Happy to help. For free.
Disney pays us to help you plan your trip, from your first wish list until your departure. We’ll even assist you during your vacation until you’re happily back home.
Here’s what some of our recent clients have to say about us:
Megan & Dan
New York
Going into this, we were quite experienced with Disneyland and other theme parks, but were rather unprepared for how extensive Walt Disney World would be. Wishful Thinking talked to us about things we knew we had to do in the parks, what our interests were, and made very accurate recommendations based on our tastes, and even dietary needs.
They know all the tricks and advice to make it as easy of an experience as possible, and clearly have a great passion for Disney that is contagious. We got so much more out of our vacation than we ever could have without them, and even saw many things we wouldn’t have known to look for!
More than anything, they made the entire experience stress-free. From recommendations on where to focus our time, how to strategize to be sure we saw the rides and shows we wanted, to amazing dinner reservations, we couldn’t have asked for a more thorough and patient guide for our experience.
David
Michigan
We had been to Walt Disney World one other time as a family together. It was fun, but stressful to plan the trip and to know how best to make the most of our days. This trip was so much fantastically better, because of our travel planner Chris’s support and guidance. Our experience as a family was just so much more meaningful and fun. Less stress, from start to finish.
And a sense that we saw and did everything we wanted, while feeling relaxed and not hurried.
The depth of his knowledge was impressive, from the history behind all things Disney to current real-time feedback while we were in the parks. Wishful Thinking gave us so many extras that felt above and beyond, from giving us daily personalized suggestions for our park visits, to booking and adjusting our dining on the fly, to personally taking care of an issue we had with transportation to our resort from the airport.
The most significant piece to it for me was that from start to finish I knew that Chris cared about us having a truly wonderful time. Even my hard-to-please teenagers pointed this out numerous times. On a personal level we mattered to him. I can’t see strongly enough how much I recommend Wishful Thinking. Anyone who uses them will have an immeasurably better experience.
Janice
Minnesota
Chris was able to explain the complexities of Walt Disney World in a way that was easy to comprehend, including Genie+, the importance of dining reservations, etc. We will 100% will use Wishful Thinking again and would enthusiastically recommend.
Lara
New York
We recently took a very last-minute weekend getaway to Walt Disney World. It was AWESOME and literally all because of Wishful Thinking. They helped us get Park Pass reservations, make a flexible schedule based on our preferences, and lots more. I cannot recommend them enough! And with Wishful Thinking’s help, we can’t wait to go back again soon!
Brandon
North Carolina
The insight and reassurance of traveling to Disneyland Paris & France during an unusual time was beyond helpful. We wouldn’t have followed through with this trip had it not been for the amazing first-hand knowledge that Chris gave.
Alice
Illinois
I’ve told a few people about our Walt Disney World trip presentation — including the pros and cons! I also like that texting our agent is an option, in addition to phone & email. Chris has also been wonderful about edits we wanted to make to the trip.
Donovan
California
My partner and I worked with Wishful Thinking to plan a couples trip to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. We know Disneyland extremely well but neither of us had been to Orlando in decades. We like to do our own research but found Chris an invaluable resource in planning. He listened to our wants and what hotels we had in mind and guided us to the perfect places to stay (and neither were the most expensive option we were considering)!
Walt Disney World is huge and his advice on using the transportation system made our days so much easier. His tips on navigating the parks and where to eat and when to make reservations were also really helpful. He helped us plan our days to take advantage of the parks in ways that really fit our wants. We enjoyed shows we wouldn’t have otherwise checked out that turned out to be some of our favorite parts of the trip.
Working with Chris really enhanced our vacation in so many ways. We’ve already referred a couple of friends to Chris and will be working with him to plan future vacations.
Roxanne
Missouri
Chris did an excellent job helping me plan my trip to Disneyland Paris! Usually, I enjoy doing all my planning and booking myself for my Walt Disney World trips, but I was overwhelmed with keeping track of health restrictions and other aspects of my trip. It was really nice having someone to talk me through how things work at the Disneyland Paris Resort.
Paul
California
Chris guided us to the perfect hotel for our anniversary stay at Disneyland, helping out and taking care of the little details that made our visit even more special. His help and insights were invaluable. I hadn’t used a travel agent before for our Disney visits, but I will definitely be using Wishful Thinking for our future visits!
