Katie Murphy, Custom Travel Professionals

28/05/2025

Why do people still say YES to the Disney Dining Plan (even if it’s not really a big savings)? Let’s talk about the real value that guests get from the DDP:

*It feels all-inclusive. No sweating the spending, no sticker shock upon returning home. No arguing over snack math. Order what you want, it’s already paid for. That’s the vacation vibe we’re all after.

*It’s really convenient. Just tap and go, just like magic.

*It helps keep you in the moment. Nothing dulls a vacation glow quite like adding up the food budget while you’re waiting in line to meet Mickey. With the DDP, you’ve already done the math months ago.

*It’s actually fun! If you like maximizing the value of your investments, you’re gonna love using snack credits during EPCOT festivals.

*Kids ages 3-9 get it FREE in 2026!!! (With purchase of adult plans)

When a guest of mine opts in to one of the Disney Dining plans (there are two options), I supply them with my best tips to make the absolute most of it. Alright, if you’re a fan of the Disney Dining Plan, drop your best tip or hack in the comments!

28/05/2025

Disneyland may look familiar, but it feels different, because it IS different. Walt walked here. Dreamed here. Slept here. You’ll find classic attractions that still have that old-school charm and new experiences that take storytelling to a whole new level. All while bumping into your favorite characters like you would an old friend walking the neighborhood. Talk about serendipity! It’s got that Disney magic of yesteryear that we wish we could bottle up.

Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary celebration officially kicked off this month, and if you’ve ever brushed it off as “just the smaller version of Walt Disney World,” I need you to reconsider. NOW. This park is the heart and soul of everything you love about WDW. This year brings new parades (day and night!), new shows, updated attractions AND for the first time EVER...Walt Disney is getting his very own animatronic!

I get if you’re a WDW die-hard, believe me! However, Disneyland is warm. It’s walkable. It’s where it all began. And it’s SO worth visiting! Have you been? Are you going? Simply want to chat with someone else that loves it too? Cause I am HERE for it!

27/05/2025

Maybe you are new to cruising, think you’re ready to take the plunge but are still a little nervous about how that will look and feel once you’re on board. (Perfectly normal!) Disney Cruise Line is the perfect crossover vacation for Disney fans looking to test the waters of a cruise vacation. You have the impeccable guest service that you’ve grown to expect from Disney, larger than industry standard staterooms, amazing dining and those sweet touches of the Disney stories and characters that we love are everywhere. (It’s like going to a party where you know no one, and then you see the familiar face of a friend, and then all is right with the world.) You know you will be in the best hands, and I know this will be the trip that makes you an official cruise fan. What has been your biggest trepidation about cruising that has kept you from diving right in?

27/05/2025

Disney adults! Looking for a next-level night out? Head to Disney’s Contemporary Resort and look alllll the way up at California Grill. Located on the top floor of this iconic resort hotel, it’s where you go when you want:

*The perfect all-dressed-up Disney date night
*An exquisite chef-prepared meal that’s not Mickey shaped
*Fireworks views from a private balcony—not shoulder-to-shoulder in the hub

It’s a splurge, yes. But it’s one of those Disney experiences you talk about forever. Romantic, relaxing, and just plain cool. (P.S. Can we all start a petition to bring back the brunch? Sushi, mimosas, and live music? We’re not over it.)

Disney is more than just character meals, rides and fun snacks. There’s a whole world of fun designed with adults in mind that you may not know about. I am HERE to help you plan your adults-only getaway. Email [email protected] to learn more!

26/05/2025

Magic Kingdom is full of unforgettable moments, but this one will stop you in your tracks and probably give you chills!

Every evening around 5pm in Town Square, Disney honors our country with a Flag Retreat Ceremony. It’s a simple but moving tradition of lowering the flag, playing the Star Spangled Banner, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognizing a veteran guest. It’s also one of the most powerful things you’ll see all day. It’s a quiet reminder of the real heroes. The ones who served, the ones who’ve sacrificed and the ones who gave everything so we can celebrate days like today.

So while we’re enjoying cookouts, (hopefully) sunshine, and time with loved ones this Memorial Day, let’s take a beat to reflect and honor the true meaning behind this day. And if you’re in the parks, make your way down Main Street, U.S.A. for this 15-minute, incredibly patriotic experience!

