Jessica Drake: Friend Like Me Travel Co.

Home
Jessica Drake: Friend Like Me Travel Co.

I help families make core memories by planning and booking their best vacation yet.

10/06/2024

This is what it’s all about! It brings me so much joy to take the work out of planning your vacation. I love what I do, and getting feedback like this is just so nice.

06/06/2024

Nice day for a butterbeer, wouldn't you say?

Hot tip: Don't wait in a long line at a butter beer stand at Universal. Head into the Hog's Head and order one at the counter there much quicker! (This is true at Universal Orlando and Hollywood!)

Cheers!

25/05/2024

This Disney crew decided to try something new and we went to Legoland California! The girls loved it & especially loved staying at the Castle Hotel.

I was told many times that Legoland is much smaller than Disneyland, and in a lot of ways that's true but this park is packed with rides, shows, and activities. There is so much to do, and we did a lot in 2 days, but there is still so much we didn't get to!

While I would pick Disney everytime, I can see why some families would opt for Legoland, especially if they love Legos or Disney can be too overwhelming.

Let me know you have any questions! I'd love to share all my tips with you!

13/05/2024

When this deal dropped, my jaw dropped! Kids tickets for $50 and adults for $83 with a 3-day 1 park per pay special ticket? That is such a great deal. And you can use it this summer during Pixar Fest or even in September for the first month of Halloween time!

If you want to visit Disneyland this year, now is the time to book the trip! I can help with all the planning. Message me for more details!

30/04/2024

Happy Halfway to Halloween!

Halloween is my favorite time in the parks, after Christmas. Christmas is extra magical with all the lights & ride overlays, but Halloween is a close second! I love the fall decor, Nightmare Before Christmas version of Haunted Mansion, and seeing the characters in Halloween costumes.

20/04/2024

Don’t be sad! Pixar Fest at Disneyland will begin in just a few days. So many experiences with our favorite Pixar characters are in the works: a daytime parade, a nighttime fireworks show, character encounters, specialty food items, merch, and more!

What Pixar character would you be most excited to see in the parks? I want to meet Panda Mei and give them a big hug!!

Pixar Fest runs April 26 - August 4 across all of Disneyland Resort.

09/04/2024

Which Walt Disney World Promo will you choose?

1 - Save up to 30% off rooms with stays 5 nights or longer this summer and early fall!

2 - Disney Visa Cardmembers get a FREE DINING PLAN with a 4-night 4 day stay with park hopping!!!

HOT TIP: I can combine the room discount with the 4-day 4-park Magic Ticket this summer for even more savings!

Now is the time to book that trip! Let me help with all the details. Send me a message to get started 😊

03/04/2024

I love Disney California Adventure Park because where else can you literally talk to your favorite superheroes?

Just about anytime of day in Avengers Campus you can find a character or 2 walking around meeting with people. It was so fun to talk to Dr. Strange. He asked me what super power I'd like to have & as many parents might agree, I said I wish I could make copies of myself to go do chores and errands, to free myself up to do other things like read. I think he just sort of nodded. It was a very practical answer, nothing too exciting, but hey, it's the truth. Flying would be cool, too...Maybe I should have just said that 😁

What super power would you like to have? Tell me in the comments!

19/03/2024

Tip 2 is a big one!

Where are you going for Spring Break? I'd love to know, tell me in the comments!

13/03/2024

NEW WALT DISNEY WORLD PROMO

Visit all 4 parks for just $99 a day with the 4-Day 4-Park Magic Ticket this Spring - Summer!

Comment below for more details!

*
*
*
*
family vacation
solo trip
fun adventure

28/02/2024

FOUR YEARS AGO TODAY

I can’t believe it’s been 4 years since we did our babymoon at Walt Disney World! Luna was 2 (which means free admission to Disney!) and I was about 4 months pregnant with Willow. Luna was so little, she doesn’t remember much but my husband and I went for ourselves honestly. lol He was super excited to see Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars themed land in Hollywood Studios. And I had never been to Walt Disney World before, so I was just thrilled to be there!

