Disney Parks Podcast

All the Disney Parks in One Podcast

What was Old is New Again!

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As has been common over the past couple of years, we are seeing more changes come and go throughout the parks and properties of WDW. Some good, some different, some challenging. But as we enter the Spring and Summer season this year, we are looking at seeing more of our beloved experiences returning to what they once were! Let’s talk about all the new updates and what you need to know before you go!

 

~ HUGS AND AUTOGRAPHS ARE BACK~

Oh, how long we have waited to hug the main mouse himself, Mickey! The time has returned!!!! Traditional character meet and greets are beginning to return to the parks, as well as on board the ships with Disney Cruise Line. Instead of socially distanced selfies, we can go and hug our favorite pals AND get their autographs. I’m personally looking forward to a big Goofy hug – his are the BEST!

 

 

~ GENIE, GENIE+, LIGHTENING LANE~

Have you heard about our friend Genie? Chances are you have. This feature is found right inside your My Disney Experience app. GENIE helps plan your day while in the parks for you, giving customized suggestions for your preferences as well as wait times, suggested times to get in line for your favorite rides, and even dining choices! This feature is completely free, and if you haven’t been into your app lately, why not pop in and check it out! GENIE+ is a separate purchase you have the option to make. Currently $15 per ticket, per day , this allows you the opportunity to skip the stand by line on select attractions by reserving a time slot beginning at 7am each morning, and can be purchased in advance by adding it to your package or on a day by day basis via your app. Wondering if it’s a good fit for you? We recommend using the free services of one the agents at Destinations To Travel – they’ll help explain all the details, and determine which choice is best for you and your family.

 

~MASK POLICY UPDATES~

As new guidelines are announced, so are new policies around the parks. As new guidelines were released, WDW followed suit, by adjusting it’s policies gradually, until masks were only required on enclosed transportation such as busses and the monorail. Recently, the federal mandate regarding mask wearing on planes was removed and the parks followed suit! Currently masks are optional for all guests. *NOTE that it is recommended that guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing a face covering in all indoor locations and enclosed transportation*. For the most up to date information, visit the Know Before You Go website.

 

~RESORTS, RESTAURANTS AND MORE~

For the first time in forever (you sang that, didn’t you!?) ALL ON PROPERTY RESORTS ARE BACK OPEN! With the recent re-opening of All Star Sports Resort, all on property resorts are operational and accepting reservations. In addition, we are seeing more dining options coming back, as well as Fireworks Packages including the Enchantment Dessert parties at Magic Kingdom, and Harmonious Dinner options at Epcot. Seasonal Festivals including the Flower and Garden Festival, International Food and Wine Festival and more are back in full swing over at Epcot as well.

 

~ IS NOW THE TIME?~

If you have been waiting for some of these experiences to come back, then absolutely – NOW IS THE TIME TO GO! Can things still change? Well, yes. It’s incredibly important to stay on top of what’s happening as you get closer to your vacation, even the day you travel, by checking your airlines website for their protocols and requirements, the WDW website (or use a Travel Agent who will keep you in the know)!

 

What are you happiest to see coming back? Let us know!

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney Destination, Universal Studios, or Cruise vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!

Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .

Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith

 

Transportation Options For Your Next WDW Trip

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Welcome Home!

With the departure of our beloved Magical Express, many were left wondering – What Now? But happily we can assure you, there are plenty of options still available to get you to and from the airport, safe and sound, even if there is a small cost involved. Here we’ll show you some of what is available, or when you book with an agent at Destinations To Travel, they can help you decide which option fits you and your family the best!

 

~MEARS CONNECT~

Mears Connect offers 2 Options

Mears Connect offers 2 options for transportation between MCO and your WDW Resort – Standard and Express. STANDARD SERVICE is a shared service with a monitored wait time, and limited stops. EXPRESS SERVICE offers a limited wait time, and a direct shared service (not considered a private service). Keep in mind both of these options do require you to retrieve your luggage and take it with you upon arrival to MCO. You can prearrange your transportation (or have your Travel Agent take care of this for you) so you can all set to go. Prices vary depending on number of guests and which option you choose.

