The Travelsmith - Rachel Smith

02/06/2024

🎪 🍬🍋🍕Remember those scratch and sniff stickers we used to collect as kids? Well, guess what? Magic Kingdom is bringing that nostalgia back with the Smellephants on Parade search and sniff quest in Storybook Circus! 🕯️🐘

Presented by Scentsy (so you know it smells amazing), this FREE sticker activity isn't just for the little ones—it's a fun blast from the past for us too. As you follow the scent trail and find those 8 adorable Smellephants, mark the map with stickers and maybe, just for a moment, travel back in time to when your sticker collection was a status symbol. Fun, free and a souvenir of your vacation. What a treat! 🎉

🤔 Who else used to adore those scratch and sniff collections? Or maybe you were all about the puffy stickers? Regardless, if you’re ready to relive a bit of that sticker-collecting joy with your family, let’s chat about getting a trip on the books! Go to https://thetravelsmith.net/travel-services to get started!

01/06/2024

🎉✨🎨Don’t miss out on some serious fun—and a bit of unplanned magic at the What If Labs! It's like having a play date at Figment’s house. Whether it's creating your own Figment (and emailing it to yourself), hopping on musical stepping stones, making melodies or taking fun photos, there's plenty to do while enjoying a break from the sun, rain and waiting in line. 🎶☀️⏳

It’s often the spontaneous moments that create the long lasting memories. Who else loves a good surprise on their Disney days? What’s the most magical unplanned moment you’ve experienced at Disney? ✨🎁🪄

01/02/2024

☀️🏖️🤩 How good does a beach vacation sound right now? Most of us have another two months (at least) of cold weather! If a beach vibe is what you’re looking for, but not everyone you travel with is into playing in the sand all day, {enter how to best contact you}, because there are SO MANY WAYS at several destinations that you can compromise and make everyone happy!

💆‍♀️ 🎢 How about you? Would you enjoy an entire week relaxing at the beach or do you need more action than that on a vacation? I’m curious to see where we all stand on this!

30/01/2024

🍹💆‍♀️🚢 If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rainforest room... then you're ready for a Disney Cruise! On this National Escape Day, let's make your getaway dreams come true.

🥰✨⚓️ You, your loved ones, and the magic of Disney on the open sea-what’s better than that?

Whether you're sipping piña coladas, playing trivia, enjoying endless buffets or having countless adventures, there's something for literally everyone on a Disney Cruise and the service is impeccable. 🤩

🤷🏻‍♀️ So why wait? Let’s plan your escape! Just remember, "If you like making travel plans at midnight..." well, I'm here to help, no matter the time, just start at TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started and we can schedule a call - during business hours.

29/01/2024

🌸🍽️🏰You absolutely can't miss out on Carnation Café during your visit to Disneyland. This charming little spot features a fresh cut carnation on every table and serves Walt-approved comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

On the menu you’ll find favorites like egg sandwiches, pancakes, Walt’s Chili, fried pickles, chicken fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, peach pie à la mode and more. It's like a cozy culinary hug in the heart of Disneyland. 🥰🐭🏰

😋 Your taste buds and your Disney heart will thank you for booking a reservation here and don’t forget as part of my concierge level services, I make dining reservations (and recommendations like this one!) Go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started when you‘re ready to book that visit to Disneyland!

29/01/2024

💦 WOW! Here’s a Universal PRO TIP that will make a big splash during your next on-property trip... YOU CAN POOL HOP. All resorts other than the 2 Prime Value hotels (sorry, Endless Summer Surfside and Dockside, but all magic comes as a price) are allowed to pool hop at other resorts.

🗝️ To do this, go to the front desk of the resort you are visiting, show your resort key, and they will give you an amenity key for that property. It’s really that simple.

If you want that free Express Pass (and I think you do), you can usually stay most affordably at Royal Pacific, but feel free to take a short 5 minute walk over to Sapphire Falls and play the day away. 🛟

🌎✨There are so many benefits to a day away from the theme parks, and Universal Orlando Resort’s pool hopping policy is such a game changer. Did you know about this perk? If you’re ready to make Universal Orlando plans for the coming year, go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started and let’s talk.

27/01/2024

😕😥🩵💙 If you’ve ever visited Walt Disney World in the past, you know those post-Disney vacation blues are the real deal. There’s SO much planning and excitement leading up to these magical trips, that it can hit hard once over. Try these ideas to turn your frown upside down:

Make photo scrapbooks with your vacation pictures

Make copycat recipes from your favorite dishes or snacks

Play Disney-themed board or card games

Have Disney movie nights

Watch park walk-through and ride videos on YouTube

And my personal favorite, PLAN THE NEXT TRIP! 💫✈️🚢🏰

🎗️Remember, it only takes a refundable $200 deposit, and you have until 30 days prior to check-in to pay that balance. Start here when you want to fight off the Disney blues with the next adventure: Go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started!

27/01/2024

👸💖🛳️ Cinderella said a dream is a wish your heart makes, and a sailing on the Disney Dream is real life magic!! Today marks lucky number 13 years since it sailed on its maiden voyage. The Dream makes port around several Caribbean islands, and even includes specialty sailings like 🦸🏾‍♀️🎄🎃 Marvel Day at Sea, Very Merrytime, and Halloween on the High Seas cruises. Kids will go gaga for the youth clubs and pools, and the whole family will love the Broadway-style shows each evening. ✨

🛟 For those seasoned cruisers, what is one tip you can share with all of us to make a cruise vacation even more magical? Or if you’ve never cruised, what is a question you have? When you’re ready to see about a Disney Cruise Line sailing for your crew, go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started.

26/01/2024

🍔🍩🍻 Why not spend Spring Break in Springfield? Simpsons fans will absolutely flip over visiting their favorite cartoon town come to life. Eat at Krusty Burger, have a Lard Lad donut, grab a drink at Moe’s and so much more! The photo ops are priceless! 📸😄

This area is so immersive - I love it!

🤔🌎 Think Universal isn’t for you? Think again! Seriously, go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started to let me know you want more info and I’ll share all the reasons Universal Orlando should be on your radar this year!

24/01/2024

❤️🌟📲Today is National Compliment Day and at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, they believe in spreading the love! If a Cast Member has made your Disney experience even more magical, don't forget to share the joy. The My Disney Experience app’s Mobile Cast Compliment feature makes it super easy to leave a compliment for those who went above and beyond to make your visit special.

🎉🐭👏 Let's celebrate the magic makers and show our appreciation in the comments! Give a shout out to a Cast Member that has made your day extra magical at the Disney resorts!

23/01/2024

🐠🐡🎡Hey, friends! Tomorrow is a special day in Walt Disney World – the anniversary of not one, but two amazing "Finding Nemo" experiences that splashed onto the scene in 2007!

🐚🐠First up, at EPCOT, we've got the iconic "Seas with Nemo and Friends" attraction. I’ll bet you’ve got a photo with those statues just outside of the attraction.

🎶🐠🐢Over at Disney's Animal Kingdom, "Finding Nemo: The Musical" (Now Finding Nemo The Big Blue and Beyond) made its debut. Those incredible puppets, catchy tunes, and Marlin and Dory's unforgettable journey plays out several times a day and should not be missed!

It’s hard to believe it's been 17 years that these have been bringing the heartwarming magic of "Finding Nemo" to life in the parks. If you’re in either park tomorrow, be sure to pay them a visit!

I learned that I can easily babywear on the Seas with Nemo and Friends while my little one napped.

Which one of these makes the biggest splash for you? Are you Team "Seas with Nemo and Friends" or Team "Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond"? 🎡🎶

22/01/2024

🔭💩 A hard truth to accept about any resort (but especially ocean front) is that not every room will have a great view and you might get a stinker. 🌺 At Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, the magic is all around you, no matter the room view! With breathtaking beaches, pools, and lush Hawaiian landscapes, you'll be too busy enjoying paradise to worry about which way your window faces. Plus, there are common areas with seating to enjoy beautiful resort vistas.

Ocean view sometimes means you can see a sliver of the ocean if you crane your neck out and look around the corner of your building.

Is a room view important to you? Why or why not?

🌺🐭 Hawaii + Disney = vacation to remember! Go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started when you want to know more about Aulani!

21/01/2024

🌐🇨🇦🍁🐻EPCOT’S Canada pavilion is a gem and way more than just maple popcorn and a KidCot station. It’s stunning, educational, inspiring, offers incredible photo backdrops and has some really unique merch in the two small shops. But, if you only have time to stop and appreciate one thing here, stop to admire and read about the hand-carved totem pole. That’s no machine-made replica! So unique and impressive.

Here's a friendly tip: don't get too distracted by all the fancy new stuff at EPCOT and forget to bask in the peaceful charm of the international pavilions. Trust me, it's worth it!

21/01/2024

If I'm ever on this tour, please call the Embassy because I'm being held against my will.

Don't let vacation mode stop you from staying on top of your workout regimen. Take in the scenic views with a workout session that spans the Queen's staircase, the beach and the ocean. Utilize all of nature's beauty as you workout with others.

20/01/2024

🌎🌟🎢 Visiting Universal Orlando Resort for just a day or two and want to make your time there really EPIC? Consider a VIP tour! 😎 Universal offers two different VIP tours: private and non-private. Here’s the rundown on those options:

NON-PRIVATE FEATURES:

7 hour tour

Front of the line access to 10-12 headliner attractions

Group made up of 12, but up to 6 from one family

Breakfast and lunch included

Unlimited Express included after the tour

Parking included

Separate theme park admission required / not included

PRIVATE FEATURES:

8 hour tour

Fully customizable and can repeat attractions

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Valet Parking included

Separate theme park admission required/not included

If that Express Pass after the non-private gives you serious FOMO, go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started for information on pricing and how to upgrade your Universal adventure!

