What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
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What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
Planning a trip to WDW takes a lot of thought and planning. Even with the best laid plans, one can encounter a bump or two along the way.
An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, like myself, is a 'one-stop-Disney-vacation-shop!' I can help you build your vacation from beginning to end! The best part is that my AMAZING services come at no extra cost to you, than if you'd booked it yourself.
What are the perfect number of days for a Disney World vacation?
It really depends on what you are looking for in your vacation! Generally, three to five days is enough to experience the four main theme parks, but you can always add on extra days to explore the other attractions and experiences available. If you’re looking for a more leisurely vacation, seven to ten days would be ideal to truly enjoy everything Disney World has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Disney World?
The best time to visit Disney World is typically during the off-season. This usually falls between early January and late February, as well as the months of September and October. During these times, there are usually fewer crowds and lower prices. However, it's important to note that the busiest times of year (like summer, Christmas and Easter) can still be enjoyable if you plan ahead and make reservations in advance.
Common mistakes we see when people try to book themselves at the Happiest Place on Earth
Mistake #1 – Not reserving table service meals in advance. You’ll absolutely need to make a reservation for sit down meals 60/180 days prior to your arrival. And, beware…they go fast, especially signature and character experiences.
Mistake #2 – Not using mobile order. If quick service dining is preferred, we encourage you to order using your device in advance. Payment via this method is contactless and all you have to do is pick up your order and go.
Mistake #3 – Not budgeting in advance. This is especially true for food and merchandise. Scope out menus ahead of time and don’t impulse purchase. Try to go in with a PLAN and a budget and stick to it.
Mistake #4 – Overpacking. You don’t need four pairs of shoes and two pairs of Mickey ears per day! Make and stick to a packing list, but don’t forget essentials! Sure, you can find them on property, but at a premium.
Mistake #5 – Overplanning. Prioritize your parks and attractions, but don’t pen anything in. Variables like weather and crowds could quickly derail a day that has been booked down to the minute. Be sure to plan for breaks with all of that walking!
Mistake #6 – Ignoring the forecast. Monitor the weather in Orlando prior to departure and adjust accordingly. Likely rain gear will be needed for summers, and a sweater, sweatshirt or jacket needed for cooler winter nights.
Mistake #7 – Visiting at the wrong time. As a rule of thumb, holidays, school breaks, summer, and weekends will bring the crowds. If they’re too much for you and/or you prefer a more relaxed vibe, check out other times of the year.
Mistake #8 – Wearing the wrong shoes! You should not purchase those cool new sneaks specifically for this trip. New shoes are culprits for a world of hurt, and bandaids. Stick with pairs that are broken in and comfy.
Questions To Ask Your Travel Agent about Disney World
1) What package deals are available for Disney World?
2) Are there any discounts or special offers I can take advantage of?
3) What are the best times of the year to visit Disney World?
4) Are there any seasonal activities or attractions I should be aware of?
5) How far in advance do I need to book my trip?
6) What are the best ways to save money while visiting Disney World?
7) Are there any particular restaurants or attractions that I should make sure to experience while there?
8) Are there any insider tips or tricks that I should know before I go?
9) Are there any special events or experiences that I can book ahead of time?
10) Are there any safety protocols that I should be aware of?
Disney Properties, How do you make the right selection?
Staying on Disney property is certainly our recommendation. At the end of the day Disney is always telling a story, right? Well, the resorts on property certainly aren’t an exception. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! With more than 25 resorts, how do you select the one that is best for your family? Here’s a quick look!
Disney separates its resorts into four categories - value, moderate, deluxe and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club). Pricing, features onsite and availability of certain amenities start off pretty basic and add on from there.
Value – Pretty basic rooms and baths. Recreation and dining are limited – think large pool and food court. Transport is typically going to be via bus.
Moderate – Rooms here are larger and in different configurations as is the bath. View options, pools, recreation, and dining are a little more robust. Bus transport is typical here, but you might find a property with a boat.
Deluxe – Most posh rooms! Types and sizes can vary. The main draw is the proximity to the parks. This is as close as it gets! A park could be a quick walk or monorail ride away.
Villas – We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program (but can be booked for cash). Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is like a deluxe property.
