SeaWorld Orlando surprised our advisor Caryn the first time she visited — it turned out to be far more than aquariums and dolphin shows, with coasters like Mako holding their own against anything else in Orlando. In this post, she shares ten things she wishes she'd known beforehand, from what the All-Day Dining Deal actually covers to how Aquatica and Discovery Cove can stretch one day into a full vacation. It's a great read for any family weighing thrill rides against a slower, more relaxing day together.

Jess traded a semester of clinical social work training for two rounds as a Disney Cast Member, and she never quite left the parks behind. Three years into building her own brand, Jess Visits the Castle, she still lights up most over international itineraries, calling the planning "a really fun puzzle." This week, meet the advisor who plans embarkation days for a living and still missed her own luggage drop-off on her first Disney cruise.

Before her first Virgin Voyages sailing, Noddea Skidmore had heard all the rumors: swingers cruise, non-stop partying, no place for a two-books-in-her-bag kind of gal. What she found instead was a ship full of people from every walk of life, a thermal spa she never wanted to leave, and a Scarlet Night party she'd dress for even from the sidelines. Read her real, first-timer take, four pro tips included, before you book your own Voyage.

Every Goofy Getaways trip is planned by a real person — and this week, meet Amy Fisher. She's been with the team since 2018, and she's sharing her path into travel planning, her RunDisney obsession, and the advice she gives every traveler who asks.

Disney World can be expensive, so when it comes to the extras, you want to know which ones are actually worth it. Becca breaks down the splurges she thinks are worth the money — and the ones you can skip.

There's nothing quite like stepping onto a Royal Caribbean ship for the first time — the music, the energy, the ocean stretching out in every direction. Cindy Presley, one of our advisors specializing in stress-free family cruise planning, is a Royal Caribbean PRO and is sharing exactly what she wishes she'd known before she boarded her first ever ship, from setting up the app early to knowing which reservations disappear fast. Consider it your insider guide to boarding confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy every minute.

Every so often, we like to take a step back from trip-planning tips and introduce you to one of the advisors behind Goofy Getaways. This time, meet Becca Slick — one of our Disney specialists, and an advocate for accessible travel who plans every trip with real, lived experience behind it.

I was recently given the opportunity to attend a Disneyland Good Neighbor Great Stay Program.  Side note:  Good neighbors, for those of you wondering, are hotels and resorts that are off Disney property, but that meet specific quality standards (set by Disney).  This means that certain criteria are met to ensure that you still have a quality experience, even though you aren’t staying on Disney property.  For the duration of the training I stayed at The Viv Hotel, Anaheim.  Even though this hotel is not on Disney property it was about a mile walk from Downtown Disney.  The hotel was clean, there were a few food options available, and my room was very spacious.  Since the hotel was in such close proximity I was able to see the fireworks from my room.

When I first heard about GTM, I was a little confused. A travel conference where you speed date? While it's obviously much more than that, that's what initially stood out to me. It seemed like an interesting concept, it was being held in Fort Lauderdale (and I'll never say no to a resort in South Florida), and it came highly recommended by several people who had attended in the past. So, I applied.

If you have ever wondered what makes a Disney Cruise Line vacation truly unforgettable, let me point you straight to a recent Wednesday where I experienced one of the funnest days of my life. On a 4-night sailing aboard the Disney Wish, the middle of the cruise is where the magic absolutely peaks, and I got to experience every single moment firsthand during my Disney Cruise Line Agent Education Program. Castaway Cay in the morning, Pirate Night in the evening, and fireworks over the open ocean to cap it all off. Whether you are dreaming of your first Disney cruise or already counting down to your next one, here is everything you need to know about the most magical day at sea.

If you’re a newer guest to Walt Disney World there are many pieces and parts to your upcoming trip that you may be unsure of and unfamiliar with. One of those things might just be the free transportation options.  If you’ve never been to Walt Disney World you may not know that Disney provides transportation free of charge around property. This can look like a bus, a monorail, a skyliner, or a boat. That’s a lot of options. How are you supposed to know which ones to use, how to use them, where to go, and where it will take you?! A great starting point is finding out what kind of transportation the resort you have chosen to stay at offers.  Of course your travel agent is an amazing resource and can help talk you through all of your transportation needs. You can also utilize your myDisneyExperience account online or through the app. Visit your resorts page and see the guest services tab and your transportation options will be listed there. From there you have the option to locate on the map and even get directions. 

After recently returning from my Maui vacation, one of the most common questions I have been getting as a travel advisor is, "Should we go to Puerto Rico or Hawaii?" The truth is that both destinations offer beautiful beaches, incredible food, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable experiences. But the best choice depends entirely on your travel style, budget, and vacation goals. Let's compare the two!

If you've ever started pricing cruises, you've probably had the same reaction many of my clients do: "Why is Disney Cruise Line so much more expensive than other family-friendly cruise lines?" It's a fair question. When you're comparing two seven-night cruises with similar itineraries, it can be confusing to see such a big difference in price. You might look at the ship, the destinations, and the number of nights and wonder, "What exactly am I paying more for?" Having sailed on different cruise lines both before kids and with kids, I've experienced cruising from different stages of life. I genuinely believe every cruise line has something special to offer, and the best choice depends on what kind of vacation you’re looking for. 

