MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet with Kelly Young

MickeyTravels is excited to bring back The MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet! We feature a different MickeyTravels agent on a regular 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 Kelly Young from Indiana!

Name: Kelly Young

Where are you from?  I am from Carmel, Indiana.

First memory of Disney?  I remember my parents taking my siblings and I to Walt Disney World when I was five years old. They believed in the importance of sharing the magic that is Disney with their children. I remember stepping into a new world where anything was possible. I was able to feel like I was part of Peter Pan’s adventures, flying with Dumbo, and helping Snow White escape the Evil Queen.

What makes Disney MAGICAL in your eyes? Disney allows you escape the worries of the real world and instead feel like you can do anything. The detail that is put into each of the parks is unmatched by any other theme park. Disney welcomes and offers experiences for every one of all walks of life. Disney allows each guest to feel like they are part of the Disney story.

Favorite Disney destination and why? Walt Disney World is my favorite Disney Destination because it holds so much nostalgia for me and there are limitless experiences for me to explore each time I visit. I can travel the world at EPCOT, take an African safari at the Animal Kingdom, or feel utter happiness in meeting my childhood idols. Walt Disney World is the heart of all Disney Destinations and truly is the Happiest Place on Earth.

Favorite Disney Character and why?  Mickey Mouse is my favorite character because he is the most iconic Disney Character. In the words of the brilliant Walt Disney, “ I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing-That it all started with a mouse.” Every time I see or meet Mickey at one of the Disney Destinations, I am flooded with complete joy and warmth.

Favorite Disney Attraction and why?  My favorite Disney Attraction is Expedition Everest. The thrill and surprises of the ride excites me more every time I ride it. The energy you share with the other guests while on the ride is unlike the energy of any other ride. Not only is it exhilarating, but also it offers stunning views of the Animal Kingdom Park. Don’t forget to smile for your picture at the bottom of the hill.

Favorite Disney Resort and why? My favorite Disney Resort is Coronado Springs. Not only does it hold a special place in my heart because it is where my husband and I stayed for our Honeymoon, but also there are many wonderful features and amenities. The décor of Spanish Colonial Mexico offers bright colors and unforgettable views. The pools offer both charm and excitement and the variety of restaurants offer a range of menu selections for both adventurous and picky eaters.

Favorite Disney Restaurant and why?  My favorite Disney Restaurant is Le Cellier Steakhouse located below the Chateau in the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT. This restaurant is designed in a way to appear that you have descended into a Canadian wine cellar complete with wooden tables, beautiful archways, and candles. Although getting a reservation here can be difficult, the steak and seafood options are some of the best I have ever eaten. You will enjoy the assortment of bread that accompanies your meal.

Favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurant and why?  Be Our Guest in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom is my favorite Quick Service Restaurant. The ambience is lovely and appeals to both adults and children. The menu has a great variety of food that is not offered anywhere else in the park. Don’t forget to try the grey stuff, its delicious!

3 Disney characters you’d like to have dinner with and why? I would like to have dinner with Elliot from Pete’s Dragon because he has always been one of my favorite characters and is fun-loving and adorable, Pluto because he is cheerful and adventurous, and Jiminy Cricket because he is wise, kind, and has a big heart.

Favorite Disney snack and why? My favorite Disney snack is a Premium Mickey Ice Cream Bar. Not only is the chocolate and ice cream delicious, but also it always cools me down on a humid day at a Disney Theme Park.

Favorite Disney Movie and why?  The 1961 animated version of 101 Dalmatians. I am a huge dog lover and just like in real life, I love how the puppies have their own unique personalities. Also, there are cameos of many of the characters from my second favorite Disney movie, Lady and the Tramp.

3 Favorite Disney Songs and why?  Baby Mine from Dumbo, When You Wish Upon a Star from Pinocchio, and Candle on the Water from Pete’s Dragon are three of my absolute favorite Disney songs. I am drawn to beautiful ballads that I can sing along with when I am driving or doing work around the house.

Disney character you’re most similar to and why? I am most similar to Wendy Darling from Peter Pan. Like Wendy, I am imaginative, dreamy, adventurous, chatty, romantic, mature, spirited, and motherly.

If you could be one Disney character for a day who would it be and why? I would want to be Minnie Mouse. She brings so much joy to children and adults and not to mention is extremely fashionable!

If you could work at one of the Disney theme parks, what job would you want and why? I would want to be a Character Performer in the parades and shows at the Magic Kingdom. I have a background in dance and love to perform. The costumes are absolutely stunning and the colors are beautiful. It would be a lot of fun making audiences smile and enjoy feeling the magic of Disney.

Best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent? Everyone deserves to feel the excitement that is Disney and it makes me extremely happy to be able to help create lasting memories filled with joy for families that are looking to book their dream Disney vacations.

