Authorized Disney Travel Planner + Universal, Cruises, and more! I'd love to plan your next vacation!
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TIP TUESDAY
Get your free celebration buttons as you check in your resort or enter the park. Whether you are celebrating a first trip, birthday, graduation or personal achievement.
At one point my oldest had three buttons 😅 A sweet cast member saw them dressed up as princesses upon entering the park and gave them “happily ever after” buttons!
They are so fun and a great free souvenir!
✨DOUBLE DIGITS✨
Only 97 days until my next trip to Disney! I can’t wait to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and review it for y’all.
It’s almost September!!
September is one of the slower months to visit Disney as kids are back in school. Which makes it a less busy, less expensive trip! ✨👍
The 4-Park Magic Ticket for $99/day promo is still ON through September 22.
Thus far we are rest day people. For those unfamiliar with that term, a rest day is when you don't have tickets to enter one of the parks at Disney.
We rope drop early entry and shut the parks down! So I schedule one day in the middle of the week to "rest". Here's what we did on our recent rest day:
✨ Slept in until 7! Lol
✨ Dad and little sis watched TV
✨ Mom and big sis took the skyliner to the Riviera resort for pastries at the coffee shop in the lobby (we were pixie dusted a beautiful loaf of chocolate chunk banana bread when we had a tough time deciding between two things! So sweet.)
✨ Walked over to Art of Animation to play on the Nemo playground
✨ Swam in the pool and played in the splash pad at POP
✨ Took the monorail from MK to Contemporary to explore the resort and eat dinner at Steakhouse 71
If only a few park days are in your budget, no worries. There is plenty to do outside of the parks, and we didn't even scratch the surface! Disney Springs, the Boardwalk, complimentary round of mini golf, character meals, and so much more!
🐘 DUMBO QUEUE APPRECIATION POST 🐘
If you have children under the age of 8 that just need to get out of the stroller and run around, this post is for you 😎
There is an indoor circus-themed play area INSIDE the line for Dumbo. In the center, there's an area for little ones, and the perimeter has a huge play structure for 2/3+. There's plenty of seating for exhausted parents! 😆
Pro Tip: Grab and snack and a cold drink before you enter the line, and enjoy it in peace and air while your kiddos play. 🎡
🔍 The MyDisneyExperience app is SO important to have and know how to navigate while in the parks for things like checking wait times, making mobile orders, and looking for characters. It even has a map feature that will give you directions to your next destination.
So while I completely recommend using MDE, make sure you also grab a paper park map on your way in! My oldest had a blast practicing her map skills and helping to lead the way ☺️ I love that travel provides such amazing real-world learning experiences.
Disney Imagineers have been busy, and many new attractions, areas, and lands coming to WDW are in the works! Here are some highlights.
✨ First-ever Encanto themed ride with a visit to Casita (AK)
✨ Indiana Jones attraction where you’ll explore a perfectly preserved Maya temple (AK)
✨ Monsters, Inc. land coming to HS including the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney park
✨ Brand new adventure for Mando and Grogu coming to Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run at Star Wars: Galaxy Edge (HS)
✨ 2 Cars attractions coming to a new land in Frontierland (MK)
✨ Villians Land coming to MK with 2 major attractions and dining
✨ Zootopia show replacing It’s Tough to be a Bug at AK coming next winter
✨ 2 new lounges coming in 2025. All-new Spaceship Earth lounge at EPCOT, and Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern at MK
So many exciting new things on the way in the coming few years! 🏰
😍 Love walking alongside my wonderful clients like the Bradley's to prepare them for their magical vacations 🏰
I’ve been working on a trip for a very sweet client for many months, and I finally get to make Advanced Dining Reservations tomorrow morning!!
Here’s reason 100 to use a travel agent if only not to have to wake up before 5 on a Saturday morning ☺️🏰
One thing I LOVE about Disney vacations is that once you arrive in the Disney bubble, you don't have to step foot off property until it's time to go home. Disney's transportation system is AMAZING. When you stay on site, Disney will get you to and from the parks, other resorts, and Disney Springs.
