As Mickey Mouse often says with great enthusiasm and joy, “Hi there, pal!” Oh, that magical and recognizable voice — Mickey always makes me smile. Well, hello friend, my name is Karen Hamlet, a new travel agent/vacation planner with Minnie’s Travel Boutique (MTB). I recently joined the agency, and not only did I have an opportunity to spend time at Walt Disney World® with MTB agency owners Chris and Kristen Breedlove, but I was also selected to participate in what Disney calls an Agent Education Program — a truly magical and phenomenal experience. So far, my time with Minnie’s Travel Boutique has been the best sprinkle of Pixie Dust this Disney girl could ask for.
In this post, my hope is to provide you a little insight on why I chose to be a travel agent and why I believe that participating in the Agent Education Program was the best start for me to begin my agent planning journey, as well as how the program helped prepare me to be the vacation planner for you. First, attending Disney’s Agent Education Program is a privilege, and an honor. Secondly, as a fan of Disney Destinations, especially Walt Disney World®, I was a little overwhelmed at even the thought of being considered to attend; however, how could I refuse? And third, I am so thankful to be a part of a great team at Minnie’s Travel Boutique. We all have special and wonderful memories of Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® both as little ones and as adults. As a travel agent, sharing my experiences, as well as knowledge of these destinations is a blessing as I get to help clients have the most magical visits. And as a Disney vacation planner, who specializes in Disney Destinations, I think the best part is, there’s always something new to learn and share, especially at Walt Disney World®.
Disney’s Agent Education Program
Before I continue, you may be asking, what is Disney’s Agent Education Program? Short and to the point, to experience the program is by invitation only. It is a multi-day opportunity for travel agents to learn about select Disney Destinations products first-hand. As a newer member of Minnie’s Travel Boutique, I am extremely thankful for the support of MTB owners Chris and Kristen Breedlove, and for the opportunity to expand my knowledge of Walt Disney World® through this training program.
Day One, Traveling and Training
It was a chilly day in Lynchburg, Va. Leaving from the local airport, connecting in Charlotte, N.C., and then landing in beautiful, sunny Orlando, Fla., is always an exciting moment. I mean, Florida weather versus northern cold weather — bring on the sun (ha). My resort destination was Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and my excitement level to visit and stay at this beautiful deluxe resort was off the scale. I know I was smiling from ear-to-ear. On a side note, if you haven’t read my fellow agent’s experience staying at this resort, please take a moment to do so, it’s a great read.
I remember walking into the main lobby and being delightfully overwhelmed at all I saw, as well as breathing in the magical resort scent. You know you have arrived at a Walt Disney World® deluxe resort when you smell the fresh aroma of green clover with that touch of fresh jasmine. As I tell my clients, you can easily check-in through the My Disney Experience app to avoid stopping by the front desk, so I did exactly that, which allowed me to truly take in all the beautiful holiday decorations. The lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa was a spectacular winter wonderland, and something I will never forget as I look forward to my next visit during the winter. My room at this deluxe resort was in the Sago Cay building — walking in felt like home. The room was gorgeous, spacious, and the perfect space to rest at night. As a bonus, it is very close to the main building and convention center, where a majority of Disney’s Agent Education Program took place.
The technology that’s available to Walt Disney World® guests is amazing. In fact, that was part of my first day of training — the My Disney Experience app. Of course, I was already familiar with the app and Disney Genie+; however, the Disney Cast Members that led the first session were very knowledgeable and taught me new ways to educate my clients on how to make the most of the app while on their vacation. The first park I visited on the program was Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I was escorted by a Disney Cast Member to a literal hole in the wall private restaurant, which I never knew was there.
It was beautiful and the food was wonderful; it is after all, a Disney meal. And speaking of dining at Disney, I am amazed at the level of care that Disney chefs take when preparing food options for those that have dietary restrictions, such as myself. I have traveled to many different vacation spots across the country, but the quality of guest satisfaction, especially with regards to food, at Walt Disney World® is unparalleled. While at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, I was able to enjoy Avatar Flight of Passage located in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Wow. I never get tired of that attraction — you’re on the back of a banshee for a breathtaking, out-of-this-world 3D flight over Pandora. To all the Disney Imagineers that developed this ride, thank you.
