Caitlin McDonald - Travel Advisor with Living With The Magic Vacations

08/03/2025

🚢✨ Planning a Disney Cruise? Let me help! ✨🚢

Are you thinking about booking your Disney Cruise yourself? Here’s a tip: skip the DIY booking and let me handle the details for you!

I’ve put together a blog post that shares 5 reasons why working with a travel agent (like me!) makes your Disney Cruise planning easier and more magical. From insider tips to exclusive perks, I’ve got you covered every step of the way. 💙

👉 Read the full blog post here: https://www.livingwiththemagic.com/2025/01/31/use-a-travel-agent-5-reasons-to-skip-diy-booking/

I’m here to make your Disney Cruise stress-free and unforgettable. Let’s start planning today! 🌟

Discover 5 reasons why a travel agent saves you time, stress, and money—while unlocking exclusive perks and personalized experiences!

02/03/2025

🏰✨ If Disneyland has been on your bucket list for years, 2025 is THE year to make it happen! ✨🏰

Why? Disneyland is celebrating its 70th Anniversary! 🎉🎂 And with it comes some incredible new experiences, including:

✨ “Walt Disney: A Magical Life” – A brand-new show honoring the man who started it all, featuring Walt Disney’s very own animatronic! A first-of-its-kind tribute you won’t want to miss!

➡️ Been to Walt Disney World but not Disneyland? You’ll love the intimate, nostalgic charm of Walt’s original park. ✨

From seeing Sleeping Beauty Castle up close to riding the original Pirates of the Caribbean and indulging in the legendary churros & corn dogs, Disneyland is pure magic.

If 2025 is your year to finally cross Disneyland off your bucket list, let’s start planning! 🎟️ ✨ Send me a message, and I’ll take care of all the details for you from tickets to hotels and everything in between!

What excites YOU most about Disneyland? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

28/02/2025

If you are a lover of animals , Disney tours, or just want to try something new, Wild Africa Trek at Animal Kingdom is full of thrills, fun, and good eats! This isn’t something you can just show up and enjoy, so here is what you need to “know before you go”:

👤 Who Can Go?
Ages 8+ (kids under 18 must have an adult)
Must be 45-300 lbs (everyone gets weighed beforehand)
Minimum height: 48 inches

💰 Cost & Timing
$219-$229 per person
Offered daily at 8:45 AM, 10:15 AM, & 11:45 AM
Pro Tip: Book the earliest tour to beat the Florida heat! ☀️

🎢 What to Expect
✔️ Walk through Animal Kingdom’s incredible habitats
✔️ Cross two suspension bridges (yes, over crocodiles! 🐊)
✔️ Enjoy a savanna-side meal with breathtaking views

🎁 Bonus Perks!
🍤 Gourmet “snack” (more like a meal!) with tandoori shrimp, chicken wraps, fruit, and sweets
📸 Professional photos from your guide
💧 Reusable souvenir water bottle

Is Wild Africa Trek on your Disney bucket list? Or have you already done it? Share your experience below!

27/02/2025

After months of nonstop notifications, screen time overload, and endless to-do lists, doesn’t a low-tech escape sound like a dream? 🌴✨

At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, the only thing you need to plug into is paradise. 🏖️🌺 Float down the lazy river, soak up the sun on the beach, or unwind in the infinity pool—serenity is everywhere.

When you're ready for a little adventure, hula lessons, lei-making 🌸, and fireside storytelling 🔥📖 bring the spirit of Hawaii to life. And the best part? Your kids won’t even miss their screens! From the Menehune Adventure Trail (an interactive scavenger hunt) to Aunty’s Beach House, there’s no shortage of fun.

✨ Imagine trading screen time for sunsets, ocean breezes, and Hawaiian memories that last a lifetime. Sounds perfect, right?

Let’s chat about making this dream escape a reality! 🌺🏝️

24/02/2025

It’s time to plan your summer vacation—no joke! 😄

The holidays are behind us, winter is dragging on ❄️, and you deserve something to look forward to! Nothing beats the winter blues like an exciting trip countdown. 🗓️✈️

What’s your dream summer escape?

🎢 Thrill-seeker? Let’s plan the ultimate theme park adventure!
🚢 Cruise lover? Relax at sea with endless fun & amazing destinations.
🏝️ Beach vibes? Sun, sand, and tropical drinks are calling your name!
🌍 Explorer? Discover new cities, cultures, and unforgettable experiences.

The best part? Planning now means better availability, more options, and extra time to budget—hello, stress-free vacation planning! ✨

📩 Let’s get started! Drop a comment or send me a message, and I’ll help you plan the perfect summer getaway. 🌞

18/02/2025

🪄 Rule #1 at Universal Orlando: Get the Park-to-Park ticket!

