DISNEY WORLD SECRETS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR 2023 | WITH TRAVEL AGENT GABBY JONES

DISNEY WORLD SECRETS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR 2023

There’s just something so magical about theme parks! With Universal Studios and Disney World specifically, I love how they feel like you’re immersed into a movie set. If you’re anything like me though, planning a trip to one of these parks can be pretty overwhelming. Especially with all of the technology changes and updates to the parks’ websites, apps, policies, etc. One of my close friends, Gabby Jones, is a Travel Agent and one of her specialties is planning vacations for guests to these Magical Parks! I wanted to chat with her about any insider Disney World secrets she could share with us, and she gave alllll the tips. Here’s everything you need to know for your Disney Vacation in 2023!

Gabby, I’m so glad to have you here! Tell us a little bit about you, and what made you want to get into the travel industry?

I’m so excited that you’ve asked me to share on the blog! Quick little bit about me—I’m Gabby Jones, an avid Disney Adult and a Travel Planner! I’m married to my sweetheart, Daniel Jones and we live in the greater Nashville area. Fun Fact: My husband Daniel actually proposed in front of the castle at Disney World and shortly after, we got married and decided to honeymoon there as well. So, safe to say….we’re just a tad bit obsessed!

Which brings me to the travel piece. I’ve lost track just how many times I’ve been to Disney at this point. Truly as long as I remember! The memories I’ve made from the time I was just a kid to getting engaged and honeymooning at the parks; it just felt so natural that I’d step into the world of Disney, as well as other special travel destinations around the world, in a way I’d never done so before. I get to tangibly help people make lasting memories with their loved ones at a place so very near and dear to my heart. It’s been something I wish I’d started way sooner! Making memories and spending time with those we love is the greatest gift and to know that I get to help people have an incredible, fun and stress free vacation is just priceless.  

I know you help your guests plan all kinds of vacations, but I want to dive into Disney for a second. First of all, does it cost someone any extra fee to work with you?

So, working with me is absolutely FREE! And no, there isn’t a catch. When someone books a Disney vacation through me, Disney pays me directly. You don’t have to 🙂 

Most people don’t realize that Disney (as well as other vendors) include the price of a Travel Agent in the cost of a package. So, if you think about it, you’re paying for an agent whether you use one or not! Might as well use one and get the free assistance!

WOW okay. Yeah, I definitely didn’t know that! What types of things are you able to do for your clients and take off their plate while vacay planning? 

There’s tons of things I’m able to do!  This is where I have to give major props to my awesome Travel Agency, We Do Travel Right because we offer SO many wonderful and exclusive perks/services to our clients. 

We’re the only agency to have an entire Dining/Experiences team dedicated to working around the clock to grab your specific requests for those “hard to snag” reservations, special behind the scenes tours and a ton more. We also offer free bi-weekly client seminars on all sorts of topics like how to navigate Disney, Genie+ and what you need to know before embarking on your trip. 

Everyone on our team treats your vacation like it’s their own and collectively, we’ve got so much extensive Disney experience, it’s not even funny. So, booking with me gives you access to all this and more! I’m your Disney bestie in your back pocket the whole way through and your trip will always be personalized to fit your specific preferences and needs. 

Again….Did I mention all this is free? 

Looooove. Ok time to spill the tea…can you give us any of your Disney World secrets?? 

This is where it gets really fun. So, let’s chat freebies! One of the cutest free experiences that some folks aren’t aware of at Disney World is Pixie Dust! Yes, you can get “pixie dusted” over in Magic Kingdom for free. Just behind the Cinderella Castle is a shop called Sir Mickey’s! Go in and ask a cast member for Pixie Dust and they’ll take their wand and sprinkle some glittery magic on your head and send you on your way. It’s so adorable, you have to try it. 

Another freebie I absolutely love are…

…the Celebration buttons! There are several different buttons you can choose from—there’s a “1st Visit” button, an “I’m Celebrating ______” that you can personalize, an anniversary/Honeymoon one and of course, a Birthday one! Grabbing a button is super easy. Just run over to almost any Disney shop within the resorts/parks and ask for whichever one you’d like! I have really sweet memories of Cast Members and park guests alike wishing me a happy birthday or congratulating my husband and I on just getting married! I always try to grab them when there’s a fun celebration in our party because you never know! You just might get some sweet and generous favors like maybe a free snack? Or an extra ride on that attraction you really love. Disney is in the business of going above and beyond for their guests, so it’s a fun way to have your celebration acknowledged. 

For a neat experience at the end of the day, I can book you a fun fireworks dining package! These exclusive packages allow you to enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal with dessert and beverages, plus guaranteed reserved seating for an evening nighttime fireworks show!

And to take it up another notch, I can book you a fireworks cruise! This is a memorable way to watch those night time shows right from the water. Bring up to 10 friends with you on this 25 ft. boat  and they’ll sail you right up to the perfect viewing area. Each boat is accompanied by a captain, assorted snacks and soft drinks! (You can also bring your own alcohol).

Some of my favorite restaurants/bars that I’m always suggesting to friends and family are: 

• Trader Sams at the Polynesian Resort for a tiki bar vibe and a super interactive experience!
• Oga’s Cantina—the best bar in the galaxy at Hollywood Studios for all my Star Wars lovers! (The Fuzzy Taun Taun and the Jedi Mind Trick are 2 of my personal faves to order)
• Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary—the food is so delish any time of day. Stylish, but casual ambiance with a nod to Walt Disney himself!
• Skipper Canteen—a solid sit down option at Magic Kingdom in the Adventureland area of the park boasting some really good Asian, South American and African cuisine. (Be sure to try the Brazilian Cheesy Bread on the secret menu!)

A general tip: Pack a reusable water bottle for those free refills throughout the parks and a rechargeable phone battery. Trust me, you’ll be using your phone a ton on your trip between placing mobile orders, grabbing photos and videos, navigating the Disney App (which is a real battery guzzler), so pack that battery or purchase a fuel rod in the parks. It’s much easier to recharge on the go instead of searching everywhere for charging stations! Here’s a link to my Amazon Storefront for all my amazon Disney trip must haves!

There’s so much more I could say, but this would turn into a novel, so follow my IG/book your next vacay with me for all the personalized suggestions, tips and freebies! 

Other than Disney, what are some of your favorite trips you’ve booked for clients? 

I’ve had the honor of getting to plan some really sweet all inclusive honeymoon vacations for clients and I have to say, those have definitely been super special to get to book! Being married myself, I love helping newlyweds have amazing experiences and setting them up for a relaxing time to recharge and connect. It’s another type of vacation that I really enjoy booking for clients! 

Disney is so incredibly fun for me, but I’m always learning about other destinations and I have so much fun booking all sorts of vacations as well! So, if you’re in the market for a getaway to the Caribbean, Jamaica, Mexico, a fun cruise, maybe even Universal to see all the Harry Potter attractions/roller coasters, I’m your girl! I can basically book you anything, so don’t hesitate to ask!

Thank you so much for sharing all of this Gabby! This definitely makes me want to book my next Disney trip ASAP. Where can we find you to book a trip?

Thanks so much, Maddy! You can reach out in a variety of ways! 

For Disney related or general vacation Inquiries, click this link to fill out my form or email me at Gabriellalouzadajones@gmail.com

And be sure to connect with me on Instagram for additional tips! @Mrsgabriellajones 

Can’t wait to chat with you all and help you make some magical memories! xo