When it comes to Disney vacations, few people have the experience and insider knowledge that Kari Mollan brings to the table.
A self-proclaimed “island girl,” Kari is known throughout Stellar Travel for her expertise in tropical destinations, safaris, destination weddings, and family vacations. But she also happens to be one of our resident Disney experts, having visited Disney parks and resorts approximately 100 times and sailed with Disney Cruise Line 10 times. In fact, Kari has visited every Disney park in the world – many of them multiple times.
So what keeps her going back? “The quality is always exceptional,” Kari says. “The accommodations, the parks, the service – Disney consistently delivers. It’s also a wonderful escape from reality.”
Read along for some of Kari’s favorite Disney resorts, the experiences she thinks are worth the splurge, and a few mistakes she helps clients avoid.
Q & A with Kari Mollan
What are the first things you consider when planning a Disney vacation?
Seasonality is always one of my first considerations. Disney does an incredible job with holiday celebrations, seasonal events, food festivals, and decorations. If clients have flexibility, I love helping them experience those special touches. I also often recommend booking a suite; having extra space to relax after a long day in the parks can make a big difference.
What Disney resorts do you recommend most often?
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (Disneyland): Perfect for travelers of all ages, with some of the most convenient park access anywhere in the Disney portfolio.
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Walt Disney World): A longtime favorite thanks to its monorail access, tropical atmosphere, excellent dining, and spectacular fireworks views.
- Disneyland Hotel (Disneyland Paris): Located at the entrance to the park, this beautifully reimagined hotel offers one of Disney’s most immersive resort experiences.
Which experiences are worth the extra cost?
If the budget allows, a VIP Tour is absolutely worth it. You’ll accomplish so much more in a single day with a dedicated guide.
I also strongly recommend staying on property at Walt Disney World. Many hotels advertise being “minutes from Disney,” but Walt Disney World covers 44 square miles – about twice the size of Manhattan. Staying on property saves time and creates a much smoother vacation experience.
How do you help make Disney feel less overwhelming?
Learn how to use the Disney app before you arrive! It’s the best tool available. I like to have a little “Disney training” session with clients so they can get comfortable with its many features before their trip.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when planning Disney on their own?
Many travelers don’t realize how much planning is involved. If you don’t pre-book dining, understand the app, and have a strategy for your park days, it’s easy to spend more time waiting in lines and less time enjoying the experience.
I also generally recommend avoiding major holidays unless that’s your only option. We visited Magic Kingdom on Christmas morning years ago – and once was enough!
Any personal favorites you always recommend?
I love the original attractions, but I also appreciate the new technology and updates Disney continues to introduce. I always encourage guests to take advantage of Disney’s photo services so they can easily download and print their vacation memories later.
And if you’re visiting Walt Disney World, don’t miss Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. It’s one of my favorite Disney traditions and always a great time.
Planning a Disney Vacation?
Having visited every Disney park in the world and helped countless families navigate Disney vacations by land and sea, Kari understands what makes a good Disney trip great. Whether you’re planning a first visit, a Disney Cruise Line sailing, or a return to a favorite park, she can help you make the most of your time, budget, and vacation experience. Reach out to Stellar Travel to get started.