Let’s be real—you don’t want to throw money away 💸, but if you skip the Park-to-Park ticket, you’ll miss out on half the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! ⚡

Both Hogsmeade (Islands of Adventure) and Diagon Alley (Universal Studios) are absolutely spellbinding, and you need that Park-to-Park ticket to ride the Hogwarts Express 🚂 between them. Trust me—it’s worth it!

Here’s how the two lands compare:

🍽️ Food:
Leaky Cauldron (Diagon Alley) vs. Three Broomsticks (Hogsmeade)—both packed with magical meals, snacks 🍬, and endless Butterbeer 🍺.

🎢 Rides:
Diagon Alley: Escape from Gringotts
Hogsmeade: Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff & Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure (arguably the BEST ride in Orlando! 🌟)
🏰 Ambiance: Hogwarts Castle 🏰 vs. a fire-breathing dragon 🐉—impossible to choose! (Bonus: Both have Ollivanders Wand Shop 🪄.)

I know it’s like choosing between Luna and Neville… but if you had to pick just one, would you explore 🏰 Hogsmeade or 🐉 Diagon Alley? Drop your answer below! ⬇️

11/02/2025

🚢✨ Step into a world where dazzling entertainment meets the high seas aboard Royal Caribbean!

🌊 Among the myriad of thrilling shows and performances, the Aqua Shows stand out as a signature spectacle, unique to the cruise line.

Yet, the allure of Royal Caribbean's entertainment extends far beyond. With a broad spectrum of riveting performances, include Broadway hits like "Grease" to breathtaking ice skating shows, there's a world of wonder waiting for every type of traveler. They truly make sure there's something spectacular for everyone to enjoy!

09/02/2025

After Shrek 4-D closed back in 2022, fans wondered what was next for our swamp-loving ogre. Now, he’s returned in a BIG way with immersive experiences and interactions in Universal Orlando’s DreamWorks Land! 🎉✨ Here are just a few things to look forward to:

🛝 Shrek’s Swamp - A play area where little ogres can get the wiggles out and even splash around! There are even walk-in drying machines nearby! 🌬️

📸 Shrek’s Swamp Meet - Get your photo taken with the big green guy himself, Princess Fiona and Donkey.

🥨 Swamp Snacks - Treats and snacks fit for an ogre...including a Shrekzel, a Shrek-shaped pretzel!

Send me a message when you're ready to get a trip on the books!

08/02/2025

Have your sights set on a magical Disney Cruise in 2026? 🚢✨ Booking early is the key to getting the best prices and the best staterooms! Disney Cruise Line’s pricing typically increases as the ship fills up, so locking in your reservation as soon as itineraries are released can save you a lot of money. Plus, you’ll have the best selection of rooms!

💡 Pro tip: Even if you’re just considering it, book now—you can always modify your plans later. Early birds really do catch the worm!

Who's excited to see where Disney will be sailing in 2026? Drop a ✨ in the comments if you're ready to plan ahead!

Find out more information here:

https://www.livingwiththemagic.com/2025/02/06/disney-cruise-line-summer-2026-magical-v

07/02/2025

Think Disney Cruises are just for older kids? Think again!

👶🚼 There are tons of activities and complimentary amenities designed just for infants and toddlers. From splash zones and character meet-and-greets to nurseries and toddler-friendly dining, Disney makes cruising with little ones stress-free and magical.

✨ I’ve put together a FREE guide to help moms navigate Disney Cruise Line with little ones!

Grab your copy here ➡️ https://caitlinplansmagic.myflodesk.com/xc5uqfkwhi

Would you cruise with a baby or toddler? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

06/02/2025

Our 10th Annual Girls Getaway Weekend is this August 14-18th and we are returning to Walt Disney World!

Here is a little FAQ for anyone interested!
Q: Who can attend the Girls’ Getaway Weekend?
👯‍♀️ This event is open to all women 16 and up! Whether it’s a mother-daughter trip, a sister bonding session, or a weekend with your besties, every queen is welcome!

Q: What’s the vibe of these weekends?
🎠 Imagine stepping onto Main Street, U.S.A., feeling like royalty, laughing until your sides hurt, and making memories that will last forever. It’s all about pressing pause on adulting and saying “yes” to magic!

Q: Which Disney resorts are best for my girl squad?
🏰 *We’ve got some faves:
Pop Century Resort for retro fun!
Polynesian Village Resort for tropical vibes!
Caribbean Beach Resort for a serene island feel!
Yacht & Beach Club Resorts for luxury and waterfront charm!

