MickeyTravels - Nicole Smeby

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MickeyTravels - Nicole Smeby

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100% FREE Planning Services to all Disney Destinations. Let me be your planning fairy godmother. What are your vacation goals?

Plan that dream Disney vacation with me today! I love all things Disney and vacation planning is a big part of that. Every trip is a new experience and discovery and that is just a small part of the Disney magic that I can share with you! I also have the insight to what Disney is like with a special needs child, and that means I know how to navigate the parks in a way that sets me apart from other Disney travel agents. I have used the DAS system and it really makes a huge difference in the vacation experience. I also know where to go if you need a sensory break, best snack kiosks, quietest corners, and so much more! Whether you've been to Disney 10 times or this is your first trip, I can make it a vacation fit just for you. Want to know where all the characters are? Is this trip all about the best new restaurants? Looking for a unique experience, all you need to do is ask me!

10/30/2026

🚢 Disney Resort Tour: Who Are Saratoga Springs & Old Key West REALLY Right For?

Here's one of my favorite ways to use these two resorts: a pre-cruise stay!

If you're flying in a day early before your Disney cruise (which I ALWAYS recommend!), why not enjoy a little Disney magic without even stepping into a theme park? You can relax, enjoy the resort, and let Disney Cruise Line handle your transportation to the port when you book an eligible Disney Cruise Line ground transportation package.

🌴 These resorts are GREAT for a little downtime!

Both Saratoga Springs and Old Key West have wonderful main pools, and don't overlook those quiet pools! I'm looking at you, Paddock Pool at Saratoga Springs. 😉 Sometimes a pool afternoon, a relaxed dinner, and a little Disney atmosphere are all you need before setting sail.

🍽️ They're also a great fit if you love dining and shopping!

Being close to Disney Springs is a huge perk. Enjoy a great meal, browse the shops, or make an evening out of Disney Springs without needing a park ticket.

🎢 And what if you want a mix of parks and resort time?

If your ideal vacation is part theme parks, part pool days, good food, and time to breathe, these resorts could be a great match, too.

The biggest thing to remember? These are sprawling resorts, so room location matters, especially if you want easy access to the pools, dining, and transportation.

10/30/2026

I've stayed at both of these Deluxe Villa resorts recently, and here's what I want you to know: a resort can be a great fit for one trip and not the right fit for another. I've experienced that firsthand!

🐎 Saratoga Springs: Would I Stay Again? It Depends!

I stayed here in August with my son. Our priority was park time, and I knew Saratoga wasn't the easiest choice for park accessibility. But I planned this trip for a time when we wouldn't be in the parks quite as much, and I wanted to take advantage of the Deluxe resort perk of Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

Would I return? Absolutely, under the right circumstances and in the right location!

✨ Before a Disney cruise, when I'm not planning park days? Yes!

🎢 A trip where I'm hitting the parks constantly and want quick, easy transportation? Probably not.

I'm a parks person, and while I appreciated what Saratoga offered, the resort's sprawling layout just wasn't my favorite, especially because we were far from a lot of the amenities of this resort.

🌴 Old Key West: A Resort Stay I Really Loved!

When my family stayed at Old Key West, we had a one-bedroom villa in a location that made our experience even better. We were about three minutes from the main lobby, dining, the pool, and the main transportation pickup.

We also had a beautiful balcony overlooking the water and a bathtub my son absolutely did NOT want to get out of! 😂

We weren't focused on park hopping. We were enjoying our time together and the resort itself. And personally? I prefer the food at Old Key West over Saratoga Springs.

💡 Here's the bigger picture.

Both resorts offer spacious villas and a relaxed atmosphere, often at a lower price than other Deluxe resorts. But they're sprawling, and you'll generally rely on buses for the theme parks, so room location and your plans matter probably more here then any other resort!

10/30/2026

🏡 Disney Resort Hot Take: What if your Deluxe resort didn't need to be close to a park?

Let's talk about Saratoga Springs and Old Key West. These two resorts have a lot in common, and I think they get overlooked by people who automatically equate a higher resort price with a better vacation.

Both are sprawling, laid-back Deluxe Villa resorts near Disney Springs. Both offer room to spread out, including villas with separate bedrooms and living spaces. And both can be easier on your budget than some of Disney's other Deluxe resorts.

But here's the catch. 👀

You're trading that prime park location for a quieter setting and more space.

🚌 Transportation is the biggest consideration. These aren't resorts where you hop on the Skyliner or walk to a theme park. You'll generally rely on buses, and both resorts have internal bus stops to factor into your plans.

