Frequently Asked Travel Questions & Answers

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Firefly Travels is a highly-experienced boutique travel agency specializing in Disney destinations. We’ve designed this page to help answer the most frequently asked questions received from our clients. Browse through our questions and if you find something unanswered feel free to reach out to us.

Travel Questions & Fees

Q. Why should I book with you instead of an online booking site, or direct with a resort?

When you book with a Firefly you will have one main contact dedicated to you throughout the entire planning process. We consider ourselves your personal travel concierge and will be with you from start to finish to create a stress-free, seamless vacation experience. It is nice to know that you can go to the same person time after time with all your questions and concerns before, during, and after your vacation.

We believe that building a personal relationship with your agent is essential so that all recommendations can be tailored specifically for you!

We take into consideration your past travel experience, needs, and wishes in order to offer you a personalized travel plan that will exceed your expectations. Researching a travel destination often requires several hours, even days spent reading reviews, blogs and gathering recommendations.

Even after all the research you might never uncover any hidden gems. That’s including the tips and tricks to get the most out of your vacation destination.

We offer firsthand knowledge and experience from the destinations we sell to match you with the right product at the right price. We do all this while meeting your individual travel needs and saving you valuable time and money. The best part is that our customized planning services are always complementary to you!

Above all should a problem arise you always have an advocate in your corner! You can contact your agent directly to make it right.

Q. What is the fee for using your travel agency?

We do not charge any planning fees for our services.

Q. How can Firefly Travels help if I have already booked my vacation?

If you have booked your vacation directly with the supplier, we may still be able to assist you based on the supplier’s transfer policy. Once your booking has been transferred to our agency we can then watch for promos and discount offers to apply to your booking.

If you are traveling to Walt Disney World we have great news! Our complimentary planning services are available to help with dining, fastpasses and making the most of your day in the parks.

Q. What deposits or up-front trip costs will I have to pay?

Every supplier will charge a different deposit amount, so the answer will depend on your specific vacation destination and the package components that you choose to book. We will walk you through the booking process and communicate required deposits and up-front trip costs as soon as we have that information for you.

If you are booking a Walt Disney World Vacation Package, a $200 deposit is required to secure your booking.

Q. Are all purchases (hotels, cars, excursions, airfare, etc.) placed into one booking and charged a single transaction fee? Or, do you charge separate transaction fees for each booking?

Some suppliers give us the ability to put all of your package components under one booking, but this also depends on what you wish to include and the specific supplier we are working with for your vacation destination.

Q. Should I purchase travel insurance? Do you offer travel insurance or refunds if my trip is cancelled?

Absolutely! We highly recommend that you protect the investment you have made in your vacation. Unfortunately, unexpected things happen daily – even during dream vacations – and, sometimes, very serious circumstances arise.

You need to have the assurance of emergency travel assistance and financial security that the policy can offer you during your time of need.

We always advise our clients to expect the unexpected. We offer insurance through several vendors with varying policies, so we’re certain one plan will fit based on your family’s travel needs.

Travel Questions – Planning

Q. What documents does my family need to carry with us to travel?

The documents required will depend on your specific travel destination. If you plan to travel out of the country you will need a passport.

As planning gets underway, we will talk with you in detail about your required travel documents.

Communications Travel Questions

Q. What can I expect during our first consultation? How does the rest of the vacation planning process work?

During the initial consultation, we start by asking a few basic, personal questions to get to know you better. We will gather information on:

  • Your past travel experience
  • Favorite travel destinations
  • What type of accommodations you prefer
  • Things you hope to experience during your vacation
  • Things you want to avoid during your vacation
  • Accommodations for special dietary , disability or mobility issues
  • And much more

We will base our recommendations on YOU!

We know every family is unique, so we like to customize your vacation to fit your personal style and preferences.

As we move throughout the planning process, your agent will be in contact to plan every aspect of your vacation, we will use your input to customize every option available to you. We prefer to plan in stages so that you have a chance to talk over your options with the other members in your travel party and make informed decisions as we go. This will ensure that the planning experience is less overwhelming, more enjoyable, and will allow us to take the time to get to know you better.

We have an office where we can meet to go over your vacation details in person or we can do everything by phone and email. Again, we like to do what is most accommodating for each client.

