Caitlin McDonald - Travel Advisor with Living With The Magic Vacations

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! 🏰✨

21/01/2025

Love the idea of partying during Mardi Gras but not quite up for the wild New Orleans experience?

Check out Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval at Universal Orlando Resort! It’s all the fun of the celebration—delicious food 🍤, festive drinks 🍹, live music 🎶, vibrant parades 🎭, and ALL the beads—within the safety of the Universal Orlando bubble. 🎉✨

There’s even a great dining package that includes standing on a float during the parade and throwing the beads!

Bonus Tip: The dining card promo is still available during Mardi Gras! Don’t miss out!

If this sounds like it's more you Mardi Gras vibe, let's talk about getting you booked for this festive street party that runs February 1st-March 30th!

19/01/2025

🌟 I just booked a magical Walt Disney World vacation for a multigenerational family this fall! 🌟

Four families, three generations, and one unforgettable adventure—staying in 1-bedroom villas at the stunning Polynesian Village Resort! Not only are these villas brand new but they offer breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom and are just a monorail ride away! 🌺🏝

Planning for a big family trip like this can feel overwhelming, but that’s where I come in! From securing the perfect accommodations to crafting a seamless itinerary, I’ve handled every detail so they can simply relax and enjoy.

If you’ve been dreaming of a Disney vacation that brings your whole family together, let’s make it happen for you too!

18/01/2025

Can’t decide which character meal to book? There are so many options, and honestly, it’s hard to know which one’s THE ONE. BUT…if you’re looking for something fun, delicious, and maybe a little less chaotic than some of the bigger character meals, take a look at Chip and Dale’s Harvest Feast at Garden Grill.

Hosted by Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto, this restaurant slowly rotates with views of the Living with the Land attraction! The food is farm-fresh (many of the veggies are grown right there in EPCOT’s Living with the Land!), and it’s all served family-style—so no buffet trips while juggling kids and characters. Plus, it’s quieter, more laid-back, and the characters tend to spend a little extra time at your table.

I recently went with my family right at dinner time, and it felt like we got visited by each character at least 4-5 times during the hour to hour and a half we were there. My daughter loved it so much!

Have you ever been to Garden Grill? What’s your favorite character meal?

17/01/2025

🚢 Big News! 🚢

I’m so excited to announce my new Facebook group:

Disney Cruise Line: Tips, Tricks, and Deals

As a travel advisor who specializes in Disney cruises, I’ll be sharing helpful tips, planning advice, and access to exclusive deals. Whether you’re new to cruising or a Disney Cruise pro, this group is the perfect place to get inspired, ask questions, and plan a truly magical vacation!

🚨 As a bonus for the month of January, I'm offering onboard credit to anyone in the group that books with me!

If you love Disney and are dreaming of a cruise, come join the fun. I’d love to help make your next adventure unforgettable! 🌟

15/01/2025

🦸If you’re a superhero fan, consider a Marvel Day at Sea Disney Cruise! The 5-night sailings typically run from January to Mid-March from Fort Lauderdale on the Disney Dream, with itineraries to the Bahamas or Western Caribbean. The Bahamas itinerary even includes stop at both Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point for double the magic!

You might be wondering what makes Marvel Day at Sea so special? How about:

✅ Guests of all ages dress as their favorite heroes
✅ Marvel movies on Funnel Vision
✅ Trivia and special shows
✅ Plus, meet Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, Thor, Loki, Black Panther, ✅ Captain Marvel, and a lot more including Captain America (Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers)!

Ready to book? Send me a message!

13/01/2025

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!

Countdown to Magic: Only 220 days left until the magic begins! Just a $200 deposit secures your spot!!🕰️✨

11/01/2025

Winter is always welcome...until after Christmas! If you’re like most, your mind is wandering and it’s taking you in a much warmer direction now that the holidays are winding down. I used to live in Indiana, I know that feeling!

There are still MONTHS until spring, so let me point you toward a winter cruise! Sun, fun, tropical islands, rest, and relaxation await you. 😌✨

Wouldn’t you rather trade snow for sand? Send me a message just to see what a cruise can look like for you!

