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Coffee with Creatives - April 7, 2025

April 07, 20254 min read

Coffee with Creatives - April 7, 2025

Featuring

Tara Braatz of Tara Lee Interior Design

Rebecca Bertoldi of My Local Marketing Shop & 222 Marketing

Michelle Dempsey - Travel Advisor

EPISODE RECAP

Exploring the Magic of Disney with Expert Tips from Michelle Dempsey

Welcome to another magical Monday! As the rain patters down in Connecticut, we're huddling indoors, dreaming of faraway lands and fantastical adventures. If you've been yearning for some Disney escapism, you're in luck. Today, we’re joined by our delightful guest, Michelle Dempsey, who has a treasure trove of Disney secrets to share with us.

Michelle has been frequenting Disney parks for years, turning her love for the happiest place on Earth into a career. She specializes in arranging enchanting trips to Disney and Universal Studios, particularly for families and multi-generational groups. So grab your favorite coffee cup, and let's dive into the details and magic of planning the ultimate Disney trip!

Sipping with Style

Michelle's Coffee Showcase:

Michelle’s cup of choice today is a charming Beauty and the Beast-themed mug, a nostalgic reminder of the enchanting French Pavilion in Epcot.

Each of us has our morning rituals, and for some, like Terry, it’s all about the perfect mug. Her selection—a handmade pottery cup with a quirky gold handle—reminds us that beauty is often found in the little imperfections.

Disney Trip Planning 101

Planning a Disney adventure isn’t as simple as grabbing your mouse ears and heading to the parks. Michelle shares some invaluable tips to avoid common pitfalls and ensure everyone's wishes are met, especially when accommodating a broad age range.

Navigating Multi-Generational Trips

Traveling with multiple generations? Here's a key takeaway from Michelle:

"Don’t try and do everything together."

The smallest members may not be able to enjoy the thrill rides, and older generations might prefer relaxing with a good book and a snack while the others explore. Balance is essential to keep everyone happy and refreshed.

Timing is Everything

Michelle advises factoring in downtime, especially for young kids. A mid-day break for a nap or a swim can turn a potentially cranky afternoon into a pleasant time for all.

Accessibility Tips

For visitors with mobility challenges, consider a scooter rental. Disney parks are vast, and even the fittest walker can find the distances daunting over multiple days.

Budgeting Your Dream Vacation

When it comes to booking your getaway, several factors determine the scope of your budget:

  • Accommodations: Prices vary widely, from $175 a night to over $1,000. Determine whether part of the budget is allocated for flights, dining, or other pursuits.

  • Travel Insurance: It’s crucial. One couple missed their cruise ship on their honeymoon due to a flight delay—a costly error that could have been mitigated with proper insurance.

Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Dining:

For meals in high demand, such as Cinderella’s Castle, you need to be on the reservation site at 6 AM, exactly 60 days before you want to dine.

Lightning Lanes:

These allow you to cut the line on popular attractions. Strategically booking these will help maximize your fun.

Enchanting Photographic Memories

Disney’s PhotoPass offers another level of magic by capturing your memories professionally. You can either opt for the package or hand your camera to a PhotoPass photographer for snapshots without spending extra.

Disney through the Lens

Michelle shares some of her favorite photo opportunities:

  • Galaxy's Edge: Step inside the universe of Star Wars with rides like the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

  • The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom: A feat of artistry with thousands of animal carvings, this icon also hosts the upcoming Zootopia show.

Beauty and the Beast Topiaries:

Marvel at the artistry with topiaries like a magical rendition of scenes from Beauty and the Beast at Epcot.

Handling First-Time Disney Visitors

First-timers may not always know what they want, so Michelle’s strategy involves a personal discussion:

  1. Discuss preferred ride types.

  2. Determine interest in character interactions.

  3. Establish whether the trip's focus will be on new adventures, relaxation, or everything in between.

Conquering the Character Experience

Preparing kids for their big moment with characters is critical. As Michelle notes:

"Prepare small children for the fact that Mickey Mouse is nearly 6 feet tall."

For many kids, this larger-than-life encounter can be overwhelming and a little daunting.

Special Seasonal Events and Park Preferences

Michelle also highlights special events and how they can shape your trip:

  • Epcot Festivals: From art in the spring to culinary experiences in the fall.

  • Avoiding Crowds: School calendars often dictate when parks are busiest. Aim for off-peak times to maximize your experience.

Michelle’s Disney and Universal Expertise

Michelle’s insights don’t end with Disney. As Universal Studios continues to evolve and expand, particularly with the new Super Nintendo World, consulting an expert ensures you're ahead of the game when planning these adventures.

Reaching Out to Michelle

Whether planning a Disney trip or exploring other travel ideas, connecting with Michelle is simple—via phone or through her Linktree for a plethora of social media and booking links.

By prioritizing what matters most and planning with a pro like Michelle, your dream Disney adventure will transform into reality. Remember, magic happens when preparation meets opportunity, so start dreaming, planning, and preparing for that next unforgettable trip! Stay kind, embrace adventure, and we’ll catch you next Monday.

Do you have any Disney tales or travel tips to share? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

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