There are many great travel advisors out there.  Each one may have a slightly different style, so find someone you feel connects with you and what you need.  

A strong Disney-specialist should clearly explain:

• What is included in their planning process
• How they communicate during planning
• How far in advance they help with key reservations
• What happens after the trip is booked

• They give vague answers about their planning process
• They don't try to learn more about your family/preferences
• They are hard to reach before you book
• They don’t explain how they help with dining or Lightning Lanes
• They pressure you to book quickly without explaining options

Some travel agents charge fees, and some do not.  Charging fees is not a red flag.  However, any fees should be communicated upfront and transparently. 

Most European hotels do not have the typical “American-sized” hotel rooms. The actual size of the rooms and beds are often smaller, and many hotels limit occupancy to two people. While splitting up into multiple rooms can work for a few nights, do you really want to spend your entire vacation down the hall from the rest of your family?

Some European hotels offer “family rooms” (often connecting rooms), but these usually come at a much higher price point.
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Cruise lines vary in their stateroom offerings, but many cabins accommodate three, four, or even five guests comfortably!

Photo:  Verandah Stateroom on the Disney Dream.  This room sleeps up to four guests.  The couch converts to a twin bed, and an "upper berth" twin bed folds down from the ceiling at night.  

The ideal vacation overseas would include a direct flight overnight, allowing everyone to wake up in their new destination and start their day.  When that overnight sleep doesn’t happen, and someone needs to catch up on sleep, many cruise itineraries make this possible.

Some cruise itineraries start with a day at sea, giving everyone in the family a full day to adjust to the new time zone.  If the kids have adjusted and you haven’t, they can head off to cruise activities or the kids' club while you catch a much-needed nap.

Many cruise itineraries give you a sampling of Europe without fully committing to one destination.    What’s better than visiting one country in Europe?  Visiting more than one! 

Our first cruise included ports in Spain, Italy, and France.  Our second European Cruise included stops in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Norway. 

​We are so grateful that our kids have checked off that many fun places without having to constantly pack and change hotels.

Traveling somewhere unknown can be unsettling, especially when you have your kids in tow. 

Maybe you studied abroad in Florence, so you don’t need a guided tour or set excursion to navigate that area.  Or maybe you're the opposite and feel nervous because you don't want to do it alone. 

Cruise line excursions offer a variety of options, but if you’re comfortable, you can walk off the ship and explore independently.  If you prefer more structure, you can choose an excursion that meets onboard and guides you step-by-step through the day.  While safety during travel can never be promised, choosing the level of structure that fits your comfort zone can help mitigate risk.

It’s funny how quickly your cruise ship starts to feel like home. 

By day three, you can find your room without hesitation. The barista knows your name. The bartender remembers how you like your martini.
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Each day you get to go out on a port adventure, it’s a new city, often times with new menus in different languages.   Walking up to a local restaurant can raise some questions: What if I can’t read the menu or pricing? What if the server tries to get a tip because they know I’m American?  What if I order something entirely too adventurous for my palate?  It is great to know that while you may have a different meal or two while ashore, your "home" is waiting for you. Back on your cruise ship, French fries and chicken fingers are always available!

​Katie D is a travel advisor with Magic Expeditions who specializes in family travel, Disney destinations, and cruises. She helps families plan trips that feel manageable, memorable, and fun - especially when navigating international travel with kids.

For families who want to ease into international-style travel without leaving the U.S., the Adventures by Disney Yellowstone and Wyoming is the perfect starting point.

​This guided family tour includes classic Western experiences like horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Families also explore Yellowstone National Park, with VIP access to Old Faithful and wildlife viewing opportunities.

If your family craves a tropical getaway, Costa Rica delivers a mix of adrenaline and natural beauty.

​Ziplining through the rainforest canopy, spotting monkeys and sloths, and soaking in volcanic hot springs are just a few of the highlights. Disney’s Adventure Guides ensure every detail is seamless, so families can enjoy the thrill without stress.

Europe can be intimidating if you have not been there (or have not been in many years).  When you add kids into the mix, things always feel even more complicated! 

​The London & Paris itinerary solves this with VIP access to landmarks like the Tower of London and the Eiffel Tower. These are the iconic sites parents love to share with their children - bringing to life what they have only seen in books or on TV back home.  Families enjoy these must-see highlights with all the logistics handled — no worrying about tickets, lines, or transportation.

We have helped a lot of families plan incredible vacations over the years.  Our clients often tell us that having our advice on which trip to start with made the decision far easier than sorting through every option on their own.  These three itineraries are consistently rated as the best introductions to family guided tours / Adventures by Disney by our clients. They balance iconic destinations with Disney’s trademark storytelling and service, giving families a smooth first experience before tackling more exotic itineraries.  (We will be there to help you with those too!)

As professional travel agents, we help families choose the right trip based on ages, interests, and travel style. We’ve seen first-hand how the right itinerary can turn a good vacation into an unforgettable one.

We can answer the questions you did not know you had before you travel - and Disney will be there to ensure your trip is smooth as soon as your flight lands.