Aly Hirst - Travel Advisor for Living With The Magic Vacations

Aly Hirst - Travel Advisor for Living With The Magic Vacations I live in Gilbertsville, PA with my husband, our two daughters, and our crazy but sweet Labradoodle.

Lead Travel Advisor at Living With The Magic Vacations: Helping busy families plan stress-free vacations to Disney Destinations, Universal, cruises & all-inclusive resorts — with expert guidance every step of the way. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a Disney-obsessed gal; needless to say, becoming a Travel Advisor that specializes in Disney vacations is like a dream come true! I was born

and raised in Connecticut and am still a New Englander at heart. When I’m not busy planning vacations, you’ll likely find me at the dance studio where both of my girls spend MANY hours each week (and sometimes I even take a class too — tap is my favorite!) — I’m definitely living the Dance Mom life. In 2005, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management from UMass Amherst. I then spent 5 years living in the DC area and worked in various areas of hotels, including the front desk, sales and special events. I moved to Pennsylvania in 2010 and continued working in hotel sales until the birth of my first child in 2012. Not only have I traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort countless times, but I’m also a former Cast Member (RIP Spoodles at Disney’s BoardWalk). I have been the “Disney Expert” for my friends and family for years and always love helping them plan their magical Disney vacation. Beyond Disney Destinations, my family loves cruising, Universal Orlando Resort and all-inclusive vacations to the Caribbean — Aruba is my favorite island to date! As a Travel Advisor, I’m always working on staying up to date with all the latest travel industry news and love to attend training sessions with brand partners like Disney, Universal and Royal Caribbean (just to name a few). My Specialty Destinations:
Walt Disney World
Disneyland
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Studios Hollywood
Cruising (Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are my clients' favorites)
All-Inclusive Vacations to the Caribbean & Mexico

I understand that planning a vacation can feel overwhelming, especially when you already have so many other things you’re juggling in life. My job is to take the stress of the planning off your plate so that you can rest assured I’ve got all of the details covered for you. And the best part: I’m only a phone call, email or text away — you’ll always have direct contact with me to help you every step of the way — even if you need something when you’re on vacation. As a Travel Advisor, nothing feels better than hearing my clients tell me how amazing their vacation was and that they couldn’t have done it without me. Wherever your heart desires to travel, I would love to help you plan your next incredible vacation!

Vacation personality check: Which one are you?☀️ Rope drop and ready to go😴 Sleep in and ease into the day🏖 Pool or beac...
06/14/2026

Vacation personality check: Which one are you?

☀️ Rope drop and ready to go
😴 Sleep in and ease into the day
🏖 Pool or beach day forever
🍿 I’m mostly here for the snacks
🛳 Put me on a cruise ship and don’t ask questions

I feel like most families have at least one of each. 😂

Which one are you?

One of my biggest Walt Disney World planning tips?Stop running all over the park. 😅When you’re choosing Lightning Lanes,...
06/12/2026

One of my biggest Walt Disney World planning tips?

Stop running all over the park. 😅

When you’re choosing Lightning Lanes, it’s not just about grabbing whatever attraction time pops up first.

It helps to think about where those attractions are located.

For example, at Hollywood Studios, pairing attractions in Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land can make a lot more sense than bouncing back and forth across the park all morning.

Less walking.
Less whining.
Less “wait, why are we going back over there?”

A good park strategy isn’t just about doing the most. It’s about making the day flow better for your family.

Resort spotlight: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 🌴This is one of those Walt Disney World resorts that can make a lot of...
06/11/2026

Resort spotlight: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 🌴

This is one of those Walt Disney World resorts that can make a lot of sense for families who want a fun, tropical-feeling stay with strong transportation perks.

Why families often like it:
✨ It’s on the Disney Skyliner
✨ It has easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
✨ It has a relaxed, island-inspired feel
✨ It’s a Moderate Resort, which can be a nice middle ground
✨ The main pool area is especially fun for kids

But here’s the thing: Caribbean Beach is also a large resort, so room location can matter.

