Adventure Specialists
Leadership Team
Michelle Bakun
Michigan
Specialties: Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Universal Parks & Resorts, Cruise Travel
My love for Disney began in childhood, taking annual family trips to Walt Disney World and the amazing beaches on both the east and west coasts of Florida. Now I share that same love of Disney with my husband and son. Officially I’ve been planning magical vacations for clients for 6 years, but for over a decade I’ve been the “go to” source for friends and family for their Disney trips. As Disney Vacation Club owners, we’ve been fortunate to visit Walt Disney World a few times each year, and stayed at nearly every resort on property. I’m also passionate about Disney Cruise Line and have loved getting away from it all on numerous Disney Cruises. And if you're looking to visit Disneyland or Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa, I can help plan that, too! Aside from Disney, I am a certified Universal Orlando Resort Specialist with first-hand theme park experience, and have received certifications from numerous cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival. When you plan a vacation with me the only thing you need to worry about is showing up to make those magical memories with the people you love
Amanda Buswell
Texas
Specialties: Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Parks and Resorts, Sandals, Travel with Young Children, Family Reunion Groups
When people vacation together, especially families, they collect the memories that will stay with them throughout their lives. Traveling makes families closer, more resilient and happier, and that’s why I love my job! Whether it’s a girls’ trip, honeymoon, couples getaway, family reunion, or even a “Bro-cation” I’ll help you plan an incredible trip and take care of all the details so you can just show up! I’ve traveled all over the Caribbean, Europe and throughout the U.S., and I enjoy planning vacations to any destination. But Disney holds my heart so planning travel to any Disney destination is my specialty. We’ve been taking our 3 children to Disney since my teenager was 10 months old, so I know all the insider tips to make you an expert traveler with children of all ages! Disney is truly a second home for us and when they greet us at the Beach Club (our favorite resort) with “Welcome Home” we really feel that. My goal is for each of my clients to feel that way, too, on their first trip or their 100th. I’d love to help you plan a trip and turn it into a memorable adventure!
Becky Kotsifas
Delaware
Specialties: Walt Disney World, RunDisney, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Europe, Girls Trips, Family Group Travel
Planning travel merges so many of my most favorite things together. It’s the perfect job for me! Having grown up believing in all things Disney, and raising my own sons with that same magic, planning vacations to any Disney Destination is a joy. Whether it’s Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line or Walt Disney World, I can help. In 2018 I had a “50 days of Disney” tour so if it’s Disney, chances are I’ve done it! An avid runner and RunDisney enthusiast, my specialty is creating the perfect "racecation" for you. With more than 12 Disney race weekends under my belt - including Disneyland Paris - I know the ins and outs of everything runDisney and I’ll help you get the most out of your getaway. Beyond Disney, I’ve traveled extensively but specialize in trips to New England, California and Europe. Whatever vacation you envision, a girls’ trip, family vacation or a couples getaway, I know firsthand that the experiences we enjoy on a trip are far more valuable than anything purchased in a store. Plan your adventure and get ready to make some amazing memories!
Danielle Peterson
Colorado
Specialties: Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Cruise Travel, Family Group Travel
My love for Disney started when I was young, but really blossomed when I became a mom. After planning our first family vacation, I knew I had found my calling and I began my career helping friends and family plan their own dream vacation! I’ve been to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World many times, but trips while pregnant and with young children, including infants, give me valuable first-hand knowledge of how to make traveling with any age seamless and easy. I’d love to share my tips with tricks with you! I work hand-in-hand with clients to design a trip perfectly tailored to their family, including the best dining reservations, FastPasses and resort hotel activities. Whether it’s a detailed daily park plan or a leisurely afternoon at the pool, I’m here to help with as little or as much of the planning process - it’s up to you. Our family also loves cruising, and large trips/family reunions at sea is another travel niche where I can help. No matter where you’re headed, I’ll help your trip be the adventure of your dreams filled with magical memories to last a lifetime.
Adventure Specialists
Lacey Bordewick
Illinois
Specialties: Disney Parks and Resorts, US road trips
My family regularly enjoys the crazy that comes with having 3 kids with their activities and extracurriculars. I love to travel because it gives us a chance to reconnect as a family. We don’t have to worry about laundry or meal prep or grocery shopping or sports or homework, we just have to be present with each other, and I am more appreciative of that each passing year! I especially love Disney Parks and Resorts because they have something to please everyone in the family. I would love to help you plan a vacation to reconnect with your family or friends!
