Mickey World Travel - Dawn Hoagland

28/01/2025

🛫 Are you someone that likes to “wing it” on vacation and rely on the “magic”? ✨ The freedom and spontaneity of that sounds amazing! 😍 But, when it comes to theme park vacations, even the most carefree travelers benefit from having a loose plan in place. 📝

I’ll give you three reasons why you’ll want and will appreciate some sort of structure in the parks:

1️⃣ Gone are the days of “off-peak” travel. Theme parks are bustling year-round, and without a plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the crowds, lines, and endless options. 😵‍💫

2️⃣ It’s easy to feel lost. From navigating the parks to understanding ride systems like Lightning Lanes or Express Passes, not having a plan can quickly turn confusing—and lead to frustration. 😖 Not magical.

3️⃣ A solid plan (even a simple outline!) ensures you hit the experiences you care about most. ❤️ Without wasting precious, valuable time 🕒 trying to figure out what to do next.
When I travel to the theme parks I always have a plan, a written down on paper and folded up in my f***y pack plan, I don't always stick to it like glue but I do refer to it to be sure I'm not missing one of my "must do's".

🎯 My goal is simple: to help my clients enjoy their vacations, stress-free. ✨ You’re absolutely still in control. Love to sleep in? 😴 Want to maximize rides? 🎢 Looking for serious downtime by the pool? 🏊‍♀️ Your plan will reflect your wants and needs. Trust me, the right plan makes ALL the difference. ✅

🤔 So are you more of a “wing it” 🦅 or “scour the park maps months in advance” 🗺️ kind of traveler? ⬇️

28/01/2025

Don’t let Florida’s recent brush with snow fool you, the springtime splendor of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is just weeks away – and that means the return of the Garden Rocks Concert Series!

From March 5 to June 2, 2025, internationally recognized artists as well as local bands will take the stage at America Gardens Theatre, rounding out a day full of fresh flavors, dazzling blooms, and the coolest character-themed topiaries.

I'll be seeing 'A Flock of Seagulls',98 Degrees and Taylor Dayne! 😀 What about you? Let's get your trip booked for these amazing concerts, INCLUDED with your park admission!!
The Spinners, The Pointer Sisters, Air Supply, Rick Springfield!! Who's your 'must see' blast from the past heartthrob!?
[email protected]

28/01/2025

28/01/2025

🪄 Rule #1 at Universal Orlando: get the Park-to-Park ticket! Rule number two? Refer to rule number one.

No one wants to throw money away 💸, but you can’t fully experience the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ⚡ without it. Both Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure ) and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios) are spellbinding ✨, and you’ll need (and want) that park-to-park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express 🚂 between them. Let’s compare the two lands:

🍽️ Food: Diagon Alley offers Leaky Cauldron, and Hogsmeade has The Three Broomsticks. Both are packed with snacks, sweets 🍬, and endless Butterbeer 🍺.

🎢 Rides: Diagon Alley features Escape from Gringotts, while Hogsmeade has Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and the fan-favorite Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. (Dare we say the best ride in Orlando?! 🌟)

🏰 Ambiance: Hogwarts Castle vs a fire-breathing dragon? Impossible to choose. Both have Ollivander's Wand Shop 🪄.

I absolutely would never visit Universal without the park to park feature, there's so much to see and do that having the added convenience of being able to finish up in one park and still be able to visit the next just makes so much sense, and of course, I NEED to ride Hogwarts Express!
😅I know it’s like asking who is more precious: Lula or Neville…but if you HAD to choose to visit just one land, would you go with 🏰 Hogsmeade or 🐉 Diagon Alley?

27/01/2025

Icon of the Seas turns one! 🎉 One Iconic Year of thrilling experiences, family bonding, and endless fun. The world's best family vacation just keeps getting better. Contact me to book your Royal Caribbean getaway.

