Joy at Magical Compass Vacations
Wife. Mom. Travel Planner. Swiftie.
📚 Summer book reading challenges may be over, kids, but the reading never ends at All the Books You Can Read in Seuss Landing at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. In fact, several times a day, stories come to life during lively performances of “Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear” 🎭 right outside the store. The Cat in the Hat, the Grinch and more step right out of the pages of these Dr. Seuss classics! No lines, just pure theme park magic! ✨
To really enjoy this one, grab an Icee® from Moose Juice, Goose Juice, 🥤 🧘♂️sit crisscross applesauce on the ground and take a moment to appreciate that you’re making memories! 💖 🎩 What is your favorite Dr. Seuss story?
There's a cute new little booklet for families with young kids at EPCOT! Not sure if it's only for Food & Wine (it does mention the Hide & Squeak hunt) but it's really adorable. Make sure you pick one up!Found at Guest Services and all over the park where maps are offered. 🥰
🍷🍴The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is now in full swing , so let’s chat a little about those food kiosk offerings. Not everyone is a foodie 🍽️, and some of those menu items can sound a little scary 😅. For the less adventurous, here’s a list of more simple small plates I think you’ll enjoy:
🍲Canada: Cheddar Cheese Soup
🧀Macatizers: Classic Mac and Cheese
🍟🥒Fry Basket: Fry Flight and Fried Pickle Spears
🥩🍠Belgium: Beer-Braised Beef and Smoked Gouda Mashed Potatoes
🥧Greece: Spanikopita (Spinach and Cheese in a flaky pastry)
🍷🍽️ 😋 What’s your Food and Wine Festival style? Are you looking for the familiar favorites, or are you ready to try something wild and totally outside your comfort zone?
😴🥾🐊If you’ve ever dreamed of braving the wilds of the jungle but know deep down you're more of a theme park snacker than a survivalist, the Wild Africa Trek tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is probably for you.
🧭 On this totally safe and exhilarating tour, you can channel your inner explorer without, you know, actually having to go to Africa. Swing over crocodile-filled rivers (safely harnessed, of course), get up close and personal with some amazing wildlife, enjoy snacks on the savanna and your very own guide/personal photographer. 📸 It’s 3 hours you will never forget!
🎁 Oh and everyone gets a souvenir water bottle and all the photos taken on the journey. This tour, as you can imagine is “wildly” popular, so if you’re my client, tell me now! And if you’re not, let’s work together! What questions can I answer about the Wild Africa Trek? ⬇️
Another successful month helping plan magical vacations!! Love what I do 🥰🥰
🌪️🌧️⚡️Hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions, OH MY! Cruising during hurricane season will give you the lowest prices, but there’s a reason for that. If this is the best time of year for you and your crew, here are a few helpful tips:
📅 Hurricane season officially goes from June through November. If you are considering August, September, and October, just know you are likely looking at the highest possibility of weather issues. Sailings out of Florida to the Caribbean will be the sailings most impacted.
🛡️Get travel protection! Just do it - no matter when you sail
✈️ Book flights early in the day for less chance of cancellations or delays. Also arrive at least one day before embarkation day, just in case flights get canceled. You may find you have to hop in a car and hit the road!
🌊Go with the flow! Cruise lines reallllllly don’t want to cancel sailings, so they will do all they can to avoid that including changing itineraries to avoid weather issues.
😱Don’t let this time of year scare you away, though! ☀️The weather is usually nice and warm, and prices typically can’t be beat. 😎 Just go into it with knowledge and a game plan. Have you cruised during hurricane season before? Do you have another tip to share with us?
📱💻 If only “I’M ON VACATION” always meant “I’M NOT WORKING”. 🏖️😅 The hard truth is many people still have to conduct business even when on vacation. 🤫 It can be a little challenging to find quiet spaces to work at Walt Disney World. 🎢 Sure, you have your resort hotel room, but sometimes you want a change of scenery. If you know you’ll have to put in some hours at the house of Mouse, you’ll want to explore staying at a deluxe resort or Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Whether it’s a serene lounge 🛋️, a quiet corner outside on the lush grounds or even a spot in one of the conference centers, you can get the job done without feeling confined to your room at these resorts.
🗂️ Have you ever had to work while on vacation? Where’s your Disney home office? 🏢
Happy Labor Day!
🇮🇹🏨Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort does an incredible job of making guests feel as though they’ve stepped onto to the streets of Italy, and looking around, it’s easy to see why it’s in their Signature Collection. But even though the amenities are top notch and you may feel like royalty staying here, it’s not all “fine dining and dress code” when it comes to dining.
