Jo's Monogram Vacations

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Jo's Monogram Vacations I help busy families go on their dream vacations so they can make memories together! My concierge services are complimentary when you book a package.

I'm committed to saving you time, stress, and money so that you can just look forward to your vacation! I would love to help you plan your next vacation! I can take care of all the details when planning a visit to Disney Destinations, Universal Studios, and All-Inclusive resorts! The best part is that I can help you with booking, planning, dining reservations, touring plans, and much more without

costing you a penny! Email or message me for more info and start making magical memories that last a lifetime.

1️⃣ Rule  #1 of cruising: 👋🚢 The ship waits for NO ONE. If a flight delay or travel hiccup makes you late, that’s it. Yo...
16/03/2025

1️⃣ Rule #1 of cruising: 👋🚢 The ship waits for NO ONE. If a flight delay or travel hiccup makes you late, that’s it. Your vacation sails away without you.😩

✅ That’s why I always recommend arriving at your cruise departure port at least a day early—but why stop there? Make it part of the adventure!

For Port Canaveral sailings, why not:

⛱️ Relax at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort for a few days and slide into vacation mode, Disney style!
👩‍🚀 Explore Kennedy Space Center – Because what’s a cooler way to kick off a cruise vacation than learning about the space program?
😌 Spend a resort only stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel you’ve been wanting to try out and get a jump start on the Disney magic! This is my favorite option and what we usually do!

👑🌭🏰 Happy National Corn Dog Day! For years, Disneyland has been the undisputed corn dog champion—I mean, DLR basically o...
16/03/2025

👑🌭🏰 Happy National Corn Dog Day! For years, Disneyland has been the undisputed corn dog champion—I mean, DLR basically owns National Corn Dog Day. ✋But hold on… there’s a new player in snack town. Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs recently opened at Disney’s BoardWalk and they’re in it to win it with this extensive menu:

👌Hand-dipped, classic perfection
🇲🇽 Mexican Street Corn Dog- jalapeno cheddar sausage, hand dipped and topped with garlic mayo, corn, cheese and cilantro
🥒 Pickle Dog- a hot dog literally wrapped inside a dill pickle, hand dipped and served with peanut butter
🐲Golden Dragon Corn Dog – a crunchy, sweet, and spicy twist with sriracha mayo and sweet Thai chili
🧀 A GIANT mozzarella stick disguised as a corn dog (hey, not everyone does hot dogs)
🕵 As someone who takes my research very seriously, I had to investigate. And I gotta say… Walt Disney World is coming for Disneyland’s corn dog crown! 😱

🧸🍼🎈It’s National Preschoolers Day, so let’s talk the best Disney park for little ones—and no contest, it’s Disneyland! P...
14/03/2025

🧸🍼🎈It’s National Preschoolers Day, so let’s talk the best Disney park for little ones—and no contest, it’s Disneyland! Period. End of story. OK, I’ll give you a few reasons why:

🏰 Smaller & Easier to Navigate – No miles-long hikes between lands or to buses. Less walking = happier kiddos (and parents!)

🐘 More Classic, Less High-Tech – The rides here? Pure Disney charm. Think Dumbo, Casey Jr., Storybook Land Canal Boats—simple, sweet, and magical.

✨Characters Just… Exist Here – At Disneyland, many characters roam freely, like they actually live there. Seeing Peter Pan chase Captain Hook through Fantasyland? Or Gaston on his way to meet LeFou? That’s next-level magic.

🎠 Rides Made Just for Them – Disneyland has more rides with NO height requirement, so the whole family gets to experience the magic together!

📖 Pro Tip: Prior to your trip, read the “Little Man of Disneyland” Little Golden Book. His tiny house is built into a tree in Adventureland! Your kids’ mind will be blown!

💦🎢💦 Disney is giving you a free water park day—🤔 should you use it? A brand-new perk for 2025: Guests staying at a Walt ...
13/03/2025

💦🎢💦 Disney is giving you a free water park day—🤔 should you use it? A brand-new perk for 2025: Guests staying at a Walt Disney World resort now get FREE admission to a Disney water park on their arrival day only! But should you take advantage of it or just chill at the resort pool?

➡️ Let’s break it down:

👍 Resort pools are super convenient, relaxing, and a great way to ease into vacation mode. 👎 But…not all have slides, and none can match the thrill of a full-blown water park. 🚨 If you’re staying at a Value Resort, seriously consider this perk. Even with just a few hours (if you arrive late morning or early afternoon), at a water park you get access to slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and a whole new part of Walt Disney World you might not otherwise visit. 😳 Tickets are about $80 per person, so if Disney is giving you a freebie, why not take it?