It was a busy day of traveling, learning, experiencing, and taking in so much at Walt Disney World® that to close out my first day, I took an evening stroll through Pandora as the sights and sounds, I think, truly transport you to another world.
Day Two, Exploring
I started my second morning at Walt Disney World® enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at Citricos, located at the resort. The view was amazing, and the renovations were perfect. Following breakfast was another training session to help me understand how to make the most of my clients future Disney vacations, which was probably the best time I spent with Disney Cast Members. Later that day for lunch, I was able to visit Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and enjoy a meal at Three Bridges Bar & Grill — my favorite meal of the trip. I will most certainly recommend to my clients that they not only eat here as part of their dining experience at Walt Disney World®, but also sit and eat outside to enjoy the cool breeze from the water and be transported to paradise. It was wonderful.
I’ve always enjoyed Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, it’s a beautiful moderate resort for guests to stay, especially in the Gran Destino Tower. Walking around and enjoying the aesthetics, pools, the gift shop, visiting the restaurant Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, as well as Dahlia Lounge, located on the top floor with breathtaking views of Walt Disney World®, was a great reminder for me to always recommend this resort for families and even the solo traveler. You simply cannot go wrong at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. It’s also located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, which is a quick bus ride down the road.
Later in the day, I stopped to visit Disney’s Pop Century, a super-fun value resort in the Wide World of Sports Resort Area. And speaking of this resort, another team member of Minnie’s Travel Boutique recently wrote about her stay. Click here to read her recap.
I think what’s nice and convenient about Disney’s Pop Century Resort rooms is the functionality of the room layout. You can choose a room with a king-size bed, or a queen-size bed that also has a queen-size fold down bed connected to a table. It’s a perfect value resort that offers a lot of fun nostalgia, lots of walking areas, and it’s one of four resorts connected to the Disney Skyliner. Additionally, Disney’s Pop Century Resort shares a walking bridge with Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for guests to cross over Hourglass Lake, and since I was so close, I took a little stroll to visit. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort provides family suite accommodations, and I had a unique privilege to see a Lion King Family Suite, which was magically decorated and is a great space for a family. Families with young children that love Disney animation and characters, this is by far, in my opinion, one of the best resort options.
Later in the day, I resort hopped over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a deluxe resort in the Magic Kingdom Area, literally across the street from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. If you spend all day at the park, no need to wait in line for the bus or the Walt Disney World® Monorail Transportation to get back to this resort. You can enjoy a 15-to-18-minute walk back which is way better than standing in line. The décor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is stunning. It’s a magnificent resort structure that I think offers that nostalgic vibe of the earlier days of Walt Disney’s vision for Walt Disney World®. Plus, the rooms have recently been renovated. A popular family restaurant, Chef Mickey’s, is located on the fourth floor and is a fun dining experience as Mickey Mouse and some of his favorite pals make surprise appearances in each of the dining rooms. You can also watch the monorail go by while you eat as it goes right through the resort. The monorail station is also on this floor allowing guests transportation to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, or Epcot with one stop at the Walt Disney World® Transportation and Ticket Center. This deluxe resort should always be considered, and if possible, experienced. Oh, and one of my favorite Disney restaurants, Steakhouse 71, is also located at this resort. It’s a casual steakhouse with a special taste of Disney heritage and Florida flair.
Another resort the Walt Disney World® Monorail Transportation connects to is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. This deluxe resort was also recently renovated with accents and design that celebrate the Disney character, Moana, and her open-ocean adventures. You are most definitely swept away to paradise at this gorgeous resort, especially when you stay at a Bungalow. The level of relaxation, the comfort, the space, the layout — it’s all amazing.