26/01/2025

✨🚢✨ Everyone loves new and shiny, but the Disney Dream holds her own as a must-consider ship. Here’s why:

💵 Shorter sailings at lower prices (3, 4, and 5 nights)

✈️ Departing from Fort Lauderdale offers flexible flights and plenty of hotel options

🌴 Exciting itineraries: Nassau, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; Disney Castaway Cay; and Disney Lookout Cay

🎉 Specialty sailings: Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, and Very Merrytime cruises

🍽️ Classic rotational dining: Royal Palace, Enchanted Garden, Animator’s Palate

✨ Adults-only dining at Remy 🍷 and Palo 🍝

🥳Fun for all ages: AquaDuck water coaster, shows like Beauty and the Beast and the Golden Mickeys as well as kids clubs like Vibe for teens, Edge for tweens, and Oceaneer Club for ages 3-11 🧸

🤩 Do you have a DREAM of sailing on Disney Cruise Line? Email me, [email protected] and let’s chat. The fleet is expanding which means SO many more options to consider. What Disney Cruise Line questions do you have that I can answer?

25/01/2025

In case you felt a little Goofy and forgot to plan your trip!!
I'm in my office and ready to get YOUR vacation including FREE Dining
on the books!
[email protected], call or text 908-340-0044

25/01/2025

🏰👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎉 A big family Walt Disney World trip means big fun, but finding the perfect place to stay can feel tricky. Luckily, Disney has options for every budget and need. Let’s break it down:

✨ Deluxe Villas: For luxury, amenities, and park proximity, Disney Vacation Club villas offer 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options with full kitchens and laundry 🧺. Some are even within walking distance of the parks 🚶‍♂️🎢, making them a magical home-away-from-home!Anyone can book stays in these, DVC membership not required!

💸 Value Resort Family Suites: If budget is the priority, check out Art of Animation and All-Star Music family suites. They sleep 6, have 2 full bathrooms, 3 sleeping surfaces, a kitchenette, and a living area. Affordable, fun, and perfect for families!

🛏️ Multiple Standard Rooms: If you are happy with 2 queen beds (sometimes these sleep 5 with a child-sized bed) and 1 bathroom, then you can stay basically anywhere. Book however many rooms you need, and I’ll even make sure to let Disney know that you are all traveling together to try and get the rooms as close together as possible. ✨

I frequently book two adjoining rooms at any of the resorts for my larger families, it makes things so easy, gives more options than what's listed above and sometimes makes things more affordable!
🤔 For those of you with a big ‘Ohana, do you prefer a villa, family suite, or multiple standard rooms?

25/01/2025

😬 This might surprise you to hear, but if there’s one area of Disneyland that makes a trip out to California 100% WORTH IT for families, it’s...Mickey’s Toontown! 🎉

This one corner of Disneyland Park has GOT. IT. ALL. 🤩 Look at this:
🎢 3 Attractions:
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway 🚂❤️
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadget Coaster 🐿️🎡
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin 🚖 (which has a really fun interactive area 🕹️).

🏠 Mickey and Minnie meet and greets inside their personal houses, which you can walk through! 🐭🎀

🛝 2 Play areas:
Donald’s Duck Pond 🦆💦 (splash area)
Goofy’s How-To-Play Yard 🐾🪣

🌳 CenTOONial Park with an interactive fountain ⛲ and a dreaming tree inspired by one Walt sat under in Marceline, Missouri. 🌟 Grab a bite and have a picnic!

🍽️ 2 Dining locations:
Cafe Daisy 🥤🌼
Good Boy! Grocers 🥪🍎
🛍️ EnginEAR Souvenirs gift shop

I have so many fond memories of the Toon Town in Walt Disney World that we were lucky enough to experience with all of our children, so this is near and dear to my heart.
Sure wish they'd bring it back to the East Coast, but in the meantime...!
👉😁If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to plan a trip to Disneyland, this is it. Toontown is a can’t-miss experience that will leave your whole family smiling from ear to ear.
➡️ Tell me: Have you been to Toontown yet, or is it on your Disney bucket list? I can help you get that crossed off! I love planning Disneyland vacations, just email [email protected] and let’s talk about how to make that happen!

