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Disney Parks Podcast

All the Disney Parks in One Podcast

INFO: How to Order Groceries at Your Resort

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All of Disney’s resorts have shops that carry a variety of foods and goods- everything from cereal and bread to diapers and aspirin. Yet, the variety is somewhat limited and the prices aren’t the lowest- it is, after all, there for your convenience. And we pay for conveniences. Take water, for instance. Unless you use the refill stations or request free ice water at Quick-Service locations, buying bottled water can hurt a budget at $3.50 each. That said, it just makes sense to have access to an outside source and maybe buy an entire case to keep in your room. If you’re considering ordering groceries during your stay, here are just some of the better known grocery services that deliver to Walt Disney World Resorts:

Garden Grocer. Order online or on the app for anything from food to deodorant, gluten free snacks to sunscreen, and alcoholic beverages, too. There is a $40.00 order minimum.

Magical Vacation Grocers. Buy individual items or a very convenient, customized, pre-packaged parcel for your needs (breakfast, lunch, dinner, baby, rainy day, etc.). There are no minimums and perishables are delivered in insulated bags. They can also put together treat gift boxes for special occasions.
By the way, the founders were once Walt Disney World Cast Members and are Disney Vacation Club Members, too!
Amazon Prime Now. Available for Prime Members. Orders over $35 deliver for free.

Instacart. If you’re not familiar with this service, local stores provide the goods and there’s real-time updates and communication via the app for substitutions and delivery. Stores include Publix, Costco, Aldi, Target, Total Wine, and many more in the area.

Walmart. Choose from pick-up or delivery for this very convenient, practical source. Keep in mind, though, of the Walmart store from which you make the order as product availability and delivery varies.

Note that most all resorts accept grocery deliveries, except for Swan & Dolphin Hotel. Not only do they not accept responsibility for grocery delivery inside (you would have to schedule to accept your own package outside), companies like Garden Grocer do not provide any delivery service here. Also, requests for room delivery does incur a $6 per package handling fee for each package. Yet, if you pick up your order from Bell Services (not the Front Desk), that fee does not apply.

Some deliveries require your presence and show of i.d. per company policy, especially if the order includes alcoholic beverages. As for packages from USPS, UPS, or any other mail service, including Amazon, shipments to Disney convention hotels may be delivered to the Ricoh Business Center and not the Front Desk. Check with your resort for more information before your arrival to find out where to retrieve your mailed packages.

As for ordering perishables, like milk- no worries! Bell Services will keep your items cool, either in a refrigerator or freezer, as needed. However, be aware that not all resort rooms are equipped with freezers, and most only have mini-refrigerators with minimal capacity. Only the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and the Villas (not Studios) at Deluxe Villa properties feature a Full-Size refrigerator with freezer.

Have you ever had groceries delivered during your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort? 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

 

Summertime Park Bag Essentials

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That time of year is upon us. Summer! Longer days, shorter nights, tank tops and shorts… and in Florida – heat and humidity. It’s true that the summer heat can be tough to handle. Proper preparation and planning is crucial to both make the most enjoyable time of your family vacation to WDW, AND to keep you and your family safe. If you prefer to hit the parks for rope drop and stay to close the parks, packing your park bag properly will be a step in the right direction to ensure both of these bases are covered. Here are a few Summertime Park Bag Essentials to include on your packing list!

 

 

~Reusable Water Bottle~

Keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated

 

Water can be readily obtained throughout the parks. By carrying a reusable water bottle with you, you can easily refill them wherever you may find yourself in need, without having to wait in line at a quick service location. Many have built in filters (if you aren’t a fan of the Florida water). Definitely consider filling up prior to getting into line for your next ride, so you can continue to drink while you wait. With a bottle that closes securely, there is less waste, and less opportunity to spill. When you’re finished, close it up, throw it back in your bag, and enjoy your ride!

 

~Cooling Towels~

Cooling Towels will be your best friend!

 

Cooling Towels will be your new best friend. Honestly! They are easy to find online, or even at your local superstore, are relatively inexpensive and can be reused often, even once you return home. Get each member of your traveling party one in their favorite color. Simply get them wet, snap them out and place them on the back of your neck. Most come in their own pouch, so you can place them back in there before putting them in your park bag to keep from getting anything else wet.