At Saratoga Springs, some room locations are even within walking distance of Disney Springs. Old Key West has a more tucked-away, vacation-home feel.

🏡 So, who would I put at these resorts?

The family who wants a two-bedroom villa. The group that likes slow mornings and evenings away from the parks. The traveler who would rather spend money on a bigger room than pay extra to be near a theme park.

My honest take? I'd absolutely consider these resorts if space and value were high on my priority list. But if waiting for buses and navigating a sprawling resort are going to frustrate you, that lower price might not feel like such a win by day three!

That's why I don't pick resorts based on price alone. I want to know how you vacation, because the best deal on paper isn't always the best fit for your family.

Would you trade a closer park location for more space and a lower Deluxe price? 👇

10/29/2026

🌴 Disney Resort Tour: Caribbean Beach — Let's Talk About the Rooms!

We've talked about the resort's size, room locations, and transportation. But what about the rooms themselves?

Caribbean Beach brings that relaxed, island-inspired atmosphere into its guest rooms, but there's something important to know when booking!

🛏️ Two Different Room Looks

🌺 Standard Caribbean Beach Rooms: These feature colorful, island-inspired details and a more traditional Caribbean Beach look.

🧜‍♀️ Little Mermaid-Themed Rooms: These rooms feature more recently updated interiors with subtle touches inspired by The Little Mermaid.

Here's the interesting part: The Little Mermaid rooms aren't a separate booking category! Unlike some Disney resorts where a specific theme or room design is a bookable option, you generally won't know which look you'll receive at Caribbean Beach.

That means you could end up with one of the more recently updated Little Mermaid rooms or a room with the traditional Caribbean Beach decor.

🧳 What about the space?

Standard rooms generally sleep up to four adults, with two queen beds. Some room categories accommodate a fifth sleeper, so check the specific category if you're traveling with a larger family.

These are traditional resort rooms rather than villas with separate living areas, so consider how your family will manage luggage and getting ready together.

💡 My take: Caribbean Beach is a resort where I'd weigh the room alongside the location and Skyliner access. The room itself may not be the biggest selling point, but the tropical atmosphere and transportation options can make this a great fit for the right family.

Just remember: if you're dreaming of those Little Mermaid rooms, they're a fun possibility rather than something you can specifically guarantee when booking! 🌴

10/29/2026

🌴 Disney Resort Tour: Caribbean Beach — Standard vs. Preferred

At Caribbean Beach, room location can make a BIG difference! This resort is spread across several island-inspired villages, so where you stay affects your walks to dining, transportation, and the main pool.

🏝️ Preferred Rooms
Located in Martinique and Trinidad, these rooms offer closer access to Old Port Royale, the main dining hub, and the resort's main Skyliner station. They're a great fit if convenience to central amenities is a priority.

🌺 Standard Rooms
Spread across several villages, Standard rooms can mean longer walks to Old Port Royale, but that doesn't automatically make them less convenient! Depending on your location, you might be closer to a Skyliner station or a quieter village pool.

💡 PRO TIP: Just because you're booked in a Standard room doesn't mean you can't take advantage of convenient transportation options!

If you're staying in Aruba or Jamaica, you may be closer to the Riviera Resort's Skyliner station. You can also use Riviera's bus stop when it makes sense for your plans, rather than riding Caribbean Beach's internal bus loop first. That's a little planning detail that can save time!

✨ My advice? Don't automatically pay extra for Preferred. Think about where you'll spend your time, how you'll get around, and what matters most to your family.

10/29/2026

🧳✨ More Disney resorts are making your arrival at Walt Disney World a little easier!

And as someone who loves anything that makes travel days smoother, I LOVE seeing this service expand!

Disney has added THREE more resorts to its Airport Luggage Transfer service!

✨ Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort & Gran Destino Tower

✨ Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

✨ Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

So what does this mean for your vacation?

If you're flying into Orlando International Airport on a participating airline, you may be eligible to skip baggage claim and have your luggage delivered directly to your Disney Resort!

Participating airlines include American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, and United.

I think this is such a great option for so many different families! Whether you're traveling with little ones, managing strollers and carry-ons, navigating the airport with a larger group, or simply wanting one less thing to worry about on arrival day, this can make a BIG difference!

Anything that makes getting to Disney a little easier? I'm all for it! 🙌

🏰 Planning a Disney vacation? I'd love to help!

📧 [email protected]

10/29/2026

Caribbean Beach, Skyliner Hub, sprawling grounds, easy accessibility, great pool, what more could you want?

10/28/2026

Disney Room Tip: You Don't Have to Settle for Two Queen Beds!

