Katie Murphy, Custom Travel Professionals

18/01/2025

There’s so much buzz around Disneyland this year as they prepare to kick off their 70th anniversary celebration. If you’d like to get ahead of all the celebration chasers and enjoy the parks when it is a little more quiet and with all the original magical, why not NOW?! No time like the present, and I have to think visiting during the Lunar New Year celebration will bring good luck to you ALL year long! (Just ask Mushu and the ancestors!) The Lunar New Year celebration is unique to Disneyland, so East Coasters-let’s gooooo! Anyone else think this looks like the best cure for the winter blues?

17/01/2025

It’s opening day for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts! Let’s shine a bright light on the Food Studios, where the dishes look and taste AHHHmazing. Feast your eyes on these photos of small bites from past festivals. It seems like they get better and more creative every year!

Now, let’s get real: I’m all about being strategic with your time and money. If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, save your snack credits and use them at the Food Studios. It’s a great use of your plan! Or if you’re paying cash, do yourself (and your bank account) a favor and get a gift card for the amount of money you are budgeting for food and drink. It’s WAY too easy to keep swiping and eating without regard for what you’re spending. I may or may not be speaking from experience here.

Have you been to EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts? If so, is it all about the culinary arts for you? If you haven’t been but are curious, ask me anything! I'll actually be there TOMORROW! Drop a question or
comment below or email [email protected] today!

17/01/2025

Jambo! 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: Guests must be at least 8 years old, between 45-300 pounds (everyone gets weighed beforehand), and at least 48 inches tall. Under 18? Bring an adult!
Price and Times: The tour costs $219-$229 per person and typically runs at 8:45am, 10:15am, and 11:45am daily. Pro tip: Book the earliest slot to avoid the heat—it’s a 3-hour outdoor adventure!
Activities: You’ll explore Animal Kingdom’s habitats, dine on the savanna, and cross two bridges (over a crocodile habitat!). It’s safe, thrilling, and totally unforgettable.
Extras: The “snack” included is more like a meal, with items like tandoori shrimp, chicken wraps, fruit, and sweet treats. You’ll also get professional photos from your guide, plus a souvenir reusable water bottle to take home!

Have YOU tried this one-of-a-kind tour? Share your experience! If not, I’m happy to answer any questions you have!

16/01/2025

Hey space travelers, when you are working on your Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction wish list, where does Space Mountain rank for you? Is it one of the first three attractions you HAVE to nail down a return time for or is it something that if you get to it, you get to it? (And if you don’t, maybe your back and neck will thank you?

15/01/2025

13/01/2025

Disney vacation planning is always evolving, always changing and can be really daunting when, let’s face it, you’re also running a household, holding down a job and trying to find time to catch up on Yellowstone. Put me to work for you! I’ll do all the heavy lifting, and you just have to figure out which 32 outfits to bring for your week long vacation. What planning duty would you want to unload first?

12/01/2025

Happy National Pizza Week! Let’s talk about this ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, inexpensive, and always hits the spot—especially when you’re in the middle of a fun-filled day at Universal Studios. Before the hunger panic sets in, pop into Louie’s Italian Restaurant. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick slice (or a whole pie!) that everyone in your crew will love and it won’t break the bank.

This is Universal Studios, so stepping into Louie’s feels like walking onto the set of a classic mob movie. With its vintage decor and cozy atmosphere, it’s a nice little escape from the hustle and bustle of the park. By the way, there’s more than just pizza on the menu here. You can get Italian classics like chicken parm, meatball subs, salads and more. Gluten free pasta is available too!

Your turn to share...about how often do you have pizza and what’s your favorite topping? Or is plain cheese your go-to?

11/01/2025

10/01/2025

I know you guys get asked too, “Why do you keep going back to Walt Disney World year after year?” My biggest reason is that every trip feels a little different. Even if there is no new attraction or restaurant opening, maybe it’s a new show or a new festival happening. Or maybe, for me, it’s just the magical little touches like completing a scavenger hunt and getting a fun little surprise. Maybe it’s boarding the bus and watching the driver give a kiddo a sticker. There is always something to love on every.single.trip. What is it that keeps you coming back again and again?

09/01/2025

You know what’s something fun and totally different to do on a non-park day at Walt Disney World? The Aerophile hand-painted helium balloon at Disney Springs!

