Brandon and Kara Stephens-Disney/Universal Vacation Designers for MTE

05/02/2022

✨✨✨ We are experts at what we do, and we love helping families make memories! ✨✨✨
So, for the next 48 hours, we’re taking as many Disney, Universal Orlando, and Sea World Orlando planning questions as we can (whether you are booked with us or not). Simply post your question in the comments below, and we’ll answer as quickly as possible.
✅ If you are already booked through us, remember that you have our numbers for any and all questions at any time, and you will receive customized itineraries for every part of your trip before our final trip walk-through!
▪️We won’t message you privately unless you specifically ask us to or you ask us for customized pricing; all other questions will be answered in the public comments. You will not be added to any groups or distribution lists by commenting.

05/02/2022

Planning this trip with the Mayers and their boys was extra special! Megan and her parents were part of a church my dad pastored many, many years ago when we were teenagers; it was wonderful to reconnect as adults with children of our own. Megan, thanks so much for choosing us as your agents! Your kiddos are absolutely precious; we can’t wait to work with you guys on more trips as they get older; those boys will be a blast! Roller coasters all day! (Also, anyone who puts “food” as #1 on their Top Five is my of kind of people; you’re 💯% right about the bread pudding!!!😆)
✨🟣✨“Mayer Family Top Five”✨🟣✨
5 nights at Pop Century w/ 6-day
base tickets with Genie+

“Ok- our top 5- this was really hard!

1) Food- we loved Topolinos for breakfast! But the bread pudding from Ohana was the best thing from the whole trip!

2) Rides- Slinky Dog was loved by all! Jude wasn’t tall enough for Everest, but the rest of us loved it as well. Oh and Remy was so cute!

3) We loved the shows! Our top 3 were- Festival of the Lion King, Frozen, and Beauty and the Beast.

4) We loved having skyliner access- it made things so much easier!

5) The fireworks at MK were great!”

26/01/2022

For all our followers, this is one of the best “Top Five” we’ve ever received! We hope you’ll read it and use it as you plan and dream! Eckberg family, we loved every second of working with you; your family is fun, adventurous, gracious, and encouraging. We hope the coming years bring many more adventures and memories; thank you for this “Favorites” list…it will help many others as they plan!
✨✨✨Eckberg Trip Favorites✨✨✨ (I've left it all in their words. It's full of wonderful trip advice and ideas!)

"We had a hard time narrowing down our Top 5, so here's our Top Favorites as well as a list of our favorite rides.
- Harry Potter Wizarding World!!! All of it! You described walking into Diagon Alley as purely magical and that summed it up perfectly! It was SO. COOL!!!!

- Ollivander's Wand Choosing Experience - the line you wait in is magical and the little show is cool (even if you or your kid don't get picked). The show was much smaller and more intimate than I had pictured and was a pleasant surprise. We engaged with a fantastic Wand shop personnel, and she helped find the kids the perfect wand. She was patient. Asked good questions. Asked the kids how the wand felt and "if it didn't feel just right, then it's not the one." And she'd go and pull another one off the shelf. The time and attention she paid to our family was incredible and such a memorable experience for our whole family.
[Side note - ALL the wands are now interactive wands. There is no option. All interactive. All $60. Apparently this had just changed in November. You can find the non-interactive wands in the shops at City Walk but I'm guessing the inventory is being run out and when they're gone, they're gone.]

- The Pin Trading at Magic Kingdom. And your suggestion to buy a lot off ebay before going. BRILLIANT!! This turned into such a fun experience for our family. And it felt like we were continuously getting souvenirs. Joe and I really enjoyed it as well. So many pins - so little time!!

- The fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. It was incredible! The timing you gave us of when to arrive to save our spot was perfect. And the suggestion to bring our own glowsticks was awesome! People came up and asked where we bought them 🙂 We made friends from Guatemala who were sitting next to us and we shared with them - the connection kicked off when I heard the kids asking their parents about our 'la luz'.in spanish.
[I would bring more next time b/c you know you'll end up by families who have kids who are looking at your glowsticks, longingly. I wish I'd brought a few more packs from the Dollar Store or $1 spot at Target so we could share more.]

- Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom. Again - spot on, Kara!! I actually thought our kids (ages 6, 10, and 12) might be too old for the idea of it (run around and do whatever you want), but they LOVED it!! We let them loose and they had a great time! And for us, it was a nice break in the day of doing something completely different - you're not standing in line, you're not eating, you're not ingesting a story line. The kids loved being able to roam free. They also really like the caves 🙂

- The Rest Day. OMG - I never would've thought of a rest day until you suggested it. Day 1-Disney, Day 2-Harry Potter, Day 3-REST DAY. I couldn't believe how much we needed it. We all slept in. And then we were at the pool all day which had a DJ playing music, hula hoop competitions for the kids (and adults! I lost badly but Joe redeemed us - he won the 'adult male' category and got mad bragging rights (and a free drink!!)). It was a much needed day of being lazy and just enjoying where we were.