When planning a Disney vacation, it's easy to assume your only option is a standard hotel room with two queen beds. But what if your family needs more room to spread out, a separate space for the kids to sleep, or a kitchen to make mornings a little easier?

✨ Let's talk about Disney's Contemporary Resort vs. Bay Lake Tower!

🏨 The Contemporary Resort: Traditional Hotel Rooms

The standard rooms offer two queen beds and a sometimes a daybed, sleeping up to five adults in select configurations. You'll have a beverage cooler and coffee station, but not a full kitchen.

This can be a great fit if you want a comfortable hotel room, iconic resort atmosphere, and that convenient walk to Magic Kingdom without needing a separate living space.

🏡 Bay Lake Tower: Villa-Style Accommodations

Connected to the Contemporary by a walkway, Bay Lake Tower offers Disney Vacation Club villas in several sizes.

✨ Deluxe Studios: Sleep up to four and include a queen bed, pull-down bed, and kitchenette with a small fridge and microwave.

✨ 1-Bedroom Villas: Sleep up to five, with a separate bedroom, living and dining areas, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and two bathrooms.

✨ 2-Bedroom Villas: Sleep up to nine, with separate sleeping spaces, a full kitchen, living and dining areas, and three bathrooms.

💭 Who might appreciate the extra space?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families who don't want everyone sleeping in one room.
🥣 Families who like breakfast in the room or need a full kitchen.
🧸 Families who need a little breathing room for naps, early bedtimes, or downtime.
👵 Multigenerational groups who want to vacation together without sharing one sleeping space.

My planning tip: More space isn't just about fitting everyone into a room. It's about how your family lives while on vacation! A separate living room can make a huge difference when the kids are asleep but the adults aren't ready for bed.

And the bonus? Both options put you within walking distance of Magic Kingdom!

💬 Which would work better for your family: a traditional hotel room or a villa with room to spread out?

10/28/2026

When families think about staying on the monorail loop, I feel like the Polynesian and Grand Floridian often get the first look. And the Contemporary? I hear feedback that it feels a little mismatched.

The Incredibles-themed rooms, the Mary Blair-inspired design within Bay Lake Tower, and dining options that each have their own personality… I get why someone might wonder how it all fits together.

But honestly? I think that's part of what makes the Contemporary so appealing!

🍽️ Let's talk about the dining, because there's something for everyone!

🥩 Steakhouse 71: One of my personal favorite hidden gems! It's a great option when you want a delicious meal without the formality of a signature dining experience.

🐭 Chef Mickey's: An iconic character dining experience where meeting Mickey and friends is part of the fun.

✨ California Grill: When you're feeling fancy, this is the place for an elevated dinner with incredible views of Magic Kingdom and the fireworks.

🥪 Contempo Café: Need something quick before heading to the parks? Grab-and-go meals make it easy to keep moving.

Different styles, different experiences, different reasons to visit. And when you're traveling with a family whose tastes don't always match, that variety can be a BIG advantage!

🚝 And then there's the location.

You can walk to Magic Kingdom, take the monorail to EPCOT via the Transportation and Ticket Center, and watch the monorail glide right through your resort!

💭 My take? I don't think every part of a resort needs to match perfectly. The Contemporary offers variety, convenience, and its own unique personality—and being able to walk to Magic Kingdom is a pretty compelling bonus!

It's a resort that deserves a closer look when you're choosing where to stay on the monorail loop.

10/28/2026

Imagine your early morning walk taking you right toward the castle, watching Main Street come to life, with your kids holding hands and soaking in the magic together. Those are the little moments that become the BIG memories. ❤️

This is one of the things that makes Disney's Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower so special!

🏨 Disney's Contemporary Resort brings that iconic, modern Disney feel, with the monorail gliding right through the building and Magic Kingdom just a short walk away.

🌊 Bay Lake Tower offers Disney Vacation Club villa accommodations, including options with kitchens and separate living spaces, plus that same incredible proximity to Magic Kingdom.

Both options are at your disposal when looking at Disney World resorts, but let's talk about that walking path! Being able to walk to and from Magic Kingdom can be a game changer for families who want flexibility and have a majority of their trip centered around the iconic park itself, especially when little legs get tired or you need a midday break.

Of course, staying this close to the magic comes at a price, and these resorts won't fit every vacation budget. But for some families, that convenience is worth considering!

Address

Grafton, WI

Telephone

+12623531551

Website

https://mickeytravels.com/team/nicole-smeby-wisconsin-disney-travel-agent/, https://linktr.ee/nsmeby

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