What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
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What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
Planning a trip to WDW takes a lot of thought and planning. Even with the best laid plans, one can encounter a bump or two along the way.
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, like myself, is a 'one-stop-Disney-vacation-shop!' I can help you build your vacation from beginning to end! The best part is that my AMAZING services come at no extra cost to you, than if you'd booked it yourself.
What are the perfect number of days for a Disney World vacation?
It really depends on what you are looking for in your vacation! Generally, three to five days is enough to experience the four main theme parks, but you can always add on extra days to explore the other attractions and experiences available. If you’re looking for a more leisurely vacation, seven to ten days would be ideal to truly enjoy everything Disney World has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Disney World?
The best time to visit Disney World is typically during the off-season. This usually falls between early January and late February, as well as the months of September and October. During these times, there are usually fewer crowds and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the busiest times of year (like summer, Christmas and Easter) can still be enjoyable if you plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
Common mistakes we see when people try to book themselves at the Happiest Place on Earth
Mistake #1 – Not reserving table service meals in advance. You’ll absolutely need to make a reservation for sit down meals 60/180 days prior to your arrival. And, beware…they go fast, especially signature and character experiences.
Mistake #2 – Not using mobile order. If quick service dining is preferred, we encourage you to order using your device in advance. Payment via this method is contactless and all you have to do is pick up your order and go.
Mistake #3 – Not budgeting in advance. This is especially true for food and merchandise. Scope out menus ahead of time and don’t impulse purchase. Try to go in with a PLAN and a budget and stick to it.
Mistake #4 – Overpacking. You don’t need four pairs of shoes and two pairs of Mickey ears per day! Make and stick to a packing list, but don’t forget essentials! Sure, you can find them on property, but at a premium.
Mistake #5 – Overplanning. Prioritize your parks and attractions, but don’t pen anything in. Variables like weather and crowds could quickly derail a day that has been booked down to the minute. Be sure to plan for breaks with all of that walking!
Mistake #6 – Ignoring the forecast. Monitor the weather in Orlando prior to departure and adjust accordingly. Likely rain gear will be needed for summers, and a sweater, sweatshirt or jacket needed for cooler winter nights.
Mistake #7 – Visiting at the wrong time. As a rule of thumb, holidays, school breaks, summer, and weekends will bring the crowds. If they’re too much for you and/or you prefer a more relaxed vibe, check out other times of the year.
Mistake #8 – Wearing the wrong shoes! You should not purchase those cool new sneaks specifically for this trip. New shoes are culprits for a world of hurt, and bandaids. Stick with pairs that are broken in and comfy.
Questions To Ask Your Travel Agent about Disney World
1) What package deals are available for Disney World?
2) Are there any discounts or special offers I can take advantage of?
3) What are the best times of the year to visit Disney World?
4) Are there any seasonal activities or attractions I should be aware of?
5) How far in advance do I need to book my trip?
6) What are the best ways to save money while visiting Disney World?
7) Are there any particular restaurants or attractions that I should make sure to experience while there?
8) Are there any insider tips or tricks that I should know before I go?
9) Are there any special events or experiences that I can book ahead of time?
10) Are there any safety protocols that I should be aware of?
Disney Properties, How do you make the right selection?
Staying on Disney property is certainly our recommendation. At the end of the day Disney is always telling a story, right? Well, the resorts on property certainly aren’t an exception. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! With more than 25 resorts, how do you select the one that is best for your family? Here’s a quick look!
Disney separates its resorts into four categories - value, moderate, deluxe and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club). Pricing, features onsite and availability of certain amenities start off pretty basic and add on from there.
Value – Pretty basic rooms and baths. Recreation and dining are limited – think large pool and food court. Transport is typically going to be via bus.
Moderate – Rooms here are larger and in different configurations as is the bath. View options, pools, recreation, and dining are a little more robust. Bus transport is typical here, but you might find a property with a boat.
Deluxe – Most posh rooms! Types and sizes can vary. The main draw is the proximity to the parks. This is as close as it gets! A park could be a quick walk or monorail ride away.