 

~SUNSHINE FLYER~

Sunshine Flyer offers a fun take on traditional transportation (photo credit: Sunshine Flyer)

Sunshine Flyer brings the fun of the 1920’s rail travel. With its wrapped busses and drivers and staff dressed as engineers and conductors, no two vehicle designs will be the same, so you can experience a new photo opportunity and way to travel each time you use it. They offer either round trip or one way shuttle service. Current prices are: ROUND TRIP – $35/adult, $25/child (age 3-8) or ONE WAY – $17/adult, $12.50/child (age 3-8). Children under 2 can travel on the lap of an adult for free.

 

~PRIVATE TRANSFERS~

Private Transfers now available to add to your WDW resort reservation

Recently it was announced that Private Transportation can be added right into your WDW Resort Package! There are many options available, depending on the size and needs of your family. Note that this can be connected to your existing reservation once you have your flight information all set. Simply call and have it added, or let your Travel agent know and they can arrange it for you. Another advantage to consider is the ability to arrange this option for other airports, such as Sanford. So depending on your preferred airline, this is a great option to have at your disposal. Prices may be a little higher, but isn’t it nice to arrive in style?

 

~RIDESHARE~

Uber or Lyft may fit your needs

Of course there is always the good ol standby of using Uber/Lyft services. This option certainly gives you the most flexibility and control over your transportation, and for some, can be the most cost effective route to take. Keep in mind that your cannot pre schedule a pickup from the airport, but you can pre arrange to be picked up from your resort to head back. By booking your return trip in advance, you can usually lock in better prices.

 

There are certainly plenty of options to choose from, and there is one that will fit your families style (and budget!) available. Do we miss our Magical Express? YES! But who’s to say we won’t find a new favorite?

Have you used any of these transportation options yet? Tell us which one, and how was YOUR experience?

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney Destination, Universal Studios, or Cruise vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!

Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .

Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith

 

A Food Festival on the West Coast

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Disney California Adventure is back with the Festival of Holidays which runs Now through January 9, 2022!

We recommend getting one of the Tasting Lanyards to enjoy all of the special foods and drinks. For $57 (or $52 for Magic Key Holders) you get a Tasting Passport with 8 “tabs” to exchange for any of the food or non-alcoholic beverages at the Marketplace Booths. When you make your purchase, you will also receive the Festival Guidebook with all of the entertainment offerings as well as the Tasting Passport which focuses on all of the food offerings and has a bit of magic if you wish to partake!

The Tasting Passport is your handheld guide to all of the food and drink offerings from not only The Marketplaces but also the restaurants around Disney California Adventure. Here is a preview off all of the options:
1) Holiday Duets Marketplace: Braised Pork Belly Adobo, Shrimp and Grits, Pabana Cachaca Colada (Alcoholic), and Calamansi Melon Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)
2) A Twist On Tradition Marketplace: Reimagined Beef Brisket Wellington, Ruben Potato Bites, Churro Toffee Cold Brew Latte, Lolea No. 1 Red Sangria (Alcoholic), Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc (Alcoholic)
3) Brews and Bites Marketplace: Impossible Queso Fundido, Festive Favorites Flight (Alcoholic), Seasonal Specialties Flight (Alcoholic), Multiple Beers by the Glass (Alcoholic)
4) Winter Sliderland Marketplace: Nashville Hot Turkey Slider (Pictured Below), Beef Pot Roast on Potato Roll (Pictured Below), Prickly Pear Tea Lemonade (Pictured Below), Bourbon Cranberry Cocktail (Alcoholic)

