Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Belfi.
Hi Amy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sure! I’m an Authorized Disney and Universal Travel Planner, and I love helping families make memories on their vacations! Here’s how I got into this business: Growing up, I always loved traveling to Disney World. We often drove from St. Louis to Orlando, and I fondly remember those long road trips. Cut many years later when I started bringing my daughter to Disney. It was so amazing to see the “magic” of Disney through her eyes. I will never forget the look on her face when we were having breakfast at Chef Mickey’s and Goofy walked into the room. It was pure joy! I spent a lot of time researching and planning that first trip to Disney with my daughter. I learned so much about Disney and started sharing that knowledge with friends as they planned their trips. A few months ago, I decided to take the plunge and start my own small business as an Authorized Disney and Universal Travel Planner! In the few months since I started this business, it has brought me so much joy to play a part in helping families have magical vacations.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m still new to the travel planning business, so my main challenge is learning a new industry. I am a professional scientist by training (I have a PhD in neuroscience), so researching and finding answers to questions is second nature to me. I’ve had a quick start as an agent and have booked quite a few clients in my first few months, so I’ve learned things on the fly. Also, I’ve joined a great agency and am on a team with other agents. Our team is fantastic! It’s a mix of long-term agents and newbies like myself. So if you use me as your travel planner, never fear; our whole team is helping you plan your trip!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I primarily focus on planning Disney and Universal vacations (Disney World, Disneyland, Disney cruises, and Universal Orlando and Hollywood) but I can book all other kinds of vacations too! Most people don’t know that travel planning services are entirely FREE to them. When you book a trip with Disney (or another travel provider), the agent’s commission is already included in the price. If you don’t use an agent, Disney keeps that money. So using an agent is a win-win – you get a ton of help planning your trip and supporting my small business and my family!
In terms of what I can do – it’s as much or as little as you want. Some people get stressed out by planning (trust me, I get it!), so I am happy to do it all. I’ll walk you through the different lodging options and help you pick the perfect resort, all while staying within your budget. I can book your dining reservations (which open at 6 AM Eastern, 60 days before your trip. I’ll be the one to wake up at the crack of dawn!) and help you strategize about which parks to visit and which rides to prioritize. Also, I will be the first to learn about any new promotions that Disney releases. On promotion drop day, I’ll apply it to your trip to save you money without you even having to think about it.
What sets me apart from others is my highly personalized approach. I truly get to know my clients and help them each create a unique and magical trip based on their own family’s wants and needs!
Any big plans?
Since my business is still so new, I plan to keep growing! I’m spreading the word about my business as much as possible. And I’m just looking forward to continuing to help people have incredible vacations. There’s nothing like having a client return home from a trip and send a message thanking you and telling you how amazing it was. It just warms my heart to know I was a small part of their incredible trip.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.amydoesdisney.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TheTravelingDisnerd
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyBelfiTravel
