A Peaceful Escape at Disney’s Riviera Resort

Some Disney resorts make you want to drop your bags and race straight to the parks. Others make you want to take a deep breath, slow down, and soak it all in. For me, Disney’s Riviera Resort was very much the second kind.

The Riviera had been at the top of my Disney resort wish list for a while, so I was beyond thrilled when I finally booked a Tower Studio. As we drove up and I got my first look at the beautiful building, I could already feel that excitement settling in.

It wasn’t the kind of excitement that makes you want to rush off and do a million things. It was more of a quiet anticipation, that feeling of knowing you’re somewhere special and you can finally let yourself relax and enjoy it. I was ready to luxuriate a little, take my time, and enjoy everything this beautiful resort had to offer.

And honestly? The Riviera did not disappoint.

Settling In, Then Soaring Off

Even though I’d already completed mobile check-in, I always make a point of stopping by the front desk when I arrive at any Disney resort. I genuinely enjoy chatting with the Cast Members, and it’s a great opportunity to share any requests or hopes I have for my stay.

Sometimes, getting into your room as early as possible is the biggest priority. Other times, you might have your heart set on a particular view or room location and be willing to wait a little longer to get it. For me, this time, it was all about the view. I was hoping for an EPCOT view, with the possibility of watching the fireworks from my balcony each night. I let the Cast Member know what I had in mind and that I was happy to wait if it meant having a better chance of making that happen.

Of course, room requests are never guaranteed, but I think it’s always worth having the conversation! You never know what might be possible, and it gives the Cast Members a better idea of what would make your stay extra special.

With that taken care of, I was free to start exploring! First stop? Le Petit Café, tucked into the Riviera’s main lobby, where I picked up an iced coffee and took a moment to enjoy my surroundings. I loved having a little time to wander and take everything in before heading off to the parks.

Because even on a Disney trip, sometimes the magic is simply a good coffee in a beautiful place.

A Ride with a View

And then it was time for one of my favorite perks of staying at the Riviera: the Disney Skyliner!

Honestly, the convenience is hard to beat. Being able to walk over to the station, hop into a gondola, and be on your way to the parks without having to wait for a bus? Dreamy. And there’s something so exciting about gliding toward the parks and seeing EPCOT or Hollywood Studios come into view as you approach. It makes getting there feel like part of the Disney experience, rather than just a way to get from point A to point B. Sometimes I even call the Skyliner my favorite ride at Disney World. Is it really my favorite? Maybe not. Haunted Mansion will always have my heart. But the Skyliner is definitely up there!

One thing to keep in mind is that the Skyliner can get busy first thing in the morning and right after the fireworks or park closing, so you may end up sharing your gondola with other families. During those peak times, you can encounter lines and a bit of a wait, so it’s worth factoring that into your plans. Outside of those windows, though, it’s such an easy and enjoyable way to get around, and having that kind of transportation right at the resort is a huge perk!

With my iced coffee still in hand, I made my way to the Skyliner to glide toward Hollywood Studios. As the Riviera got smaller and smaller behind me, I couldn’t help feeling a tiny bit of regret. I had a whole park day ahead of me, but I wasn’t ready to leave the resort. Still, I had park goals to accomplish, so off I went!

A Famous Cobb Salad and a Change of Plans

I spent my day at Hollywood Studios enjoying the shows and making the most of my time in the park. One thing I was especially looking forward to was an early dinner reservation at The Hollywood Brown Derby.

I started with a lovely glass of wine and the Prosciutto Croquettes, followed, of course, by the restaurant’s famous Cobb salad, aptly named “Our Famous Cobb Salad.” And another glass of wine, because: vacation. Finally, I ordered their equally famous Grapefruit Cake to go. I couldn’t possibly eat another bite, but I knew it would make a fantastic breakfast the next day!

My original plan was to enjoy dinner and then stick around for Fantasmic! But there was just one problem. I couldn’t stop thinking about the Riviera.

I’d already received the notification that my room was ready, and while I was enjoying dinner, my mind kept wandering back to the resort. I wanted to unpack, see whether my room request had come through, check out the pool, explore the restaurants, and finally soak in the resort I’d been desperate to stay at for so long.

As much as I wanted to stay for the show, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing out on the resort itself. And honestly, isn’t that a pretty good sign that you’re staying somewhere special?

So I made a little change of plans and headed back to the Riviera with my cake. Hollywood Studios would still be there, but I had a room to discover and, hopefully, an EPCOT fireworks view waiting for me.

A Little Room, A Lot of Magic

After hopping off the Skyliner and making my way back through the resort, I headed for the elevators and up to the eighth floor. The Tower Studios are tucked away at the end of the hallway, and there it was: my room for the next two nights.

I tapped my MagicBand against the lock, waited for that little green light, and slowly pushed the door open. After stepping inside and taking a quick look around, I headed straight for the balcony. There was one very important thing I needed to check first.