Some of our favorite rides:
-Hagrid's Motorbike - the family rode it 3 times! I went once b/c I knew I just HAD to - I am so glad I did. It was so cool! I also came equipped with Dramamine and I think that helped but I did feel a bit queasy after that one. It is just such a genius ride - a story, an interesting seating arrangement, forwards, backwards, drops. It was awesome!
-Gringotts - fantastic ride!! Again, glad I went on it once. The rest of the family went twice.
- Bert liked Jimmy Falon's Race Through New York 🙂
- The kids liked the Men in Black ride.
- We all liked the Stunt Show.

Other nuggets of wisdom from you that we used:
*Bring our own pods, dryer sheets, and quarters.
*Bring a 'squishy' bag/backpack so that it'll fit in the lockers at Universal (we couldn't believe how small they were!!)
*Pre-arranging meals and making reservations ahead of time
*Time of year - right after Thanksgiving - was perfect! Weather was great (not too hot, cool at night) and the parks didn't seem super crowded
*The extra hangers - we used them!
*Pre-loading all the apps on our phones before arriving in FL

25/01/2022

We wanted to thank all our clients for the kind messages and extended sympathy during the passing and funeral of Kara’s grandfather. We both feel blessed to have such a caring group of clients.

04/01/2022

We had the best time working with the Martin and Bush families on their trip to Universal Orlando! They stayed at Hard Rock Resort which gave them Universal Express Pass for each day in the parks, (plus one of the most fun pools at Universal)! You’ll find their Top Five below in their own words!
Tracy Elmore Martin / Lexie Yates Bush families, thank you so much for picking us to be your travel planners! Repeat clients are so much fun, and you have such amazing kids to plan for bc they truly appreciate getting to go! Can’t wait ‘til next time!

🔹✨Martin/Bush Top Five✨🔹

“✔️ Favorite Ride - Kids vote Velocicoaster; adults vote Hagrid's (definitely use those early park hours for this one!)
✔️ Hanging around in the Harry Potter areas and doing magic! The window displays were amazing!
✔️ Rip Ride Rocket - the kids liked picking their own music
✔️ Toothsome Chocolate Emporium- everyone loved the food and atmosphere!
✔️ Everyone loved the Animal Actors and Horror Make up shows…even the teenage boys!”

12/12/2021

We had a wonderful time working with the Wyngarden family again to plan their trip to Universal Orlando! They stayed at Royal Pacific Resort which gave them Unlimited Express Pass for all their park days and had Park-to-Park tickets so they could ride Hogwarts Express back and forth between the parks. Wyngardens, thanks so much for using us as your vacation planners; we love working with you!

✨✨✨Wyngarden Top Five✨✨✨

“1. We loved our breakfast at 3 Broomsticks (Butterbeer included with your meal!!), lunch at Leaky Cauldron, and dinner at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (dessert is a must).
2. We loved EVERY Harry Potter ride but Hagrid’s Motorbike was our fave.
3. VelociCoaster was by far the best non Harry Potter ride.
4. Buying wands and casting spells was super fun for our kids.
5. We love butterbeer and drank A LOT.”

10/07/2021

We got to work with this amazing group of kids from our hometown (and their fearless leaders😊) to plan a trip to Universal while they competed at a Beta Club national event! They walked away with 4th place in the NATION on the written Quiz Bowl Academic Knowledge test! That is a huge deal for a smaller sized school! We are so proud of them, their leaders, and their families! Go Troy!!!!
✨✨✨Here is their “Top Five”✨✨✨

“1. Rides, Rides, and more Rides - Velocicoaster, The Mummy , Woody Woodpecker , Hagrid’s Motorbikes, Rip Rocking Rollercoaster, Jurassic park water ride

2. The food!- Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

3. The Beta competition

4. The Hogwarts light/fireworks show

5. The park being open to midnight

6. ALL things of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!”

07/07/2021

Tomorrow morning, July 8, booking will be available for these resorts that Disney is finally able to open back up! From everything we’ve experienced so far, these rooms are going to fill up quickly, especially in October. If you are even thinking about going, message us. We can hold your reservation for $200 and get your park days reserved. We’ve had so many clients miss out on going when they wanted bc of park reservations or hotels filling up. So, contact us, let us get it booked first thing in the morning, and then we’ll start the planning process.

✨Disney’s All-Star Music Resort for arrivals beginning Sept. 16
✨Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside for arrivals beginning Oct. 14
✨Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for arrivals beginning Oct. 28
✨Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort for arrivals beginning Dec. 9

04/07/2021

If you are looking to add an extra bit of magic to your next Disney trip, furloughed Disney employee, Kacie Brandenburg, does pirate makeovers, treasure hunts, and adventures at your resort! Some recent clients sent us their pictures and said Kacie’s Pirate Adventure was one of the very best parts of their whole trip! Let us know if you want to add this to your trip, and we’ll help you get it booked. ✨✨✨

03/07/2021

Disney has announced that Dining Plans will be returning🎉🎉🎉. We don’t know when, but at least we know it’s coming! In celebration, tell us about the best meal you’ve ever had at Disney. It can be the best food or the best experience. Bonus points for pictures!

