Lathan at Hiatt Magical Vacations

17/10/2023

I can’t think of a better place to celebrate Rachel’s 30th birthday! 🎉🎂🥳

11/10/2023

Park Hopping all day is BACK people! Starting January 9th 2024, you can visit all 4 parks at anytime during the day, not having to wait until 2 pm to park hop!

Four parks in one day has been on our challenge list for some time, and now it can happen! The possibilities are endless, and I’m already thinking of the best strategy to see the most in a day.

Which parks are you favorite to park hop between? I love Hollywood Studios and Epcot because of the Skyliner.

04/10/2023

Walt Disney World had over 20 resorts on property, and 8 of those are considered to be “deluxe resorts”. What makes a Disney resort a “deluxe” resort? It typically has multiple dining experiences, a pool with a slide, and enchanted transportation on property such as a boat, monorail, or Skyliner in addition to bus transportation. Here is a ranking of my favorite Disney Deluxe hotels:

1. Polynesian Resort
2. Yacht/ Beach Club
3. Riviera
4 Animal Kingdom Lodge
5. Contemporary Resort
6. Grand Floridian
7. Wilderness Lodge
8. Boardwalk
9. Saratoga Springs
10. Old Key West

To date, I’ve only stayed at the Polynesian, Yacht, Saratoga, Animal Kingdom, and Riviera! Next on my bucket list is the Grand Floridian, I love the rooms and it’s location!

Which Deluxe resorts have you stayed? Which one is on your bucket list? Comment below for your bucket list stay!

26/09/2023

This is a brand new offer that just was released this morning from Disney!

Save up to 25% on most stays from January 9 to February 22.

Save up to 30% on most stays February 25 to March 24.

Book before December 15th to reserve your discount Disney stay! Which resort would you want to stay at? For me, it would the The Contemporary!

20/09/2023

🎢 My favorite coaster in each park!

- ⛰️Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in MK
- 🪐Guardians of the Galaxy in Epcot
- 🦴Slinky Dog Dash in HS
- 🏔️Expedition Everest in AK

And my favorite coaster out of the four is….

🪐Guardians of the Galaxy! I love the theme of, and the options of 6 different songs make this a ride worth riding again and again.

Do you agree with my rankings? What is your favorite roller coaster in WDW?! Let me know down below!

16/08/2023

My ranking of moderate resorts at WDW:

4.Port Orleans French Quarter. The only reason this comes in at #4 is because we have never stayed here!
3. Port Orleans Riverside. The grounds here are incredible, and remind me of a deluxe resort!
2. Coronado Springs. The rooms are incredible, and it might have the best resort restaurant lineup of any property.
1. Caribbean Beach Resort. The theming and location with the Skyliner make this the #1 choice to stay at. The pool is the best of the 4 as well in my opinion!

Have you stayed at any of the 4 of these before? If not, which one is on your list?

11/08/2023

Are you thinking of taking that next Disney trip? Well if you book between now and the end of August, you will be entered to win this box full of amazing merchandise! The trip must be at least $5000, you must travel before 2024!

Which Disney designation would you travel to? I would choose Disneyland to celebrate Disney’s 100th!

10/08/2023

I love coffee, and what is better than coffee at WDW? Each theme park has their own Starbucks with a unique name:

- Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom)
- Connections Cafe (Epcot)
- Trolley Car Cafe (Hollywood Studios)
- Creature Comforts (Animal Kingdom)

When we were staying at the Yacth Club, we once left the pool and walked to Epcot and back just so we could have iced coffee 😂.

There are other coffee options at WDW, such as Jofferys. My favorite non- Starbucks option is Le Petit Cafe at the Riviera resort, which does serve Jofferys! But Starbucks will always be my favorite.

What is your coffee order? I usually get blonde roast in the morning, or a cold brew in the afternoon.