07/01/2025

There’s a lot of excitement for 2025 at our favorite destinations that may help you determine where to vacation in the new year. Here are some highlights:

🏰🏴‍☠️Walt Disney World is getting a new nighttime parade and Pirates of the Caribbean themed tavern at Magic Kingdom!

🎠🎉 Disneyland is celebrating its 70th Anniversary and Walt Disney is getting his own animatronic show!

⚓✨ Disney Cruise Line has another two ships setting sail: The Disney Adventure and Disney Destiny. That makes 8 ships! There also two great deals available for booking now!

🌍🎉 Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe opens in May and promises to be unforgettable for all ages!

Interested in any of these destinations or experiences? Send me a message today and find out more!

04/01/2025

🚨DEAL ALERT!🚨

FREE Disney Dining plan IS BACK!

02/01/2025

Happy New Year, friends! 🎉✨

There’s no better time than right now to start thinking about making your own seamless magic by booking your 2025 vacation. Why? It helps with the post-holiday blues and definitely has its benefits, such as:

🗓️Better Availability: Booking early gives you first dibs before everything gets snatched up.

💰Budget-Friendly Planning: Planning ahead means more time to save, strategize, and snag deals as they come along.

⏳That Glorious Trip Countdown: Having a trip countdown is a form of self-care!

Whether it’s to sail on a new Disney cruise ship, go “home” to Walt Disney World or be part of the 70th anniversary celebration at Disneyland in California, let’s make 2025 unforgettable from DAY ONE! Drop me a message! I'm ready to go to work for you!

31/12/2024

🎄🎅🏼🎁 Right now EPCOT is celebrating the International Festival of the Holidays, but the Festival of the Arts is coming up quick! It only runs for a short time (January 17-February 24) but it is a great time! Chalk art, scavenger hunts, fun and delicious food, family activities, exciting merch, Broadway style entertainment, and some gorgeous art for purchase. If you appreciate or are a supporter of the arts in any way, THIS is the festival for you!

If you’ve been to the Festival of the Arts, what would you say is a must do?

22/12/2024

DEAL ALERT!

If you've been on the fence about booking a Disney Cruise Line vacation, I'm here to tell you, NOW IS THE TIME!

◦Disney+ Subscribers save 50% for the third and fourth guests under 18 on select cruises on the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Wish January 3 - June 30, 2025.
OR
◦Pay only 50% of the required deposit at time of booking for select cruises June 2025 - May 2026.

The possibilities are endless! Not sure how to find an itinerary or ship that suits you? I will help you sift through all the dates, itineraries, ports, amenities, stateroom options, dining options, and anything else you can think of. I will be with you every step of the way! Send me a message and let's get started.

Discover the magic of the high seas with unbeatable Disney Cruise Line offers from Living With The Magic Vacations. Sail away on a dreamlike Disney adventure with our latest cruise specials, featuring exclusive perks and enchanting itineraries. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly getaway or a c...

21/12/2024

Some people will say that they favor Walt Disney World over Universal Orlando Resort because it’s more toddler friendly, but I disagree with that! While Walt Disney World allows more lap riding on rides with smaller children, Universal Orlando Resort provides Child/Family Swap for just about every ride.

I know what you’re thinking! Caitlin, Walt Disney World allows child swap too! It’s a little different at Universal Orlando Resort, and actually I think I prefer it this way because it allows the entire family to stay together which is easier when you only have adults and multiple kids.

The entire family can wait in line together and when you reach a certain point in the line, a cast member will ask you which family member(s) is riding first. They will then direct you to the Child/Family swap area, hand the person that’s not riding a paper ticket, and the first family member will go ride the ride. When the family member comes back the next goes with the ticket and gets bumped to the front of the line. After getting off the ride your party reconnects in the Child/Family swap area and exits the ride together.

Still not sold on doing Universal Orlando Resort with toddlers and babies? Send me a message and we can talk more!