15/04/2024
Last day, best day!
Finishing up our trip at our favorite park.
Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Kristi Sullivan, an Affiliate of Academy Travel, Travel Service, .
✨Helping you maximize the magic & make lifelong memories on your next vacation
✨Specializing in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Resort Orlando, Adventures by Disney & Aulani | A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai'i
Last day, best day!
Finishing up our trip at our favorite park.
It’s been an amazing start to 2024 & I wanted to take a minute to re-introduce myself.
I’m Kristi Sully. I’m a wife, mom, former Kindergarten teacher & fan of all things involving systems & strategy.
Some of my very favorite childhood memories were from family vacations. When I started planning my family’s vacations, I saw the amount of work that goes into travel.
For 4 years I’ve gotten to partner with families to take the stress out of planning vacations by combining my love for magical destinations, education background & knack for event coordination & systems. I love that I can offer these services at no additional cost to guests.
My original focus was on Walt Disney World, but had expanded to Disney Cruise Line, Universal Parks & Resorts & Disney destinations around the World. If I do not specialize in what you are looking for, I can match you with someone who does.
What magical destinations are you traveling to this year?
Give me traveling the world & greeting characters.
EPCOT has a reputation of being known as an adult park, but there are so many experiences for kids. Let’s take the World Showcase part of the park as an example.
Did you know while you sip & stroll around the world at EPCOT, your kids can:
✨meet over 10 different characters
✨stop in all 11 different KidCot spots to pick up an international memento
✨play multiple interactive games with Huey, Dewey & Louie on the play Disney parks app
✨enjoy 3 rides for the whole family
✨break out their dance moves listening to a live Mariachi band
✨explore an exhibit about Disneyland in Hong Kong & Shanghai
✨learn about the origins of Thor & Loki in Nordic mythology
✨take a break playing on drums in African outpost
✨be mesmerized by a miniature German village & train set
✨watch jugglers & mimes in Italy
✨take an air conditioned break & listen to the voices of liberty
✨explore a Zen garden
✨toss coins in a fountain
✨make your way through an English garden maze
✨take photos in an English phone booth
✨have room to run near waterfalls in Canada
JUST ANNOUNCED: Five immersive worlds. One amazing theme park. Universal Epic Universe opens
2025 at Universal Orlando Resort.
Parades, Potter, Grinchmas & a holiday gift 🎁 for those who book with me November 7-30.
Christmas at Universal Orlando will begin tomorrow. With regular park entrance, guests can enjoy a Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, a fully decked out Wizarding World & Seuss Landing with all the Grinchmas details you could want… including a Who-liday Spectacular starring the Grinch.
The best part- It is not too late to enjoy the festivities this year and guests who book a minimum vacation package amount with me this month for travel before the end of the year will receive a $50 Universal gift card to use while you travel.
I highly recommend using it on all the hot butterbeer you can drink.
The holidays are in full force at Walt Disney World & it is not too late to give the gift of travel for 2024 or even plan a trip to soak up the magic in Florida or on Disney Cruise Line this holiday season.
Happy Anniversary (+ 1 day) EPCOT & Magic Kingdom!
Here are a few snapshots of my memories in the parks. I love being part of your trips because I know these are memories that will stick. I can remember things about my trips to the parks as a preschooler, kid & tween.
97 days left to travel this year! It’s not too late to plan a 2023 trip.
Plan.kristisully.com
Time for another kind of magic.
I’ll be at Universal Orlando for the next 3 days & will share all about the new Minion Land, some of my favorites from other areas of the park as well as some Universal hotel tours.
I never really wanted to cruise…
And now that I have, I cannot wait to sail again, take my kids, discover new ships, revisit familiar ships, sail with friends, explore new ports and soak up where magic meets the sea.
I can help you do the same. Get started at plan.kristisully.com.
Thinking about a Disney cruise & not sure where to start?
I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. Here are 3 questions you can start thinking about now before we chat.
The magic is still here.
One of the best & most simple surprises that has been added in recent years is the Character Caravan. We don’t always see it, but when we do it is magic.
