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!

MickeyTravels Agent Virtual Meet & Greet with Jennifer McCormack

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 Jennifer McCormack from Minnesota!

Name: Jennifer McCormack

Where are you from?  I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, but I am a Chicago South Sider, through and through!

First memory of Disney?  Singing at Disney Magic Music days in high school

What makes Disney MAGICAL in your eyes?  Disney is a place where adults can be carefree!  My kids and I can have the same amount of fun TOGETHER which I have to admit is not as common as I would like.  BUT I also have fun there without my kids. J  I enjoy that everyone at Disney is part of the story.  We are all players on stage in the fantasy.  Further, overall, the cast members on Disney property are second to none.

Favorite Disney destination and why? This is a toughie!  I cannot go a year without a trip (or 4) to Walt Disney World, but Aulani ranks up at least equal to WDW.  Aulani brings together Disney magic with a real-world culture of warm and welcoming people.  I have resonated with the Hawaiian people and culture since my first exposure a couple of decades ago because of the fact that everyone really is ohana.  Disney magic coupled with the Hawaiian culture is a very natural match.

Favorite Disney Character and why?  Jiminy Cricket is the Disney of my childhood, but more than that, he is Pinocchio’s conscience.  We all need a Jiminy Cricket.

Favorite Disney Attraction and why?  Toy Story Midway Mania!  This ride is pure joy for me!  This is probably partially because I’m competitive.  😉

Favorite Disney Resort and why?  Animal Kingdom Lodge.  When I enter into Jambo or Kidani, I truly feel like I am home.  It is warm and welcoming, awe-inspiring, and peaceful.  The cast members and African Cultural Representatives are always helpful and inclusive.  The resort activities are educational and more plentiful than other resorts, and my favorite restaurants on property are located at Animal Kingdom Lodge.  

Favorite Disney Restaurant and why?  Boma.  Boma has plentiful options for the whole family.  They always offer the standard fare, but they also have traditional African menu items.  Food is always fresh, and the servers are wonderful!

Favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurant and why?  It is a toss up between Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot and Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom.  The fresh and flavorful French baguettes and crème brulee at Boulangerie Patisserie are mouth-watering.  But Flame Tree BBQ with the slow cooked chicken, pulled pork and ribs make it impossible for me to resist when I am in Animal Kingdom!

3 Disney characters you’d like to have dinner with and why? Lady Tremaine, Drizella and Anastasia – Have you met those ladies?  They are a hoot! If I could add a fourth, Mad Hatter would be there, too!

Favorite Disney snack and why?  Citrus Swirl – I love the orange bird!

Favorite Disney Movie and why?   Monsters, Inc.  The premise of this movie is so clever, and it is a lesson that sometimes, we have to step outside of our narrow paths of understanding and consider alternative options in order to bring people together instead of perpetuate conflict.  It is also a story of friendship and loyalty.

3 Favorite Disney Songs and why?  “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” because every time I hear the intro, I am transported to the queue at Toy Story Midway Mania with my family which is so much fun for me that it brings tears to my eyes.  “Monsters, Inc. Theme” because it is just such jazzy fun that I smile every time I hear it.  “Wishes” because Jiminy Cricket says, “Wishes can come true, if you believe in them with all your heart. And the best part is, you’ll never run out of wishes. There, shining deep down inside of you, cuz that my friends…is where the magic lives.”

Disney character you’re most similar to and why? Ha!  I think that I would have to say an older, wiser Merida. I’m still feisty and determined, but more thoughtful and deliberate… most of the time. 😉

If you could be one Disney character for a day who would it be and why? If I could be one Disney character for a day, it would be Tinkerbell because she is sassy and she can FLY!

If you could work at one of the Disney theme parks, what job would you want and why?  I know that this is silly, but I have always wanted to be a greeter at Magic Kingdom!  I want to pass out stickers to kids (and kids at heart), welcome them to this happy place, and answer questions to ensure a magical start to their day!

Best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent?  I LOVE that I can put all of this Disney knowledge, strategic expertise, and energy to use helping guests plan the most magical vacation possible while taking into consideration individual needs.