It’s now early evening and I am still so excited to be at Walt Disney World® that I couldn’t pack it in to rest. I had to use the Walt Disney World® Monorail Transportation to travel to Epcot, where you can explore different countries and their cultures. Plus, I had to visit my pal, Figment. As the sun went down, I found a nice-secluded spot to take in the majestic view of Epcot’s Crescent Lake. I remember thinking that there is so much to do, experience, and see at Walt Disney World®. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of adventures and attractions, a fan of art and dining, a fan of gorgeous views and landscapes, a fan of exercise and wellness, a fan of excitements and shows, or if you’re simply a fan of all things Walt Disney and his vision and legacy — there is most definitely something for you, and so much more. I believe it is why guests return year-after-year. It’s the Walt Disney World® experience that is not just magical and real, but memorable and heartfelt.
Day Three, Magic All Around
The final day of my trip. I was up early and ready to go — Disney’s Hollywood Studios was calling my name. Walking through the park entrance with early morning access is extremely nice and convenient. And as a Star Wars fan, Galaxy’s Edge was the first stop. I may have started my day at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, but my adventure began at Docking Bay 7 for an out-of-this-world breakfast. I’m always amazed at the amount of detail and incredible attention to storytelling that Disney Imagineers put into each land and restaurants in Disney Parks. And in Galaxy’s Edge, you are immediately transported to the land of Batuu and you literally feel that you are in a Star Wars film. I remember thinking to myself, any moment Rey Skywalker or Han Solo would appear and recruit me to join the Resistance. Oh, and speaking of the Resistance, I rode Rise of the Resistance after breakfast and got on the front row of the transport, the best seat for this attraction. Before leaving Galaxy’s Edge, I had to stop by the Milk Stand. Have you ever tried the infamous Blue and Green Milk? I can’t decide which one is my favorite, but so tasty.
It’s always so hard to not think about your last day at Walt Disney World® as the final day because the next day you’re back in reality (ha), alas at 2 p.m., I park hopped on over to Disney’s Magic Kingdom. I tell you — as a single rider, you get to enjoy a lot of rides and you can really make the most of Disney Genie+. It was a magical day, for sure!
That evening, to squeeze in one more park, I went back to Epcot and was able to get on Test Track with very little wait. As part of the Disney Agent Education Program, I was able to go upstairs to the GM Conference and Training Center to see a spectacular view that overlooked the park with an up-close view of Spaceship Earth. The sight will forever be a special memory to me as the view of Epcot is one not many get to see. I also enjoyed a delicious dessert party and watched Harmonious to bring my trip to a close. As the water spectacular began, I made the decision to put my phone down and be in the moment, which I recommend every Walt Disney World® guest do. Put down your device and enjoy the magic of the shows. During Harmonious, I was blown away! It was my first time seeing the show live and it was absolute, magical perfection. Having a blast in Disney’s Hollywood Studios to whimsical moments in Disney’s Magic Kingdom to out-of-this-world entertainment at Epcot — wow, so much Walt Disney World® magic in one day. The best conclusion to an amazing trip.
My Dream Come True
I am so thankful for my time and all that I learned, and experienced, at Walt Disney World® during Disney’s Agent Education Program. Not everyone gets invited or even selected for these once-in-a-lifetime training events, and it’s not something that I took for granted. As a newer travel agent with Minnie’s Travel Boutique, my goal is to move forward the way that Walt Disney would and always remember something he once said … “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
It is a dream come true to help families travel to Walt Disney World® for the very first time, as well as help them return to the magic. I am passionate about being a vacation planner and feel so blessed to work alongside incredible travel professionals in the agency. I hope this recap of my recent Disney Experience was fun to read and encourages you to start planning your next Walt Disney World® with Minnie’s Travel Boutique. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency, you cannot go wrong with Minnie’s Travel Boutique — here’s to the magic. Will you answer the call?
Plan your next Walt Disney World® vacation with me. Not sure where to start? Complete my online quote request form.
Email me at karen@minniestravelboutique.com.
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Minnie’s Travel Boutique has over 20 travel agents located throughout the country. Our travel agency’s knowledge of Disney products has earned us the distinction of being named an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. We were given this special designation by Disney as a result of our agency’s ongoing focus and commitment to planning customized, magical trips to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line® and other Disney vacation destinations worldwide.