Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a travel agent and how much does it cost? 

Using a travel agent is completely free as long as you are booking a cruise or vacation package. You literally pay the exact price you see on the Disney website AND you are supporting a small business in the process. Whether you’re planning your first trip, your 20th trip, or just needing some tickets, please consider booking with a travel agent. As a travel agent, I work to get all of my clients the best deals, dining reservations, special events & more. I also love to build personal relationships and become friends with my clients! If we are traveling at the same time please come say hi!!!

​

​

Why should I stay on Disney property? 

This is one of the most controversial topics and is completely a personal choice based on many different elements. However, here is my "quick answer"...

There’s something magical about being in the Disney bubble. You get early access to booking Individual Lightning Lanes which often sell out before "off site" guests get access. There are extra magic hours for extra access to the parks before and after close when you stay at certain resorts. There is no need for a vehicle with Disney transportation. When you factor in Disney promotions, paying for parking and renting a car, you can often get Disney rooms at the same price or sometimes cheaper than off-site hotels.  ​

 

What hotel should I choose?

This is where a travel planner really helps you make the best decision for you and your family. Check out the descriptions of each resort. After looking at the different options, I would love to discuss this in more detail with you.  Each Disney resort has it's own special theming, dining, amenities, and perks. There is a wide range of options depending on your desires and budget. 

 

Can I choose where my room is at the resort? 

Location is also often dependent on what category you purchase. For example, many resorts have standard, pool, preferred, savanna, lake, woods etc. views. For standard locations, you are often farther back into the resort & viewing a parking lot. For more preferred rooms, you are closer to the lobby & transportation and may have a better view. I can help you determine what location is best for your travel party.

 

What do I need to take to the park? 

This is also dependent on you and your party's needs. Don't overpack! Remember that, especially when staying on site, you can always go back to your room if you need something! Try to condense everything into one bag to speed up the park arrival and security process. Bags get heavy and the longer the day goes on the less you will want to carry that huge backpack. You can also use my strategy of having your husband carry the bag and just carry your own fanny pack LOL

 

What’s the ideal schedule for my Disney world vacation?

This varies for each person and group but here is my "ideal" schedule for my Disney World trips! I would book 6 nights at the resort. I typically do not spend time at the parks on my travel days. I usually plan 2 park days, a rest day, and 2 more park days. The last day, our travel day, if I can get a late flight home I will spend the day eating great food and exploring Disney Springs. My latest favorite park schedule has been Epcot, Hollywood Studios, rest day, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom. I know most people want to start at Magic Kingdom but that makes Magic Kingdom busier Saturday-Monday. I usually wait to end my vacation at Magic Kingdom! 

 

What’s the ideal schedule for my Disneyland vacation?

This varies for each person and group but here is my "ideal" schedule for a Disneyland trip! Disneyland can be done in less time than Disney World. Ideally I think you would plan 2 to 3 park days. If you plan 2 park days I would recommend doing 4 nights at the resort and 1 full day in each park (Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure). If you plan 3 park days I would recommend doing 5 nights at the resort, getting the park hopper and doing 1 full day in each park and then hopping on the 3rd day to re-experience your favorites! I would still recommend a rest day in there somewhere as it's still a lot of walking.

 

 

What is the deposit for a Disney World Or Disneyland vacation? 

Disney only requires a $200 deposit, and it’s fully refundable! Final payment on packages isn’t due until 30 days prior to traveling. We can always change your package dates and components pending availability. 

 

What kind of transportation does Disney offer? 

All resorts have bus transportation to all parks and Disney Springs. Several resorts have additional transportation options to include monorail, ferries, and the Skyliner. In addition to the complimentary options mentioned, Disney also offers Minnie Vans that are private vehicles offering transportation around the Walt Disney World property through the Lyft app. Fees to apply for this transportation option. 

 

Are park hoppers worth it?

Park hopping is really dependent on your family and your vacation plan. My family almost never travels without park-hopper but we've been many times. We now know the things we like to do and sometimes that means we spend the morning at one park and want to end the night at another. I usually do not recommend park hopping for a family on their first trip. I recommend planning enough time to spend 1 day at each park (2 at Magic Kingdom if your schedule and budget allows). 