Villas – We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program (but can be booked for cash). Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is like a deluxe property.
Evaluate each category as described and make your selection based on the needs of your family. Need help in choosing which is best for you and your family? Let us guide you each step of the way!
More Details - Selecting a Resort on Walt Disney World Property
Each resort has been carefully crafted and immerses you in a story – and we LOVE that. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! However, there are SO many resorts (more than 25!). So, how do you select the one that is best for your family? Well, we’re here to break it down for you, and as we go, remember the story! A hint or indicator of it is usually in the name.
Since the resorts are split into four budget categories - value, moderate, deluxe and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club but can be booked for cash). Pricing usually follows this model as it sounds – value is a better price per night as compared to deluxe. Same goes for features onsite and availability of certain amenities. Let’s do a quick breakdown!
Value Category - Resort Level
The bulk of rooms in this category are standard and approximately 260 square feet. There is a basic bath setup (sink often in the open and toilet and shower/tub in a separate room) and bedding could be two doubles or a king. Some rooms in this category are family suites coming in at approximately 520 square feet. They have a similar set up as a standard but double the baths and add in some convertible sleeping options. From here things at both are about the same. Views can differ from parking areas and wooded areas to swimming pools – and naturally the better the view the higher the price. Speaking of swimming pools, the pools here are typically themed and could be interactive, but here’s your warning – no slides! Other forms of recreation can be limited – think poolside games, a playground, and an occasional movie outside at night. Dining options are slim too with your only options being a foot court or pool bar. Finally, transportation provided by Disney (a perk of staying onsite!) will usually be via a bus. The only exceptions to this are the Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century, which recently were added to the new-ish Skyliner route.
Includes: All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Campsites at Fort Wilderness.
Moderate Category - Resort Level
Standard rooms in this category are in the 300 square foot range with a similar bath set up as a value resort, but maybe an additional sink. Two queen beds or one king is the standard, but there might be a spot for a potential fifth person (otherwise four is max). Views are similar as well but throw in the possibility of a room facing/near a natural body of water. Pools, other recreation and dining options are a little more robust with the addition of “quiet pools,” water recreation, bikes, a health club (Coronado Springs), at least one table service restaurant and a lounge. Transport here is typically bus as well, but there might be a boat service from some resorts to Disney Springs.
Includes: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Deluxe Category - Resort Level
There are a variety of rooms and sizes here. We’re talking anywhere from 344 to 440 square feet. The bath situation can vary too and includes what you’ll find in a moderate, but probably in a different configuration for more privacy. If the room is larger, there might be several baths. Bedding configuration is like a moderate property with nothing smaller than a queen. However, it’s the views, recreation, dining, and transportation that sets a deluxe apart. Pools will have slides, hot tubs, or other water features. Spa services might even be available. There are more table service restaurants, room service and maybe even character dining your Walt Disney World onsite. Lastly, these resorts are typically in close proximity to a park (very attractive to some), so transportation options open up. Buses, skyliner and boats could still be available, but add walking and monorails to the list.
Includes: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club.
Villas Category - Resort Level
We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.
Includes: Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House and Kidani Village, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Villas at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.
21 Fun Facts about Walt Disney World
Balloons Balloons have been a guest favorite since day one. Disneyland started selling them in 1955! And fun fact – if you pop your balloon while in the park just bring it back to the vendor and they’ll replace it! Ready to pick up yours? Then, let’s get planning! What’s the Disney souvenir of choice for you or your little ones? Balloon? Plush? T-shirt?
Beast and Belle Flower and Garden The Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot runs annually starting in the spring. Did you know that more than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are installed for the festival? A lot of people call it their favorite. Are you ready to find out? Our personal favorite Flower and Garden Festival topiary can be found in the France pavilion – Belle and Beast. If you’ve been, what was your favorite?
Boardwalk Staying on Disney property is special. Not only are you immersing yourself in a story and experience, but you might even be so close to the parks that you have this view! Ready to explore the onsite possibilities? Tell us, do you stay on Disney property? What is your favorite and why?
