Question of the Week

What is the best time of year for a Disney vacation?

Orlando is often listed as a top choice for family vacations any time of the year. Walt Disney World and other area attractions draw countless families each year and it is easy to understand why. Families appreciate that there is something for everyone on a Disney vacation.

As a Disney vacation specialist, I often have families ask, “When is the best time to plan a Disney vacation?”  My top recommendations for families looking for a great time to visit Disney are early May and October if you are looking for a good balance between mild weather and manageable crowd levels. If you are looking for the absolute least expensive and least crowded time to plan your Disney vacation, consider January and early February.

Changes coming to mickeymagic.net

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well.  I know I have not posted a lot lately and I apologize for that.  I am excited to announce that the Miller family is expecting our second child this September.  The first couple months were a little rough, but I am feeling a lot better now and I am looking forward to updating my Mickey Magic blog.

In the next several weeks, you will see some changes to how mickeymagic.net looks.   Some of the additions you can look forward to are a current list of special offers, a page with useful links to help you plan your Disney vacation, and a FAQ page.   In the meantime, consider visiting me at my facebook page – www.facebook.com/amymiller.mmt– to stay up-to-date on the latest news, tips, and special offers.

Have a magical day!

-Amy

A Magical Disney Vacation

I recently booked a trip for a client who decided she wanted to surprise her son with a last-minute birthday trip to Disney World.  She also wanted the little boys grandparents to go if possible.  The problem: her son’s birthday was in three weeks!

This client didn’t really know what exactly she was looking for.  She just knew she wanted her son’s birthday (and first Disney World visit) to be special.

Despite booking this trip only three weeks in advance, I was able to book a room at the All-Star Movies resort for my client, her son, and the grandparents to share.  I was also able to help this client obtain a reservation for a character breakfast at the Animal Kingdom on her sons’ birthday.  Her son is going to be thrilled!

Even though this was a last minute trip, with some effort I was able to find this client what she was looking for.

This particular booking sticks out in my mind because I love the satisfaction of making a client’s dreams come true – especially when the odds are not on our side.  This client thanked me profusely for not giving up on this trip, which is something I would never even think of doing.

The best thing about my job is that I get to help families create magical moments.  I want each and every vacation to be special and I treat each client’s vacation as if it were my own.

Are you ready to plan your own magical Disney experience?  Contact me for more information.

The Magical Memories Travel Difference

I consider myself to be a Disney specialist simply because I know Disney.  I have been working in this niche for over a year, but I have been planning Disney vacations for family and friends for several years.  My services are unique because I customize each vacation to each clients individual wants, needs, and budget.  No “cookie-cutter” vacations here.  I keep up to date on Disney Destinations by participating in Disney’s training and taking advantage of as many Agent Education Programs as possible.  I have been to Disney World more times than I can count and I have sailed on the Disney Cruise Line once (my second cruise will be this December).

When you book a vacation with me, you get the expertise of our entire Magical Memories Travel team.  We are a very close group of agents who share ideas and offer suggestions to one another.  We also have access to many contacts at Disney, which helps me provide you with the most magical vacation possible.  The most important benefit that I provide is that my services don’t stop after you book your vacation.  Whatever you may want or need, I am only a phone call or e-mail away.  This means that before, during, or even after you vacation, I am available to help you in any way possible.

If you are considering traveling to a Disney Destination, please feel free to send me an e-mail at amy.miller@magicalmemoriestravel.com or call me at 484-602-5653 so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.

Enjoy a Customized Disney Vacation with Magical Memories Travel

Experience the magic of Disney with a vacation that is customized just for you.

This morning I was thinking about how much I love my job.  There is nothing more rewarding than helping families create magical and memorable vacation experiences that they will remember forever.  While I truly enjoy working with all of my clients, I have one family who particularly touched my heart.

This past spring, I received an e-mail from a single mother of three kids.  She had been thinking about a vacation to Disney World for years, but had always assumed that she couldn’t afford it.  She was refered to me by a friend and decided to contact me, but she didn’t have high hopes that this trip was something she could pull off.

After I received the e-mail, I asked this client if I could call her to find out a little more about her family and what they were looking for in a vacation.  As I talked to her, I realized that all this family wanted was to be able to go.   They didn’t care about all the fancy “bells and whistles”.  They didn’t need a vacation package that included everything available.   They just needed a fun family vacation… which would be their first family vacation ever.

After asking and answering a lot of questions, I was able to help this family create a customized vacation package within their budget.  Together we worked through which package features were needed and which ones they could go without.  We ended up booking a five night stay at a value resort with 4-Day Magic Your Way base tickets plus dining.  We knew that they would not have time to go to the theme parks on their departure day and they wanted to spend one day just hanging out at the pool.  Also,  this cautious mother didn’t want any budget “surprises” along the way, so she felt better knowing that her meals were paid for ahead of time.

