Jim isn’t your average Disney-goer. He’s the kind of man who values tradition, cherishes his family, and knows that time spent together is the greatest gift of all.
So when he turned 70, Jim had one goal in mind: gather his entire family—his wife Melissa, their three grown children (plus spouses), and their six grandchildren—for a magical vacation they would talk about for years.
This wasn’t their first trip to Walt Disney World. In fact, I’ve had the joy of planning several of Jim and Melissa’s visits over the years. They’re wonderful clients—kind, thoughtful, and intentional about creating space for connection. But this trip? It was something more. It was a celebration of a life well-lived, and a chance to watch joy unfold through three generations.
The Castle View That Started It All
If you’ve ever stayed at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, you know it’s special. The white balconies, the monorail gliding past, the twinkling lights of the castle just across the water—it feels like stepping into a storybook.
Jim and Melissa always request a specific corner room with a view of Cinderella Castle. It’s not just any room—it’s the room. It has a little alcove with an extra table and chairs, perfect for the grandkids to visit each morning for breakfast before heading into the parks.
It’s one of those small touches that makes a big difference. And it’s something we’ve come to include automatically in every one of their bookings. That’s the beauty of working with an advisor who knows you well—we remember the details that matter.
A Trip Built for Every Generation
Planning for a group of 13 people, ages 4 to 70, takes more than a spreadsheet. It takes empathy. It takes understanding the personalities and priorities of each guest. And most of all—it takes heart.
We planned the perfect mix of:
- All-family park days, where everyone could experience the wonder together
- Special moments, like a babysitter for one evening so the adults could enjoy a quiet, signature meal (with fireworks views!)
- Flexibility, with built-in “choose your own adventure” days—for example, when one family wanted to explore Universal Studios while others took it slow by the pool
Because when each family member feels seen, the trip becomes more than a vacation—it becomes a shared memory.
The Joy in the Details
Jim may be the patriarch of his family, but what makes him special is how deeply he cares about creating joy for others. He doesn’t just want to take his grandkids to Disney—he wants them to feel the magic.
That’s why we take care of things like:
- Scheduling time for naps and snack breaks (because little legs and big dreams need pacing)
- Reserving character dining experiences that delight everyone from toddlers to teens
- Planning transportation, room layouts, and Genie+ strategies to keep the whole crew moving efficiently
Jim gets to be the hero without having to juggle logistics. And Melissa? She gets to enjoy her grandbabies, knowing everything is handled.
The Legacy of Magic
Watching the fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle, with his grandkids gathered around him—that’s the kind of moment Jim planned for. And it’s the kind of moment that will be retold at family gatherings for years.
At Embrace The Magic Travel, these are the stories that fuel everything we do.
We believe that family time is necessary time, and that the investment in a multi-gen vacation isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you go with and how you make it count.
Want to be the hero of your family’s next memory?
Our advisors specialize in multi-gen travel—from room layouts and dining to downtime and delight, we make it easy for you to focus on what matters most: being together.
Let’s plan something magical for your family.
