Alison Essner
Waterloo, IL Travel Agent· 9 Years of Experience
Magic Expeditions LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(16)
100% Recommended
Alison has planned multiple trips for us. She makes it easy, which is the best thing for me. We will continue to use her and recommend... Read More >
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Hawaii, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, CaribbeanInterests:
All Inclusive, Beach Vacations, Cruises, Disney Vacations, Family VacationsSuppliers:
Adventures By Disney , AmaWaterways, Disney, Disney Cruise Line, Funjet VacationsAbout Me
I HELP YOU PLAN VACATION EFFORTLESSLY.
I work with busy families to help them navigate the complexity of planning a family vacation so they can have an incredible trip with no stress.
I believe all of my clients deserve a guide to vacation planning so they feel relaxed, supported, and in-the-know. I've specialize in Disney and family vacations and have helped hundreds of families plan magical vacations.
I am a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge and own Magic Expeditions LLC, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Marketing, with a minor in Communications, from Saint Louis University.
Areas of expertise
Destinations:
Hawaii, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, CaribbeanInterests:
All Inclusive, Beach Vacations, Cruises, Disney Vacations, Family VacationsSuppliers:
Adventures By Disney , AmaWaterways, Disney, Disney Cruise Line, Funjet VacationsMy Travel Specialties
Family Travel Specialist
▶Family Travel Specialist
As a parent myself, I know how important quality family time is. I've always thought the best way to connect with your family is through traveling and creating memories together.
Planning an incredible vacation takes a lot of time and attention to detail. I help busy professionals plan un...Read More ▶
The magic of Walt Disney World Resort
▶The magic of Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World is the ultimate destination for families - and guests of all ages! There is so much joy to be found at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
If you have not been to Walt Disney World before, it can start to feel like you are investigating a trip to a new planet. There are so ...Read More ▶
Disney Cruise Line is perfect for multigen travel.
▶Disney Cruise Line is perfect for multigen travel.
Disney Cruise Line vacations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and activity! I often recommend this type of vacation to families who have different opinions on how "busy" they want their vacation to be.
You can spend your time going from activity to activity and never be bored. Or yo...Read More ▶
Universal Orlando Resort is epic FUN.
▶Universal Orlando Resort is epic FUN.
Experience the Magic and Thrills of Universal Orlando Resort!
As an experienced travel agent specializing in Universal Orlando Resort, I help families, couples, and thrill-seekers make the most of their time at this action-packed destination.
From the spellbinding W...Read More ▶
Adventures by Disney is luxury family travel.
▶Adventures by Disney is luxury family travel.
I want to introduce you to something that may change the way you travel forever… Adventures by Disney. It is NOT a theme park experience.
There are no character meets.
There are no Dole Whips.
Adventures by Disney vacations are designed to be so much more than simply a trip....Read More ▶
Hawaii - Paradise within the United States!
▶Hawaii - Paradise within the United States!
If you want a slice of paradise without needing a passport, consider a trip to Hawaii.
You can experience so many different climates, excursions, and experiences on the various islands. Hawaii offers travelers
Gorgeous beaches
Mountains
Waterfalls
...Read More ▶
Disneyland Resort
▶Disneyland Resort
Walt Disney's original theme park is absolutely magical and offers many unique experiences only found at Disneyland in California. While it is smaller than Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you can find more original attractions, outstanding food, and a smaller footprint that is more manageab...Read More ▶
River Cruising is the ideal way to see Europe
▶River Cruising is the ideal way to see Europe
Dreaming of a stress-free way to explore Europe’s most iconic cities while enjoying luxury, gourmet dining, and immersive cultural experiences?
A river cruise is the perfect solution.
Whether you’re sailing past medieval castles on the Rhine River, exploring the hi...Read More ▶
All-Inclusive Resort Expert
▶All-Inclusive Resort Expert
The beauty of an all-inclusive resort is simple: once you arrive, everything is taken care of. Your room, unlimited dining, drinks (yes—adult beverages, too), entertainment, pools, beaches, and service are all included. You can relax and truly enjoy your vacation without worrying...Read More ▶
REVIEWS
Rating: 5.0
16 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 16 reviews
Alison is amazing!
