updated 2026
There’s a perception in this industry that planning Disney and Universal vacations is just “fun.” And it is fun! But it’s also serious work. When a family chooses to visit Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando Resort, or Universal Studios Hollywood, they are not making a small purchase.
They are
- Investing significant money.
- Using valuable vacation days.
- Planning moments their children will remember forever.
I take that responsibility very seriously.
Related article: How to Have the Perfect Split Stay: Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort
Explore Your Destination
Planning a theme park vacation starts with understanding the destination you’re visiting. Whether you’re dreaming of Disney, Universal, or both, my destination guides are designed to help you get familiar with the parks, resorts, dining, transportation, and experiences available before you start building your itinerary.
Planning a Disney vacation?
Explore my Disney World Vacation Planning Guide for everything you need to know to start planning your Disney vacation.
Planning a Universal vacation?
Start with my Universal Vacation Planning Guide for an overview of the parks, resorts, dining, and planning essentials.
Considering both?
You don’t necessarily have to choose! My Disney & Universal resources can help you determine how to make the most of both destinations during one vacation.
This Isn’t Just a “Fun” Job for Me
Yes, I love the destinations. I love the magic and the excitement that builds when a trip is on the calendar.
But behind that excitement is constant work.
Being a travel planner specializing in Disney destinations and Universal parks & resorts requires:
- Ongoing education
- Destination-specific training
- Monitoring policy changes
- Tracking pricing trends
- Studying crowd behavior
- Watching promotion patterns
- Learning new ride systems
- Understanding ticket options
- Staying current with Lightning Lane and Express strategy
Theme park planning evolves quickly. Systems update. Perks change. Policies shift. Pricing adjusts.
My role is to stay vigilant so my clients don’t have to.
I Visit the Destinations I Plan
One of the most important parts of my work is firsthand experience.
I don’t rely solely on brochures or online summaries. I’m on property using the transportation, the perks, the dining. I experience the “magical extras.
That includes:
- Resort stays at Walt Disney World
- Exploring new experiences at Disneyland
- Sailing and studying itineraries with Disney Cruise Line
- Experiencing on-site perks at Universal Orlando Resort
- Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood as a guest
When I recommend something, it’s grounded in lived experience — not guesswork.
That matters.
Education Is Ongoing — Not Optional
This industry changes constantly.
New rides (or parks recently) open.
Ticket structures adjust.
Discounts release.
Booking timelines shift.
Technology updates.
I invest in continuous education and professional development because I believe my clients deserve accurate, current, strategic guidance.
Planning a Disney World or Universal vacation in 2026 is not the same as planning one in 2018.
Assumptions become outdated quickly.
My commitment is to always provide up-to-date, relevant advice — not recycled information from years past.
I Understand the Financial Investment
A Disney or Universal vacation is often one of the largest leisure investments a family makes.
Between resort accommodations, park tickets, dining, special experiences, airfare, and time off work — the numbers add up quickly.
I never forget that.
When you trust me to plan your vacation, I understand that you are trusting me with:
- Your vacation budget
- Your children’s first theme park memories
- Your anniversary celebration
- Your multigenerational family trip
- Your long-awaited getaway
This isn’t casual planning.
It’s intentional design.
Why This Matters for You
Working with a travel planner specializing in Disney destinations and Universal Parks & Resorts isn’t just about convenience.
It’s about working with someone who:
- Treats your vacation as a meaningful investment
- Stays current on policies and promotions
- Personally experiences the destinations
- Understands the emotional value of these trips
- Pays attention to the details
Fun and professionalism can absolutely coexist.
In fact, they should.
Continue Planning
Have another question about planning your theme park vacation? Here are a few more resources that may help:
- Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Guide — How your resort choice can affect your vacation experience, from location and transportation to amenities and atmosphere.
- 16 Proven Ways to Save Money at Disney World– Uncover the best ways to stay on budget.
- Top 10 Questions Answered on Epic Universe and Universal Orlando Resort— Don’t waste time wondering
- More Than Magic: The Responsibility of Planning Disney and Universal Vacations— Your vacation should fit the people you’re traveling with—not someone else’s perfect itinerary.
- The 2026 Price Shift: Why Your Old Budgets Rules for Disney and Universal are Dead— Changes are happening. Be in the know before you go!
Ready to Plan?
Whether you’re planning Disney, Universal, or a combination of both, you’ve done the research. Now it’s time to turn it into a vacation that works for you.
If you’d rather not navigate all the decisions on your own, I’m here to help. From choosing the right destination and resort to booking your vacation and helping you put the pieces together, I can help you create a plan that fits your travel party, priorities, and vacation style.
Ready to start planning?
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