Katie Murphy, Custom Travel Professionals

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Katie Murphy, Custom Travel Professionals

With my experience in the travel industry and extensive knowledge of the Disney parks and destination The match had pixie dust sprinkled all over it!
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Although she had visited Walt Disney World three times throughout her childhood and college years, Katie didn’t fully grasp the Disney magic until she took her four year old son to Walt Disney World in 2009. Katie couldn’t explain exactly why she had tears in her eyes while watching her child stand in awe of the fireworks, she just knew it was a moment that she would never forget. Since 2009, ther

e have too many of these special moments to even recount. Trips during the Christmas holidays, hot Florida summertime trips, girl trips, anniversary trips, birthday trips, runDisney trips, and even a vow renewal trip. Each Disney experience has provided Katie not only heart full of Disney love, but also a mind full of Disney knowledge. When she wasn’t planning her own trips she was researching ideas for other people. Friends and family began to seek out her advice when planning their Walt Disney World vacations. Katie quickly became the resident “Disney girl” who was always happy to share her passion for Disney with anyone who would listen. In 2016 a friend referred her to a local travel agency who was looking for an agent to specialize in Disney Destinations. Now, a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, Katie is ready to help YOU plan and book your Disney trip of a lifetime!

08/11/2024

So, you're heading to Walt Disney World during the holidays... and you're wondering if you should drop the extra cash on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Honestly, who isn’t! It's a big splurge, and let’s be real—the trip already isn’t exactly easy on the wallet.

But here’s the thing: that cost offers shorter wait times for the best rides, exclusive shows and parades you won’t see during the day, free holiday treats and cocoa, and snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A. I mean, where else can you get that? Plus “limited capacity” means lower crowds and not feeling like you're battling for space with every other human on the planet.

Listen, I can tell you what makes the event special, but at the end of the day, you’ve
got to weigh whether those perks are enough to justify the price. If you want to know more, or need help deciding if it’s worth it for you, I’m here to help! Email [email protected] to learn more!

07/11/2024

Park hopper or base tickets? It’s one of the top questions we travel agents get. Deciding if the extra cost is worth it can be tough—no one wants to waste money, but time is just as valuable. Disney’s park hopper ticket upgrade gives you more value for both in a few ways:

*Dining: Finding that your favorite restaurants seem to be in just one or two parks? With a park hopper, you can easily dine at any park at any time.
*Flexibility: Swamped by crowds? A park hopper lets you switch parks if one feels too packed. A leisurely afternoon or evening stroll around World Showcase could be just what you need after a busy Magic Kingdom morning.
*Lightning Lanes: Want to hit top rides in different parks on the same day? With the Lightning Lane Single Pass, you can purchase two per day, and they don’t have to be in the same park.
*Maximize time: If your time is limited, you can ride your must-dos and then bounce to the next park with ease.

Are you team park hopper or team base ticket? Tell us in the comments!

07/11/2024

Tired of feeling like you need a military-grade itinerary for your Walt Disney World trip? "OK, we’re waking up at 6 AM, rope dropping this, then riding that, then sprinting across the park for lunch, and squeezing in more rides before dinner.” Sound fun? Or completely exhausting? If planning is starting to feel like a high-pressure mission, I’ve got some great ideas of how you can make your Disney park touring low stress:

*Buy the Lightning Lanes. It’s an additional cost, but no one wants to get all the way to Walt Disney World and spend precious park time standing in long lines.
*Avoid visiting during school breaks if possible.
*Take an afternoon break. I promise you, you want to avoid afternoon crowds, highest temps and exhaustion!
*Time of day matters: Not a morning person? Try shutting down the parks instead of rope dropping. Crowds can be lower and the temps cool down a bit.
*Attend an After Hours event. Yes, an additional cost, but these are well loved for the lower wait times and opportunities to meet special characters.

Ok, those are a few of my top tips for low stress park days. Let’s fill the comments with YOUR best ideas!

05/11/2024

Although there are loads of great spots for adults to just be adults on a Disney Cruise Line vacation, the kid in you is still going to want to peek out from behind that book and mimosa and meet some characters in their DCL castaway best! Which character would you most want to have your picture snapped with right before you slide back into the Rainforest Room to decompress?

05/11/2024

Sure, there’s things that Walt Disney World does better than Disneyland (like the size for one) but maaaan, is there anyone else with HUGE Avenger FOMO every time they see images from Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park? You can dine at Pym Test Kitchen, have a Guardians dance-off, save the campus from Spider-Bots and meet Avengers like Doctor Strange just walking around, being cool and saving the universe in their spare time. What would you want to do first at Avengers Campus?

03/11/2024

Pssst...the best unkept secret in Orlando is that Universal Orlando Resort is the place to be! You don’t need to be a technology wiz to navigate the parks. They have great, actual money saving promotions just about ALL the time. There’s attractions, characters and food that appeal to ALL ages. What has been keeping you from trying Universal?

03/11/2024

We have officially flipped the page to November. If that sends you into an, “I’m not ready” panic, I’d love to be your Santa. Have you ever considered the idea of wrapping up a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or Disney Cruise Line vacation to put under the tree? Or imagine spending the holidays IN Walt Disney World. It is NOT too late to book an unforgettable holiday IN the happiest place on earth. If you COULD do Christmas in Disney, what would be your must do, where would you stay and what would you eat?

25/10/2024

Call me crazy, but for me, part of my Disney trip fun is hanging out in the Orlando International Airport. I always have to take a picture of the famous MCO carpet as soon as I get off the plane! It's a sign that I'm home! What are your airport trip traditions?