Evaluate each category as described and make your selection based on the needs of your family. Need help in choosing which is best for you and your family? Let us guide you each step of the way!
More Details - Selecting a Resort on Walt Disney World Property
Each resort has been carefully crafted and immerses you in a story – and we LOVE that. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! However, there are SO many resorts (more than 25!). So, how do you select the one that is best for your family? Well, we’re here to break it down for you, and as we go, remember the story! A hint or indicator of it is usually in the name.
Since the resorts are split into four budget categories - value, moderate, deluxe and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club but can be booked for cash). Pricing usually follows this model as it sounds – value is a better price per night as compared to deluxe. Same goes for features onsite and availability of certain amenities. Let’s do a quick breakdown!
Value Category - Resort Level
The bulk of rooms in this category are standard and approximately 260 square feet. There is a basic bath setup (sink often in the open and toilet and shower/tub in a separate room) and bedding could be two doubles or a king. Some rooms in this category are family suites coming in at approximately 520 square feet. They have a similar set up as a standard but double the baths and add in some convertible sleeping options. From here things at both are about the same. Views can differ from parking areas and wooded areas to swimming pools – and naturally the better the view the higher the price. Speaking of swimming pools, the pools here are typically themed and could be interactive, but here’s your warning – no slides! Other forms of recreation can be limited – think poolside games, a playground, and an occasional movie outside at night. Dining options are slim too with your only options being a foot court or pool bar. Finally, transportation provided by Disney (a perk of staying onsite!) will usually be via a bus. The only exceptions to this are the Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century, which recently were added to the new-ish Skyliner route.
Includes: All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Campsites at Fort Wilderness.
Moderate Category - Resort Level
Standard rooms in this category are in the 300 square foot range with a similar bath set up as a value resort, but maybe an additional sink. Two queen beds or one king is the standard, but there might be a spot for a potential fifth person (otherwise four is max). Views are similar as well but throw in the possibility of a room facing/near a natural body of water. Pools, other recreation and dining options are a little more robust with the addition of “quiet pools,” water recreation, bikes, a health club (Coronado Springs), at least one table service restaurant and a lounge. Transport here is typically bus as well, but there might be a boat service from some resorts to Disney Springs.
Includes: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and Cabins at Fort Wilderness
Deluxe Category - Resort Level
There are a variety of rooms and sizes here. We’re talking anywhere from 344 to 440 square feet. The bath situation can vary too and includes what you’ll find in a moderate, but probably in a different configuration for more privacy. If the room is larger, there might be several baths. Bedding configuration is like a moderate property with nothing smaller than a queen. However, it’s the views, recreation, dining, and transportation that sets a deluxe apart. Pools will have slides, hot tubs, or other water features. Spa services might even be available. There are more table service restaurants, room service and maybe even character dining your Walt Disney World onsite. Lastly, these resorts are typically in close proximity to a park (very attractive to some), so transportation options open up. Buses, skyliner and boats could still be available, but add walking and monorails to the list.
Includes: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club.
Villas Category - Resort Level
We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.
Includes: Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House and Kidani Village, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Villas at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.
21 Fun Facts about Walt Disney World
Balloons Balloons have been a guest favorite since day one. Disneyland started selling them in 1955! And fun fact – if you pop your balloon while in the park just bring it back to the vendor and they’ll replace it! Ready to pick up yours? Then, let’s get planning! What’s the Disney souvenir of choice for you or your little ones? Balloon? Plush? T-shirt?
Beast and Belle Flower and Garden The Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot runs annually starting in the spring. Did you know that more than 500,000 plants, trees and shrubs are installed for the festival? A lot of people call it their favorite. Are you ready to find out? Our personal favorite Flower and Garden Festival topiary can be found in the France pavilion – Belle and Beast. If you’ve been, what was your favorite?
Boardwalk Staying on Disney property is special. Not only are you immersing yourself in a story and experience, but you might even be so close to the parks that you have this view! Ready to explore the onsite possibilities? Tell us, do you stay on Disney property? What is your favorite and why?
Carousel No visit to the Disney parks is complete without a ride on the carousel. With the backdrop of the castle, it stands as the most classic ride of them all. Ready to put this attraction on your must-do list? Do you know how to identify Cinderella’s horse?