Carousel No visit to the Disney parks is complete without a ride on the carousel. With the backdrop of the castle, it stands as the most classic ride of them all. Ready to put this attraction on your must-do list? Do you know how to identify Cinderella’s horse?
Castle Fireworks Another Disney tradition is catching the nighttime fireworks! There have been many iterations over the years, and they just keep getting better and better. If you’re ready to see them in person, let’s connect! What has been your most recent fireworks show favorite?
Cinderella’s Castle Cinderella’s Castle as pulled straight from the movie, is said to have drawn influence from Versailles and Fontainebleau in France as well as Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Do you see the resemblance? The regal Cinderella’s Castle stands as our favorite castle from any park across the globe. Which castle is your favorite? What memories does it hold for you?
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Epcot holds a lot of festivals throughout the year and our favorite can be seen here – the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Watch the park come to life in bloom each spring. Ready to schedule a visit to one of Epcot’s festivals? Topiaries? The fresh snacks? Scavenger hunt around World Showcase? What’s your favorite part of Flower and Garden?
Epcot Skyliner The Skyliner is the newest form of transportation on property having opened in September of 2019. It connects four resorts and two theme parks. The system is easy to navigate, convenient and the views while riding are mesmerizing. Ready to ride? Let’s get you there. The Skyliner has quickly become a transportation favorite among guests. Have you had the chance to experience it? Did you love it?
Expedition Everest There are a bunch of fun facts about Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Most notably, it’s the tallest attraction on property. But did you know that despite its name, riders aren’t actually navigating Mount Everest? Instead, it holds the fictitious name of Forbidden Mountain. Disney Imagineers created it just for the storyline of the attraction! Riding forward…Riding backward (in the dark)…An 80 foot drop. Yikes! Do you love or hate Everest, um Forbidden Mountain?
Haunted Mansion As you weave through the Haunted Mansion queue pay close attention. The names on the tombstones are those of Imagineers! Some even worked on the build of the attraction itself! Another fun fact, as you exit there’s a pet cemetery. Towards the back there’s a tribute to Mr. Toad! Besides it’s 999 happy haunts, there’s a hidden Mickey inside the Haunted Mansion! Do you know where it’s located?
Mickey Ears and Castle Ears for some are a must have collectible. During your visit to WDW keep an eye out for ears that pay tribute to certain attractions and characters. If you’re looking to jump on an even hotter trend, go for one of the many color specific ears. Rose gold and purple potion are two favorites. Get your ears on!
Mickey Waffles Some say that waffles just taste better when they’re in the shape of Mickey and consumed on property. There is an abundance of breakfast locations where you’ll find this icon! And, while the mouse himself is the most widely available, you might spot Stitch or Simba at some spots as well! We love Mickey waffles! What’s your favorite Disney snack?
Monorail There are three different monorail lines. The Epcot line connects guest to Epcot via the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). The Resort line stops at Magic Kingdom, all three surrounding resorts and the TTC. The Express line is a direct connect between MK and the TTC. If the Express line is too long, hop on the Resort line if there’s a much shorter wait time and only make one additional stop at the Contemporary! The classic. The monorail. It’s our favorite. Is it yours too?
Pandora The stunning Pandora – World of Avatar. The film’s writer and director James Cameron played an integral role in the design of this land in Animal Kingdom as did producer Jon Landeau. They were joined by legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde. Did you know they left a little easter egg at the exit of Flight of Passage? Keep an eye out for it during your next visit! Flight of Passage. Pandora’s must-do attraction. Do you rope drop it? Or save it for your last attraction before close?
Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth or as some call it, “the giant golf ball” is the very first ride that we take when visiting Epcot. We just can’t get over the fact that we travel in there! Imagineering at it’s finest. What is the first attraction on your list when visiting Epcot? What’s your favorite scene on Spaceship Earth? Rome burning? The Phoenicians?
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge The most recent addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Galaxy’s Edge was announced in 2015. After over six years of concept development and construction, the first guests were welcomed in 2019! And, for reference, the timeline you’re entering when coming into the land is between the eighth and ninth film! Did you know there’s a hidden mini– Millennium Falcon ON the Falcon itself? Know where it is?