I’m a little sad our pictures aren’t very good, they’re definitely low quality, but oh well, I guess we’ll just have to go back! Bookings opened up for 2025 yesterday, so I put down a deposit for our trip next year! I’m so excited! The girls will be 4 & 7 this time. I can’t wait to explore all the things with them and to see what my Disneyland girlies make of Walt Disney World 😁

family vacation

26/02/2024

Universal Orlando Tip if you're a Harry Potter fan:

You'll need a park-to-park ticket in order to ride the Hogwarts Express. The Hogwarts Express train runs between the Harry Potter lands in each park - Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.

If you're a big fan of Harry Potter, you won't want to miss this experience. When you go to board the train, they will ask to see your park-to-park ticket, which gives you access to both theme parks on the same day.

This is the type of information I share with my clients. It would be so sad if a family didn't know this and bought the wrong ticket type for their Universal vacation! These things can be confusing. I have a lot of experience booking Universal trips, so you can rest assured I'll take care of everything. You don't have to worry about anything! Just think about how many butterbeers you’ll wanna drink when you get there 🍻

22/02/2024

If you're wondering, "Why should I start planning now?" There are a few good reasons!

1. You could lock in a lower rate. Prices don't necessarily go down the closer it gets to your trip dates.
2. It gives you more time to save up and make payments for the trip you want to take. (You'll also have holidays, maybe a birthday to ask for Disney gift cards or a pair of Minnie ears)
3. Some room types sell out quickly, so it will make a difference if you book early!

Send me a message to join the waitlist and let the countdown to the magic begin!

Walt Disney World vacation
Disneyland family vacation
Adventure fun memories with your kids

05/02/2024

Halloween on the High Seas! 🛳️🎃

This family is going to have an incredible time on the Disney Wish later this year to celebrate a college graduation. 🎓🎉

They'll get to wear costumes and trick-or-treat on the ship, spend a day at Disney's private island Castaway Cay, spend a day in the Bahamas, meet lots of characters, see stage shows, the list goes on and on!

This is their first cruise and first Disney vacation 😃 So, I'll be here to guide them through all the steps and answer any questions they have before, during, and after their trip.

Drop this family a "Congrats!" in the comments!

31/01/2024

MY TOP 3 MUST-DO’S IN SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 🍄

One year ago today I stepped into Super Nintendo World for the first time during an Annual Passholder Preview. I was blown away by how immersive it is from the moment you enter through the pipe! It's a small land but it is packed with fun experiences. Here are my favorites:

🚦Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge - Join the race, throw shells, and earn points for your team!

🏰 Bowser Jr Shadow Showdown - Unlock this high energy challenge by winning 3 mini games, then be ready to jump around!

👑 Meet Princess Peach - Her meet and greet takes place in this gorgeous gazebo and she actually talks to you!

Our whole family loves playing in Super Nintendo World as well as playing Mario games at home. These days, we’re playing Super Mario Bros Wonder. It is so beautiful and creative. My daughter always has to be Princess Peach. Which Mario character do you like to be?

17/01/2024

Lunar New Year is one of my favorite celebrations at Disney California Adventure Park 🤩

Mulan's Procession is just lovely, Mushu is there! And THE FOOD 🤤 I’m telling you LNY has the best foodie offerings of any festival. We love kimchi and fun drinks in this family, and DCA gets it right.

Not to mention January/February is a great time to visit Disneyland for mild weather and lower crowds. 🙌🏻

I can’t wait to see how they honor the Year of the Dragon this year! The celebration starts next week and runs January 22 - February 18.

08/01/2024

Feeling chilly and dreaming of a beach vacation?

🌴 Book a trip to Unico 20 87! Relax in luxury at this highly rated adult only all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. It’s the perfect vacation if you want to rest and rejuvenate, spend a day in the spa, maybe read a book or two on the beach. Or if you want more adventure, go snorkeling, visit the Mayan ruins Chichen Itza, play water sports, and enjoy the nightly entertainment.

