Hi, I'm Leah, a Disney & Universal Specialist at Charter Travel. I started working for Charter Travel by following in my family's footsteps, and nearly 10 years later, I can truly say this is where I'm meant to be!
I've been visiting Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and exploring Florida since I was just 6 months old, so it's fair to say Florida has always felt like home. Over the years of travelling to the destination I love most, I've gained a level of personal experience which I now get to share with my clients, with insights on hotels and experiences to help them create their own perfect Florida holiday.
Working in travel opened the door to exploring the rest of the USA too, and I quickly became just as invested in discovering states and cities beyond Florida. I've still got plenty left to see on my list, but I've already made some incredible memories along the way - the most recent being a beautiful family wedding on the beach in sunny Marina del Rey, and celebrating the World Cup with local fans throughout Los Angeles.
Thinking back on holidays, I can say I've already experienced some pretty amazing things across the USA, from cattle auctions at Stockyards City, kayaking alongside wild horses in Scottsdale, playing chess in Central Park and swimming with manatees in Florida, just to name a few! There are still plenty more adventures on my bucket list, and I'm always looking forward to ticking off the next one.
For me, the best part of my job is bringing those experiences back to share with my clients - helping them create their own perfect Florida, Disney or USA holiday. Ready to start planning yours?
Since I started working for Charter Travel, I’ve stayed at all of the Universal resorts and I’m slowly ticking off the Disney resorts too but I’ve also caught the USA bug travelling around the country visiting different states and cities. Just a few of my favourites outside of Florida are New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas and Kansas City.
I’d love to say I’d venture outside of the USA but I just can’t! One of the best things about the USA is that no 2 destinations feel the same… I’d love to head down to the Florida Keys and explore a side of Florida I haven’t seen yet. With how beautiful the beaches are in Clearwater, St Petes, Fort Lauderdale and Miami are I can just imagine a road trip through the Keys would be amazing.
Take a break! The theme parks are amazing and it’s so easy to want to spend every minute in the parks from rope drop to close but with the Florida heat, number of steps, and sheer excitement you can end up zonked out.
When we’re on holiday, I love to get up early for a rope drop and head straight for our pre-chosen ride once the cast members say GO! Then, rather than trying to power through the full day, once we’ve had some morning fun we head back to our hotel for a dip in the pool and some relaxing before returning to the parks for fireworks and evening excitement. A break doesn’t mean you’re missing out… The middle of the day can be your enemy so don’t be afraid to slow down!
This is a hard one so I’m going to have to narrow it down by category…
This one has to be Disney’s Pop Century Resort. I love the big, bright oversized theming here with the classic Disney characters decorating the walls but the Skyliner Transportation System is a game changer. Getting to see Walt Disney World from the sky is an experience I just love and the bonus of this being a relaxing way to get to the parks the icing on the cake!
My favourite Disney Moderate Resort has to be Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. I’ll be honest, the Mickey Mouse beignets are a huge factor in this decision but having the water taxi to Disney Springs and the oasis feel of this resort push it to the top of my list. Being able to hop off the bus after a long day in the parks and feel instantly relaxed is the magic this resort offers.
Not to be stereotypical but I think I’d have to say Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. How can anyone resist a hotel where you can be lounging in the pool and watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks with music at the same time? I also can’t resist the food at ‘Ohana, the on-site restaurant, whether it’s their all-you-can-eat breakfast skillet or amazing evening Polynesian all-you-can-eat meal it’s a must-do on every Orlando holiday I take.
There’s no question here, I can answer this question within seconds… Disney’s Hollywood Studios! There isn’t a ride or land in this park that I don’t love, the lands are immersive and the rides / shows are just incredible from start to finish. There genuinely is something for everyone at this park, thrill seekers can check-in at the Hollywood Tower hotel or zoom along in a limo to try and catch the Muppet’s next concert whilst those who like it a bit calmer can battle it out on Toy Story Midway Mania or follow Mickey & Minnie on their runaway railway. Not to mention the shows! From classics to the new Disney Villains, they’re pure magic.
With Universal Orlando growing quickly now there are so many brilliant options to choose from but, after looking back at my own holidays and stays at their hotels, it’s hard to beat Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort! This resort just makes me happy and ticks all the boxes; the retro theming, music playing throughout the resort, different pool areas, activities on-site, views of Volcano Bay and the fantastic location push this hotel to the top of my list. I will always spend a night or two at a Signature Resort like the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel when over at Universal Orlando but if I’m choosing somewhere I enjoy every part of the stay then Cabana Bay Beach Resort is my pick every time.
This one is tough but I think it has got to be Universal Studios just manages to win this competition! With Revenge of the Mummy, Men in Black Alien Attack and Diagon Alley all in the same park there’s plenty to keep me coming back again and again. The cherry on top is the fact you can experience the most nostalgic and classic ride at Universal in this park - ET Adventure!
There’s something about Universal Studios that makes it feel like there’s always another favourite waiting around the corner!
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