Castle Fireworks Another Disney tradition is catching the nighttime fireworks! There have been many iterations over the years, and they just keep getting better and better. If you’re ready to see them in person, let’s connect! What has been your most recent fireworks show favorite?
Cinderella’s Castle Cinderella’s Castle as pulled straight from the movie, is said to have drawn influence from Versailles and Fontainebleau in France as well as Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Do you see the resemblance? The regal Cinderella’s Castle stands as our favorite castle from any park across the globe. Which castle is your favorite? What memories does it hold for you?
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Epcot holds a lot of festivals throughout the year and our favorite can be seen here – the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Watch the park come to life in bloom each spring. Ready to schedule a visit to one of Epcot’s festivals? Topiaries? The fresh snacks? Scavenger hunt around World Showcase? What’s your favorite part of Flower and Garden?
Epcot Skyliner The Skyliner is the newest form of transportation on property having opened in September of 2019. It connects four resorts and two theme parks. The system is easy to navigate, convenient and the views while riding are mesmerizing. Ready to ride? Let’s get you there. The Skyliner has quickly become a transportation favorite among guests. Have you had the chance to experience it? Did you love it?
Expedition Everest There are a bunch of fun facts about Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Most notably, it’s the tallest attraction on property. But did you know that despite its name, riders aren’t actually navigating Mount Everest? Instead, it holds the fictitious name of Forbidden Mountain. Disney Imagineers created it just for the storyline of the attraction! Riding forward…Riding backward (in the dark)…An 80 foot drop. Yikes! Do you love or hate Everest, um Forbidden Mountain?
Haunted Mansion As you weave through the Haunted Mansion queue pay close attention. The names on the tombstones are those of Imagineers! Some even worked on the build of the attraction itself! Another fun fact, as you exit there’s a pet cemetery. Towards the back there’s a tribute to Mr. Toad! Besides it’s 999 happy haunts, there’s a hidden Mickey inside the Haunted Mansion! Do you know where it’s located?
Mickey Ears and Castle Ears for some are a must have collectible. During your visit to WDW keep an eye out for ears that pay tribute to certain attractions and characters. If you’re looking to jump on an even hotter trend, go for one of the many color specific ears. Rose gold and purple potion are two favorites. Get your ears on!
Mickey Waffles Some say that waffles just taste better when they’re in the shape of Mickey and consumed on property. There is an abundance of breakfast locations where you’ll find this icon! And, while the mouse himself is the most widely available, you might spot Stitch or Simba at some spots as well! We love Mickey waffles! What’s your favorite Disney snack?
Monorail There are three different monorail lines. The Epcot line connects guest to Epcot via the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). The Resort line stops at Magic Kingdom, all three surrounding resorts and the TTC. The Express line is a direct connect between MK and the TTC. If the Express line is too long, hop on the Resort line if there’s a much shorter wait time and only make one additional stop at the Contemporary! The classic. The monorail. It’s our favorite. Is it yours too?
Pandora The stunning Pandora – World of Avatar. The film’s writer and director James Cameron played an integral role in the design of this land in Animal Kingdom as did producer Jon Landeau. They were joined by legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde. Did you know they left a little easter egg at the exit of Flight of Passage? Keep an eye out for it during your next visit! Flight of Passage. Pandora’s must-do attraction. Do you rope drop it? Or save it for your last attraction before close?
Spaceship Earth Spaceship Earth or as some call it, “the giant golf ball” is the very first ride that we take when visiting Epcot. We just can’t get over the fact that we travel in there! Imagineering at it’s finest. What is the first attraction on your list when visiting Epcot? What’s your favorite scene on Spaceship Earth? Rome burning? The Phoenicians?
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge The most recent addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Galaxy’s Edge was announced in 2015. After over six years of concept development and construction, the first guests were welcomed in 2019! And, for reference, the timeline you’re entering when coming into the land is between the eighth and ninth film! Did you know there’s a hidden mini– Millennium Falcon ON the Falcon itself? Know where it is?
Teacups The teacups were our first ride EVER in the Magic Kingdom! We spun that thing so fast …you could hear the joy and excitement in our screams and laughs! What was your first ride EVER at a Disney Park? Share with us below. Ready to ride again? Let’s chat! Did you know the teacups were a Magic Kingdom opening day attraction? Can you name some others?
