As an independent consultant with Glass Slipper Concierge, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani and other delightful destinations.
My job is to handle all of the details so you can enjoy the anticipation of your trip without the stress and time commitment of all the planning. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke Disney trips for the most discerning clients. On top of that, family vacations are expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money.
[email protected] | Learn More About My Services |Consultation Request
To get ideas for your trip, keep reading for tips, tricks and links to reviews on everything from theme parks to dining to special events!
WALT DISNEY WORLD REOPENING
Disney World reopened on July 11 and we have spent nineteen days back in the parks in July, September and October. We continue to be absolutely blown away by the thoughtful, practical and comprehensive precautions Disney has in place to safely welcome guests and cast members. I don’t have all of the words to convey how special it feels to be back. We laughed, we played, we ate too much, and we felt a level of happiness we hadn’t had in too long. I can assure you, magic is here!
If you’d like to see videos, photos and my explanations of both safety and magic at Walt Disney World, head over to the Dixie Travels Instagram. Once on my profile page, look for the circles called “highlights”. Safety protocols are primarily captured under “wdw reopens” and then you can click on the circle for each park to see the magic! I have also chronicled our experiences in these blog posts:
Walt Disney World Reopens
Returning to the Magic | Magic Kingdom | Epcot
Hollywood Studios | Animal Kingdom
Taste of Epcot Food & Wine Festival
Halloween Festivities | Holiday Celebrations
Most aspects of planning a Disney vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation! When the time is right for your family to travel, I’d be honored to be YOUR advisor. Magic is here!
THEME PARKS
There are four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort – Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Listed below are links to dining reviews, experiences, special events and other park favorites. As a general rule, I recommend two full days in Magic Kingdom and one full day in each of the other parks, regardless of age! If you don’t have this amount of time or are planning a last minute visit (within two months), consider a Private VIP Tour.

Magic Kingdom
see all of our visits
Dining
- Cinderella’s Royal Table – the quintessential Disney meal; a must do if you can get a reservation
- Skipper Canteen – our #1 table serve choice in Magic Kingdom
- Liberty Tree Tavern – a fan favorite
- Plaza Restaurant – we love the burgers and they bring in ice cream from next door
- Be Our Guest – dinner is our favorite as the castle has wonderful ambiance and Beast greets his guests
- Quick Serve – Peco’s Bills and Pinocchio Village Haus
- Treats – Dole Whip, Waffle Sandwich from Sleepy Hollow, Le Fou’s Brew & cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern
Attractions
- Adventureland – Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise
- Frontierland – Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain
- Liberty Square – Haunted Mansion
- Fantasyland – 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Small World
- Tomorrowland – Space Mountain, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Peoplemover, Carousel of Progress, Buzz Lightyear
Experiences
- Private VIP Tour
- Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party With Plaza Garden Viewing
- Keys to the Kingdom Tour
- The Pirate’s League
- Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
- Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party
- Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Harmony Barber Shop
- A Magical Magic Kingdom Morning
Events
- Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Tony’s Most Merriest Town Square Party
- Disney After Hours
- Beauty and the Beast in Magic Kingdom – where to find all things Beauty and the Beast in Magic Kingdom including dining, attractions, characters, tips and tricks

Epcot
see all of our visits
Dining
- San Angel Inn Restaurante
- Rose & Crown Dining Room & Pub
- La Hacienda de San Angel
- Garden Grill
- Le Chefs de France
- Biergarten
- Restaurant Marrakesh
- Le Cellier Steakhouse
- Monsieur Paul
- Via Napoli
- Nine Dragons
- Regal Eagle (quick serve)
- Treats – Ice Cream in France, Cronut at Refreshment Port
favorite treats chocolate macaroon ice cream sandwich in France
cronut at Refreshment Port
Attractions
- Future World – Test Track, Soarin, Spaceship Earth, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, The Land, Journey into Imagination with Figment, Character Spot
- World Showcase – Frozen Ever After, Canada, American Adventure, Mexico
Experiences
- Private VIP Tour
- Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party
- Illuminations Private Fireworks Cruise
- Behind the Seeds Tour
Events
- Candlelight Processional (Thanksgiving to Christmas)
- Food & Wine Festival
- Flower & Garden Festival
- Festival of the Arts

