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. 

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.

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.

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.