! 🤩🤩We're Academy Travel, and we've been booking unforgettable vacations for over 25 years! ✨ The best part? Our expert agents will plan your dream getaway free of charge! 🌍✨

09/13/2024

My favorite haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights
At Universal Studios Hollywood, California was “Monstruos 2: The Nightmares of Latin America.” Great jump scares, excellent theming, wonderful costuming and set dressing. This is a POV video of my experience with one of my colleagues. Please enjoy our screams and giggles. 🤣🤣

Each house and theme is different with different levels of fright. There is no official rating on the level of frightening, but using a Travel Advisor, like me, who specializes in Universal Theme Park Destinations and experiences these houses for you, I can tell you which ones are super scary, and ones that may be more tame. Remember! Booking through me means you get my expertise and planning services for FREE! I am certified in Universal Theme Park destinations and just spent the last few days immersed in Universal City in Hollywood! Halloween Horror Nights also takes place on select nights in Orlando through October too, and some of the experiences overlap at both parks, and some are unique to the destination.

If you are a Halloween, horror lover like me, or you like a good haunted house, let’s chat! Let’s get you booked on one of the spookiest destination vacays! Reach out to me today!

09/13/2024

Oh you know. . . Just a little photo op with Norman. . . Mr. Bates if you’re nasty. 😜

This is the actual Psycho house that was used for the film. You can see this on the Universal Hollywood Studios Backlot tour during the day, or get a photo with Norman himself on the Terror Tram: Blum House.

09/13/2024

Halloween Horror Nights: Ghostbusters Frozen Empire.

09/12/2024

Even as an adult professional, I LOVE winning prizes in Universal Destination School! Universal does an amazing job of educating their advisors so we have the best and most up to date information!

09/11/2024

Super Nintendo World! Having a blast playing the games, meeting characters and riding Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge! Highly reccomend purchasing the early access pass as a ticket add on to get a jump start on all things Nintendo World!

09/11/2024

What a great way to kick off Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights FAM event. FAM events are agent familiarization events that give travel advisors the opportunities to come on site and experience destinations first hand so we can better serve our clients through expert planning. This trip isn't just about Halloween Horror Nights. It is also about getting to know the Los Angeles area as a destination! Today, I explored Universal City Walk which is completely free to visit! It is your go to dining, shopping mecca for all things Universal!

I ate lunch at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast. It has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and you can find this restaurant at Universal Orlando as well. It did not disappoint! From the Steampunk infused chocolate theme, to the delicious menu, I was mesmerized by my tomato bisque and grilled cheese sandwich. Such a simple, yet delicious meal. I finished it off with a cookies and cream milkshake. From Savory to sweet there is something for everyone at Toothsome.

This evening we were given tours of the Sheraton Universal City, and Hilton Los Angeles-Universal City, which are the two main hotels that sit among the Universal Studios Hollywood properties. Beautiful accommodations at both sites with many different room, and amenity offerings. The beautiful California canyon landscape and the views of the Universal theme parks make these hotels quite spectacular. The best part is the ease at which to get to and from the parks with the shuttle services.

After the tours, the Universal Destinations team treated us to a reception with delicious food and drinks.

Looking forward to an exciting day at the Universal Theme Parks tomorrow! NINTENDO WORLD HERE WE COME!

09/10/2024

Let’s get this party started! 🤩🤩 I made it! I’m here! I’m ready to learn, experience and share with you all the fun things Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer!

09/10/2024

I am West Coast bound today! Follow me on my adventures this week! 😎😎☀️☀️

09/03/2024

Have you ever considered applying for TSA Pre✔? With all the traveling I do, I finally decided it was time to get my TSA Pre✔ status. It cost me $78.00, and it was very easy to apply. The application took about 5 minutes to fill out online, then I had to go to a TSA Pre✔ office to complete my fingerprinting and my photo. It took 5 minutes to complete. In 14-60 days I will receive my TSA Pre✔ number, once I am approved.

If you already have your passport, use your passport I.D. to apply.

Here are the benefits of TSA Pre✔:

💪Faster security screening
TSA PreCheck members can go through security faster because they don't need to remove their shoes, belts, laptops, liquids, or light jackets.

⏰Shorter wait times
According to the TSA, 99% of TSA PreCheck members wait less than 10 minutes at security.

🤩 Nationwide access
TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports and more than 90 airlines across the country.

👶Children are welcome
Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck if the child's boarding pass shows TSA PreCheck.

💰Application fee reimbursement
Some credit cards and elite frequent flyer programs may reimburse the application fee.

TSA PreCheck memberships last for five years, and renewal costs $70 online with Idemia or Telos, or $68.95 online with Clear. Some travel credit cards may also help offset the renewal cost.

