MickeyTravels Virtual Agent Meet & Greet with Amanda Stark
MickeyTravels is excited to bring back The MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet! We will 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 Amanda Stark from Albany, NY!
Name: Amanda Stark
Where are you from? I live in Latham, New York which is right outside of Albany, New York with my husband Pat and 2 little girls Caroline and Charlotte.
First memory of Disney? My very first memory of Disney is back in 1988 when I was 7 years old. It was during my first visit to Walt Disney World. It was pouring rain as we were there during a Tropical Storm. I remember wearing our Mickey Ponchos and not even caring about the rain as I experienced Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World for the first time. I remember the amazing sights and sounds such as Mickey’s Birthdayland show in what used to be Toontown and riding Journey into Imagination with Figment in EPCOT.
What makes Disney MAGICAL in your eyes? There is nothing anywhere in the world like Disney. There isn’t a place you can visit where you can truly experience Magic like you can at the Disney Parks and resorts. The music and the sights and smells that you experience everywhere are like no other. Disney Parks are like a second home to me. Growing up as a child my family made so many Magical Memories through the years there and now as an adult I am still making Magical Memories with my family that continues to grow. Watching your child’s face light up when they meet Mickey for the first time or ride It’s a Small World is absolutely magical.
Favorite Disney destination and why? I would have to say Walt Disney World is my favorite Disney Destination, although I really love Disneyland as well! I have so many wonderful memories at Walt Disney World that going there is like going home.
Favorite Disney Character and why? I would say Cinderella. She is brave and kind, two of the most important things I want my girls to always be.
Favorite Disney Attraction and why? If I had to pick my most favorite of all time that would probably be the SpectroMagic Parade that ended at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World in 2010. I will never forget the amazing music and when one of the Dwarfs came by and kissed my hand during the parade. My favorite attraction that is still there today would be the People Mover in Tomorrowland because I love just taking in the sights and sounds of Tomorrowland. Also Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland as I just love the theming and when they say “This here’s the wildest ride in the Wilderness. “
Favorite Disney Resort and why? I really love Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The feel of the resort is amazing and it is right on the monorail so you are just 2 stops away from the Magic! I also really love Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Being able to walk right into Epcot’s World Showcase from the hotel is wonderful! I also love the Boardwalk area where the Beach Club is located at night and Stormalong Bay, the amazing pool area there can’t be beat!
Favorite Disney Restaurant and why? My favorite Disney Restaurant is Tutto Italia in EPCOT’s World Showcase. The food is absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is quite romantic. During one of our trips to WDW with my family, Patrick and I ate there for the first time in 1997 when we were seventeen. Now twenty years later and married we still visit Tutto Italia on every trip together. Close favorites are Coral Reef and Chef Mickeys.
Favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurant and why? My favorite is Columbia Harbor House in Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom. I love that they have 2 floors for seating and the menu is terrific. We have food allergies in our party and they have some great options there! I also like Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland because if you grab a table by the glass window you can watch the boats from It’s a Small World go by.
3 Disney characters you’d like to have dinner with and why? Definitely Mickey, Donald and Goofy! Those guys are the best and I bet they have some great stories to share!
Favorite Disney snack and why? A Turkey Leg in Frontierland! Couldn’t eat one anywhere else, great memories!
Favorite Disney Movie and why? The Little Mermaid. I think I fell in love with Disney music after seeing this movie.
3 Favorite Disney Songs and why? It is so hard to just pick 3! My favorite 3 would be “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah,” “When You Wish upon a Star” and “Part of Your World.” The first two are just classic Disney and I love them both. I danced and sang to Zip-a-dee-doo-dah when I was 6 in a talent show at school. When You Wish upon a Star reminds me so much of Walt Disney World and Disneyland and to always keep dreaming. Part of Your World from the Little Mermaid is special to me because we traveled a lot when I was younger for my mom’s job. We were living in Australia for over a year and my Dad had come to see us as he was still working in the US and we went to see that movie. I remember singing that song so much growing up.
Disney character you’re most similar to and why? I would say I am most similar to Snow White. My family tells me that as I am always trying to care of everyone. Also, I met my wonderful husband at 16 and we dated for 10 years before getting married. We have now been married for 10 years with 2 beautiful little girls. I fall in love with him more every day and feel so lucky to know that my Prince Charming came.
If you could be one Disney mascot for a day who would it be and why? Definitely Mickey Mouse! Mickey is the main man! I have loved him for as long as I can remember!
If you could work at one of the Disney theme parks, what job would you want and why? I definitely would want to be in one of the parades at the Magic Kingdom. That would be an amazing experience to be able to wave and see all of those smiling faces looking up at you.
Best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent? I think people aspire to have a job in life that they truly love. I absolutely love my job, I can say that whole heartedly. I have always had a big place in my heart for Disney and have been planning my family’s vacations since I was 12. So this job is the perfect fit for me and I love every minute!
Why should I book my vacation with you? Every one of my clients is so very important to me. I know how important your vacation is to your family just as my vacation is to my family. I am available when it is convenient for you. Need to plan after the kids go to bed or on the weekend, whatever is easiest for you I am here. Don’t want to get up at 6am to make dining reservations 180 days before your trip, that is what I am here for! I have experienced the different hotels, restaurants, rides and special experiences and would love to share my tips and strategies with you.
Amanda can be contacted by calling 866-706-2878 or via email astark@mickeytravels.com