26/05/2025

After the gray doldrums of winter there is just something particularly magical about Walt Disney World in the spring. Even if your spring hasn’t FULLY sprung by you (and you aren’t yet eating Zyrtec like Tic Tacs) you know you can always count on Disney to bring the color! Whether it’s Festival topiaries, the gorgeous grounds at your resort or fabulous cut flowers in your resort lobby, Disney Parks cures all the remaining winter blues as soon as your feet hit the ground. Where is your favorite Disney spot to go and get your fix of all things green, colorful and to kick off the season of bold beauty?

25/05/2025

The Plaza Restaurant doesn’t get the hype of character dining or over-the-top theming locations… but that’s kind of the point. Tucked right at the end of Main Street, U.S.A., this little spot delivers:

*Comfort food and healthier options (hello, balance)
*Cozy vibes just steps from Cinderella Castle
*And if you time it right—fireworks or parade views from your table

It’s small, charming, and easy to miss—which also means reservations are a must. Luckily, that’s the kind of detail your travel agent (hi, it’s me) handles like a pro!

PRO TIP: You don’t want the table in front of the door on a cold or windy day!

24/05/2025

24/05/2025

The hype surrounding Universal Orlando’s newest theme park Epic Universe is well...EPIC! Rightfully so, the level of immersiveness and next level detail is off the charts! With five new Portals at your fingertips, Celestial Park, Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World and Wizarding World-Ministry of Magic which is calling to you the loudest and why?

21/05/2025

You won’t see me on a billboard. I don’t have a jingle or a call center. But I am the person answering your messages at 10:00 PM because your My Disney Experience app got glitchy, or sending a calm, detailed reply when you’re panicking about weather delays at the airport. Being a travel advisor isn’t just about booking vacations. It’s about things like:

*Being a real person so you don't have to read random opinions in a facebook group
*Knowing which resort has the best pool and the shortest bus ride
*Talking you down from decision fatigue
*Building backup plans for your backup plans
*Being your “Hey, quick question” person
*Carrying the burden of planning stress so you don’t have to

And yeah, my inbox is always open. Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just dreaming one up, I’m here for it. Because once you’ve got a go-to travel person (like finding a good hairstylist) you don’t go back. And if you don’t have your person yet, I’d love to be that for you.

21/05/2025

Epic Universe Preview
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
May 9-11, 2025

A few thoughts of my preview-

Universal Helios Grand Hotel- definitely worth it to stay basically “inside” the park. Literally just steps away from the action making it super easy and convenientent for early entry and midday breaks.

Food and Drink- everything was delicious, albeit overpriced and very small portion sizes. Im used to theme park prices but this was extreme.

Target Audience- Epic Universe was not designed for preschoolers or multi-generational family visitors. In my opinion, there is simply not enough to entertain babies, young children, or non-thrill seeking guests. The only attractions without a height requirment are the Constellation Carousel and Fyre Drill. Also, although elevators are accessible, there are stairs everywhere which would make using stollers or ECVs very challenging.

Wait Times- I visited during techical previews and even with limited guests in the park we still experienced moderately long wait times for select attractions. Be prepared for long waits or budget for Express Pass. A small number of attractions, coupled with low hourly ride capacity means there will be more people in the park then there are things for them to do. Long waits ahead, I’m afraid, but we will know more once the park officially opens.

Dark Universe- extremely well themed. I don’t “do scary” but Monster’s Unchained was a lot of fun and not too scary or creepy for me. Curse of the Werewolf was not in operation during our preview.

How to Train Your Dragon- Isle of Berk - Truly feels like you are walking into the movie. Expect long wait times to meet Toothless and Hiccup. We loved Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. Pro tip: it’s better at night! And don’t miss The Untrainable Dragon show! Great music and special effects.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic- Feels just like you would imagine 1920s Paris would feel. The attention to detail is amazing and I could have just wandered in this land all day! Harry Potter and Battle at the Ministry…. the attraction itself was not in operation during our preview but the queue was amazing.

Super Nintendo World- Well, I was terrible at Mario Kart (maybe I should have paid more attention to the directions!) but I thought Mine-Cart Madness was fun. Side note: this land is loud and extremely “busy.” The constant loop of game music (you know what it sounds like!) and the bright colors, kinetic energy…. It might be too much for anyone who gets overstimulated.

Celestial Park- This is the center hub of the park with gorgeous fountains and lots of dining options. Stardust Racers…. Whew! This was an experience! If you want a thrilling rollercoaster you found it here. (Makes Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster feel like a kiddie ride!) The lights on it at night make it look like two shooting stars. Pretty awesome just hang on tight!

I will definitely revisit this park soon, most likely before the end of 2025. It’s beautiful, the theming is spot-on, and lot’s of fun. Email [email protected] if you would like to price out your trip!