MVT Agent Spotlight – Stephanie

Stephanie’s childhood love of Disney grew into not just a career, but also a way to build magical memories for her family of seven.

After countless trips, five children and nearly 14 years as a travel advisor, you’d think the “Disney glow” would have worn off. Yet for MVT Agent Stephanie, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

With a love for Walt Disney World that began as a little girl, her passion for the magic grew as she got older, eventually taking the reins as her own family’s trip planner. When the opportunity arose to join Magical Vacations Travel as an agent back in 2010, Stephanie leaned into the “dream come true” chance to help plan memorable trips for others.

“Planning a Disney vacation is magical, whether it’s your first time or not,” she said. “No other client gets as excited as Disney clients do when you start putting together their trip.”

Stephanie especially enjoys helping her clients map out their dining reservations, as for her, it’s usually the first time in the planning process where they can actualize parts of the trip they’ve been dreaming about.

“I get caught up in their excitement, too,” she said.

With a lifetime of Disney memories under her belt, it’s no surprise that Walt Disney World is Stephanie’s favorite destination to book.

“My husband proposed to me at Cinderella’s Castle under the Wishes fireworks,” she said, adding that they’ve been bringing their five children back to Orlando since their oldest – now 16 – was just six months old.

“We’ve made so many memories in those parks over the past 16 years that will continue to live on,” she said. “We truly feel like we’re home when they say ‘Welcome Home.’”

Stephanie is somewhat unique in her approach to vacationing at Walt Disney World. While she and her family of course have their preferences and top “must-visit” resorts and restaurants, she certainly doesn’t feel the need to stay in her comfort zone.

“I’m currently trying to stay at all of the 21 different resorts,” she said, “and I only have four more to go. I have yet to find one where I wouldn’t stay again.”

If pressed, Stephanie admits that the Polynesian is at the top of her list. She hails the location as unbeatable, the dining options delicious, and the perks as special as other add-ons you might have to book separately at different resorts.

“It’s my favorite monorail resort because you can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool or beach area,” she said. The resort even pipes in the nighttime spectacular music, timed to match your view of the show.

From fireworks along the beach, to the pineapple macadamia nut pancakes at Kona Cafe, the Polynesian Village Resort has earned a spot at the top of Stephanie’s list of favorite Disney hotels.

When it is time to eat and play, Stephanie toes the line of classic and creative.

She and her family lean into the immersive theming of Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom, where the food is unique and the service is memorable. She gives a special nod to the house-made sangria that “hits the spot” on a hot park day, claiming the eatery is unlike any other restaurant in the parks.

As for favorite attractions, Stephanie says the Carousel of Progress is a must-do on any trip. The nostalgic ride brings back memories of visiting with her parents and sister as a little girl, giving her that “feel-good” experience. Of course, nostalgia has not stopped Stephanie from jumping on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind whenever a boarding group is available!

Because there is simply so much to see and do, Stephanie makes a point of trying sometime new on each Walt Disney World trip – whether with family, friends, or fellow agents. It could mean trying a new restaurant, knocking a different resort off her list, or a magical extra like special tours or activities.

“We know when we travel with Disney, whether it be parks or a cruise, we’re going to be taken care of,” she said.

Since joining the travel industry, Stephanie has truly welcomed the opportunities that have been presented to her. In addition to booking Disney properties, she’s also ready and able to plan client trips with Universal, Royal Caribbean, as well as Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Up next on her personal travel calendar? A Walt Disney World Agent training trip this April, Disney’s Hilton Head over the summer, and a family getaway to the Western Caribbean aboard the Disney Fantasy this September.

Even with such a well-rounded roster of trips in and out of the Disney bubble, Stephanie knows being a newcomer to “the World” can sometimes be intimidating. She instills confidence in her clients well in advance, but always recommends giving yourself grace when mapping out your trip.

“Go in with a good plan, but be flexible,” she said, “some of our favorite memories happen in those unplanned moments.”