I know you're all SUPER excited to enter, but first, please take a minute to get to know my sponsor, Samantha Barnes, of Golden Ears Travel, your "Go To" Disney Travel Agency:
I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 20 years! We have two children Taylor (18) and Riley (13). After completing college, I started a career as a computer programmer. But as soon as we started our own family I became a stay-at-home mom. We first took Taylor to Walt Disney World when she was 4 years old. I was instantly enchanted with the magic and wonder of seeing Disney through the eyes of my children! Thus began our annual trip (or more) to Disney!
Not only do I have the informal experience of my own trips, but I have also taken part in all available Disney trainings. I am a Disney College of Knowledge graduate and have attended the Agent Education Programs offered at Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Lines. Of course, I work in extra trips to Disneyland, Disney World and on Disney Cruises to keep my knowledge current (tough job – I know!).
One of my favorite Disney experiences was as an adult. Around my 35th birthday I was really needing a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth but it just wasn’t working neatly into our hectic family life. But one morning I was abruptly awoken by my 3 best friends who told me they were taking me away but they wouldn’t tell me where too. I was told to get dressed and we were off! Next thing I knew, we pulled into the airport and my luggage was already packed for me! The gate agent walked me through security (so I couldn’t even look at my boarding pass). I was seated in the waiting area until they all made it through security as well and that is when they took off their jackets to reveal shirts that said, “Samantha where are you going for your 35th birthday?”. On the back was the greatest words – “Walt Disney World”! I truly have the best memories of that trip. It was so fun going with my best friends and leaving our kids and husbands at home! That was just before I started my travel agency!
First Disney Memory – Definitely watching Mary Poppins on tv when I was a kid. Who didn’t dream of having a nanny like Mary that could take you on such grand adventures! This will always be my favorite Disney movie.
The first time I realized I loved the theme parks was when I was fortunate enough to visit Walt Disney World with my high school band. My family had never taken a Disney vacation before and I immediately fell in love with the MAGIC! At that time there were only 2 parks – Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Favorite Attraction – My favorite attraction is Splash Mountain. It is iconic Disney with a great story line. The details are amazing and the plunge at the end is so much fun!!!
Favorite Resort – It is hard to pick a favorite resort because I love many for different reasons. But if I picked one it would be the Beach Club. Stormalong Bay has always been my families favorite pool with its sandy bottom and great waterslide. But the convenience of walking into World Showcase in Epcot or to the Boardwalk are the biggest perk for me.
Favorite Restaurant – Picking a favorite restaurant is hard too. But I really am a huge fan of the Sci-Fi Dine In when traveling with children. It is always a nice escape from heat and the frenzy of the park. There is not one other restaurant in the parks where the kids sit in silence mesmerized by the movie screen playing the cheezy sci-fi movie clips!
Fun Fact: My Disney dream is to be the Fairy Godmother! One day I would love to retire close to the parks and be the Fairy Godmother. I would love dancing in the parades and making dreams come true of course!
Until that day, I will happily make dreams come true for my clients! I have gone to Disney as an adult, as a mom, with school groups and family grand gatherings so I can offer insights to offer every client. Having a travel planner help you with a trip does not mean that you are “giving up control” over your own reservations, instead it means you are gaining a trusted advisor who will help enhance your vacation and be your advocate at all times!
Now for the Giveaway:
One lucky DGTG Reader will win a $200 Disney Gift Card courtesy of myself and Golden Ears Travel
Because of the incredible value of this prize, there are several mandatory entries, but FEAR NOT, I have decided to use the new Rafflecopter giveaway widget to make things easier for you to enter!
>>>***The first entry below is kind of unclear and I apologize, but you must visit goldenearstravel.net, pick the Disney Destination you're most excited to visit, then leave a comment on this post below! Thanks <<<
>>>***The first entry below is kind of unclear and I apologize, but you must visit goldenearstravel.net, pick the Disney Destination you're most excited to visit, then leave a comment on this post below! Thanks <<<
Disclosure: This giftcard was purchased by DGTG and Golden Ears Travel, a Sponsor of DGTG
133 comments:
I would love to visit Disneyland. I have never been there and would like to see how it differs from visiting Disney World
thransom(at)gmail.com
i would most like to visit disney world again, but this time at christmas.
