Adventure Awaits with the Sturgills

22/10/2024

Packages launched today but I’m still sorting through what’s available and when because they are saying some things like one day tickets (beyond AP) and unlimited express passes will be available at a later date BEFORE park opening.

So I’m trying to be patient, even with my own trip… so that we make smart decisions.

Stay tuned.

Now if you know you want a package and you are fine with only one day at Epic during that time span- let me know and I’ll run numbers for you this afternoon.

See screenshot below to see sample pricing in October of next year (my likely first visit unless I can get a one day Epic ticket before then)

16/10/2024

Well well well… Disney this was unexpected. Basically they have their own version of Universals Express Pass now.

Enter Premier Pass to the convo. 😭

WDW— Prices for Lightning Lane Premier Passes vary by date and theme park. At launch, prices will range from $129 to $449 (per pass, plus tax), with the highest prices falling on a limited number of days over peak travel periods. Eligible Guests will be able to view prices in the My Disney Experience app.

14/10/2024

Anyone already using Mobile Passport?? We noticed the signs at JFK when we landed on Sat from Germany.

I looked more into it and it def has some perks if you do not already have Global Entry- and it’s free!!!!

Let me know if you want me to explain more, but I linked an article below that has tons of helpful info…

01/10/2024

Just saved 4 of my 14 early 2025 clients a total of $2760.54!!!! I call this the Disney lottery!!! (Check your emails and DMs) 🥳💰🏰 🎆

Thank goodness the new promo dropped today when I was doing ADR for another client and I got on the phone right away!!! Over 2 hours and 20 min on the phone (while getting ready and during car pool)!!!!

Most of the other clients had bounce back offers which almost ALWAYS is the best pricing!! And 3 were outside the date range, 1 would have to move resorts to get the promo…

Plus booked another bounce back for a client who just checked out last week for next September 😎

26/09/2024

Utopia Tips and Tricks 😎

26/09/2024

Anyone else want a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation planner or an Alaska brochure… or Cabana or Perfect Day guides?

Let me know!! 🏝️😎 👙

24/09/2024

For those wanting 2026 and 2027 Royal Caribbean itineraries- here is when they post each region. 😎

Let me know if you have your eye on something- the earlier the better with pricing in most cases 🏝️

24/09/2024

This is excellent news!!!

https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/das-validity-period-extended-at-walt-disney-world/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3ZjYs8FoezPMXcd1cnFGC-kMPsHP7Nd0SDXUwMxJl3pGSgX63hHou_Bok_aem_64SbV5ITi1TsNJerwQ1pQA

Beginning today, Walt Disney World has updated their terms to their Disability Access Service, extending the validity period from 120 to 240 days.

24/09/2024

WOWZERS!!! You guys do this every time I go away!!!

So far today I have booked a bounce back for AKL Savannah View Club Level, Grand Floridian, a cruise on Celebrity to Spain, Portugal and Morocco...

AND a Christmas trip to Universal at Royal Pacific- with express passes and a ONE THOUSAND DOLLAR DINING CARD as part of a PROMO!!!!!! Whattttttt

I still have a group trip on a cruise to book today and a few more cruise quotes to send.... what else can I add to my list for YOU?!!

19/09/2024

I have way too much fun on IG during trips posting content… I also have a long post on my personal page for those interested in Multi and Single Pass tips and tricks. I’ll be sure to post things in both places but I think most of you are friends of mine now!! 😎😂💝

https://www.instagram.com/crystal_thetravelmechanic?igsh=MWJ0b2c5bTJ3YmQ0Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

18/09/2024

My first tip of this trip… you can set alerts with Thrill Park Data for rides you could not get on your Pre-Selection day… and it’s FREE!!!

It’s how we get Tiana’s yesterday after morning was available 3 days out!!!

Create unlimited, 100% free Disney Park Pass Alerts, free Disney Dining Reservation Alerts, free Disney Enchanting Extra Alerts, and free Disney Genie Plus availability alerts to get notified by text and email when availability opens up on Thrill Data. No limit to the alerts you can create!

17/09/2024

It's that time!!! Vacayyyyyy... or "research for my clients" as I like to call it. 😎🤣

Off to Disney tomorrow, followed by a stay at Sapphire Falls at Universal, then cruising on Utopia of the Seas, and ending at Sea World before I fly home late Monday.

