Disney vacations are magical! What family doesn’t dream of a Disney vacation? But when it’s time to plan, many parents don’t even know where to begin. With so many options and details, the process can be overwhelming. You must decide where to stay, what parks to visit, what passes you need, transportation, bonus activities, etc. That is why using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner might be the solution to a stress-free (and fun) preparation.
My family has only visited Disneyland once with friends whose son worked there – so we had insider assistance. Having insight from someone familiar with everything was incredibly helpful. Since COVID, there has been some changes to the Disney parks, so we wanted to once again have someone help us navigate all the details and make the most of our visit. When starting to research, I continued to see information about Authorized Disney Vacation Planners.
After talking with friends and family it seemed the consensus was a lot of curiosity about what exactly is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and what are the benefits of using one. So, I gathered some questions, and interviewed Lisa Rippole with Litterini Travel. Lisa is a travel advisor/planner specializing in Disney Destinations Worldwide, Universal Parks and Resorts Vacations, and Sandals and Beaches Resorts.
Below are the answers to some common questions I gathered which I hope is helpful.
After talking with her, we decided to book our Disneyland adventure — and we are so glad we did! To read more about our weekend in Disneyland, click here.
Questions & Answers
Is there a charge for using your service?
My services are 100% complimentary. I am paid by our partners after the client (you) complete your travel. It is the same price to book through me as it is through the travel partner (e.g., Disney) directly. The only difference is that the travel partners keep the commission (which is already built into your price) if you book yourself.
How does the process work?
I talk with my clients to understand their vacation wants and needs and then build them a customized plan. I can assist with their first or 100th visit. I offer inside knowledge, tips, and tricks, and can help with as much or as little as they would like.
What is included in your service?
I handle all the payments, deadlines, and coordination with the travel partners (e.g., Disney, Beaches, etc.). No more waiting on hold or searching for deals – I do this for you. I can arrange lodging, resort and ticket packages, special activities, transportation to and from the airport, and to other destinations as needed. For Sandals and Beaches, I can even arrange off-resort excursions, and request extras for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays.
Do you book air travel?
I don’t book air travel – but manage almost everything else. My clients can get better airfare deals by booking themselves. This also gives them the flexibility to use points, earn miles, and select the seats and times that work best for them. If they book airfare through our travel partners, they don’t get this level of flexibility.
What are the benefits of using this type of service?
Expertise. I have been to these locations myself and have booked for many clients. Additionally, my agency colleagues have a wealth of knowledge. So, if I don’t have personal experience with a specific hotel or excursion, there will be someone within my network that does.
With COVID and all the changing rules, I stay up to date on all the restrictions for the state and properties.
Lastly, my goal is to give my clients the best experience. I watch for new promos and deals and will adjust their prices as necessary. I offer perks, gifts, and incentives you don’t get when booking directly.
Who can use your service?
I can work with clients anywhere in the U.S. I can even assist with annual passholders and apply Veterans discounts.
How can we learn more?
You can visit my Instagram and Facebook pages to see more about these wonderful destinations. Please reach out to me on either account if you’d like to receive more information. And to learn more about the agency, you can visit the Litterini Travel website.