🌊 Unico 20 87, as well as many other all-inclusive resorts are offering amazing sales right now for 2024 trips. There are family friendly resorts as well if you want to share the experience with the whole family. Let's get your trip booked! I’ll book your resort, excursions, airport transfer - I’ll take care of everything! Then let the countdown begin to your oasis in the sun ☀️😎

🎉 Make it a party! Share this post with the friends you want to take a trip with!

06/01/2024

Where are you traveling to this year? I'd love to hear where you're hoping to go. Tell me all about it in the comments!

This year, we're hoping to visit Legoland, San Diego, and Disneyland of course!

03/01/2024

If you want to take a Disney trip this year, now is a great time to get it booked! Look at all of these great deals 👀

I can help you find the right vacation package for your budget and vibe, plan your itinerary, and book dining reservations at no cost to you!

Send me a message today!

18/12/2023

Celebrating 13 years of marriage today! I was in my Disney princess era in 2010 👑

16/12/2023

I just completed the 2024 Assessment to continue selling Disney Destinations in the new year! 🤓

I work hard to keep up to date on any trainings and news about what’s happening in the parks, on Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Aulani Resort in Hawaii. As your travel planner, I want to continue to be an expert about all things Disney to help my clients have the most magical vacation possible! 💫

Are you planning a Disney trip soon? How can I help?

10/12/2023

I almost didn’t go to the Lamplight Lounge for brunch that day, but I am so glad I did! First of all, my meal was delicious. I was pleasantly surprised to have several gluten free options, and I went with the vegan gluten free Potato Flautas. They were spicy, but so delicious!

The views from our table were great, the whole place is really cute. My friends really enjoyed their drinks if that’s your thing, and near the end of our meal, we heard that Brie Larson was right behind us! I’m a huge fan, so it was special to get to see her, even if just for a few seconds.

Lamplight Lounge is probably the most coveted table service restaurant reservation out of both parks in Anaheim, and I can see why. It’s yummy and beautiful, great service of course, and you just might run into a celebrity!

If you want to eat here, be sure to make reservations 60 days before your trip! Or book with me and let me handle it. 😊

What do you like to eat when you’re at a theme park?

06/12/2023

Let me know how I can help you have a magical trip to Disneyland next year!

29/11/2023

‼️OUT OF OFFICE‼️

I will be on an agency trip to Disneyland 11/30 - 12/3 where we will have a reception and gift exchange, reserved viewing of the Christmas parade, fireworks, & World of Color, and just spend time in the parks together! I can’t wait to share all about it when I get back!

Feel free to submit a trip request and I’ll get back to you next week 😊

https://linktr.ee/friendlikejessd

25/11/2023

It’s Small Business Saturday!! Thanks for following and supporting me! I appreciate every like and share more than you know. 🙏

Helping others plan vacations brings me so much joy. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free quote when you’re ready to book a trip!

17/11/2023

Meeting Characters 101 - Part 2

WHAT CHARACTERS CAN I MEET? HOW DO I FIND THEM?

Use the app! Disney does a pretty good job of listing character meet and greets that are on the schedule to be in a certain spot at a specific time each day. For instance, the Disneyland app will tell you that Tinkerbell can be found at Pixie Hollow from 10 am - 4 pm most days.

Some characters roam around, and you won’t find that info in the app, so keep your eyes peeled, especially in Fantasyland and Galaxy’s Edge.

WHAT DO WE SAY TO THEM?

Before your turn to meet them, ask your child if there’s anything they want to tell or ask that character. If you don’t know what to talk about, you can ask them a question or make a comment about their story! Here are some examples:

Tell Peter Pan that you lost your shadow.
Ask Pooh if he’s seen any heffalumps.
Ask Belle what her favorite book is.
Ask Chip and Dale who is the better dancer.

Face characters can be some of the best interactions since they can engage back and forth, but don’t discount the mascot characters who don’t talk. We’ve made some magical memories with Donald, Minnie, Chip and Dale.

I hope this post helps you have a magical time at Disney! What questions do you have about meeting characters?

Walt Disney World trip
family vacation

12/11/2023

Meeting Characters 101 - Part 1

One of the most exciting things about visiting a Disney park for some kids is getting to meet the characters they know and love. However, as seen in picture two, your child might not be up for meeting characters. I was so excited to take Luna to meet Olaf at Hollywood Studios when she was 2, but when the time came, she was super scared, so I scrapped my plans to meet Mickey and Minnie after that. Haha

It’s one of those things where you don’t really know how it will go until you try it, so it can be good to manage your expectations. You may have in your mind that you will meet lots of characters on your trip, but if it’s not their thing right now, rest assured there are lots of shows and attractions for all ages. We still had a great trip after that.

For the kids who love meeting characters, a nice souvenir would be an autograph book. Luna was much more comfortable and interested in character meet and greets when she turned 4, and now she loves getting autographs as well! You can buy one online before your trip or get one in a shop once you get there.

I’ve got more tips for meeting characters coming soon, so stay tuned! And tell me, do you or did you like meeting characters when you go to Disney? Who is your favorite?

Walt Disney World
Disneyland
family vacation

08/11/2023

Did you know that I sell more than just Disney/Universal trips?

I’ve completed many trainings this past year, learning about so many incredible travel opportunities. Today I want to highlight one of my favorites:

VIRGIN VOYAGES CRUISE LINE

Why go?
* Adult only
* A foodie’s dream
* On board entertainment is unmatched
* Shore excursions you won’t believe

What’s included?
* Food and essential drinks
* Wifi
* Tips
* Group Classes
* Shows and Entertainment

Where to?
* Caribbean
* Europe
* Australia
* Singapore
* and more!

How much?
With cruises from 4 nights to 14 nights, there’s something for every budget. For instance, a 4 night cruise to Costa Maya starts at just $1520 per cabin.

Virgin Voyages is the way to go if you want an all-inclusive, adult only vacation. If we get you booked by November 15, you’ll get 20% off cruises now through next year + up to $600 in free drinks. I would love to help you find the right sailing for your budget and vibe! HMU when you’re ready to set sail!

02/11/2023

Allow me to re-introduce myself!

I’m Jess, your friendly neighborhood travel agent! I’m a theme park enthusiast, but I love all types of travel. I explore new places every year, and I spend lots of time researching different destinations to be an expert and a helpful resource for my clients.

I’ve completed training programs for many vacation hot spots like Mexico, Disney’s Aulani Resort, cruising with Virgin Voyages, just to name a few. In my downtime I watch YouTube videos about these destinations just for fun! It brings me so much joy to help others travel like pros. I know most people don’t have time to do the kind of in depth study I do, and I love sharing what I learn with my clients.

I feel like people are leery of me when I mention I’m a travel agent, like I’m gonna try to scam them or something. But if anyone knows me, they would know that I care way more about saving clients money than I do about my take. I get commission from the vendors you book with, and I’m content with that. Helping others and knowing I found the best value for their money is just as gratifying as my payment.

It’s kind of like going to an accountant instead of doing your own taxes. But you have to pay an accountant, and I’m not charging you, so it’s actually a sweeter deal than that. I’ll help you find lodging, plan your itinerary, book dining reservations, and answer any questions before, during, and after your trip. It’s like having a personal assistant do the work of planning the trip, so you don’t have to.

So, when you’re ready to start planning your next family vacation, solo trip, girls’ weekend, couple’s retreat, what have you, keep me in mind. Check out my page in the next couple weeks as I share more about the destinations I recommend to my clients. Thanks for being here! I look forward to sharing more travel and theme park highlights with you!

31/10/2023

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! I just realized I never shared these cute photos from our trip to Universal Studios Hollywood last Halloween! The girls had a blast meeting characters in their costumes.

I can’t believe how much they’ve grown in a year. I’m savoring these days while they’re little and squishy and giggly. We’re gonna celebrate Halloween all day long, have chili and cornbread for dinner per tradition, then trick or treat tonight!!

I hope you have a great day with your loved ones too! What are you doing for Halloween?