19/01/2024

🎸🌴✨🎫 Experience the ultimate mix of luxury, music, and thrills when you stay at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. Legendary rock star memorabilia, California vibes and FREE Universal Express Unlimited access. Epic!

Jam out by the pool, eat and drink like a music icon at stellar restaurants and lounges and soak in the rock ‘n’ roll ambiance 24/7. You can even rent a guitar for FREE! It’s not just a hotel, it’s definitely an experience.

For many families, it saves money to upgrade to this resort if they were planning on buying Universal Express Unlimited Passes. It's a win-win.

🪽🎸Even if you choose to stay elsewhere, hop over to look around and take a picture with those wings! But if you want to live like a rock star for an unforgettable few days go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started.

18/01/2024

💛🐝🧸 It’s Winnie the Pooh Day! The Hundred Acre Wood’s favorite silly ol’ bear is full of sweet adventures and powerful wisdom!

If you were lucky enough to be in the Disney parks today, which of these experiences would you most likely do in celebration of Pooh Bear:

Ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Dine with Pooh at the Crystal Palace

Give him a big hug at a meet and greet

My girls loved watching the classic Winnie the Pooh movie, so Pooh holds a special place in our hearts.

📝 There are quite a few ways to get your Pooh fix on both coasts, but which of these tops your “Must Do with Pooh” list? Or (gasp) are you not a fan?

18/01/2024

✨☀️🐭🎬 If this photo doesn’t compel you to book a trip to Disneyland over Walt Disney World, how about these five reasons:

Nostalgic Charm: This original park (since 1955) still exudes a cozy, pure hometown feel that simply can’t be replicated

Size and Scale: Significantly smaller and way more manageable, this compact destination makes the magic feel EASY

Unique Attractions: You won’t find Cars Land, Avengers Campus, Matterhorn Bobsleds or Pixar Pier in Florida

Smaller=Affordable: You only need a fraction of the time at Disneyland than you do at Walt Disney World to feel fulfilled

West Coast Adventures: Easily combine a visit to Disneyland with a trip exploring other exciting California landmarks and attractions

Disneyland feels to me like Walt Disney World felt in the mid-90's. Kind of cozy and comfortable. It's so nice to be able to walk between parks.

Ready to declare “California, here I come?“ Go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started and let‘s start planning!

16/01/2024

🏃‍♀️🐭 Ever wonder what happens at a runDisney event? It’s organized chaos in the best way! The most important thing to know is that the races sell out QUICK, so if you’re thinking you might want to fit one in this year, go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started NOW and let’s see what options you may have.

As an example of what to expect here’s the typical chain of events for running a 5K:

🌐 Arrive the day before to pick up race bib at ESPN Wide World of Sports. You can shop event merchandise here.

⏰ Get up EARLY and take Disney transportation to be at EPCOT no later than 4:00am for a 5:00am race start

🎉 Race hosts get you pumped up, there are character meets, tons of energy and plenty of portable bathrooms

🏃‍♀️Every group of racers gets a fireworks send off

📸 Stop to meet characters and take sunrise pictures

😃 Smile for the PhotoPass photographers along the route

🏁 Cross the finish line, get your medal and a snack box

🚍 Take Disney transportation back to your resort

Last February, I flew in early morning during a marathon. My Lyft driver and I couldn't figure out why the roads were all closed until it dawned on me that it was a race weekend. So to be clear, I'm not a runner. :)

What else can I tell you about runDisney? If you’ve ran in a race, share some pictures! 📸

15/01/2024

🎢🧢🎩🪖No matter what head-wear you choose to top off that theme park vibe (I’m definitely an ears girl), be sure you are stowing it safely on fast moving attractions like Space Mountain because it WILL fly off! 💨

Disney’s Lost and Found system is pretty good, but you’re not likely to recover anything on the same day. Often, when an item is found, it’s days later and shipped to its rightful owner. 📦

During the local marching band's trip to Walt Disney World a few years back, one girl lost her glasses on a ride!

🤔 What is your head-wear of choice? And have you ever lost it on a ride? Do tell! ⬇️

14/01/2024

🍕📆😋Today kicks off National Pizza Week! I was thinking it would be fun to highlight some tasty pizza varieties you can have at several Disney destinations, one for each day of the week!