Animal Kingdom
see all of our visits | the beauty of Animal Kingdom in a photo tour
Dining
- Tusker House – characters in safari gear + Rivers of Light dining package
Tiffins Restaurant – signature dining with exceptional food and service - Quick Serve – Harambe Market & Satu’li Canteen
- Treats – Dole Whip at Tamu Tamu Refreshments, Bloody Mary at Dawa Bar (get there early!), any cocktail and snack at Nomad Lounge
Attractions
- Pandora – Flight of Passage
- Africa – Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King
- Asia – Kali River Rapids, Expedition Everest
- DinoLand USA – Dinosaur
- Discovery Island – Meet Minnie & Mickey
- Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Experiences

Hollywood Studios
see all of our visits
Attractions
- Sunset Boulevard – Tower of Terror, Rock n Rollercoaster, Beauty and the Beast, Fantasmic!
- Animation Courtyard – Star Wars Launch Bay, Little Mermaid
- Toy Story Land – Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania
- Echo Lake – Star Tours, Frozen Sing Along
- Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run & Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Dining
- Minnie’s Seasonal Dine: Halloween & Holiday – Located at Hollywood & Vine; good food, fantastic character experience
- Hollywood Brown Derby – love the cobb salad
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano – fantastic steak, charming atmosphere
- 50’s Prime Time Cafe – saddle up to Mom’s table for dinner
- Oga’s Cantina – drinks for all ages in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Quick Serve – Woody’s Lunchbox, Baseline Tap, Docking Bay 7
- Treats – Carrot Cake Cookie at Starbucks
Experiences
- Private VIP Tour
- Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Holiday Party + Flurry of Fun Holiday happenings
- Star Wars Galactic Spectacular + Dessert Party
- Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience
- All about Toy Story Land
- A Complete Guide to Everything Star Wars in Hollywood Studios
- Droid Depot Experience in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

OUTSIDE OF THE THEME PARKS
If your schedule permits, allow a day to visit one or both of Disney’s Water Parks and spend an evening at Disney Springs!
Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach
see all of our visits with tips & tricks: Typhoon Lagoon |Blizzard Beach
Winter Summerland Mini Golf
see all of our visits
Disney Springs
see all of our visits
Dining
- T-Rex Cafe
- The BOATHOUSE
- Morimoto Asia
- The Edison
- Paddlefish – not recommended
- Quick Serve – Wolfgang Puck Express & Blaze Pizza
- Treats – Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar
Experiences