Address

Opening Hours

07:00 - 17:00

Website

https://linktr.ee/friendlikejessd

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jessica Drake: Friend Like Me Travel Co. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

Disney California Adventure Park is home to so many great attractions. If you want to avoid several long waits, get Genie Plus. I like to rope drop Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and then use Genie Plus to ride it again! 🙌

Disney’s Wish movie is so fun! We saw it in theaters and my 6 year old laughed and laughed. We all did! There were lots of Easter eggs, hidden details, nods to past Disney films. And a lovable goat sidekick, Disney has a thing about goats…ha ha. And the music is great. It really grew on me. We’ve listened to the soundtrack a bunch since watching the movie. And we loved meeting Asha at Disneyland! She’s still greeting guests if you’re headed to the parks soon! All that to say, I really hope people give Wish a chance and watch it when it drops on Disney Plus. Have you seen Wish? What did you think?

I have a client who won’t be able to visit all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks on her vacation, 😭and she has been debating between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. They go in March, so she still has plenty of time to decide and technically she could even change her mind up until her family is ready to head to a park! I think their group has settled on Hollywood Studios, and I know her son loves Frozen ❄️ so he will really enjoy the Frozen Sing-Along and Olaf meet and greet there! But they would also have a magical time at Animal Kingdom. If you had to pick one, would you pick Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios? *Note that park reservations are still required for all guests at Disneyland in California. These parks run by different rules, so it can be helpful to have a travel agent such as me walk you through everything. ☺️ Follow for more Disney tips!

Every family should get to go to Disney, and I love helping to make that happen! For those of us with a budget, using a travel agent can make a Disney trip possible. I know my way around a Disney booking and I can’t wait to share my expertise with you. Send me a message to get started!

Who's ready to give your kids gifts just for them to fight over a box? 😅 The stepsisters stole the show at the Christmas Fantasy Parade at Disneyland.🎄

I finally went on the scariest ride in all of Disneyland: the Swinging Gondolas on the ferris wheel known as the Pixar Pal-Around in Disney California Adventure Park. I knew that most people are not fans of the ride and that there are barf bags for a reason, but I was still surprised when it got going. It is wild! It was terrifying at first but then I realized everything was okay, I was safe, then I just laughed and enjoyed it. There are also Non-swinging gondolas for those who want to enjoy the views from the ferris wheel without feeling like you’re gonna fly across the gondola. Just make sure you get in the correct queue line!! But if you’re the kind of person who can’t get enough of thrill rides, you should ride the swinging gondolas! As for me, I like both! I enjoyed the swinging gondolas and would do it again! Would you go on it or stick to the non-swinging ones?

The sunset at Disney California Adventure Park last night 😍

Guy Diamond is a cheeky one 😉 Share this with the person you want to see Trolls Band Together with! My girls and I love meeting the trolls at Universal Studios Hollywood and can’t wait to see the new movie!

FOLLOW ME 10 Items on my Christmas List as a Travel Girlie: 1. Disney Gift Cards! They can be used to book your trip, in the parks, shopDisney.com, Disney Springs, Downtown Disney District. I can never have enough Disney gift cards. The limit does not exist. 2. A good sturdy water bottle to stay hydrated on all my trips! I don’t drink coffee or alcohol (my body just doesn’t can’t handle it lol), so my water bottle is doing all the heavy lifting, since I basically only drink water. *Bonus item - Liquid IV is also essential in the summertime! 3. and 4. Books!! I really only listen to audiobooks, but that counts! Reading is a great way to pass the time traveling to and from new places. Make sure to link to bookshop.org in your Christmas list to support small shops! 5. A Loungefly wallet to hold all of those Disney gift cards, some cash, receipts, etc. They have so many cute designs, it’s so hard to pick just one! 6. Travel size lotion from farmhouse fresh. I’m obsessed with this Fluffy Bunny scent. I wash my hands constantly when I’m riding attractions and eating out, so having a little lotion on hand is a must! 7. A dainty necklace from a small shop on Etsy to complete my lewks when I’m at Disneyland. So classy. 8. Allbirds Active Tennis Shoes. I’m a huge fan of Allbirds because first of all, they’re so comfy! They’re also a carbon neutral company and made with natural fibers. I highly recommend them, especially for anyone about to walk 20,000 steps a day in a theme park! 9. Apple AirTags - because we’re human and we lose stuff. And sometimes a competent Cast Member moves your stroller and then you’re ready to throw down with whoever stole your stuff but then you remember, you have an AirTag and you can track down that stroller with ease. 10. Fidget toys! This one is a gift for the whole family. Every one of us likes to play with squishy stress balls while we’re waiting for a ride or show or airplane. I hope my mom sees this 👀 lo

