Melissa Cournoyer-An Affiliate of Academy Travel

Melissa Cournoyer-An Affiliate of Academy Travel Academy Travel is a Diamond Earmarked Agency and U-Preferred Diamond Agency. “Life is Short. Book the trip. Eat the snacks.

I am an independent travel consultant specializing in all things Disney destinations and Universal Parks & Resorts! Enjoy the magic.”

I’ve been with Academy Travel, A Diamond Earmarked Agency and a Diamond U-Preferred Agency since October of 2018 and my favorite thing about being a planner is helping families experience the magic of both Universal Studios and all Disney destinations. I want every

one to go prepared and comfortable in their plans but open to what may come your way! I travel regularly throughout the year to most of the Florida theme parks (I readily admit I haven’t been to SeaWorld in ages) in order to keep up with all the exciting things they have to offer and for the firsthand knowledge I can give my clients. I treat all my clients as if I’m their personal concierge service. The attention to detail at the theme parks is one of my favorite things and I work with all my clients with that same detail in mind. My goal is to make planning easy and fun, it should never be stressful. Each family is different, and we work together to design and plan the trip that best fits needs and preferences. From budget, resort accommodations, dining reservations, and touring plans, I will help create a dream vacation tailored to each family.

⏰ LAST CHANCE! ⏰There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to take advantage of Disney Cruise Line’s incredible Kids Sail 50% Off offer!...
06/06/2026

⏰ LAST CHANCE! ⏰

There’s only ONE WEEK LEFT to take advantage of Disney Cruise Line’s incredible Kids Sail 50% Off offer! 🚢✨

If you've been thinking about setting sail with Mickey and friends, now is the time. Enjoy world-class entertainment, amazing dining, character experiences, and unforgettable family memories all while saving big on your kids' cruise fare.

📅 Offer ends June 14, so don't wait until the ship has sailed!

More Magic. More Memories. More Time Together at Sea 🌊⚓️

06/05/2026

🎆 Happily Ever After from Top of the World Lounge!

Standing on the balcony and what a view. ✨

Yes, you do need a reservation and access through a Disney Vacation Club Member, but if you ever get the chance, it's a fantastic way to experience Disney fireworks from a completely different perspective.
The soundtrack fills the air, Magic Kingdom sparkles in the distance, and instead of squeezing through thousands of guests afterward, you're enjoying the moment from high above Seven Seas Lagoon. 🍹🎇

You'll miss the castle projections, but the panoramic views and relaxed atmosphere more than make up for it.

Have you watched Happily Ever After from Top of the World Lounge, or are you Team Main Street?

06/04/2026

This one might get me kicked out of the Disney fan club... but Disney's Contemporary Resort just isn't for me. 😬

Don't get me wrong, the location is incredible. Being able to walk to Magic Kingdom is a huge perk, and the monorail running through the resort is iconic.

But when it comes to the overall vibe? I find it loud, busy, and chaotic. For a resort that's often considered a deluxe destination, I personally don't find it relaxing at all. After a long park day, I want something that feels like an escape, and the Contemporary has always felt more like an extension of the park crowds than a peaceful retreat.

Personally, I'll take the atmosphere of Disney's BoardWalk Inn or Disney's Yacht/Beach Club Resort any day.

What's your Disney resort hot take? Which fan-favorite resort just doesn't do it for you?

👇 Let the debate begin!

🔥Hot Take Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets 🔥The queue and pre-show are VERY well done. There are plenty of n...
06/02/2026

🔥Hot Take Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets 🔥

The queue and pre-show are VERY well done. There are plenty of nods to the classic Aerosmith version, including the backstage passes and even the iconic Les Paul guitar. Disney clearly understood that fans would be looking for those little details.

The standout for me? Skeeter.

That animatronic deserves way more attention than it's getting. Disney absolutely nailed the look and movement, making him feel incredibly "puppet-like" in the best possible way. It's one of the most impressive parts of the entire experience.

As for the coaster itself... don't expect a complete overhaul.

The ride track and experience are essentially unchanged, which honestly isn't a bad thing. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster was already a fantastic coaster. Most of the updates come in the form of new neon signage and visual gags throughout the ride, including some fun references to Pizza Rizzo that Muppet fans will appreciate.

Overall, this feels more like a thoughtful re-theme than a brand-new attraction. It respects the ride's history while giving The Muppets their chance to shine.

