Ray Bailey - Travel Genie
My Travel Specialties:
I am an expert in traveling to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Disneyland for young couples and young families with children up to pre-teens.
My Favorite Suppliers:
Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney's Aulani, and Adventures by Disney
My Favorite Destinations:
Disney Cruise Line's Transatlantic Sailings, Disney Cruise Line's Hawaiian Sailings, Disney's Aulani, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland
My Dream Destination:
While I have been all over the world from Hawaii to Italy, Portugal to Paris, Ireland to Germany, all thanks to Disney, 2 places I would LOVE to experience is Greece and the Mediterranean.
Favorite Travel Memory:
I’m blessed with two sweet, Disney-loving daughters. When our oldest was just a baby, we discovered that Disney does something truly special if a child gets their very first haircut at the Barbershop on Main Street inside the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. From that moment, we knew we wanted her first haircut to be there, and we made sure not to trim even a strand until our vacation that year.
The experience was pure Disney magic. They gave her toys to play with during the cut, carefully placed her first lock of hair in a vial sprinkled with pixie dust, and topped it all off with a shower of pixie dust on her head. She was gifted Mickey ears embroidered with “My 1st Haircut” on the back and a certificate we later framed. As if that wasn’t magical enough, the Barbershop Quartet strolled in and serenaded everyone inside. It was unforgettable.
Fast forward three years, when it was time for our youngest daughter’s first haircut. That year, our family vacation was planned for Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii, but we couldn’t imagine her missing the same special experience her sister had. So, what did we do? We flew all the way from Colorado to Walt Disney World just for her haircut, in the very same chair as her sister, before hopping on a plane the next day to Hawaii.
That’s how much Disney means to us. ºoº
Disney Travel Advice:
Get the Dining Plan—it can save you hundreds, even thousands on food during your trip. The best part? You can enjoy top-tier meals without worrying about the price tag. Whether you order the most expensive entrée on the menu or just a simple salad, it costs the same with the plan.
And here’s a little extra magic we love to add: if we ever have leftover snacks or meals, we “pay it forward” by surprising another family with a treat on us. It’s a wonderful way to not only enjoy the magic but also become part of it.
My Favorite Travel Tip:
When you take advantage of the extra 30 minutes before park opening (available to resort guests), resist the urge to rush straight to the most popular rides like Tron, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. That’s exactly where the majority of guests will be heading, which usually means you’ll only get through one ride before the park officially opens.
Instead, start with other attractions that are just as fun but also build long lines later in the day, like Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Haunted Mansion, or Pirates of the Caribbean. This way, you can usually enjoy 2–3 rides before the park even opens.
Once the gates open for everyone else, then make your way to the big-ticket rides while the rest of the crowd is still filtering in. By following this strategy, you’ll often have 3–4 rides completed within your first hour, saving you time in line and setting yourself up for a smoother, more relaxed day.
Why should you book your vacation with me?
As a former Disney Cast Member and lifelong Disney enthusiast, I love to transform vacations into unforgettable experiences. I use my insider knowledge, time- and money-saving strategies, and passion for the hidden details of the parks to help families discover the magic beyond the rides. From uncovering secret Disney “easter eggs” to easing the stress of planning, I guide travelers in creating lasting memories where every moment, big or small, feels truly magical.