Teacups The teacups were our first ride EVER in the Magic Kingdom! We spun that thing so fast …you could hear the joy and excitement in our screams and laughs! What was your first ride EVER at a Disney Park? Share with us below. Ready to ride again? Let’s chat! Did you know the teacups were a Magic Kingdom opening day attraction? Can you name some others?
Tomorrowland Tomorrowland was a land that opened when the park itself opened on October 1, 1971. But it only featured two attractions, and Space Mountain wasn’t one of them! They were the Grand Prix Raceway and Skyway to Fantasyland, which, sadly, no longer exists. Rank your favorites! Choices – Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover and Carousel of Progress.
Tower of Terror The Imagineers on the attraction watched every single episode of The Twilight Zone for inspiration, and it can be seen in the attraction’s queue area. There are a ton of easter eggs and the attention to detail is incredible. You might even spot some props used in actual episodes! The story of the hotel is that it was struck by lightning, and that’s the state you see it in. Do you know what date that strike occurred?
Tree of Life We encourage you to take the time and explore the paths that surround the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. They’re often overlooked as most others head straight for the main attractions. Here you’ll get a break from the crowds, an up-close view and excellent photo ops! There are 300 animals carved into the Tree of Life.
And did you know, it's NOT a Small World After All! Disney World encompasses over 50 square miles.
A quick example itinerary for starting a 3 day trip to WDW
This itinerary is chock full of park days. Consider checking out each park during the day and night. If the park time below is too much, you can always return to your hotel for pool time, check out Disney Springs or visit a waterpark!
DAY 1
Fly into Orlando in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Take your time in getting settled at the hotel and enjoy dinner onsite before an early sleep. Or, if you're feeling up to it, head to the Magic Kingdom! Try to hit some opening day attractions and maybe catch the nightly fireworks (if available).
DAY 2
Grab a quick to-go breakfast from the hotel and head to Epcot Center, or head to Epcot and go straight to Les Halles in the France pavilion for breakfast. Even though World Showcase typically opens later in the morning (around 11am) as compared to the rest of the park, Les Halles is typically open and serving. Return to your hotel in the middle of the day for a nap or swim, then head back out Hollywood Studios. If running, try to catch Fantasmic or Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular!
DAY 3
Grab a bite from the hotel or head to the Magic Kingdom for breakfast. Enjoy the morning exploring the park then return to your hotel. Spend some time relaxing and exploring — take a nap, enjoy the pool, partake in some activities, if available. After that if you're completely relaxed and feeling like hanging in, grab dinner on site. If you're up for it, head to Disney Springs for some shopping and dinner.
I would love to create the perfect FREE Disney vacation package for you and your family / guests. If you like to reach out to me, please use my Disney World Travel Inquiry Form.
Get in touch with Ashlee Lund
Ashlee Lund
Let me help you with your next vacation! I caught the travel bug at a young age and have not stopped exploring this beautiful world. There is just far too much to see, do, and learn about which is why I want to help people get to their dream destination! I have traveled to several different areas of this world - everywhere from Orlando, Florida to Mt. Everest. Contact me today to begin planning your next adventure whether you desire a cruise, Hawaii, Europe, or another dream destination! I would be more than happy to help you find what you are looking for!
Back by popular demand! Why download our guide? As an EarMarked Agency, we are recognized by Disney.
A Disney EarMarked travel agency is an agency that is officially recognized by Disney and has been given permission to provide Disney vacation packages and services. These agencies are specialists in planning vacations to Disney destinations and can help you find the best deals and packages for your trip. They can also provide personalized advice and help you plan your trip from start to finish.
As Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, we are knowledgeable in all things Disney vacations related.
An authorized Disney vacation planner is a professional travel advisor who specializes in Disney vacations. They are knowledgeable about all Disney destinations and resorts, and can help plan the perfect trip for you and your family. They can provide advice and assistance on EVERYTHING. From choosing the right resort and tickets, to planning the perfect itinerary. They can also suggest activities and attractions to make the most of your time in the Disney parks.