🥪Take Sal’s Market Deli for example. Just a short walk from the harbor, it has the cozy vibe of a neighborhood deli. Offering Italian classics like handmade pizzas, sandwiches, salads, meats, cheeses, and fresh fruit, even the pickiest in your party will find something they like.
🍽️ What’s great is you can dine in, eat outside on the vast piazza or take it to go and enjoy a quiet meal on your balcony.
✈️🇮🇹 I’ve got to say, if a trip to Italy is on your bucket list but not within the budget, this IS the Universal hotel for you! Who has some advice or tips for staying here? Let’s hear them!⬇️
🎄Looking to get away this December?? 🎄
Check out this amazing deal at Sandals South Coast! I toured this resort in May, and it was absolutely gorgeous! What a great way to relax before the bustle of the holidays! Also makes a great gift for your significant other 😉
🥊🏨It’s the battle of the towers! Disney’s Hollywood Studios has Tower of Terror, and Disney California Adventure Park has Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! They are sister rides, but the theming is TOTALLY different! Which is more your vibe? 🎩Classical creepy with Tower or Terror? 🎃 Or scary fun with our Guardians friends?
I love both rides, but Guardians of the Galaxy was just a little more fun, imo.
🌌✨ Looking back at the unforgettable opening of Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World 5 years ago today! 🚀🌟 From the first steps into Batuu to epic adventures and meeting iconic characters, it was a dream come true for Star Wars fans. Relive the magic and may the Force be with you! 🌠🛸
🤯This blows my mind...Can you believe it’s been five years since Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge was dedicated at Walt Disney World? 💥It doesn’t even seem possible that it was that long ago! 🌟⚔️👩🚀
If you’ve not had the chance to visit yet, just WOW. The details of this land are off the charts. Take Ronto Roasters for example. Just this simple Quick Service spot is designed to the hilt, with full scale immersion and wildly popular wraps for both breakfast and lunch!
Whether it’s east or west coast Disney (they are near carbon copies), get your Star Wars fan out to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. 🚀It is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced! 😎And I am the travel agent you’re looking for to help you plan! Message me today!
Calling all night owls!🦉
Disney After Hours (my absolute favorite) is back at Walt Disney World Resort for 2025, offering late-night adventures for you and your family! 🌙 🏰 ✨
🎟️ Disney After Hours are separately ticketed events that allow a limited number of guests to enjoy 3 hours - after park closing - to ride your favorite attractions and see beloved characters with lower wait times.
🍿🍦Indulge in unlimited complementary snacks such as ice cream novelties, popcorn and select beverages at a variety of locations throughout the park each event night – all included in the cost of the ticket.
⏰ See all the event dates/hours here:
🏰 Magic Kingdom (10pm-1am)
January 6, 13, 20 and 27
February 3, 10, 17 and 24
March 3, 17, 24 and 31
April 7 and 28
May 5, 12 and 19
📽️ Disney’s Hollywood Studios (9:30pm-12:30am)
January 22 and 29
February 12 and 19
March 5 and 26*
April 1* and 30
May 14 and 28
June 4,11 and 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
August 6, 20 and 27
September 3
*These parties will run 10pm-1am
🌐 EPCOT (10pm-1am)
February 27
May 8 and 29
June 19 and 26
July 10, 24 and 31
August 7, 14, 21 and 28
September 11 and 25
*Tickets go on sale for guests staying at Disney World Resorts on September 4th and all other guests September 10th.
**Prices range from $155-$185
Contact me to secure your Disney After Hours event tickets today!
⭐️FACT: The more you know, the better your experience.
🚂 Riding the Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort will likely be the highlight of your Harry Potter lovers’ trip. AND it’s a great way to save your tired feet if you want to quickly park hop. BUT did you know that you MUST have a park-to-park ticket in order to ride? Many people have to upgrade once at the parks (and at a higher price) because they didn’t realize this. 😰
➡️ Don’t be a Muggle and waste time or money, have ME do it for you from the beginning. Ok, I’m just full of Hogwarts Express tips for you today, here’s another: you can and should ride from both parks. Each direction is a totally different experience.
👋 Who else is a sucker for the Hogwarts Express and mayyyybe gets a little emotional when you arrive “home” to Hogwarts Castle?!
➡️P.S. Keep following along with me so you’re always in the know!
🛍️🐾 Sure, we always have to buy ourselves souvenirs when we visit a Disney Destination, and there are family and pals at home that rank high enough to also get a special gift brought home for them. How about your furbabies that you had to leave behind when you were vacationing? Do you always make a point to grab something pet themed from the gift shops to take home for your loyal companion? Show us some pics of your best finds!