There is a van with 2-3 characters that stops by resorts. There isn’t a posted schedule or route, so it is truly a joy-filled surprise when you see it. On this day we were not in parks & were simply visiting a resort gift shop. We saw Goofy, Pluto & Donald come walking into the lobby & got the best character interactions of our trip.
✨
Are you ready to minimize the stress & maximize the magic on your next vacation?
We can get your quote, choose your trip, add in details & have you ready to travel.
Get started at plan.kristisully.com.
✨Back at my home office after a week of training & working a little from make-shift offices in the Magic Kingdom, by Disney's Boardwalk Inn Resort pool & aboard the Disney Wish.
If you have been waiting on a quote for Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Universal or beyond… watch your inbox this week as I play catch up.
If you are ready to begin planning your vacation, visit plan.kristisully.com to begin working towards your next magical adventure.
I am currently booking:
✨2023 at Walt Disney World (2024 opens up May 31)
⚓️ 2023- summer 2024 on Disney Cruise Line
👑 2023 at Disneyland in California
🌐 2023 & 2024 at Universal Orlando Resort
🌺 2023 at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii
⭐️2023 at the Star Wars Galactic Star Cruiser
🗺️ 2023 & 2024 around the world with Adventures by Disney and National Geographic Expeditions
Same service. Same me. Same company. Just a new email 🤍
I’ve been using this new email since August so you may already have it saved, but if not, save it soon. My old email is officially phasing out.
What is the best length of cruise?
Going in to last week, this was something I wanted to evaluate. Initially I wanted a 4-night & we ended up on a 5-night sailing.
I really loved the length of 5 nights. Disney cruises have 3 nights of live musicals & a 5 night gave us 2 nights that were a little more chill (arrival day & pirate night) without cramming in a must we show. 5-nights was also long enough to get a good feel for the ship & do our top priorities while still allowing time for slowing down with naps, long meals & getting to know new friends.
With that said, I have a 3 night coming up in the spring & am super interested in a 7 night with the extras like Pixar Day at Sea & some of the itineraries that visit more locations.
⚓️ Disney Cruise Line…. Say hello to your newest fan.
Just walked off the Disney Dream after 5 nights in the Caribbean & I was absolutely blown away.
This “I’m not interested in cruising” girl is now looking through 2023 & early 2024 itineraries to pick another sailing.
It is Disney+ Day & two new promos are available to Disney+ subscribers both at Walt Disney World & Disney Cruise Line.
Walt Disney World
Select Travel: December 11-25, 2022
Save up to 20% off your stay
Disney Cruise Line:
Select Sailing: January-April 2023
Third and fourth guests sail free with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom on select Disney Cruise Line voyages.
Are you a Disney+ subscriber?
Do you want to set sail with Disney Cruise Line in January-April 2023 with an awesome deal?
Beginning tomorrow (September 8, 2022) Disney+ subscribers can a book special offer for Disney Cruise Line.
As a special offer for Disney+ subscribers, third and fourth guests sail free with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom on select Disney Cruise Line voyages!
Email me at [email protected] to get started.
This offer available for select staterooms and sailings on the Disney Magic, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy departing Jan. - April 2023 and does not include taxes, fees and port expenses for each guest, which are due at time of final payment. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.
The following sailings are NOT eligible for this offer:
Disney Magic: Jan. 2 & March 13, 2023
Disney Dream: Jan. 2 & April 10, 2023
Disney Fantasy: March 11 & 25, 2023
There is no better way to celebrate than to shout THANK YOU to each of the 100+ traveled trips that have trusted me, all the ones that have booked & are in the planning process with me, those on my ever growing 2023 wait list & so many that have recommended my services to their family & friends.
I could not do this job without the support of so many.
I love that I get to play a small part in creating memories for your families & friends.
Have a trip booked, but aren't sure how to "gift" it? Here are some fun ideas & printables that work for any time of the year.
https://kristisully.weebly.com/planning/how-to-gift-a-trip
As my kids get older, gifting experiences over more stuff has become something that is more & more appealing. I love the idea of creating memories over clutter. I cannot tell you what I got for...