Magic Kingdom’s Pepperoni Spring Rolls

Aulani’s Breakfast Flatbread Pizza

Hearthstone Lounge’s Margherita Pizza (Disneyland)

Animal Kingdom Lodge Fire Roasted Tomato Flatbread

Palo Brunch Pizza (Disney Cruise Line)

Via Napoli Pepperoni Pizza (EPCOT)

Trattoria al Forno Pizze Margherite (Boardwalk)

When ordering pizza do you stick to a “usual” or do you like to get adventurous? Tell us your favorite kind of pizza and/or the most exotic pizza you’ve ever tried. ✨🍕✨

14/01/2024

🛳️🥳💡If hitting the clubs or lounges isn’t your idea of fun and you can’t imagine what you would do on a Disney cruise at night, here are just a few (of many) ideas:

Watch a movie on the pool deck

See a Broadway style show

Go shopping

Catch a first-run movie in the theater

Play Bingo or Trivia

Order room service and stay in

Cruising pros-what do you like to do at night? 🤔🌙

I hope you can see now that a Disney cruise ship isn’t just a big floating bar. This fleet and the experience each ship provides, is in a class all its own. And if you’re just wanting to dip your toe into the cruising waters, there are short itineraries, let’s talk! Go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started!

12/01/2024

🎨🍲🎉Today kicks off the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! This is SUCH a fun festival and it has hands down the most creative offerings at the Food Studios. Fried mozzarella served on a palette of sauces?! Are you kidding me? But that’s just one of many menu masterpieces you are going to want, trust me.

📌PRO TIP: get yourself one of these wristband gift cards and load it up with your set budget. It’s way too easy to overspend at this festival - you’ll want it all!

⁉️ Why this one is so short is a mystery; it truly is the best festival for all ages! Have you been to this one yet? What stood out for you? If you haven’t yet, do you have any questions about it? Ask away! 🥰

11/01/2024

🏰✨🌍 Who Does It Better? Paying a premium at both Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort has its privileges.

🐭 For guests staying at any of the Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels, the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours benefit is included. This allows guests staying at select hotels to enjoy attractions after the park closes for another couple of hours on select nights. It also allows a second chance at the Virtual Queue for Tron Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

🌍Universal Premier Hotel guests get the Universal Express Pass Unlimited included in their stay. This pass allows guests to skip the regular line and shave a ton of time off their wait at participating attractions all day, every day from park open to close.

It just feels good to be "in the bubble."

😵‍💫 When selecting accommodations, there’s a lot to consider and more built into the price than you may realize. It costs nothing to price out an upgraded stay and weigh the benefits. Go to TheTravelSmith.net/get-started whenever you’re ready to set your vacation plan in motion!

10/01/2024

Indulge in a feast of flavors aboard the Disney Cruise Line's Wonder, Magic, Dream, and Fantasy, where Cabanas buffet offers an irresistible array of mouthwatering delights. Get ready to savor every bite!

10/01/2024

🌟🦖🐼 Of course we wish our favorite attractions didn’t have to close, but sometimes (and in this case) those closures make room for something really special! Universal Studios Orlando is creating a brand new DreamWorks Land (in the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone) that will feature attractions and characters based on Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. Construction is already well underway on Shrek’s Swamp-presumably the new meet and greet area. It’s all slated to open sometime this year! And with their new park Epic Universe coming next year, it’s exciting times at Universal. 🤩🚧🌍

🌍 Universal Studios is in it to win you over. If you’re ready to really consider a visit or just want to be added to my list so you can stay up to date on all the happenings, Go to TheTravelSmith.net and click Get Started and let me know how I can help!

09/01/2024

🍽️ 📚Time to brush up on your Disney Dining Plan vocabulary because it’s BACK TODAY! 🎉 Both of the plan options include a snack credit for each night of your stay. 🍿🥨🍦🥤Now to some, a snack might mean popcorn, a pretzel, an ice cream bar or drink. But to seasoned pros, a snack means LIGHT MEAL! Check out some of these breakfast items that you can get for a snack credit: Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Banana Bread, Coffee Cake, Mickey Waffle, Beignets or even a yogurt parfait to name a few.

I'll stay at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort just for the beignets...

📈When you strategize usage of the Disney Dining Plan, you can make those credits stretch! There are so many ways to get the most bang for your buck and I love sharing them with my clients!

🤫 What’s your best snack credit secret?👇

09/01/2024

🎢🦸‍♂️ In the spirit of “out with the old, in with the new”, what are your honest thoughts about Paradise Pier’s metamorphosis to Pixar Pier? From California Screamin’s theme change to Incredicoaster, to Pacific Wharf becoming SanFransokyo, and even the Paradise Pier Hotel getting a makeover and a name change, the Pixarfication is complete.

My kids have always loved the Pixar shorts and Pixar Pier is the only place I've seen some of the merchandise featuring these mostly-unnamed characters my girls love.

👇 Share your opinion with us! And no matter what it may be, I think we can all agree that Disney California Adventure Park needs to be on your short list of vacation destinations! ☀️📝