Stephanie
Maryland
I will never use anyone but Chris from Wishful Thinking when I make plans to travel to Disney! I’ve already recommended him to many friends. He provided amazing personalized service, helpful recommendations, great insight on the most current information (which I’m sure was not easy during the ever-changing environment during a pandemic), and his social media was always kept up to date and thoroughly engaging. Chris was also great about checking in, even though we had planned so far out, and was just always friendly and helpful. I cannot recommend him more highly.
Michael
Minnesota
Chris was amazing! He really helped us explore all of our options at the beginning of the trip and was proactive in getting us Walt Disney World theme park reservations, helping with making dining reservations and ensuring we were prepped for arrival. He even helped us make some changes while on-site during our vacation! Thank you!!
Keely
Texas
I appreciated the insights and tips for Walt Disney World dining reservations, and how to approach the parks once inside. In general, I also loved the amazing attitude and wonderful customer service. I felt like an individual and not just another customer — which I loved.
Dan
Texas
Chris was amazing, helping design our days to get the maximum out of the experience. His handling of dining reservations was everything. We would have been out of luck without his help! I would definitely use Wishful Thinking again.
Executive Director, Wishful Thinking | Expert in group & international travel
Howdy, folks!
Do you know what’s fascinating? Smart research shows that we’re happiest when we spend our money on experiences, not things. I saw that firsthand when I worked at Walt Disney World shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan. It inspired me to devote my career to tourism and travel. Since 2005, I’ve been fortunate to plan vacations for thousands of clients to destinations all throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia.
I’ve got expert-level experience in the the detailed logistics of international travel and large group event planning.
I’m a graduate of Disney’s College of Knowledge, a rigorous certification program for travel professionals who are authorized by Disney to sell its global destinations. I’m an affiliate of Looking Glass Travel, a Gold Authorized Disney Vacation Planning Agency.
In addition to being a former Cast Member and an annual passholder for many years at Walt Disney World, I spent the whole summer of 2021 as an annual passholder at Disneyland Paris. I enjoy regular visits to Disneyland, and I’ve been lucky to visit Tokyo Disney Resort many times.
I’m originally from the American midwest. I’ve lived for many years in New York City, but now I primarily work in Anaheim, California and Orlando, Florida. When I get to take vacations of my own, I adore the thrills of outdoor adventure! My favorite travel destinations are Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, the Cinque Terre within the Italian Riviera, Bryce Canyon, Banff, and Paris.
I pride myself in creating unforgettable experiences at any budget, from value-focused economy vacations to luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime celebrations. When it comes to Disney, no wish is too small. I’ve seen how much better a humdrum day can become when you’ve got a Disney trip to dream about!
From solo travel to honeymoons, family reunions to corporate group escapes, I know how to create an itinerary that’s realistic, fun-filled, and inspiring.
Amigos: hablo Español & falo Português. I’ve studied and worked extensively in South America, I’m fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. I’m happy to help in whichever language you prefer.
Let’s do some Wishful Thinking!
Karin
New York
Absolutely amazing communication! He had all the answers for everything and made my trip to Disneyland Paris so easy and smooth! I could not have done this trip without Chris’s help. Thanks so much!
Anne
Illinois
Chris was very knowledgeable about parks, hotels, and the changes to rules/parks, etc. as they were implemented. He was communicative & helpful. There is SO much to learn about Walt Disney World; it would have been completely overwhelming without help.
Michael
New York
I felt like I had a friend and confidant to help with any issues or question I ran into. I honestly didn’t realize how complicated planning a Walt Disney World trip can be, and without Wishful Thinking I believe our trip would have been much less amazing.
Lisa
California
Chris was amazing from first contact to last. He took my concept of how I saw my trip and ‘plussed’ it (to use a Disney term). It was better than I imagined. Choosing the right Walt Disney World resort is daunting. Chris gave careful consideration to my objectives and budget and suggested the perfect resort which we loved for its proximity to the Skyliner Gondola. If not for Chris’s expertise, I know our trip would not have been nearly as memorable or logistically flawless. I’ll never plan a Disney trip without Wishful Thinking!
Common Questions
What exactly is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency?
We are accredited, vetted, and contracted by the Walt Disney Travel Company.
Disney relies on a select number of independent agencies to book and manage its travel bookings. After receiving this accreditation, we receive strict scrutiny and extensive training throughout the year to make sure we provide accurate, up-to-date information on the latest offerings and modifications within dozens of Disney travel destinations around the world.
When you book a Disney vacation through Wishful Thinking, you’re booking directly with Disney.
What specific services do you provide?
We consult on, book & manage the following: hotel reservations, cruise line voyages, theme park tickets, event tickets, transportation, airport transfers, car rentals, theme park reservations, & dining reservations.
