Today on the blog, we're learning more about Reach for the Magic Travel Planner, Amy Shibilski!
Why did you want to become a Travel Planner?
After living in Florida for 4 years and many, many trips to Disney World we were moving to DC area, I knew that meant no more long weekends with the Mouse or impromptu trips. Denise and I went to high school together and she knew I loved spending time at Disney World and asked if I would be interested in becoming an independent agent, of course I said YES! The next best thing besides me planning my family's trips would be helping other families plan theirs!
What is your favorite Disney theme park?
This is a hard one, I do love them all, but since I have to pick one it will be Magic Kingdom. I love them all for a different reason, but Magic Kingdom for the history and what you think of when you hear Walt Disney World. The original rides, Main Street and the first sight of the castle…it never gets old!
I’ve visited Disneyland, Tokyo Disney, Disney World, Disney Cruise Line and Disneyland Paris…just a few more to go.
What is your favorite attraction and why?
I am horrible at picking favorites! If I must, my favorite iconic ride would be Dumbo, thrill ride Rock N Roller Coaster, I dislike 3D rides, but Pandora is amazing even if there are moments I have to close my eyes.
What is your favorite Disney spot to take photographs of?
Of course, the castle and fireworks! They never get old, always amazing! When Tinkerbell flies from the top of the castle, it gets me every time.
Are you an early bird or a night owl during your Disney vacations?
We are an all-day Disney family! Rope drop ‘til park close. Even when my kids were little nap and recharge time would be in the stroller, luckily I don’t recall any major meltdowns in the parks.
What is your favorite WDW resort?
It depends which category we are talking about. For value resorts I like All Star Movies for the decorations, however I just stayed at Art of Animations in the Little Mermaid rooms which I fell in love with the old school theming which is throughout the resort and in the rooms (the family suites are just as amazing!) Moderate resorts Port Orleans French Quarter, it’s quiet and smaller, you have boat (to Disney Springs) and bus transportation. Deluxe resorts so far it would be Animal Kingdom Lodge, sitting on your patio enjoying coffee or an evening beverage watching safari animals walk up to your patio, amazing. I have stayed at all the value and moderate resorts and look forward to checking out more of the Deluxe resorts.
If you could work as a Cast Member, what would your dream job be?
Hmmm….Tinkerbell during fireworks, can you imagine that view? I cry watching her I can’t imagine being her seeing all the guests from her view! My second would be a tour guide, I love the history of Disney, to be able to share that with guests would be even better.
What is your favorite Disney film?
I don’t really have a specific favorite movie, I do like all the princess classics, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, but then there’s Lion King, Lilo and Stitch, Alice in Wonderland, Fox and the Hound...no real favorite, just enjoy most Disney films.
What is your favorite Disney memory?
I’ll share three...The first would be when we took my daughter to Disneyland for her 3rd birthday, it was also my husband and my first trips as well. While the first trip is memorable for everyone, the best part was when she asked Cinderella to dance with her and she did! Just the two of them, dancing and twirling, this momma was crying and that three year old smile could not be beat! The second would be when we went to Tokyo Disney and Disney Sea, as an American with a little blonde blue-eyed boy the characters would walk up to him, no lines were amazing! The third and last I’d share would be Run Disney experiences. My first race was the inaugural Princess ½ marathon and then the Goofy (1/2 and full marathons) for marathon weekend. The feeling of crossing the finish line and accomplishment unexplainable. Although the super early wakeup call isn’t the best, Disney entertainment along the course, the characters and the bling is the best! There are races for everyone, kids races, 5k, 10k, ½ marathon, full marathon and spectator packages. I haven’t done a race in many years, I need to get back to training for them again.
If you could ask Walt one question, what would you ask?
Hmmm…What are your thoughts of where the Disney Parks are now, are they still what you envisioned?
You can reach Amy at Amy@ReachfortheMagicDestinations.com
and find her on Facebook!
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