24/01/2025

Exciting New Additions Coming to the Hotels of Disneyland Resort!
The future will bring two all-new concierge lounges, new décor touches to guest rooms, new themed suites and a beautiful new look for Napa Rose restaurant (new interior and a new patio!)
(closed spring - fall 2025 to make these enhancements)

Coming this Summer : Disneyland Hotel will unveil an all-new concierge lounge, High Key Club, celebrating the music and sounds of Disneyland park circa 1955. Swanky and sophisticated, colorful and fun, the lounge will also pay homage to the mid-century modern aesthetic of the era. Nearly double in size from the previous lounge, this will be a great place for concierge-level guests to watch Disneyland park fireworks and enjoy music from the show on nights that feature pyrotechnics.

At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, plans are underway for the hotel to add a second club-level lounge nearby. This new two story space is slated for completion in 2026.

Pixar Place Hotel Reveals New Details on Themed Signature Suites
This summer, Pixar Place Hotel will add two new, two-bedroom themed premium suites, opening new doors into the worlds of Pixar Animation’s “Coco”and “The Incredibles.”
They look amazing!! Take a peak!
[email protected]

24/01/2025

Grand Avenue Impacts Begin May 10 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
From monsters and mermaids to villains and more, there’s huge excitement (especially here in my office!! 😉) around the new Monsters, Inc-themed land and more details were shared today about timelines for that area of the park.
🚜Construction on the land is ready to begin and progress walls begin installation in the area before the end of March.
🍝 Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will serve their final Guests on May 10.
🐸🍕 Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo will have their final curtain call on June 7 🥲
It’s no secret that the Muppets have a special place in our hearts and Disney is exploring ways to preserve the Muppet*Vision 3D film and other parts of the experience for generations to come. And don’t forget! Kermit, Miss Piggy and friends are soon headed just across the park to their new home on Sunset Boulevard.
I'm going to miss Mama Melrose, change is hard. But I am SO looking forward to new adventures in the parks and I LOVE Monsters Inc!!
Stay tuned for more details in the future.
[email protected]

23/01/2025

🐻🦊🐰💦 Change is hard, especially when it comes to saying goodbye to a classic like Splash Mountain. But let me tell you, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 🌿👑 has been beautifully reimagined and still has the thrilling drops ⬇️, twists 🔄, splashes, and log flume you loved—oh yeah, you’re still GOING DOWN! Only this time, it’s down the bayou. 🎶

🎷🎵And if you liked the movie, especially the music, you’re going to love this update! 🎉
As far as the “story,” it’s a sweet one that celebrates community, resilience, and happiness 😄. Add to that glowing fireflies ✨🐞, amazing animatronics, and a fantastic soundtrack, and you may just have a new family favorite! ❤️🏰
I'm still grieving over the loss of 'Snow White's Scary Adventure" so I suppose it'll take me a while to get past losing Splash Mountain, don't get me wrong, it's super cute now, and I love the new animatronics for sure, I just love Brer Rabbit!

🫤If you’re still feeling a pang of sadness over losing the beloved pals of the Briar Patch, eat your feelings with a batch of sugar dusted beignets and go take a ride down the bayou the next chance you get. You may just be pleasantly surprised!
TIP: Look for subtle nods to Splash Mountain in the standby queue and inside Critter Co-Op. 🛍️ (they saved my life! LOL)

🐸👉Who’s had a chance to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (WDW or Disneyland-they’re both now open) and what did YOU think?

23/01/2025

🎀🐭🚗 “Is that Minnie Mouse’s car?!” If you’ve been to Walt Disney World lately, you’ve probably noticed those adorable red and white polka dot SUVs zipping around. ❤️🤍 These are Minnie Vans, and yes—ANYONE can ride in one! They’re booked through the Lyft app and priced a bit higher than standard rides, but the perks can make them worth it.

