Travel with the Magic ~ Tracy Hilker

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween from the Hilkers! 👻 🎃 Ok internets: we need to know, who wore the beard better: Jeff or Wolverine? Also enjoy me as a little trash panda with my offspring! 🦝 🗑️ What are you dressing up as?

What are you dressing up as? Let’s see!

30/10/2024

🌊 Alaska, Here We Come! 🌊

I’m thrilled to share that my husband and I have officially booked our bucket-list cruise to Alaska! We’re setting sail on the Disney Wonder in September 2025—right in time to celebrate our 20th anniversary! This has been a dream for both of us, and we can’t wait to experience this journey together. 🥂

Our itinerary includes breathtaking glacier views at the Stikine Ice Cap, and stops in Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing our planning updates—from packing essentials to choosing the perfect excursions. Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to hear about!

If you’ve got a bucket-list adventure in mind, I’d love to help you bring it to life! Whether it’s an Alaskan cruise or a different dream destination, let’s make it happen together.

✨

28/10/2024

🎃✨ Happy National Pumpkin Day from the Magic Kingdom! ✨🎃 Nothing says fall magic like the whimsical pumpkin decor sprinkled throughout Main Street, U.S.A. Each pumpkin seems to have its own story—from grinning jack-o’-lanterns to friendly faces in all shapes and sizes!

Whether you’re a fan of the spooky or the sweet, there’s a pumpkin for everyone to love. 🍂🧡 Have you spotted your favorite on Main Street?

25/10/2024

🎨 Happy International Artists Day to my fellow creators! 🌈 This summer, I fell in love with watercolor painting and haven’t looked back. Here’s a glimpse at my little art table my husband and son set up for me—swipe through to see my first Pixar-inspired piece along with some of my other favorite creations!

I can’t wait to go back to Epcot’s Festival of the Arts with a fresh appreciation for artistic expression. (I’m no professional, just a fan who loves the process!)

How do you express yourself through art?
Share a pic below!!

✨ Travel with the Magic ~ Tracy Hilker

23/10/2024

🛳️✨ Time for another trip down memory lane with day two of our first family cruise! This was a day at sea sprinkled with Halloween magic. 🎃🌊

Our son started his day meeting Mickey, then headed off to the kids’ clubs while we relaxed in the spa with our rainforest passes. Honestly, the spa is a must for me on every cruise—I’ll share more about that later! 💆‍♀️🌿

Later, we enjoyed some sparkling, glittery Cloudem Blue cider—a family tradition on the balcony. 🍾✨ And the highlight of our son’s day? Meeting his favorite characters, Jack and Sally! He even nicknamed some new friends “Jack and Sally” too. Disney Cruise friends really are the best, right? 🖤👻

Because it was a Halloween on the High Seas cruise, we went trick-or-treating and partied with characters all dressed up in their costumes! 🎉🍬

We capped off the night dining at one of my favorite spots, Rapunzel’s! Our son got to join in the lantern ceremony—just pure magic. 🏮💛 We finished the day with a sprinkle of pixie dust and caught a bit of Lightyear at the ship’s theater. 🌟🎥

What an incredibly spooky day filled with Disney magic!

22/10/2024

🎨✨ The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is coming back from January 17 to February 24, and I couldn’t be more excited! This event is one of my absolute favorites for so many reasons. From live performances and breathtaking art installations to the amazing Disney on Broadway concert series, there’s truly magic at every turn!

But for me, it’s the fusion of visual, culinary, and performing arts that makes this festival stand out. Being able to taste incredible artistic dishes, watch talented painters and performers, and find new pieces of art for my collection just fills me with joy. Plus, it’s the perfect place for me to bring my own paints and capture the beauty of the festival! 🎨❤️

What’s your favorite part of the festival? Let me know in the comments!

21/10/2024

Two years ago today, we set off on our first family Disney cruise aboard the Disney Magic, and the adventure was pure magic from the start! We were greeted by none other than Mickey himself, and our first stop was Cabanas, where we made good on our promise to our son: all the desserts his heart desired!

We explored the Kids Club, danced at the Sail Away Party, and stepped into our stateroom, which was transformed with spooky Halloween on the High Seas decorations we’d added. The magic kept coming when I visited Cove Café for my favorite drink, the “I Am Groot!”—the perfect pick-me-up before we gathered around the Halloween Tree and watched it come to life, with surprise character visits along the way.

Dinner at Animator’s Palate was a dream, with delicious dishes and enchanting surprises at every turn. We ended our magical night with a special gift from and a surprise encounter with Rapunzel before heading off to sleep, dreaming of what the next day would bring.

Stay tuned this week as we share more of our Disney Magic adventures! ✨

17/10/2024

BREAKING NEWS

Epic Universe will officially open on May 22, 2025. Starting Tuesday, October 22 guest will be able to purchase select ticket and vacation packages.