Parents, you deserve a magical getaway—even if work has to come with you. 👩‍💻 The good news? Some Disney resorts make it...
13/03/2025

Parents, you deserve a magical getaway—even if work has to come with you. 👩‍💻 The good news? Some Disney resorts make it easier to balance work and fun more than others. Trust me, I'm an EXPERT when it comes to working at Walt Disney World, even when you'd rather be on rides with your family. While all Disney resorts have quiet spaces, some come with unique advantages. Here are my top six Disney resorts for working parents at all price points:

🎠 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Elegant, peaceful, and just one monorail stop to Magic Kingdom.
🖼️ Disney’s Riviera Resort – Gorgeous work spaces, Skyliner access to EPCOT & Hollywood Studios, and a quiet European charm.
🚝 Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Sleek, modern, tons of space to work and you can walk to Magic Kingdom or monorail to EPCOT.
⛱️ Disney’s Yacht/Beach Club – Plenty of workspaces and perfect for work-by-the-pool vibes at Stormalong Bay pool!
🏝️ Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort - Laid back atmosphere, Skyliner access and several indoor/outdoor workspaces
🎳 Disney’s Pop Century Resort - In-room workspace (fold up that murphy bed for an instant desk), Skyliner access to return the fun ASAP at EPCOT & Hollywood Studios.

Granted, I know if you’ve never used a Travel Agent there can be questions and some nerves. 😬 Will there be hidden fees?...
11/03/2025

Granted, I know if you’ve never used a Travel Agent there can be questions and some nerves. 😬 Will there be hidden fees? 💰 Will I lose all control over my plans? 😰 Will I end up paying more? 💸 Will I get ghosted after my deposit is placed? 👻 I get it. Once upon a time, I also used a Travel Agent and had all the same fears. So let’s get them ALL out, pals. 👋 Those of you who have never used a TA before, what’s been holding you back? What questions do you have? What are you afraid will happen if you give it a whirl? 🙃 I'd be happy to chat about any questions you have!

🔴👨🏻‍🔧🟢🌟🍄 It’s happening! After years of watching Hollywood have all the fun, the East Coast is finally getting SUPER NIN...
10/03/2025

🔴👨🏻‍🔧🟢🌟🍄 It’s happening! After years of watching Hollywood have all the fun, the East Coast is finally getting SUPER NINTENDO WORLD when Universal’s Epic Universe opens in May! Here’s what you’ll find in Orlando’s Mushroom Kingdom:

🦍 DONKEY KONG COUNTRY – A brand-new land where you can explore the jungle, meet Donkey Kong, and ride Mine-Cart Madness, a next-level coaster that actually jumps the track!

🏎️ MARIO KART: BOWSER’S CHALLENGE – Throw shells, collect coins, and race through an epic battle against Team Bowser.

🥚 YOSHI’S ADVENTURE – A fun, family-friendly ride hunting for glowing eggs. The little ones will love it!

📸 PHOTO OPS GALORE – Step through the iconic green pipe into Princess Peach’s Castle for a jaw-dropping first look at Super Nintendo World. Plus, meet Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Donkey Kong himself!

🍄 TOADSTOOL CAFE – Enjoy themed eats made by Chef Toad while watching him “cook” in the windows.

⌚️POWER-UP BANDS – If you’re competitive, grab a Power-Up Band to collect coins, complete challenges, and unlock surprises!

👍 A positive that came from the 😷 Covid changes around the Disney parks were the amazing cavalcades that popped up multi...
10/03/2025

👍 A positive that came from the 😷 Covid changes around the Disney parks were the amazing cavalcades that popped up multiple times a day. 🎶 Hearing the music blast and wondering what favorite friend was on their way led to excitement and lots of magical moments. On the other hand, Disney parades are unlike any other, and so many kiddos have amazing memories of 👋 waving to their Disney “besties”. So what’s the difference between the current parade and cavalcades? Let me explain...

✨ Festival of Fantasy Parade: A lengthy daily afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom full of favorite Disney pals. Extravagant floats and a variety of characters walking the route and interacting with the crowd.
✨ Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade: Featuring Bruno and Miguel, you’ll love seeing the heroes of some more recent Disney films and rare classic characters. These are simpler floats, have fewer walking characters, and are usually once per day.
✨ Rainy Day Cavalcade: When the full Festival of Fantasy parade gets cancelled due to rain, Disney does all they can to throw on some ponchos and still give us a small taste of the magic.

The Parade and Adventure Friends Cavalcade times can be found daily on your My Disney Experience app! You'll only see the Rainy Day Cavalcade if the Parade gets cancelled due to rain!

🤯🎁👾 Want to surprise your kiddos with a fun trip arrival basket? Along with shirts and fun things collected from before ...
08/03/2025

🤯🎁👾 Want to surprise your kiddos with a fun trip arrival basket? Along with shirts and fun things collected from before your trip, when you arrive at your resort, sneak into your resort’s arcade and purchase a refillable game card to slip into their trip treat bag. When you have some downtime and the kids want to hit the arcade while you sip something at the pool bar, they’ll be covered and super surprised! Look at you, best parent ever! 🎉🕹️🎉

🛞🚙🎶🇮🇹  Happy Birthday to Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters! This ride is a delightful, dance-filled experience where Luigi’s ...
08/03/2025

🛞🚙🎶🇮🇹 Happy Birthday to Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters! This ride is a delightful, dance-filled experience where Luigi’s cousins from Italy take you for a spin across the dance floor. Each car moves in sync with songs like: "Rollicking Night and Day", "Mambo Italiano", "The Tire-antella", "Eh, Cumpari", and "Funiculi Funicula", making every ride unique! Of course I have a couple of pro tips:

✨While the morning crowd rushes to Radiator Springs Racers, Luigi’s is often a walk-on.
✨Try it at night! – Neon lights + festive music = an extra magical experience!

🎳⛱️🍸Step back to a simpler time with a stylish (and reasonable) stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort! It’s got a ...
07/03/2025

🎳⛱️🍸Step back to a simpler time with a stylish (and reasonable) stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort! It’s got a mid-century feel, lots of neon lights, and so much on-property fun, you’ll want to book that extra day to take it all in. Of all of Universal’s resort hotels, here’s why this is one to consider:

✅ EARLY PARK ENTRY – Be among the first to hit the rides before the crowds.
✅ WALK TO VOLCANO BAY – Some rooms even have a stunning water park view!
✅ RETRO-COOL DESIGN – Think '50s and '60s throwback with bold colors and vintage feels.
✅ ENDLESS FUN – Two massive pools, a lazy river, AND a bowling alley? Yes!
✅ WALKABILITY & CONVENIENCE – Stay in the heart of the action, with easy access to CityWalk and theme parks.
✅ FAMILY SUITES - Spacious accommodations for parties of 6 with a kitchenette!

🔥🔥 HOT TAKE MOMENT, and I’m fully prepared to face the wrath of you….The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival ...
05/03/2025

🔥🔥 HOT TAKE MOMENT, and I’m fully prepared to face the wrath of you….The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is the BEST of any EPCOT festival. There, I said what I said! But let me share why...

Many of us are coming out of a COLD and dark winter, so that warmth and sunshine just hits differently in the spring. ☀️🌸🪴 The topiaries take center stage, with tons of these beauties located throughout the park. Don’t worry if you primarily hit up EPCOT for snacking, because all of those kiosks are in bloom too! 😋🌯

💜💚💛 HAPPY MARDI GRAS! 💜💚💛Every day is Mardi Gras at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter! Think colorful beads, j...
05/03/2025

💜💚💛 HAPPY MARDI GRAS! 💜💚💛

Every day is Mardi Gras at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter! Think colorful beads, jazzy music, and a relaxed-yet-festive vibe—here, the magic of Mardi Gras never ends! This charming, New Orleans-inspired resort is the smallest on Walt Disney World property, which means it’s got quaint, quiet charm while still delivering that lively ⚡️🏰⚡️Disney energy in all the right ways.

From cobblestone streets lined with gas lamps to the whimsical Doubloon Lagoon pool, this resort transports you straight to the heart of the Big Easy. And let’s not forget the beignets! Fresh, warm, and Mickey-shaped, they’re worth the stay alone.

I would say it’s best for:
✨ Guests who love a smaller, more intimate resort
✨ Guests who are on a moderate budget but worried about crowds at the resort
✨ Couples interested in a romantic atmosphere
✨ Families who want fun, but not overwhelming crowds
✨ Anyone who believes beignets are a breakfast staple

🎄🌍🛥️Christmastime in Europe is pure magic—a storybook holiday come to life—and there’s no better way to experience it th...
04/03/2025

🎄🌍🛥️Christmastime in Europe is pure magic—a storybook holiday come to life—and there’s no better way to experience it than on an ✴️ Adventures by Disney River Cruise. You’ll sail through the heart of Europe along the Danube or Rhine River, waking up each morning to a new charming town, each one bursting with festive spirit and unbelievable history. 🍷 From sipping mulled wine in Germany to wandering through Austria’s centuries-old markets, every stop is like stepping into a vintage Christmas card. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where Disney’s world-class storytelling meets AmaWaterways’ stellar hospitality and the charm of Europe’s most magical season. Ask me anything!

👏🚢 Did you know there’s a FREE 5K on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay? Yep! If you're sailing on a Disney Cruise Li...
03/03/2025

👏🚢 Did you know there’s a FREE 5K on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay? Yep! If you're sailing on a Disney Cruise Line itinerary that stops at Castaway Cay, you can join this relaxed, at-your-own-pace run (or walk-nobody’s watching) and earn a finisher medal at the end! 🎖️

🗺️ The course winds through parts of the island most guests never explore, giving you an excuse to soak in those tropical views before settling into a beach chair for the day. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just in it for the medal and bragging rights, this is one unique Disney experience you won’t want to miss!

🥜🧊☕️ Peanut butter lovers, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU! If you haven’t tried the Peanut Butter Cold Brew from 🦇🍪 Gideon’s Bakehou...
02/03/2025

🥜🧊☕️ Peanut butter lovers, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU! If you haven’t tried the Peanut Butter Cold Brew from 🦇🍪 Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs, consider this your official invitation. It’s smooth, nutty, slightly sweet, and honestly, borderline addictive. They say the first sip is bliss and the last is devastating. It’s THAT good. Pair it with one of their legendary cookies (might I suggest the Peanut Butter Crunch?) and you’ve got the ultimate sweet treat pick-me-up! 😃

🚫🥤Let’s get real for a second—if you’ve been to a Disney park lately, you know those paper straws are... not magical. Th...
28/02/2025

🚫🥤Let’s get real for a second—if you’ve been to a Disney park lately, you know those paper straws are... not magical. They’re soggy by the time you hit the second sip, and if you’re enjoying a Dole Whip float or milkshake, good luck. 😒

That's why in the extensive packing list I send to clients in their final travel handbook a month before their vacation, I include several options for straws to purchase ahead of time!

🎳💾🪀 Let’s talk about Disney’s Pop Century Resort—because while it’s not a deluxe (or even moderate) resort, for so many ...
28/02/2025

🎳💾🪀 Let’s talk about Disney’s Pop Century Resort—because while it’s not a deluxe (or even moderate) resort, for so many people, it’s HOME. And honestly, it’s easy to see why! Pop has a vibrant, fun vibe that celebrates the nostalgia of decades past, from larger-than-life decor to fun nods to everything from yo-yos to floppy disks (remember those?). But there’s more to Pop than just its charm—it’s packed with perks that make it a fan-favorite, especially for multi-generational trips.

🤑 For starters, it’s a Disney Value Resort, which means you’re saving some serious cash while still getting all the perks of staying on property (hello, early park entry!). 🚠 And thanks to the Disney Skyliner, Pop Century guests have quick, breezy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It’s like having a deluxe-level transportation option at a value price. Score! 🙌

✅ It’s also the perfect middle ground for big family trips. Grandparents can appreciate the throwback vibe (and food court with plenty of options), while the little ones will love the colorful, oversized characters around the resort. And for everyone else? Affordable rooms and fun pools make it a no-brainer.

While this resort doesn't work for every family, it is such a great option for those looking to save on their resort cost while still enjoying Disney magic outside of the parks!

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Jo’s Monogram Vacations -

I help busy families go on their dream vacations so they can make memories together!

Nice to meet you! I'm Jo Varnum, owner of Jo's Monogram Vacations and your dedicated travel specialist.

Just like a monogram is personal to you, I make sure each vacation I plan is tailored specifically with you and your family in mind. No two vacations should be exactly the same, and I want to make sure every detail is customized to your preferences. My goal is to always save you time, stress, and money so you can just look forward to your vacation!

Ready to start planning your next adventure? Request a Quote.