5) Grandma’s Recipes Marketplace:  Impossible Arepa Encantada, Gingerbread Mickey, Berries ‘n’ Crema (Non-Alcoholic)
6) Making Spirits Bright Marketplace: Cinnamon & Sugar Holiday Tart, “Hot Cocoa” Marshmallow Macaron, Maple Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum (Alcoholic), White Wine Flight (Alcoholic), Red Wine Flight (Alcoholic)
7) Favorite Things Marketplace: Chana Masala, Holiday Stuffing Mac & Cheese, Hibiscus Ginger Mezcal Mule (Alcoholic), Festival Beer Flight (Alcoholic)
8) Merry Mashups Marketplace: Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese, Holiday Spiced Wings, Holiday Mix, Honey Guava Pisco Punch (Alcoholic)


We tried everything this weekend and we are still so full! There were a few highlights from these menus for us including the Nashville Hot Turkey Slider, the Esquites Carnitas Mac & Cheese, the “Hot Cocoa” Marshmallow Macaron (Pictured Above), and the Braised Pork Belly Adobo. For drinks, the Churro Toffee Cold Brew Latte and the Prickly Pear Tea Lemonade were stand outs for the non-alcoholic offerings. If you like alcohol like I do, the Honey Guava Pisco Punch was a spicy and sweet drink. This was only topped by the Maple Hazelnut Hot Buttered Rum (Pictured Above) which is just as delicious as it sounds. While this was just the Festival Marketplace offerings, the restaurants around Disney California Adventure also offer some great holiday treats. Of what we listed, what would you be looking for when you visit?

Looking to visit a Disney Destination for your next Vacation? Make sure you contact us at Destinations to Travel!

If you would like more information and to work with me as your planning partner, please email me at patrickoconnor@d2travel.com

You can also check out my personal page at Destinations to Travel with Patrick O’Connor or my private group at Destination Vacation Network Family on Facebook. Instagram I can be found at Destination Vacation Network

16 Restaurants Around WDW To Enjoy A Traditional Thanksgiving Feast

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As the “forgotten holiday” of Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I wanted to give this Fun, Family and Food Filled day a little bit of love. The week surrounding this holiday is generally one of the busiest weeks of the year at Walt Disney World Resort, and while nothing is impossible, your best option if you want to visit the parks during this week is to book early ( as in, prepare this year for next). With these higher crowds comes higher demand for dining. Many WANT that traditional Thanksgiving Feast, and reservations can be hard to snag, but here is a list of 16 places all across WDW property where you and your family can enjoy a traditional meal – maybe even some you never knew about!

 

~RESORTS~

Coronado Springs Resort

 

~ Coronado Springs Resort : Toledo, Three Bridges Bar and Grill

~ All Star Resorts : Intermission Food Court, World Premier Food Court

~ Boardwalk Resort : Trattoria al Forno

~ Riviera Resort : Toppolinos Terrace

 

~DISNEY SPRINGS~

Disney Springs

 

~ Raglan Road

~ The Edison

~ Maria and Enzos

~ Earl Of Sandwich *(Holiday Turkey Sandwich)

 

~IN THE PARKS~

Liberty Tree Tavern

 

~Animal Kingdom~

~ Restaurantosaurus

~ Satu’li Canteen

~ Tiffins

~ Tusker House

~Magic Kingdom~

~ Liberty Tree Tavern

~Hollywood Studios~

~Hollywood and Vine

 

And of course, there’s always the option of enjoying a Turkey Leg! Stop by Yak & Yeti (Animal Kingdom), Tortuga Tavern, Prince Eric’s Village Market, Liberty Square Market (Magic Kingdom), or Fife and Drum Tavern (EPCOT) for one of these park staples.

*Pro Tip – If you don’t immediately get the reservation you want, don’t give up! As Thanksgiving Day approaches, more restaurants often reveal holiday menus, and quite often reservations open up and become available.

It’s never too soon to start planning a Thanksgiving Vacation to WDW. By staying on property, you can have an edge with your reservation window opening 60 days prior to check-in, and allowing you to book dining for the entire length of your stay! And you can even get help with getting those reservations for FREE when you book with one of the agents at Destinations To Travel.