Allison Tombs
Michigan
Specialties: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Cruise Travel, Travel with special needs
I have been obsessed with all things Disney for as long as I can remember! When I entered adulthood that love continued to grow and now I have had the pleasure of sharing that with my husband, children, family, friends and clients. To me there is nothing more magical than seeing someone’s face light up as they see Cinderella’s castle for the first time or take that first ride on Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train! One of my children has special needs so that has given me a unique perspective on the specific challenges that special needs families face. While Disney holds my heart, I also have experience with extensive U.S. travel and European travel as well. I can not wait to help you make magical memories that will last a lifetime!
Kim Turner
Delaware
Specialties: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Family Travel, Travel with young children, Travel with special needs, Girls Trips
My love for Disney started as a young child in the 1970’s with my family’s annual visits to Disney and The Polynesian Resort. I have so many magical childhood memories of this time: Main Street Electrical Parade, the Coral Isle Cafe at the Polynesian Resort, and yes even River Country! As I’ve grown, I’ve been able to take those memories and make new ones with my husband and our two daughters!
Needless to say, all this time at Disney World has led me to become the Disney guru among my family and friends, helping them plan their perfect vacation! And now I can help use that knowledge to help you! My job is to take the stress of planning off your plate to ensure that you have the most relaxing and magical vacation possible! You can consider me an honorary family member, helping you “Dream it! Plan it! Do it!”
Sue Johnson
Delaware
Specialties: Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, RunDisney events, Universal parks and resorts, Cruise Travel, multi-generational family travel, group travel
My love for all things Disney began way back in 1979 with my first trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and I’ve been hooked ever since. Luckily my husband (a former Disney cast member) shared my passion and we’ve continued exploring Disney destinations with our three children. We’ve experienced Disney’s domestic properties along with exotic destinations in the eastern and western Caribbean via Disney Cruise Line with our children from toddlerhood through their teenage years. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, or whether you want to be fully involved in the planning or just want me to do the legwork for you, I can help you make memories your family will never forget.
Kristin Brady
Colorado
Specialties: Asia, Europe, Walt Disney World
I’ve had a passion for travel since I was young. I’ve lived in Michigan, Hawaii and Colorado. I’ve taken trips around the globe including Japan, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. I’m always on the lookout for great deals, special experiences and the local flavors with a mix of planning and spontaneity. Our favorite family destination is Disney World. We’ve been annual passholders and have learned many tricks to make the most magical memories. Helping friends organize their relaxing vacations or fun adventures, with as much guidance as they desire is my main goal. I would love to help you plan your next dream vacation!
Melissa Rappucci
Delaware
Specialties: Walt Disney World, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando
My love for Disney started when I married into a Disney family. It only took one visit and from then on I was hooked! And not long after that first trip I was in charge of planning the annual vacation to Walt Disney World for our ever-growing family. 18 years and 17 people later, I strive to find new adventures for our yearly visits. I love helping families plan their vacations because I get to share not only my love for Disney but my extensive, first person experiences to personalize each clients dream vacation.
Rosalie Mastaler
Texas
Specialties: New York City, Disneyland, California, Disney Cruise Line, Travel with young kids
Travel and Disney have always been a part of who I am. I like to believe I was born with Mickey ears on my head and a map in my hand. Planning adventures for my young family, whether it’s a road trip, a Disney destination, or somewhere new to explore, has always been a highlight of my life. I am also the go to person when it comes to planning trips for friends and relatives. My love for traveling blossomed when moved to NY to work as a nanny. Shortly after that, I traveled to Russia where I taught English at an elementary school. Those two experiences taught me to embrace culture and relish in the details of the moment. That’s what travel is about and what I hope to help others experience as I send them on their own adventures.
Jennifer Quinlan
Delaware
Specialties: Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Parks & Resorts, Multi-Generational Family Travel.
My passion for trip planning began when I started preparing for my own family’s first trip to Disney World! During that time, I poured over the Walt Disney World website, and could not get enough of the details, possibilities, and magic that was waiting for my husband, two children and me. Ensuring you get the most out of your vacation to Disney and beyond is my goal. I am available to assist in whatever capacity is needed to create an itinerary that is perfect for you and your family. My objective is to simplify your trip planning, and make prepping for your vacation as easy and hassle-free as possible. I hope to help you create a trip that will be filled with unforgettable memories, moments, and magic!
Jane Pueschel
North Carolina
Specialties: Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Europe, Asia, Family Group Travel
Let my passion for travel help you find more joy and make lasting memories! Let’s face it—everyone loves awesome vacations, but not everyone likes the work needed to make it happen. If the researching, planning, booking, scheduling, and waiting on hold are not for you, let me help! Since childhood, I’ve loved adventures and have been blessed to travel the world, experience wonderful vacations and live abroad during college. There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing new places, meeting new people, experiencing great food, and (my favorite!) making memories with those I love. As my family of seven grew, I wanted them to have the same opportunity to travel I enjoyed, so I became skilled at finding good deals, planning itineraries to maximize every vacation, stretching a budget, and discovering travel hacks to make trips more efficient and easier. Whether it’s a quick getaway, a family reunion at Disney, or a trip abroad, I’d love to help you “Dream it. Plan it. Do it. Repeat!”