Ashlee Lund
What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
Kansas City Travel Agent Near Me
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Let me help you with your next vacation! I caught the travel bug at a young age and have not stopped exploring this beautiful world. There is just far too much to see, do, and learn about which is why I want to help people get to their dream destination! I have traveled to several different areas of this world - everywhere from Orlando, Florida to Mt. Everest. Contact me today to begin planning your next adventure whether you desire a cruise, Hawaii, Europe, or another dream destination! I would be more than happy to help you find what you are looking for!
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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Free time is rare for me these days, so it was invaluable that Ashlee took on the time consuming tasks of researching options, finding deals, waiting on hold with support, and organizing schedules. Without her, I would have been a sleep deprived mess before the trip even started. -Tyna
50th Wedding Anniversary
We had booked a trip in 2020 which we were not able to go on due to the pandemic. With the credit we still had with Delta Vacations expiring at the end of this year, and with our 50th wedding anniversary coming up in 2024, Ashlee came to our rescue. She has helped us plan a most wonderful and fun trip to Las Vegas in April of 2024, something we would not have done our own. Ashlee's help in booking the airline, the hotel, and additional events while we are there, will make it easy for us to finally take some time away just for us. 50 years together is a milestone, and an adventure we will enjoy! Thank you to Adventures with Ashlee & Vincent Vacations for getting us there! -Pat
About a week ago, I returned from my 5-night voyage aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady. I had the opportunity to sail to Cozumel, Mexico, and Bimini, The Bahamas. This was my second voyage with Virgin, but my first journey was aboard the Valiant Lady. I wanted to see how much of a difference, if any, there were between the two ships. Besides some of the shows, a few decoration differences, and the ports I visited, everything was the same.
EMBARKMENT DAY
On my first Virgin cruise, I went solo while meeting other travel agents and solo travelers onboard. This time around, I decided to bring a friend to show her what the hype was all about.
We began our journey by flying to Miami the day prior. I decided to fly into Ft. Lauderdale this time as she flew into Miami. I’m a huge fan of exploring and trying new things, so I decided to try alternative transportation methods other than Ubering from Ft. Lauderdale to Miami for about $80. I took a look at Brightline, but it was a hit or miss for me to make it on time. I decided to try the Tri-Rail which required me to take a free shuttle from the Ft. Lauderdale airport to the Tri-Rail station. I then had to purchase a train ticket to Miami International Airport that cost me $5 one way – that sure beats $80.
Once I arrived in Miami, I hopped on, “The Mover” – a tram from the train station to the airport. It was a quick ride, but then it was a little bit of a walk to meet my friend at baggage claim. While I did take a look at booking a shuttle for $40, most, if not all, only ran until 1:30 or 2:00 pm. If you’re a budget traveler, the Tri-Rail is an option, but not quite as convenient or timely as a rideshare.
The next morning, my friend and I headed to Terminal V to check in our luggage so we could go explore the city until our embarkment time. While Virgin Voyages already includes your gratuity in the price of your booking, the people checking in your luggage are a third-party company that does appreciate tips – that was something I didn’t know the first time I went on my Virgin cruise. After we checked in our luggage, we went inside the terminal to check in and get our bracelets that were used as a key and a credit card - no more purse carrying! Within ten minutes of checking in our luggage and checking in at the terminal, we were ready to explore the city! The great thing about Virgin Voyages is that they have a free shuttle to take you to and from Bayside. If you’re not familiar with Bayside, it’s a great area to explore local shops, have amazing food, listen to live music, and even ride the Ferris wheel if you want a great view of the ocean and the city.
After breakfast and exploring many shops, my friend and I decided to head back to Terminal V and wait our turn for our 3:45 embarkment. Surprisingly, we were able to board at 2:45 as the boarding process was moving quickly and smoothly. The first thing we did on board was book The Ship Show as that’s one of the first things to fill up. I tried explaining to my friend to not worry if restaurants are booked (other than maybe The Wake & The Test Kitchen), as people always cancel or don’t show up. We headed to our cabin and were greeted by our friendly cabin attendant and our luggage. Kindly, we asked him to separate our beds into two twins so we could each have our own bed which he did within the hour while also getting us fresh blankets.