Here is the link to find out more about applying for TSA PRE✔: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck

08/23/2024

My favorite sentence to say to a family is, "Congratulations! You're going to Disney World!" 🎉😍🎉Planning magical vacations for families is my favorite part of my job. This family has a jammed packed trip planned to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. There is something for everyone on this trip, and I couldn't be more excited for them!

We cooked up this trip in a just a matter of WEEKS before they are heading to the most magical place on earth, and while we are cutting it close, it is POSSIBLE with a little pixie dust, trust, and planning from me!

Using a certified travel planner like me, who specializes in Disney Destinations is key, whether you are planning a year, 6 months, or 6 weeks out from a trip because no matter what dream or wish your heart makes, I can help you make it happen!

Still looking for a FALL BREAK TRIP? It's not too late! Where do you want to go? Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise, Aulani Resort?

Let's plan! 💪

08/23/2024

I wake up every morning and pinch myself that I get to help people create magical memories. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of the Academy Travel Team.

Join Our Team Of Disney Travel Agents

08/21/2024

08/15/2024

Where are my Disney Villain fans at?!?! Over the weekend, at the Disney D23 event, it was announced that a new Villains Land will be coming to Magic Kingdom!
Who is excited?

JUST ANNOUNCED: The Villains arrive at Magic Kingdom with new land.

08/12/2024

I don't know about y'all, but I am going to have one very excited little boy.
This expansion coming to Walt Disney World is MASSIVE, and I will be highlighting each new expansion on my page this week!

Today, we are racing in and taking a look at the new Cars Attractions coming to Magic Kingdom!

One is a quicker-than-quick racecar who eats losers for breakfast, and one is a tow truck with a heart of gold. Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater are racing into Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort! At Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Disney Exper...

08/11/2024

So many ✨MAGICAL✨ announcements coming from the D23 Panel last night! Big changes and expansions for Walt Disney World especially! Villians Land is happening! A new Monster Inc. Land is coming to Hollywood Studios and Cars Land here we come! Along with a full expansion of Animal Kingdom, and so much more!

Tell me. . . What are you most excited to experience at the parks with these announcements?

Disney fans were hoping for major park announcements at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim. They sure got them Saturday night.

08/09/2024

"🕷️ Dive into Terror & Savings: HHN 2024 Awaits You! 👻"
Horror fanatics, get ready for scares and savings! Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights 2024 unleashes unimaginable terrors from August 29th to November 3rd. Brace yourself for nights of pulse-pounding fear as you navigate through 10 meticulously crafted haunted houses, each promising a unique nightmare.
Enter "Universal Monsters – Eternal Bloodlines" where classic monsters battle for supremacy, or test your survival skills in "A Quiet Place." From the chilling "Ghostbusters – Frozen Empire" to the culturally rich "Monstrous - The Monsters of Latin America," each house offers a distinct flavor of fear.
The scares continue with 5 immersive scare zones, including the apocalyptic "Demon Queens" and the medieval "Torture Faire." Don't miss the dark spectacle of "Nightmare Fuel – Nocturnal Circus," where acrobatics meet horror in a heart-stopping performance.
Elevate your Universal Orlando vacation by adding this intense nighttime event to your plans. Experience the thrill of the theme parks by day, then brace yourself for unparalleled scares by night. It's the perfect way to create a truly unforgettable Universal Orlando adventure.
Here's the killer deal: Book a vacation package now and save up to $1,300! This event isn't for the young or faint-hearted – it's recommended for brave souls 13 and up.
Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in horror and incredible savings. Book your Universal Orlando vacation with HHN 2024 now and prepare for nights you'll never forget – if you make it out alive!

08/08/2024

Don’t leave home without these items! They will make your Disney vacation better!

08/07/2024

I am going to HOLLYWOOD! 🎥🤩

I am very excited to share that I will be attending a Universal Studios Hollywood Destination FAM event from September 10th-13th.

What is a FAM event you ask?

It is a familiarization trip where myself and other travel agents in the industry go and learn about destinations. We tour and experience them first hand, so we can offer the best tips, tricks, advice, and planning to our clients. I will be joined by a couple of my Academy Travel colleagues while we learn, tour and play at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal CityWalk, experience Nintendo World, and brave Hollywood Horror Nights! 👻 Along with other adventures, and training in between.

So follow along with me starting September 10th and see what a Universal Studios vacation can look like!

08/03/2024

A Walt Disney World vacation can be so many things! Rides, characters, luxury, relaxation, cocktails, fine dining, family time, adult time, and so much more! Lets book your magical vacation!

07/25/2024

Yesterday was a big day for Disney Parks as the Genie+ system changed to Lightning Lane Multi Pass. As a Travel Consultant, specializing in Disney Destinations, I will be trained this evening with Disney Destinations on this new system. I will also be implementing this system for my family in October when we visit WDW.