The view.

And there it was. Spaceship Earth, off in the distance.

And yes, I teared up.

I know, I know. It sounds a little cheesy to get emotional over a view, but I am who I am. I knew getting this view wasn’t guaranteed so seeing EPCOT off in the distance, knowing I’d get to watch the fireworks from my own balcony, felt like that little wish had come true.

Clever Design Meets Disney Magic

Tower Studios are unique to Disney’s Riviera Resort and are specially designed for two guests. They’re compact, but the space is cleverly crafted to make the most of every inch. The queen-size bed folds up into the wall during the day, revealing a little sitting area, so the room can feel more open when you’re not ready to call it a night.

My room had everything I needed for a solo stay, including a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and a TV for catching up on Dancing with the Stars. There was also a little desk tucked into the corner, which was perfect for setting up my laptop.

One of my favorite things about the room, though, was the artwork. Disney has a way of weaving little character details into its resorts, and I loved discovering them throughout the space. There was a sweet painting featuring the kittens from The Aristocats, and Marie happens to be one of my favorite Disney characters. I may be a dog person through and through, but there’s something about her sass and unmistakable middle-child energy that makes her impossible not to love.

And then there was the Peter Pan artwork tucked above the bed, a detail you could only see when the bed was pulled down. I love little surprises like that! It’s the kind of thoughtful Disney touch that makes you smile when you notice it.

The Little Luxuries

The bathroom was another highlight, with a beautiful walk-in shower featuring a rainfall showerhead. After a long day of walking around the parks, it was exactly the kind of little luxury I appreciated.

Overall, I loved how the Tower Studio managed to feel both functional and elegant without needing a ton of space. It was a comfortable place to recharge between park adventures, and with that EPCOT view waiting outside, I knew I’d be spending plenty of time on the balcony, too.

A Toast to the Riviera

After settling into my room, I headed upstairs to Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. I didn’t have a reservation, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask if there might be room for me at the bar. And there was!

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about going. Eating alone can feel intimidating sometimes, especially when you’re heading into a more upscale restaurant without a reservation. I had that little voice in the back of my mind wondering whether I really belonged there. But I reminded myself that I was on vacation, I wanted to experience the restaurant, and there was no reason I shouldn’t enjoy myself.

Once I settled in, those nerves started to fade. I ordered the Topolino Tramonto, a lemony Aperol cocktail, and the Ricotta appetizer, then simply enjoyed being there. The atmosphere was beautiful, the food and drink were delicious, and it felt good to sit back and enjoy the experience. I’m so glad I didn’t talk myself out of it!

Eventually, though, I had somewhere else I wanted to be. I had a private balcony, a chair just for me, and the EPCOT fireworks waiting.

So I paid my bill and headed back with enough time to pour myself a glass of wine and settle in for the show. Watching the fireworks light up the sky from my balcony, with wine in hand and nowhere else I needed to be, was such a lovely way to end my first night at the Riviera.

When the Resort Calls

The next morning, I got up early and headed to Animal Kingdom, my favorite Disney park! One of my must-dos is Kilimanjaro Safaris. I love getting to see the animals. You never quite know what you’ll see or what they’ll be up to, so every ride is different. It’s one of those experiences I can enjoy over and over again.

After that, I headed to Pandora, where I rode Na’vi River Journey for the first time in over three years! I wanted to focus on things I hadn’t done before or rarely get to do on this trip. In that same vein, I also made my way to Satu’li Canteen to try the Cheeseburger Steamed Pods, which had been on my Disney food bucket list for a good while. And of course, I couldn’t leave without stopping at Pongu Pongu for a Mo’ara Margarita. It’s a must-have every time I’m at Animal Kingdom!

I had a great time exploring, but somewhere in the middle of the day, I made a decision that I’d almost completely forgotten about until I started putting this article together.

I went back to the Riviera for a nap.

Are you sensing a theme here? Apparently, I was determined to get my money’s worth out of the resort, and the Riviera was making it pretty easy.

But that’s one of the best perks of staying at a Disney resort! Instead of pushing through the afternoon when I was ready for a break, I could head back to my room, recharge for a bit, and head back out when I was ready. Having that option made such a difference.

A Taste of Food and Wine

Later, I hopped back on the Skyliner to go explore the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. It was a Saturday during the festival, so I knew the park would be busy, and boy was it! I enjoyed wandering around and trying some of the festival offerings, but as the crowds seemed to grow, I just kept thinking about the quiet, relaxing vibes of the Riviera. So, in a completely unexpected turn of events (aka not at all unexpected at this point), I went back to the resort early!

The Perfect Evening In

I headed over to the Beau Soleil Pool, the resort’s quieter pool. Disney describes it as a place to unwind alongside shimmering waters in a soothing setting, and after the crowds at EPCOT, that sounded pretty perfect to me.

I stopped by Bar Riva to grab a poolside cocktail, found a spot to settle in, and enjoyed the slower pace. After spending the day exploring the parks, it was nice to have an evening where I could simply sit back and relax.

When I was ready for dinner, I put in a mobile order at Primo Piatto to pick up a Croque Monsieur to take back to my room. Before settling in for dinner, though, I had one more thing to look forward to: the EPCOT fireworks! Getting to watch them from my balcony for a second night in a row felt like such a treat.

After the fireworks, I got comfortable, put on Dancing with the Stars, and enjoyed my Croque Monsieur. It was such a lovely way to spend my last full evening at Disney’s Riviera Resort, with nowhere else I needed to be and nothing left on my agenda.

Saying Goodbye

Before I knew it, it was time to check out. I truly didn’t want to leave. I’d actually tried to extend my stay by one more night the day before. I checked with the front desk to see if my room was available, but unfortunately, it wasn’t. So, my Riviera getaway really was coming to an end.

That morning, I packed up my things and took one last look around my Tower Studio. I was sad to say goodbye, but I still had a little time for one more park visit before heading to the airport. Bell Services picked up my suitcases, and I headed to the Magic Kingdom.

My final morning was spent enjoying the entertainment along Main Street, U.S.A., including The Dapper Dans and Casey’s Corner Pianist, before fitting in a few rides. I also grabbed some spring rolls for one last Disney snack. Then it was back to the Riviera to collect my bags and make my way to the airport.

Final Thoughts

So, was Disney’s Riviera Resort everything I’d hoped it would be? Absolutely! I loved the beautiful design, the thoughtful details throughout the resort, and the convenience of the Skyliner. My Tower Studio was a wonderful home base for my solo trip, and that EPCOT view made it even more special.

The Tower Studio is a great option for solo travelers or couples looking for a cozy, thoughtfully designed space. But the Riviera has plenty of other room options, too, including larger villas that can accommodate families of different sizes. Whether you’re traveling on your own, planning a getaway for two, or bringing the whole family, there’s a lot to love about this resort.

Even with so much I wanted to see and do in the parks, I kept finding myself drawn back to the Riviera. Between relaxing by the pool, watching the fireworks from my balcony, and even heading back to my room for an afternoon nap, I loved having a resort that made returning for a little downtime so appealing. Two nights definitely wasn’t enough, but it gave me a taste of what makes Disney’s Riviera Resort so special.

Would I stay at the Riviera again? Absolutely. I’d love to come back with my son and parents because I think they’d all enjoy it as much as I did. I also still need to spend time at the main pool and experience the character breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace, so there’s plenty left for a future visit.

Disney’s Riviera Resort lived up to my expectations, and I’m so glad I finally got to experience it for myself.

Dreaming of a stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort?

Whether you’re planning a solo Disney getaway, a couples’ trip, or a family vacation, I’d love to help you plan a Disney trip that feels right for you.

Ready to start planning? Get in touch here!

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort & Spa offers a slower, more relaxed side of Disney—and a great option for couples, families,girls getaways and multigenerational getaways.

Disney Built a Beach Resort Where the Biggest Decision of the Day Is Left or Right

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort & Spa offers something you might not expect from Disney: a slower pace, a beautiful beach, and a vacation that doesn’t revolve around park hours.

I just returned from Disney’s Vero Beach Resort & Spa, where my husband and I celebrated our anniversary. And I keep telling people the same thing:

I didn’t know Disney made a property like this.

We stayed in a preferred-view studio that sleeps up to four, complete with a little kitchenette featuring a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker. Our room was tucked into a quiet corner of the resort, and quiet is the operative word here.

My husband spent two mornings metal detecting on the beach. I alternated between swimming and hunting for seashells just a few feet away.

Our biggest decisions most days? Whether to walk right or left on the beach, and whether lunch would happen on the sand or by the pool.

We did both. On different days, because why not?

That’s the thing I think more people need to know about this property. You get Disney-level service and polish without the pace of a theme park vacation.

If you love Disney but you’re ready for a break from rope drop, ride strategies, and carefully timed itineraries, this resort might be exactly what you need.

Who Is Disney’s Vero Beach Resort Really For?

I paid attention to the mix of guests during our stay, and the appeal is broader than many people might assume.

Multigenerational families are an obvious fit. The beachside cottages offer full kitchens, living rooms, and multiple bedrooms, giving grandparents, parents, and kids room to spread out while still sharing meals and making memories together.

I wasn’t able to tour a cottage during our stay, but the accommodations look beautiful. And I saw multigenerational groups everywhere: at the pool, on the beach, and heading into the restaurant for dinner.

But I wouldn’t stop at families.

I’d recommend this resort for a girls’ getaway, a family reunion, a couples’ escape, or even a honeymoon for travelers who want something more relaxed than a traditional theme park vacation.