 

~Portable Neck Fans~

Portable and Rechargable Neckfans

 

Portable and rechargable, these neck fans can help keep you and your family cool. They come in numerous styles, and most have multiple speeds – some even have misters built in! Usually charged by USB ports, they can be charged throughout the day using the Battery Pack you most likely already have in your park bag to charge your phone.

 

~Safety First~

Midday Breaks

While all these tips can absolutely help make the most of your hot day in the parks, I can’t stress enough to not to take for granted escaping to some of the many air conditioned attractions, shops, and to even plan for a Table Service restaurant meal in the middle of the day to let you and your family recharge and cool down. And there is no shame in heading back to your resort for a dip in the pool and return to the parks later when the temps start to drop again.  Questions about how to best navigate the parks in the hot months of the year? Reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel!

 

What are your favorite tips for staying cool in the parks? What “Stay Cool”  items do you keep in your park bag?

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

INFO: Tips on How to Beat the Heat

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Summer is nearly here and so is your Disney vacation. Are you prepared to deal with the heat?
Don’t let the Floridian sun melt your plans during your stay at Walt Disney World! Here’s some helpful tips to beat the heat and stay cool on the hottest of days!

Plan indoor attractions and shows when the temps are at their peak. If you’re at EPCOT Future World, go to the Land Pavilion and plan to spend up to two hours (or more) with a lunch at Sunshine Seasons or The Garden Grill, and enjoy both Living with the Land and Soarin’ in cool, air-conditioned comfort. The Seas with Nemo and Friends is another great place to cool off- take your time at the aquarium and go on a scavenger hunt! Sit down for indoor entertainment at Magic Kingdom for a show, like Mickey’s PhilharMagic, or Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Watch Muppet Vision 3D at Hollywood Studios, and sit down for Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom- it means no worries for the rest of that hot day- Hakuna Matata!

Head for water. Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom is one water ride that is sure to get you soaked, or at least wet enough to cool your body by a few degrees. Be prepared. Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain may get you wet, and, once it reopens, Casey Jr. Splash N Soak Station (closed now for refurbishment) offers parents and kids an aquatic play area with water jets and sprays- you may need a change of clothes!

Spend a day at the water parks. Go to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. As of now, Typhoon Lagoon is closed, yet Blizzard Beach is open and stands as an arctic oasis under the scorching Florida sun with fun attractions and activities for the whole family. Want to stay cool without getting wet? Reserve a private, shaded Blizzard Beach Polar Patio for the day. You can also rent a lodge umbrella (which includes lounges, table and towels as well) and spend the day on the beach. Once it reopens, consider booking a Beachcomber Shack at Typhoon Lagoon, and enjoy the shade along with amenities like a locker, towels, refillable drink mugs, water, and cushioned seating.

Take a break and cool off at the resort pool in the afternoon!           Photo by JVR X 88 on Unsplash

Visit the Parks in the mornings and evenings, and return to your resort pool in the afternoon. Adults can enjoy a cocktail at the pool bar while the kiddos splash away. Guests at Disney’s Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Beach & Yacht Club Resorts can reserve a cabana that is equipped with a ceiling fan, mini fridge, water, and snacks (fees apply). Disney’s Art of Animation features free cabanas for getting cozy- and staying cool– at the Cozy Cone Pool.

Treat yourself. There’s a plethora of refreshing cool treats to help you cool off, like the ever popular Dole Whip at Aloha Aisle, Sunshine Tree Terrace and Storybook Treats, Kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) at Kabuki Cafe, and Frozen Lemonade at The Land Cart. If you’re looking to stay cool and save money, there’s also the option of free ice water, at the ready, just about everywhere at Quick Service locations and Snack Stations. Remember to kindly request your cup of ice water.

Last, but not least, you could buy yourself a personal neck fan or handheld misting fan. If traveling with little ones, these are especially useful as a clip-on for strollers. You may also want to consider packing a cooling towel or cooling tube as well.

 

How do you keep cool and beat the heat when at Walt Disney World?

Would you like to share any suggestions for refreshing treats?

Do you pack a personal fan?

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

Why Memory Maker Is A Must Do

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Let’s talk about a #truthbomb. We ALL want to save money on our vacation. And this is especially true for a trip to Walt Disney World. For many of us, these trips are “Once In A Lifetime” experiences, and while we are happy to save for that trip, we want to save on the extras where we can. One of the extras that is easy to brush aside is Memory Maker. But let’s talk about why, out of all the extras, this is one you shouldn’t pass on!