This is why using a travel consultant like me, who works for a Diamond Earmarked travel company, and is trained by Disney through the Disney College of Knoweldge, is so valuable to you as a client. We are constantly training and learning the latest and new procedures of what is going on at Disney Destinations in order to assist you with planning the most MAGICAL and stress free vacation.

For my current clients who have Disney vacations booked, I will be reaching out to each of you individually to help you get this new process implemented for your vacation.

For new clients: This is just one piece that I can assist with when helping you plan your Disney vacation.

🏰My services are 💯 FREE to my clients!🏰

Reach out to me to find out how I can help you with your Disney vacation!

More to come about Lightening Lane Multi Pass! Stay tuned! 🤩🧜‍♀️

📷🎞️ Academy Travel

07/24/2024

Come see me at the Back to School Bash tonight! Deer Run Park, 6-9PM!

07/24/2024

I am so happy for this AMAZING family! They are going to have a MAGICAL time this FALL celebrating Halloween in Walt Disney World! We are planning all kinds of fun things for them to do during their MAGICAL vacation.
If you are interested in a Disney vacation, reach out to me today! I can help you with dining reservations, how to navigate the parks, and give you my best tips and tricks to have a great time! My services are 💯percent FREE!

07/23/2024

Come see me tomorrow at the Back to School Bash!

07/10/2024

Its a great day to book Disney vacations! I love when I can help people make magical memories! Want to know more about booking a magical vacation? Reach out to me! My services are 100% Free!

07/02/2024

This beautiful family entrusted me with their Disney planning, and it was an absolute pleasure to work with them! This is why I do what I do! I LOVE helping others make memories. Look at those cuties in front of Tower of Terror! 😍If that is not a Disney promo picture, then I don't know what is! 🤩They had the best time! From meeting characters during breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, to riding the Skyliner, catching the Festival of Fantasy Parade, to riding Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway for the first time and LOVING IT! To see the joy and happiness on their faces makes my heart sing. When you ask me why I do what I do. . .This is the WHY. 🥰😍🎉

Thank you, Phelps Family, for letting me plan your Disney vacation. It was an honor and privilege to be your vacation planner. I can't wait to do it again. See you real soon!

If you would like more information on how I can assist you in your vacation planning, send me a message! My services are 100% FREE, and I am certified and trained in multiple destinations/resorts/cruise lines worldwide. Let's make your travel dreams come true!

06/29/2024

My time on the Celebrity Beyond 2024 President’s Cruise has come to an end. 🥺I had an amazing time! 😃

🚢 Cruising is a great way to see the world, try new things, try different foods, meet new people, and experience all kinds of different entertainment. A few more tips I would like to leave you with:

1. Sign up for the cruise line’s rewards program. It’s usually free, and there are some major perks as you earn points. Because I joined Celebrity’s Captain’s Club, I was invited to exclusive parties like the one at Resort World in Bimini Bahamas. We were given free drinks and food, had access to the resort, and Celebrity provided us CC members with so many perks to celebrate the President’s Cruise.

2. Go to the parties! Even for a little while! You never know what may be in store. Research your cruise in advance for special offerings, and dress attire. Last night I wore my metallic best to the Shine the Night party! There were fireworks, entertainment, dancing, and free cocktails.

3. If you ever get a chance to sail on a President’s Cruise, BOOK IT! It is a cruise on steroids. Double the fun, double the everything. All the major players in a cruise company attend, including the President of the company. . .hence the name, so there are a lot of fun things to do, that would not be on a regular sailing.

4. Finally. . . The earlier you book your cruise, the better financially. As a ship fills up, prices increase. Book drink, dining, and excursion packages BEFORE you sail to take advantage of discounts. Once on board these items tend to be sold at a premium.

I will be sharing a few more things about my cruise the next few days. If you would like to experience a Celebrity cruise, reach out to me! I can book and plan it for you. My services are 💯FREE!

06/14/2024

It's not too late to book a Summer vacation! Summer TECHNICALLY doesn't start until June 20th. 😜Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, and Disneyland Resorts in Anaheim, California both have some great Summer deals to take advantage of.🎊🎉

So if you are looking for a last minute get away, and a Disney vacation has been on your list, let's chat! Some of the best vacations can be the ones you plan with a quick turn around!

06/03/2024

Finishing up some last minute travel items and heading to meet my clients for the final time before they head to Orlando for their MAGICAL vacay next week! The “S” family is heading to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando! What a dream! 💫

I can customize plans digitally for your mobile phone, or on paper. In this case, they asked for both! No problem! Let me help you plan your magical vacation!

My services are 💯FREE when you book with me!

Did I mention I am a proud affiliate of Academy Travel? A DIAMOND Earmarked and DIAMOND U-preferred agency?!?

Theme parks not your thing? That’s okay!
I can book the 🌏too!

Let’s make your vacation dreams come true!