I had to show my friend the different mood lightings you could do in the cabin, and she got a kick out of the “Get it On” mood with the sexy music playing along with it. Thankfully, we never had to use the “Hangover” mood lighting during our journey, but we did utilize the “Cinema” mood at night while watching a movie (a very large selection by the way at no extra charge). The next thing I had to show her was the infamous red hammock that puts me to sleep within minutes! We had an amazing view of downtown Miami before departing.
A DAY AT SEA
Our first day of traveling to Cozumel, Mexico was a full day at sea through the Gulf of Mexico. While some may ask, “What is there to do?”, there were plenty of activities and shows to see on board. We did have to go to “Lick Me Til I Scream” for some ice cream and eat at Extra Virgin (an Italian restaurant) for our first night. It was amazing, and Daniell our server had his entire section cracking up with his fun sense of humor. I promise you, this is a ship that’s not like other ships. Come as you are and turn your cruise into a party cruise, a relaxing cruise, or a foodie cruise. Did I mention that no kids are allowed?
COZUMEL, MEXICO
My friend and I were excited to disembark and head to our expedition of snorkeling with sea turtles, starfish, and sting rays! I was a little terrified to go into the middle of the ocean, but the crystal blue waters were amazing to see! After getting into the ocean and getting myself to calm down a bit, I stuck my head underwater and saw a school of fish heading my way. We continued to follow the coral reefs when a massive sea turtle appeared. I have never seen one in its natural environment, so it was incredible for me to see! Not more than a few minutes later, a large starfish was on the floor of the sea. We continued to swim, and suddenly, four large sea turtles were swimming beneath me!
Next up was stop number two, and once again, we got out of the boat to explore. This time I was brave enough to jump out. It was incredible to not only see one starfish but to see over a dozen spread out all at once! I didn’t want to leave! Our last stop was Sting Ray Bay where were able to stand with the water going to our waistline and watch sting rays swim around us. It’s a very touristy area where several boats pull up, serve nachos in the ocean, and grab a drink or two. I felt like I was on Spring Break.
After about a 20-30 minute boat ride back to land, my friend and I went to grab a bite to eat at a place called, “Dick’s Dive” where we were served incredible food and margaritas the size of our heads. Overall, Cozumel was an amazing place to visit despite the construction and hot sun, but it’s somewhere where I would love to stay at a resort or venture over to Playa del Carmen via ferry.
BIMIMINI BEACH, THE BAHAMAS
Our final port was at Virgin’s private island in Bimini. My friend and I rented a golf cart and explored the beautiful beaches around the island while passing places where Ernest Hemingway would stop to fish and write. The water was a blue I’d never seen while at the ocean before, and if I weren’t incredibly sunburnt, I could have spent all day there relaxing and admiring the beauty. I’m always fascinated to learn how other cultures live differently than I do. While it’s a small island, it has incredible beauty and incredible food at Virgin’s private beach club. Thankfully, you are allowed to use your wristbands at the beach club if want to order a drink.
OVERALL
My final thoughts on the cruise were that I was satisfied and perhaps a little disappointed with a few things, but overall, I had a wonderful experience. There were some new shows, but most of them were the same as the Valiant Lady which I was just on less than three months ago. Not much of it was a surprise for me, but I did try Bingo with the Diva this time. Incredible prizes compared to other cruise ships! The Michelin star food was of high quality, and I won’t deny that I ate way too much. While many people rave about the Test Kitchen, I was a little disappointed that it was the same menu that I had on the other ship, and it’s more about the experience than the food.