02/08/2023

Animal Kingdom has some of the best food in all of Walt Disney World! It often goes under the radar, but here are a few of my favorite snacks from DAK.

- Mr Kammal’s Fries. The spicy curry ketchup is a delicious dipping sauce!
- Chicken Dumplings with ponzu
- Pongu Lumpia. This warm pineapple and cream cheese treat is so unique!
- Starbucks from Creature Comforts. This is cheating a bit, but we do always seem to get Starbucks whenever we visit Animal Kingdom.

Have you had any of these treats? If so, which one is your favorite?

26/07/2023

This past weekend we stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Resort! This was truly a bucket list stay for us!

If you have ever been to the Poly, you know how truly iconic it is. The theming is incredible, and truly does feel like a get away vacation. This was our first time staying at a monorail resort, and the access to Magic Kingdom is so convenient and incredible. Of course while we were there we had to get ‘Ohana noodles from Tambu Lounge 😋.

Have you stayed at the Polynesian? If not what is your bucket list place to stay?

19/07/2023

Believe it or not, I do travel to places other than Disney! This summer I was able to go to Hilton Head Island, which is a fantastic place to visit with plenty of things to do besides the amazing beaches.

But did you know that Disney has a resort on Hilton Head Island? This resort is one on of 3 Disney resorts around that world that is not located near a theme park! This resort is near the sheltered cove area of HHI and offers plenty of activities for guests to do throughout the day! There are scheduled activities for all to enjoy, and the resort has plenty of outside games for everyone to enjoy. They even have their own “beach house” and complimentary transportation from the resort to the beach for you to enjoy!

And of course you can still get some of your favorite Disney snacks, including Mickey Pretzels and Dole Whip?

Have you been to HHI? Would you stay at this resort? Let me know!

04/07/2023

“A salute to all nations, but mostly America”
- Sam Eagle in Muppet aviation 3D

Happy Independence Day!

A few of my favorite American experiences in WDW is the American Adventure in Epcot and Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom.

One of the best traditions is the flag retreat ceremony on Main Street in MK. This takes place every day at 5:00 pm, and they even invite a service member to take part in the ceremony . It is really powerful and moving!

Thank you to those who have served, and Happy 4th of July!

27/06/2023

It’s summer time, so you know it’s time for some pool time!

Or whenever your in WDW, it is warm enough to enjoy the pool year round! With over 20 resorts and 2 water parks, there is no shortage of pool options, but here are my top 5 favorite pools on property that we have stayed at!

5. The Big Blue Pool (Art of Animation)
4. High Rock Spring Pool (Saratoga Springs)
3. Uzima Springs Pool (Animal Kingdom lodge)
2. Fuentes del Morro Pool (Caribbean Beach)
1. Stormalong Bay (Yacht and Beach Club)

All but #5 have a water slide at the pool, which you know I had to try each time we stay! Stormalong Bay is just incredible, and is worth taking time during your trip to spend time at the pool. With a sand bottom pool, lazy river, and the best water slide, this was a no brained for my #1 spot.

Which one of these is your favorite? Did I miss one from your list? Let me know in the comments below!

22/06/2023

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets go on sale a week from today for guests staying at a WDW resort!

This seperated ticketed event at Magic Kingdom gives you access to:

🎢 “Decked out” rides and attractions with holiday overlays!

🎅🏻 Character meet and greets, including Santa!

🍪 Unlimited cookies and holiday beverages.

🎆Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show.

🎄Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Which party component are you most excited for? For me, it’s the Christmastime Parade 🎄

Tickets range from $159 to $199 per ticket, plus tax. The party takes place on the following select nights:

November: 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30.
December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22

Let’s plan your MVMCP tickets, and trip booked!

16/06/2023

🎄🎅🏻Brand New Christmas offering this Winter at Walt Disney World!