 

~Get Everyone In The Picture~

Whether it’s a Couples, Family, Solo, Multi Generation, First or 50th trip, it’s the perfect way to have everyone in the picture. It’s called Memory Maker for a reason. They can capture the special memories that you will treasure forever,  with everyone in the picture – Moms too! In addition, it will include all of your Attraction photos, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and more.

 

~Special Surprise Guests~

You never know who may pop up!

One of the BEST features – Magic Shots! These super fun, surprise photos add a touch of Disney Magic when they show up. You could find Mickey, Tinkerbell, Chip and Dale, or so many more of your favorite characters… and even Sven has made an appearance! Don’t hesitate to let the photographer know you would like some of these special photos. They will happily oblige!

 

~Where To Find Them~

Check for locations of photographers in your MDE app

While you’ll usually find PhotoPass Photographers near the icons in each park, they will move around. And there will be some in a few of the beaten path areas too. To see where they are located at any given time, simply check your MDE App, and from the drop down menu, select “PhotoPass”. It will pinpoint where to find them in each park. In addition, stop by the Disney PhotoPass Studio in Disney Springs for extra photos with special backgrounds and props… All included in your Memory Maker purchase!

 

~How (and How Much)~

If you are booking your WDW vacation with a Travel Agent (like our friends at Destinations to Travel), this will be a question they will ask you when they work up your free quote. But, if you are booking yourself, just let the cast member know, and they will add it to your package (current early purchase price $169 *subject to change). It is best to add it at least 3 days prior to the start of your vacation for the best price. Memory Maker can be added after the start of your trip, but the price will increase (currently $199 *subject to change), so by adding it in the beginning, you’ll save. All of your photos will be available to you to download to your mobile device or computer for 30 days… ALL of them! No need to decide which ones to purchase individually (or watch that bill add up)

 

Let us know if YOU are a Memory Maker Fan, or if you pass on this option. Will you be adding Memory Maker to your next Vacation?

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

INFO: How to Go Disney with a Toddler

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Every parent has their own opinion on this, and it’s mostly driven by either fear or the unknown. This is the dramatic segue for the most commonly asked question: 

Should I bring my toddler to Walt Disney World?

The answer is YES, without debate! I traveled with my kids when they hadn’t even mastered walking, let alone begun potty training, so you can take my advice on this.

No, it won’t be a waste of money. True, a tot most likely won’t remember the experience. Yet, these are the best years to behold the wonder and magic of a child’s imagination- and you will forever remember each and every moment! And that, right there, is the most prized souvenir from a Disney vacation!

So, here’s 5 tips that may help in the planning of a Walt Disney World vacation with your little person:

  1. Have your essentials shipped to your resort– diapers, swimmers, special foods and snacks, wipes, sunscreen, etc. Order the bare necessities either before you leave, via Amazon Prime, or on the very day of arrival – via a local store like Walmart. Items can be delivered to your resort and held for you until your arrival. Most items are sold at the resort shops, yet they are limited and can be costly.
  2. Bring a reliable stroller. It should be one that folds easily and isn’t too bulky. Also, make sure it stands out in the middle of 100 strollers! You will have to park it outside ride queues, and it may be moved by a Cast Member on the busiest days. And, no, a balloon tied to the handle is not practical. Make a colorful sign and zip-tie it to the stroller instead.
  3. Plan out your day ahead of time. Make a list of kid-friendly rides, activities and restaurants in advance. You can find age appropriate rides on the  Disney World website here. Don’t worry parents! You can still get the most of your trip and enjoy the thrill rides, and not wait on the line twice. Check with a Cast Member before getting on the line and ask about Rider Switch. This handy feature allows adults to take turns waiting with little ones or those unable to ride.
  4. Know where to go for emergencies. First Aid Centers with nurses are available at all Parks, and in-room medical services are also available at all Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Also, know where to find Baby Care Centers. These locations offer air-conditioned areas with private nursing, changing, feeding (there’s even a kitchen with microwave and sink), television, and on-site shop for essentials. 
  5. Finally, carve out time to relax! Save those Park Till You Drop days for your next Disney vacation when they are older. Trust me, it’s better to FOMO for a few hours a day than deal with a cranky and uncontrollable toddler all day long. Make it a routine to return to the hotel midday for a break. Parents, you need the siesta hour to recharge, too! Even if nap time doesn’t happen, find a way to unwind before heading out again in the evening for that dinner reservation!