Current ticket options include:
* Multiple days at Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay
* Plus one separate day at the all new Epic Universe

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews hotel, at Epic Universe will also be available for booking beginning October 22.

Want to be first to receive a quote from me next week? Send me an email and I’ll be ready to get you there! [email protected]

10/10/2024

Today is World Mental Health Day, and it’s a reminder that taking care of ourselves is not just important—it’s essential. Mental health impacts everything we do, and self-care plays such a vital role in keeping us balanced. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, time spent with family, or, for me, traveling and painting to capture the beauty around me, these small acts can make all the difference.

It’s okay to pause, take a breath, and prioritize your well-being. How do you take care of yourself? Whether it’s through travel, art, or simply resting, remember that your mental health matters.

10/10/2024

✨ Great news! ✨ We’re so thankful to announce that both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando will return to normal operating hours tomorrow, Friday, October 11.

As you enjoy the magic and adventure, please remember to be kind and patient with the amazing cast members. Many have been impacted by the hurricane’s aftermath at home, but they’re still here to create an unforgettable experience for you! 💖

Let’s spread some extra magic together! 🌟

09/10/2024

🚨 IMPORTANT CLOSURE UPDATE 🚨

With the approaching hurricane, all Disney Parks, Disney Springs, and Universal Orlando will be closed tomorrow for everyone’s safety. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is also canceled, and refunds will be provided.

We’ll continue to keep you updated with more information as we get it. Stay safe!

09/10/2024

Due to Hurricane Milton, there have been the following changes made to hours and operations the next couple of days. Read on to find out!

🌎Universal Orlando:
•On Wednesday October 9 Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk will close at 2pm. They will also be closed on October 10th.
•Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on October 9 and October 10.
•Halloween Horror Nights is cancelled on October 9 and October 10.

🏰Walt Disney World:
On Wednesday October 9, the theme parks and Disney Springs will be closing in phases beginning at 1 pm.
•Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be closing at 1 pm.
•Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs will close at 2 pm.
•It is likely the theme parks will remain closed on Thursday, Oct. 10. It’s possible that Disney Springs could open late Thursday afternoon with limited offerings. More info on that as I hear it.
•This includes the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on Oct. 10. Event tickets will be refunded.

Be sure and follow along for more updates!

03/10/2024

This is great news !!! 📰

🎉 Big news for travelers! Renewing your passport just got a whole lot easier!

U.S. citizens can now renew their passports online anytime, anywhere—24/7. No more hassle, just a few clicks from the comfort of your home!

🖥️ 100% secure and paperless

⏱️ Quick and convenient

💯 Skip the forms, checks, and mailing

Ready to see if you qualify? Head to travel.state.gov/renewonline and start your hassle-free passport renewal today!

03/10/2024

It’s no secret that I live for the magic my clients experience as they explore the world, and the Bradburys always take it to the next level! ✨ After countless trips to Walt Disney World and Universal, they’ve now added a Disney Cruise to their list—and last week, they set sail on the magical Disney Wish! 🛳️💫

Their cruise was a dream come true, and they didn’t come back empty-handed! They brought me this Sail Away Captain Mickey & Minnie sweatshirt and these stunning light-up Tiana ears. 💚 After the cruise, they spent a couple more days in the parks and experienced Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—just look at their smiles before hopping on the ride!

Bradbury family, thank you, you’ve truly outdone yourselves, and I can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you. 🌟🚢

29/09/2024

🌴☀️ It’s a picture-perfect day on Disney’s private paradise, Castaway Cay! 🏝️ There’s nothing quite like the soft white sands and crystal-clear ocean to set your mind at ease. 💙 And guess who’s here to join in the fun? None other than Mickey Mouse himself, dressed up in his island best! 🐭🌺 From relaxing by the water to making magical memories, this is the ultimate tropical escape.

26/09/2024

💕

It's that time again...hurricane season in Florida.

Know that, as your travel planner, I'm made for this! It's my job to keep my clients in the loop and help them navigate the coming weather and any potential disruptions.

While I can't control the weather (believe it or not my wand is simply not that powerful), I can control how my clients feel in this situation and ensure they are updated with accurate and helpful information.

It's just another reason why you shouldn't try to do this on your own! Because I can pretty much guarantee that 1-800 number or website isn't reaching out to their clients right now.
[email protected]

26/09/2024

✨ Road trip vibes activated! Today, I’m off to Quakertown, PA with my friend for a well-deserved time of rest, reflection, and relaxation. Sometimes even magic makers need to polish our tiaras and unwind. 👑 We’re not sure what this area has in store for us, but stay tuned as I share all the fun and surprises from our adventure! 🚗💫 There’s nothing like a good road trip to recharge the spirit. Let’s see what Quakertown has to offer!