The other thing I was disappointed with this time was the fact that our basic internet that comes with the cruise was not working. Many Sailors couldn’t do basic web browsing which left us no choice but to upgrade according to Sailor Services, but the premium internet worked wonderfully at sea. I hope this is something they will look into. This cruise isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok. It’s a ship that’s about being open-minded, coming as you are, and enjoying pieces of luxury wherever you are. While there were some disappointments, that’s unfortunately a part of vacationing, and I would go on Virgin again. Gunbae was another restaurant that I was able to try for the first time, and it was incredible! If you can afford the $55 upcharge, I would HIGHLY recommend trying the Wagyu beef platter. It is cooked to absolute perfection!
A few weeks ago, I had an amazing opportunity to attend the annual Signature Travel Network conference in Las Vegas. For those who don't know what this conference is, it is a huge conference filled with travel agents, agency owners, hotel managers, etc. who fill up The Venetian's conference rooms for several meetings and an opportunity to network with several vendors. Overall, it's a great learning experience as a travel agent so I can provide my clients the best deals and quality that they won't find anywhere else.
It was a bit intimidating attending the conference of over 2,500 travel agents that I had never met, but I was able to remind myself that I was there for myself and my current and future clients. At the end of the conference, the agents and owners were able to rent out Las Vegas' Sphere for a few hours and enjoy great food and the ultimate experience. I highly recommend going to The Sphere at least once.
Think Big
There were several great speakers, but one stuck out for me - Ben Nemtin from MTV's, The Buried Life. Ben wrote a book about living your best life and facing your fears. What Do You Want to Do Before You Die is also a New York Times #1 Best Seller.
I began to question the meaning of life at an early age, and I began to think big in high school - more so when I graduated from college. I traveled across the globe, climbed some of the tallest mountains in the world, and I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people from various countries while staying with them in their homes. My fascination of understanding that there's a different way of life other than my own, is what has driven me to become a travel agent. I want to show people what's out there and how amazing the world is.
I did manage to send Ben an email after the conference, and surprisingly, I heard back! My thinking big in Vegas didn't stop there as I met with a company who can send people to space for $125,000/seat for six hours. No rockets involved. While I thought it was a bit odd to be meeting with them at first, I began to realize, 'Don't limit yourself to what you know. Learn. Grow. Find something extraordinary for your clients.'
On the note of thinking big, my Kansas City Chiefs were playing the Philadelphia Eagles a couple weeks ago. I knew Mama Kelce (Travis and Jason's mother) was going to be visiting a local restaurant to serve food. Whether or not it was for charity, I knew I wanted to go. I was one of around 30 people to get in the building as I waited out in the cold rain for about an hour. However, when it was my turn to go talk to Donna Kelce, she was escorted to the media area.
In all honesty, I don't know why I wanted to go to this event. I'm not even a Swiftie. Perhaps a part of me saw this as a networking opportunity with other Chiefs fans or to simply enjoy some time away from my computer. Whatever the reason, I made some connections - even a nice chat with her brother, Don. My ambitious mind decided that it was a great idea to slip Mama Kelce my business card in case she ever needed to travel to one of her sons' games. While I'm pretty certain she has all that taken care of, it built my confidence, and it provided me with experience.
The same goes with travel. I know a lot of people who are skeptical to travel to a place they've never been to before. For myself, it began with small road trips with my family to getting on my first plane to Disney World. Eventually, my small adventures led me to Mt. Everest with people I didn't know, as well as traveling to nine different countries with people I had never met in person. I chose to follow my passion and not let my worries get in my way.
Whether you, or someone you know, is looking for vacation, I can help you begin the process with no fees.
P.S. I have yet to hear from Mama Kelce about her next vacation. I assume she's waiting until after the Super Bowl to book something.
Travel has played a large role in my life since I was the age of five. I remember my first time on an airplane while on my way to Disney World. My feet barely reached over the edge of the seat, and I remember being terrified the moment the cabin doors closed. For anyone who knows me well, they are probably thinking, 'You were afraid to fly in an airplane?' Absolutely!
