Questions families ask before reaching out

Usually not. For most Disney, Universal, cruise and resort bookings, the supplier pays me a commission, not you, so my planning comes at no extra cost. You pay the same price you would booking directly, and you get someone handling the details and watching for problems.

Most family trips don’t have one. If a trip would involve a fee, for example a very complex custom itinerary, I’ll tell you up front, before any work starts. There are never surprise charges.

If a flight is delayed, a cruise itinerary changes or a hotel reservation has a problem, you can reach me directly instead of waiting on hold with a call centre. I’ll work on it and get you rebooked or sorted as quickly as I can.

Disney, Universal and cruises are my focus, but I also plan custom family trips: all-inclusive resorts, Hawaii, multi-generational travel and celebration trips. If you’re not sure your trip fits, just ask.

I’m based in Surrey, BC, and most of my clients are in Western Canada, but I plan trips for families anywhere. Everything can be done by phone, video call, text or email.

A big family trip has a lot of moving parts: park strategy, dining reservations, cabin categories, timing. I already know the details that are easy to miss, and I’m your contact if anything needs to change. Most people who try it once don’t go back to planning on their own.

For Disney, Universal and popular cruises, 9–12 months ahead gives the best choice of hotels, cabins and dining times. Alaska summer sailings and school-break trips often book up even earlier. I can still find good options closer to your dates, so reach out and I’ll tell you what’s realistic.

No. The first conversation is always free with no obligation. A deposit is only needed when you’re ready to book a specific trip, and I’ll walk you through exactly what’s due and when before anything is charged.

It depends on the supplier. Some offer Canadian-dollar pricing and some only quote in U.S. dollars. I always tell you which currency a price is in before you book, so there are no surprises on your credit card statement.

For most family trips, especially cruises and anything outside Canada, I recommend it. Your provincial health plan covers very little once you leave the country. Insurance can also cover cancellations and interruptions. I’ll walk you through options that fit your trip and any coverage you already have through work or a credit card.

Every supplier has its own rules. Some refund in full up to a certain date, and some keep the deposit. I explain the cancellation terms before you book and remind you before any penalty dates, so you’re never caught off guard.

Disneyland is a shorter flight from Western Canada and works well in 3–4 park days, which makes it great for a first trip or younger kids. Walt Disney World is much bigger and better as a week-long trip, especially once kids are a bit older. I’ll talk through your family’s ages, budget and time off before suggesting one.

For a first visit, most families are happiest with 4–5 park days plus a rest or pool day. Add 2–3 more if you want to include Universal. Fewer days usually means rushing; more is great if your budget allows.

Sometimes. It depends on the time of year, the parks you’re visiting and how early your family will arrive. On busy days it can save hours. On quieter days, a good rope-drop plan might be enough. I’ll give you an honest recommendation for your dates.

On-site hotels can mean early park entry, earlier booking windows and less time in traffic. Off-site can mean more space for less money. I compare both for your dates, so you can see what the convenience actually costs.

There isn’t one answer. Disney Cruise Line is hard to beat for character fans and young kids, Royal Caribbean is great for active kids and teens, and lines like Princess and Holland America suit multi-generational groups who want a calmer pace. I match the line and the ship to your family.

Yes. Many Alaska cruises sail round-trip from Vancouver between May and September, and some leave from Seattle. For BC families, that’s a big trip with no flights at all.

Ship choice, itinerary and cabin location all help. A cabin mid-ship on a lower deck moves the least, and larger ships tend to feel steadier. I keep this in mind when choosing your cabin, and Alaska’s Inside Passage is usually calm.

For any trip that involves flying outside Canada, yes. Every child, including babies, needs their own valid passport. I recommend a valid passport for every traveller on every cruise, too. Processing times vary, so apply as early as you can.

If a child is travelling without both parents or legal guardians, the Government of Canada strongly recommends carrying a signed consent letter. Border officers, airlines and cruise lines may ask for one. I’ll remind you and point you to the official template.

Many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your return date, and rules differ by country. I check the requirements for your trip, but it’s always worth looking at everyone’s expiry dates as soon as you start planning.