And for families with toddlers? There’s another experience worth considering.

A Character Breakfast Without the Theme Park Crowds

On Saturdays, the resort offers a character breakfast featuring Goofy and Pluto at Wind & Waves Grill.

During our visit, the experience was priced at $35 for adults and $22 for children ages 9 and under. Prices and availability can change, so I’d confirm the details when planning a trip.

The characters visit tables for photos and autographs, and a dance party can break out between courses.

I watched toddlers at nearby tables light up.

For families who aren’t sure how their little ones will react to costumed characters, a resort character meal can be a gentler introduction than a busy park day.

There’s no park ticket required for the breakfast, no rushing between attractions, and no pressure to make it to the next ride.

Sometimes, those little details make a big difference in how comfortable a family feels about trying something new.

The Surprise I Didn’t Expect: A Sports Complex

I had no idea the resort had pickleball courts!

While we were there, an actual pickleball tournament was taking place.

Guests can access a sports complex across the road through a pedestrian tunnel, with activities including tennis, basketball, and pickleball.

It’s a nice reminder that there’s more to do here than sit on the beach, even if sitting on the beach is an excellent use of vacation time.

The Sea Turtles Were a Highlight

One of the most meaningful things about the resort is its connection to sea turtle conservation.

During nesting season, the resort takes precautions to help protect nesting turtles, including managing beachfront lighting and marking identified nests.

On a morning walk, I spotted one of the roped-off nests myself.

Seasonal conservation programs can give guests an opportunity to learn more about sea turtles and their journey to the ocean. Availability depends on the season and the program schedule.

I slept through the early-morning experience offered during our stay. It was our anniversary trip, after all!

But for clients interested in wildlife, conservation, and experiences beyond the usual tourist attractions, this is something I’d investigate when planning their visit.

My Money-Saving Tip: Bring Your Own Beach Gear

Want to stretch your vacation budget?

Consider bringing your own beach chairs and umbrella instead of renting them, provided you’re comfortable transporting them and have room in your vehicle.

We brought our own and put that money toward souvenirs and a day trip instead.

It’s a small saving, but small savings can add up over several days.

Worth the Drive: A Treasure Coast Adventure

We also drove up to Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum in Sebastian.

The Treasure Coast has a fascinating maritime history, and the museum offers a chance to explore the world of shipwrecks, treasure hunting, and recovered artifacts.

For us, it was a fun way to add something different to our beach getaway.

I love finding experiences like this for clients who want to explore beyond their resort without overcomplicating their vacation.

A little local history, a scenic drive, and something unexpected to discover? That’s my kind of travel day.

Why This Resort Matters When I’m Planning Vacations

Here’s where I see a real opportunity for my clients.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort can be part of a larger Florida vacation, combining theme park excitement with a few days of genuine downtime.

Imagine spending several days at Walt Disney World, then picking up a rental car and heading to the coast.

First, the fireworks and attractions. Then, the sound of the ocean, slow mornings, beach walks, and lunches with no reservations to rush toward.

It’s a particularly appealing option for multigenerational families whose travel styles and energy levels might differ.

The thrill-seekers can enjoy the parks, while everyone can look forward to a few days together at the beach.

And the best part? You don’t have to choose between a Disney vacation and a beach vacation.

With thoughtful planning, you can have both.

Having experienced the resort myself, I can now share firsthand impressions of the accommodations, the atmosphere, the activities, and the little details that don’t always come through in an online listing.

That’s one of the reasons I believe firsthand travel experience matters when choosing a destination.

Ready for a Different Kind of Disney Vacation?

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort & Spa reminded me that a Disney vacation doesn’t always have to mean full park days and packed schedules.

Sometimes, the magic is in slowing down.

Sometimes, it’s finding seashells while your husband searches for treasure.

And sometimes, the biggest decision of the day really is whether to turn left or right on the beach.

If you’re dreaming of a Disney getaway, a multigenerational family vacation, a girls’ trip, or a few days on the coast after the theme parks, let’s talk.

I’ll help you plan the adventure. You just decide which way to walk on the beach.

Wishing you Amazing Adventures!

#metaldetector #disneysverobeach #disneyexpert #beachvacation

Everyone else ran from the rain at Disney. We saw an opportunity. ☔🏰

Everyone Was Leaving Disney World. We Stayed. Here’s Why.

Last week at Walt Disney World, the rain started falling, and families around us began heading for the exits.

We didn’t.

And what happened next is exactly why I tell my clients that a little rain doesn’t have to ruin a Disney vacation.

Shorter waits. Less crowded souvenir shops. More opportunities to enjoy the parks instead of spending the day fighting crowds.

As a travel advisor, I know that planning a great vacation isn’t just about booking the right resort or securing dining reservations. It’s about knowing what to do when the day doesn’t go according to plan.