I received the most amazing e-mail from this family while they were on their vacation.  I could actually feel their excitement as I read it.   This was a vacation of firsts for them – first time flying, first family vacation, and first stay at a hotel for the kids.  While this wasn’t the biggest or fanciest vacation I ever booked, it was definitely the most special.  I get the privilege of knowing that I had a part in making this family’s dream come true.

Think you can’t afford a Disney Vacation?  I can customize a vacation specifically for your wants, needs, and budget.  Contact me for a no obligation quote. 

Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

Traveling during hurricane season? You may want to consider purchasing trip insurance.

I came across a recent article in the Trip Doctor section of Travel & Leisure that answers the question “Is travel insurance worth it?”  The article states that those who are concerned about out-of-country medical expenses, especially the cost of an emergency evacuation, should definitely purchase travel insurance.

Travel insurance can cover things such as medical services, evacuation, trip interruption or cancellation and financial default by your trip provider.   Amy Farley, the “Trip Doctor”, recommends that you compare multiple policies before purchasing one so you end up with the benefits you need.

As a Disney vacation specialist, I often have clients ask if travel insurance is worth it.  There is no “right” answer to this question.   My recommendation is that you purchase travel insurance if you have invested more money in your trip than you are prepared to lose.

Amy Miller

Disney Vacation Specialist

Why Should I Work With a Disney Vacation Specialist?

Why Should I Work with an Agent?

Congratulations! You’ve decided to take your family on a Disney vacation.  How exciting!!  Now what’s the next step?? Sometimes that’s where you can get overwhelmed.  Should we go to Disney World or go on a Disney cruise?  What can we do that will make the most of our budget?  How can we plan something that the entire family will enjoy? 

As with most things in life, a little preparation and planning go a long way towards making the most of your vacation.  That’s where I come in.  I can help you plan your trip to take some of the work away from you.  Wouldn’t you want to go on a fabulous trip that your whole family enjoys without having to spend countless hours on the internet?  Use my knowledge and expertise to help you plan the perfect family vacation! 

Benefits:

There are several benefits to working with an agent that specializes in Disney vacations.  My services include:

Concierge Vacation Planning Services – I can help with resort and dining recommendations, information on the best viewing locations for the fireworks and parades, and countless other tips to maximize your FUN!  I will take care of you every step of the way.

• VIP Itinerary Planning – No one wants to stand in long lines waiting for rides!  I can customize an itinerary for you to make sure you do all of your “must-sees” without waiting in line all day.

• Expert on Call Service – My services don’t stop when you leave for your vacation!  I’m just a phone call away if you need help while you’re away.  In the middle of a downpour and don’t know what to do?  Need a last-minute dining recommendation? Don’t hesitate to call!

• Vacation Price Protection – You will receive the best available pricing from the time you book until the time you travel. I will continuously monitor your reservation for any available discounts.  If a new discount becomes available, I will automatically apply it to your reservation!

What Does it Cost Me?

It’s FREE to use me!!  There are never any fees associated with my services!  I am compensated by Disney after your vacation is complete.

What if I’ve Already Planned my Vacation?

If you’ve already booked your vacation online with Disney, don’t worry!  You can transfer your reservation to me and still receive the benefit of all of my great services!  There’s never any fee to do this, and it may even save you money!

I’m always here to answer any questions you may have.  I’m just an e-mail or phone call away and I am here to help! you can reach me by e-mail at amy.miller@magicalmemoriestravel.com or by phone at 484-602-5653.

Why my family and I continue to return to Disney…

The answer to this question is simple.   This is where magic and memories are made.  It doesn’t matter how many time you go,  each experience is new, magical, & memorable. Nothing gets my family as excited as planning our next trip.

I will always remember my son’s first strip to Disney World.  He was three years old.  I was a little anxious because this was his first big trip and I thought maybe he was a little young to fully enjoy the experience.   After checking into our hotel,  the very first thing we did was go to MGM (now Hollywood Studios) to watch the Stars & Motorcars Parade.  My son was so excited to see his favorite characters coming down the street.   For months,  my son watched Monsters Inc every night before going to bed.   Well,  when he saw  Sully and Mike coming down the street in their car,  he stood up, turned to me with his eyes shining brightly, and exclaimed “ I can’t believe it!”   That was the moment I fell in love with Disney.   I will remember that look on my son’s face for the rest of my life.

Since that trip, we have returned to Disney World many times, cruised on the Disney Wonder, and are planning our first trip to Disneyland.   Each trip with my family has been just as magical and special as the first…. and that is why we keep going back.