If I'm being completely honest, I thought planning a trip to Universal Orlando would be easy. I had visited theme parks before. I assumed I could show up, ride some attractions, and figure things out as I went. I was wrong. Don't get me wrong—I absolutely love Universal Orlando. The attractions are incredible, the resorts are beautiful, and there is something special about stepping into places like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or experiencing the Epic Universe. But there are definitely things I wish someone had told me before my first trip.nSo, if you're planning your own Universal vacation, here are the top ten things I wish someone had told me.

I'll let you in on a little secret… One of the biggest misconceptions about Travel Advisors is that we simply "book vacations." Yes, booking travel is part of what we do—but if that's all we did, the internet would have replaced us years ago. The truth is, anyone can click a button. But planning a vacation that truly fits your family, your priorities, your budget, and your dreams? That's something entirely different. At Goofy Getaways, we believe travel is personal. And because travel is personal, planning it should be too.

There are two kinds of families when it comes to vacation planning. The first group has spreadsheets, countdown calendars, dining alerts, color-coded park bags, and backup plans for their backup plans. The second group? They’re already stressed just thinking about where to eat dinner on vacation. Honestly, most families fall somewhere in the middle. They want amazing experiences. They want quality time together. They want adventure. But they do not want to spend months researching hotels, activities, transportation, restaurant reservations, driving routes, and trying to figure out what’s actually worth their time. That’s exactly why I love Adventures by Disney so much.

There’s something I’ve learned after years of planning vacations for families, couples, retirees, multigenerational groups, honeymooners, busy Moms, overwhelmed Dads, and everyone in between... No two travelers are the same. And honestly? That’s the magic of it all.

Anyone can sell you a destination. We decided 13 years ago to sell something else. When I first stepped into the travel industry, it didn’t take long to realize something important: planning a vacation was supposed to be exciting… but for so many people, it was the exact opposite.

Can I tell you something I’ve learned after 30 years of marriage, raising three kids, traveling with extended family, and planning trips for hundreds of families? The most overwhelming vacations aren’t poorly planned. They’re just planned for the wrong rhythm. And if you’ve ever stood in the middle of a theme park, hot, overstimulated, juggling everyone’s expectations while silently thinking, “Why is this so hard?” — you are not alone.

Exploration is an investment—of time, intention, and yes, money. The experiences I choose to explore absolutely cost something. But the memories they create, the connections they deepen, and the way they stay with you long after the trip is over? Completely priceless.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you already know that travel is so much more than a getaway for me — it’s how I recharge, reconnect, and rediscover wonder. Every destination tells a story, and on my recent Virgin Voyages cruise, Bermuda was the chapter that completely stole my heart. From pink sands and turquoise waves to underground caves and charming pastel streets, this island delivered beauty, culture, and adventure in perfect balance.

Recently, while on a trip to New York City, I had one of those moments that stopped me in my tracks. I was sitting outside a little Italian restaurant, glass of wine in hand, soaking in the sounds of the city—the sirens in the distance, the horns honking (because it wouldn’t be New York without them), and the view of towering buildings stretching into the sky. In the middle of all that chaos, I felt completely at peace. It reminded me that sometimes the magic of travel is found in the simplest moments—the ones that make you feel alive and present.

Travel isn’t just about planes, trains, and hotel check-ins. It’s about experiences, moments, and memories that become part of your life story. And while planning a trip might seem as simple as clicking “book now,” the truth is—who you book with matters.

When Virgin Voyages designed the Brilliant Lady, they didn’t just build a ship—they created a floating culinary playground. The best part? Every restaurant is included in your voyage fare. That means no up-charges, no awkward checks at the end of the night, just world-class dining experiences waiting to be explored. Make sure to get reservations as soon as your booking window opens, the popular restaurants tend to fill up very quickly.

When you set sail on Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady, your evenings are anything but ordinary. From bold parties to laid-back fun, the ship’s themed nights create unforgettable moments at sea. Here’s a peek at what you can look forward to:

Just about 30 miles northwest of Chicago, I visited recently for a work assignment my husband had, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. But from the moment we arrived, it felt easy.

I’ve stayed at nearly every Walt Disney World Resort over the years — from deluxe to value, big and small — and yet there’s one moderate resort I find myself returning to again and again:

This past July, something truly special happened. Goofy Getaways celebrated 13 incredible years during our bi-annual agency summit. We brought together our team from across the country for this year’s gathering — themed Pixie Dust and Possibilities: Elevating the Magic — and it was nothing short of transformative.

If you had told me that Epic Universe would become one of my favorite places to visit, I would have said, “Absolutely no way.” While I’ve always loved the theming that Universal Studios brings to the theme park world, I’m the person who skips most of the rides thanks to my not-so-thrill-friendly stomach. That means I spend most of my park time soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the details, and taste-testing my way through the menus.

If you're looking to level up your cruise excursions, let me introduce you to one of the most epic, unexpected highlights of my trip—cave tubing in Belize. Yes, you read that right. Floating through ancient caves on a tube, surrounded by crystal-clear water, jungle vibes, and total Indiana Jones energy. It’s every bit as cool (and refreshing!) as it sounds.

There’s something incredibly special about experiencing a Disney cruise with a group of friends or family. It’s not just about the destination, but about the memories you create together, the laughter, the adventures, and the unique moments you’ll cherish forever. Recently, my group and I had the privilege of sailing on the Disney Fantasy, and it truly lived up to the hype.

Living near Walt Disney World isn’t just about having easy access to the most magical place on Earth—it’s a lifestyle that I’ve come to love. From spontaneous park visits to knowing the best times to avoid the crowds, being a Disney World local comes with its own unique perks and insider secrets. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have Cinderella Castle practically in your backyard, here’s a glimpse into the magic from my perspective!