Follow along here or on IG!!!

15/09/2024

So just a little update for something we were trying out at Disney. We have friends staying on site this week, plus a client going around when we are going. We are NOT staying on site because we are trying out a Universal property and then headed to the port for a cruise.

3 days out availability is NOT good if you want early times, if you want Tiana’s, or if you plan to park hop. 7 days out the friends and client got everything they wanted- times, Tiana’s, and ILL.

I know I mentioned this when the plan came out but more now than ever- staying on site matters IF you have a system to planning your day. If you’re off site you likely will not get the full benefits of multi pass and your options for popular rides may be later in the day, or not available at all. (Tiana’s, Slinky, Rise, etc).

So while I love a day trip to Disney- not staying on site ruins our method to the madness!! Whomp whomp.

We ended up with the following: Big Thunder LL at 11:25, Pirates at 1:45, Haunted Mansion at 4:25 (will hopefully modify day of), and Guardians ILL at 4:35… We could not get SDMT before 6pm and Tiana’s was not available AT ALL 😞 So fingers crossed for VQ Wed morning…

10/09/2024

Friends going to Disney soon!!!

Check this out!! Screenshot the blue guest pass!!

A free craft!!!

07/09/2024

Sharing a clients amazing family shirts for Disney that she did herself!!!! And she’s located in MD!!!! Monica these are next level amazing 🎆

Check out her page and let her know I sent you her way 😍 You may recognize her (and her rockstar family/business) from some amazing SuperBowl creations that made their way to fame- literally 🤩

https://www.facebook.com/share/dG3S8jSnL4uaZaqG/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

06/09/2024

For those interested in The Key with Royal Caribbean here is what they send 2 weeks before your cruise.

The main perks- it does vary based on ship but for Utopia:
- Similar pricing to adding WiFi but you get extras in addition to the WiFi for one device
- Priority boarding- separate line
- Drop off carry on luggage delivered to room
- Private lunch at Chops after boarding
- Private time for some of the amenities like rock climbing, Flow Rider, etc.
- Private departure area for tender ports (doesn’t affect us on Utopia would be nice on Mediterranean cruises for sure!!)
- VIP seating for shows
- Private breakfast on departure day
- Priority disembarkation (which most people say is the best perk- way faster process)

03/09/2024

I’ve been quiet as we’ve been in Back to School and Birthday mode… but we’re not slowing down over here. ✏️ 🍎 📓

This weekend I booked a client to Disney with her two children- staying at The Dolphin and doing park hoppers for a birthday celebration after the holidays!! 🐬

Also working on:
- a Disney trip over the holidays for a multigenerational family 🏰
- an Alaskan cruise for a large family on Princess 🏔️
- a cruise for a family of 5 after the school year ends - possibly Mediterranean 🇮🇹
- a cruise on RC for a family of 4 this spring 🌸
-another cruise I have a call tomorrow to get specifics about tomorrow ☎️

Plus:
- Over 26 people traveling in Sept!!!! 🥰Disney, Alaskan cruise on DCL, Germany/Croatia trip, another Disney vacay, and 15 of us going on Utopia of the seas in 17 days!!! Myself included for that last one…😎 🚢 🍹 🏝️
Plus a stop at Disney, a Universal resort, AND a first- SeaWorld (for me)!!
- Final payments for a Disney trip 💰
- Preselections for a Disney trip 🎟️
- Packing and planning for a business trip to Germany in less than a month with the hubs!! Missing the Germany/Croatia clients by a few days!!!🇩🇪
- Planning an after holidays trip to Tampa for our crew to check out Busch Gardens Tampa and see how their coasters compare to Williamsburg 😎

Photos of Meet the Teacher, August bday buddies, and my daughter in one of our fav places this past weekend- Bald Head Island 😎

22/08/2024

Take a look at the recently released photos of Universal's soon to be newest hotel- HELIOS.

Helios is in a newly created category - the Signature Resorts.

But please notice it DOES NOT come with unlimited express passes as many predicted, nor does Sapphire Falls, even though they are also in the Signature Resort category now.

It WILL have its own entrance into Epic Universe just like Cabana Bay has into the waterpark.

The other categories are prime value and value. See the chart to understand the amenities at each. Nothing has really changed there- just the category titles.

Reminder ONLY Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, and Portofino will have Express Passes with your stay!!!!!

