We have scheduled 6 parks in 4 days with 2 motivated agency owners, 1 amazing itinerary, and countless things to see and report on. Yes people, you’ve guessed correctly, Tori and I are headed to Walt Disney World and Universal after being presented with a business opportunity that we couldn’t pass up!

Technically this is a work venture, but make no mistake, on a personal level we are DYING from excitement! We have changed around our itinerary about six times, moved resorts three times, and dining…forget about it! One of the many things that Tori and I have in common is the constant need to plan and take advantage of every waking minute. Last year we did four parks in one day. We moved things around so many times we finally had to take the other two people off the text chain because we started looking like real lunatics.

Tori and I are both former field hockey players and competitive, strong-headed, determined people. It’s actually a little disturbing how similar we are, so planning and making multiple changes as we go does not phase the other person whatsoever. In a sick way it’s almost like we need to “win” against the research trip.

We cannot wait to take everyone on our adventure next week, but for now, here’s a walk down memory lane….

Our FIRST work trip together was in August 2018.

We threw it together about a month prior and stayed at the Art of Animation with two of our directors, Regina and Cheryl. Tori and I had no problem sharing the “queen” bed. After the first night we concurred that it was a bit of a stretch to claim it as a queen, but nonetheless, our field hockey days of away games have trained us to keep our personal space when doubling up.

We had a PACKED schedule and in a two night stay we crammed in all four parks and saw 13 resorts – it was madness. The night before our second day Tori asked if I wanted to jump over to Epcot the next morning to get on Test Track for Early Magic Hours before going to Animal Kingdom. Of course me being a dork thinking I wasn’t going to get enough sleep told her no. However, the next morning I was up at 6am, bright eyed and bushy-tailed…. nose to nose in Tori’s face saying, “Wanna go to Test Track?” Anyone else would have probably punched me, but instead her face lit up and she jumped out of bed. This is why we get along.

#alwaysworking
Our only storefreont office.

On that same trip we rode Slinky Dog Dash for the first time. I personally cannot go on some rides because I feel nauseous and dizzy, so I get nervous when I’m trying something new. Turns out Tori is just scared. Tears were shed by both of us.

Our hands were sweating so badly the handle bars were WET.

We are also both terrified of Splash Mountain:

Pretty sure we cried a little on this one also.

Something we always agree on is optimizing food and drink research. Tori and I enjoy sampling all the dining that will fit into the schedule, including club level amenities! Hoping they bring that back soon!

Club level at Grand Floridian gives us all the feels of vacation!
California Grill – a must!

Of course on any trip meeting the cast and characters is always a highlight!

Covid go away so we can send our wonderful clients back to the magic!

I feel like I haven’t been to Florida in so long I forgot how to pack! In a true Disney miracle, Tori found our magic bands that we ordered months ago. I cannot wait to have those magical handcuffs on again!

As for me… reunited and it feels so good!

After having to cancel numerous agency events in 2020 these words could not be more appropriate! We hope to get everyone together soon!

Make sure to like ET Family Travel on FB and Instagram so you can follow along with the fun next week. We are hoping to gather a lot of firsthand knowledge of how the parks look and feel to guide our agents and clients properly. Stay tuned!

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel