Reach for the Magic Destinations - Heather Brookshire

08/30/2024

When you go to the beach, are you in the water 🌊 all day or are you lounging under an umbrella? Do you build sandcastles (cakes??) or have a fruity beverage 🍹 in hand? A mix of all of the above?

What are some of your favorite beach day activities? 🏖️

08/28/2024

We recently learned more about the brand new Universal Helios Grand Hotel that will provide a stunning backdrop to Universal's Epic Universe coming next year! Let's look at the highlights:

✨Mediterranean-inspired theming designed to blend into Celestial Park
✨ 500 rooms and suites, including spaces themed to How to Train Your Dragon!
✨ Dedicated Epic Universe entrance
✨ Four new eateries, including a stunning rooftop bar with 360 degree views!

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to stay in this grand hotel located right inside Epic Universe! Stay tuned for more updates, including when this resort will open and when it's available to book!

08/22/2024

Have you been thinking about a trip to Disneyland? If it's on your travel list for 2025, you're in luck! Packages for next year are now available to book! 🎉

Disneyland Resort is perfect for slightly shorter trips and families of all ages. So if you're looking for a place to go on Spring Break next year, let's see what that would look like for your family. Check out the link to my form in the comments or send me an email to get things started! ✨

08/18/2024

😲😲😲 There was a TON of news that dropped over the weekend from D23! 😲😲😲

Each day this week, I'll spotlight one of the many announcements that were made at the con.

Today, let's bounce back over to Walt Disney World and Animal Kingdom Park 🌳

We've all known for a while that Dinoland, USA was going to recieve a makeover, we just didn't know exactly what would be going in its place - until now! The new land will be centered around the Tropical Americas and feature two new rides, as well as a rethemed one. There will be a new carousel, featuring animals from favorite Disney stories, a brand new Encanto ride, and an Indian Jones retheming of the Dinosaur ride.

Work is slated to begin later this year and wrap up sometime in 2027. Which of these new attractions excites you the most? 🎠🏠or 📖 (I couldn't find a fidora so the book will have to do for Dr. Jones 😂)

08/16/2024

😲😲😲 There was a TON of news that dropped over the weekend from D23! 😲😲😲

Each day this week, I'll spotlight one of the many announcements that were made at the con.

We continue sailing on with announcements by highlighting this giant one: there will be four, count them FOUR more new cruise ships coming between 2027 and 2031, bringing the fleet to a total of 13.

Also revealed were the headline Broadway shows debuting with the next two ships - the Disney Treasure will feature Moana and the Disney Destiny will feature Hercules.

What do you think of this amazing announcement?

08/14/2024

Interrupting this week of D23 news to wish this year's students a great year! 📚

If you've already started school (today is the first day for our local students), share those first day photos below! If not, when do you start?

08/13/2024

😲😲😲 There was a TON of news that dropped over the weekend from D23! 😲😲😲

Each day this week, I'll spotlight one of the many announcements that were made at the con.

Today, let's bounce over to the west coast and talk about a fantastic new show coming to Disneyland, "Walt Disney - a Magical Life". This audio-animatronic show will feature the first animatronic of Walt himself. It will be similar to the original "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln" and will play in rotation with it next year.

What do you think of this surprise announcement? Was it on your D23 bingo card?

08/13/2024

😲😲😲 There was a TON of news that dropped over the weekend from D23! 😲😲😲

Each day this week, I'll spotlight one of the many announcements that were made at the con.

Today we're going to talk about the expansion coming to Magic Kingdom that includes Villians Land and a new Cars area behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that will include TWO new attractions - EACH! Villians Land will also have themed shopping and dining locations 🐉

Are you excited about this announcement? Show me with a Villian or Cars gif in the comments!

08/08/2024

On this International Cat Day, lets take a look at a new space coming to the Disney Treasure this winter - S**t Cat Lounge! This piano bar is themed after The Aristocats animated film and features lots of little details inspired by those famous kitties 🐈

Want to know more about enjoying the lounge aboard the Disney Treasure? Message or email me to start looking at intineraries!