I’ll start: ours was at Tusker House right as Animal Kingdom closed one night. We, along with just two other families, had the entire restaurant to ourselves. The characters stayed with us the whole time, led a dance party for just our crew, and then, we got to walk out of the park with no one but our family in sight. It was pure magic! Also, it was my nephew’s first time meeting Mickey; he literally dove into his arms✨✨✨.

01/07/2021

Universal dropped a big discount today! If you want to go and stay in one of Universal’s value level hotels, this deal is for you! We would suggest using this on week days at a non-peak time since Express Pass won’t be included. However, it does include Early Park Entry and access to all three Universal parks! Message us; we’ll get pricing for you and help you pick dates that minimize crowds and lines!

01/07/2021

Christmas at Universal Orlando kicks off on November 13! There are still rooms open at the Universal hotels that include Express Pass, allowing you to skip the lines✨🎉✨. Contact us to get your trip booked and planned!

26/06/2021

Let us help you plan a day in paradise!

Hurry, offer ends July 5.

19/06/2021

Reason #428 you should book through an agent: we’re kind of like a really great hair stylist. We’ll always tell you when you’re about to make a big mistake! But, if you do accidentally get yourself into a mess, we’ll gladly be there, with all our expertise and fancy tools, to fix it! And we promise to never say, “I told you so.” 😂

Seriously, use an agent! Some of y’all are making me nervous freestyling these Disney and Universal vacations😆!!!

16/06/2021

When the Wilkins called on us to help plan their Universal trip, we knew them in passing, but now, we consider them friends for life. They were a dream to plan with, and their sense of adventure (and humor) made the whole process super easy! Mallory Wrenn Wilkins, thank you for using us as your agents; we absolutely loved working with your family!

The Wilkins stayed at Royal Pacific Resort and had 4 day, 3 park, park to park tickets at Universal Orlando.
✨Here is their Top Five in their own words✨
“ #1 Use you to book! We would have missed things and certainly would have not been prepared without you.
#2 Have to get Express Pass and stay on property! That’s a must!
#3 & #4 Get to parks early! We were able to get in line for Hagrids at 8:02 and ride several times because we got there early and took the train over. Literally zero line, rode three times back to back. But ride at night too as it’s a totally different experience!
#5 Don’t skip the water Park. It was awesome! Kids loved the Aquacoaster. Got there early and rode back to back before the park got crowded. Kids loved it!
It was an awesome trip and we enjoyed it all!”

15/06/2021

✨Disney World fireworks are back on July 1✨
If you are even considering going sometime in the next few months, please contact us quickly to get booked! Park reservations will stay in effect and they are going to go quickly. $200 lets you book and make park reservations. Brandon and I will help you get everything booked, reserved, and then we’ll start planning your itineraries.

06/06/2021

We had the best time planning with some dear friends, The Mann Family! They did a quick 4 night/3 park day trip to WDW. Kerri Mann and Eric Mann, thanks so much for using us as your Disney planners! We truly enjoyed seeing all your pictures and hearing about all the fun you had!
✨✨✨The Manns stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort and visited MK, HS, and AK. Here is their Top Five✨✨✨

1. The snacks! Dole Whip, Mickey Ice Cream bar, Blue Milk, and Mickey Waffles. We hadn’t had any of that before and we loved every bit of it!

2. Rise of Resistance and Flight of Passage are a must! Take the time to appreciate Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora.

3. Take the little ones! Watching Samuel be in awe of everything was totally worth it. Take the teenagers and pre-teens too because they loved it just as much.

4. Favorites from the older kids were Everest and Rocking Roller Coaster. Slinky Dog was also a must do.

5. The entire family enjoyed a Frozen Sing-Along in Hollywood Studios! It was a nice cool break in our day and had us laughing hysterically. Plus the kids get to see Elsa and Ana in person which was huge since they don’t get to meet characters right now.

31/05/2021

If you’re traveling to Orlando and are missing Ohana, contact Chef Calikingcuisine! He is a furloughed Disney chef who will now cook your favorite Disney meal and deliver it to your resort! He has rave reviews on several different pages and after talking with him, I definitely believe he will add an extra bit of magic to any vacation. You can see his work, contact him, and get pricing by messaging him on the page I linked above!

28/05/2021

Cheers with butterbeer to all of us! Universal Orlando has dropped mask restrictions per CDC guidelines for all their parks and resorts! Who’s ready to go?

15/05/2021

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando have dropped mask restrictions for guests while they are outside. Indoor mask requirements, queue mask requirements, and ride mask requirements will remain for the time being! We’ll post the official park announcement in the comments.

25/02/2021

If your family can go on non-holiday, non-weekend days, this is a great deal for you! Contact us and I’ll get the price for you!

12/02/2021

That butterbeer mustache! I could stand a cool, foggy morning in Diagon Alley right now. Anyone else ready to go?