Agent Spotlight: Sharon

By Stephanie Malone

When you’re named after a Mouseketeer, it should come as no surprise when you become a Travel Agent who specializes in Disney destinations!

With a name that was inspired by an original member of the Mickey Mouse Club, MVT Agent Sharon says it was pretty much inevitable that she’d join the ranks as a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations.

Sharon’s kids may be fully grown now, but the magic of childhood Disney vacations lasts a lifetime.

Sharon grew up with a thread of Disney magic woven into her life.

“As a kid, my mom made sure on Sunday evening that the television was tuned in to the Wonderful World of Disney, hosted by Walt himself,” she said. “Disney World had not yet existed, so I only saw videos about Disneyland, and always hoped that someday I’d get to go.”

Fast forward to adulthood, when Sharon met MVT Owner and President, Michele. The two became fast friends, with common interests and children attending the same preschool.

“She asked me to come on board, because she knew how much I loved Disney,” she said. Sharon started as a part-time agent in 2012, taking on clients on top of her full time career.

In 2018, she took the leap to leave her job and pursue life as a full-time agent with Magical Vacations Travel, and hasn’t slowed down yet. Sharon is a Platinum Magic Maker with Magical Vacations Travel, and was recognized in 2021 as a “Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent” by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.

When she finally traveled to Anaheim as an adult, Sharon says it brought back all of her childhood memories as she stepped on property.

On top of specializing in all Disney Destinations, Sharon continues to learn and expand her skill set, taking on Universal Orlando and Hollywood, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and several cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Tauck and AmaWaterways.

“I’ve always been a Disney girl so that is where my heart lies, but I love branching out into new adventures with other destinations,” she said.

When traveling for herself or with family, Walt Disney World still tops Sharon’s list, especially if it means getting to stay at the Yacht Club Resort.

The Disney magic doesn’t end when you grow up, especially for Sharon and her family of Disney adults! Sharon and her family have experienced so much of what Disney has to offer. Let her firsthand experience guide you and calm any worries about the planning process.

“We love the location with easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios,” she said, “hopping the Skyliner to grab great coffee at the Riviera or a fun drink at the pool bar at Caribbean Beach.” She and her family love the convenience of the Yacht Club, and the relaxing atmosphere compared to some other resorts.

Elsewhere on property, you can find Sharon dining at Narcoosees or heading to the Magic Kingdom for a doom buggy ride at the Haunted Mansion.

Sharon’s time with Magical Vacations Travel has fostered some incredible memories, both of her own and for those of her clients. She knows how the Disney magic grows and adapts as children become adults, who pass it to the next generation.

“I get so much joy from helping families make magic, and I love to see extended families – parents and grandparents – experiencing Disney through the eyes of their children,” she said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Even before becoming an agent, Sharon planned a family vacation for 18 or her relatives.

She fondly recalls planning a vacation for 18 of her family members – even before she became an agent herself – back when Disney offered Grand Gatherings for groups of eight or more Guests.

They spent the whole trip together, from dining and exploring the parks, to a special Safari Celebration Dinner at Tusker House where Cast members brought in animals for a completely unique experience.

“I honestly don’t know how we did it,” she said, “It was great!”

Sharon has seen it all with planning vacations in and outside of the Disney bubble, and is as big an advocate as ever for using a travel agent.

Disney memories last a lifetime, but Sharon continues to build new ones for her family and clients.

“Planning a vacation can be time consuming and overwhelming, especially a Disney World vacation,” she said, “one of the biggest things we save you is time, which is such a precious commodity now.”

Sharon draws from her history and research to maximize your vacation – finding resorts for your budget, sharing insider information, and making herself available to ease any worries.She emphasizes that your agent is your source, so you don’t need to bounce around for answers to everything from initial planning to final return.

“Have a question – we are here to answer all of them,” Sharon says. “Where else can you get this service and not pay a dime for it?”

Heading to Disney for the first time? Like many of our agents, Sharon’s first piece of advice is to make a plan and manage expectations, especially if you’re traveling with young children. Understand that you can’t see and do it all on one trip, but you don’t need to in order to feel the perks of pixie dust.

“I see so many families run from morning until night, and the little ones just can’t take that pace,” she said. “Set the pace your family can keep up with, and stop to enjoy the magic of it all. Happy kids make happy parents!”