My name is Jeffrey Merola. I am the Founder and CEO of Mouse Vacation Planning, LLC and the travel agency Storybook Vacation Planning, LLC. I am a husband, father, author of 11 Walt Disney World guide books, Disney travel agent & Disney Vacation Planner, and I am located in Syracuse, NY.

I first went to Walt Disney World in 1977, when I was only 5 years old. I finally returned in February 1997. Since that return trip in 1997, I have been in Walt Disney World for more than 430 days! So you can say I have found a second home.

I was a teacher for 21 years and during that time I wrote a guide book about Walt Disney World.  I then created my company Mouse Vacation Planning.  I wrote a new guide book each year trying to improve on the previous book.

In 2011, while I was still teaching, I became an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.  I booked and planned trips for families as a 2nd occupation at night.  Three years went by and I decided that I was going to run my business full time and leave my teaching position.  That is what I have been doing ever since and it has become my passion!

I book and plan trips for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani in Hawaii, Adventures by Disney, