At Jolly Holiday Vacations, we specialize in planning practically perfect Disney vacations at no extra cost to you! We are passionate about providing you and your family a personalized plan that fits your needs and budget while saving you time and money! Whether it is your family’s first time visiting Walt Disney World or you are interested in learning more about one of the award-winning Disney cruises, our exclusive Disney travel concierge service is here to assist you! Please email us at BookYourJollyHoliday@gmail.com to begin your Disney vacation!
Lisa Hockenberry
The very first time that I visited Walt Disney World was in 1984. Epcot had recently opened and we attended a character meal on the famed Empress Lilly (now the Paddlefish). I will be the first to admit that A LOT has changed since then! Gone are the days of casually showing up to the parks and being 100% footloose and fancy-free. Nowadays, there is so much important pre-planning that goes into creating a magical, efficient, and stress-free Walt Disney World Vacation.
I understand that the process can be very overwhelming on your own! That is where Jolly Holiday Vacations comes in! I love finding you the ideal resort for your budget and needs, searching out the very best dining reservations, and timing them perfectly with your fast passes – on the very best park touring days, of course! I am a self-proclaimed foodie and make a point to try new restaurants on each trip and find enjoyment in reading Disney dining reviews. I truly feel as though the dining experiences are as valuable to your overall park experience as the rides themselves.
I have three daughters and know first-hand what it is like to travel with little ones. Lastly, I take pride in treating your vacation as if were my very own.
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – Contemporary – I love that it is in walking distance to the Magic Kingdom! Plus, I am obsessed with Mary Blair’s art work! , Polynesian – great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool! Recently stayed at Port Orleans – Riverside! Love. Love. Love.
Rides – It’s A Small World, Splash Mountain, Soarin’, Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico
Eats – Cinderella’s Royal Table & Crystal Palace – try and get the first breakfast reservation to walk down Main Street before the park opens, Tusker House – excellent character meal, amazing bloody marys, and top-notch customer service, California Grill – the ultimate treat, indulge in sushi & champange, I like to time my reservation with sunset and stay for the spectacular view of the fireworks, Beaches & Cream – our first night tradition, must try the No Way Jose Sundae or the famous Kitchen Sink!, & ‘Ohana – so much delicious food and drink, lively atmosphere, you must try the festive Lapu Lapu!
Treats – Dole Whip & Mickey Bar – iconic Disney!
Experiences – Festival of the Lion King, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Exploring the boardwalk area at night!
Christie Causey
Christie.JollyHoliday@gmail.com
My first visit to Walt Disney World was in 1986, when the only two resorts onsite were The Contemporary and The Polynesian. I remember thinking how big everything was and how in the world this whole thing “all started with a mouse.” As the monorail made the final turn towards Magic Kingdom and I caught my first glimpse of Cinderella’s castle it amazed me, my mouth dropped and I know I didn’t breathe for at least a second or two. It was a feeling I will never forget.
Now I am married and have my own children and I remember the first time they made their final turn on the monorail, it was like watching myself as a child again. I knew at that moment that If I could help others experience that same feeling when visiting Disney, it would be so magical for everyone!
Traveling to Walt Disney World has become such grand experience for every trip, even the ones that aren’t the “first ones!” There are magic bands, apps, fast passes, quick service, sit downs and several other terms that can overwhelm even a seasoned Disney traveler when planning their vacation. This is where Jolly Holiday comes into play… we take all the stress out of planning and help you experience all Disney has to offer in the easiest and most efficient way possible.
One of my most favorite things to do is to find a new activity that Disney offers outside the theme parks. Of course the majority of our time is spent in the parks, but many people don’t realize that you can play miniature golf, take surfing lessons, bowl and even take in dinner and a movie at Disney Springs! Disney has it all!
At Jolly Holiday, the personal service you will receive will truly make your vacation magical, because we believe that each vacation is special and you are all family!
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – The Wilderness Lodge – I love the architecture and décor of the lodge and Art of Animation – the Nemo suites and Big Blue Pool are a favorite of my girls!
Rides – Soarin’, The Haunted Mansion, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Kilmanjaro Safaris and Toy Story Mania
Eats – Ohana- their breakfast is topnotch and who doesn’t enjoy Mickey shaped waffles. California Grill – wonderful menu, ambience and my favorite place to watch “Wishes”, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Canada in Epcot’s World Showcase – the chicken Cassoulet and Filet mignon are unbelievable and melt in your mouth. Of course you can’t leave Epcot with stopping by Norway’s Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe, their sweet pretzels and troll horns are always favorites to our family’s sweet teeth! Lastly Cinderella’s Castle… just sitting in the Castle that was imagined by Walt Disney himself is enough for me, although the cuisine is wonderful and seeing the princesses is a treat!
Treats – Dole Whip and Dole Whip Floats!!!! These are a must for me every trip!
Kerri Ness
At five years old, my parents took me on my first trip to Walt Disney World and my love for Disney has never wavered! As a family, we have always loved going to Walt Disney World and the magic of the parks never fades. Now that I have two boys of my own, seeing Disney through their eyes is an experience like no other. Disney World truly is a magical place, and has something to offer everyone.
Disney World is always evolving and I love to help families navigate their way through planning a vacation where everyone can enjoy themselves and get the most from their park experiences. I once read that it would take you over a year to do everything Disney has to offer and 68 years to stay in every room they have! The options are endless, and having someone to help you plan what is right for you is essential to everyone enjoying themselves and not feeling overwhelmed. I love Disney and I want YOU to love Disney too!
Rides – People Mover, Splash Mountain, Soarin’, Safari at Animal Kingdom, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania
Eats – Biergarten – so fun for the whole family! Tony’s Town Square. Crystal Palace- dine with the Hundred Acre Wood characters in this beautiful setting, Nine Dragons, Restaurantosoarus- try the black bean burger and enjoy the bucket and pail with kids meal over in Animal Kingdom, Tomorrowland Terrace- this is a great quick service restaurant in Magic Kingdom with wonderful photo opportunities of the castle and parade viewing!
Treats – Popcorn, Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Sandwich, if your feeling daring go for the smoked turkey leg in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.
Experiences – Illuminations, Electrical Water Parade – check to see if you can view this from your hotel, if not hop over to the beach at the Polynesian for viewing, Rose and Crown Pub – make sure to get your photo in the London style telephone booth!
Jenny Brown
My first trip to Walt Disney World happened when I was three. My parents allowed my two older brothers and me to each pick out one souvenir to bring home. My middle brother picked out a 3-foot tall Mickey Mouse that was bigger than me at the time. On the train ride home, I had to sit in Mickey’s lap because the train was so packed.
Fast forward 25 years, I went with my husband’s family and we stayed off-site. It was magical but my husband and I could see there was so much more to see and do. We were dying to stay on-site. I started researching, we made our return plans, and have been hooked ever since!!!
I enjoy planning our trips as much as I enjoy actually going. I’d love to help you plan the perfect vacation for your family!
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – Polynesian – I love the restaurants, pools and atmosphere so much I named my dog Poly!
Rides – Soarin’, Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, Toy Story Mania!
Eats – ‘Ohana (breakfast and dinner), Tusker House (breakfast), Crystal Palace, 1900 Park Fare and Hollywood and Vine. We thoroughly enjoy character meals because it not only gives my family time to rest but you also get quality time with characters. We also like snacking around the world at EPCOT!
Treats – Sleepy Hollow Fruit and Nutella waffle, Mickey Ice Cream Bar, Mickey Pretzel, Werther’s Caramel Corn, ‘Ohana Bread Pudding
Experiences – Festival of Fantasy Parade – grab a seat in Frontierland facing away from the sun! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, meeting characters and trading pins
Meredith Trobaugh
Meredith.JollyHoliday@gmail.com
My first Disney magic happened over 30 years ago when I first walked down Main Street USA. I remember the trolley, the sights and sounds and especially the Castle! I enjoyed several trips through the years with my family and it has never lost it’s magic. My husband grew to share my love of all things Disney and we now enjoy making memories with our three children! We have even taken adult-only trips and enjoyed the more mature side Disney has to offer!
No matter who you are traveling with, from small children to grandparents to grown ups I can’t wait to help you plan a vacation where you can feel young at heart and make your own magical memories!
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – The Polynesian and The Contemporary
Rides – Peter Pan’s Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Expedition Everest, Soarin’, Toy Story Midway Mania
Eats – ‘Ohana, Boma, 1900 Park Fare, Be Our Guest, Tusker House
Treats – Mickey Shaped Food! Mickey Ice Cream Bar, Mickey Pretzel, Mickey Macaron
Experiences – Hoop-Dee-Doo, Fantasmic, Festival of the Lion King, Riding the Trolley down Main Street with Dapper Dans!
Michelle Phillips
Michelle.JollyHoliday@gmail.com
I had been to Walt Disney World several times as a child but it wasn’t until I went with my own daughter that I truly fell in love! Seeing Disney through Lilly’s eyes was nothing short of MAGIC! The way she danced with the princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table, her new found love of the Mickey Mouse Ice Cream bar, to her squeals of laughter on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Disney World really has become our family’s “Happiest Place on Earth”
Leaving Columbia, SC last July and relocating to Parkland, FL for my husband’s job has really allowed us to explore Disney in a different way. Being in such close proximity to Disney World has allowed us to try out different resorts, restaurants and experiences like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Disney provides the perfect setting to create magical memories with your family. I take such joy in planning our Disney vacations. Whether it is helping you decide which character meal to reserve or the best spot to watch the fireworks, I look forward to helping you plan your perfect Disney Vacation!
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – Polynesian Resort – The restaurants are great, it has so many fun activities for your children and an amazing view of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks! We also love staying at the Boardwalk Inn. The theme is turn of the century Atlantic City and its so pretty at night. They have a cute little bakery to grab breakfast on the go and the best part is you can walk to Epcot!
Rides – Soarin’, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Avatar Flight of Passage and Lilly’s personal favorite, Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Eats – Donald’s Dining Safari at Tusker House for a fun character experience and an amazing breakfast. We also love having dinner at La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot, which when timed right has a great view of fireworks and an amazing Avocado Margarita! To indulge our sweet tooth we love making a trip to Beaches and Cream for an over the top dessert, the famous Kitchen Sink!
Treats – Dole Whip, Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bars and an endless amount of popcorn!
Experiences – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party-Such a fun night of trick-or -treating and meeting surprise Disney Characters—some dressed in their own special halloween costumes! We also love the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Festival of the Lion King.
Perhaps the only thing more magical than a vacation is having someone do all of the planning for you!
Welcome to Jolly Holiday Vacations. My name is Gina Rodriguez, and my family and I love to travel to create priceless memories. Without a doubt, our favorite place to play is Walt Disney World in Florida. My family, comprised of my husband, four boys (16, 10, 8, and 3), and my father-in-law love to celebrate summer at the most magical place on earth! No matter how many times you visit, the adventure is sure to be new and enchanting.
Our love for Disney runs deep and is true. Disneyland, the place that started it all, is not to be forgotten. California Adventure opens to the door to many new lands! If the beach is more your speed, Disney’s Hilton Head Island, Vero Beach, and Aulani resorts offer carefree, yet magical, escapes.
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – All Star Music, Art of Animation, Port Orleans Riverside, The Polynesian and Animal Kingdom Lodge
Rides – Rock ‘N Roller Coaster, Big Thunder Mountain, Soarin’, Flight of Passage, and Toy Story Midway Mania
Eats – D-Luxe Burger, Sunshine Seasons, Boma, Yak & Yeti, Chefs de France, and The Wave
Treats – Cheese Filled Pretzels, Mermaid Cupcake (or any specialty cupcakes), Dole Whip
Experiences – Hoop Dee Doo, Wild Africa Trek, Behind the Seeds Tour, Festival of the Lion King, and Fantasmic
When I was five years old, my parents took my siblings and I on our first Walt Disney World vacation. I remember dancing on the streets with the Button Dancers (from Mary Poppins), watching the Main Street Electrical Parade, and of course, riding a ton of rides. We were fortunate to travel to WDW several times throughout my childhood, and those trips remain some of my favorite memories.
As an adult with children of my own, I have visited WDW regularly over the last few years- both with my family and on adult-only girls trips (Southern Living magazine regularly ranks Disney World as one of the best destinations for trips with your girlfriends)! Much has changed in planning Disney Vacations from the years of my childhood, and I am happy to help clients navigate all there is to see and do. I truly enjoy planning others’ trips as much as I do my own.
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – Beach Club (I love being able to walk into Epcot and ride the Friendships to Hollywood Studios), Pop Century (great value, newly refurbished rooms and lots of busses!)
Rides – Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Avatar Flight of Passage, Soarin’, Seven Dwarves’ Mine Train, Tower of Terror, Haunted Mansion, Small World
Eats – Garden Grill breakfast, Be Our Guest (any meal) Le Cellier, Skipper Canteen, Satu’li Canteen, Via Napoli
Treats – Dole Whip & Dole Whip Float with Rum, Grey Goose Citron Slush from France Pavilion, Poutine from Canada Pavilion
Experiences – Pre-park opening breakfast and ride combinations, Flower and Garden Festival, Watching the kids take part in Jedi Training, Monorail and Friendship boat rides in between parks
The very first trip that I remember taking to Disney was in 1979. My grandparents took the entire family and we stayed at the Polynesian. I was less five but I still remember my mom pointing out the dolls in the different worlds of “It’s a Small World”, eating the Mickey Mouse ice cream, riding the race cars on the speedway, and playing with my cousins.
Now that I am married with four kids ranging from 16 to 6, I love that Disney World is a place we all can play together, create similar memories, and I never hear that they are bored! We have been Annual Passholders for the past four years. I have adored learning the “secret” things to do that make the most magical memories for our family.
We have a big family! I have learned how to stay on-property (with six people!) on a budget. We have taken splurge trips too! I understand how to enjoy Disney both ways. Disney is a place we will never see all of in one trip! It is so fun to keep going back to enjoy the new experiences but also making time to relax!
Some of my favorite experiences are the RunDisney Races. So far, I have run three Disney Princesses and one Wine and Dine Two Course Challenge. I’m so excited to be running two more Half Marathons this year! I can definitely help you plan a trip to run and recover while enjoying the parks and the dining during your race weekend.
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – We have loved staying at the Ft. Wilderness Cabins with our large family. We love the campus and the space with a kitchen that the cabins provide. I have loved the convenience and awe of staying at the Contemporary and the Wilderness Lodge as well. Coronado Springs has been fun with an amazing pool. The Pop Century Resort was great to meet budget needs while enjoying a mother-daughter weekend at Magic Kingdom.
Rides – Expedition Everest, It’s a Small World, Splash Mountain, Rock-n- Roller Coaster, and Test Track.
Eats – Cinderella’s Royal Table, Yak and Yeti, Be Our Guest, Hollywood and Vine. All have amazing food with amazing experiences.
Treats – Cinnamon Bun at Gaston’s Tavern (so gooood), Funnel Cakes, and Dole Whips. Yum! My kids love getting a Churro and the Mickey Mouse-shaped ice creams.
Experiences – the RunDisney Races!!!
I grew up going to Disney World. My dad had a conference every year at Disney and we were fortunate enough to make it a family trip each year. I was 3 years old when I went to Disney for the first time. The monorail going through the Contemporary Hotel was the coolest thing I had ever seen. Back then, we usually stayed off property so we considered the Tram our first “ride.” We had a family game of who could remember where we parked (Goofy, Minnie, Pluto?). My siblings and I treasure all the Disney memories we have together.
I have passed the love of Disney to my children. It is pure happiness when one of my children has a new experience at Disney such as riding a ride they are now tall enough to ride, training to be a Jedi or meeting a special character. My family loves downloading the ride photos from Memory Maker to see each other’s expressions. We have so many wonderful Disney memories from many visits and each visit is different and special.
I am that person that talks about Disney all the time and loves all the planning that goes into a great Disney vacation. I like mapping out fastpass selections with dining selections and which parks have extra magic hours or a special ticketed event. I would love to help you plan your vacation and make special memories for your family.
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts: Port Orleans Riverside (Yehaa Bob Jackson at the River Roost is so much fun!), the Grand Floridian (I love the orchestra playing when you step off the monorail and into the lobby after a day at the park), and the Polynesian (the Nighttime Torch Lighting Ceremony really makes the resort feel special)
Rides: The Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Avatar Flight of Passage (my new favorite)
Eats: Garden Grill, Chef Mickey’s, Biergarten (it’s a family tradition), Be Our Guest breakfast (added bonus of getting into the Magic Kingdom early), Satu’li Canteen (we are in love with the bowls) and California Grill for date night (drop your kids off at the Pixar Playzone at the Contemporary)
Treats: Mickey Bar, Mickey Pretzel, the Cheshire Cat Tail and hot coffee at the Chesire Café in the morning and of course, the refillable popcorn buckets.
Experiences: Jedi Training School, looking for Hidden Mickey’s throughout the park, the March of the First Order, expanding our Pressed Penny collection and Happily Ever After fireworks.
Carolyn Tompkins
Carolyn.JollyHoliday@gmail.com
My first experience with Disney was at Disneyland when I was so small I can’t even remember it! At the time we lived outside Los Angeles and went with our cousins. Our neighbor was an animator at Disney Studios and frequently indulged us with hand-drawn stories as well. After moving back to the east coast, we eventually took our first trip to Walt Disney World in January 1990. At only 9 years-old it was an awesome experience. Getting to finally see that castle and be immersed in full Disneyana was a dream. We only went once more, that time as a teenager, and then it took me years to convince my husband that WDW wasn’t just a place for kids. Once I did, he was as smitten as me. We have had some wonderful trips with just the two of us. Now that we have children of our own, we simply can’t get enough of seeing the joy on their faces when we spend time there.
As much as I enjoy the parks, I have always enjoyed the process of planning those trips as well. I look forward to serving all my clients in planning those special memories too!
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts: Contemporary – there’s just something about being able to walk to Magic Kingdom, and our children adore the monorail coming through the building.
Rides: Winnie the Pooh; Seven Dwarfs Mine Train; Soarin’; Test Track; Tomorrowland People Mover; Peter Pan; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster; Toy Story Mania; and Kilimanjaro Safaris
Eats: Flame Tree BBQ; Satu’li Canteen; ‘Ohana; Yorkshire County Fish Shop; Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen; Chefs de France; and every EPCOT kiosk in the World Showcase
Treats: popcorn; Sunshine Tree Terrace; more popcorn; all the bakery goodies; and yet more popcorn (buy the refillable bucket!)
Experiences: Magic Kingdom fireworks; Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise; Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique; Pirates League; and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. We love coordinating family costumes for the party!
Jennifer Hart
Jennifer.JollyHoliday@gmail.com
My first Disney experience was going to Disneyland for my sixth birthday. We only went for the evening, but to this day the magical twinkling lights of Main St. are what I remember the most. Later in life as a young art student I lived six years in Orlando, Fl. I naturally spent my fair share of time working at and enjoying the various area theme parks, and spent a large portion of my evenings swing dancing at Atlantic Dance on Disney’s Boardwalk. The way the atmosphere transported you filled my heart to the brim and cemented my love for Disney’s immersive environments. These days I get to daydream about what it would be like to be Cinderella right along with my two young daughters.
I have always had a love for travel but now with kids the planning is certainly more involved. For me, the planning is a major part of the fun! Each project I take on the end goal is for it to be a joyful, immersive experience for all involved. I believe when you cover all the details to begin with, the end result is a free flowing experience where you have the ability to enjoy each and every moment, creating memories to last a lifetime.
“It would be so fulfilling to create something lovely.” – Julie Andrews
Some of my Disney favorites:
Resorts – Port Orleans Riverside (Beignets!) and Animal Kingdom Lodge (Giraffe viewing and Boma is delicious!)
Rides – Toy Story Mania, Small World (My daughter calls it the Happy Boat Ride), Haunted Mansion
Eats – Character Meals! Breakfast at Crystal Palace with Winnie The Pooh and Friends, Dinner with Cinderella and Family at 1900 Park Fare, Disney Jr. Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine, Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Treats – Mickey Ice Cream Bar, Dole Whips, Sleepy Hollow Fruit and Nutella Waffle
Experiences – Swing Dancing at Atlantic Dance on The Boardwalk, Character Meet and Greets, Tree of Life Awakenings, my daughters meeting Mickey for the first time (and every time thereafter!), and the new Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party is a blast!
Courtni Day
Courtni.JollyHoliday@gmail.com
I went to Disney for the first time when I was 5 years old and was fortunate to go several times throughout my childhood. I loved going and I remember all the sounds, sights, and magic that comes along with a Disney vacation. However, back then you just got in your car and went. No real planning involved.
Fast forward to 2013 when I went for this first time with my husband and son. I booked it on a whim and we were headed there 2 weeks later. It was amazing and I fell in love with Disney all over again. Seeing it thru my son’s eyes was so Magical. When we got home I began researching and discovered how much we missed for lack of planning. At that point I soaked in all things Disney and really fell in love with the planning of it, just about as much as the trips themselves. Since then I have planned several trips for myself, friends, and family.
We are a now a family of 4 and are a true “Disney Family”. We have been to Disney and on Disney Cruises several times since 2013. We recently went to Universal and plan to go to SeaWorld next April before we board the Disney Dream.
I am blessed to be a part of this amazing team and it would be such a privilege to help you plan your next Magical Vacation.
Resorts – Caribbean Beach…Love the Beach feel, the pool, and can’t wait for the Gondola
Rides – Avatar Flight of Passage, Test Track, Big Thunder (at night), Toy Story Mania, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
Eats – Mama Melrose, Rainforest Café at Animal Kingdom, Ohana, Akershus (Princesses), Be Our Guest (Breakfast)
Treats – Dole Whip, Mango Danish, Endless Popcorn, Mickey Ice Cream Bar, Gray Stuff Cupcake (really any cupcake), Chip and Dale Crunchy Spicy Snack Mix
Experiences – Jedi Training, Expanding Pressed Penny Collection, Fantasmic, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Disney Cruise (love everything about them…they really lay out the red carpet)