Why should I book my vacation with you?  Taking a Disney vacation is an investment.  It is an investment that takes time, money and planning to build relationships, joy and lifelong memories!  I find incredible personal satisfaction in sharing my experiences coupled with my analytical skills to build the best possible vacation for couples, families and groups! This does not look the same for everyone which is why listening to your vacation needs and desires is the most important component in planning your ideal Disney vacation. Let me know how I can help you get started!

Contact me at jmccormack@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 Stephanie Pettiette

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 Stephanie Pettiette from Mississippi!

Name: Stephanie Pettiette

Where are you from? I was born and raised in a small town in Mississippi.

First memory of Disney?  My first memory of Disney was  watching the movie Cinderella for the first time.  I would watch it on repeat!  When I was six years old, my parents decided it was time to take me to Disney World.  I still remember when I first met Cinderella.  My mom said I couldn’t even speak!  It was truly a dream come true!

 

What makes Disney MAGICAL in your eyes?  I believe what makes Disney magical is a combination of many things, but one of the top reasons would be Disney’s constant strive to be the best they can be.  They are always changing and improving.  Anything is possible at Disney! It’s a chance for kids to just have fun and be kids and gives the adults the chance to relax and take you back to the joys of being a kid again.  Disney is timeless.

Favorite Disney destination and why? Walt Disney World!  It is truly where dreams come true.  Visiting Walt Disney World always brings back so many wonderful memories and now I get to make new memories with my kids.

Favorite Disney Character and why?  Cinderella.  It goes back to my first memory at Disney.  I still remember meeting her for the first time.  She has been my favorite since I was four years old.

Favorite Disney Attraction and why?  Soarin’ is my absolute favorite attraction!  The views and smells are amazing!  It feels like you are truly Soarin’!  It is always a must do!

Favorite Disney Resort and why?  Disney’s Art of Animation.  Being a value resort, it often gets overlooked.  We have stayed a many different resorts, but this one really fits all the needs of our family.  Love the pools, decor, and restaurant!

Favorite Disney Restaurant and why? Be Our Guest.  It is truly magical stepping into the castle and seeing the rose from Beauty and The Beast is breathtaking!  The food is delicious too.  Being French cuisine, I was worried the kids might be picky to try different things but they loved it!!  This restaurant should be a must do on everyone’s list!

Favorite Disney Quick Service Restaurant and why?  Flame Tree BBQ  at Animal Kingdom.  The food is delicious and the servings are huge.  Definitely the most bang for your buck!  The BBQ is so good and will give you a taste of everything!  It’s even big enough to share!

3 Disney characters you’d like to have dinner with and why?

1. Cinderella of course! She always has been and always will be my favorite Disney princess!
2. Mickey Mouse. Who doesn’t want to have dinner with Mickey??? He’s the main man!
3. Donald Duck. Growing up I remember when my dad would watch cartoons with me, Donald Duck was always his favorite. Donald Duck helped us share so many laughs together!  Great memories!

Favorite Disney snack and why?  Funnel cakes from Sleepy Hollow at Magic Kingdom.  They are SO good!!!  You can even top with ice cream!

Favorite Disney Movie and why?  Cinderella!  The story of Cinderella is a true fairy tale that I think lives in the heart of every little girl.

3 Favorite Disney Songs and why?

1. Kiss The Girl from Little Mermaid
2. Bare Necessities from Jungle Book
3. Hakuna Matata from Lion King

All of these songs are classics!  They are fun to sing along and really get you in the spirit of things!

Disney character you’re most similar to and why?  I would have to say Cinderella again. I mean she is my favorite lol!  I have related to her since a young age.  She was always so kind and helpful to everyone.  The world needs more Cinderellas!  🙂

If you could be one Disney character for a day who would it be and why?  Cinderella of course!  I have wanted to be her my whole life!  🙂

If you could work at one of the Disney theme parks, what job would you want and why?  Walt Disney World and I would love to be Cinderella of course!  Did I mention she is my favorite?? 🙂

Best part about being a MickeyTravels Disney Travel Agent?  Getting to share your love for Disney with other families.  Getting to plan a vacation for someone that you know they will remember for the rest of their lives is one of the best feelings you can imagine!  It’s like going to Disney World every day!

Why should I book my vacation with you?  My passion for all things Disney is reflected in every detail of my vacation planning for you and your family.  I am there for you every single step of the way and make it my priority for you to come back home saying “that was the best vacation we have ever had!”

Contact me at spettiette@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!