From 400 feet above Disney Springs (don’t worry, you’re tethered and it’s smooth sailing), you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views of Walt Disney World. See if you can spot the theme park landmarks or just soak in the experience. Talk about an Instagram worthy moment! At around $25 per person, this won’t break the bank either. Whether you’re a couple looking for something romantic or a family looking to create a core memory for the kids, a trip on Aerophile just might be what you’re looking for.

Lainey Kate and I did this together a few years ago, and we could see the fireworks over Magic Kingdom in the distance. The views were spectacular!

What about you? Sound fun or would you rather drop that money at the Ganachery? If you’ve done it before, what did you think? Talk to me!

09/01/2025

Okay, hear me out. If you’ve ever watched a runDisney weekend kick off and thought, “That looks so fun, but I’m not a runner so…”—I’m here to tell you, you don’t have to be! Just like we learned in Ratatouille, “Anyone can cook,” the same is true for runDisney events: Anyone can run! And by “run,” I also mean walk, jog, stroll, or do whatever pace feels right for YOU in the shorter events. Here’s why you should definitely sign up for a 5K at least once:

*The vibes are dreamy! Imagine Disney music, character meet and greets, and cheering crowds encouraging you every step of the way. It’s not about speed—it’s about having a great time!
*Whether you cross the finish line after 3.1 miles or 26.2, that shiny runDisney medal is waiting for you. And trust me—it’s worth it!
*At the risk of repeating myself, it’s for EVERYONE. MANY participants walk the 5K and even the 10K. You don’t need to be a pro athlete!

What’s holding you back from doing a runDisney event? I'm a runDisney veteran so maybe I can help answer some questions for you? Drop them in the comments or email [email protected] .

07/01/2025

On January 7th, 2008, Disney’s MGM Studios officially became Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and wow—what a transformation this park has undergone! From celebrating the golden age of Hollywood to becoming the epicenter of immersive lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios continues to evolve. But the changes aren’t stopping anytime soon. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming next:

*Unfairly Ever After-a new Villains show
*The Little Mermaid-A Musical Adventure show
*Monsters, Inc. Land
*Muppets take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
*Muppets 3-D Vision is closing permanently

What do YOU think about Hollywood Studios’ evolution? Are you a fan of its Hollywood glam past, or are you happy with the changes? Let’s chat in the comments about what you’re most excited for in this ever-evolving park! And...do you think it will have yet another name change??

07/01/2025

After the hectic holidays with all online shopping, emails, notifications, and screen time, doesn’t a low-tech winter escape sound like a dream? At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, the only thing you need to plug into is paradise. Whether it’s floating down the lazy river, basking on the beach, or soaking in the infinity pool, you’ll find serenity around every corner. And when you’re ready for some action, activities like hula lessons, lei-making, and fireside storytelling will make you so happy that you traded screen time for lifetime Hawaiian memories.

There’s no shortage of low-tech fun for the kids either and they will not be bored. From the Menehune Adventure Trail (a scavenger hunt) to Aunty’s Beach House, Aulani makes leaving those devices behind easy for everyone.

When’s the last time you truly unplugged? Does the idea of trading screens for sunsets sound like exactly what you need after the holidays? Let’s chat about how Aulani can give you exactly that!

06/01/2025

05/01/2025

To bag or not to bag, THAT is the question! While I can’t seem to pare down to less than an oversized f***y pack kind of bag or a Loungefly (and it took YEARS to get there), I have heard rumors of these unicorn guests who visit the parks with NO bags! Talk to me about your bag choice! How big do you go? How stuffed is it? Who has to carry it? Or if you are one of these master park goers that can just walk through security without a bag in sight, who are you and what is your secret?

05/01/2025

My ideal cruise day starts with a latte (with the cute foam character art on top) while looking out over the ocean while on my balcony. (You could even buy one of those plush robes so you feel REALLY relaxed!) After a fabulous breakfast of Mickey churro waffles, I’m heading to Senses Spa for a massage. Then comes made to order tacos with an ocean view and a ride on the AquaMouse. I’m going to win every round of Disney trivia, kill it at karaoke, buy one of those cute plushie towel animals and have dinner with Anna, Elsa and Olaf in Arendelle. Let’s be dreamers together and tell me all about your dreamiest day at sea with Disney Cruise Line?