🤔 When should you consider a Minnie Van?

🏨 Resort to Resort: Dining at a different resort? Since Disney buses don’t run resort to resort, Minnie Vans save you from multi-step transfers and wasted time. 🕒

🎢 Park Closing: Long bus lines, far-off stops, and tired kiddos 😴 are no match for a Minnie Van’s convenience. Skip the hassle and head back to your resort stress-free.

⏰ Early Mornings: Whether rope-dropping or heading to an early tour, Minnie Vans ensure you’re not at the mercy of bus schedules.

✨ And don’t forget: with Minnie Vans, you get Disney Cast Member service 🌟, closer drop-off points, car seats, cartoons onboard, and extra space for strollers or shopping bags 🛍️.

There is absolutely no more convenient way to get to the parks, dining, especially at the Hoop Dee Doo can take a long time to travel to, depending on where you're staying of course. The Minnie Van service is worth the cost!

👉 So, what’s your take? Is this Disney splurge worth it for special occasions, or are Minnie Vans a must-have for your trips? ❤️🖤🤍Let’s hear it!

21/01/2025

🎢 When you think of the Universal Orlando Resort, heart-pounding coasters and epic rides probably come to mind (hello, VelociCoaster 🦖 and Hagrid’s 🧙‍♂️!). But let’s not forget the other magic this destination brings: meeting your big and small-screen favorites! 🌟 Universal has a TON of character meet and greets!

🫸 From high-fiving Captain America in Marvel Super Hero Island to sharing laughs with the Grinch during the holidays, Universal is packed with opportunities to step into the stories and meet the characters you love. ❤️

🤳 Want a selfie with Optimus Prime? Or a hug from Scooby Doo? 🐾 Those memories are just as thrilling and lasting as any ride! 🎉✨

I love meeting The Cat in the Hat, he's so fun!
These characters I’ve mentioned don’t even scratch the surface of the friends, heroes and/or villains you may encounter at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. And...just WAIT until Epic Universe opens—classic monsters! 🧛🏻‍♀️

21/01/2025

📖 "What I Wish I Knew" - Disney Cruise Line Edition
It’s true—you don’t know what you don’t know, but learning the hard way on vacation isn’t fun! 🚢✨ Here are a few top tips for making the most of a Disney Cruise Line trip:
👩‍👧‍👦 Not Just for Younger Kids:
Think teens won’t love it? ❌ Wrong! Between Edge and Vibe teen clubs 🎮, pools, and water slides, they’ll be begging to stay longer. Adults-only? DCL shines with Palo, Remy, Quiet Cove Pool, Senses Spa, Serenity Bay 🏖️, lounges 🍹, and more.

🎨 Do the Activities:
There’s so much more than pools and movies 🎥—think trivia, crafts ✂️🎨, character meet-and-greets 👸🐭, live music 🎶, and Bingo!

📱 Use the Navigator App:
This app is a lifesaver! ❤️ Favorite activities to create your schedule 🗓️ and get notifications 🔔 so you don’t miss a thing.

✈️ Arrive the Day Before:
Flight delays or traffic? 🚗✈️ That ship WILL leave without you. 🛳️ Arrive early to enjoy a smooth start to your trip! 🎉

When you're on board, you will be offered a special "placeholder" offer, you book your next cruise without picking a date, save tons on the deposit and lock in some special savings AND in most cases, you have two years to use the placeholder. The best part? I'll be able to help you plan the next one too, just mention me when you put your deposit down!
👉What else would you add to this list? Share your tips for Disney Cruise Line first-timers in the comments!

20/01/2025

Follow the lead of Sue and Company!! They'll be relaxing at Aulani Resort and Spa next month without the fear of SNOW!!
Congratulations!! So exciting!!