Did you know there is a place in Magic Kingdom where guests can go on a Pirates Treasure Hunt?  Tucked away in the bustling streets of Adventureland, A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas invites guests to step into a swashbuckling world of hidden maps, magical talismans, and high-seas intrigue. Unlike traditional rides, this interactive treasure hunt transforms Adventureland into a living pirate playground, where you become part of the story.

If you've ever planned a Walt Disney World vacation, you've probably done what most people do first: scroll through resort photos. And honestly? Disney does an incredible job. The pools look pristine. The rooms are perfectly staged. Every building looks magical. But after helping dozens of families plan Disney vacations, I've learned something important: The photos tell you what a resort looks like. They don't tell you what it feels like to stay there. They don't tell you that the room you booked because it was the least expensive might also mean a long walk back with tired kids after fireworks. They don't tell you which areas are peaceful and relaxing or which are full of activity all day. That's where having a travel advisor makes all the difference. My job isn't just helping you choose a Disney resort - it's helping you choose the right one for your family's vacation. Let me show you what the photos don't.

It’s no secret, Disney Destinations have some iconic food options. If you’ve had the pleasure to experience those delectable bites, you’ve probably also been asked what is your favorite snack or meal and found it nearly impossible to narrow it down to just one item. I myself am a big, big fan of Mickey waffles and can confidently say it is my favorite! But when I found out I needed to begin living a gluten free lifestyle per doctor’s orders, my precious Mickey shaped, gluten filled, fluffy waffles were in jeopardy of being a thing of the past. Then I thought, “What about Dole Whips? Churros? Beignets? Mini corn dogs!?” Do all my guilty pleasure park snacks contain gluten and will I ever get to enjoy them again? Spoiler alert, Mickey waffles are available gluten free and frankly, delicious! Huge sigh of relief! If you or a loved one have food allergies, you likely relate to this concern and fear when dining away from home. As I learned, it’s quite a chore and takes dedication to learn which foods are safe but more importantly, which environments are safe. Luckily, I quickly discovered how easy Disney makes it to enjoy their classic park snacks while identifying and avoiding non allergy friendly items! Having food allergies or intolerances is an inconvenience, sure, but it doesn’t have to consume your life, especially on vacation! All it takes is a little planning and understanding.

One of the questions I get asked most often is: "Do we really need to stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, or can we save money by staying off property?" It's a great question, and honestly, it's one I wanted to answer for myself. Recently, I attended Disney's Agent Education Program (AEP), where one of our training days was dedicated to touring all seven of the Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels. Now don’t let the name confuse you – these are off-property hotels located near Disney Springs. They used to be called “Good Neighbor Hotels,” but the label was recently changed. Before that day, I had seen photos, read reviews, and compared pricing. But walking through each hotel in person gave me a completely different perspective. And here's my honest takeaway: They're nice hotels. Really nice, actually. If I were traveling almost anywhere other than Walt Disney World, I'd happily stay at many of them. But if my vacation is centered around Disney...I would still choose to stay on-property at a Disney Resorts Collection every single time. Here's why.

When planning your trip to Universal Orlando Resort, most families immediately think of thrilling rides, immersive lands, and meeting favorite characters. But did you know one of the best family days of your entire vacation might actually be at the water park? Welcome to Universal’s Volcano Bay!! A tropical paradise right in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort.

Nestled along the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the island of Oahu, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, is Disney's Hawaiian resort designed to celebrate the culture, history, and beauty of the islands. It's the perfect blend of a relaxing beach vacation and the thoughtful storytelling Disney is known for. Guests can spend their days enjoying stunning pools, a private lagoon, waterslides, a lazy river, and an interactive water play area filled with sprayers, slides, and bridges, while also meeting Disney characters and discovering Hawaiian culture through stories, activities, and traditions woven throughout the resort. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with Aulani. Like any destination, though, there are a handful of little tips and insider details that can make your vacation even smoother. After experiencing the resort for myself, these are the things I'd tell every client before they go.

One of the questions I’m asked all the time is, “Should we book now, or should we wait?” My honest answer is always the same: it depends. But in most cases, planning ahead is one of the best things you can do for your vacation, your budget, and your peace of mind. As someone who plans trips every day, I’ve seen both sides of travel. I’ve helped families pull off incredible last-minute getaways, and I’ve helped clients spend a year or more planning the trip they’ve dreamed about for years. Both can be amazing experiences — just in very different ways. I’ve even experienced that difference myself. I once planned a very detailed Walt Disney World trip a full year in advance, and that vacation felt like an experience from beginning to end. Every part of it had been thoughtfully planned, from the resort to dining reservations to the little details that made it feel extra special. It was exciting to plan and even more rewarding to enjoy. On the other hand, I booked a cruise on the Disney Wish just two weeks before sailing, and that trip felt much more like a true vacation. It was spontaneous, easy, and so much fun in a completely different way. Both trips were wonderful, but they gave me two very different feelings — one felt like an experience, and the other felt like a getaway.