Tomorrowland Tomorrowland was a land that opened when the park itself opened on October 1, 1971. But it only featured two attractions, and Space Mountain wasn’t one of them! They were the Grand Prix Raceway and Skyway to Fantasyland, which, sadly, no longer exists. Rank your favorites! Choices – Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover and Carousel of Progress.
Tower of Terror The Imagineers on the attraction watched every single episode of The Twilight Zone for inspiration, and it can be seen in the attraction’s queue area. There are a ton of easter eggs and the attention to detail is incredible. You might even spot some props used in actual episodes! The story of the hotel is that it was struck by lightning, and that’s the state you see it in. Do you know what date that strike occurred?
Tree of Life We encourage you to take the time and explore the paths that surround the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. They’re often overlooked as most others head straight for the main attractions. Here you’ll get a break from the crowds, an up-close view and excellent photo ops! There are 300 animals carved into the Tree of Life.
And did you know, it's NOT a Small World After All! Disney World encompasses over 50 square miles.
A quick example itinerary for starting a 3 day trip to WDW
This itinerary is chock full of park days. Consider checking out each park during the day and night. If the park time below is too much, you can always return to your hotel for pool time, check out Disney Springs or visit a waterpark!
DAY 1
Fly into Orlando in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Take your time in getting settled at the hotel and enjoy dinner onsite before an early sleep. Or, if you're feeling up to it, head to the Magic Kingdom! Try to hit some opening day attractions and maybe catch the nightly fireworks (if available).
DAY 2
Grab a quick to-go breakfast from the hotel and head to Epcot Center, or head to Epcot and go straight to Les Halles in the France pavilion for breakfast. Even though World Showcase typically opens later in the morning (around 11am) as compared to the rest of the park, Les Halles is typically open and serving. Return to your hotel in the middle of the day for a nap or swim, then head back out Hollywood Studios. If running, try to catch Fantasmic or Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular!
DAY 3
Grab a bite from the hotel or head to the Magic Kingdom for breakfast. Enjoy the morning exploring the park then return to your hotel. Spend some time relaxing and exploring — take a nap, enjoy the pool, partake in some activities, if available. After that if you're completely relaxed and feeling like hanging in, grab dinner on site. If you're up for it, head to Disney Springs for some shopping and dinner.
I would love to create the perfect FREE Disney vacation package for you and your family / guests. If you like to reach out to me, please use my Disney World Travel Inquiry Form.
Get in touch with Carrie Chodzin
Carrie Chodzin
Hi, I’m Carrie, a travel advisor who believes the best vacations are about more than checking destinations off a list. They’re about the experiences, the people you share them with, and the memories you’ll talk about for years to come.
I’ve always loved exploring new places, and some of my favorite travels have taken me to London, Paris, Edinburgh, Stockholm, Switzerland, and Croatia. I especially enjoy the balance of sightseeing and downtime, finding great local food, and experiencing a destination in a way that feels authentic to the traveler. Whether you’re dreaming of a European adventure, a relaxing Caribbean getaway, a family vacation, a cruise, or a magical Disney experience, I love helping turn that idea into a trip that feels uniquely yours.
My approach to travel planning is personal and thoughtful. I take the time to understand what matters most to you, from your travel style and interests to your budget and the little details that can make a big difference. I research accommodations, experiences, transportation, and destinations carefully so you don’t have to spend hours trying to piece everything together yourself.
But my job doesn’t end when your trip is booked. I’m here to help you navigate the planning process, answer questions, provide recommendations, and be there when you need support along the way. My goal is to take the stress out of travel planning so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey and making memories.
I would love to help you plan your next adventure and create a trip that gives you those moments you’ll still be talking about long after you’ve returned home.
Back by popular demand! Why download our guide? As an EarMarked Agency, we are recognized by Disney.
A Disney EarMarked travel agency is an agency that is officially recognized by Disney and has been given permission to provide Disney vacation packages and services. These agencies are specialists in planning vacations to Disney destinations and can help you find the best deals and packages for your trip. They can also provide personalized advice and help you plan your trip from start to finish.
As Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, we are knowledgeable in all things Disney vacations related.