In order to fulfill my services to current travelers, provide excellent service to new clients already on my calendar & reserve some time with my family over the holidays, I am not taking any more new clients until January.
Please go ahead & grab a spot on my calendar so we can get started with your plans in the new year.
https://msha.ke/magicaltipsandtrips/
If you were planning to gift a trip for Christmas, stayed tuned for some ideas for doing that. We can get you on the calendar for January & you can still give this gift.
If we have already been emailing about plans, had a call or you are already on my calendar for December, you will still be getting everything on the same time table we discussed.
Let’s Start Planning
Two years ago I sat under that green umbrella in the middle of Toy Story Land & submitted my application to become a travel agent.
Over the last 2 years you have blown me away with how you have trusted me & told others about me. Thank you for letting me minimize the stress & maximize the Magic on your trips! I cannot wait to see where I get to help you go in year 3.
More Magic is returning to Disney parks next month!
🎆Magic Kingdom & EPCOT beginning July 1
🎆Disneyland beginning July 4
Do you know about Rise of the Resistance at Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios?
I love getting photos like this from clients… because it means they got a Rise of the Resistance Boarding Group.
This attraction is a completely immersive experience that makes you feel like you are part of the Resistance. You don’t even have to be a Star Wars fan or know what “the Resistance” is to appreciate how awesome this ride is.
To get a boarding group, you will use the MyDisneyExperience app to try to join a group. The groups go fast, so make sure you know how the process works. If you are my client, I have a guide with tips & a video of what the process looks like for you.
Thank you for sending me this picture during your experience this week.
The World’s Magical Celebration begins in October & goes through early 2023. When are you hoping to be there to celebrate?
Have you ever considered a split stay at Disney resorts?
A split stay is where you stay at more than one resort over the course of your trip.
One of the most popular split stays I book is one with time at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Who can resist those balcony views over the savanna?
More on the pros & cons of split stays are in stories & highlights.
What is your favorite Pixar movie?
Whether you can locate every pizza planet truck Easter egg in all 23 full length movies or just love Woody & Buzz, there is Pixar fun in every Disney park (and even at a few resorts.)
Checkout stories to find out where you can find your favorite characters represented.
Monday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Tuesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Wednesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Thursday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
Sunday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
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Need to refill your reusable water bottle in the theme parks? A new update to My Disney Experience makes it easier to find locations throughout parks & resorts to do just that.
And all of it was included in your cruise fare… private island with character greets, lunch, kids club, adult only area, transportation around the island, movies that are currently in theaters, 3 course dining. The list goes on & on. If you love the magic of theme parks, but want to experience in a more all-inclusive & relaxed pace, this is the perfect fit.
And all of it was included in your cruise fare… private island with character greets, lunch, kids club, adult only area, transportation around the island, movies that are currently in theaters, 3 course dining. The list goes on & on. If you love the magic of theme parks, but want to experience in a more all-inclusive & relaxed pace, this is the perfect fit.
My top recommended area for guests to visit when they are not in the theme parks is the Crescent Lake & Boardwalk area. This is an area of Walt Disney World Resort nestled between EPCOT & Hollywood Studios. Here is why it is a great option for that non-park time: 📍Location A large percentage of the guests I help are staying in this area at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Beach Club & Disney’s Yacht Club or at one of the skyliner resorts (Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s POP Century Resort & Disney’s Art of Animation Resort) making this a very easy area for them to access. 🚠Transportation One things small kids love is playing on transportation. From Crescent Lake you can take a friendship boat, ride around on the skyliner or even rent a Surrey bike. 🍽️Dining Options There are multiple excellent dining options that please the pickiest eaters here. My top recommendations are Trattoria al Forno for Italian food followed by ice cream on the Boardwalk or at Beaches & Cream walk up window. There are also options for pizza & sandwiches as well as character breakfast buffets, seafood buffets, more upscale dining options with sushi & steakhouses, lounges, margaritas & soon a cake shop as well as a corn dog stand. 🍿Entertainment As you walk around Crescent Lake, you find multiple places to stop for a bit. It may be to watch evening entertainment on the Boardwalk, to play in the sand beaches along Beach Club’s shore, to run around on the Boardwalk Inn lawn or even catch an evening movie, to visit Fantasia mini-golf & use your Magical Extras for a free round or to take in EPCOT’s fireworks. If you are with adults, you may even stop by Atlantic Dance Hall or Jelly Rolls Piano Bar 🌅Atmosphere This area is gorgeous all day, but it especially shines in the morning hours and around sunset. It is a great spot to sit & relax or to take a few family photos at a more leisurely pace.