Reviewed By ahank - Waterloo, IL | Traveled to Mexico
Alison has planned multiple trips for us. She makes it easy, which is the best thing for me. We will continue to use her and recommend to anyone asking.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Such a great cruise thanks to Alison
Reviewed By Cruising Fan - Illinois | Traveled to Virgin Islands | Caribbean
Alison made our Eastern Caribbean experience flawless. She organized all of our activities and never missed a step. I am grateful for her help and such an amazing trip. I refer everyone to Magic Expeditions for vacation planning.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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A Pleasant Experience
Reviewed By The Sunriser - St Louis, MO | Traveled to Bahamas | Caribbean
Alison made an overwhelming experience extremely manageable! I planned a family trip (3 generations) and she brought all the knowledge needed to make it the most memorable experience to date. She is patient, honest and not pushy. She presents the facts, lets you sit with the details and is ready to proceed when you are. I have told all that will listen about her and I have her number ready to share when asked. You will not be disappointed choosing her to help plan your next adventure.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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The Best Travel Advisor Ever!!!
Reviewed By Mouseketeer - Cincinnati, Ohio | Traveled to Disneyland | California | USA
Working with Alison has been so easy and professional. She covers all of the details in a timely manner and kept us informed of deadlines, special events, and many details. This enabled us to have a fun and stress-free trip. We have worked with Alison many times, and every time our trips have been great. We highly recommend getting in touch with Alison to help plan any trip you might want to take!
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Disney world
Reviewed By ! - St. Louis. Mo | Traveled to Orlando | Florida | USA
Alison planned an 8 day trip for 11 family members. We all had a fantastic , memorable trip. She took care of us completely— answered our 1000 questions and followed up with suggestions along the way. We will absolutely be using her expertise in the future.
✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards
AMA Academy
AMResorts Master Agent
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Cosmos Certified Specialist
Globus family of brands Specialist
NCL University - Bachelor's Degree
Pleasant Premier Ambassador
Princess Commodore Certified
Royal Caribbean University - Bachelor of Adventure
Seacademy - Gold Certification
Viking Expert
Viking Certified Expert
U-Preferred Agency Designation
Disney Cruise Platinum Castaway Club Member
College of Disney Knowledge Graduate
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency
Universal U-Preferred Agency
ALGV Pro Specialist
Mexpert
My Places
When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.
My Photo Albums and Videos
Jamaica
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Disney Cruise Line
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Walt Disney World
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Jamaica
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My Travel Stories
My Stay at Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
I recently spent three nights at Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. This luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya exceeded my expectations in every way.
I stayed in a Preferred Club Ocean View Room with a spacious layout, full...
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Unforgettable cruise to Alaska
One of the most amazing vacations we had the privilege to take was a cruise to Alaska.
Not only did we all have so much fun together as a family on the Disney Wonder cruise ship, but we also got to see gorgeous scenery in one of the most breathtaking areas of our country.
Our favorite excursion was during our stop in Skagway. ...
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Client Testimonials
She takes care of all the details!
We love going to all inclusive resorts to relax, have some drinks, enjoy the spa, and just check-out for a week. My biggest struggle before contacting Alison was trying to figure out best pricing/times to travel. She answered all our questions, looked up additional quotes when we were trying to find the best price while booking, and sent us lots of reminders ahead of the trip so we were always in the know! I also love the detailed itinerary we received. I utilized it many times for trip info and tips!
Katie D, Valmeyer, IL
First trip to Disney World
We struggled with the logistics before working with Alison. She was very responsive and answered our questions even while we were at the parks. We loved the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and our character breakfasts. Book with Magic Expeditions for hands on, personalized service.
Matt O, St. Louis, MO
Alison's advice was spot on.
Before finding Alison, we struggled with all the terminology and what we REALLY needed and what was extra. After working with her, our experience was FANTASTIC! Alison's advice was spot on at every turn and she went above and beyond so many different times I've lost count. Our favorite part of the trip was Rise of the Resistance at Disney's Hollywood Studios - which we probably wouldn't have been able to do without her advice!
Jill F, Kirkwood, MO
Just a huge THANK YOU!!!
There is just so much we didn’t know about Disney and Alison helped clear that up for us. She was always super helpful and very responsive. She supported us exactly the way we wanted her to support us. Couldn’t have done it without her! It was such a great experience working with Alison!
Sarah W, St. Louis, MO