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Gift Guide: Disney & Universal Travel

12/7/2022

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If you’re traveling to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando anytime soon, grab these before you go! Many of these also make great stocking stuffers!
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I only recommend products that I use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
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#1 - Disney Luggage
You can't go wrong with luggage. This American Tourister set is the perfect way to kick of a magical vacation!
#2 - Ponchos
Okay, so this one doesn't seem very glamorous, but it's a must-pack item! Any visitor to Central Florida knows that those Florida downpours are an almost daily occurance. Don't be caught in one of those infamous afternoon storms without a poncho. (They also come in handy on water rides!) Traveling with a little one? Don't forget a stroller rain cover!
#3 - Portable Phone Charger
Do not leave for a trip without one of these! Your phone will be working overtime in the parks - joining virtual queues, mobile ordering food, checking wait times, and using Genie+ (on Disney trips!) Not to mention, your phone is still a phone, and you'll still need it for calling, texting, and taking photos/videos. I actually gifted this one to a few people last year!
#4 - Hair Ties
Special shout out to all of the other long-haired park visitors out there! Do not forget to bring hair ties to keep hair off of your neck! That Florida heat and humidity is no joke! I'm a longtime advocate of the Teleties brand.

Get 10% off your order with my code: PARTNER10
#5 - Water Bottle Strap
Don't waste precious park bag space with a water bottle! I like to carry mine on a strap, like this one, to keep my water close by and remind me to stay hydrated. A caribiner attached to a stroller works well, too!

#6 - Park Shoes
Keeping your feet comfortable can make or break your trip! You will be walking a lot. My holy grail park sandals are here, while my favorite tennis shoes are these ones. My husband only wears Brooks in the parks and recommends them to everyone!
#7 - Hanging Toiletry Bag 
This is the exact one that I use! It holds a ton, and folds up compactly in my suitcase. (Not to mention, I love the blush color!)
#8 - Belt Bag
If a big park bag isn't for you, or you're visiting Universal, I highly recommend something small like a belt bag. I have a deep love for my Lululemon belt bags, but I also have this Adidas version and am loving this stunner from Pink Lily!
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#9 - Park Bags
I'm a sucker for my Loungefly bags. You can find tons of these on Shop Disney, Boxlunch, Amazon, and more!

For more park bag recommendations, click here!
For a FREE park bag packing checklist, click here!
#10 - Printable Disney Planner
A printable Disney planning binder is the perfect gift! Not only is this one printable, but I also offer a digitally editable version in my Etsy shop! Both have 20+ pages of Disney planning printables to customize to your own preferences!
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Save Up to $400 on Walt Disney World Packages!

10/27/2022

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Join in the fun before the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration ends!

You can save up to $400 on a 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels. This offer is valid in both 2022  and 2023!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
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This offer is valid: 
  • Most nights December 11, 2022 through December 25, 2022
  • Most Sunday through Thursday nights January 2, 2023 through February 28, 2023
  • Most nights March 1, 2023 through March 30, 2023

This offer is extremely limited, and available rooms will sell out.

My travel planning services are complimentary to anyone who books this offer. To learn more about my services, or to book this offer, click here! 
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Top 10 Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World During Pregnancy

8/16/2022

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Are you visiting Walt Disney World while you're expecting? You've come to the right place! (In case you missed it, I'm pregnant!)

I've rounded up the top 10 things that I did for a successful and healthy visit to Walt Disney World during pregnancy!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
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1) Talk To Your Doctor
I am not a medical professional. I am a travel advisor & travel blogger sharing my own experiences. Speak to your doctor.
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Before you travel to Walt Disney World, make sure that you’ve cleared this with your doctor. Explain your method of travel. (Flying, driving, etc.) Ask if you have any restrictions. Stock up on needed medications, make sure that you have your medical insurance information with you, and carefully heed your doctor’s advice.

Personally, my doctor didn’t restrict anything, but she did tell me to get up and move once per hour on the plane, and to drink extra water before, during, and after my flights. Which brings me to Tip #2…

2) Hydrate!
Like I mentioned, my doctor had me hydrating extra on my travel days. I’ve long been telling readers and clients to hydrate constantly in the parks. (My advice for all folks is to aim for one bottle of water per person, per hour.) In pregnancy, hydrate even more. Drink more water than you've ever drank before. (I always use a water bottle strap to save room in my park bag. I love this one!)

One day, early in our trip, I thought that I was staying on top of the water game. I was not. I was hydrating in the same manner that I do on every trip, and I paid the price later that night with some pretty bad nausea. In retrospect, I didn’t hydrate nearly enough. After that, I doubled my water intake, and that problem didn’t arise again.
Nuna Children's Gear
3) Snack
Oh man, you’re going to have to snack? At Walt Disney World? Regularly, all day long? Bummer…

4) Rest
I always advocate for the mid-day break back at your resort. If you’re heading back to your resort, take a nap or just lie down in the cool room. Swim. Just make sure you’re still hydrating! If you’re still in the parks, this brings me to Tip #5…
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5) Find the A/C!
There are spots to rest, even if you’re in the parks. Take in a show, just so that you can sit back and enjoy the a/c. Find an indoor bench and cool off for a bit. (My rainy day tips actually lists tons of areas where you could sit and cool off for a while!)
6) Pay Attention to Warnings
Read ride warnings carefully. Signs outside the rides will very clearly state that “expectant mothers should not ride.” That’s you!

