MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet – Leanne Phelps

MickeyTravels is excited about our new initiative – The MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet. We will feature a different MickeyTravels agent on a daily basis. We’re proud to have the best Disney Travel agents in the world as part of our MickeyTravels team and this will allow you to get to know them even better. Today the spotlight shines on Leanne Phelps from Tulsa, OK!

Name:  Leanne Phelps

Where are you from?  Tulsa, Oklahoma

First memory of Disney?  I grew up loving Disney!  I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love all things Disney!

What makes Disney MAGICAL in your eyes?  I love that Disney movies, characters, parks–everything that Disney does–is geared toward families, not just kids.  I love that my kids and I can enjoy the same things and find magic in them together and the memories we’ve made at the parks!

Favorite Disney destination and why?  My favorite location is Disney World because I love the castle, the characters, the attractions, and the resorts!  But half of my family loves the cruises the best so our favorite family vacation is a “land and sea” vacation where we do a few days at Disney World followed by a Disney cruise.

Favorite Disney Character and why?  Mickey is my favorite!  He’s classic, timeless, and always the best!

Favorite Disney Attraction and why?  The Kilimanjaro Safari ride at Animal Kingdom is my all time favorite attraction at the parks, followed closely by Toy Story Midway Mania at Hollywood Studios.  Both of these take you way out of the “norm” and give you a special experience.

Favorite Disney Resort and why?  Animal Kingdom Lodge is our family’s favorite resort.  We love watching the animals from our balcony and the overall feel of the resort is cozy and relaxing.

Favorite Disney Restaurant and why?  My favorite place to eat at Disney World is probably ‘Ohana at the Polynesian because the food is great and the atmosphere is so fun!

Favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurant and why?  We always eat at Columbia Harbor House in the Magic Kingdom. We ate there first during a “Keys to the Kingdom” park tour and enjoyed the food, but also the cool, quiet atmosphere of the second floor.  We use it as a great place to unwind and relax in the middle of a Magic Kingdom day.

3 Disney characters you’d like to have dinner with and why? The princesses, of course!  We have dinner with them often at Cinderella’s Royal Table!  We feel like royalty and the princesses are always perfect hostesses!  😉

If you could be one Disney mascot for a day who would it be and why?  I’d love to be anyone in the parade!  The parades are so special and there have been a few times with a look, a wave, or a “connection” of some sort between my kids and a parade participant has made their day!

If you could work at one of the Disney theme parks, what job would you want and why?   I’d love to give tours like the Keys to the Kingdom tour and share Disney history and information with guests that are interested in all things Disney!

Favorite Disney snack and why?  Dole Whip in the Magic Kingdom!  Refreshing and delicious!

Favorite Disney Movie and why?  My favorite was always Beauty and the Beast, but I think now my favorite is Tangled.  I love the witty lines and songs and it’s such a fun movie!

3 Favorite Disney Songs and why?  I love “I’ve Got a Dream” from Tangled (so funny!), Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (from Mary Poppins–energetic and fun!), and It’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow (for the ride Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom, because it brings good memories!)

Disney character you’re most similar to and why?  I would say Belle because I love to read, love my family, and like to look for the good in others!

Best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent?  I love talking Disney every day!  It’s so fun to talk with families about their vacations and have a chance to get excited with them!  I especially love to talk with families who have never been to Disney before because the whole time we are planning, I am picturing what it will be like for them when they get there for the first time and really experience the magic!

Why should I book my vacation with you?  I love helping families plan!  I love answering questions about the parks, cruises, and other destinations.  I want to help families get organized and stay on top of each aspect of their trips so they have the best vacation possible!

Feel free to reach out to Leanne with any questions or comments. Leanne can be reached at leanne@mickeytravels.com or 1-888-755-9626. She can also be found on our website at www.mickeytravels.com/leanne

Top Five Reasons You Should Attend Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival

2014 will be the 19^th year of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, and each year it just gets better and better. With a record 53 festival days and over 25 global marketplaces, this is definitely a year not to miss! But if you still need a little nudge to join in the fun, here are the top five reasons why you should attend.

1. The food and wine. There are over 20 countries represented in this year’s festival, along with several specialty carts to satisfy your taste buds. If you have always wanted to try international cuisine without exhausting your pocketbook or using up your airline miles, now you can with a simple walk around the world showcase. Enjoy sampling food, wine, and beer from countries such as Greece, New Zealand, Scotland, Puerto Rico, and the new Patagonia booth, just to name a few. While you must purchase these samples, the prices are very reasonable. If you are traveling on the Disney Dining Plan, you can use snack credits for most of the food samples!

2. The merchandise. Every special event that Disney holds will offer specialty merchandise that you can only purchase at the events, and the Food & Wine Festival is one of the largest events with specialty merchandise. Choose from the typical hats, t-shirts, bags, pins, and Mickey Ears or you can purchase more specific items such as kitchen accessories and recipe books. But, you must attend the festival to purchase the items offered, as they will not be sold through the Disney Parks online store!

