Coasters & Castles Travel- Kate Swenson

07/21/2026

🎃 Get Ready to BOO This Fall at LEGOLAND® California! 🎃

Looking for a family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween that’s big on fun and light on the scares? Brick or Treat is returning to LEGOLAND California this September, and it’s packed with bricktastic autumn excitement!

Here is what you can look forward to this year:

🍬 ALL-NEW Brick or Treat Street: Step into an interactive trick-or-treat stop filled with delicious candy, surprises, and LEGO®-inspired Halloween fun!

🧟 Not-Too-Scary Shows: Catch live entertainment like the Zombie Cheer Crew, The Monster Rock Off, and more.

💀 Meet & Greets: Snap photos with new Halloween characters, including LEGO Skeleton Guy and LEGO Wacky Witch!

🏨 Make it a MONSTER Sleepover!

Want to make it the ultimate Halloween getaway?
Stay just steps away at a LEGOLAND Hotel! Built entirely for kids, hotel stays include awesome perks like:

- Nightly Halloween entertainment
- In-room treasure hunts
- Early access to the park!

Ready to Plan Your Autumn Getaway?

Ticket and room pricing are subject to change until a deposit is applied, and all reservations are subject to availability.

Contact me with Coasters & Castles Travel & Castles Travel today to start planning your family's fall adventure!

06/16/2026

As a self-proclaimed Potterhead and a proud Slytherin, nothing quite matches the feeling of seeing that iconic Universal Globe and knowing I'm just steps away from stepping directly into the magic! 🐍✨

On my last trip to Universal Orlando Resort, I was completely immersed in the Wizarding World. From the absolute thrill of racing through the Forbidden Forest on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, to slowing down in Diagon Alley to catch a performance of the Tales of Beedle the Bard with a scoop of Butterbeer ice cream in hand—the details are just unmatched. 🍦⚡

And speaking of details, I am so excited about the breathtaking nighttime projection show, Hogwarts™ Always! It takes you on a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts™, set right against the majestic backdrop of the castle. 🏰🎇

As a travel advisor, I know that everyone experiences the parks differently. Tailoring a vacation to your exact travel style, must-do attractions, and favorite fandoms is what I take most seriously. Whether you are team courage, loyalty, wit, or ambition, I love helping travelers find the exact rhythm that makes a vacation unforgettable.

What is your absolute must-do when you visit the parks? Let me know in the comments! 👇

Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

05/28/2026

It’s finally happening! Reach out for more info on booking and any questions you may have! 😊

05/11/2026

Thinking of splurging on Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa? Here is my honest take! 👇

I recently spent a weekend at the GCH with my husband, and as a travel advisor, I wanted to share the real scoop on whether this top-tier resort lives up to the premium price tag.

The Wins:

• Unbeatable Proximity: The dedicated entrance directly into Disney California Adventure is a total game-changer. It makes popping back to the room for midday breaks or dropping off heavy souvenirs incredibly easy.

• Beautiful Public Spaces: The lobby is gorgeous, and having dining like Napa Rose and Storytellers Café right on-site is fantastic.

The Reality Check:

• Dated Rooms: For the price point, the rooms felt a bit gloomy and lacked that classic "Disney magic." Aside from a small Chip 'n Dale painting, there wasn't much character theming.

• The Noise: Our "partial view" room was right in front of the tram loading area. While we had a cool view of the fireworks, we also heard tram horns from early morning until late at night.

My Personal Takeaway: The cast members were wonderful and kind (as always!), the hotel itself is beautiful, and having a dedicated entrance could be the clincher for you! For my future trips however, I'll likely head back to the Disneyland Hotel Villas for that immersive Disney charm, or check out the newly renovated Pixar Place Hotel.

04/28/2026

It might feel early to think about autumn leaves and crisp air, but for those dreaming of fall theme park vacations, the planning season is already here.

Seeing the schedule for upcoming Halloween events is a helpful reminder that preparation is one of the most effective ways to manage a fall getaway. Based on historical patterns, event tickets for celebrations like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Oogie Boogie Bash typically become available for purchase in May and June.

There are significant advantages to starting the process well before the fall rush:

• Payment Flexibility: Planning early offers the ability to manage trip costs by making payments over time, rather than facing a last-minute lump sum.

