Travel Tales & Inspiration
People always ask me why I decided to start Smart Dad Travel. Travel has always been in my blood. Right out of college, I began working with educational travel companies, Rustic Pathways and Education First (EF). My role involved partnering with global non-profit organizations to design service-learning trips for high school and college students. Through this, I developed a deep appreciation for travel and learned how enriching supplemental experiences enhance the overall journey.
Eventually, my wife and I had our son, and I decided to put my travel career on hold to be around more often. I transitioned into a role as a management consultant, yet I continued planning countless family and friends’ vacations. Seeing others smile and enjoy the itineraries I crafted brought me immense joy.
Our First Trip to Disney
When our son turned four, we decided to embark on our first family trip to Disney World. I had heard from friends that planning such a trip was a massive undertaking, but I approached it with enthusiasm and thorough preparation. Even so, I was unprepared for the challenges we faced.
Our first Disney trip was a borderline disaster. We tried to do everything and returned home utterly exhausted. Some of the high-level challenges we faced included:
- Complex Itinerary Planning: Balancing park visits, dining reservations, and attraction times required meticulous planning and I didn’t know the best time of year to visit.
- Crowd Management: Navigating large crowds and long lines in the Florida heat was stressful.
- Genie+ and Lightning Lane Reservations: Securing these within limited windows was highly competitive, and I spent most of the day on my phone.
- Accommodation Choices: Choosing the best of the 26 Disney-owned resorts that fit our budget was incredibly time-consuming.
- Restaurant Choices: With 104 different restaurants, researching options that met our dietary needs was daunting.
- Ticket Options: Selecting the right ticket package was confusing, and we were disappointed when the park closed early for a special event we didn’t have tickets for.
- Transportation Logistics: Coordinating travel within Disney World required careful planning to find the best routes.
- Budget Management: Tracking expenses was challenging, and we ended up overspending.
- Meal Planning: I miscalculated our dining reservation date and missed out on the best restaurants.
- Entertainment Scheduling: Ensuring everyone saw their desired shows and parades without conflicts was difficult.
- Handling Emergencies: My son got sick on Mission: SPACE, causing us to miss our Lightning Lane reservations for Frozen.
I spent so much time on my phone planning each next step that I came home needing another vacation. THERE HAD TO BE A BETTER WAY.
The Better Way to Travel
Despite the stress, I learned a lot. As a Disney Vacation Club member, my family and I continue to visit the parks or go on a cruise every year. After numerous trips, I now consider myself a Disney expert and insider.
I started Smart Dad Travel to help busy families plan unforgettable vacations without the hassle. Over the years, I’ve earned my Disney Travel Planner certification and Travel Agent Certification. I’ve also created a massive database of tips and tricks, which I share with my team and pass on to you at no cost.
At Smart Dad Travel, we specialize in creating tailor-made Disney vacation itineraries, allowing you to focus on making magical memories with your loved ones. Our services include personalized planning, seamless bookings, and on-trip support, ensuring your vacation is smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.
Ready to Start Your Disney Adventure?
I invite you to schedule an initial consultation with me. Let’s chat about how we can make your dream Disney vacation a reality. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, I’m here to ensure it’s the best one yet. Fill out the form below to book your consultation, and let’s start planning your magical journey today!