Have you ever enjoyed a Thanksgiving Trip To WDW? Where did you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day Meal? Tell us your MUST DO Holiday Dining choice!

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney Destination, Universal Studios, or Cruise vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!

Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .

Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.

Take A Road Trip For Your Next WDW Vacation

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Welcome Home!

As many of us have learned over the past year, things can change pretty quickly! From learning about the end of Magical Express (as we knew it) on January 1st, 2022, it’s subsequent replacement option – provided by Mears –  and even looking to the airlines themselves with flights often getting changed or cancelled at the last moment, many are opting to forego air travel and take on the adventure of a Road Trip!! Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and “Need To Know” tips when considering a drive to your WDW vacation.

 

~ Pros To Driving ~

Depending on where you live, driving can be a great advantage, especially with the struggles many airlines are facing right now.

~ You are in charge of your schedule – Choose the time and day that’s best for you to leave. Check out the routes beforehand, and see how long the trip will be for you to see what works best for you and your family.

~ Take a Break – When the kids (or adults!) get a little antsy, pull over and take a little break. Stretch your legs, grab a coffee and regroup before hitting the open road again. There’s no constraints and limits within the airport or the plane. And don’t forget to stop at the Florida Welcome Center!

~ Overpack – There’s no need to worry about bringing that extra pair of shoes – or anything else for that matter. No measuring or weighing your luggage. Pack whatever you need (or even what you don’t need) without worries of size or space. And be prepared for a chilly spell with a set of warm clothes that can take up a lot of extra luggage space.

~ Save Money – While this is definitely something that needs to be looked into based on each families situation, many can save money by driving instead of flying. Instead of purchasing airline tickets for each family member, by traveling in one vehicle, even the cost of gas can be a significant savings.

~ Save Time – While on property instead of waiting for Disney transportation, you can hop in your vehicle and drive. Resort guests don’t pay extra for parking at the theme parks. And you can easily access and enjoy some of the incredible restaurants located at the different resorts across WDW property.

 

~ Things To Know ~

With all the advantages to driving, there are some things to keep in mind before loading up the car.

~ Extra Vacation Days – For many, vacation time is limited. You’ll need to add extra travel time, so keep that in mind and determine if that is doable for you and your schedule.

~ Resort Parking Fees – The resorts at WDW (along with many others, including off property hotels) do charge a nightly fee. Currently they are : Value Resort $15 per night, Moderate Resort $20 per night, and Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts $25 per night (these fees can change at any time). This fee is charged to your resort folio on the last night of your stay.

~ Keep them occupied – Pick up little things to keep the kids busy on the drive. Travel games, like these bingo cards can be found numerous place online and even your local dollar store!

 

 

 

Truthfully, there are many advantages to driving for your WDW vacation. If you have questions or are looking for help deciding which way to travel, reach out to Destinations To Travel and your agent can help you figure out what will work best for you and your family!

Let us know –

Do you drive or fly to WDW? Have you considered (or will you now) making your next vacation a road trip?

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!

Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .

Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.

OPINION: Is Oogie Boogie Bash better than Boo Bash?

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We have had the chance to see both parties on both coasts and we feel the Oogie Boogie Bash is a far superior After Hours Party when it comes to celebrating Halloween.

Let us start by discussing the differences and why one may be superior to the other. First off these events are not cheap. For an After Hours Party they are similar in cost to others ranging from $129 to $169 per person for the Boo Bash and $114 to $169 for the Oogie Boogie Bash. While the West Coast may have some cheaper days, for a family of four this can be a big expense for the holiday season so is it worth it? The short answer is “Maybe?”. While both events will allow early access to the park it is hosted in, the Boo Bash is only a 3 hour event versus the Oogie Boogie Bash at 5 hours. this does not include the 2 hours of “early admission” where both party goes and the regular attendees can experience the attractions before the official festivities begin.

