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!
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
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 – 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!