Disney Jollywood Nights party at Hollywood studios will be a special ticketed event for 10 select nights this Winter! Some highlights of this event:

🎷Jazz Lounge at Hollywood Brown Derby

🎶Lively Street music

🎤 Spirited Sing along at the Hyperion theatre

🍪Treats and other beverage options

🔔 Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Nighttime spectacular

🎢 Access to your favorite rides at DHS including ROR, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, and more!

Which included feature would you be most excited for? Drop an emoji in the comments for your answer!

Tickets range from $159-$179 per person. Party dates are

November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29
December: 4, 6, 16, 18, 20

15/06/2023

New Fall/ winter discounts were just released for 2023!!

- Room Only Offer: save up to 25% off rooms on select nights October 2 to December 25th
- Disney+ subscribers can save up to 35% off rooms from October 22nd- November 2nd, and November 26th- December 25th.

This is the first time in years at WDW has released discounts for this time of year, so now is the time to plan to go see the Halloween 🎃 or Christmas 🎄 decorations on a discount. Which one would you want to see?

Let’s get your trip to WDW planned together! My services as your travel agent are completely free to you!

Visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/ for full offer details

07/06/2023

Today is global running day!

Since going to college, running has become a favorite pastime of mine. It serves as an outlet for me when I’m stressed, and it always helps clear my mind.

Whatever your form of exercise, get out and do it! Even if it’s not a personal best, getting out for some fresh air and exercise is so beneficial!

01/06/2023

Happy first day of June, summer is here for so many of us! And this summer is one of the best times to take a trip to WDW to save same serious $$$.

Here are a few sample prices for a 5 day, 5 night stay this July. Disney’s 4 day ticket coupled with a hotel discount of up to 25% off room rates make this one of the best times to visit WDW to save money for the first time in a while! All of this quotes come with a 4 day park ticket that allows you to see all 4 WDW parks, so you can see and do so much during your potential stay!

Which one would you stay at? There are so many options to stay at, so if there is one you’d like to know!

Prices are subject to change and can very on availability and dates of travel.

29/05/2023

On 5/31 Disney World vacation packages will be available to book! What are some benefits for booking early?

- More resort availability! More options of places to stay and room types.
- Only a $200 deposit for vacation packages with tickets added! This allows you to pay all at once or pay as you go!
-A flexible cancellation policy that allows you to cancel with a full refund up to 30 days in advance of your arrival.

What resort would you like to stay in 2024? My choice would be Grand Floridian. The newly renovated rooms make it a must stay!

Reach out to get your 2024 WDW vacation started!

24/05/2023

Earlier this month Rachel and I went on a list minute trip to Disney World. We woke up on Saturday morning, and by late morning decided to go have dinner in Epcot! We left our house in Indiana at 1 pm and arrived at Art of Animation by 6pm, and we’re at dinner in Epcot by 6:45! We left Epcot around 8:30 to head to Magic Kingdom for a few rides that evening, before heading to bed at 11 that night.

On Sunday morning we woke up, dropped our bags and bell services, and headed to Animal Kingdom. We finally got to eat breakfast at Tusker House, and I might have a new favorite character meal on property! The all you care to enjoy meal has some great options for everyone, and the characters in their safari outfits are on point.

That afternoon we went to Epcot and rode guardians, then made our way back to the resort and to the airport. It was such a spur of the moment decision, but we did SO much in 24 hours. We are at home and in bed by 11 pm Sunday night in Indiana, and both went to work the next day 😂

I’m usually a planner, but what is the most last minute trip you’ve ever taken? It is kinda fun to go somewhere with no expectations and let your interest guide you!

16/05/2023

Disney has announced a 4-day ticket deal for dates starting this May 23rd! For $396 per person plus tax, you can visit all 4 WDW theme parks on 4 different days! I love this discount has been offered, and is a fantastic way to see all 4 parks this summer.

Which park would you be most excited to visit? I love them all, but recently I’ve found myself more drawn to Animal Kingdom? Comment below for which park you would be most excited to visit this summer!