I would absolutely LOVE to go on a Disney Cruise!
I would LOVE to visit Disneyland! It looks like my kids would have a blast there! =) Never been yet...but hopefully in the near future!
soon2bbriggs1210(at)aol.com
I would love to do the Disney world/Cruise combo. The best of both worlds.
I would LOVE to take my kids to Disney World. Neither me nor my husband have ever been either so for us it would be a great experience
I would absolutely love to enjoy any disney adventure. I have never been. Now i have two kids and would love to take them!!
I would love to go to Disneyworld.
nflannery0@gmail.com
We've been to Disney World several times, so now we're planning a Disney Cruise!!
I really want to take the kids to Disneyland, or Disneyworld. Or both :)
I've been to the World many times, but I'm dying to go on a cruise!
We're heading to WDW in a couple of months, but DS4 is already talking about how he wants to take a birthday trip to Disneyland when he turns 8 (the same age DD got a birthday trip to WDW).
I would love to visit Tokyo Disneyland / DisneySea!
I've done Disney World and a Disney Cruise, so I need to go to Disneyland!! Although, I'd love to be on the Fantasy's first cruise.
We are going to San Diego for a wedding in October, and I would love to take my boys to Disneyland as well!
I would love to go on a Disney cruise!
I love going to Disney World, and one day will love going to Disneyland!
We love Disney World but before following your trip to Disneyland and your great video and post, I'm thinking about making the trip just for Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Great post, I want to go back to WDW soon and a cruise..
I would love to do a Disney Cruise or go back to Disney World
I would love to visit Disneyland since I've neer been!
I'd love to take my grandkids to Disney World. One of them hasn't been yet. I'm looking forward to going with them!
I would love to go on a Disney Cruise with my hubby for our 10th anniversary next year....more specifically a double dip !!
I would love to go to Disney World during Christmas... which we have been but I want to experience the snow falling on Main Street. Samantha told us about it, but it is too expensive for our budget.
I'm getting ready for my 11th trip to Disney World in September....but I would love to go to the other coast sometime and see the original!
How wonderful would it be to take a Disney ruise or a trip to Disneyland! I love this site, thanks again for all the great info!
WDW at christmas or the cruise line.
I can' wait to go to Disneyland in california again someday!
I can't wait to get a chance to visit Disneyland in California again!
I would love to go to the new Aulani in Hawaii
I would love to take my kids to Disney World as I have been to Disney Land 3 times growing up on the west coast and now I'm in the midwest.
im going to Walt Disney World with my boyfriend for our 5th anniversary and my 21st birthday! it is expensive but it is DEFINITELY where i'd most like to go. cant wait for all the drinks you recommend!
I dream of visiting Disneyland!
Walt Disney World!! :D
I'm so excited about Aulani opening, I would love to go and visit for myself!
The Disney Destination that is always my favorite place to visit is DisneyWorld!!
SIMSHABS at aol dot com
I would love to go on a Disney Cruise on the newer ships!
Ah... dreaming of Aulani!!
kellysluckyyou at yahoo dot com
THis is an awesome prize. Who doesn't love Disney!
Aulani, Hawaii would be my top pick for sure!
It would be aulani in Hawaii for sure!
I would love to cruise on one of the Disney ships. I think it would be a fantastic, fun and magical experience for my family!
Bitten by the Disney Bug
I would love to take a Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Dream or Wonder and visit Castaway cay.
JenniferDannielle(at)comcast.com
I would love to visit Disneyland in CA. I've never been there, and it would be a step towards my goal of visiting all Disney Theme Parks!
I would love to go to Disney World
Anne-Marie
AMM626@gmail.com
I love a great Walt Disney World trip, but would like to try out the cruise line!
I'd love to visit Disneyworld or the Watery Wonderland at Aulani!