That’s why resort choice is never just about picking the lowest price.

It’s about choosing what works best for your family’s pace, priorities, and park plans.

Early Theme Park Entry at Walt Disney World is only 30 minutes……but those 30 minutes can be a BIG deal when you use them...
06/10/2026

Early Theme Park Entry at Walt Disney World is only 30 minutes…
…but those 30 minutes can be a BIG deal when you use them well.

My tip? Don’t plan to arrive right when Early Entry starts.

Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before Early Entry begins so you’re already through security, tapped in, and ready to go when guests are allowed into the park.

That head start can help your family knock out a popular attraction or two before the park gets busier — and that can change the whole feel of your morning.

It’s not just about waking up early.
It’s about having a strategy BEFORE you get there.

Walt Disney World tip: When you add Memory Maker to your vacation package, your ride photos are included too.And honestl...
06/09/2026

Walt Disney World tip: When you add Memory Maker to your vacation package, your ride photos are included too.

And honestly? I love this for families.
Because some of the best photos are not the posed ones.

They’re the screaming-on-the-roller-coaster, laughing-in-the-log-flume, everyone-making-a-different-face kind of photos.

Plus, it means everyone can actually be in the pictures instead of one parent always being behind the camera.

If photos matter to your family, Memory Maker may be worth considering.

Worried cruise ship rooms will feel too small?A balcony can help a room feel more open — but it does not always have to ...
06/08/2026

Worried cruise ship rooms will feel too small?

A balcony can help a room feel more open — but it does not always have to be an ocean view balcony.

On some Royal Caribbean ships, neighborhood balconies can be a great option.

Depending on the ship, you may find:
✨ Boardwalk balconies
✨ Central Park balconies
✨ Surfside balconies

These can still give you fresh air and natural light, often at a lower price than an ocean view balcony.

And in some Boardwalk or Surfside balcony rooms, you may even catch a glimpse of the ocean toward the aft of the ship.

This is why stateroom choice matters. It’s not just “inside or balcony.” There are lots of options in between.

EPCOT tip: If you’re entering EPCOT from the International Gateway entrance, you will be very close to Remy’s Ratatouill...
06/07/2026

EPCOT tip: If you’re entering EPCOT from the International Gateway entrance, you will be very close to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

That can make Remy’s a smart rope drop choice for families staying at nearby resorts or arriving by Skyliner (especially if you didn’t snag a Lightning Lane for this ride).

This is one of the reasons I love thinking through not just which park you’re visiting…
…but how you’re entering the park, where you’re staying, and what your family’s priorities are.

The little logistics matter.

Cruising from the Northeast with a stop at Port Canaveral?A theme park day may sound tempting… but it is not usually wor...
06/06/2026

Cruising from the Northeast with a stop at Port Canaveral?

A theme park day may sound tempting… but it is not usually worth it.

The ride to the parks can be at least an hour each way, and that’s before you factor in traffic, loading buses, security, getting into the park, and making sure you’re back to the ship on time.

By the time all is said and done, you may only have a few actual park hours.

For some families, that may be worth it.
For many families, it may feel rushed, expensive, and stressful.

This is exactly the kind of thing I like to talk through before clients spend money on excursions.

Resort area spotlight: Disney’s BoardWalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club area ✨This is one of my favorite areas to talk thr...
06/05/2026

Resort area spotlight: Disney’s BoardWalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club area ✨
This is one of my favorite areas to talk through with families because the convenience can be a huge perk.

Depending on where you stay, you may have:
✨ Walking access to EPCOT
✨ Boat or walking access to Hollywood Studios
✨ Great dining nearby
✨ Easy access to the BoardWalk area
✨ A much easier midday break strategy

For families who want less transportation time and more convenience, this area can be such a good fit.

Again — resort choice is not just about the room. It can shape your whole vacation.

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Gilbertsville, PA

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