First let us look at the Boo Bash at Walt Disney World! One of the biggest perks exclusive to this event is the unlimited popcorn, Mickey Premium bars, and soda (or water). This may be a perk for many as you can stock up on your drinks and enjoy some fresh popcorn while strolling through the park – hydration is key after all! Walking around you will find the opportunity to catch one of several Cavalcades throughout the evening. Some of these include Jack and Sally with Oogie Boogie, Mickey and Minnie in their Halloween best, as well as Maleficent in dragon form. You will also find 8 Trick-Or-Treat trails throughout the Magic Kingdom to assist in loading up on candy and treats (not many tricks to be found here – it is Disney after all!). There are also several characters out for you to socially meet and greet including some of the face characters in front of the Haunted Mansion which was a highlight in our opinion.


Now how about our West Coast friends? While you will not find the free treats here, you will find some more activity – and more creativity possibly with how things are organized. First off, all Trick-Or-Treat trails are themed to different villains. There were 7 trails this year and 3 of them featured all new characters never seen in a Disney park! These were Agatha Harkness from WandaVision featured in Avengers Campus, Cruella from the live action film in the Hollywood Backlot, and Sid from the original Toy Story in the Pixar Pier area. The other villains around the park are Maleficent, Dr. Facilier,  The Evil Queen, The Mad Hatter (from the live action film), and of course Oogie Boogie himself. Each trail has not only candy but another sweet treat option such as apples, grapes, rice crispy treats, and temporary tattoos! There is another unique offering for this bash, Villains Grove. This is a spectacle of light and projections in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. There may not be any candy or villains to be seen, you will see sections of the path themed to our favorite villains. Make sure you keep your eyes open for some rarely seen characters throughout the park as well. Along Buena Vista Street you will find some villain duos such as Cinderellas Stepsisters, Pain and Panic from Hercules, and more! Over by Grizzly Bear Rapids some rare characters can be seen including Mr. Smee, Governor Ratcliffe, and the Sherriff of Nottingham! Lastly, in contrast to the Cavalcades, the Oogie Boogie Bash features the Frightfully Fun Halloween Parade – the first parade back at a Disney Park since Covid! It truly was a great time as the attraction lines are short and the party was a fun one.

Have you been to one of these parties? Share your thoughts with us!

INFO: Oogie Boogie Bash is BACK!

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Welcome to the West Coast and The Disneyland Resort!

Halloween is just around the corner for us over here at Disneyland as the festivities will kick off this Friday September 3rd with the return of some of the Disneyland Resort exclusive attractions and decorations including the Haunted Mansion Holiday and all of the decorations for Radiator Springs Honkin’ Halloween Festivities. The real tricks and treats will happen on September 9th as Oogie Boogie and his band of Villains take over select evenings at Disney California Adventure.

On select nights beginning Sept. 9, through October 31, 2021, this after-park hours event “Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disney Halloween Party” will add to the spooky fun during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. This separate ticket and limited-capacity event at Disney California Adventure Park starts at 6pm but guests can enter into the park at 3pm with this ticket. It will feature exclusive entertainment, character sightings, food and beverage and more! Guests of all ages can enjoy wearing their favorite Halloween outfit while taking in all the sights and the trick-or-treating experiences. One of these special areas of the park is the Villains Grove which takes over the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in the Grizzly Peak area.

The Villains Grove is a walk-though open air experience where sections of the trail are dedicated to different villains. This area will feature such classic villains as The Queen of Hearts section with light up roses (pictured above) as well as projections of the Cheshire Cat, Tarot Cards from Dr. Facilier, as well as other surprises. As you walk through this trail you may see something you didn’t see the last time you were walking through. There may not be candy on this trail but you will find plenty to see and look at!

