Contact me at

dtmvwithamanda@yahoo.com

About Amanda

I am a travel agent with Discover The Magic Vacations,

and I specialize in family vacations such as Walt Disney World and

Universal Orlando Resort. I have extensive knowledge of

many other theme parks across the US as well.

While theme parks are my passion, I am also available to help with

cruises and Caribbean vacations as well as many other destinations.

I am also a self-proclaimed Disney adult and lover of Disney,

Universal, and theme park history. When I’m not keeping track of

theme park news, watching Disney vlogs and documentaries, or

writing for Theme Park Tourist, I enjoy nannying and spending

time with family, friends, and two dogs, Sulley and Ellie.

Why hire a travel agent?

You can leave your own review HERE

Certifications and Education

What makes me a great option for helping you with your next adventure?

I have several certifications including:

Discover the Magic Vacations

Disney and Universal Blog Posts

Check out one of my informative blog posts to

help you make the most imformed decisions about your trip!

You can also read articles I’ve written for Themeparktourist.com here!

Universal Orlando Resort’s Express Pass program runs about $150 per person, per day on average. There are two tiers of Express Pass. The first is the standard Express Pass which allows guests to skip the line at each attraction one time. The second is the Unlimited Express Pass which allows guests to skip the line at each attraction an unlimited number of times. The Unlimited Express Pass is included with a stay at each of the Premier hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. The main benefit that Express Pass has over Genie+ is that there is no planning or booking of time slots. Guests simply enter the Express Pass Lane and enjoy a wait that is typically 50% or less of the standby wait time.

When it comes to One-Day (one park) tickets, Walt Disney World prices range from $109-$179 depending on the time of year and the park guests choose to visit, while Universal Orlando Resort prices range from $119-$179. However, a ticket that includes park-to-park access is less expensive at Universal Orlando Resort, but there are only two parks versus four parks at Walt Disney World. When it comes to purchasing a multi-day ticket such as a 5-day ticket, Universal Orlando Resort’s tickets are much lower per day at $58-$82 while Walt Disney World ranges from $100-$144 per day.

When it comes to price, Universal Orlando Resort might be the overall least expensive option. However, it offers less for smaller children, especially while the Dreamworks-themed kids’ area is under construction at Universal Studios. Walt Disney World offers a variety of many more hotels and four theme parks to choose from, yet its skip-the-lines program isn’t the most user-friendly and while is less expensive than Express Pass, will probably pay more for accommodations and tickets.

Are Advanced Table Service meals/Reservations worth it?

One of the greatest stressors while planning a trip to Walt Disney World is making advanced dining reservations. There are benefits to putting in the time and effort to get those perfect dining reservations. Character dining experiences are only available at certain table service locations like Topolino’s Terrace. Additionally, a restaurant like California Grill can offer a more upscale meal (and even views of the fireworks). However, most of the time, you may prefer not to make too many reservations, here is why:

• Multiple table service reservations can make for an expensive trip
  

If you have picky eaters or those who do not eat as much, it is not worth it to spend a ton of money on a table service meal. Restaurants like Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table can average more than $200 for a family of four! Instead, you can order meals from a quick service location and get much more food for your money. Plus, you will have more options for kiddos and picky eaters.

• Getting locked into dining reservations can limit your schedule flexibility
  

Having multiple dining reservations scheduled, especially in the same day, can greatly limit your flexibility to explore the parks. With dining reservations, you are locked into a specific time in which you must dine. Children (or adults for that matter) may get tired and need to take a break back at the resort, but you cannot make it back in time for a scheduled reservation. It is also important to note, there is a fee per person if you do not make it to your dining reservation. I prefer to eat when I notice the ride waits are a little higher all around, and I can spend some time eating while waiting for the lines to die down some.

• You may miss out of many great dining options
  

There are hundreds of fantastic snacks and quick service items at Walt Disney World. When you are limited to mostly table service meals, you are truly missing out on some delicious options. There is literally something for every taste palate. From cheeseburger spring rolls to gluten free churros to Mickey pretzels, there is something for everyone. Additionally, many snacks or quick service meals are large enough to share. You can try a lot more food samplings from many different locations rather than enjoying only one or two table service restaurants. It is also a great way to save money.

• Advanced dining reservations can cause you a lot of stress
  

This is where I come in. While I cannot promise I can auire every reservation at each desired time, I will do everything I can to get you the reservations you must have. I can also make recommendations about the best times to visit each location.

Best Autism-Friendly Theme Parks

Theme parks are synonymous with fun, excitement, and thrills. However, for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families, navigating these sensory-rich environments can be overwhelming and challenging. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, several theme parks across the United States have taken significant strides to become more autism-friendly, providing accommodations and services tailored to the needs of individuals on the spectrum.

Arguably the pioneer for autism-friendly initiatives is Sesame Place in Pennsylvania and San Diego Known for its beloved characters from the iconic children's television show Sesame Street, Sesame Place became the first theme park in the world to be designated a Certified Autism Center. This certification signifies that the park's staff undergoes specialized training to better understand and support guests with autism. Additionally, Sesame Place offers quiet rooms, sensory guides, and low-sensory parade viewing areas, allowing guests to enjoy the park at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed by stimuli. Finally, they have implemented a Ride Accessibility Program to ensure all guests can safely ride attractions and allow for those with physical impairments or cognitive disorders to safely wait outside of the queue for attractions.

LEGOLAND Resorts has been at the forefront of creating an inclusive environment for individuals with autism. Like Sesame Place, the LEGOLAND resorts became Certified Autism Centers. The resorts offer low sensory areas, quiet rooms equipped with sensory-friendly items, and noise-canceling headphones. Moreover, LEGOLAND provides a program called the Hero Pass. This allows for the guest with a disability and one helper to ride attractions with no wait. If additional guests will be riding, then a reservation system is utilized where the party reserves a specific time to return and ride the attraction together. The resorts also offer sensory guides for every attraction, including the waterpark and even the hotel, so that guests and their families can choose experiences that are best for them. The Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida also utilizes the same Hero Pass program as LEGOLAND and offers a comprehensive sensory guide to the park. The Six Flags parks and Knobels have also been recognized as Certified Autism Centers. The parks provide a comprehensive sensory and accessibility guide. They are also implementing an Accessibility Program in which guests with qualifying conditions or impairments must register for an Individual Accessibility Card through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This is the same organization that certifies parks as Certified Autism Centers.

There are also sensory-friendly spaces provided for guests. The Nickelodeon Universe parks in New Jersey and Minnesota are two additional parks that have received the designation of Certified Autism Center. These parks provide noise-canceling headphones, quiet spaces, certified staff, and a thorough sensory guide for guests to review before visiting.

Beyond these notable examples, numerous other theme parks across the United States have implemented autism-friendly initiatives. Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, which operates parks like Cedar Point and Knott's Berry Farm, provides access to quiet areas and a Boarding Pass Program to allow equal access to guests of all abilities. Similarly, Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, has implemented measures to cater to individuals with autism and cognitive disorders. Through their Disability Access Service (DAS), guests can obtain accommodations such as waiting for attractions outside of the standard queue in a more sensory-friendly environment.

In conclusion, the emergence of autism-friendly theme parks in the United States represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive society. By implementing tailored accommodations and services, these parks are not only breaking down barriers for individuals with autism but also setting an example for other industries to follow. As the awareness of neurodiversity grows, it is incredibly important that theme parks and other public spaces continue to prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience the magic of these attractions.

Product Recommendations

These are some top travel products I use when traveling, especially to Walt Disney World and universal Orlando Resort.

Note: if you order from my link, i do earn a small commission.

Click HERE to purchase these items on amazon!