Final verdict: If you're worried Disney ruined Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, I don't think that's the case at all. If anything, they found a way to add Muppet charm while preserving what made the attraction great in the first place. 🐸🎸🐷

06/01/2026

Nothing says Walt Disney World magic quite like two monorails gliding past each other in perfect sync. One of those simple moments that never gets old, whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth.

The destination is magical, but sometimes the ride is part of the attraction. 💙

🚝✨

🔥 Hot Take on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin 🔥The refurbishment absolutely delivered.✨ All-new ride vehicles🔫 Blaste...
06/01/2026

🔥 Hot Take on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin 🔥

The refurbishment absolutely delivered.

✨ All-new ride vehicles
🔫 Blasters are now mobile (finally!)
🟢🔴 Red and green lasers in every car
🎯 New targets that make gameplay even more interactive

The result? A smoother, more modern experience that keeps everything we love about this Magic Kingdom classic while bringing it into the future.

All in, this is an amazing update to a beloved attraction and one of the best ride refreshes Disney has done in a long time. Star Command would be proud. 🚀🌎

🔥 Hot Take on Big Thunder Mountain's Refresh 🔥Finally got to ride the refreshed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and I've g...
05/31/2026

🔥 Hot Take on Big Thunder Mountain's Refresh 🔥

Finally got to ride the refreshed Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and I've got to say...

✅ Super smooth ride experience
✅ Fantastic new visuals (Rainbow Caverns 🌈 and caves)
✅ Updated non-skid seats that make a noticeable difference

Honestly, after riding it, I completely understand the decision to lower the height requirement. The ride feels more controlled and comfortable while still delivering all the wildest ride in the wilderness fun.

All in all, this was a much-needed refresh that enhances the experience without taking away the classic Big Thunder charm. Disney got this one right. 🤠⛰️🚂

POV: Your travel agent absolutely crushed the Lightning Lane strategy on a Saturday at Magic Kingdom. ⚡️Rolled into the ...
05/30/2026

POV: Your travel agent absolutely crushed the Lightning Lane strategy on a Saturday at Magic Kingdom. ⚡️

Rolled into the park at 10 AM and had all of this done before 3 PM:

✅ Country Bear Jamboree 🐻
✅ Haunted Mansion 👻 ⚡️
✅ Carousel of Progress (one last spin before it closes July 6) 👨🏻
✅ Space Mountain 🪐 ⚡️
✅ Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin 🚀 ⚡️
✅ TRON Lightcycle / Run 🏍️ ⚡️
✅ Pirates of the Caribbean 🏴‍☠️ ⚡️
✅ Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 👑 ⚡️
✅ Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 🚂 ⚡️
..with time for lunch AND a Dole Whip. 🍍

Not bad for a Saturday.

Now it's time to swap Lightning Lanes for poolside adult beverages and get ready for dinner. 🍹☀️

This is what vacation mode looks like when you have a travel agent who knows how to work the system.

🔥 Hot Take on Soarin’ Across America… 🔥The scenery is absolutely stunning and showcases some of the most beautiful place...
05/30/2026

🔥 Hot Take on Soarin’ Across America… 🔥

The scenery is absolutely stunning and showcases some of the most beautiful places our country has to offer:

🇺🇸 New England Coastline
🗽 New York Harbor
🏜️ Grand Canyon
🍂 The Heartland
🐊 Southern Bayous
🌾 Western Great Plains
🏔️ Colorado Rockies
🏝️ Hawaiian Beaches
🎬 Hollywood Sign
🗿 Mount Rushmore

But here’s my unpopular opinion…

It would have been even better if Disney had kept it old-school and used actual aerial footage throughout the entire attraction instead of leaning into AI-generated imagery and digital enhancements. The original Soarin’ Over California and Soarin’ Over the World felt authentic, timeless, and real. That's part of what made it so magical.

🌸 It’s the FINAL weekend of the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! 🌸Since March, EPCOT has been bursting...
05/30/2026

🌸 It’s the FINAL weekend of the 2026 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! 🌸

Since March, EPCOT has been bursting with stunning topiaries, colorful gardens, fresh flavors from the Outdoor Kitchens, live entertainment, and all the little details that make this one of the most beautiful times of year to visit. From character topiaries to vibrant blooms around every corner, it’s been a celebration of spring at its finest.

And as this year’s festival comes to a close, Mother Nature delivered a little extra magic. After the storms rolled through, a beautiful rainbow stretched across the sky over EPCOT; a perfect reminder that even after the rain, there’s always something beautiful waiting on the other side. 🌈✨

Here’s to another incredible Flower & Garden Festival and all the memories made along the way! 🌺🌻🌷

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