FOLLOW ME Watch the Halloween cavalcade AKA short parade at Disneyland!

You really don’t want to hear “I’m bored!” over and over while waiting in line at a theme park or waiting for a show or parade to start. Bring a few fidget toys for your kids to play with while they wait. Some of our favorites are play dough, pop its, fidget cubes, and squishy stress balls. We find some cool ones at Target, the dollar store, and fidgettoysplus.com What’s your favorite fidget toy? Disneyland Anxiety Sensory Processing

Has Crush watched the movie Dodgeball? 😆 Turtle Talk with Crush is always a good time. You can visit Crush in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. FOLLOW ME for more theme park goodness

Another money saving tip for you!If you’re looking for a costume or princess dress for your kids, don’t forget to check your local thrift stores! Even if you’re planning to take them to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, you can bring an outfit and accessories with you. I recommend doing so because the dresses in the parks are $$$. I got this Isabela dress for $3.99 at Goodwill! I love saving money and shopping secondhand is good for the planet. So, whether it’s for Halloween, going to Disney, or just dress up at home, go thrifting! It’s kind of like a treasure hunt. You have to search through the rubble to find a few gems. lol What has been your best thrift shop find? I’d love to know!

Haunted Mansion is a vibe. And the Holiday overlay where Nightmare Before Christmas takes over adds a slightly different vibe, while still having some of the best elements of the original version, like the singing busts. This Disneyland attraction is one that impresses me the most. The creativity is incredible. FYI Haunted Mansion Holiday will run through January and then the attraction will be closed for an extended refurbishment. An expanded outdoor queue and retail shop are in the works! Follow me for more theme park news and tips!

Thrifty Disney Girlie Tip Part 5: Minnie Ears Holder for free Minnie ears make for such cute park photos, but they can be a bit delicate, so we don’t usually want to just shove them into a backpack. Use that slap bracelet you already have lying around to secure your Minnie ears to your bag while you get your thrills on Matterhorn Bobsleds or Incredicoaster…You can also find several cute Minnie ears holders on Etsy if that’s your thing. FOLLOW ME for more tips like this! Disneyland | Walt Disney World | Mickey | Save money

FOLLOW ME Does Universal Studios Hollywood have much for little kids? YES! My girls have a blast meeting characters, riding a couple rides, and playing at the Dinoplay playground! We always see lots of characters out and the line for the Silly Fun Ride tends to be short. Follow me for more theme park and travel news and tips!

FOLLOW ME for more theme park and travel news and tips! Disneyland is extra magical at night! The teacups are especially beautiful when the sun goes down.

Take the trip. Make the memories. Go on your most magical vacation yet. I can help with the details. Send me a message!

Y’all, I was not prepared for how chaotic it was flying American Airlines last weekend to go to my brother’s wedding. To be fair, I was not as well informed as I tend to be. I didn’t realize how much things can vary between airlines! But now I know that American Airlines is not super family-friendly. So in case you didn’t know, they doesn’t allow wagons to be gate checked, and car seats must be by a window. (Which means paying extra to select your seats if you want to use car seats on the plane.)And then on the flight heading back to LA, my husband spotted this wasp. I was in no mood to be stung so I got up and pounded it with my shoe. 💁🏻‍♀️ Moral of the story is, do some research before flying with a new airline and just know things are still gonna go wrong. 😅

Congrats Jake & Nicole! It was a joy to celebrate your love this weekend. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. 🫶🏻

Shortcuts

Address
Opening Hours
Alerts
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?

Country:

City: