Maggie Ballantyne
Walkersville, Maryland Travel Agent
Wishes Family Travel, an independent agent with Wishes Family Travel, SC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Specializing in Family Vacations & Adult Getaways
I love designing vacations for families that will create lifelong memories while allowing them to spend time with one another. This could be in a theme park, onboard a cruise, or at an all-inclusive family resort. I also love helping the adults get away whether it be for a honeymoon, an anniversary, a bachelorette trip, or just because!
My Travel Specialties
My Areas of Expertise
My 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.
Club Mobay: Essential to Any Jamaican Vacation
May 2022 marked the third time I utilized the Club Mobay service on both the arrival and departure at Montego Bay Airport. The first time was pre-covid in May 2019, the second time was during the height of covid in October 2020, and the third time was May 2022. Each experience ... Read more from my Club Mobay: Essential to Any Jamaican Vacation 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.
Trained, Traveled, Trusted
Reviewed By LA - Clemson, SC | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie knows her stuff! She is available day and night to answer any questions I might have about travel. When I am planning my vacation she takes as much input from you as you want to give and has excellent suggestions for things you don’t know about. She created an entire custom itinerary for me for a Universal trip that took thought and knowledge that I couldn’t have gotten from a computer. The best part is- her services come at no cost to you! What could be better? I will never travel without her help as my travel agent.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
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!
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!
15 of 22 people found this review helpful
Best mother/daughter trip!
Reviewed By Ms. B - Walkersville, MD | Traveled to Kissimmee ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie was very accommodating and took all of my personal requests into consideration. I felt like she really understood how I wanted to approach my days in the parks and put a lot of time into planning an itinerary that would work for my personal requests. She planned the perfect trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
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!
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!
19 of 33 people found this review helpful
Disneyland fun!
Reviewed By Emily - Alexandria, VA | Traveled to Disneyland ~ California ~ USA
While living out on the West Coast, Maggie helped plan 3 trips to Disneyland for me. Each one surpassed all of my expectations and was special in their own way. If not for Maggie's expertise, these trips would not have been nearly as fun or care-free. She offers so many recommendations and tailors each trip to what works best for you and your party. I can't wait for Maggie to help plan my next trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
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!
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!
15 of 25 people found this review helpful
A race for the ages!
Reviewed By Catherine Horner - Tulsa, OK | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
She made things so easy and was very quick to respond to all of my questions. It is my first Disney half marathon, so I wanted to make sure I get registered, and Maggie got me my bib no problem! She is very professional and I recommend her to anyone needing assistance.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
I was so happy you reached out to me! I can't wait to see you race weekend!
I was so happy you reached out to me! I can't wait to see you race weekend!
14 of 23 people found this review helpful
Maggie is Wonderful!
Reviewed By Melissa - Beaufort, SC | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie planned a trip for me and some friends to Walt Disney World and she was wonderful! Very generous with her time!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
14 of 24 people found this review helpful
Spectacular in these Trying Times
Reviewed By Kelsey - North Bethesda, MD | Traveled to Barbados ~ Caribbean
Maggie has been SO amazing throughtout our entire process. Every step of the way and every question I had Maggie was so helpful. Maggie has been incredible when plans have changed and I would reccomend her to any family members or friends.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
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!
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!
12 of 20 people found this review helpful
Couldn't recommend Maggie enough
Reviewed By olivia - Lexington, Kentucky | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie has booked all things Disney for me - cruise, park tickets, vacation packages. She literally does it all, and she makes my life sooooo much easier. All I have to do is decide what I want, and Maggie does the rest. And when I'm not so sure what exactly I want, she always has helpful suggestions! I can't believe I ever booked vacations without her, and I will definitely not be planning another without her.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
Thank you so much!! I love working with you and planning your trips!
Thank you so much!! I love working with you and planning your trips!
12 of 20 people found this review helpful
Best honeymoon!
Reviewed By Maggie - Collegeville, PA | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie was so great to work with! She sent us so much helpful information, and helped us secure the reservations we wanted. She was very thorough in her itineraries and guides about the park. We used the guides she sent us throughout our entire trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Trip of a Lifetime!
Reviewed By Lacy - Vermont | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie is helpful, knowledgeable, and dedicated to her clients! She helped my family out together the trip of a lifetime and was there every step of the way to make sure our experience was magical!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
A Truly Magical Disney Planner
Reviewed By Sarah - Frederick, MD | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie is knowledgeable, responsive, and puts her clients first. She takes the time to get to know you and customizes your vacation to fit your interests, needs, and desires. She is the absolute best at what she does and will be used by our family for years to come!
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Makes things wonderful
Reviewed By Erin - Damascus Maryland | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
She is so knowledgeable and on top of everything. She makes sure she checks to see if better deals have posted to get us the best discounts. She also gives us many recommendations for dining, packing and where to go.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
6 of 10 people found this review helpful
Amazing Experience
Reviewed By Meg - Frederick, MD | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Working with Maggie was an absolute pleasure. She is extremely knowledgeable and her enthusiasm for travel is contagious. As I investigated the trip, my plans were continually changing and Maggie was so accommodating with coming up with a variety of alternatives for me to consider. In addition to helping secure our travel, she was indispensable when it came to giving insider tips on specific food and attractions. Again, an absolute pleasure to work with, and would highly recommend!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
My first cruise!
Reviewed By Ms. B - Walkersville, MD | Traveled to Port Canaveral ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie kept me up to date with all the information I needed for smooth sailing! Her emails leading up to the trip provided the essential and fun information that I needed to take all of the guess work out of my first cruise.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
I love how excited you were for the Senses Spa, Cove Cafe, and Castaway Cay! Thanks for booking with me!
I love how excited you were for the Senses Spa, Cove Cafe, and Castaway Cay! Thanks for booking with me!
12 of 22 people found this review helpful
Disney Adult Vacay 2023
Reviewed By Em G - Cranberry Township, PA | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie provided us with so much detail and so many strategies on how to accomplish each park. This helped us to lower wait times and overall just enjoy our time more! If we had any questions, we could text or email and she would respond within minutes.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best Caribbean Vacay!!
Reviewed By EU - Greensboro, NC | Traveled to Curacao ~ Netherlands Antilles ~ Caribbean
Maggie is a pleasure to work with! She is knowledgeable about so many different vacations and makes sure you book the perfect, customized experience! She is organized and makes sure you are prepared and ready for an amazing vacation!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best Agent Ever!!
Reviewed By Emily Cosentino - pittsburgh pa | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie was the best! She was so helpful and made things so much easier! She also communicated beautifully and I cannot recommend her enough!!! She made sure we knew the deals and the full price . She also was amazing with giving advice and recommendations!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
A vacation we will never forget!
Reviewed By Kate - Philadelphia, PA | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie put the magic in our family vacation this year. My husband and I had an epic vision and Maggie helped us make it come true. Maggie helped coordinate 28 people to all meet in Disney at the same time. She was the single point of contact for all the folks we invited with us, lightening our personal load while making sure our epic vision was realized. She booked our room and ticket packages, made spectacular itinerary recommendations, helped make dining reservations and even coordinated our travel too and from the airport. The vacation planning with Maggie was easy and fun. She was responsive and attentive and incredibly knowledgeable. We had 11 days in Disney with more than 28 people and I will never forget it or how having Maggie made it so much better.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Magical Bachelorette!
Reviewed By McCall - Pittsburgh, PA | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie was so easy to work with! I contacted her last minute to help me finalize plans for a girls weekend and she coordinated with all the ladies going on the trip and made everything happen! She even sent me a package of goodies right before we left. She was a perfect person to ask questions and help finalize our plans.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
Your pictures with the Knight Bus are still some of my favorite! I loved working with you too! Thanks for booking with me.
Your pictures with the Knight Bus are still some of my favorite! I loved working with you too! Thanks for booking with me.
12 of 23 people found this review helpful
Perfectly planned!
Reviewed By 5Strong - Cranberry PA | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie is truly the best! She is amazing to work with, thinks of everything and makes it all feel personal! She has worked with us for multiple trips now, and now I cannot imagine not having her help!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
January Girls Trip!
Reviewed By Lizzie - Frederick, Maryland | Traveled to Walt Disney World ~ Florida ~ USA
Maggie does a great job at planning a trip that is catered towards all your needs! She made sure for our trip we got the most out of our time in Disney and got to experience new things while we were there! Maggie is also great at making sure everything about your trip is clear and easy to understand - she does the hard work so you don’t have to think while you’re on your trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
Thank you so much! I love planning a girls weekend in Disney!
Thank you so much! I love planning a girls weekend in Disney!
12 of 24 people found this review helpful
Amazing Honeymoon
Reviewed By Deanna - Waynesboro, PA | Traveled to Montego Bay ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
My husband and I used Maggie to book our honeymoon to Sandals Montego Bay. This was our first trip out of the country and Maggie helped us every step of the way. She shared her experience so we knew what it would look like. As well as answering any questions we had quickly, even our last minute ones.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
St Lucia made easy!
Reviewed By Christina - San Antonio, TX | Traveled to St Lucia ~ South Africa ~ Africa
Maggie was so helpful in finding us a great deal, communicating with us every step of the way, and made the trip extremely easy.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
Maggie Was The Relief We Needed In A Pandemic!
Reviewed By Emily - Rockville, MD | Traveled to Negril ~ Jamaica ~ Caribbean
Maggie was a HUGE help in planning our trip to Sandals Negril! She made the booking process easy and stress-free. Unfortunately, due to COVID19, we were forced to cancel our May vacation. Not only did Maggie move our trip for us, she even got our room upgraded to ocean view for no additional cost! I don’t know how she did it but I’m certainly glad she did - we are so looking forward to our trip this October! She kept us informed the whole time so we never had to stress. Thank you Maggie!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Maggie Ballantyne responded:
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!
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!
14 of 29 people found this review helpful