You may have noticed a shift in my posts recently to talking more about Disney Cruise Line & it is because I am loving these vacations for the families I get to work with. The theme parks may still be my favorite… but it’s a really close call. I love that Disney Cruise Line gives guests the magic, service & wow factor that they love about the parks & repackages it in a more relaxed setting. If you love Disney parks, but want a change of pace, try Disney Cruise Line. If you don’t love Disney parks, but still want some pixie dust in your life, a Disney Cruise may be the perfect fit!
3 Things I’m really excited about for February 2024: ✨50% off deposits for select Disney Cruise Line sailings ends February 16. This means rather than paying 20% to secure your stateroom, you only pay 10% & can spread the other 90% out. We can book for Summer, Fall Break, next Christmas, or even Spring Break 2025. ✨Last minute Spring Break trips are still available. Want to sail to Disney’s private island? How about visit Universal Orlando & enjoy the theme parks, water park & Mardi Gras celebration? Is the new Pixar Place Hotel in Disneyland calling your name? There is still time to make those trips a reality for March & April. ✨More Epic Universe news! We got an initial reveal of the 5 lands & an in depth look at one of them, but I am ready to learn more about the other 4. While this park will not open until 2025 & bookings are not currently available, the anticipation is so much fun. 🪄Wishlist item: I really hope we get Summer 2025 Disney Cruise Line itineraries this month. What are you looking forward to this month? Ready to start planning? Plan.kristisully.com
I don’t like to play favorites… but EPCOT is it. It’s widely labeled as the park for adults or the boring park (because Science & Geography,) but our family adores it. It has tons of character greets (especially princesses,) the most smile inducing coaster, amazing food, scavenger hunts, playgrounds, 8 attractions for the whole family to ride together, Frozen & Moana attractions, rotating festivals, nightly concerts & it’s always evolving.
Whether it’s consultation calls where we discuss all aspects of your trip, the time spent on multi page itineraries before you travel and quietly following along tracking wait times and weather reports while you travel, I definitely get invested in your trips. And it’s because it is a big deal. It is your hard earned money and your family memories. Every time you trust me with those things is an honor… so I do care a bit much. And it is incurable.
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. Cruise ships sailing from the Florida ports (Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale & Miami) often have a stop at this magical oasis. You have a ton included at Castaway Cay with the cost of your cruise, including kids clubs, water play areas, at-your-own-pace 5K, access to an adult only beach and an all you can eat lunch buffet. If you want to add on any extra cost activities, you can do that when your excursion booking window opens or check for day of availability on the island. My personal favorite things to do are snorkeling for hidden Disney statues in the water & biking the island. As Disney Cruise Line grows, so does the need for another private stop in the Bahamas. That location is Lighthouse Point & it will open in Summer 2024.
Embarkation Day | Day 1 We flew into Miami the night BEFORE our cruise. The morning of our cruise we were able to check in at the port at 11:00 (you are assigned a time during online check in 30 days ahead of your cruise.) After leaving our bags, going through security, completing some in person check in & waiting for the ship to be cleared for new guests, we walked on to the Disney Dream around 12:15. We did have an early boarding group, so this helped us get on the ship so quickly. Once on the ship, you have time to explore, eat lunch, swim & take care of any last minute reservations/requests while you wait for your room to be ready (around 1:30-2:00) & your luggage to be delivered (around 4:00.) We enjoyed a sail away party & left the port around sunset. We followed this up with celebratory soft serve ice cream cones, a sit down dinner & a holiday tree lighting on the ship. We opted to go watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to wrap up our first day. Depending on the length of your sailing, you may have a show on the first night. Because ours was longer, we had some options on our first night, which worked really well for being able to settle in & learn the ship.
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