We’ll provide expert-level advice, then book and manage your reservations and ticket purchases. We do not book airfare, stroller rentals, ECV rentals or domestic / international train tickets, but we’re happy to offer suggestions.
How does the process work?
Share your details, then put us to work.
Via our online form — or over the phone — you’ll begin by sharing with us your specific travel details, like these:
- Who’s in your travel party?
- What are your ideal departure and return dates? Are you flexible on those dates?
- How familiar are you with your travel destination? (When was your last visit?)
- If you’re visiting theme parks, about how many days would you like to be in the parks?
- If you’re interested in a cruise or other adventure, what destinations / itineraries interest you?
- What’s your ideal budget for this trip? Economical, mid-range, or luxury?
After we’ve collected your details, we’ll send you a free, personalized proposal with the pros & cons of each option, the current pricing, and smart advice — like how quickly you’ll probably need to decide (based on current availability). We’ll give you realistic expectations about what to expect for your travel dates. We’ll also go over the cancellation & modification policies, and when your payments would be due.
Upon receiving your proposal, there’s no obligation to book a vacation with Wishful Thinking. But those who do book their vacation through us will enjoy ongoing, complimentary assistance & advice while preparing for their vacation, and attentive help during their vacation.
Will I be able to see my reservations within my Disney account?
Yes. You’ll be able to link and view everything online.
Your confirmation numbers, ticket numbers, reservation details, etc. will come directly from Disney and you’ll be able to link them immediately within your own Disney online account. They’ll all be viewable within the My Plans section of MyDisneyExperience (for Walt DisneyWorld), My Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line Navigator, etc.
Can I still plan things and add reservations?
Of course. You’re invited to plan as little or as much as you like.
We follow your lead. Some well-versed Disney guests need very little assistance along the way, while some first-time visitors rely on us for very specific plans and detailed advice. Some Disney guests really enjoy the process of adding on dining reservations or experiences. That can be part of the fun! Others simply toss us the keys, so to speak, and invite us to navigate every detail. We love to add on lots of extra pixie dust.
What if I want to modify or cancel my trip?
Modifications and cancellations are easy.
For simple things — like dining reservations, theme park reservations, or experiences — you’ll be albe to log in and modify / cancel any plans, just as if you’d booked everything yourself. You’re also free to add your own plans and reservations.
If you’d like to make a more significant modification, like your check-in or departure date, the names of the guests in your travel party, or the number of days of theme park tickets, you’ll simply contact your Wishful Thinking travel agent for changes.
Even if you’re a regular Disney visitor, having an agent attached to your reservation can be a true lifesaver when it’s time to fix things or make a modification. You can avoid a multi-hour phone call to Disney by simply sending us a text message — and we’ll take it from there.
The cancellation terms, conditions, and refund policies are exactly the same whether you book directly with Disney or book through an authorized agency.
What about Universal, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and other destinations?
Wishful thinking is also authorized to book and manage many other travel destinations.
We’re a member of the Universal Travel Partners program for its parks & resorts (both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood), and the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Travel Agent Team (Sea World, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, Sesame Place, and Busch Gardens). We can book theme park tickets, hotel reservations, and transportation within all Universal and Sea World resorts within the USA.
Just as with Disney destinations, these reservations & tickets are the same price as if you purchase them directly from the resort, and it’s free to use our services.
Additionally, we book and manage reservations via the following programs:
- Marriott BONVOY Travel Agents — for all Marriott-owned hotels worldwide (including the Walt Disney World Dolphin / Swan / Swan Reserve)
- Hilton Travel Agents — all Hilton-owned hotels worldwide (including the Hilton Disney Springs, the Hilton Buena Vista Palace, and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek)
- Expedia TAAP — all Expedia bookings worldwide
- VRBO — vacation home rentals (including the guest homes within Reunion Resort in Kissimmee)
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Virgin Voyages
Do you book off-property hotels at Walt Disney World and Good Neighbor Hotels at Disneyland?
Yes. We book all hotels and resorts within the surrounding area outside Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Not only can we reserve these hotels for you, but we’ve personally visited many of them and can advise about which are the most well-appointed, conveniently located, and comfortable. Additionally, many of these hotels qualify for bundling within a Disney travel package, which gives you greater flexibility and value. These include:
- At Disneyland: all Good Neighbor Hotels
- At Walt Disney World: the Disney Springs, Bonnet Creek and FLAMINGO CROSSINGS resorts, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, the Dolphin / Swan / Swan Reserve, in addition to all Good Neighbor Hotels
How do I make payments for my trip?
