MVT Agent Spotlight: Debbie

Magical Vacations Travel Agent Debbie shares her experiences since joining the agency in 2007.

For some, discovering Disney magic happens as a child, when seeing Cinderella’s castle for the first time ignites a spark that lasts a lifetime. For others, that spark comes about later in life, experiencing the parks and resorts as a “Disney Adult” in ways that stand apart from spinning teacups and carousels.

For MVT Agent Debbie, visiting Walt Disney World would turn out to be the gateway to a multi-generational tradition of theme parks, characters, and all that Disney has to offer.

Debbie first came to know and love Walt Disney World on a family vacation in 1971. She and her parents headed to Orlando during the opening season, which turned out to be the first of many she would take not only with her parents, but with her now-husband, children and three grandchildren.

She can still recall squeezing into the “Doom Buggy” as a child with her parents at the Haunted Mansion, the dark ride she still calls her favorite attraction to this day.

“Isn’t that what it’s all about, the memories you shared with the people you love?” she said. “That’s where I find the magic.”

A New Jersey native, Debbie’s history with the Disney parks and resorts grew with her, as she became the resident Disney planner for her family. Eventually, a local friend introduced her to the then-owner of Magical Vacations Travel, who took Debbie on as a professional agent back in 2007.

“I have so many amazing, memorable experiences being a part of MVT,” she said. On her first “business trip” to Walt Disney World, Debbie recalls arriving to property late enough that she was able to witness Cast Members transforming the resort into a Christmastime wonderland so guests would wake up to a holiday surprise. She also describes being among the last people off the ship when the Disney Cruise Line Fantasy was christened in New York, and getting the chance to stay in the King Kamehameha Suite at the Polynesian Village Resort.

“Honestly, it is the lifelong friends I have made working with the MVT team, and making new memories that makes me feel truly blessed,” she said.

Debbie has had her fair share of experiences across Disney properties, but still claims Walt Disney World is her top choice – closely followed by Aulani in Hawaii. Perhaps without coincidence, her preferred place to stay at WDW is the Polynesian Village Resort, what she calls her “Hawaii on the East Coast.” She loves the theming of the resort and says she can always count on MVT Owner Michele DeNofa to join her for a Lapu Lapu at ‘Ohana.

With so much planning experience, Debbie has finely tuned her advice for Disney newcomers:

• You won’t see it all on this trip, but you will be back for more!
• There’s always time for sleep when you return home.
• Just let Disney happen. Plan ahead, but remember that the magic is all around.

Up next, Debbie will be sailing aboard the Disney Wish. She’s been lucky enough to sail on all the Disney Cruise ships, but also looks forward to traveling with Adventures by Disney in future. 

“I am grateful to sell something I love and cherish,” she said, “and hopefully, leave my clients and their families feeling the same way.”