PRIVATE PREMIUM VIP TOUR
With the help of your own VIP Tour Guide, you can maximize your fun with minimal fuss for the Disney vacation of a lifetime! Your guide and I will plan the most efficient, enjoyable way for groups up to 10 guests to see and do all that’s on your list. With door-to-door private transportation from your resort, expedited entry to attractions, and being the ONLY way to visit multiple parks in one day, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time soaking up the magic of Walt Disney World. You will experience unparalleled hospitality at one or more theme parks, ride your favorite attractions, and learn so much about the magic and often unnoticed details in the Disney parks with your very own guide. Rates run $400-450 per hour (7 hour minimum; $500-600 during peak seasons) for up to 10 guests.
Private VIP Tour
Luxury Disney World Vacation Itinerary
Contact me to learn more
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORTS
There are so many beautiful and memorable places to stay on the Disney property. The service is always top notch and you will want to be sure to allow extra time in your trip to soak up all of the fun things there are to do at your resort. Keep in mind that when you stay on property you will get to use Extra Magic Hours, make your dining reservations and FastPasses early, and have transportation around the property included. I feel so passionately about Disney Resorts being part of the overall vacation experience that I only work with clients booked on site.
Resorts are divided into three categories:
- Deluxe – Deluxe resorts are the best of the best. They are in the best locations, most convenient to the parks. These resorts offer a variety of dining including everything from quick serve and pool side to character dining and signature experiences. All will have multiple pools, including waterslides and splash areas, as well as many other recreation opportunities and amenities. Resort rooms are the most spacious and all have a balcony or patio. Most rooms can sleep a family of 5, and villas offer accommodations for up to 13. Most resorts offer concierge level accommodations.
- Moderate – Moderate resorts are at a more favorable price point. They are located a bit further from the parks, generally speaking. These resorts are motel style, with rooms opening to exterior hallways. Resort rooms are medium in size, but none will offer a balcony or patio. Moderate resorts do have great pools with watersides, as well as both quick serve and sit down dining options. Some rooms can sleep a family of 5.
- Value – Value resorts are the most cost effective way to stay on property in the middle of the magic! Like moderates, they are also motel style and are located the furthest from the parks. Resort rooms are the smallest in size, and none will offer a balcony or patio. While they do have pools, there are no watersides. All moderates will have quick serve dining, but they do not offer sit down dining. Most rooms have a maximum capacity of 4.

Our Top Choices:
- Deluxe: Grand Floridian, Riviera
- Moderate: Coronado Springs
- Value: Pop Century
Resort Reviews
Resort reviews include room pictures, property information, dining, amenities and activities:
Resort Dining & Experiences
Some of our favorite places to eat in Disney aren’t even in the parks, but at the resorts! That means you don’t need a park ticket OR a room to enjoy them. One of the things I always encourage people to do is to try all the different dining options at your resort. Every one offers unique and fun experiences! Here are our reviews:
- Riviera Resort
- The Polynesian Resort
- Yacht Club Resort
- Beach Club Resort
- The Contemporary
- Chef Mickey’s (here, here and here)
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
- California Grill (great date night)
- Wilderness Lodge
- Fort Wilderness
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Boma
- Sanaa (restaurant | lounge)
- Jiko
- The Grand Floridian
- Victoria & Albert’s
- Narcoossee’s
- Garden View Tea Room
- Citricos
- Grand Floridian Cafe
- Supercalifragilistic Breakfast (here and here)
- Happily Ever After Dinner
- Boardwalk Inn
- Caribbean Beach Resort
Many of the deluxe resorts offer Water Mice / Boat Rentals and many of the moderate and deluxe resorts offer Surrey Bike Rentals. A few deluxe resorts offer cabana rentals.
A VIP Disney Dream Vacation
In working with so many blog readers and fantastic clients over the last two years, I’ve had a number of consults that start with…
It’s time to take my kids to Disney. I’ll be honest, my husband and I are not thrilled with the idea. Oh, and he hates waiting in lines…
There is a way to do Disney like this, and give the kids the most magical, memorable trip while staying in luxury accommodations and not worrying about a single detail! I know how…
DISNEY DINING PLAN & TIPS
I’ve talked a lot about favorite spots for dining inside the parks and at the Disney Resorts. I do recommend purchasing the Disney Dining Plan or Deluxe Disney Dining Plan. Dining at Disney is expensive and this is the very best way to budget appropriately, enjoy your trip and be able to say “YES!” when your kids ask for ice cream and your husband wants the filet. :-)
It is important to be smart about using the dining credits for very expensive places like Cinderella’s Royal Table and not on more affordable sit down dining, and to ensure you have a plan for how to use all of the credits. And, be sure to make your dining reservations at the 180 day mark unless you have a travel agent to do that for you (that’s me!).
Favorite Drinks Around Disney World
FAMILY PHOTO SESSION
Consider taking family photos in the most magical place on earth!! We have done this twice and they are all treasured photos of very memorable trips. We use our friend at Portrayable Photography but Disney also offers their own service!