22/08/2024

Helios Video was released today!! More info in another post!!!

Guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, will enjoy exceptional dining, a rooftop bar with 360 views, relaxing amenities, and a dedicated entra...

18/08/2024

Booked a bounce back offer for a client… buttttt as an adults only return for Feb!!!!! Happy Anniversary and Birthday wrapped in one!!!

You guys know how much I love adults only Disney vacays!!! So happy for my clients to get that same experience (after they just did Disney with their 4 kiddos and a plus one).

Pop Century with the skyliner for fun transportation to other resorts for yummy meals and exploring. 😎

13/08/2024

Here’s a new one for you!!! Just booked a family of 4 on Norwegians Viva for Spring Break 2025!! An amazing new ship with so many cool dining options- and a teen friendly ship too!!!

Now let me warn you- NCL does things differently so you need to truly have the bottom line to understand your pricetag but we made sure to add all the gratuities (including on the Free at Sea options- beverage and speciality dining), the service charges (normal gratuities) and the platinum insurance… 😂

Now that my clients have a clear picture of what to expect I feel better booking this adventure. And look at the rooms, ship, and ports!! Def next level traveling 😎

13/08/2024

Another amazing Costa Rica trip booked for a family of 5 for next summer!!!! 🌋

Similar to the other itineraries with time in the jungle and time at an all inclusive on the beach… but we added an ATV tour and a whitewater rafting adventure!!! 😎

🏝️ We’re up to 5 Costa Rica trips on the books now!!! I’ll be an expert at the rate we’re going!!

11/08/2024

A great summary of everything that came out yesterday for the Disney parks (and cruise line) over the next few years…

Not sure what I’m most excited for- Monsters Inc coaster… Cars area, or the new AK land which is needed!!! Nooo maybe the Villans land!!!!!

🚨 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀! 🚨

The Walt Disney Company made so many exciting announcements at 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝟮𝟯 last night!

✨𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀:

🛳 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀! Setting sail from 2027-2031, bringing the total number of ships docked around the world to 13!
🚪𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗜𝗻𝗰. 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀, including the first-ever suspended coaster in a Disney park!
🚘 𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 "𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘀" 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 with TWO new attractions at Walt Disney World!
😈 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 with two major attractions, dining at Walt Disney World!
🌸 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼-𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 with the Madrigal family is coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World!
🐍 𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆’𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 at Walt Disney World! This new Indy adventure will be different from any other Indiana Jones experience around the world.
🐉 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲! 🌿 This destination will draw inspiration from "Avatar: The Way of Water" and future Avatar films, bringing Pandora to life in a brand-new way.
📽 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼-𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱! "Walt Disney — A Magical Life" will debut in 2025 inside the Main Street Opera House in rotation with "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
💥 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲 with TWO brand new attractions! Get ready for Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab!
🪕 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 "𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼" is coming to Disney California Adventure!
💫 Mando and Grogu will jump to lightspeed in a 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝗺𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝘂𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝘀: 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘅𝘆’𝘀 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀!
🌟 "𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁," 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲, is coming to Magic Kingdom in Summer 2025 at Walt Disney World!

WOAH! And those are just a sample! Which of these announcements are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments! ⬇️

08/08/2024

Just booked my 4th Costa Rica clients of the year!!!!

I tweaked this itinerary just a bit to hit more of the nature hikes/animal excursions for the younger ones in the family at the clients request. Sooo excited for this fam of 4 and their amazing adventure in January!!

Starting in the outskirts of La Fortuna they begin their trip at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa to get the wildlife and ecotourism excursions. Arenal Hanging Bridges, a safari float through the Tilarin mountains on the Peñas Blanca River, and then a Campesino & Sloth Observation. Followed by a transfer to the Westin- set along the white-sand beaches of Playa Conchal in Guanacaste. There they get to relax and unwind with amazing included activities, a kids club, and a sunset catamaran excursion which offers snorkeling or kayaking for those interested, plus food and beverages.

So thrilled to have so many people interested in Costa Rica- I’ll have my own personal experience to add after Thanksgiving. 😎 Pretty sure I’ll fall in love with the Pura Vida vibe!!! 🌊

I don’t think I’ve ever been more joyful for all of of my clients than I have these past few years since Covid. Enjoying travel and having a great itinerary is such a blessing these days!! One I no longer take for granted… 💝