Maggie Ballantyne
Maggie Ballantyne
Enthusiastic Family Travel Planner
Dancing with Donald in my happy place!
My two favorite things since day one have always been travel and Disney, so a job that combines the two really is my dream come true!
After graduating from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, I moved to Florida to become a Disney Cast Member. Not only did I learn something new about myself, but I also learned so much about the Disney Company and about making magic for my guests! As a Cast Member, I also earned my "Mousters Degrees" from Disney University in both Marketing & Sales and Cast Engagement & Human Resources.
I started out trained, traveled, and trusted in booking Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures By Disney, and Aulani- A Disney Resort and Spa. Now, I can help you book destinations all over the world! My enthusiasm for traveling and passion for helping others are what drive me to build and organize unique travel experiences catered to each of my clients. All of my recommendations come from personal experience and expertise.
My personal travel experience includes 30+ trips to Walt Disney World, 3 trips to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, several Disney cruises, and there is an Adventures by Disney in the works. Each walk down Main Street U.S.A. is a memorable one. The happiness I feel in Disney is something I think all people should have the opportunity to feel! On each trip, my personal goal is to make arrangements to see something new whether that be a resort, dining experience, tour, or event. My favorite events? Participating in runDisney events and races!
Outside of Disney, I've traveled to Europe 3 times and I spent a couple of weeks in South Africa in 2018. I am a firm believer in weekend road trips and often choose my destinations based on cities with different ballparks or street festivals. I have experienced and enjoyed many trips to Universal Orlando, Discovery Cove, and I have visited 9 Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts as well. One of my most recent adventures included an Amtrak Train Trip to Glacier National Park -- a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While I do love sailing with Mickey, I really love sailing as a First Mate with Virgin Voyages. This adult-only cruise line is going to revolutionize the cruising industry!
Here is a glimpse at other destinations I can assist with booking: Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resorts, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Princess Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Viking River Cruises, Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood, Discovery Cove, and with Pleasant Holidays and Classic Vacations, I can help you find vacation spots all over the world. I have helped clients book Key West, Costa Rica, Mexico, several islands in the Caribbean, England, and more! If you want to go there, we will make it happen!
I live in Frederick, Maryland and I'm a proud dog mom of my rescue puppy, Ruffles. If I could be any Disney character I would be Mary Poppins because, just like Mary, I believe that “In every job that must be done there is an element of fun.”
I look forward to getting to know each of my clients, designing a vacation that will create lifelong memories, and inserting a little Disney magic along the way.
Testimonials I Have Received
"The support of Maggie ensures you are making the right decision for your family." -Mrs. K (Disneyland, 2019)
"Maggie's efficiency and enthusiasm made us feel so reassured!" -Mrs. CK (Disney World, 2018)
"If you’re booking a trip, book with Maggie!... She goes above and beyond to ensure everything goes perfectly for your vacation. She’s kept me informed and up to date on everything going on during the COVID situation. She’s handled everything with speed and grace. I will never book without her as my travel agent again. Thank you Maggie for all the hard work, dedication, and time you put into making sure every little detail was taken care of. You truly made our vacation even more magical!" - Mrs. L (Disney World, 2020)
My Areas of Expertise
Related Travel Stories
A GRAND Time
In September 2021 I finally checked a very important box off my Disney Bucket List: Stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I have visited this resort plenty of times, but staying at this resort was magical on a whole new level.
Our arrival could not have been timed more perfectly ... Read more from my A GRAND Time story.
10 Reasons to Visit Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is a beautiful all-inclusive day resort located right in Orlando. When visiting, however, you will feel like you are on a tropical island and not in the heart of one of America’s busiest tourist spots. I have visited Discovery Cove three times and plan to visit again. I find ... Read more from my 10 Reasons to Visit Discovery Cove story.
Top 10 Reasons I Love Disneyland
Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure are my favorite Disney parks. I love that this location is where the magic began. I love the nostalgic feel of walking down the original Main Street, U.S.A. I love the unique features of the parks we don’t have on the East Coast. I have visited ... Read more from my Top 10 Reasons I Love Disneyland story.
Holiday VIP Tour: Universal Orlando
In December 2021, I signed up for the Universal Holiday VIP Tour. I never participated in a VIP Tour through Universal Orlando, and I will spoil the ending now by saying I am SO happy I did. You do need park-to-park tickets for the date of your tour in order to ... Read more from my Holiday VIP Tour: Universal Orlando story.
Racing Through the Parks
The report time for the race bus is 3:30 am, which means I am awake even earlier. All to go for a run. So why do I do it?
First, I would never ever wake up that early to run unless it is a Disney event like the ones hosted by runDisney. ... Read more from my Racing Through the Parks story.
Trained, Traveled, Trusted
Thank you for being the world's most loyal client! I love planning your trips and love even more seeing how much fun you have! Your willingness to try new things adds even more fun to the planning experience!
Best mother/daughter trip!
Everyone likes to experience Disney World in a different way! I loved helping you figure out a way that would work the best for you! My favorite part of your itinerary was the Animation Experience at Animal Kingdom, dining with the princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table, and the Ferrytale Sparkling Dessert Cruise!
Disneyland fun!
Thanks for always being so supportive and loyal. Disneyland is my favorite park and I am glad I got to plan trips there for you and with you!
A race for the ages!
I was so happy you reached out to me! I can't wait to see you race weekend!
Maggie is Wonderful!
Spectacular in these Trying Times
I am so happy you have caught the Sandals AND Disney bug and love these places as much as I do! Thank you for being such a great client!
Couldn't recommend Maggie enough
Thank you so much!! I love working with you and planning your trips!
Best honeymoon!
Trip of a Lifetime!
A Truly Magical Disney Planner
Makes things wonderful
Amazing Experience
My first cruise!
I love how excited you were for the Senses Spa, Cove Cafe, and Castaway Cay! Thanks for booking with me!
Disney Adult Vacay 2023
Best Caribbean Vacay!!
Best Agent Ever!!
A vacation we will never forget!
Magical Bachelorette!
Your pictures with the Knight Bus are still some of my favorite! I loved working with you too! Thanks for booking with me.
Perfectly planned!
January Girls Trip!
Thank you so much! I love planning a girls weekend in Disney!
Amazing Honeymoon
St Lucia made easy!
Maggie Was The Relief We Needed In A Pandemic!
I am sorry your trip had to be moved, but I am so glad you are going to travel again soon! Thank you for trusting me with your vacation! I can't wait to hear all about it!