MVT Agent Spotlight: Darren
A Connecticut native, Darren and his family moved to Orlando in 2020.
Magical Vacations Travel Agents come from all-around the country, and all walks of life. Their love for Disney properties is often what brings them to the agency, and brings them back to the parks time and time again.
For Agent Darren, a childhood spent visiting the parks led him not only to become a Disney travel agent, but to living right on the brink of Walt Disney World in Orlando.
Darren grew up in Western Connecticut, often visiting Orlando with his parents, who instilled in him a love for Disney magic.
“I remember telling my dad that I wanted to work for Disney someday,” he said.
While Darren eventually went on to become a middle school teacher, he and his wife continued to travel to Walt Disney World together, and with their son.
They first came across Magical Vacations Travel as clients. “We loved how they would price-watch our vacation and let us know if a better price was available,” he said. In 2008, after using the service for several years, Darren was invited to join the MVT team as an agent.
“I was really excited and honored, so I began my training with Disney,” he said. “I was teaching full-time, attending graduate school at night, and learning the business side of Disney. I survived on lots of coffee in those days.”
Fifteen years later, Darren still loves how he has built a client base on his ability to connect with travelers – both new and seasoned Disney veterans. He remembers all of his clients, and often keeps in touch, even if they’re not booking a new trip.
“I receive wedding photos, new baby photos, and emails just saying ‘hi,’” he said. “I’m grateful that so many trust me to help them plan their vacations, and even refer me to friends and family. What a terrific compliment that is.”
In 2020, Darren and his family made a huge leap. They packed up their life in Connecticut and moved to Disney’s Celebration Village in Orlando to be closer to the action and the destination they love so dearly.
Darren describes Celebration as a community of Disney fans. They all lean in to Disney decorations on their properties, especially for holiday events like Halloween and Christmas. Even better, it’s nestled at the end of World Drive, which leads right to the gates of Walt Disney World.
With so many years of Disney travel under his belt – both personal and professional – Darren has yet to tire of the fruits of Walt’s imagination. He is continuously in and around the parks and resorts to gather information on new projects, attractions, restaurants and events.
Darren often finds himself visiting his favorite resort on property, Wilderness Lodge. He explains how he’s drawn to the immersive theming and the relaxing sounds of Western music and rushing water.
“Even as locals we still book a few nights here each year. Sometimes I’ll go just to sit in the lobby with a coffee and get some work done,” he said. “It’s convenient to Magic Kingdom, and has so many great activities for families.”
When he heads to the parks, Darren is quick to get a boarding group for his favorite ride of the moment, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. He says the music chosen for the attraction makes it even more fun.
“When I’m not saving the galaxy, you can probably find me at Beaches and Cream restaurant at Disney’s Beach Club Resort,” he said. “The No Way Jose is a huge ice cream sundae with peanut butter sauce, peanut butter chips, and whipped cream. Sometimes I’ll have one for dinner! Calories don’t count at Disney, right?”
While Darren says he never tires of revisiting the most magical place on earth, he also explains to his clients that there’s always something new and exciting to do or see. The parks are constantly updating attractions and performances, and limited-time events keep it from ever growing stale.
“What I love the most is getting to visit the parks with friends and family from back home,” he said. “I’m surprised how many people travel to Orlando for work and play. We love meeting up in the parks for a day of fun and catching up.”
As an experienced travel agent, Darren is able to help make the most of his friends’ and family’s limited time when they come for visits.
Aside from Walt Disney World, Darren specializes in booking Universal Orlando Resort and Florida-based cruises. He’s proud to say he only works with cruise lines he’s truly passionate about, and has firsthand experience with to pass along to his clients.
Darren’s cruising experience didn’t start until about a decade ago, but he’s become a huge advocate for the right ship, and the right itinerary. “I believe Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are true leaders in family cruise vacations,” he said, dubbing ships in the RC Oasis Class as “engineering marvels.”
He even says his next “bucket list” vacations include sailing aboard the Disney Treasure and the Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas, both set to arrive in Orlando next year.
Darren’s top tip for newcomers is to book with a travel agent. “Even though I was an experienced Disney traveler, I always booked with an agent before coming to MVT. You don’t know what you don’t know.” He explains how blogs and YouTube can be helpful to an extent, but only an agent will take the time to understand what you want out of your vacation, and how to make it happen.