I want to go on a Disney Cruise
Love the easy application for that contest! It was great! Not sure about your "like" on the initial facebook page. You may want to test that. Thanks again!
We've never been to Disneyland so that is a dream. We're currently saving for our second Disney Cruise. Would LOVE to do another one of those.
I would most love to visit the Aulani, Hawaii resort.
~Darlene Arnold
snacee@scottsboro.org
We are planning our trip and this sure would help!
I would love to visit Disneyland!
I forgot to say I want to go to Disney world!!
Disneyland, the original!
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. That would be my favorite, but since my hubby has never been to any Disneyland would work.
Aulani, Hawaii.
I really want to vacation on Hawaii and being at a Disney Vacation site would be great.
alliana88m AT yahoo DOT com
awesome! this is a great giveaway... hoping to win since I am going to disney in sept. fingers crossed :) thanks a bundle!
Hawaii!!! I need a good reason to go,and this would be perfect!
I would love to go to Walt Disney World and stay at the Polynesian Resort.
What an awesome giveaway at the perfect time!! I enjoy reading your blog and hope I win this giveaway so I can use the gift card for my favorite Disney Destination WDW this September!
I would love to cruise on the Disney Dream and then spend a few days at WDW, staying at the Beach Club. That is my current dream vacation. :)
Oops! I did everything else yesterday - I'll fix this! I would visit Disneyland. A cruise is out of the question for a while - doesn't seem worth it with a toddler.. but Disneyland seems PERFECT except for the long flight.. agh.
I'd like to visit Disney World!
I would love to visit Disney World at Christmas and Halloween.
OMG Samantha your life could be mine!! I want to be a travel consultant and help people enjoy the magic like I do!! I grew around Disneyland but my heart belongs at WDW!! I will retire and work for the magic one day!!
I would love to go to Disney World at Christmas. It's a life-long dream of mine...
I'd love to take a Disney cruise to Castaway Cay.
I would love, love, love to go to Aulani, Oahu, Hawaii!
I would love to go on the Disney Cruise line on the Dream. I really would love to go to Castaway Cay. I have never been on a cruise and believe my 3 kids would have fun on the cruise and especially doing the waterslide on the ship.
Wow...hard decision! First choice is Disney World but Aulani is looking REALLY good!!
I would love to visit any of the parks because I've never been to any of them but I would visit Walt Disney World first! =)
Disney cruise and Disney Aulani Resort!!
I'd love a disney cruise !
I have been to Disney World many times, I would love to do the new Disney Cruise out of NYC !
I so would love to go and stay anywhere ther....our kids are grown but,we started raisinf our granddaughter 2 yrs ago and she is 8 and I would love to take her there....but,I am workers comp so,affording it is another story!
A Disney Cruise (anywhere), without a doubt!
My true Disney dream vacay is Disneyland Paris, but from this site I'd say Aulani
I would love to take my wife to Walt Disney World for our 5th Anniversary!
I've been to WDW many times, and would love to try a Disney Cruise!
I'd like to go to any park @ Walt Disney World. Haven't been for a few years and there are so many new things :)
I went to Disney World when I was 5. All I remember was the Small World ride, eating the bread for the fish in the glass bottom boat (lol), and the teacups. I went last week to Disneyland. We went to visit my little sis who is in the Navy stationed in San Diego. We rode up and spent the night so I could take my daughter who is 15 to Disney since she had never been to either. It was an adventure. Lol. That said, I would LOVE to do the Disney Alaskan Cruise. Hubby has been talking about doing an Alaskan Cruise for most of the 20 years we've been together so that would be perfect for us. I didn't even know they had trips like that. Very cool.
lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to visit Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa.
I'd love to try out a Disney Cruise some time but with a big trip to Disney World this fall, that's probably where the gift card would go if I won
I would love Disneyland
I would love to visit Aulani, Oahu, Hawaii. It looks wonderful!!
Definitely want to visit Disney World again. Haven't been in almost 7 years.
miss_jama at hotmail dot com
I'd love to go back to WDW, but Aulani looks like a lot of fun. I'd love to check that place out.