08/06/2024

🎉🎉🎉

Our hearts are filled with gratitude for our clients and supporters who voted for us in the 2024 Best of Marathon County! 💜 Thanks to you we are celebrating winning the title of Best Travel Agency! 🌟

With three local travel advisors, and two more advisors with local ties here, we love serving this community! ✨💚✨

Thank you!

08/04/2024

🍪It's National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! 🍪

Do you know where you can find this *incredible* giant chocolate chip cookie? Leave your guess below!

08/01/2024

"Yer a wizerd now Harry" - Hagrid on wishing Harry Potter a happy 11th birthday 🎂

What would you give to Harry on his birthday? I think I'd bake him a batch of Butterbeer cupcakes! 🍺

07/31/2024

New details have been release on the last portal in Epic Universe - The Ministry of Magic!

Celebrate Harry's birthday by watching the video and check out what's coming to the new park in 2025! 🎉

Explore the wonders of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Ministry of Magic™, one of five amazing worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe, opening 2025 ...

07/28/2024

💦 Adding a water park day to your theme park vacation can be super relaxing, especially if you are traveling during the summer months! You can chill in the lazy river, soak up the sun on a beach chair, get in some thrills on the slides and even rent a cabana!

Depending on the time of year when you visit, you could go to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. And Universal offers Volcano Bay, which is just a short bus ride from the main parks and a short walk from a few of their resorts!

If you'd like to find out more about any of these fun add-ons, send me a message or email me at heather@reachforthemagicdestinations ✉️

07/26/2024

There really should be a gold medal for that - or at least a celebratory sticker 😅

07/25/2024

🎄Merry Christmas in July!🎄

Disney parks and cruises are always magical but they are even more so during the holiday season! From special parties and events to delectable holiday treats, resort wide decor and snow on Main Street, no one can deny how incredible it is to take a Disney vacation during the Christmas season 🎁

And right now is a *great* time to plan that holiday getaway in November or December (the holidays begin at Disney parks in mid November and cruises earlier in the month). Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights tickets have already gone on sale and some dates sell out quickly.

Rather cruise than be in the parks? You could sail out of Galveston on a 4- or 5-night cruise on a Western Caribbean itinerary and have a tropical holiday vacation getaway 🌴

Whatever your choice, I'm here for ya! Let's set up a time to chat about! Send me a private message or drop me a quick email to [email protected] to get started!

07/24/2024

⚡Starting today, Genie+ service at Walt Disney World becomes Lightning Lane Multi Pass. If you're familiar with the old FastPass+ system and Genie+, it's almost like the two were merged together.

If you choose to utilize the new system on your next trip, you can now select up to three attractions to book Lightning Lanes for seven days before your arrival day.

Check out the video below for more on whats included and how it works. Leave me your questions in the comments!

Explore our Lightning Lane passes to save time in line. Learn More: http://di.sn/6002cHSGnSUBSCRIBE: http://di.sn/6002ODIEQAbout Walt Disney World:At Walt Di...

07/21/2024

What is the craziest flavor of ice cream you've ever had?

🍦This was Strawberry Honey Balsalmic with Black Pepper that I tried last year at Salt and Straw. It was a little too tangy after the first few bites (licks?) for me so I ended up swapping with my husband for his seasonal flavor instead😅

This unique ice cream parlor has some fan favorites but also many unique flavors like the one mentioned above as well as Goat Cheese Marionberry Habenero or Pear and Bleu Cheese. Would you try either of those?

07/18/2024

🍦It's Dole Whip Day!🍦

Let's celebrate by telling me which way you prefer your treat - with a cone/in a cup or as a float in the comments below! You can also dream about all the different varities that will be available as the day is celebrated at Walt Disney World this year at the link in the comments 🤤

07/13/2024

Universal's new park is gonna be so EPIC! 💥 Guests will be able to explore each of five new portals - Celestial Park, Super Mario World, Island of Berk, Ministry of Magic, and Dark Universe.