 

Bonus Tip: Capture that first Walt Disney World visit with Capture Your Moment. It won’t be easy to pose on the spot with a toddler, yet you want to make sure you have something to look back on years to come that don’t involve tears. With Capture Your Moment, you can reserve a personalized photo session (0r up to two 20-min sessions back-to-back), and then purchase only your favorite shots! Each session is priced at $50, photos not included. Sessions are available at Magic Kingdom Park and Animal Kingdom (starting May 17).

 

Have you ever traveled to Walt Disney World with a baby or toddler? Did you enjoy the experience or regret it?

Share your experience in the comments!

 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

 

3 Must Do Steps After Booking Your WDW Vacation

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“WE’RE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD”!!! It’s always exciting to say those words! Now, whether you are a First Time visitor to Walt Disney World, an “Old Pro” or if you haven’t been in a while, there have been many changes to the way we plan our magical trip. Technology keeps changing and bringing us new things, along with the many changes that have had to be made due to the pandemic. The best thing you can do is be in the know on how to get off to a great start. By doing these 3 things upon booking your trip, you’ll be more than halfway there!

 

~Download the MyDisneyExperience App~

If you haven’t traveled to WDW before, you’ll want to download the MyDisneyExperience (MDE) app to your phone. Here is where you can link your reservation, see your plans, make dining reservations, do online check in, and even set up MagicMobile! This will be your most valuable tool in not just PLANNING your trip, but while you are in the parks. *It is also important to note that when logging in, use ANY current Disney log in information you have. The Walt Disney World Website, shopDisney, Disney+ and MDE will all use the same username and password you already have.

 

~Visit MyDisneyExperience.com~

My Disney Experience on your Computer or Laptop

After you have your app set up, your next visit will be to your computer or laptop. Go to the My Disney Experience page and get a grand over view. Here you can order your MagicBands, and double check everything is set up properly. While this site does offer all the same features as the MDE App, this area is a bit more detailed and laid out with the ability to see All your plans on 1 page. Here is where THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR TRIP PLANNING COMES IN, and it must be done via your laptop/computer (currently not available on the app).

 

~MAKE PARK RESERVATIONS~

Click on the link to make your park reservations immediately upon booking

 

This is absolutely the MOST important step… you MUST have both a Valid Ticket AND Park Reservations to enter any of the theme parks. It is not uncommon to see some parks unavailable for certain days, so it is recommended to select your parks and secure those reservations right away. While initially this may seem like an extra step, trust me… knowing that you are guarenteed access to the park of your choice, without getting turned away due to capacity limits, is really nice! If you’re looking for assistance in planning a course of action or which parks are best to visit on which days, we suggest reaching out to our friends at Destinations to Travel to book your trip and have them by your side each step of the way, including walking you through the process.

Park availability calendar

*Note that currently, due to a waiver, park reservations must be made by the reservation holder and cannot be secured by a travel agent*

 

Things may be a little different, but change is not always bad. Follow these steps and the rest of the planning for your trip will be a breeze!

~Have you been to WDW since the Park Reservation System was introduced? What do you think?~

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

INFO: Resorts Best Suited for a Family of Five

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Most hotel rooms, no matter the tier nor destination, accommodate up to 4 guests. This is fine for the majority of traveling parties vacationing as couples or fit the typical family with one or two kids. Yet, what about larger groups or families of 5 or more?

Luckily, many resorts at Walt Disney World (and all Disneyland Resorts) have rooms for parties of 5 or more- and they won’t all break the bank! Since expense is the main concern for larger groups, it would be impractical to mention Deluxe Resort Villas and Suites- even though these categories do accommodate anywhere from 5 to 12 Guests. They would be best for family reunions and that rare occasion when everyone pitches in on the bill! (Note: Standard Rooms at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Polynesian Village, and Yacht and Beach Club Resort sleep up to 5 adults).

So, which Walt Disney World Resorts are best suited for families who break the mold, exceed maximum room capacity at most hotels, and are in want of budget-friendly lodging? 

Here’s an overview of resorts by tier:

Value Resorts

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. Family Suites. Yes, it’s a suite. Yet, a stay here is affordable in comparison to Deluxe Resort Suites. After all, this is a Value Resort. The main room, upon entering, has two Murphy beds that pull down from above the sofa and dining table, and sleep up to 4 adults. In addition, a master bedroom offers more privacy for 2 adults. That’s 6 adults total (plus infant under 3 with a pack ‘n play). The suite features two full bathrooms and a separate kitchen area with full refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and sink. 