I know you want to ride your favorite rides. (I get it, trust me!) I know that Rise of the Resistance is the most amazing ride ever, and how rough is Test Track really?

Play it safe, sit out on rides with warnings for pregnant mamas, and find a cool spot to wait for the rest of your party if they choose to ride. There are plenty of rides that you can still enjoy, and the ones you have to miss out on now will still be there after your little one arrives.
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7) Wear the Right Shoes
Wearing the correct gear can make all the difference. Let’s start with your footwear. Comfortable shoes matter on every Disney trip, but they matter even more now! I personally prefer these sandals and these tennis shoes for the parks. If you have a dressier evening planned, wear flats. Now isn’t the time for heels, especially after a long day in the parks!
8) Stay Somewhere Convenient
This means somewhere in walking distance, on the Monorail route, or along the Skyliner route. Like I mentioned above, the mid-day breaks are key, and having to wait for a bus (they don’t always run mid-day like you might think!) is the last thing you’ll feel like doing. Of course, you can always use a ride-share service or Minnie Van, but those cost money, and those costs can add up.

Regardless of which Disney Resort you stay at, spring a few extra bucks for a “preferred” room. These are closest to transportation and/or food, and saving those extra steps is extra worth it when it comes to pregnancy exhaustion.

I do NOT recommend staying off-site if you’re an expecting mama. Your travel time will more than double, and you’ll be missing out on tons of perks only reserved for on-site folks. Plus, once you factor in paying for parking, travel time, etc., you aren’t saving much money. In fact, most off-site folks end up spending more in the long run.
9) Listen to Your Body
Time to tap into that intuition! Your body will tell you what it needs. If it needs a rest, give it a break. If it needs water, hydrate! (And then hydrate even more, for good measure!) If your body is telling you you need another Mickey pretzel with extra cheese sauce (mine definitely did) then feed it!

I will say that having a bit of protein really helped to eliminate my nausea, so if you can factor that into your meals/snacks, go for it! But if all you can stomach is carbs, that’s totally fine, too. Your priority is you and your baby, so keep both of you happy!!

10) Enjoy It!
Soak up this time. If this is your first baby, this is a really special time to enjoy a magical trip with just you and your significant other. If you’ve got other little ones, soak up this time as a family before your next little one arrives.

​You won’t get this experience back again, so take tons of photos, eat all the snacks, and dream about your next trip once your little one arrives!
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2023 Walt Disney World Packages - Coming Soon!

5/20/2022

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2023 Walt Disney World packages will be available June 8, 2022!
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My 2023 waitlist is growing! To be among the first to lock in your dates and pricing, make sure you're on the waitlist! Send me an email to be added.
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Face Coverings NO LONGER REQUIRED at Walt Disney World

4/19/2022

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Let's see those smiles! Face coverings are no longer required at Walt Disney World!

Face coverings are now fully optional for guests in both outdoor and indoor locations. This also includes on all Disney transportation, including on the monorails and buses. As I've previously announced, face coverings are not required on Disney boats or on the Skyliner.
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In its statement, Disney announced that it is "recommended Guests who are not fully vaccinated continue wearing a face covering in all indoor locations and enclosed transportation."

This announcement has made Disney bookings really ramp up even higher than they already were! If you're interested in a 2022 Disney trip, contact me as soon as possible to ensure your travel dates are available!
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Private Ground Transportation Available Again for Walt Disney World Resort Through Walt Disney Travel Company

1/31/2022

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Private airport transportation is once again available for Walt Disney World!

While Magical Express is still gone, there are several paid options available through the Walt Disney Travel Company. Private ground transportation to and from Walt Disney World Resort is now available as a package add-on.

As part of this offering, there are several options available, including exclusive vans, sedans, SUVs, executive limousines and stretch limousines. Private, direct ground transportation can be booked up to five days prior to arrival.
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Ground transportation can also be added for flights arriving at Tampa International Airport and/or Sanford International Airport. Transportation can also be coordinated to Orlando Amtrak Station, Kissimmee Amtrak Station, Cape Canaveral, Vero Beach, Daytona. Both one-way and round-trip fares are available for all destinations.

Up to one complimentary car seat will be available for children five years old and under, with additional car seats subject to availability.

For more information about how to add this to your package, contact me!
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Disney Travel News

1/26/2022

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It's been a big week for Disney travel news! We've heard multiple announcements from Walt Disney World and have even heard a big announcement from Disney Cruise Line. Check it all out below!
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Artist rendering of Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Changes Coming to Toy Story Land in 2022
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Attention all honorary toys! After enjoying Toy Story Mania!, guests will soon be treated to a new experience. Jessie’s Trading Post will be full of the coolest toys and finest souvenirs.