Which one would you visit first?

07/11/2024

So excited to have made it to the agency retreat (despite Beryl trying her best to deter me 🤨) so that I can better serve you in the coming years 💕

07/08/2024

Seeing as some of us are riding out🌀Hurricane Beryl today along the upper Texas coastline, let's talk about hurricane season and what it can mean for your vacation.

1️⃣ First, hurricane season runs from May 1st to November 30th every year, with the peak typically being in September. They can bring high winds, heavy rain, and sometimes tornandos. Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and the Atlantic are all prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. This means that Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and many cruise itineraries/ports can be affected.

2️⃣ Second, know that in the rare occasion that your vacation is impacted by a storm, Disney and Universal always put their guests safety first. This can mean anything from preparing for a very rainy day to park closers or missing ports of call to divert around a storm.

3️⃣ And third, think about investing in some kind of travel insurance. Whether that is with your package or third party, many have some kind of clause for canceling or rebooking due to weather. Always be sure to check the fine print for what kind of coverage you're actually paying for.

And if you ever have any weather related or other questions about traveling, don't hesistate to reach out! My inbox is always open, whether by PM or email, [email protected]

07/04/2024

Happy July 4th! I hope you have a safe, fun holiday filled with barbque, friends, family and fireworks!
Pro tip: if you don't feel like going out or have inclement weather where you are, you can always stream them from the Disney Parks Blog YouTube channel 😉

07/03/2024

I know it's not the same as watching nighttime shows at Disney or Universal parks, but here's a short list of local (if you're in the Houston area) fireworks displays and events going on around town tomorrow! ❤️🤍💙

07/01/2024

🍁Happy Canada Day🍁 from the maple popcorn cart located at the Canada pavilion at Epcot!

Have you ever tried this tasty international treat?🍿 Or are you more of a poutine fan when it comes to Canadian cuisine?

06/26/2024

More Disney news today! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments 🤔

06/24/2024

Don't look now 👀but.....we're halfway to Christmas! 🎄

And to celebrate, Disney released a lot of info about offerings for this year's holiday season including:
🎅 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party dates
🎄 Jollywood Nights party dates
🎅 Details about Festival of the Holidays
🎄 Merry Menagerie will return to Animal Kingdom
🎅 Christmas Tree Trail returning to Disney Springs
🎄 Return of gingerbread displays to resort hotels

More information is slated to roll out this week so now is a great time to consider planning a trip towards the end of the year!

06/23/2024

Brunch and a movie? Don't mind if I do!

Have you seen Inside Out 2 yet? What did you think?

06/19/2024

There has been lots of news out of Disney and Universal lately! Let's start with Disney Cruise Line! 🚢

First, the new private island destination in the Bahamas, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is now OPEN! 🎉 This exciting new port of call will immerse you in the spirit and culture of the Bahamas with fun dance parties, delicious new food and drinks, and of course, picturesque beaches 🏝️

Second, itineraries for late 2025 and early 2026 have been released and will go on sale to the public beginning June 28! This includes sailings from Galveston from November 2025 - April 2026. And remembe,r when booking a cruise, the early bird gets the worm! So the sooner you can put down a deposit, the better rate you will get.

Do you have any cruising questions? Hit me with 'em in the comments below!

06/12/2024

Let’s talk about *who* you travel with. Most times when we’re planning a trip, it’s a vacation with the fam – parents and kiddos. But what about grandparents and friends? Or flying solo?

Whether multi-generational, solo or an adults only getaway, every trip is a unique one and who you are choosing to make memories with is often the first piece in the vacation planning puzzle.

So, who are you going on vacation with next? React with who your travel partners will be:

👍Spouse and kiddos
❤️ Girls trip
🤗 Adults only
😮 Multi-gen family
😅 Solo