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Mark Benson, Travel Agent in Forest Park, IL

Mark Benson

Forest Park, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Mark Benson

Forest Park, IL · 4 Years of Experience

Mark Benson, The Vacationeer, an independent agent with Travel Leaders Kissimmee, FL
5.0
(20)
100% Recommended
Having Mark’s help was undeniably the best choice!! Not only did he do all the hard but also took time to answer all my questions I... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Castaway Cay, Universal Orlando, Hawaii

Interests:

Disney Vacations, Family Vacations, Universal Parks & Resort Vacations, Cruises, Sporting Events

Suppliers:

Disneyland Resorts, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, National Geographic Expeditions, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations

About Me

Disney Wish, 2024
Disney Wish, 2024

I'm a Disney nerd, a budding star at Disneybounding, and a master of the My Disney Experience app, which I consider the best video game. 

I seek out unique adventures that highlight local experts, world-class experiences, and ones that can be enjoyed by people of all ages -- even if you're leaving the little ones behind this time around.

I got into this business through my love of Disney, and of helping people navigate the often murky planning waters to find the real magic: a vacation built around you. As a kid, I spent summers visiting my grandparents, who lived one town over from Walt Disney World in Florida. And as an adult, I have rediscovered the magic of the original: The Disneyland Resort in California. How important is the Disneyland Resort to me? My wife and I flew out there from Chicago just to get married ... we were definitely the best-dressed couple on Jungle Cruise that night.

At Disney and Universal theme parks alike, believe it is possible to do and see everything you need to see without running yourselves ragged. And how is that possible? I've done it, and I'm eager to teach my clients. Simply put: I make travel easy.

But my love of travel doesn't stop at the water's edge. I've sailed the Disney Cruise Line, experienced fireworks at sea, and marveled at the global adventures crafted by Adventures By Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, and by Viking, which is best known for its European river cruises.

Whether it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or an adventure you plan on building upon over the years, I believe that the vacation begins the moment you start planning it. But spending months and months stressing over the details, only to come home from your trip feeling more relieved than invigorated ... that's not the experience any of us deserves. 

I look forward to using my expertise to turn that dream vacation into a reality. Cheers, in advance!

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
20 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 20 reviews

Best stress free trip!!
Reviewed By Mari - Anaheim | Traveled to California | USA
Having Mark’s help was undeniably the best choice!! Not only did he do all the hard but also took time to answer all my questions I had along the way. Will and actually am in the process of planning another trip with his help! Makes everything a lot less stressful and able to focus on other stuff! Thank you Mark for all your help!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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40th birthday
Reviewed By Brittany - Clark, NJ | Traveled to Orlando | Florida | USA
We had Mark help us plan a trip for my daughter’s first visit and my 40th birthday. He was very patient and took time to explain different options for us. We never felt pressure to buy something we didn’t need or wouldn’t use. The trip was so amazing we planned another trip with Mark for November and will use him going forward for RV any Disney plans.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Call Mark ... you're welcome
Reviewed By NickiB - Springfield, MO | Traveled to Walt Disney World | Florida | USA
We've been to Disney World many times, because, I mean ... EPCOT. And we decided to work with Mark on our last trip, which included Universal, because I always get stuck doing all the family planning and that means that I just kinda carry around a lot of stress about it. But he made it easy and chill and then EPCOT was exactly how EPCOT always is, and just a great trip. Will call him again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Great to Have an Expert Guide
Reviewed By alyssa - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Walt Disney World | Florida | USA
Thank you, Mark, so much for all the help you gave us with our Disney World vacation! Everyone had a great time, and it was a blessing to have your research on resorts and dining plans, and your experiences with them. Personally, walking into the park the first day knowing that a) you taught me the app, and b) your number was in my phone if I had a problem, made it all very chill right from the start. Aren't you glad? I didn't have to text you once ... the photos don't count lol. Safe travels to all!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Disneyland honeymoon
Reviewed By Marisol - Chicago | Traveled to Disneyland | California | USA
We got married up in Santa Barbara, which is a few hours north of Disneyland. But wanted to spend the evening and next couple days celebrating at Disneyland. He worked within our plans and even had nice dinner reservations for late that evening in the park. Nothing quite like watching the Disneyland fireworks over the castle, and pretending it's just for you and yours.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert

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 Travel Stories

A Disneyland wedding party

When my then-fiancee and I were talking about how we really really really had no interest in a big wedding, different ideas bounced around in our head about what OUR kind of wedding would look like.  And as huge fans of the Disneyland Resort in California -- and in California, in general -- we turned our sights to a destination wedding. <...
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