My mother told me to hold her hand, close my eyes, and to think about Mickey Mouse. I did indeed, and soon enough, we were in the air. I'm so glad I made it to Disney World later that day in order to catch the Main Street Parade with Mickey waving at me! ME! Of course Disney had to play, 'When You Wish Upon a Star' as Mickey was passing by. My family doesn't cry, and here I am with tears streaming down my face as I was so happy to see a character that I thought only existed on TV.
I'm very glad I overcame my fear of flying - as well as learned how important compression socks, earbuds, slippers, and water is on a long flight. As a child, I wanted to be so many things. I wanted to be a doctor, an architect, and I even wanted to climb to the summit of Mt. Everest. My dream came true in 2013 when I reached Everest Base Camp at nearly 18,000 feet in elevation over a 12-day hike in frigid temps. Believe me, my entire body was content with reaching 18,000 feet instead of 29,000 feet.
I know some of you may be saying, 'That's great Ashlee, but where are you going with this?' Great question. I have always been the type of person who books my own vacations to save every penny possible. I have even slept on a stranger's couch while in Europe. However, I sacrificed a great deal of comfort and privacy, but I will admit, I did meet some great people from all over the world. Today, I'm going to mention three reasons why having a travel agent is beneficial to anyone who is traveling anywhere in the world.
1. Expertise and Personalized Service: Travel agents are knowledgeable professionals who can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your preferences and budget. They have knowledge of destinations, accommodations, and activities, allowing them to tailor your trip to your specific needs and desires. This personalized service can result in a more enjoyable and memorable travel experience.
I think back to eleven years ago when I began to prepare for my 12-day journey to Everest Base Camp with an elevation gain of nearly 17,000 feet from where I live. This was the first time I ever used a travel agent, and I know that if I didn't use one, I wouldn't have known to get a visa, get vaccinations to enter a third-world country, to bring an ice axe, and to even purchase rescue insurance in case of an injury or if a war broke out!
2. Time and Stress Savings: Planning a trip can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially when researching and booking flights, accommodations, and activities. Travel agents can take care of these details for you, saving you time and reducing the stress associated with trip planning. They can also handle unexpected issues and make necessary adjustments to your itinerary, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
First of all, I don't even want to think about having to plan a trip to Everest in order to remain safe, to know where I'm going, and to abide by every law where some couldn't speak English well or at all. One thing about me is that I get stressed while booking my own vacations, but I love planning for others. Perhaps I want as few choices as possible so I can be on my way. It's ok to not know what you want for a vacation and to simply say, 'Ashlee, I need a vacation! I don't know where, but I like the ocean!' That's where I come in and help take some of that weight off of your shoulders!
3. Access to Exclusive Deals and Resources: Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals, discounts, and partnerships with airlines, hotels, and tour operators that are not readily available to the general public. This can result in cost savings for you, making their services cost-effective. Additionally, travel agents can help you navigate complex travel regulations and provide assistance in emergencies, such as flight cancellations or delays.
One misconception I hear from potential clients, or those opposed to travel agents, is that we're trying to increase the prices. From what I have learned as a travel agent is that most of us want to sell a package to our clients as we're passionate about traveling the globe, and we want to share that passion with our clients. It's also how we earn our paycheck which is what makes this job incredible for us.
The good agents want you to come back for your next vacation and won't force you to book until you're ready or until we find a better deal. Being a travel agent requires building special relationships that require trust. Would you want to be on hold with a third-party company who likely can't help you or rely on an agent who sleeps with their business phone next to their pillow in case a client has an emergency and will call on your behalf to get things settled? We don't earn a penny if you don't travel, so I firmly believe there is no point of raising the price to the point in which I lose your trust. It's not worth risking our reputation.
While these are some of the top reasons to use a travel agent, it's important to note that the value of a travel agent can vary depending on your specific needs and the complexity of your trip. If you value personalized service, time savings, and access to insider knowledge and resources, a travel agent can be a valuable asset in planning your travels. Also, some agents don't charge any fees for their services.
Whether you prefer a relaxing vacation along the beach, or for some reason want to sit on an airplane for 21 hours and another 9 hours in airports and then climb a mountain, a travel agent can be beneficial even on your most unique adventures.