Travel Simple with Amanda

07/27/2026

07/21/2026

Travel hacks airlines don't want you to know.

07/18/2026

I know social media sometimes makes Disney feel like a competitive sport where everybody is rope dropping, speed walking across four parks, surviving exclusively on caffeine, and somehow still smiling during fireworks after 14 hours in 100° heat.

One thing I really want parents (and honestly in general) to remember when visiting Disney? Don't make yourself miserable to make it "count."

Some of the best Disney decisions we’ve ever made have been: leaving early, taking midday naps/swim breaks, skipping attractions that would overwhelm somebody, sitting in air conditioning for 30 minutes instead of forcing “one more ride," and realizing everybody was DONE.

Disney actually has a full sensory experience guide that breaks down attractions by loud noises, darkness, lighting effects, water effects, sudden movement, surprise elements, etc.

This is such a helpful resource for families like ours with younger kids, neurodivergent guests, anxiety, PTSD, sensory sensitivities, or even adults who simply prefer knowing what to expect ahead of time.

Here’s the guide if you’d like to look through it:
https://tinyurl.com/4t5r34ya

If your family has specific sensory concerns, accessibility questions, or just needs a slower-paced approach to Disney, that is absolutely something I can help with during the planning process. Every family experiences Disney differently, and I really think trips go so much more smoothly when you plan around your family’s actual needs. As always, my Disney planning services are FREE!

07/16/2026

This and so much more:
linktr.ee/amanda.travelsimple

07/07/2026

Carousel of Progress Fans Capture Close-Up, Walkaround Footage Before Attraction's Closure

https://wdwnt.news/667_10

07/06/2026

Me, after turning on airplane mode.

07/01/2026

Now for what may be my hottest Disney take of all:
Animal Kingdom is one of the BEST parks, especially for families who need a slower-paced day. 🌿🦒

It's frequently underestimated, because people assume it’s “just animals.”

Meanwhile Animal Kingdom is over here serving:
✨ walking trails
✨ shaded areas
✨ self-paced attractions
✨ live animal exhibits
✨ calming nature sounds
✨ fewer “GO GO GO” attractions than the other parks

There are still a few more intense attractions to be aware of, of course.

🦅 Flight of Passage
This Avatar ride is beautiful, but Disney specifically notes loud noises, darkness, 3D effects, sudden drops, and ride seats that expand/contract during the experience.

🏔️ Expedition Everest
Fast speeds, backward motion, sudden drops, darkness, and the Yeti. (The Yeti still isn't living up to its potential, though - iykyk.)

🌊 Kali River Rapids
You WILL get wet. Not “maybe.” Not “possibly.” You will leave questioning your life choices in soggy socks. 😂

BUT THEN…

🦍 Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Completely self-paced walking trail with animal viewing throughout.

🎨 The Animation Experience at Conservation Station
Quiet, indoor drawing experience where Disney artists teach guests how to draw characters. Genuinely such an underrated break in the middle of the day.

🚂 Rafiki’s Planet Watch
A slower corner of the park that honestly feels completely separate from the chaos sometimes.

🦁 Festival of the Lion King
Yes, there are loud moments and effects, but this is one of those shows that somehow manages to be both high-energy and a good “sit down and breathe for a second” break at the same time.

Animal Kingdom is also one of the few parks where I genuinely recommend slowing down ON PURPOSE.

Walk the trails.
Watch the animals.
Sit in the shade.
Don’t rush.

The park is a VIBE and feels better that way.

06/29/2026

For this and so much more:
linktr.ee/amanda.travelsimple

06/29/2026

Me, looking at my countdown app for the 47th time today.

06/28/2026

I need to talk about Perfect Day at CocoCay for a second because Royal Caribbean's definition of a "private island" is absolutely unhinged.

When somebody says private island, I picture a beach chair and maybe a frozen drink.

Royal Caribbean apparently pictured:
🌴 beaches
💦 a waterpark
🎈 a giant helium balloon
🍹 swim-up bars
🏖️ overwater cabanas
🌊 the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean

It's like somebody couldn't decide between a beach vacation, a resort vacation, and a theme park vacation, so they just combined all three.