Because sometimes, the best vacation moments happen when everyone else thinks the fun is over.

1. Rain Can Be Your Opportunity for Shorter Waits

Disney’s posted wait times are estimates, and the time you actually spend in line can be different.

During our rainy park day, we checked wait times in the My Disney Experience app and compared them with our actual experience. More than once, we found ourselves getting through a line faster than the posted time suggested.

When other guests leave the park, attractions may become less crowded, creating opportunities to experience more without spending as much time waiting.

Of course, rain doesn’t guarantee shorter lines, and outdoor attractions can temporarily close because of weather. But if conditions are safe and attractions are operating, it can be worth checking those wait times before calling it a day.

My advice: Keep the My Disney Experience app handy, stay flexible, and see what opportunities the weather creates.

2. Epcot Has Plenty of Indoor Activities for Young Travelers

If you’re visiting Epcot on a rainy day, you may have more indoor options than you realize.

Several attractions, experiences, shops, and dining locations can help keep young travelers entertained while giving everyone a break from the weather.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Spaceship Earth, and indoor areas of the World Showcase pavilions can provide opportunities to explore without spending the entire day outside.

Epcot’s indoor attractions won’t eliminate the need to walk between locations, but they can make it easier to build a flexible rainy-day plan.

Check the My Disney Experience app, look for nearby attractions, and use the weather as a reason to slow down and explore rather than rushing from one outdoor activity to the next.

For families with young children, this can be especially helpful. With a little planning, a rainy day can become a chance to discover attractions and experiences you might otherwise have overlooked.

3. Disney Shopping Is a Whole Different Experience in the Rain

Let’s talk about the souvenir shops.

On a typical busy park day, browsing Disney merchandise can feel like an attraction of its own. You may find yourself squeezing through crowds, waiting for someone to move away from a display, or trying to get a closer look at something three people deep on a shelf.

When the rain sent people looking for shelter, we finally had room to browse.

We could take our time, look at the merchandise, and enjoy the experience without constantly navigating a crowd.

If you’re going to spend some time indoors anyway, why not make the most of it?

4. Pack for Rain Before You Leave Home

This is one of those practical tips I share with my clients before their trips.

Bring your own ponchos.

Yes, you can purchase rain gear at Disney World. But packing ponchos before you leave home can save you from paying a premium when the skies open up.

I also recommend thinking carefully about your footwear.

For me, Crocs with socks can be a practical choice for a rainy park day. When the rain starts, you can remove the socks and avoid walking around in waterlogged sneakers for the rest of the day.

Whatever shoes you choose, prioritize comfort, traction, and footwear you’ve already broken in. Wet walkways can be slippery, and you’ll likely be covering plenty of ground.

A little preparation can make a big difference in how comfortable you are for the rest of the day.

5. Don’t Let a Little Rain Make the Decision for You

I’m not saying you should ignore severe weather or stay outside when conditions are unsafe. Lightning, strong storms, and attraction closures are reasons to pay attention and adjust your plans.

But ordinary rain? It doesn’t automatically mean your Disney day is over.

Sometimes, it means you get to experience the parks a little differently. You might find a shorter line, browse a shop without the usual crowds, explore Epcot’s indoor attractions, or discover that an unexpected change of plans becomes one of your favorite vacation memories.

The key is knowing when to adapt instead of automatically heading back to the resort.

The Value of Planning Goes Beyond the Reservations

These are just a few of the tips that fit into a single article.

When I plan a Disney vacation for a family, my job doesn’t stop once the resort and tickets are booked. I help my clients prepare for the details that can make their vacation smoother, from practical packing advice to navigating the unexpected.

Every family is different, and the best advice depends on the resort, the season, the ages of the travelers, and the kind of experience they want.

A great Disney vacation isn’t just about what you plan to do. It’s also about knowing what to do when the plan changes.

If you’re dreaming of a Disney vacation—or any vacation—I’d love to help you plan the magic and prepare for the real-life moments in between.

Because you should be making memories with your family, not spending your vacation figuring everything out on your own.

#DisneyWorld #DisneyVacationPlanning #FamilyTravel #TravelAdvisor #TravelTips #WaltDisneyWorld #VacationPlanning #TravelProfessional

Mission: Vacation — Supporting Military Families, One Trip at a Time 🇺🇸

Sep 29, 2026 · @Kristina Gandrow

Hi friends! I’m Kristina, and before I became a travel advisor, I spent 24 years in the Air Force! 🇺🇸 I know military life from the inside — the PCS moves, the deployments, the leave that gets approved (or pulled!) at the last minute, and the families who hold it all together through every bit of it.

I Get It, Because I’ve Lived It 💙

Military families don’t get to plan trips like everyone else. Schedules change, budgets are real, and sometimes the vacation has to fit between a homecoming and the next set of orders. That’s exactly why I love working with you!