• Budget Management: Package rates with Disney often see increases as the season progresses, particularly as we get closer to October. Securing reservations well in advance is a proactive way to manage travel budgets and potentially avoid seasonal price adjustments.

For those considering a trip, the current timeframe is an ideal period to start organizing details and reviewing travel options.

04/17/2026

04/11/2026

The secret managers of California Adventure are hard at work...🐈✨

One of my absolute favorite best kept secrets at Disneyland is the lore of the Disneyland Cats. My daughter and I were lucky enough to end a perfect evening right after a World of Color Dessert Party with this rare sight! While most of the crowd was heading for the exits, we spotted a perfectly fluffy little kitty perched calmly behind a barrier in the "vineyard" area near Grizzly River Run.

While they usually avoid the limelight and stay away from crowds, these resident felines are a huge part of the park's history. Here is the "inside scoop" on these furry residents:

• Honorary Cast Members: There are an estimated 200 cats living across the resort! They aren't just strays; they are considered honorary Cast Members who have been helping with "pest control" since the park opened in 1955.

• Expert Care: They are extremely well looked after. Disney’s security and groundskeepers (specifically the team at Circle D Ranch) manage feeding stations, provide medical care, and ensure they are all healthy and happy.

• The "Secret" Sight: Most guests walk right past them without even realizing they are there. Spotting one feels like a little wink from the park—a perfect, quiet way to end a magical night.

If you’re ever near the Golden Vine House or the Hungry Bear Restaurant, keep your eyes peeled. You might just see a manager doing their rounds!

04/10/2026

Think Disney is just rides and churros? Let’s talk about the real competitive sport in the parks... Pin Trading! 👑✨

I often tell my clients that a Disneyland trip is so much more than just a standard vacation. There are entire subcultures thriving inside the resort, and pin trading is one of my personal favorites.

It ranges from casual fun for families to serious, high-stakes negotiating for collectors. There are even special events and limited-release pins that people queue up for!

For me, this hobby is about finding that unique piece of history. The "Holy Grail" pin I managed to trade for is this absolute stunner in the picture—a massive pin featuring Princess Mombi from the deep-cut 80s movie, Return to Oz. Getting this into my collection was a true "Grail" moment! 🎯

If you are just starting out, or visiting with kids, my absolute favorite tip is to look for Cast Members carrying small black pouches.

Here’s why they are special:

1. They often contain verified authentic pins.
2. The pins inside are frequently higher-value or unique "Cast Refresh" pins you can’t buy.
3. Best of all: Sometimes you have to answer Disney trivia before they will let you trade! It makes the trade feel earned and adds a fun layer of interaction.

So next time you are on Main Street or in California Adventure, don't just look up at the castle—keep an eye out for those pin boards and pouches!

Have you ever tried pin trading at Disneyland? What is the single coolest or rarest pin you’ve ever traded for? Let me know in the comments! 👇

02/08/2026

Ready to "Seas the Moment"?! 🚢✨ An enchanting escape on a Disney Cruise Line sailing could be yours!

Right now, you can enjoy 20% off your voyage fare on select Disney Wish and Disney Dream sailings between April and July 2026! 🗓️ Plus, imagine what you could do with a $250 onboard credit to spend during your magical vacation at sea! 🛍️🍹

This is the perfect opportunity to dive into a world of adventure, relaxation, and unparalleled Disney service. Whether you're dreaming of thrilling waterslides or enchanting dining experiences, a Disney Cruise has something for everyone! 💫

But hurry, this fantastic offer must be booked by March 29, 2026! Don't let this wave of savings pass you by.

Message me, a travel advisor under Coasters & Castles Travel today to discover eligible sailings and start planning your unforgettable Disney Cruise Line adventure! ➡️

Important Details: This offer is valid on select Disney Dream and Disney Wish sailings between April and July 2026. Savings based on non-discounted voyage fare for eligible stateroom categories (04A-11C only; Concierge & Suites excluded). One $250 USD onboard credit per stateroom. Taxes, Fees, Port Expenses, Port Adventures, and Gratuities are not included. Book by March 29, 2026. Subject to availability and change. Other restrictions apply.