Why should I book my vacation with you? Nothing makes me happier then sharing my love and knowledge of Disney with others. No matter your budget or the type of vacation you are planning, it would be my pleasure to help ensure that all your needs are met. I will work endlessly to answer all your questions and provide you with the best tips and advice so that you have the most MAGICAL vacation imaginable.

Contact me at kyoung@mickeytravels.com for all my FREE Disney vacation planning services.  I can’t wait to hear from you and to help make memories that will last forever!

MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet with Katey Varanelli

MickeyTravels is excited to bring back The MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet! We feature a different MickeyTravels agent on a regular 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 Katey Varanelli from Connecticut!

Name: Katey Varanelli

Where are you from?  Middlebury, CT (originally Charlotte, NC)

First memory of Disney?  My first memory of Disney is when I was probably four or five and there was a Disney store in our local mall. I used to love the tower of stuffed animals and dreamed of owning the big Mickey! Though my grandparents lived just 2 hours from Orlando, FL, it’s hard to believe that I never went to Disney World until a school trip in 8th grade.

What makes Disney MAGICAL in your eyes? Disney is magical to me because it is one of the few things left in the world that inspires both adults and children to suspend disbelief and live in the moment. The music, lights, characters, and icons of the parks bring the magic to life and create a sense of nostalgia that is unique to Disney.

Favorite Disney destination and why? Walt Disney World is my favorite Disney destination. After visiting only a few times as a teenager, I knew I wanted to be a part of the Disney magic and participated in the Disney College Program, living at Walt Disney World for over a year! Now Walt Disney World truly still feels like home and has so much to offer—from the theme parks to the many resorts and amazing restaurants—there’s always something new and exciting to experience!

Favorite Disney Character and why?  My favorite Disney character is Maleficent. I’m not sure why it always has been, but I used to make my grandma pretend to be Maleficent while I played Sleeping Beauty. She is my favorite character to see and meet in the parks, and I think it’s very cool when she turns into a dragon in the parade and in Fantasmic!

Favorite Disney Attraction and why?  My favorite attraction is Tower of Terror. I love that it’s thrilling and that the ride is always different since the falls are randomized. I also love the theming of the attraction and that the cast members act the part to make it creepy!

Favorite Disney Resort and why? My favorite Disney resort is the Boardwalk. I’m a little biased since I used to be a front desk cast member there, but the entire Boardwalk area is extra-magical and relaxing for me. During the day you can take a nice walk around the lagoon and the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios can’t be beat. At night it comes alive with people out and about, entertainment, and great food. It truly feels like its own world within Disney World.

Favorite Disney Restaurant and why?  Such a hard decision! I have different favorites for every meal, but my all-time favorite is probably Artist Point. The food is delicious, and the ambiance that Wilderness Lodge provides is the perfect backdrop for a nice evening out.

Favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurant and why?  Epcot wins hands-down for quick service in my book! There is so much to choose from, but I absolutely love Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavilion (next to Soarin’). They grow much of the food served there in the pavilion, and have lots of healthy choices and hearty meals that you don’t expect at a quick service location.

3 Disney characters you’d like to have dinner with and why? I would love to have dinner with Walt Disney himself (does he count?!) as well as Genie (maybe he would grant me a wish?), Mary Poppins (if Julie Andrews can come), and Ursula (I just think it would be very cool to meet her in person!).

Favorite Disney snack and why? Ice cream! It is often hot in the theme parks, and there’s no better way to cool down than with a giant waffle cone or cookie ice cream sandwich from the Edy’s Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street USA. It’s also a good value for a snack on the dining plan!

Favorite Disney Movie and why?  Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite Disney movie. I love the music and Belle was my favorite princess when I was younger. I used to dress up as her every Halloween!

3 Favorite Disney Songs and why?  Disney has so many amazing songs, it’s hard to pick, but these three resonate with me the most: Beauty and the Beast, which I danced to with my dad at my wedding, Go the Distance (from Hercules), and How Far I’ll Go (Moana), which is a new favorite. If fireworks soundtracks count as Disney songs, then the music from Wishes tops my list and Illuminations is a close second.

Disney character you’re most similar to and why? I’m probably most similar to Rapunzel—a desire for adventure, a happy, slightly naïve spirit, and sometimes hesitation when I take a chance on something I’ve been dreaming of. I also wear a lot of pink!

If you could be one Disney character for a day who would it be and why? I would love to be the Evil Stepmother from Snow White in Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios. Ever since I first saw the show in 8th grade, I was in awe of her sparkly robes and the fact that she shoots fireworks out of her head!

If you could work at one of the Disney theme parks, what job would you want and why? I was lucky enough to work in Guest Relations during my time interning at Disney, so I would want to keep that job! It was magical being able to help guests have the best vacation possible. I love creatively solving problems and going above and beyond for guests. If I could pick any job, I would want to be a VIP tour guide (which is part of Guest Relations) to take celebrities and special guests around the parks.