Meghan Wagner
Michigan
Specialties: Walt Disney World, Universal, All-Inclusives, and Cruises.
I have always loved travelling, whether it is for relaxation, adventure or a bit of both! As a new mom, I have loved exploring with my husband and daughter and seeing things through her eyes. I have a deep love of all things Disney and cannot wait to watch her experience it all as she grows. My husband and I do not always have the same ideas on what it means to “vacation” as others that we have travelled with, so it has been fun for me to plan vacations that everyone enjoys. As the planning and traveling guru, I have been the go-to for trip plans for my family and friends of all ages and vacation styles! My hope is to share my knowledge and experience of Disney, Universal, and travel around the world with you, helping you to have the best vacation possible!
Nikki Weisflock
Kentucky
Specialties: Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, Cruises, Family/Group Travel
Traveling has been a huge part of my life since childhood and now I share that with my husband and children! From cruising to Costa Rica to Universal and Disney World, we constantly look for our next adventure! The memories made and moments shared with people we love when traveling are kept close for the rest of your life and can never be taken away. Disney World is a favorite location of ours memories throughout the years! There is nothing quite like that special smile when someone sees Cinderella's Castle for the first time or a child's excitement at that first hug from Mickey Mouse! Years of Disney adventures have made me the researcher, planner and go-to gal for all things travel-related with friends and family and now I”m excited to share this knowledge and know-how with my clients! I will work with you to ensure the details of your magical vacation are, as Mary Poppins would say, “practically perfect in every way” for your family. After all, a Disney vacation isn't just a vacation, it's a lifetime of memories!
Jyl Barlow
Virginia
Specialties: Cruise Travel, Walt Disney World, Universal Parks, Group Travel
It wasn’t until I was in my early thirties that my love for travel took off courtesy of a cruise in the Mediterranean. My fear of sneaking out of my comfort zone instantly changed to a happy leap as I became hooked on exploring. Ironically, this also reawakened my love for Disneyworld nearly two decades after my last visit. My favorite commonality in adventure travel is the resort or cruise ship’s ability to allow travelers to be fully present for each unforgettable moment. As a mother of two (three if we count my husband), this has meant setting aside the work/family/life balance while watching my children discover their own zest for adventure.
Creating a dream vacation can be intimidating, but the rewards are worth it. With a seasoned specialist at your side, many of the complexities are removed, paving the way to the destination of your dreams. Let’s start creating your next favorite memory today!
Michaela Benting
New Hampshire
Specialties: Disney Destinations, Universal parks & resorts, Cruise Travel, traveling with children
Growing up I went on many adventures all around the country. My passion for travel only grew as I got older and explored the globe, taking me places like Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean.
I'm grateful to have those experiences and memories, but I have a soft spot for all things Disney. It began when my grandparents started a collection of Disney movies for me as an infant. At four my family took our first trip to Disney and the rest is history! The magical atmosphere left me in awe, with an unquenchable thirst for Disney. I've been lucky enough to experience trips with family and friends, large groups and small, but most recently with my toddler and there is nothing quite like that! Through all of my research, planning and first hand knowledge I have become "the go-to" with anyone I know headed to visit the mouse!
Helping people plan their dream vacations is something I'll never get enough of. Knowing I had a part in making your dream trip a reality brings me so much joy. I hope to share my tips, tricks and knowledge I've accumulated through the years with you to ensure you get your dream vacation too!
Kayla Blue
Illinois
Specialties: Theme Park Destinations
As a child, the Disney Renaissance era captured and held my attention, sense of romanticism, and devotion to all things Disney: music, movies, and more! I pair that love with a life-long enjoyment and appreciation of all amusement parks; nurtured by my family’s annual trips to Six Flags Great America, Cedar Point, Holiday World, and King’s Island, I became a theme park destination encyclopedia. As an adult, I worked as a high school English teacher and Education Scholar in the theatre industry for twelve years, but travel always stayed with me. Quickly, travel evolved from a pastime to a passion. The joy of studying abroad for a semester in England, visiting countless US cities, and ticking off more bucket list amusement parks nationwide made me decide to step out of the classroom to share my knowledge and thrill of travel planning with you. Now, I am overjoyed to help others embark on magical vacations with Disney Adventures and thrilling fun at Universal Studios. I truly believe that at Disney Parks, “now is the best time of your life,” and I’m going to help my clients maximize all the potential each “great, big, beautiful tomorrow” holds.