Whether it’s a “welcome home” celebration, making memories before a deployment, turning a PCS move into an adventure, or finally taking that bucket list trip, I’m in your corner from the first question to the day you get home. We’ll take it step by step, not all at once, and I’ll plan around your life instead of the other way around.

One More Thing I Bring to the Table ✨

Because I’ve been part of this community for so long, I know who to call for the military perks you’ve earned — from military resorts to special rates on cruises and theme parks. I’ll make sure your family gets every one you qualify for, so you can just enjoy the trip.

Let’s Plan Your Next Adventure! 🌍

You’ve served, your family has sacrificed right alongside you, and you deserve a trip that feels carefree. Veteran to veteran, I’d love to help. Reach out and tell me where you’re dreaming of going — I can’t wait to hear about your bucket list! 🇺🇸

Kristina Gandrow · Kingdom and Cruise Travel · Kgandrow@kingdomandcruise.com

The Art of the Pivot

I’m writing this at the exit of Expedition Everest, waiting for my husband and son to come off it for the third time in a row. My post-baby body can no longer handle that ride, confirmed that today.

Last night, none of us would have guessed we’d be here.

THE PARTY WAS GOING GREAT

We went to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. We arrived at 3:45pm and were in the park by 4pm to take advantage of the extra hours before the party started.

Things were going great. We got our party bags and full candy bar, rode Space Mountain, measured my son for Tron (he’s almost tall enough), and hit Barnstormer, Little Mermaid, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, plus a snack, all within the first 2 hours.

We truly made the most of our first couple hours. We hit up rides that were priorities for us and tried snacks that were party exclusives, which opened up right around 6pm (special beignets from Golden Oak Outpost, loaded sweet potato fries at Pecos Bill’s).

THEN EVERYTHING CHANGED

My son started feeling sick. We took a break, decided to try getting in line for Big Thunder, but didn’t make it more than halfway through the line when he was done. We left the line, and he got sick right as we walked out.

The evening I’d planned for was over. No parade, no stage show, no ride overlays, no candy trails.

THE PIVOT

Here’s the thing about Disney: when your day falls apart, you have options. But you have to know what to ask for.

We walked to Guest Relations and explained what happened, and they thankfully refunded our party tickets. My son woke up the next day feeling better. We took that refund and bought Animal Kingdom tickets instead. I knew we could have a great day there without prebooked lightning lanes or dining reservations, and Everest is my son’s favorite ride. No brainer for us.

One night, two parks, a completely different trip.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Most people panic when things go sideways at Disney. They either eat the loss or they call customer service and hope for the best. That’s stressful.

When you work with me as your travel advisor, I’m the one who knows what Guest Relations can do. I’m the one who’s planned enough trips to know which pivot makes sense. I’m the one you call when your kid gets sick in a theme park, and I’m helping you figure out what comes next.

You don’t have to know all the answers. You don’t have to panic. You call me, and we make a move together.

Plans change on a Disney trip. Having the right person in your corner means you know exactly what to do when they do.

Just Book the Trip

I stood knee deep in the ocean at Castaway Cay, watching my husband and daughter swim out toward a sandbar. My son wanted to make it out there too, so I grabbed him a life jacket and we tried to follow.

We didn’t get more than a few feet. The second my foot hit the seaweed on the ocean floor, I was done. We turned back, my son a little disappointed, me completely unwilling to keep going.

Two years later, that’s still the story he tells. His mom, brought down by some seaweed.

I went through a health scare in December 2022, one I still don’t talk about much, and it changed the way I thought about time. In the months right after, we leaned on the trips I already knew by heart, our usual Disney park visits with the kids. But something had shifted, and I wanted more for my family than what we already knew. In May 2024, we tried Disney Cruise Line for the first time.

I didn’t book it with some grand plan in mind. I booked it because I needed to be somewhere with my husband, my kids, and my parents, away from real life, doing something we’d still be laughing about years later.

My son gets anxious about big things, so the water slides on Castaway Cay were never going to happen. The water cannons were a different story. He ran through those for an hour straight, completely in his element.

At dinner every night, our servers gave the kids puzzles to work through at the table. Watching my parents and my kids argue over the answer, three generations hunched over a napkin, is worth more to me than anything that was actually on the menu.

I plan trips for a living. I know the ship names, the sail dates, the deck plans, all of it. But that trip taught me something my job never had: you don’t know how much time you get with the people at your table. You just get the time you get.

So if you’ve been telling yourself you’ll plan that trip next year, or once things calm down, or when the timing is finally right, I’d push back on that a little. The timing is rarely perfect. Go make your own seaweed story instead.

If this is the year you’re ready to stop waiting, let me know. I’d love to help you plan it.

