Ah, the allure of the last-minute deal! It’s a concept deeply ingrained in our consumer psyche: wait, and the price will drop. While this might hold true for some purchases, when it comes to cruises, clinging to this belief is often a direct route to disappointment, higher costs, and a less than ideal vacation experience.

As a seasoned cruise expert, I’ve seen countless travelers fall into this trap. They envision snapping up a luxurious balcony cabin for a steal just weeks before departure. The reality? More often than not, they end up paying more for less if they even find a sailing that works for them.

1. 
   

   The Early Bird Gets the Best Everything! The best cabins, think prime locations, spacious suites, or specific balcony views, are always the first to be snatched up. Waiting means you’re left with what no one else wanted, or worse, no cabins at all in your preferred category.

   
   


2. 
   

   The Price Drop Protection Myth: Many travelers wait because they fear the price will drop after they book. Here’s the insider secret: most major cruise lines offer Price Protection. If you book early and the price for your specific category drops before your final payment date, I can often get you the lower rate or an onboard credit. When you wait until the last minute, you lose that safety net.

   
   


3. 
   

   The Hidden Costs of Waiting: A cheap last-minute cruise fare often becomes expensive once you add in the logistics. Last-minute flights to port cities like Miami or Seattle are notoriously pricey, and the best value hotels near the pier fill up fast. Booking early locks in the entire travel package at a reasonable rate.

   
   


4. 
   

   Did You Wait? Don’t Worry, We’ve Got This: I know what you’re thinking – “But what if I really *can’t* book far in advance?” Life happens! Sometimes a last-minute getaway is the only option. In these cases, it’s even MORE crucial to work with a travel advisor. We have access to real-time inventory and can often find solutions you wouldn’t see on your own. We can navigate the complexities and still try to find you the best possible value, even under pressure.

   
   

The Takeaway: Don’t gamble with your vacation. Booking your cruise early isn’t just about getting a good deal; it’s about securing the experience you *want*. More choices, better prices overall (when you factor in flights and hotels), and peace of mind. Ready to plan your perfect cruise without the last-minute stress? Let’s chat!

 Why taking your Toddler to Disney Creates a Magical Adventure

Are you ready to experience the magic of Disney through the eyes of your little one? Despite what the naysayers may claim, embarking on a Disney adventure with your toddler is a decision you won't regret. Some may argue, 'They're too little to remember,' or 'It's a waste of money,' but let's talk about these comments and dive into the enchanting world of Disney with your pint-sized companion. From meeting beloved characters to witnessing the wonder of Disney's enchanting attractions, there's an abundance of joy waiting for both you and your toddler at the happiest place on earth.

Making Memories:

My husband and I have always been Disney fans. From watching the old shows of The Mouseketeers and waiting for every Sunday to watch The Wonderful World of Disney to having Disney and Disney JR on for our kids, we have always been immersed in the Disney experience. When my children were 1 and 2 years old, we went to Disney World for the first time. Since then, we have visited Disney World at different stages of my children’s lives and experienced Walt Disney World through the eyes of toddlers to enjoying drinks around the World with our kids as adults. My favorite trip will always be the first time we took them when they were 1 and 2 years old.

 

They are too Little to Remember:

'They’re too little to remember.' It's true that my kids don't recall our trip when they were toddlers, but I remember it vividly. I can still see the sheer joy on my daughter Tori's face when she saw Mickey for the first time, and I can't forget the sight of my son Jacob dozing off in line while waiting to meet Buzz and Woody. When Buzz tapped Jacob's shoulder, waking him up, the look on his face was absolutely priceless. While my kids may not remember these moments, I certainly do, and as their parent, I cherish these core memories. I have the photos and the stories to help my kids recall these special times.



It’s Such a Waste of Money

'It's such a waste of money.'  But here's a fun fact: children under 2 get in for free! Yep, no need for a ticket for the little ones. Just remember to include them in your dining reservations headcount. And if you're using Genie+, you'll be happy to know that your toddler doesn't need a pass and can join you on suitable rides. If they're not tall enough, don't worry – make use of the rider swap. Disney is tailored for people of all ages to enjoy and many rides at Disney do not have height restrictions. Did you know that Magic Kingdom alone has 17 out of the 24 rides that have no height restrictions? Disney is an immersive experience for everybody and you as the parent are able to see the excitement of meeting your child's beloved characters in person. Those memories are priceless. 



Planning: 

Planning a trip to Disney is always a mix of excitement and a bit overwhelming, especially when you're going with little ones. It's important to remember that you'll probably be moving at a slower pace than the thrill-seekers racing to the next ride or restaurant. So, it's crucial to figure out what's most important for your family and plan accordingly. Even after countless visits, I still haven't managed to see everything Disney has to offer. But what really matters is creating those core memories with your loved ones. One of my top tips for Disney trips with kids, besides letting me help you plan your trip 😉 is to consider bringing along the grandparents. When my mom joined us, it added an extra special touch to the experience, and it was great to have more adults than kids in our group. 

Some people think it's best to wait until their kids are the perfect age to take them to Disney or on vacation. But I've realized that life is short, and waiting for the right time can mean missing out. I feel lucky to have seen my kids experience the magic of Disney at different stages of their lives, and each trip is very special to me. Ultimately, it's up to you, and no one should make you feel guilty about choosing to take your little ones to Disney. So, go ahead and book that trip, I'm always here to help you navigate the Wonderful World of Disney!

Ready to create some magical core memories with your toddler at Disney?Give me a call today to book your unforgettable vacation and experience the wonder of Disney through your toddler’s eyes!