Ever wonder how travel pros travel to Walt Disney World? After traveling to Disney for over 30 years, (yes, THIRTY!) I've made and seen my share of mistakes. Alas, here are the top 7 things that Disney Pros DON'T do, and what they do instead!

#1 - Go, Go, Go!
I'm only a morning person at Walt Disney World. (It sounds funny, but it's so true!) I'm also a huge advocate for the mid-day break. If you're traveling with kids, the break is pretty much non-negotiable! I can't tell you how many kids of all ages break down and cry in the parks. They're hot, they're overstimulated, their routine is thrown off...and so many times their parents are pushing them to go open-close in the parks. I always like to find a quiet spot outside the parks to grab lunch or a drink. Once in a while, I'll even stop by my Resort for a swim and a nap! Once I'm recharged, I'm ready to tackle the late afternoon/evening.

#2 - Forget to Hydrate
Always, always, always carry water with you! I encourage everyone to stay hydrated! I personally prefer to carry a water bottle with me, and always carry it on a strap to keep my hands free. This one is a great option!

#3 - Forget Sunscreen
​I've gotten a sunburn in the middle of a February trip that was far worse than any I'd gotten in the summer! Why was that? That Florida sun, even if it doesn't feel hot, is strong. Wearing sunscreen, no matter the season, is one of my top travel tips! If you're in the market for a good one, I prefer a water-resistant and oil-free spray, like this Neutrogena option! If you do find yourself sunburnt, grab a great aloe vera gel.

#4 - Mask Without Backups
2021 problems, amiright? I recommend 2 masks per person, per day. Sweat, rain, water rides, and general discomfort will require you to change your mask at least once. While we're on the subject of masks, make sure you're up-to-date on the requirements at the parks you're visiting. This infographic may help if you're just trying to get an idea!

#4 - Carry the Wrong Bags
I've seen it a thousand times...especially at Universal! Folks are so close to boarding some of their favorite rides, and they have to take a trip back to the lockers. At Universal Orlando Resort especially, you'll want a fanny pack. You're allowed to wear it onto almost every ride, and it keeps everything nice and secure. This Adidas fanny pack is the exact one that I use, and I cannot even begin to tell you how helpful it is in the parks. I have an entire blog post dedicated to the best park bags!

#5 - Leave Chargers Behind
​Your phone is one of the most important parts of your trip...especially if you aren't using MagicBands! (Remember, Disney is no longer including MagicBands in their 2021 packages, but I am! Get them FREE with qualifying packages booked through me...ask me how!) You'll be using your app to mobile order, check wait times, take photos, you name it! Don't be caught without a portable charger to make sure your vacation stays magical. I have this portable charger and it's a dream come true.

#6 - Forget to Check the Weather
I already talked about the sun, but what about the rest of the time? I always encourage clients to prepare for any type of weather...including chilly weather, rain, and more! I always dress in layers, because even in the summer months, it can get chilly at night! I also carry a poncho with me for water rides or sudden downpours. Umbrellas work just fine, too, but a poncho can be folded neatly into those park bags without being too bulky.

#7 - Travel Without a Travel Agent
Yes, even extremely seasoned travelers still use travel agents! Travel agents, like myself, advocate for clients, monitor for discounts, act as a liason, and keep clients up-to-date about every travel change. (I also include e-packages full of tips and tricks, itineraries, and more!) Contact me to get started!

Have you heard the news? After being closed for more than one year, magic is finally returning to the Disneyland Resort theme parks! Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park are planning to officially reopen to the public on April 30!

Guests will soon be welcomed back to enjoy unforgettable attractions, see beloved Disney friends, shop for the latest merchandise, savor the world-famous food and drinks, capture fun photos and cherish special magical moments. Get ready to once again experience favorite attractions at both parks, from thrilling adventures like the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the Incredicoaster to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. New magic will be unveiled, too, as the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time.

From surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A., and Pixar Pier to playful interactions, characters from favorite Disney stories will entertain and delight. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing. Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.

Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. (Like the system at WDW!) To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3+. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks in line with current state guidelines.

In the days leading up to the public opening on April 30, cast members and members of the local community will be the first theme park guests after more than a year of closure. A Touch of Disney, the limited-time ticketed experience which has sold out, will go on as planned from March 18 through April 19.

Guests will also have the opportunity to stay in the middle of the magic as the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort plan to welcome guests once again, with a phased reopening. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans to reopen on April 29, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen May 2. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.

The health and well-being of guests and cast members remain a top priority. Just as the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort reopened with enhanced health and safety measures, operational changes will be in place at the theme parks and hotels to align with guidance from health authorities and learnings from our parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. This guidance is fluid and applicable at any given time as community situations change. With that guidance, many factors will determine the timing of when offerings may be available.
*Upon reopening, certain parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity and will be subject to limited availability or even closure, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed.

Are you as excited as I am for Disneyland to reopen? Contact me for more details!