How I Planned a Completely Gluten-Free Italian Adventure (Without Sacrificing a Single Bite of Culture)

When a client first told me she wanted to visit Italy — but had celiac disease and couldn’t risk any cross-contamination — I understood her hesitation immediately. Italy is the land of pasta, pizza, and fresh-baked bread. For someone with a serious gluten intolerance, that can sound less like a dream vacation and more like a minefield.

Here’s the truth I want every client with dietary restrictions to know: Italy is actually one of the best countries in the world for gluten-free travel. You just need someone who knows where to look.

Here’s exactly how I planned her trip — and how I can plan yours.

Starting With the Right Questions

Before booking a single flight, I sat down with my client to understand the full picture: how severe her sensitivity was, whether she needed dedicated gluten-free kitchens or could tolerate shared spaces with careful prep, and which experiences mattered most to her. For her, authentic food experiences were non-negotiable — she didn’t want to feel like she was missing out on the “real” Italy.

That shaped everything that followed.

Why Italy Works So Well for Gluten-Free Travelers

Most people don’t realize that Italy has one of the most robust systems in Europe for supporting people with celiac disease. Restaurants can become AIC-certified (Associazione Italiana Celiachia), meaning they follow strict protocols for gluten-free preparation and cross-contamination prevention. Pharmacies stock dedicated gluten-free products, and gluten-free pasta and pizza are widely available — not as an afterthought, but as genuinely good food.

Knowing this system exists — and knowing how to use it — was the key to building her itinerary.

Building the Itinerary, City by City

Florence Florence turned out to be a gluten-free lover’s secret weapon. I booked her into a pasta-making class at the Florence Food Studio, and when I made the reservation, I flagged her gluten intolerance ahead of time. On the day of the class, they had gluten-free ingredients ready and waiting for her — she got to make her own pasta from scratch, just like everyone else in the class, and by all accounts it was delicious. And, of course, no trip to Florence is complete without gelato — I sent her to Edoardo Il Gelato Biologico, a shop that makes homemade gluten-free and dairy-free gelato from organic ingredients. She didn’t have to ask a single question at the counter or worry about cross-contamination; she could just order and enjoy.

Rome For Rome, I focused on finding accommodations and dining options that could confidently handle her gluten intolerance, and made sure she never had to navigate a menu blind. Rome has a strong network of restaurants experienced in gluten-free dining, and the ones I chose for her all had gluten-free options clearly available — so she could enjoy the city’s food culture without the stress of guessing. On her last night in Rome, her group held a farewell pizza party — the kind of communal, celebratory meal that’s easy to dread when you have a gluten intolerance. Instead, she got to end her trip the way everyone else did: with a table full of laughter, wine, and a pizza made just for her, gluten-free crust and all.

The Details That Made the Difference

Beyond restaurant reservations, I handled the details clients don’t always think to ask about:

Hotel concierges briefed in advance about her dietary requirements
Gluten-free snacks provided by her guides for the train rides between cities
A flexible itinerary with buffer time, so a bad food day never derailed the whole trip

The Result

My client came home having enjoyed gluten-free pizza in Rome and a hands-on pasta-making class and gelato in Florence — all without a single reaction. What she remembered most wasn’t the stress of managing her condition abroad. It was the food.

Why This Matters for You

If a dietary restriction has ever made you hesitate to book the trip you actually want, I want you to know this: it doesn’t have to be a limitation. With the right planning, research, and local knowledge, you can experience Italy — or anywhere in Europe — fully and safely.

I specialize in building itineraries around dietary needs, allergies, and intolerances, so you can travel with confidence instead of anxiety. If you’re ready to plan a trip where your health needs are handled before you even land, I’d love to help.

Reach out today, and let’s start planning your gluten-free European adventure.

The trip she almost didn’t book

A client called me about a 7-day northbound Alaskan cruise on Holland America, sailing this past May. Her mom had terminal cancer. This was going to be one of the last big trips they’d take together, and she knew it.

She almost canceled three separate times before they ever set sail. Her mom’s health status kept shifting. Some days felt too uncertain to commit to. I don’t blame her for hesitating. When you’re watching someone’s health decline, every plan feels fragile.

But she kept coming back to it. This trip mattered more than the logistics did.

What planning this one actually looked like

I became certified through Special Needs at Sea specifically to help coordinate this trip. Not because I had to, but because her mom’s mobility needs meant the usual booking process wasn’t going to cut it.

I booked them an accessible stateroom: grip bars, a raised toilet seat, the things that sound small until you need them and nobody thought to ask. I arranged for a motorized scooter to be delivered directly to their stateroom for the full 7 days, so her mom could actually get around the ship without exhausting herself before dinner.

Excursions took more thought too. I worked through which shore excursions could realistically accommodate a mobility scooter or limited stamina, because “handicapped accessible” on a cruise line’s website doesn’t always mean what you’d hope.