An authorized Disney vacation planner is a professional travel advisor who specializes in Disney vacations. They are knowledgeable about all Disney destinations and resorts, and can help plan the perfect trip for you and your family. They can provide advice and assistance on EVERYTHING. From choosing the right resort and tickets, to planning the perfect itinerary. They can also suggest activities and attractions to make the most of your time in the Disney parks.
Carrie Chodzin
What to Know in Planning a Walt Disney World Vacation
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Hi, I’m Carrie, a travel advisor who believes the best vacations are about more than checking destinations off a list. They’re about the experiences, the people you share them with, and the memories you’ll talk about for years to come. I’ve always loved exploring new places, and some of my favorite travels have taken me to London, Paris, Edinburgh, Stockholm, Switzerland, and Croatia. I especially enjoy the balance of sightseeing and downtime, finding great local food, and experiencing a destination in a way that feels authentic to the traveler. Whether you’re dreaming of a European adventure... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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Carrie masterfully planned our trip to Disney World. She prioritized what we wanted and suggested additional experiences that enhanced our trip. She is an excellent communicator and kept us up to date with all the details needed for this vacation. Carrie is the best! -Emily & Clara
First Cruise
We were very appreciative of Carrie’s help and knowledge to make decisions along the way. This being our first cruise, we had lots of questions, and she was very patient with us. She did an excellent job of helping us plan our excursions and enjoy the whole trip without extra worries. -Green Family
Family Trip to Italy
I couldn't be happier with the wonderful 12 day trip that Carrie Chodzin helped plan and coordinate for our family of 7 adults to the Amalfi Coast and Rome, Italy. From the accommodations to the private transport to the various excursions, everything went smoothly. Although we are not frequent travelers, we were relaxed and able to enjoy every minute because of the hard work Carrie put in beforehand. She also handled a couple last minute changes, jumping right in to take care of whatever we needed. You can bet I'll work with Carrie again for our next vacation and I'm telling friends and family to give her a call for their travel needs also. Thank you Carrie!! -TUrwin
We would like to thank Carrie for all of her efforts in helping us plan this incredible vacation. We love how she gave us hotel options in each city that she found knowing what we like then we got to choose from that list. The hotels we stayed at were perfect for our family's needs and fit our exact 'liking.' She communicated well, offered up any assistance, and was there for us. This is the second Europe trip we have booked with her and have already booked our third one this summer with her help. I highly recommend Carrie, she cares and listens and is very knowledgeable! Thank you!!! -Krista
Thailand!
Carrie did a fantastic job planning our trip to Taiwan and Thailand!! We had great flights, lodging and adventures!! -MW
Disney Family Trip
Carrie is amazing! She was so incredibly thorough with every detail we needed to know. She made our trip happen with ease by making so many of our reservations for us and knowing exactly what to recommend. She was available whenever we had questions and checked in to make sure everything was set and going well. I would highly recommend her to plan any trip you’re hoping to take! -Paige W
EPIC Trip to Universal Orlando
Thank you for all your help before and during our trip! You helped us make it magical and your insight was a big help in making it great! -Sarah
Scotland & Wales Trip
Fantastic trip! The Trip Plans app was so helpful. Carrie was so great in making suggestions and arranging accommodations. -JG
European Family Adventure
Our trip was a wonderful family adventure. We could not have done it without Carrie. Not only did she help us plan and execute a dream trip to Europe, she took the time to answer questions, calm nerves, and assist with any unexpected issues. Our trip was amazing, and we are so grateful to Carrie! -Jackie
Seattle Trip
Thanks for all your help to make the most of our days in Seattle! The hotel was great and in walking distance to most things we did! Great service at the hotel restaurant! We really enjoyed the culinary experience at Pikes Place market. And the app had everything so organized for our stay. I appreciate that it included our flight information, as well as the cruise! -Lawrence Family
Belgium & Switzerland
Carrie made the planning of the trip extremely easy, and gave us an enjoyable experience, with memories that will last a lifetime. -Steve H
Ice Ice Baby!
In June 2026, my husband and I went on the most AMAZING trip to Iceland! Carrie planned our entire itinerary after learning our interests and wants, taking all of the stress off of us. She checked in with us while on the trip, answering any questions we had promptly. We will definitely be working with Carrie in the future! -Elizabeth B.