I'd love to go back to WDW, but Aulani looks like a lot of fun, so I'd like more info on that place.
I'd love to go back to WDW, but Aulani looks like a lot of fun, so I'd like more info on that place.
I want to go to Disney World with four generations!! I would love to see it all through every different age group
I would love to take the family to Aulani in Hawaii
The Aulani is an awesome idea; Hawaii meets Disney! I adore both places so I would definitely want to go there! And of course Disney World since I haven't been :)
I would love to visit the new Aulani, Oahu, Hawaii destination!
The Disney Cruise is a goal for my family. We are saving all our $$ so we can hopefully go soon!
Definitely Aulani, Oahu, Hawaii!
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina,
I've been to both the World and the Land, so I would love to go on the Disney Cruise Line!
I would absolutely love to visit Tokyo Disneyland. I want to go to Tokyo DisneySea so badly!
Adventures by disney anywhere
any one please I just wanna go away!!
Would love to visit Aulani!!!
I would LOVE to go on a Disney Cruise! :)
I would love to do the Disney Land/Sea combo! That would be so much fun!
I would love to go on the Disney Cruise with my princess! Thanks for a great giveaway! www.savvyshoppermom.blogspot.com
I would love to take a Disney Adventure sometime...where oh where maybe to Italy! :)
I would love to go on a Disney Cruise with entire family!
totallymomma(at)gmail.com
Aulani! As DVC members, this is on our list to try in the next few years!
Dear Samantha,
Oh, Maybe this is where I am supposed to publish my comment. Well, I have also put it on the GoldenEarsTravel site too.
I would say I do not really have a preference. I first viseted Disney World just last year with my Orchestra Class. It was the most fun I have ever had in my life. My family does not believe in pre-packaged fun, so it really was something different for me. Ever since I have been trying to persuade my family to go. But they have no interest. Too costly for something they are not even sure will work out. I really would jsut be greatful to go to any sort of Disney destination. I know it would all be just as enjoyable.
Thank you,
MC
Aulani!! ;)
s_hill2009@yahoo.com
I would love to visit Disney World...during the holidays!!!
I would love to visit Disney World again. My family and I absolutely LOVE it there. My second choice would be a Disney Cruise as we have never been on a cruise at all. Thanks for having this drawing and for sharing your Disney Travel knowledge. :) Mindy Johnson
I have never been to Disney and would love to go . I am going soon for the first time and I could really use the gift card. My mom can't afford many things. It's expensive and I am disabled
I dream about a cruise on the Disney Dream!
I've never been on a cruise of any kind, much less Disney. Definitely on my to-do wish list.
I'd love to take my family to Walt Disney World. I thought you had a great story about your friends surprising you with a trip to Disney World for your birthday. One of my best friends recently moved to Orlando, so we would also visit her and her hubby!
Disney World of course! lol if not there then a cruise for the whole fam! My daughter would obviously loove to go. tHANKS!
Would love to take the Alaskan Disney cruise!
Hawaii! Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina
Wlat Disney World is always my first pick, but Disneyland Paris would be pretty close.
Definitely Disneyland! Just having to look at Walt's first theme park and the history behind everything would be exciting! :D
I would love to visit Aulani in Hawaii. That would be a dream vacation. :)
I would love to go to Disney Land. I always see my Californian friends hit up and get extremely jealous.
I would like to visit the new Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, and now it seems I have twice the reason to go.
Disney Cruise Line!!
merleandtina@yahoo.com
Disney Cruise Line because I had an opportunity to go years ago and I would love to take my girlfriend out for her first cruise trip.
I am so very excited that it looks like Disney Cruises will be leaving out of a NY port soon.
I would love to go to Disney World and stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge!
Congrats to Rebecca Medrano-Guerrero
Wow its hard to decied what my dream Disney vacation would be. I would love to go on a cruise but I think Disney Paris would be the most wonderful. Paris is a place I have always wanted to visit, plus theres Disney too!
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