After visiting the trail – let’s go get some CANDY! There are multiple treat trails which may seem very similar to the Boo Bash experience at Magic Kingdom however here at Oogie Boogie Bash, each trail for candy has a dedicated live villain. In 2019 we were able to see Dr. Facilier, The Evil Queen, Maleficent, The Mad Hatter, and of course Oogie Boogie. NEW this year for 2021, Disney has announced 3 new villains including Sid from Toy Story, Cruella from the newest live action film, as well as Agatha Harkness from WandaVision! We can not wait to see these new additions with all of our returning favorites.

Dr. Facilier is getting ready to greet guests!

The last highlight of the party is the Frightfully Fun Parade which runs two times each night. This parade premiered originally at the Mickey’s Halloween Party in Disneyland Park a few years ago but was extended slightly when the Halloween party moved to Disney California Adventure. The whole parade lasts about 13 minutes with plenty of villains as well as some of the more fun (not so scary) costumes on Mickey, Minnie, and other friends. My favorite part is seeing the Mayor car ride by along with the Vampires from the Nightmare Before Christmas movie! I also love hearing the scrapes of the shovels from the Gravediggers and the Haunted Mansion trio of ghosts. This parade ends with so many villains you will run away screaming in delight!

Are you looking forward to Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort? Stay tuned for more updates and leave us a comment on your favorite villain below! Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure is sold out as of right now but dates may open up so make sure you ask your Destinations to Travel Agent to keep their eyes out for an opening!

If you would like more information contact me on Facebook at Destinations to Travel with Patrick O’Connor

EDU-TAINMENT! Exploring Animal Kingdom With Families

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Animal Kingdom – One of the most intricately themed of all 4 WDW Parks. Along with over 50 species of Animals you’ll see more than 4 million trees, plants, shrubs, vines, epiphytes, grasses and ground-coverings from every continent on Earth (except Antartica)! Let’s add in one of the best “Mountains” to ride – Expedition Everest – and the land of Pandora, and amazing shows, you have a full day ahead of you. But why is it so amazing for families? If you have school age children, there is so much to learn and they won’t even know it!

 

~Conservation Station~

Hop On the Train To Conservation Station

After your journey through the Kilimanjaro Safari, hop on the train and head to the Conservation Station. Here you will find the vetrinary and conservation headquarters. You can meet wildlife experts, observe ongoing projects and learn a little about what goes on behind the scenes at the park. This area also serves as a rehabilitation center and nursery. Stop by the Affection Section to pet and play with some of the animals, participate in some of the interactive activities, and view the terrariums of some reptiles, invertibrates and amphibians.

 

~Tree Of Life~

The Iconic Symbolof the Park: The Tree Of Life

 

Ten artists and three Imagineers worked full-time for 18 months to create the 325 animal carvings on The Tree of Life. It is topped with more than 103,000 transparent, five-shades-of-green leaves that actually blow in the wind. Take a walk underneath this incredible structure and enjoy a break from the heat to watch “It’s Tough To Be A Bug”. For a little family friendly competion, have everyone see how many different animals they can find engraved into the tree (and whoever finds the least buys the next round of Dole Whips!)

 

~Rides, Shows, And More~

Expedition Everest : One of the Mountains to Conquer!

It’s not all just walking trails and animals! Try to escape the Yeti on Expedition Everest (Fun Fact – Disney Imagineers went to great lengths to create an attraction rich in storytelling, authenticity and detail – even traveling to Nepal to research the region’s architecture and culture!) Be sure to take a break from the heat and watch “The Celebration of the Festival of The Lion King” show. Take a trip back in time on “Dinosaur”, or stop by and play traditional carnival Midway games in DinoLand USA – another great opportunity to learn about our prehistoric past.

 

Many don’t give this misunderstood park enough credit. If your are traveling during the school year with children, this park is an excellent tool for reports, and Mom and Dad can learn things too! Adults can stroll through and enjoy the beauty that this stunning park offers us. If you’re looking for help on how to best plan your WDW Vacation and make the most of your day at Animal Kingdom Park, reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel!

 

Tell Us what YOUR favorite part of this park is!

If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!

Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .

Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.