Fairytale Journeys Travel
Media Mentions
Fairytale Journeys Travel media mentions highlight our vacation planning expertise in Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and other publications. We are a Platinum-Level EarMarked by Disney Authorized Travel Agency. Our team specializes in Disney vacations, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Orlando vacations, and family travel planning. Explore the articles below for expert insights from our owner, Susanne Hays, and our travel advisors.
Featured Media Coverage
Why Advisors Are Booking More Air
In a travel landscape increasingly defined by delays and uncertainty, Susanne Hays, owner of Fairytale Journeys Travel, emphasizes that air travel decisions should prioritize the overall client experience rather than commissions. As highlighted in the article, Hays advises that booking flights directly with airlines can often provide travelers with greater flexibility and faster resolution when disruptions occur, especially given today’s frequent cancellations and missed connections. Her approach reflects a broader industry trend: while demand for advisor-assisted travel continues to rise, experienced agencies like Fairytale Journeys focus on guiding clients to the most seamless and stress-free solutions, ensuring every part of the journey, from flights to final destination, is thoughtfully aligned.
By Samantha Davis-Friedman
Disney specialists are enthusiastic about Josh D'Amaro's rise to CEO
The travel industry is buzzing with optimism following the announcement that Josh D’Amaro, the current Chairman of Disney Experiences, will officially become the CEO of The Walt Disney Co. on March 18, 2026. Experts from Fairytale Journeys Travel and other agencies emphasize that D’Amaro’s extensive 28-year background in theme park operations and Disney Cruise Line makes him uniquely qualified to lead the company’s next era of growth. By prioritizing the guest journey and balancing nostalgic storytelling with cutting-edge innovations like AI, D’Amaro is expected to deepen the emotional connection fans have with the brand, providing travel advisors with robust opportunities to sell world-class, immersive vacations across the Disney Experiences portfolio.
By Jamie Biesiada
Theme park festivals are attractive for travel advisors
Theme park festivals are proving to be a powerhouse marketing tool for travel advisors looking to attract niche travelers and close sales. From the culinary delights of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival to the high-energy debut of Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort, these limited-run events offer exclusive merchandise, unique entertainment, and specialized food that create a sense of urgency for clients.
Advisors can use early-release event calendars and high-quality social media content to reach specific fan bases. Examples include viral clips of the “Together Forever” nighttime spectacular. This approach helps engage Star Wars enthusiasts and young families, turning undecided travelers into confirmed bookings.
By Jamie Biesiada
Here’s What We Know About Universal Kids Resort
Universal Kids Resort is set to debut in Frisco, Texas, in 2026. This theme park is designed for young families and toddlers.
Seven themed lands inspired by iconic characters such as the Minions, Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Gabby’s Dollhouse.
Focusing on kid-friendly rides, interactive play areas like the Isle of Curiosity, and live shows. Complementing the park is a colorful 300-room on-site hotel with family-friendly suites, making Universal Kids Resort a premier, all-in-one vacation spot for those seeking a manageable and magical experience tailored to the youngest travelers.
By Samantha Davis-Friedman
Locally owned agency reaches Platinum status
Many people dream of going on a Disney vacation. With several theme parks, cruises, and other attractions to choose from, planning a trip can be tedious. Luckily, an award-winning travel agency is located right here on Lake Martin to help with planning needs.
Fairytale Journeys Travel, a locally owned travel agency, has attained Platinum-Level Earmarked status with Disney Destinations for their seventh consecutive year.
By Melody Rathel
How to be a Disney Travel Agent
It may seem like Disney vacations sell themselves. However, selling Disney Destinations involves much more than booking theme park tickets. And there’s no magic wand that comes with being a Disney travel agent.
By Samantha Davis-Friedman
Theme park festivals are attractive for travel advisors
Specially themed festivals at theme parks offer unique experiences for guests, often at no additional cost outside of park admission (except, of course, for those snacks and T-shirts).
By Jamie Biesiada
Community highlights: Meet Kelton Evers-Osthus of Fairytale Journeys by Kelton
Hi Kelton, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when I was young. I was born in Melbourne, FL, and thanks to my parents, my siblings and I grew up going to theme parks. Throughout my young life, I figured out that the life I wanted to pursue was that of Hospitality.
Living a Disney dream
Susanne Hays might have been the inspiration for a recent cartoon: pretty, curly-headed little girl, listening to a bedtime story, says to her daddy, “Skip to the part where the princess climbs to the top of the corporate ladder.”
By Natalie Nettles
Mark Your Calendars For These 2024 Events at Disneyland Resort
This year — and for the first time — Disneyland has released dates for all 2024 events at once, which, along with an expanded park reservation system allowing bookings 180 days in advance, makes it easier for clients to plan ahead.
By Samantha Davis-Friedman