Disney’s Art of Animation. Family Suite. Finding Nemo. Photo courtesy Disney.

Art of Animation. Family Suites. No matter the theme- Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo- these suites sleep up to 6 adults (plus infant under 3 with a pack ‘n play) and feature a master bedroom, pull-down table bed, sleeper sofa and two full baths. The kitchenette area is compact, yet is furnished with all the basic essentials like a mini-fridge, microwave oven, and small sink. 

Moderate Resorts

 

Wilderness Cabin at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Photo courtesy Disney.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Not only do the cabins accommodate groups of up to 6 adults, they are also furnished with full kitchens that feature a full refrigerator, microwave, sink, 2 countertop burners and a dishwasher! The sleeping arrangement, however, may not offer the same privacy as in the family suites mentioned above- the main bedroom contains both the queen bed and bunk beds (sorry parents, you’re not alone). Also, if there’s a shower hoarder in the family, the only one full bathroom may require the troop to run on a tight schedule. Still, the cabin has everything a family needs, including a spacious and private outdoor patio and a grill.

 

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. 5th Sleeper. Photo courtesy Disney.

5th Sleeper, child-size pull down bed. Photo courtesy Disney.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Both resorts feature rooms with what’s called a 5th Sleeper option. This means that a party of 4 adults and 1 child (not 5 adults) can comfortably stay in these rooms. The 5th sleeper is a pull down bed that measures, approximately, 33” wide by 66” long. That said, this bed is most comfortable for a child of up to about 5ft in height. (Note, Disney will not permit booking of these rooms with 5 adults.)

 

 

 

Has your family of 5 or more stayed at any of these resorts?

Do you prefer for everyone to stay in one room, or do you find it most convenient to request separate, connecting rooms?

 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

 

New Park Bag Packing 101

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Ask a veteran WDW traveler for some park tips, and it’s likely that one of those tips will be to take a park bag with you. WDW allows you to take a bag – backpack, large purse, camera bag – into the parks with you. While people usually agree on taking a bag, some have different ideas on what to put in it. Here are few things that currently top the list of park bag essentials.

 

~Extra Masks~

Disposable mask vending machines are placed throughout property

 

Having extra masks for each person is not only convenient, but almost required. Between the Florida weather – including sudden afternoon rain showers and humidity – and some rides, being able to switch out a wet mask with a clean, dry one will not only be more comfortable, but more sanitary for you and your family. Disposable mask vending machines are available throughout the parks, and cloth masks are available for purchase at every turn in gift shops as well.

*Pro Tip – take an empty plastic sandwich bag with you to put wet/dirty masks in. When you return to the resort, wash them in the sink and hang them to dry overnight for fresh masks each day.

 

~Back Up Power~

Back Up Power Source

 

Now more than ever, having a power bank and charging cord is almost a neccesity. With the roll out of MagicMobile (available in your MDE App) which can replace MagicBands, it is more important than ever to make sure your device stays charged. Keeping a back up power source will help insure your device is always ready to capture those surprise Magical Moments that will live on in memories for years to come. There are locations throughout the parks for you stop, take a break and charge your device as well, but being able to stay on the go and power up at the same time is the best way to keep moving and save valuable time.

*Pro Tip – Forgot a portable charger? Don’t stress! There are Fuel Rod machines throughout property for purchase. While a bit pricey (approx $30) they come fully charged and can be exchanged at any time or charged at night and reused

 

~The Basics~

The Basics

Sanitizing and hand washing stations are front and center throughout the parks – but a little extra can’t hurt. Cast members are working diligently to keep guests safe and healthy, but we can certainly help them along. Hand Sanitizer and surface wipes come in handy, especially for peace of mind whether sitting down for lunch or hopping onto your next ride.

*Pro Tip – Anti Fog wipes (reusable or disposable) will also come in handy. If you already wear glasses, you may have already considered this but if not and you will be using sunglasses, these will be your best friend to avoid your glasses fogging up from wearing masks or going between air conditioned buildings to the warm Florida weather.

 

For more assistance on preparing for your trip to WDW, reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel. Your new Disney BFF will help make preparation a breeze!

 

What are your MUST HAVES in your park bag? Tell us in the comments below! 

 

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