Expert Answers to Your Frequently Asked Travel Questions
At Magic Expeditions, we know you have questions about planning your dream vacation. Whether you’re curious about theme parks, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, or traveling with kids, we’ve got answers! Below are the top questions people ask about travel, along with our expert advice.
General Travel Questions
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How far in advance should I book my vacation?
For the best availability and pricing, we recommend booking:
How can I save money when booking a trip?
Booking early and traveling during off-peak seasons are the two best ways to control costs. Working with a travel agent like the team at Magic Expeditions also ensures you have an expert watching for promotions and helping you maximize your travel investment.
What documents do I need for international travel?
If you are flying to a foreign country, you will need a passport book. This is different than a passport card. Some countries also require you to have a certain amount of time remaining before your passport expires. Certain destinations require visas, vaccination documentation, and/or proof of travel insurance also. Some cruise vacations require a passport, and some do not (although we always recommend a passport!). We help you navigate the requirements based on your specific vacation.
Why should I use a travel agent?
Planning a vacation is a big investment—why go it alone? Just like you trust a professional for your taxes or a great haircut, a travel agent ensures your trip is seamless, stress-free, and maximized for value.
At Magic Expeditions, we bring firsthand experience, expert planning, and industry connections to craft vacations tailored just for you. We handle the details, anticipate challenges, and give a direct line to a human to ask questions—something a booking site can’t do. Whether it’s Disney, all-inclusive resorts, or a river cruise, we make travel easy, personalized, and hassle-free. Your vacation time is precious—let an expert handle it! |
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Disney Parks Questions
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What is the best age for kids to visit Walt Disney World?
Disney is magical for all ages. Really. We have a large number of adult-only clients who enjoy the parks without the kids!
As a parent, you also want to take your child when they will really soak up the magic! That "magic" sweet spot probably falls between 4-10 years old. But don't be afraid to take those babies and toddlers either! Children ages 2 and under don't require a ticket (FREE!). Plus, Disney offers baby care centers in the parks and plenty of family-friendly attractions to make it easier traveling with littles. So again...ANY age is great. Don't wait until the kids "will remember it" or you may miss some of the joy and wonder of witnessing a little experience magic for the first time. What are the best times to visit Disney World?
This answer may vary for different people. Some people want WARM weather so they can enjoy time at the waterparks, resort pool, and soak up the sun. Some people love the magic of the holidays when the weather is cooler and the Christmas decorations are out in the parks.
In general, if children are out of school, the crowds may be higher (especially Thanksgiving break, Christmas break, and Spring Break seasons). The least crowded times are:
Bonus tip: Use our planning expertise to optimize your itinerary and minimize your time in line for top attractions. We have the strategies to help! How do I book character dining at Disney?
Character dining reservations open months in advance and book quickly. We are happy to handle these reservations for our clients so you don’t miss out on popular experiences like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Chef Mickey’s. If you have the Disney Dining Plan, you can use this for Character dining meals also! Organizing your dining plans is just one of the many Disney vacation planning services we provide.
How do I find a certified Disney Travel Agent?
Magic Expeditions is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency! Our agents are all graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge and have years of experience traveling to Disney destinations and planning Disney vacations. We know planning Disney can be intimidating. We will give you expert guidance and work to make the planning process as easy as possible.
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All-Inclusive Resort Questions
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What does “all-inclusive” mean?
An all-inclusive resort includes accommodations, meals, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), activities, and entertainment for one upfront price. Some resorts also include airport transfers, water sports, or spa credits.
Are all-inclusive resorts good for families?
Absolutely! Many all-inclusive resorts cater to families with amenities like kids’ clubs, water parks, and family suites. We’ll match you with the perfect resort for your family’s needs.
Do I need to tip at an all-inclusive resort?
Small tips for excellent service with housekeeping, bartenders, and dining staff are very appreciated. Even if gratuities are included, you should plan to bring some cash with you to most all-inclusive resorts. However, there are some resorts that have a strict no-tipping policy—we’ll let you know the guidelines and customs before you go!
Can I visit an all-inclusive resort with dietary restrictions?
Yes! Many resorts accommodate dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. Let us know what you need and we may have specific recommendations for you. We’ll work with the resort you choose to notify them of your concerns in advance. We cannot guarantee accommodations, but we can help make it as easy as possible to travel with restrictions.
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Universal Parks Questions
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What are the different parks at Universal Orlando Resort?
Universal Orlando Resort includes four parks:
How does the Universal Express Pass work?
The Universal Express Pass allows you to skip the regular lines at select rides. There are two versions: Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited. It is available as a separate purchase or may be included for guests staying at select Premier Universal hotels for use at select parks. We can give you all of the details when planning your trip.
What is the Hogwarts Express, and do I need a special ticket?
The Hogwarts Express is a train ride connecting Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida to Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure. You must have a Park-to-Park ticket to ride. Insider tip: The experience is different depending on which direction you are heading!
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Cruise Travel Questions
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What’s the best cruise line for families?
Each family is different, so this is tough to answer! Disney Cruise Line is a favorite for families, offering top-notch kids’ clubs, family-friendly activities, Broadway-style shows, and even adult-only areas. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival also offer great family options with water slides, zip lines, and theatrical shows. Let's talk about your family specifically and what you are looking for in a cruise line. Book a call with one of our agents using our Contact page.
How do I choose the right stateroom on a cruise?
Here’s a quick overview of the general room types available:
We’ll help you choose the best option for your needs and budget. There are many options that vary based on the cruise line and the exact ship you choose. What’s included on a river cruise?
River cruises typically include accommodations, meals, shore excursions, and sometimes alcohol. They’re an intimate, all-inclusive way to explore Europe, Asia, and beyond. They have a larger focus on cultural experiences, historical cities, and small group activities.
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Family Travel Questions
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How do I keep kids entertained during a long flight?
It's hard to predict how your children will do on a plane if you have not flown with them before (or even if you have!), but you can do some prep work to help them get ready for the experience.
Discuss the airport, airplane ride, and the experience with them before you travel. If they are especially nervous, it might be worth a trip to the airport in advance to show them what it looks like. You can also create a "social story" outlining them taking the trip, what they will see, etc. Here are some packing tips for the airplane:
Bonus: Check with your airline for family perks like early boarding or family boarding. To read more on this topic, please click here for the short read: Tips for Flying with Little Ones! What are the best destinations for a family vacation?
Our top picks include:
How do we get passports?
US Citizens should start at travel.state.gov for a passport application. The rules are different for children and adults and you should always confirm the requirements and turnaround times at this official government website.
Passports for children under 16 are only valid for 5 years. Both parents or guardians must approve that we can issue a passport to a child, and go with the child to apply in person. |
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Planning with Magic Expeditions
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Why should I book with Magic Expeditions?
We are a family-friendly travel agency that treats each trip as if it were our own. We want to make the planning process so easy for you that you will think of us again and again for your future trips!
Here’s what sets us apart:
How do I get started planning my trip?
It’s easy! Contact us today for a free consultation (go here and fill out this form!).
We’ll take care of every detail, so you can focus on making memories. If you want to read more about our team, visit our About page to see details on each agent! |
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