A Complicated Itinerary, Seamlessly Planned
My husband and I had a wonderful experience working with Carrie. She recommended excellent hotels and tours in England and France that were a perfect fit for us. Our itinerary was somewhat complicated because we had a scheduled private WW2 resistance tour booked right in the middle of the trip she was planning for us. She worked around that schedule seamlessly and coordinated everything so that the different parts of our trip came together smoothly. She was patient, responsive, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire planning process. We highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and dependable travel agent. We will use her again for our future travels! -Linda D.
Amazing Trip to Rome and Beyond!
Carrie is an excellent travel agent! She listened carefully to what we wanted right from the beginning, offered so much help and suggestions along the way, and helped us plan all the details for an amazing trip to Rome and some fantastic day trips before our Mediterranean cruise. Several of our tour guides commented on how great a travel agent we had when we described all that she had planned for us! We had an amazing trip! -Tiffany C.
The Best of Disney World!
Carrie really knows and loves Disney! She planned the best trip for us. We were taking our grandson for the first time. She explained lightning lanes, made restaurant reservations, and booked a great resort (the Art of Animation) with a Cars themed room that our grandson loved. And we did too. She helped us schedule our days giving us an itinerary on our phones. She took into account down time for us grandparents as well as the four year old. She scheduled the best times to go on each ride and see each show. She also suggested we go during the Festival of the Arts at Epcot which had delicious food and a nice extra for the adults. It would not have been such a great trip without all of Carrie’s work and planning for us. -TEC
The Perfect Trip
Carrie was a fantastic travel advisor. She was available for questions and answered very quickly. She planned the perfect girls’ trip to London and Scotland with two of my lifelong friends. She suggested sites in London that were well beyond the usual places. She arranged wonderful tours in Scotland and found perfect lodging in Edinburgh that was right by the castle. She really is an expert! I loved the itinerary she provided us on our phones which allowed us to see every day’s sites plus the tickets attached so we could just pull them up in our phone. Made it so convenient. She even suggested adding in Belgium for a few extra days at the end of our trip and that turned out to be a great addition. Never would have thought about it without Carrie’s help and knowledge. -Becky C
Great Service
My wife and I booked a trip to California to attend a wedding this summer. We wanted to do some sightseeing in different parts of the state while we were there. We needed some advice as to which activities and attractions would be worth our time, so we contacted Carrie. She was very helpful by listening to what we wanted and making an itinerary for us. Thanks for the great service, Carrie! -Don N
Disney Trip
Carrie took the overwhelming stress out of navigating the stress of booking a Disney world trip that was unforgettable for our family! -Makenzie J
Smooth Sailing to the Maldives
We had a great experience working with Carrie to plan our trip to the Maldives! She was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process, from helping us narrow down our options to making sure all the details were taken care of. She was responsive, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand what we were looking for rather than just giving us a list of options. She also got us an Overwater Bungalow with a slide! -Isaac L
First Cruise
We had never cruised before and Carrie booked an incredible cruise for us on Viking. She was so helpful in determining what was the best time of year for us to go and suggested adding on pre and post extensions in Prague and Amsterdam to make the most out of our trip. These turned out to be some of our favorite destinations on the trip. She knew when to book tickets for the Anne Frank house or they would have been sold out. We had difficulty checking in ahead of the flight so we contacted Carrie and she contacted both the airlines and Viking and straightened it all out for us. It was nice to have someone to do that for us. She’s great! -RebeccaBC
London is one of my favorite cities to visit during the holiday season. Between the incredible Christmas lights, iconic department stores and festive markets, there is so much to see and do. If you’re planning a London Christmas getaway, here are a few experiences I recommend adding to your itinerary.
🎄 See the Christmas Lights by Bus A Christmas lights bus tour is a great way to see many of London’s festive displays in one evening — especially if it’s your first visit. Sit back, stay warm and enjoy the lights along some of the city’s most famous streets.
✨ Explore the Lights on Foot I also recommend setting aside time for a Christmas lights walk. During the day, explore Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Liberty London, then return after dark to see areas like Regent Street, Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden illuminated.