 

How does Lightning Lane work?

Disney’s updated “Fast Pass” system, Lightning Lane is an optional paid service that will allow guests to skip the line and head right to the Lightning Lane entrance on select attractions. There is an option for Lightning Lane Multipass that allows you to pre-book return windows for select attractions. You can hold 3 lightning lanes at a time with Multipass. Lightning Lane Singlepass is for select rides at each park. These require a separate purchase and give you access to the most popular ride(s) in each park. When you are a Disney resort guest, you can pre-book Lightning Lane Multipass and Singlepass attractions 7 days before your check-in date. If you are an offsite guest, you can prebook attractions 3 days in advance of your park day. 

**When you book with me I will help you with all of this and send you my guide on utilizing this system**

​

​

Can I rent a stroller?

Yes, Disney has stroller rentals right at each park. There are other private stroller rental companies that I can help you with. Some you can pick up at the airport and some will deliver right to your resort!!

​

What should I know about taking littles to Walt Disney World?

First thing to know is that littles under 3 are free! Even if they turn 3 on your trip, you will not have to purchase them a park ticket until the first trip that they are 3 on your check in date!  There are so many experiences for littles of all ages throughout the parks. In Magic Kingdom alone, there are over 20 attractions for all ages. As your travel planner I will send you a guide with all the ride heights and rides that have a potential "scare" factor so you can be prepared!! Nothing will beat the joy of seeing the magic through the eyes of your kids!

 

Should I purchase the memory maker? 

In my opinion, for families, Memory maker is a must! With the memory maker, you never have to worry about who will take your picture or who won't be in the picture! You’re going to want all of the pictures in front of the parks, castle, on rides, with characters and more.  If traveling in a group, you one need one purchase of memory maker--you can all share. 

 

What should I do if my child isn’t tall enough to go on a ride but other party members can?

An important tool at your disposal during your time at Disney is going to be their program called “Rider Switch”. Rider Switch allows friends and family of any guests who don’t meet the boarding requirements of a ride or don’t wish to experience a particular attraction to still experience an attraction. Ask for a rider-swap prior to going on the ride. Part of the party can go ahead and ride, while at least one family member and little(s) wait back. When the others finish riding, you can swap and now ride with 2 others. This is a great way for your littles (that are tall enough) to get to ride twice!

​

 

How do I get to different restaurants & parks? 

Transportation can be tricky! You can get to any resort from the parks. If going from a resort to a resort, you often need to transfer at a park, take a Minnie Van, or use a ride-share such as Lyft or Uber. When you book with me, all of my clients get a custom itinerary telling them the best way to get to each park and dining reservation.  

 

What if we arrive at the resort and our room isn’t ready? Will Disney hold our bags so we can go to the park?

They sure will. Leave your bags at the bellman and head out. We also do this on departure day also. We will leave our bags at the resort and get a few hours at Disney Springs or at the resort pool before we head back to the airport.

 

Can I use Disney gift cards for my package or in the parks?

Yes. Disney gift cards can be used on any Disney vacation package. They can also be used in the parks at restaurants and in stores. On Disney property, almost anywhere you would use a credit card, you can also use a Disney gift card!

 

What should I budget for other than my Disney Vacation package?

You will want to factor in meals, snacks, gratuities at restaurants, Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, parking fees (if bringing a vehicle), souvenirs, and a little cash for bellman services.

 

What do magic bands do & should I get them?

I always recommend adults and children over the age of 6 get a magic band. There are tons of cute designs on the Disney website, in your My Disney Account, and in the Disney parks. Magic bands serve as your room key, charging card at meal locations, and access to memory maker. 

 

When should I go to Disney? 

Here's the thing... I can help you navigate Disney no matter what time of year you go. Any day at Disney is better than any day not at Disney!! There are certain times of the year that are best to go, as well as certain times to avoid. This information changes frequently but avoid almost any major Holiday if you want less crowds and cheaper package prices. Christmas-New Years is one of the most expensive and most crowded weeks of the year. Although summer is hot, it is becoming a less expensive and not super crowded time! Some of my favorite times have been the end of October (it's busy crowd wise but I LOVE the Halloween ambiance and MNSSH Party) and January/February while avoiding Holiday weekends. 

​