That's not all! Also coming in 2022 is the previously announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant! This family-friendly dining experience will offer barbecue fare. It will also offer some fan-favorite Pixar characters! Stay tuned for more details!
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New offerings for Guests with Genie+
New Character Sightings Available on Genie+
The latest update to theDisney Genie+ service has extra...character! Starting Jan. 26, guests who have purchased Genie+ will find select Character Sightings have been added as an option for Lightning Lane entry. Character Sightings will include:
  • Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Magic Kingdom
  • Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Magic Kingdom
  • Mickey at Magic Kingdom 
  • Olaf at Hollywood Studios
For more information about Genie+ or Character Sightings, contact me.
*Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances that are Disney Genie+ and individual purchases are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, are not guaranteed and may not be available at all on the date of visit or at the time you make a selection. 
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Pixar Day at Sea coming to Disney Cruise Line
Pixar Day at Sea - Coming in 2023
Disney Cruise Line Guests will be immersed in the stories of their favorite toys, monsters and heroes during the all-new Pixar Day at Sea aboard special sailings on the Disney Fantasy in early 2023.
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This day-long celebration on select seven-night voyages will bring beloved Pixar tales exclusively for Disney Cruise Line Guests. These experiences will include themed dining, character encounters, dance parties and a theatrical musical experience.

Contact me for more information about Pixar Day at Sea sailings.

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Walt Disney World Deal Alert!

1/5/2022

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Enjoy some fun in the sun at Walt Disney World this spring and summer!
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Save up to $500 on a 5-night stay at select Disney Resort hotels most nights between March 6 - July 7, 2022.

There's so much to celebrate when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel—especially during The World's Most Magical Celebration! As a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you'll enjoy early entry to the parks 30 minutes before opening! Plus, Disney Resort hotel guests get early access to purchase individual Lightning Lane entries!

That's not all! Florida Residents can save up to 20% on rooms this summer at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights from March 11 - July 7, 2022. 

Restrictions apply. Contact me for details.
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Click here for pricing and more information.
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Gift Guide: 1st Disney Trip

11/24/2021

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There's nothing like your first trip to Disney! Every kid (or kid at heart!) will love each of these gifts to kick off their first Disney trip!
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Disney Luggage
Good luggage is essential to any Disney trip. This American Tourister luggage is a long-time favorite, and it comes in a huge variety of patterns! This luggage is high quality, long-lasting, and a must-have for any Disney fan!

Kids Luggage
American Tourister doesn't just make full-size luggage, it also makes fantastic kid-sized carry-on luggage, too! The kids luggage comes in all of their favorite characters, so there are plenty of options to choose from!

Kids Water Bottle
One of my biggest travel tips is to stay hydrated! For the adults, I always recommend carrying this water bottle strap. It fits around your water bottle to help  remind you to sip throughout the day. However, if it's your kiddo's first trip, help them stay hydrated with this water bottle designed just for kids!

Disney Backpack
This one is perfect for every momma in the parks! The stylish, sleek design is a home run, and with subtle Disney touches, it's perfect. I've rounded up some other great bags here and have a complete park bag packing checklist here. Make sure you check both of these posts before you head to the parks!

Disney Planning Binder
Keep everything organized for the perfect first trip with this Disney Planning Binder from Etsy. Keep everything from dining to budgeting to packing organized! 

Give the Gift of a Perfect Trip
Why not give the gift of a Disney vacation? As a Disney destination specialist, I can take care  of all plans from beginning to end for a seamless, perfect trip! Contact me to get more information or to become a concierge-level client.
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Gift Guide: Disney Honeymoon

11/23/2021

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Do you know anyone planning a honeymoon to a Disney destination? This guide has everything you need to send that couple off in (Disney) style!
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Toast the Happy Couple
These Cinderella Champagne Flutes are the perfect gift for a new couple. Classy and elegant with a tasteful touch of Disney. These would be great to use at a reception, too!

Bride and Groom Ears
Is it even a Disney honeymoon without ears? These adorable bride and groom ears are essential for any honeymoon at Disney.

Disney-Inspired Scrapbook
The Disney honeymooners in your life can have their very own Adventure Book, just like Carl and Ellie in Up! This is the perfect memento for every couple to have to commemorate their new life together.

Disney-Inspired Luggage
Disney luggage is essential for any Disney getaway. Plus, luggage makes an incredible wedding gift! This American Tourister luggage will last for years and years, plus has tons of Disney prints available to choose from!

Printable Travel Binder
Help them keep their Disney plans organized with this printable travel planner from Etsy. An organized trip is a happy trip!

Gift the Honeymoon
Of course, gifting a honeymoon to a Disney destination is one of the most generous gifts of all! As a Disney destination specialist, I have extensive professional travel planning expertise in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, Disney Cruise Line, and Adventures by Disney. Contact me to learn more about my travel planning services and how I can plan the perfect Disney honeymoon!
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    Danielle Bartlett
    Travel Advisor

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