🎭 Explore Covent Garden & Neal’s Yard Covent Garden is especially magical at Christmas, with its famous Christmas tree, festive decorations, market stalls and beautifully decorated shops and restaurants. Take some time to wander beyond the main piazza and explore the surrounding streets, including colorful Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials and the boutiques around Long Acre. This is an area I recommend exploring without a strict agenda — there are plenty of charming shops, restaurants and photo-worthy spots to discover along the way.
🪄 Visit Hogwarts in the Snow For Harry Potter fans, Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is a must. The studios are transformed for the holidays, including a beautifully decorated Great Hall and snowy Hogwarts Castle.
🎁 Visit Fortnum & Mason Even if you aren’t looking to shop, make time for Fortnum & Mason. Its iconic Christmas display and beautifully decorated interior make it one of my favorite festive stops in London.
🛍️ Shop London’s Iconic Department Stores Christmas shopping is part of the experience! Visit Harrods, Liberty London and Fortnum & Mason for unique gifts, holiday decorations and plenty of British favorites to bring home.
🎄 Visit Winter by the River For a festive experience with a view, head to Winter by the River at London Bridge City. Browse the Christmas market, grab something warm and enjoy the views of the Thames and Tower Bridge.
⚡ Add Battersea Power Station Battersea Power Station is another area I recommend adding to your itinerary. With shops, restaurants, riverside views and seasonal events, it’s a fun way to experience a different side of London during the holidays.
Planning a London Christmas trip? I can help you put together an itinerary that balances the must-see sights with festive experiences, great restaurants and plenty of time to enjoy the city without feeling rushed.
I recently took my first European river cruise aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaStella, sailing the Danube, and I finally understand why so many people become repeat river cruisers.
River cruising is a very different way to experience Europe — and for the right traveler, it can take a lot of the stress out of a multi-city trip.
So, What Is River Cruising Actually Like?
The ship: River cruise ships are small and intimate compared to ocean cruise ships. The AmaStella had more of a boutique hotel feel — comfortable, incredibly clean and easy to navigate.
The service: The crew was one of my favorite parts of the experience. From the wait staff to the cruise director and maître d’, the service was excellent, and it didn’t take long before the crew knew guests by name.
The food: You will not go hungry! There was food available throughout the day, and meals often incorporated the destinations we were visiting. Dinner tended to be more elevated, while familiar options were also available.
The rooms: Cabins are compact, but ours had plenty of storage. We stayed in a French balcony cabin, which gave us the option to open the sliding glass door and enjoy the river views. Cabin location is something I would definitely discuss with a travel advisor before booking, as some locations can be noisier or have more vibration than others.
The experience: This was easily one of the most relaxing ways I’ve traveled around Europe. Your hotel moves with you, transportation between destinations is handled, excursions are organized, and your daily schedule is laid out for you.
Why Take a River Cruise?
🚢 Unpack Once
See multiple European destinations without constantly checking in and out of hotels or dragging luggage through train stations.
🗺️ See More in One Trip
River cruise itineraries can take you through several cities and countries, making it easy to experience a lot of Europe in a single vacation.
😌 Less Travel Stress
So much of the logistics are handled for you. You can focus on enjoying the destinations instead of figuring out how to get from one place to the next.
🧑🤝🧑 Meet Other Travelers
River cruises tend to have a very social atmosphere. You’ll often share meals, excursions and activities with other guests, and many travelers form friendships that continue long after the cruise ends.
🚶♀️ Choose Your Pace
Excursions often have different activity levels, and you can choose which activities you want to participate in. You don’t have to spend every day rushing from one attraction to another.
🥂 Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the Destination
There’s something pretty great about sitting on the sun deck with a drink while European scenery passes by — and knowing that when you wake up tomorrow, you’ll be somewhere completely new.
One Thing to Keep in Mind
River conditions can affect an itinerary. During my sailing, historically low water levels on the Danube meant we couldn’t complete part of the planned route. The cruise line arranged alternative transportation and excursions, but it was a good reminder that flexibility is important when traveling by river.
My Biggest Takeaway
River cruising isn’t just about seeing Europe. It’s about making European travel easier.
If you want to visit multiple destinations without constantly packing, unpacking, navigating transportation and changing hotels, a river cruise is absolutely worth considering.
And after experiencing one myself, I can now help you figure out whether river cruising is the right fit for your travel style — and which itinerary and cruise line might make the most sense for your trip.
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