Disney requires authorized agents to process all payments.
Whether you’re making your initial deposit or applying a payment toward your balance, you’ll provide your payment details to your agent who will process each transaction. For all Disney destinations, you may pay with a major credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) or a Disney Gift Card.
Your agent will collect your payment information over the phone (or whatever method of communication you prefer).
Our other travel partners (Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Sea World, Busch Gardens, cruises, etc) also require agents to process all payments.
May I create a playment plan for my trip?
If you book your vacation at least 30 days before your check-in date, we can create a payment plan.
For most Walt Disney vacation packages, the initial deposit is $200 USD, with the final balance due 30 days before check-in. Between your deposit and the 30-day mark, we’re happy to create a payment plan with whatever dates or amounts that you prefer. It’s very flexible; the minimum amount that we can submit on any payment is just $20 USD.
If these services are free, how does Wishful Thinking get paid?
We earn a commission for all reservations and tickets which we book on your behalf.
It’s quite simple. If we set up your booking, we earn a commission directly from the travel supplier — whether that’s Walt Disney Travel Company, Universal Parks & Resorts, etc.. For decades, travel suppliers have partnered with agencies like Wishful Thinking to reduce the workload on their own in-house booking agents.
Realistically, what are the benefits of woking with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planning Agency?
Here’s what you’ll probably need along the way:
Accurate info. | Although it’s fun to watch Disney YouTube videos, they’re full of outdated info which will not apply during your visit. Things are continually changing within Disney destinations. You’re going to want an easy way to get accurate, up-to-date information. If we’ve set up your vacation, you can just shoot us an email or a text message.
Smart recommendations. | With dozens of hotels and hundreds of restaurants, you’ll want frank and honest insights into the pros and cons of each option. Plus, because we’re continually booking vacations for our clients, we can identify what’s about to sell out soon, and when you might be able to hold off a bit.
Bargains & discounts — even after you’ve made your reservation. | Not only do we know about all the current offers to help you save some dough, but Disney permits us to apply promotional rates to existing bookings. If you book directly through Disney, they won’t contact you to let you know that a new promotion could save you money during your upcoming vacation. We will. We do it all the time.
Someone to fix things. | Disney is imperfect. Its systems are prone to glitches, and it’s very common to need assistance for things like missing confirmation emails, reservations that haven’t linked correctly, or changes to your theme park tickets. Without an agent, you’ll wait on hold — often for hours on end.
Realistic expectations. | Not all Disney wishes magically come true. Sometimes you need to know how long it will actually take to get from here to there, what your likelihood is of getting a table at that fully-booked restaurant inside the castle, or how early you really need to choose your viewing spot for the fireworks.
Ready to book?
Other questions?
We’re happy to help!
Send us an email, or call / text message / send a WhatsApp message to +1.407.777.4714.
Wishful Thinking is an affiliate of Looking Glass Travel, a Gold Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency.
Our trip planning is free. When you book a Disney vacation through us, you’ll pay the same price as if you booked it on your own, yet enjoy the bliss of a talented Wishful Thinking travel planner.
A Wishful Thinking travel planner is:
- Bright. We’re nerd-level experts on Disney’s past, present and future.
- Talented. We’ve been designing travel itineraries around the globe for 15 years.
- Realistic. We help you prepare for everything and set honest expectations.
- Whimsical. Spontaneous fun often produces our most treasured memories.
- Inspiring. We’re still kids at heart who believe in the power of dreams.
It’s never too early to start planning!
You do the wishing. We do the thinking.™
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Wishful Thinking is an affiliate of Looking Glass Travel, a Gold Authorized Disney Vacation Planning agency, and an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner..
Disney pays us to help plan your trip, from your first wish list until your departure. We’ll even assist you during your vacation until you’re happily back home.
Our trip planning is free. When you book a Disney vacation through us, you’ll pay the same price as if you booked it on your own, yet enjoy the bliss of a talented Wishful Thinking travel planner.
A Wishful Thinking travel planner is:
- Bright. We’re nerd-level experts on Disney’s past, present and future.
- Talented. We’ve been designing travel itineraries around the globe for 15 years.
- Realistic. We help you prepare for everything and set honest expectations.
- Whimsical. Spontaneous fun often produces our most treasured memories.
- Inspiring. We’re still kids at heart who believe in the power of dreams.
It’s never too early to start planning!