Then, partway through the cruise, her mom had a medical concern on board. I walked my client through how to access medical attention on the ship, quickly and without the panic of trying to figure it out in the moment. That’s the part of this job nobody sees. It’s not glamorous. It’s knowing where the medical bay is and how fast you can get someone there.

“I am so glad we came”

Midway through the cruise, my client sent me a photo. She and her mom, toasting, out on deck.

The message underneath it said: “I am so glad we came.”

That’s the whole job, right there. Not the itinerary. Not the scooter or the grip bars, though those mattered plenty. It’s making sure a family gets to have that exact moment, glasses raised, together, on a trip that almost didn’t happen.

I’ve sent a lot of families on cruises. This one stuck with me differently. When someone trusts me with a trip like this, the stakes aren’t “did they enjoy their vacation.” The stakes are “did they get this time, and did I make it as easy as possible for them to actually be present in it instead of managing logistics.”

That’s what I’m here for. If you’re planning a trip for someone you love while time feels short, or you just want someone who’ll handle the details so you don’t have to, reach out. I’ve got you.

I planned my first Disney trip with zero clue what I was doing. Now it’s my job to make sure you don’t.

In 1999 I took my family to Disney World and had no idea what I was doing.

We booked a room at a Howard Johnson’s on my grandma’s recommendation. Great call in the 1950s. Not so much in 1999. It was me, my husband, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and 4 kids under 10 (my son was 6, my daughter was almost 3, plus my niece and nephew), wandering into Magic Kingdom with no plan and no clue.

We didn’t know you could stay on Disney property. We didn’t know some hotels put you 10 minutes from the gates and others put you 40. We just showed up and figured it out as we went, which meant we spent money in the wrong places and missed the stuff that would’ve mattered most to a 6-year-old and a not-quite-3-year-old.

I wasn’t in the travel industry back then. I was a stay-at-home mom, and that trip was the kind of vacation you save up for and plan around for months. But even with zero industry background, I remember thinking: there has to be a better way to do this.

That thought sat with me for years. I went on to work in outpatient mental health as an office manager. The whole time, I was still the one planning every trip, still the friend everyone called before their own vacations.

The actual career change came when my husband and I moved from Long Island to Virginia and I retired. I wanted work that gave me more time for the thing I loved, which was travel. So I became an advisor. And I finally understood what that Howard Johnson’s trip had been trying to teach me the whole time: your vacation dollars are an investment in the most limited thing you have, which is time away from work.

That’s the job now. When I sit down with a family that reminds me of mine in 1999, I dig into their budget with them. I explain why staying on Disney property is worth it, or why the area you pick matters more than people think, because every dollar saved on the wrong thing is time you don’t get back.

My husband and I are grandparents now, and we still go back to Disney World, except the group’s bigger and the goal is different. It’s not about surviving the day with 4 kids under 10 anymore. It’s about getting everyone, kids and grandkids, into one villa instead of scattered across separate rooms, so the trip is as much about the conversations back at the resort as it is about the parks. That’s become my specialty: multi-generational family trips. I know what it feels like on both ends, the young family with no plan in a Howard Johnson’s, and the grandparent who just wants everyone together in the same room for a week.

If any of this sounds familiar, I’d love to talk about what your next trip could look like.

#TravelAdvisor #MultigenerationalTravel #DisneyVacation

Multi-Generational Cruise: 20 People, 8 Staterooms, One Celebration

I met a woman at a friend’s barbecue this summer who mentioned, almost in passing, that she’d always wanted to take her family to Disney. I handed her my card and told her to call me if she ever wanted to make it happen. That’s usually how it starts, honestly. A conversation nobody expected to turn into a trip.

A few weeks later, she called. Her family had decided to put together a cruise to celebrate a graduation, and the group had grown to 20 people across 3 generations. Grandparents, parents, cousins, the whole crew. Coordinating something that size was starting to feel overwhelming, and she needed help carrying it.

So I did.

I got the emails for every family in the group and started reaching out one by one, asking about budgets, what they were picturing for their staterooms, who wanted to be near who. Twenty people means 20 different answers, and honestly, that’s the part most people dread about planning something this size. Nobody wants to be the family member fielding a group text with 19 replies.

We ended up booking 8 staterooms on the Disney Fantasy, and by the time everything was locked in, the weight of it wasn’t on her shoulders anymore. It was on mine.

That’s really the whole point of what I do. A trip this size isn’t complicated because the destination is hard. It’s complicated because somebody has to coordinate 20 people’s schedules, budgets, and expectations, and that’s a lot to carry on top of everything else in life. I take that part.

She got to go back to enjoying the celebration instead of managing a spreadsheet.

If you’ve got a big trip like this floating around in your family group chat, a milestone, a reunion, or just “we should all go together” finally turning into a plan, I’d love to help you pull it off. You handle the excitement. I’ll handle the rest. 🚢