3. The Eat to the Beat Concert Series. This is a very popular event that is included with your park admission. Every evening at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00, head over to the American Gardens Theater in the American Adventure Pavilion to enjoy a live concert by some of the most popular bands from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. This year’s lineup includes festival favorites such as The Pointer Sisters, Night Ranger, and Smashmouth, as well as newcomers Jo Dee Messina, Fuel, and Los Lonely Boys. You’ll have to get their early if you don’t want to miss it, or you can contact your MickeyTravels Agent and see about booking the Eat to the Beat Dining Package and be guaranteed a seat to the show, as well as lunch or dinner at your favorite Epcot restaurant. Prices will vary depending on meal time and location.

4. Premium Events. While these events require a separate admission in addition to your park ticket, they are truly one of a kind, unique experiences that you will not find anywhere else. Probably the most elaborate and popular premium event would be the Party for the Senses, which is held on select nights. During this event, you can explore more than 50 tasting stations while being entertained by Cirque de Soleil performers. This event also includes reserved seating to the Eat to the Beat concert right before the party. Other premium events include specialty meals, interactive culinary experiences, and seminars with celebrity chefs. Prices for these events vary, so check with your MickeyTravels Agent for more information!

5. Complimentary Events. In addition to the premium events, there are plenty of events and experiences that are included with your park admission. These include special meet and greets with celebrity chefs or culinary personalities for book signings and/or bottle signings, Back to Basics seminar, and the Ghirardelli exhibit The Chocolate Experience: From the Bean to the Bar. Don’t forget to pick up your Festival Marketplace Discovery Passport from the Festival Welcome Center, so you can see what the different countries are offering and get your passport stamped as you eat your way around the World Showcase.

Your MickeyTravels Agent will be very knowledgeable about the different events going on during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, including the best times to visit and how to make the most of your time during your stay.

To learn more about Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival and why YOU should experience all the magic it has to offer, contact me today! As always, my services are 100% FREE!

MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet – Amy Ross

MickeyTravels is excited about our new initiative – The MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet. We will feature a different MickeyTravels agent on a daily basis. We’re proud to have the best Disney Travel agents in the world as part of our MickeyTravels team and this will allow you to get to know them even better. Today the spotlight shines on Amy Ross from Chicago, Illinois!

Name: Amy Ross

Where are you from? Chicago West Suburbs

First memory of Disney? In 1971 walking into the Polynesian Resort for the first time

What makes Disney MAGICAL in your eyes? Their ability to make every single person feel like a child no matter what age they are!!

Favorite Disney destination and why? Walt Disney World. The variety of attractions and dining and all the different theme parks!

Favorite Disney Character and why? Donald Duck. He is a true original!!

Favorite Disney Attraction and why? I have 2 favorites.. Peter Pan’s Flight because it was the first attraction I ever rode at Disney. And Soarin’ because it is just amazing!!

Favorite Disney Resort and why? Disney’s Beach Club Resort. It is a gorgeous property with an amazing pool. It is in the perfect location between Epcot and Hollywood Studios and you are close to the Boardwalk for nighttime entertainment.

Favorite Disney Restaurant and why? Tusker House for breakfast. The food is amazing with a wide variety of food and the best juice I have ever had. The character interaction has always been a lot of fun and the kids love to walk in the parade with all the character.

Favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurant and why? Sunshine Seasons in Epcot

3 Disney characters you’d like to have dinner with and why? Mickey Mouse because he knew Walt personally… Rapunzel because she is my favorite Princess and finally Maleficent because I want to know why she is so mean..

Favorite Disney snack and why? Mickey Ice Cream bars!! It’s delicious and reminds of my childhood!

Favorite Disney Movie and why? Cinderella! It’s the perfect fairy tale!

Favorite Disney Song and why? Wishes soundtracks from Wishes Firework Show. It is about making all your wishes comes true. Still believing in childhood dreams!!!

Disney character you’re most similar to and why? Cinderella. No matter what life throws at me, I still believe your dreams will come true!

If you could be one Disney mascot for a day who would it be and why? Goofy! I would love to be able to be silly with all the guests all the time!!

If you could work at one of the Disney theme parks, what job would you want and why? The Jungle Cruise! I would love to be a skipper and be able to tell all those corny jokes and make people laugh!

Best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent? Making family’s dreams come true!! There is nothing better than receiving a picture from one of my clients showing the excitement on their child’s faces the first time they see Mickey Mouse!! It warms my heart!

Why should I book my vacation with you? I treat all of my client’s vacations as if it were my own. I pride myself on treating each client like family and making sure they have the best vacation they will ever have. Creating lifetime memories for them is a true joy!

Feel free to reach out to Amy with any questions or comments. Gail can be reached at amy@mickeytravels.com or 1- 630-251-8358. She can also be found on our website at www.mickeytravels.com/amy