Which also means you don't need to rent a car after flying into Orlando! If you're traveling with littles, I recommend taking the Mears Connect shuttle to your resort. They are Disney experts. If no one in your party needs a car seat, Uber will get you there quicker and cheaper! We have used both options successfully!
Making your shuttle reservation is just one of the many things I can do to help your trip run smoothly so you don't have as many logistics to think about! ☑️
DREAMING of these beautiful staterooms aboard the Disney Destiny, setting sail on its first voyage in 2025. This heroes and villains inspired ship boasts lavish concierge rooms, spacious suites, “Incredibles”-themed Oceanview rooms with floor to ceiling windows, and of course Disney’s signature split bath.
Sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale, the Destiny will feature a first of its kind dining experience inspired by The Lion King as well as an Incredibles themed confectionery!
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We had a pretty eventful trip to Gulf Shores last week! This was our second time vacationing in GS. I love this beach town for so many reasons!
🌴 Incredibly family friendly. The pool at our condo, Lighthouse Condominiums, was 90% families with young children, and we always had a place to swim! The touristy areas are nicely maintained and feel very safe.
🌴 Not too far from us in Texas. We spent a night on the road each way, though, to allow us some time to explore a couple towns on the Mississippi River. More to come on these great weekend trip destinations!
🌴 Many different eating spots that are great for families. One of our favorites is the Sunliner Diner! They had the Wizzard of Oz playing like a drive-in movie which was much appreciated by the kiddos (and me 😂)!
🌴 The beach itself is BEAUTIFUL. Clear water and plenty of space to relax and play!
This trip, our condo was right on the beach as you can see in the pictures. If you have young kids I highly recommend staying directly on the beach! We had a quick walk to the boardwalk where rinsing hoses were available. Then, we headed to the elevator and headed up. SO EASY! We could even see our beach spot from the balcony 🏨
We 💙 Gulf Shores and will be back someday!
Well, it's officially been 1 full year since I passed my certification exam to become a Smart Moms Travel agent!
When I started out, my hope was to be a knowledgeable resource and expert Disney liaison for those that trusted me to plan their vacations. I am blessed to have been able to book vacations for some AMAZING families this past year, many clients who I now consider friends, across many Walt Disney World Resorts!
All-Star Music Resort
All-Star Movies Resort
POP Century Resort
Art of Animation Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Contemporary Resort
Saratoga Springs Resort
+ tickets only, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets
+ trips to Gulf Shores, AL, Vicksburg, MS, & Lexington, KY
+ Carnival Cruise Line & Royal Caribbean
THANK YOU for all of your support of my small business. If you're ready to get a trip on the books, shoot me a message or an email, and I'll get to work! Here's to year 2! 🏰✈️🚢🎢⛱
Office with a view this week 🌊🌴
If I’m a little slower than normal to respond, it’s because I’m soaking in some family beach time!
I love getting to work on YOUR vacations while enjoying mine 🥰 Best job ever!!
I've got some new faces here! 👋 Welcome and thank you for following along!
Just wanted to provide some info on my travel planning services 🚢🏰🏖
EPCOT sometimes gets an unwarranted reputation that it's not a park for young kids. Well that couldn't be more WRONG!
☑️ Characters Galore
☑️ Frozen Ever After and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure + 5 other rides with no height requirements
☑️ Several indoor and outdoor play areas such as Space Base and Sea Base
☑️ Huge aquarium with Turtle Talk w/ Crush interactive show
☑️ Journey of Water splash pad
☑️ 11 countries to explore in the World Showcase
For us it is every bit of a full park day. There is so much to see and do! ⛩🪗🌷
🚢🏝 Who is ready to forgo the gifts this year and give the experience of a magical family cruise vacation!?
An interior stateroom for 2 adults and 2 children sailing from Galveston is starting at $3,150 in January. That's a pretty good price for a 5-night all-inclusive vacation! Maybe you'd like the higher-end exclusive accommodations and services that come with a Concierge stateroom. I have to mention... Disney Magic has a 3 story water slide and lots of pools/splash areas! Literally endless entertainment all week long!
DCL is the ultimate cruise line for people of ALL ages. It has value + luxury and world class service. Send me a message or email today and I'll be happy to help 🚢🏝
Booked dining for a sweet family this morning and snagged a reservation at the highly desired character breakfast at Topolino's Terrace at Riveria Resort!
This is my favorite out-of-the-parks meal! The food is spectacular, the restaurant itself is gorgeous, and the interactions with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisey in their French-inspired arts outfits are perfect. Each meal starts with a paint bucket shaped tray of pastries.
My recommendation is the wood-fired steak and eggs with a side of sour cream waffles. 🧇🍳 Make sure to order the POG juice. It's DELICIOUS!
Apparently it's World Chocolate Day! Chocolate tastes better dripping down your hand in the Orlando sun at the most magical place on Earth 😉
Happy Independence Day! God Bless America!
🦁 In case you needed any, this is your encouragement to let the kids get their faces painted at Disney! We limited souvenir spending on our last vacation (anyone else have TOO MUCH STUFF?!) so we got to say YES to more fun experiences like face painting. My girls roared all over the park, sang their hearts out at the Festival of the Lion King show, and made many new fans wherever they went! 🤣
CONNECTIONS EATERY - Located in World Discovery at Epcot
AMBIANCE
Connections Eatery is brand new, and it's beautiful inside! There is plenty of different options seating. It's spacious, clean, and cool! There are floor to ceiling windows for optimum people watching 😎 It's modern and is a nod to Walt Disney's dream to build a "community of tomorrow".
FOOD
The menu is inspired by French, Italian, and Asian cuisines. It's fairly simple and safe with burger options, chicken sandwiches, pizza, and salad. My oldest got the kids cheese pizza, and it was one of the best pizzas on property! The adults got the chicken sandwich which was amazing. My coleslaw was a little too creamy but overall it was a really good meal. My youngest got a kids cheeseburger with a cutie orange. It wasn't very impressive.
SERVICE
We mobile ordered this quick service meal while finishing up in World Nature. Don't forget to check in when you're headed toward your food destination! It was ready on time. There were several smiling cast members on hand to clear and wipe tables.
4/5 OVERALL
I definitely recommend Connections Eatery if you're looking for a bright and clean spot with family-friendly options for everyone, it fits the bill!
🧇🍓 Sleepy Hollow Refreshments has removed its Nutella fresh fruit waffle sandwich from the menu! 😢
We've got three new Mickey-shaped waffle options, though, and I will say they look pretty promising.
1. Mickey Waffle with Berries and Cream ($8.49)
2. Mickey Waffle with Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread and Bananas ($8.49)
3. Mickey Waffle with Sweet-and-Spicy Maple Chicken ($11.59)
The good news is you can buy a side of berries, side of bananas, or side of nutella spread for just $1 each!
Which new waffle are you excited to try?!
Just when we've gotten the hang of Genie+, Disney has introduced its replacement!
Enter Lightning Lane Multi-Pass (formerly Genie+) and Lightning Lane Single Pass (formerly individual lightning lane).
Starting JULY 24, if you're an onsite guest you'll be able to book 3️⃣ attractions per day 7️⃣ days before your arrival. If you are staying offsite, you'll be able to book your attractions 3️⃣ before your park day. Pricing will be date based like Genie+.
Personally, I'm excited for this change! It should be much less stressful to purchase Lightning Lane in advance of the trip rather than in the middle of the night day of! Follow along for more details. I'll be on top of this change, and my clients will receive an updated Lightning Lane guide and worksheet so they are prepared for this new system before their trips! ☺️🏰✨
Testimonial Tuesday! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We are HALFWAY TO THE HOLIDAYS and Disney gave us some great news yesterday!
🎄Disney's Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios is returning! Dates: Nov. 9, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 & Dec. 2, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21
🎄Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets will go on sale for guests with an existing resort reservation July 2 and all other guests on July 10. Dates: Nov. 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29 & Dec. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20
🎄EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays will be November 23 through December 30. Enjoy festive traditions from around the world with amazing holiday storytellers, delicious dishes, merchandise, entertainment and more, each celebrating unique cultural traditions. There are Holiday Kitchens to try new foods and the highlight for many, the Candlelight Processional where guests listen to a celebrity narrator tell the Christmas story, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir.
🎄More festive offerings across Walt Disney World Resort! Merry Menagerie + Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in their festive attire (AK), yuletide projection show on the Hollywood Tower Hotel + Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear in their festive attire (HS), Frozen Holiday Surprise castle show featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies (MK), Christmas Tree Stroll and magical snowfall (Disney Springs), and visits from Santa across all four parks and DS!
🎄Gingerbread Houses and Decor Galore at WDW Resort Hotels + a room discount offer! Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel is an experience like no other, now imagine that with Christmas trees, joyful decorations, and the delicious smell of gingerbread! Starting on June 27, you can save up to 30% off on rooms at select Disney resort hotels for stays most nights from Nov. 24 - Dec. 25, plus other savings for stays most Sunday - Thursday nights between Oct. 6 and Nov. 1.
Let's make some plans to immerse your family in the holiday magic that only Disney can deliver! ✨🎄🏰
☂️✨ How can you leave Disney without a souvenir?!
These pretty parasols are the perfect memento for your little princess! There is a stand as you enter Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom with a Cast Member hand-painting the parasols. You can choose from one that's already finished or order a custom design!
You'll get a return slip and time to pick up that day. ✨☂️
Let's be honest. Paying $10.99 for chicken strips and French fries gets old! Especially on a week-long vacation! Save money (and eat better) and make yourself a grocery order for delivery to your resort! Disney allows you to bring your own food, drinks, and snacks into the parks! Or get the Disney Dining Plan and get a steak 😂🍽
🛍✨ Whatcha Wearing Wednesday?! ✨🛒
You will see everything from matching T-shirts to princess costumes to street clothes at the parks. Everyone's approach to dressing for Disney is different!
Planning outfits is a huge part of the fun for me, so I wanted to share how I do it!
Outfit one is a denim jumper from Shein with an iron-on Minnie graphic from Amazon. The second is a cheap but awesome costume from AliExpress. Outfit three is a Mickey character shirt from Five Below with a bucket hat to keep that Florida sun at bay and a lightweight jacket for a cooler February morning! Outfit four is soft play-character dresses from Amazon (HIGHLY RECOMMEND) and joggers with a comfy crewneck to match Luisa ears!
Walmart, TJ Maxx, and Burlington often times have cute and affordable Disney clothes! Happy shopping! 🤩
Thinking of taking a last minute family vacation this summer? I highly recommend checking out Gulf Shores, AL! It's one of my family's favorite beaches!
🚗 Easy drive from Texas
👨👩👧👦 Small, family friendly town
💲 Less expensive than some of the Florida beaches
🏖 BEAUTIFUL beach!
I'd love to help you find the perfect vacation spot for your fam! Shoot me a message if I can be of service 💁♀️
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🏰🙌 Visiting the princesses is high on our list! A great way to get this done without standing in line (especially in the heat 🥵) is by booking a character meal! All royalty comes to your table for a meet and greet and a photo! So worth it! 🏰
#disneyworld #princess #travel
🏰🎵🪄 Talk about magical! The Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire stage show is one you CANNOT MISS! Here’s a tip: if you’re in Fantasyland or Adventureland, hop on the train and ride it to the front of the park to Mainstreet USA. Stop in at the Confectionery to get a sweet treat, and make your way up to the castle for the show!
☀️🚡 We had a full, amazing day at MK yesterday. This morning we’re in line for early entry at Hollywood Studios! Once the skyliner started operating, we were on in no time and at HS in less than 15 mins. Today we’re most looking forward to the Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Frozen sing a long!
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