This ticket offer is only valid until September 29th. There are two date ranges that are blacked out (July 1-4 and September 1-4), but otherwise it is up to you to decide when to visit! Let’s talk so I can help you plan your WDW visit this summer and early fall.

08/05/2023

Some exciting Disney planning news for 2024! Starting May 31st, packages for 2024 will be available! A few highlights for things coming in 2024:

-The dining plan will be returning!
- Theme park reservations will not be required for date based tickets!
- Early theme park entry for all Disney resort guests will continue!
- Extending evening hours for deluxe resort hotels will also continue to take place!

Which one of these are you most excited about? I am excited about the return of the dining plan! I remember on my Honeymoon loving this option, it is a great way to plan and enjoy food and beverage options at Disney World!

06/05/2023

May Disney Giveaway! A Disney bag, ears, and autograph book will be given to those who meet the qualifications for a trip booked for the details above!

Let’s get your next trip booked before September. If you could go anywhere of these three places, which one would you choose? I would choose Disneyland to celebrate

Message me for details!

04/05/2023

May the 4th be with you!

Happy Star Wars day!

24/04/2023

For those of you new to my page, hello 👋!

For those of you know me, hello as well 👋!

I have been a travel agent for a few months now, but allow me to introduce myself!

-I am a travel agent at Hiatt Magical Vacations. I specialize in Disney Destinations!
-I am a social studies teacher and a WDW AP. So of course travel is apart of everything I do!
- I have been to Disney over 17 times, including January, February, and March of this year!
- My favorite WDW park is Epcot. Who doesn’t love traveling around the world!
- I have stayed at over 11 WDW resorts! If you could stay at any resort at WDW, where would you stay? Mine would be The Contemporary!

As a travel agent, I will help you plan your vacation! A trip to WDW requires much, much planning and prioritization, and as a travel agent I will guide you every step of the way! Let’s get your next trip booked!

22/04/2023

22/04/2023

Happy 25th birthday Animal Kingdom!

This park opened on earth day and has some of the most incredible theming of any park. My favorite ride at Animal Kingdom is Kilimanjaro Safaris, I learn something new every time!

What is your favorite experience at Animal Kingdom? I can’t wait for the next 25 years to see what happens next!

20/04/2023

Mickey’s Not So Scary Party dates have been released! This special ticketed event happen on select nights at the Magic Kingdom during August, September, and October. What are you most looking forward to? Drop a emoji that corresponds to what you are excited about in the comments below!

🎃Halloween Decorations
🍫 Trick or Treating around MK
🐭 Special character Meet and Greets
🏰 Exclusive entertainment and parades

Tickets go on sale April 27 for guests staying on Disney Property those dates, and all guests May 2nd. Reach out today so I can help get your party tickets and trip planned!

12/04/2023

My room tour of Disney’s Yacht Club!

This deluxe resort is located in the Boardwalk area, walking distance to both Epcot and Hollywood studios! Our room is a garden/woods view room and sleeps up to 4 guests with a king bed and a sofa sleeper. The bed was SO comfortable, we had a fantastic night of sleep.

Given all the amenities of this resort, I would HIGHLY recommend this resort. The location is arguably the best in all of WDW, and the rooms are very nice.

Would you stay here? Comment below if you have stayed here or it is on your Disney bucket list!

06/04/2023

Disney World just announced that Annual Passes are back on April 20th!

Rachel and I first became passholders in October 2021. We knew he had at least 2 trips planned in a span of 12 months and thought we’d only do it once for WDW’s 50th! Here we are still going strong 😂. It isn’t cheap, but it does come with a 20% off merchandise perk, 10% of some restaurants, and free parking!

It has been a joy to be able to visit the parks multiple times a year with this pass. If you had a Disney World AP, which park would you visit the most? For us, it’s usually Epcot to eat something!

Visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passholder-program/benefits-of-becoming-a-passholder/ for pricing and pass details!