🤠🐍🏺Paging fans of Dr. Jones! The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been entertaining guests for thirty five years! It’s timeless fun that needs to be on your itinerary for sure, BUT...don’t just buzz by this area after the show or in a rush to get to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Like Indy, there’s more to this area than meets the eye. Here are some details that you won’t want to miss:
🐍 Find the rope with the ominous “Do Not Pull” sign and give it a little tug—if you dare and listen closely! 😂
🐍 Take a closer look at the table filled with artifacts. These props are carefully curated to make you feel like you’ve stepped into Indy’s world of archaeology and adventure. 🔎
🐍 Grab a quick bite at the Epic Eats stand, where you can get funnel cakes, ice cream and drinks. 🍦
➡️ Have you taken time to notice these details or grab an epic snack? Or are you usually on the go-go-go after the show? 🏃♀️
🫣💥We’ve got some controversy folks! Remember when it was said that food is always better Mickey shaped? Some Walt Disney World visitors want to retract that statement after the recent big waffle change at Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow. 🧇
Previously, the hand-held version came with mixed fruit and chocolate-hazelnut spread on a round waffle. Today, it’s Mickey shaped with bananas, chocolate-hazelnut drizzle and whipped cream and requires a fork and knife to enjoy. 🍽️
I am personally praying they bring the original waffle back! And preferably before my next trip in October!
🍓🫐🍯While you can order a side of berries and chocolate-hazelnut spread, each will add an additional dollar to your total. What do you think? 👍Was this an improvement or 👎 would you like to see the older, hand-held version return?
🎩🦇🎃 Even if you didn’t know tonight was the first Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park, there would be signs. Unlike at Walt Disney World where Magic Kingdom is the only park that gets all done up for Halloween, Disneyland busts out the decorations for both parks and hosts their big bash at DCA. 😱 Another HUGE difference is that this party sells out QUICK! All 27 dates throughout August, September and October sold out in 11 days. With many days sold out the first date they became available! 🤯
If you were hoping to go to an Oogie Boogie Bash this year, you’re out of luck 😭, but message me to get on my wait list for next year! Securing tickets of all kinds is part of my client service! 🤩
🏰🚕🌳 In two words I’ll tell you why Disneyland wins for toddlers: Mickey’s Toontown. With interactive play areas (they can touch everything!), family-friendly attractions, safe spaces to run around, shady spots, dining options and restrooms, it truly is the ultimate toddler playground. Not to mention those coveted photos of meeting Mickey and Minnie at their cute homes! 🏡
My boys absolutely loved Toontown, especially the pay phone that played hilarious messages every time you picked it up! ☎️
Parents and Grandparents, let’s talk about taking those 👶 cutie pies to Disneyland for their first magical vacation experience! It’s the ideal destination for your tiniest travelers and honestly it’s worlds easier on adults as well. ✨All without sacrificing ANY of the Disney magic..it’s Walt’s park after all! DM me to get started!
🌟 Experience timeless magic at Disney's Contemporary Resort! 🏰✨ Stay just steps away from the magic with monorail access, stunning views of Cinderella Castle, and unforgettable dining. Perfect for a family adventure or a romantic getaway! 🌅🍽️
🚃 Move over Rice-A-Roni, THIS is a San Francisco treat! Universal Studios Orlando is home to a hidden dining gem. Don’t let the name fool you, The San Francisco Pastry Company isn’t just desserts. 🍰🥪🥗At this quick service location you’ll find breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups, salads, bowls and yes, plenty of sweet treats, including Key Lime Pie! 🍰Place a mobile order, grab a seat and don’t forget to round the corner to say “cheese” with the legendary shark, Jaws! 🦈
🍫 I for sure would be ordering the chocolate eclair! Maybe the Key Lime pie too..
🤔What’s your take on Key Lime pie? Love it, hate it, never had it? I personally continue to be surprised by how much I love it. Your turn! Leave your thoughts below! ⬇️
🏖️📸 How important are vacation pictures to you? Are you satisfied with whatever you snap on your phone camera? 🤳Do you lug around the “big camera”? Or are you all in for Disney PhotoPass shutterbugs to capture the memories for you?
My family has mastered the art of the selfie pose at this point, but those PhotoPass shots are usually the ones we frame!
🛍️ When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, you’ll have the option to add the Memory Maker Photo Package in advance, which saves you quite a few bucks. 🤑With it you’ll get select attraction photos and any shots a PhotoPass photographer takes-and they are all over the parks! Consider the value of getting everyone in the picture and documenting your precious memories with professional, frame-worthy shots! 👋 Who’s a fan of Memory Maker? Let’s hear from you!