Q: How do I sign up for the 2025 Girls’ Getaway Weekend?
✨ Easy! Book your vacation package through us, and we’ll handle the rest – from meet-ups to itinerary planning. Plus, book early for flexible payments and automatic discounts!

Q: Is it kid-free?
🙌 YES! This is your time to play like a kid – no parenting duties required!

Q: What should I pack?
👗 Your favorite Disney outfits, comfy shoes, and of course, Mickey ears!

Just a $200 deposit secures your spot!!🕰️✨

01/02/2025

If vacation is all about treating yourself, have you ever thought about a Disney Cruise? It’s all about the value, relaxation, and fun, but it’s also about the FOOD – and most of it is included in the cruise fare. Craving some pizza at 11? No problem! Want a snack to hold you over until dinner? Get a burger or chicken tenders!

It’s not just burgers and fries though! Each ship has its own unique offerings (BBQ, salads, wraps, tacos), but the variety is there across the fleet. Eat until your heart’s content without a surprise credit card bill when you get off the ship!

🚨 For a limited time Disney Cruise Line is offering two great deals:
50% off the third and fourth person for Disney+ Subscribers for select cruises
50% off the required deposit when booking select cruises

if you’ve been to the parks and are starting to plan a vacation for next year, take a look at a Disney cruise. I’m happy to help you sort through the details!

29/01/2025

While the spontaneity of "winging it" on vacation can sound dreamy, theme park vacations are a different story. Even the most carefree travelers can benefit from having a loose plan in place. 📝

Here are 3 reasons why a little structure goes a long way in the parks:

1️⃣ Parks are Always Busy

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

2️⃣ It’s Easy to Feel Lost

From navigating the parks to managing systems like Lightning Lanes or Express Passes, going in blind can lead to confusion—and even frustration.

3️⃣ A Plan = More Magic

Even a simple outline ensures you experience the rides, shows, and moments that matter most to your family without wasting time figuring out what to do next.

My goal is simple: to help my clients enjoy their vacations, stress-free. ✨ You’re absolutely still in control and your plan will reflect your wants and needs. Trust me, the right plan makes ALL the difference!

28/01/2025

Want to dip your toes into the world of cruising but not sure where to start? There's no better way to start than aboard Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas. Offering the ideal short escapes with 3 and 4-day itineraries, it's the perfect introduction to life at sea.

Why Choose a Short Itinerary?
✔️Just Right: Perfect for cruisers looking to experience the magic of a cruise without a long commitment.
✔️Ease Into Cruising: Get a feel for cruise life and discover why it’s such a beloved way to travel.
✔️Maximize Vacation Time: Short on time? A 3 or 4-day cruise fits seamlessly into busy schedules, providing a blissful getaway.

Your adventure begins here. Pack your bags and let the Allure of the Seas introduce you to the joys of cruising!

🚢🌴

23/01/2025

I know, it’s a little strange to talk about water parks when temps are below freezing in some places and some of us are wearing so many layers we can’t put our arms fully down at our sides, but it’s actually a GREAT TIME to talk about them!

First, if you’re staying at an on-property resort in Walt Disney World, FREE admission at one of their water parks is included on your check-in day! Typically, only one water park is open during the winter, but both are great fun.

Second, no matter if you’re at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, or over at Universal’s Volcano Bay (which just won a Travvy Award for Best Water Park), the water is heated, and the crowds are usually smaller which also means the lines will be shorter.

If you’re staying on-property at Walt Disney World this year, will you be taking advantage of Free Water Park Admission? Or, if you have your eye on Universal, will you see what all the hype is about Volcano bay?

21/01/2025

Living With The Magic Vacations is turning 10! Follow along for fun events each month! This is the first one: comment on the post with your favorite Walt Disney World memory for a chance to win a special prize!

🎉 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟬 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀! 🎉

This January marks a decade of crafting unforgettable journeys for families like yours. To express our gratitude, we're thrilled to announce our the first of our monthly giveaways.

This month, we're celebrating "Magical Beginnings" and because our Disney roots run deep, this month, we want to read about your favorite Disney memory!

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿:
1️⃣ 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝘀: Follow us on both Facebook and Instagram
2️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆: Comment below with your favorite Disney memory—whether it's meeting Mickey for the first time, experiencing the magic of Cinderella's Castle, or any other cherished Disney moment
3️⃣ 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰: Share this post with fellow travel lovers to let them in on the fun! (Sharing is appreciated but not required.)

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:
𝐸𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑: January 21st through January 27th (midnight EST).
𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑒: The winner will choose a Disney-inspired enamel camping mug from Etsy seller PixieDustTradeCo
𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡: We'll reveal the lucky winner on January 31st.

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆𝘀! We can't wait to hear your enchanting Disney stories. Here's to many more adventures together! 🏰✨