04/04/2023

Happy opening day of Tron!

We had the privilege of riding this last week during spring break. Currently you can try to join a virtual que at 7am, or purchase an individual lighting lane to bypass the line. Because of our trip, we chose to purchase a LL, and if you are staying on property you can purchase this starting at 7am. This allowed us to customize our return time so we could spend the AM at the resort!

The ride is a great addition to MK. It is thrilling and a unique experience to ride the bike. Even as someone who doesn’t have a connection to the the theming I can appreciate the detail!

Would you ride this ride? Let me know if you would or if you have plans to on your next trip!

29/03/2023

Just got back from an amazing long weekend at Walt Disney World! It was unseasonably warm for March so we got lots of pool and resort time. The theme of this trip was NEW experiences! We got to experience for the first time:

- Mamma Melrose at HS
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Tron, a brand new ride in MK!
- Fireworks dessert party!
- Yacht Club Resort
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ, brand new restaurant in HS.

All of these unique experiences were immersive and enjoyable in their own way. WDW has so much to do and see, which is why we keep going back! Which one of these would you be most excited for? Comment below and let me know!

24/03/2023

I love packing cubes! I also have started to take photos of each outfit so I know what I’m wearing each day.

0 Likes, 0 Comments - Lathan Stuart () on Instagram: "Pack with me for WDW! First off, if you aren’t using packing cubes, START using them! They are..."

22/03/2023

My top 5 attractions at EPCOT!

5. Three Caballeros. I love this ride, including the theme inside the Mexico Pavilion. 🇲🇽
4. Living with the Land. No better way than to beat the heat and sit down for a relaxing ride! 🌱
3. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. I love the que and the wing as much as the ride itself! 🇫🇷
2. Spaceship Earth. A classic attraction and fun way to relax, plus I’m a Social Studies teacher 👨‍🏫
1. Guardians of the Galaxy. This is a MUST ride. So smooth and you never know which song you’ll get 🎶

Which one of these is your favorite?

21/03/2023

Dreaming of ’Ohana bread pudding 😍

4 Likes, 0 Comments - Lathan Stuart () on Instagram: "Currently dreaming of some bread pudding at ‘Ohana 😋"

18/03/2023

Run Disney Half marathon race with mile splits! Next week registration opens for Wine and Dine this November! Talk with me and I’ll tell you how this race is one of the BEST experiences I have ever done at WDW!

5 Likes, 0 Comments - Lathan Stuart () on Instagram: "My run Disney half marathon was one of the best things I’ve ever done at WDW. The atmosphere is..."

15/03/2023

Best way to start the day 😋

1 Likes, 1 Comments - Lathan Stuart () on Instagram: "Gaston’s Cinnamon Roll in Magic Kingdom 😋 Rachel and I have actually gone separate ways to ..."

13/03/2023

My top 5 favorite snacks in Magic Kingdom! All of these great options are under $12!

5. Sweet and Spicy Chicken and Waffle sandwich- Sleepy Hallow. This is very filling and great to share!

4. Ice cream cookie sandwich - ice cream parlor on Mainstreet. A delicious option you can split (or not 😝).

3. Cream cheese Pretzel- Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland. Love this sweet/ salty combo.

2. Any cookie from the Confectionary on Main Street. A great treat to grab as you leave for the day.

1. Dole Whip Float- Aloha Isle in Adventureland arguably the most iconic Disney World snack, you can’t go wrong with any combination of Dole Whip options. My favorite is pineapple/ vanilla swirled together in a float with pineapple juice 😋

Have you had any of these options? If you have, which one is your favorite?

10/03/2023

I was blown away with the remodeled rooms at Grand Floridian! I think this is now a must stay!

1 Likes, 0 Comments - Lathan Stuart () on Instagram: "Disney’s Grand Floridian room and resort tour! I remember stopping in to v is it here as a kid..."