24/10/2024

Oh sigh, remember when we used to be able to meet Tinker Bell over in Town Hall on Main Street, USA? It was the sweetest set up and Tink was always so much fun. Although you can no longer find her in Walt Disney World, clip on your wings and head to Disneyland where you can not only chat with Tink but you can channel YOUR inner fairy and take a stroll through Pixie Hollow. I miss this character interaction in Walt Disney World. Anyone else think Tinker Bell should return? Wouldn’t she be perfect over by Peter Pan’s Flight?

24/10/2024

Universal’s CityWalk is the perfect spot for great dining-you have so many different cuisines: Mexican, Italian, wood-fired steaks, burgers, bar food. Whatever you are craving, you’ll find it. If maybe what you REALLY crave is saving some cash, there are also plenty of quick service, lower cost options as well. (Some names you already know!) After a jam packed day in the parks, where is your favorite place to grab some dinner in CityWalk?

22/10/2024

Is it the journey or the destination? We hear this expression a lot, but it really is a hard question to answer when it comes to cruising. Disney Cruise Line takes the cake with both the magical experience and the amazing ports of call. With itineraries like the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and more, there is a sailing for all interests. But if the sights aren’t the star of the trip, you won’t be disappointed with all that DCL has to offer.

Included in each sailing are:
*Broadway-style shows
*Exciting dining experiences
*Characters galore
*An abundance of onboard activities for all ages
*Disney level of service
Each ship is a floating destination filled with all of the things you love about Disney!

What do you say? Is a Disney Cruise Line trip just about the port adventures, or would you be just as happy never stepping off the ship?

21/10/2024

Chances are you have probably had your photo taken by the giant keg carrying Gaston in front of Gaston’s Tavern but...have you been in? Waiting for you inside are cinnamon rolls the size of your head, LeFou’s Brew, the Grey Stuff Cupcake, and now even savory fare like the brand new Ham & Gruyere tart. This nook is a great place to escape the crowds and have something quick and easy to share before you go back to slay the day. Have you tried it? What’s your go-to order?

20/10/2024

At Disney’s newest island paradise, you can snorkel, visit Goombay Cultural Center, do some shopping, chow down on some BBQ, rent a private cabana, explore by ATV, ride a banana boat, rent some bikes, fish by kayak, take a nature walk or just nap and swing on a hammock. You are NOT going to want to miss all this gorgeous new island setting has to offer.

What will you want to do first on your next stop at Lighthouse Point at Lookout Cay? What does your perfect island beach day look like?

19/10/2024

Okay, we all know that Walt Disney World is more about the magic than the thrill rides… but let’s be real, some of those rides pack a punch and can definitely leave you feeling a little woozy! Whether it’s the spinning, the drops, or that unexpected motion (looking at you, backward section of Expedition Everest), there are a few that get even the best of us.

What about you? Which Disney ride leaves YOU clutching your stomach or needing recovery time? Drop a comment below so I know I’m not alone in this one!

18/10/2024

What used to be one of those far-fetched bucket list kind of vacations has now become one of the most popular cruise destinations. I’m talking about Alaska! An Alaskan cruise is unlike anything else! It can be budget friendly while still being rich in core memory making experiences and nature’s most bountiful beauty on full display. There are a variety of cruise lines that offer different itineraries and a range of prices.

Let’s stop saying “bucket list”...why keep waiting to take these adventures? Who else is dreaming of an Alaskan cruise vacation? What do you most want to see?

17/10/2024

NO UPCHARGE FOR THIS? I feel like it’s only a matter of time before this reservation gets its own special (more expensive) category, but for now, here’s my PARADE TIP:

Book a late lunch at Tony’s Town Square (about :30 prior to the parade start) and request to sit outside. The patio offers a nice view of the parade, which you can enjoy while dining on chicken parm, mozzarella sticks or anything else off of the Italian fare menu. It’s not a front and center view, but if you’re a casual parade fan, this is a comfortable way to enjoy the ambiance and energy of the Festival of Fantasy parade!

How about you? Does lunch with a view fit the bill or do you need to be closer to the action?

17/10/2024

PRO TIP: Journey of Water is STUNNING (and a lot less crowded) AT NIGHT. There are more than a few Walt Disney World attractions that have a different (dare I say better) vibe at night and this one tops the list. The lighting is magical, the soft sounds of water can actually be heard and getting a little wet at the end of the day (when you don’t have to run to dining reservations or pose for family photos) is so fun! Plus, you’ll see hidden details that can’t be seen in the daylight.

So definitely visit Te Fiti after dark but also...think for a minute and tell us what attraction you think is SO MUCH BETTER at night!

16/10/2024

If you’re a Walt Disney World pro, you're probably at least a little curious about how Disneyland compares, right? OK, let me tell you—on top of the intimate, nostalgic feel, there are SO many reasons to spend your next vacation at Walt’s park:
*It’s literally steps between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. Park hop in minutes!
*There are many new and classic exclusive attractions and experiences that are totally unique to Disneyland. Sleeping Beauty Castle is an attraction!
*From holiday overlays (hello, Sandy Claws) to rare characters walking about, Disneyland knows how to sprinkle in that extra magic!

As a travel agent who knows BOTH coasts, I help my clients craft the perfect Disneyland itinerary so they don’t miss a thing.

Planning a trip to Disneyland is VERY different from WDW, but I’ll make sure it’s just as magical (if not more!). Email [email protected], there’s no need to feel overwhelmed!

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