Best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent? I love sharing my passion for Disney with my clients and making magic for them. The best part is hearing the excitement in their voices when we discuss their plans. It makes me excited for them and energizes me!

Why should I book my vacation with you? There are so many Disney destinations and so many insider tips and tricks that you could easily make yourself stressed and overwhelmed. I want to help your family have a magical vacation that meets your specific budget, needs, and wants. From reservations and bookings to full service itinerary planning, I do as much or as little of the planning and coordinating as you want with a smile on my face while going above and beyond!

Contact me at kvaranelli@mickeytravels.com for all my FREE Disney vacation planning services.  I can’t wait to hear from you and to help make memories that will last forever!

MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet with Brooke Elder

MickeyTravels is excited to bring back The MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet! We feature a different MickeyTravels agent on a regular 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 Brooke Elder from Maine!

Where are you from?  I am from a small town near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina but currently live in Raymond, Maine.

First memory of Disney?  My first memory of Disney is from when I was around 4 and my entire family took a trip to Walt Disney World in 1989. I loved seeing Mickey’s birthday parade and still sing ‘America Loves You Mickey Mouse’ to this day!!

What makes Disney MAGICAL in your eyes? Every single aspect of Disney makes it magical. From the detail in the costumes to hidden Mickey’s at every destination, from dancing on Main Street in a parade to each dedicated Cast Member, Disney can make dreams come true. When you are at Disney, be it Disney World, Disneyland or a Disney Cruise, you can feel the magic. It’s as though anything can happen at any time!!

Favorite Disney destination and why?  My favorite Disney destination will always be the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Being from SC, it was only a few hours away. I’ll never forget going as a child and then the first time I was able to take my own children. It has and will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Favorite Disney Character and why?  My all-time favorite Disney character is Stitch! I have seen Lilo and Stitch hundreds of times and he always makes me laugh. The personality that he possesses is a work of art. I actually sleep with a Stitch pillow pet that my children gave me for my birthday a few years ago!

Favorite Disney Attraction and why?  I can really only pick one?? That’s hard!! I guess it would have to be the classic Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom. I love the story, the details and the imagination. It’s also a nice ride to cool off on when it’s hot out! Other favorites include Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom and the World Showcase at Epcot.

Favorite Disney Resort and why?  I absolutely love the Polynesian Resort. You feel as though you are on a tropical island in the middle of the Pacific and never have to leave Orlando. The beach there is the perfect place to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and the monorail is so convenient!

Favorite Disney Restaurant and why?  My favorite Disney Restaurant is O’hana at the Polynesian Resort. I always have breakfast with Lilo and Stitch before I leave Disney. My trip is not complete until I have my photo taken with Stitch! The character interactions while you dine and delicious food is also a plus!!

Favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurant and why?  Our family favorite quick service restaurant is definitely Casey’s Corner on Main Street. It is quick, convenient and delicious! Their hot dogs are amazing!

3 Disney characters you’d like to have dinner with and why?  I would love to sit down with Olaf, Stitch and Mushu. Just for entertainment purposes!!

Favorite Disney snack and why?  Dole Whip, self-explanatory!

Favorite Disney Movie and why?  Obviously Lilo and Stitch made the top of this list but I also love Wreck It Ralph (along with the classic princess movies). My kids and I can sit down and watch Ralph any time and never get bored. We always get up and dance at the end when ‘When Can I See You Again’ begins!

3 Favorite Disney Songs and why?  There’s so many!! A Tale as Old as Time from Beauty and the Beast, Let It Go from Frozen and I See the Light from Tangled are ones that I find myself humming and singing just because.

Disney character you’re most similar to and why?  Probably Rapunzel because she is cautious with new experiences but spirited and adventurous enough to go for them.

If you could be one Disney character for a day who would it be and why?  I’d love to be Cinderella for a day so I could wear a beautiful dress and hang out in a castle.

If you could work at one of the Disney theme parks, what job would you want and why?  I would absolutely love to be a performer in one of the parades! I enjoy going out and having a great time during the Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It! Parade, probably more so than my kids!

Best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent?  Being able to make a family’s dreams come true is the best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent. From first time visitors that don’t have Disney favorites yet to seasoned pros that know exactly what they want, I LOVE making it all happen for them.

Why should I book my vacation with you?  I am 100% dedicated to making your Disney vacation MAGICAL! From hard to get dining reservations and fast passes to figuring out your dream days at Disney, I strive to make everything about your trip perfect. I work non-stop on every detail and am always available anytime you have questions. Making Magic One Vacation at a Time is not just a saying to me, it is my passion!

Contact me at brooke@mickeytravels.com for all my FREE Disney vacation planning services.  I can’t wait to hear from you and to help make memories that will last forever!