Q. What is your personal travel history? Have you visited my travel destination?

Our agents are avid travelers, many of whom have been to destinations around the globe. They have become travel planners strictly because of their love for travel, making unforgettable memories and creating magical moments with their families.

We choose to only offer the destinations that we know, love and have experienced firsthand so we can offer you the hidden tricks and tips that will help you make the most of your vacation.

Customization Travel Questions

Q. Do I have to pick from the vacations I see on your website? Or, can you help me create something custom?

No. We specialize in creating custom vacation packages. No two people or families are the same, so why should your vacation be like anyone else’s?

Q. I require special accommodations because of dietary, mobility, or other restrictions. Can you help me accommodate my needs?

Absolutely! We help many families everyday who have dietary, mobility and other restrictions. Additionally, we work closely with our suppliers and travel partners to arrange everything you will need before your travels, so you can enjoy your trip knowing everything is already in place and set for your arrival.

We will go over what you can expect on your vacation so that we can make your experience as positive and stress free as possible

We’re traveling with a large group. Can you ensure our hotel rooms will be adjoining?

Most suppliers, including Disney, will NOT guarantee adjoining rooms unless children are involved. However, we will request adjoining rooms for you and notate your reservation so that the hotel knows you are traveling with a group. We have found our vendors to be very accommodating and make every effort possible to keep you with your travel party or family members.

Disney Related Travel Questions

Disney Travel Questions

Q. What is the best time of year to travel to each of the Disney locations?

To avoid peak crowds and pricing, try to avoid traveling during the summer months, holiday breaks or anytime children are out of school.

We will work with you to choose the most ideal time to visit Disney based on your desired dates of travel.

Q. How long should we stay at each of the Disney locations?

This is always a hard question for us to answer because each location offers endless entertainment, attractions, restaurants and unique experiences. No two visits to any Disney Destination ever has to be the same.

The below recommendations are a guide or basic starting point, but the amount of time you need would be based on what you hope to experience and accomplish during your vacation. Your agent will help you find the specific amount of time that is best for you:

  • 4 days at Disneyland, spending 2 days at each park
  • 7 days at Disney World, spending 1 day at each park and then hitting your favorite parks, rides, shows and attractions again. Many families enjoy a day or two just to relax at their resort.
  • 7-10 days at Aulani

Q. How far in advance do I need to plan my family trip to Disney?

Ideally, many people plan their Disney vacations a year in advance. Planning at least six months in advance allows you to lock in the rates and take advantage of the advance dining reservations.

If you have decided on a last minute trip to Disney we’ve got you covered , our agents are highly experienced and have planned trips for families with as little as a 7 day advance notice

Q. What’s the right age to take my kids to Disney for the first time?

Ideally, if you are only going to visit Disney World once or twice during the time your children are young, we think preschool age (3-5) is so much fun for a first time visit. At this age they can recognize their favorite characters and see their favorite stories come to life while fully immersed in the magic and wonder of it all.

Q. We’re traveling with elderly people. Which parks are easiest to get around?

Any of the parks require a lot of walking, but we can offer help and assistance to our guests with mobility issues by ordering EVC’s (Electric Wheelchairs) to be used at the theme parks and resorts.

Q. Should we stay on property or nearby?

Staying at a Disney resort comes with many perks and amenities that you are not eligible for should you choose to stay off site. On-site perks include:

  • Complimentary transfers to and from the airport to your resort.
  • Ability to add the dining plan to your vacation package, which can save you up to 20% on the cost of your food.
  • Extra Magic Hours, where one theme park opens an hour early each day or remains open two hours past closing each night, and you can take advantage of these additional hours.
  • Free parking at the theme parks.

Additionally, it’s important to know that during peak times each year, the theme parks could close once they reach maximum capacity. Offsite guests would be the first ones to be denied entry into the parks.

Q. What type of tickets do we need to buy?

The Park Hopper ticket option will provide you with the most flexibility for your vacation package, but we can talk more about this with you and make recommendations based on your specific needs.

Q. Should we use the Disney Dining plan?

The Disney Dining plan is a great value and an excellent way to experience some of the best character dining, shows and cuisine that Disney has to offer while staying within a budget.

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