I’m not an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I’ve toyed with the idea of becoming one but life keeps getting in the way.
Years ago a spur of the moment trip came up. My daughter’s school choir had the opportunity to sing at EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional. Disney nut that I am, I couldn’t let an opportunity to see my daughter perform at my favorite place in the world slip by.
But, I had two small children at home. And my in-laws wanted to come, too. And I only had 6 weeks to plan.
For other vacations, 6 weeks may be plenty. But not for Walt Disney World.
So, I broke down and contacted an Authorized Disney planning company and crossed my fingers that they could pull together a trip as well as I had in the past.
And they/she did! I am an uber-planner. And I like to control my own destiny. But when Debbie stepped into the picture she did such an amazing job and saved me so much money (SO much money!!!) she has planned every trip since – and that was over 14 years ago.
I had the chance to sit down and speak with her about her experiences – as a Disney guest and as a Disney Vacation Planner. She has so much valuable information to share that I’ve decided to create a multi-part series so we can all learn from her experiences.
I’ll link her contact information below in case you’d like help planning a trip – but even if you don’t use her, I can’t stress enough how important it is to find an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you trust. They know of deals before anyone, they have visited multiple times, they know the ins and outs of the reservation and FastPass process and a Disney Vacation Planner can save you lots and lots of money.
Let me introduce you to MY favorite Authorized Disney Planner!
Meet Debbie Kuhns!
How long have you been visiting Walt Disney World?
Over 30 years. My first trip was in December 1983 for my high school marching band. Back then it was just Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Our family trips started in December 1999 – when our son was 3. We indoctrinated him young!
How many times have your visited Walt Disney World?
I’ve been to Walt Disney World 23 times and sailed on 4 Disney Cruises.
What made you decide to become an Authorized Disney Planner?
It literally fell in my lap. I was a schoolteacher by trade. But when my son was young, I quit teaching to take care of him and my mom had health issues, so I was able to help with her. When my son entered kindergarten, I was looking for something I could do. Magical Journeys was just starting in 2000. I called to book another trip and they asked if I would consider becoming an Authorized Disney Planner. They knew I had a business degree and a teaching degree. I was active on the discussion boards. The rest is history! It’ll be 19 years this summer.
How do you save your clients money?
I keep checking, checking, checking for discounts that apply to YOUR vacation until something pops up. It costs the same to go through me as it does for you to go through Disney. But I check daily to see if any discounts can be applied to your trip. Disney doesn’t do that. When you book through Disney on you’re own, it’s basically one call and you’re done. As discounts become available, Disney does not apply them to your trip for you. But I am in constant contact with Disney. As soon as I hear of a discount that can be applied to your trip I apply it for you right away. By the time you leave for your trip you know, you’re receiving the most discounted price available. I am paid through a commission through Disney. This helps Disney because then they don’t have to hire so many Cast Members themselves to do the same work.
What sets you apart from other Disney Vacation Planners?
I think planning your vacation is a very personal thing. I listen and make suggestions based on each client’s needs. But I also strongly encourage my clients to participate in their own planning. That said, I don’t leave you hanging. There are great, reliable sites on the internet. And I send emails chock full of information. And you can always contact me with specific questions. (Mouseterplanner note: Her response time to emails is amazing!)
What are your favorite changes or improvements at Walt Disney World?
I love the technology (when it works.) And I love not having to print out pieces of paper for dining reservations. I LOVE My Disney Experience – the Disney Park app. They do need to make it more reliable, however. I do miss the paper FastPasses. It was fun spreading some magic to others with FastPasses you couldn’t use. But, you have to roll with the new changes. I love that they are continually updating and changing and improving.
Stay tuned for more tips and Disney impressions from Debbie. In the meantime, if you need help booking your next Disney vacation contact her: click the following link – Debbie at Magical Journeys Travel or email her directly – disneydebk@comcast.net