💞🌙🌐Want to plan a date night to remember at EPCOT? Check out the Fireworks Dining Package at Rose & Crown! 🇬🇧🧨🍽️ For those that like to enjoy adult beverages and British fare, it’s kind of the best deal around the “world”. Included is your choice of:
🤍Appetizer (choice of two)
🤍Entree (choice of four)
🤍Dessert (choice of two)
🤍Select UNLIMITED Beverages (including Ales, Lagers, Stouts, Ciders, Wines and Prosecco) 🍺🍷🥂
Plus a great spot on the patio to enjoy Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which is stunning! 💥
😎Whoever thinks Disney is just for kids has never enjoyed a date night at Walt Disney World. Inspire us with your favorite “date night” memories from the parks! 😍⬇️
🙈🚫🍿🍦Please DON’T go all the way to Disney California Adventure Park and just get popcorn, ice cream or chicken nuggets. I’m here to save you from vacation regret with this list of MUST EATS at DCA:
🥨 Mickey Sourdough Loaf at Boudin Bakery
🥨 Anything at Schmoozies!
🥨 Frozen Hot Chocolate at Ghiradelli
🥨 Baymax Macaron at Lucky Fortune Cookery
🥨 Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cone at Chili Cone Queso
🥨 Lobster Nachos at Lamplight Lounge
🥨 Quantum Pretzel at Pym Test Kitchen
😋 What on my list ranks #1 for you? Would you add anything as a MUST EAT? Spill the details! 🫗
🎶🎢 “I got this feeling inside my bones”...you’re going to LOVE THIS! 🩷 A much anticipated family-friendly area at Universal Studios is now open and if the littles in your life (at least 36" tall) love the "Trolls" movie franchise, you’re in luck! 🌥️At the brand new Dreamworks Land, join Poppy, Branch and the rest of the troll pals for a ride on the Trollercoaster. What a perfect name! It’s short, sweet and just enough thrill for an introduction to roller coasters.
🛝🍦🎤There’s also a playground, sweet treats, entertainment, character meets and so much to explore throughout the land. They built this vibrant animation-comes-to-life environment with young families in mind and they definitely hit the mark! 🎯
😱 The “Trolls” fun features are just a small part of what makes Dreamworks Land so special and a place you’ll want to bring the kids. Experience Kung-Fu Panda and Shrek inspired rides, shows and play areas too! 🌎 Universal isn’t just for teens or adults and this is just more proof!
🚨NEW DISNEY PROMO🚨
🍔🥤DINING promo just released at Walt Disney World! 🏰
✨Get up to $200 per night Disney Dining Promo Card!
💰$200 per night at Deluxe Resorts & Villas
💰$120 per night at Moderate Resorts
💰$60 per night at Value Resorts
✨This offer is valid for arrivals on:
* Most nights October 27 to November 1, 2023
* Most nights November 25 to November 29, 2023
* Most nights December 9 to December 25, 2023
* Most Sunday to Tuesday nights January 9 to March 5, 2024
** Must Purchase a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day vacation package.
🚨This dining promo is limited, popular, and WILL sell out!🚨
✨Sound like the sign you’ve been waiting for to book your next family vacation or interested in hearing more? Contact us today!
*** If you are existing client and were eligible for this offer, you have already been contacted. 😊
⚓️🤩DISNEY TREASURE REVEAL⚓️🤩
Are you ready to set sail on a brand new adventure – and a fresh Disney Cruise Line ship? ⚓️🚢
Disney just revealed more details about its latest cruise ship, the Disney Treasure, and we’ve got all the details! 🚢⚓️🚨
🤩The Disney Treasure will officially set sail on its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 21, 2024. 🤩
🚨Bookings for the Disney Treasure will open on September 20, 2023! (Castaway Club members can book as early as September 12th!)🚨
🚢 The ship’s design is inspired by Walt Disney’s love of exploration and will feature the theme of adventure! 🗺️ 🧭
✨Other highlights of the ship include: 🚢
✨The Treasure’s Grand Hall will pay homage to Agrabah from Aladdin.
✨Live entertainment inspired by memorable tales like Aladdin, Coco and Zootopia!
✨ Plaza de Coco theatrical dining and Jumbeaux’s Sweets ice cream shop.
✨Tomorrow Tower Suite
✨Themed lounges featuring The Jungle Cruise and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
✨ Two cafes that draw inspiration from two brave Disney Princesses Moana and Mulan.
✨“Disney Seas the Adventure” and “Beauty and the Beast” will join an all new stage production coming to the Walt Disney Theatre.
✨Aquamouse
✨The 1,256 staterooms onboard will feature custom artwork from Disney and Pixar films including Aladdin, Pocahontas, Up and Encanto.
Interested in learning more or booking your next Disney cruise onboard the Disney Treasure, contact me today!!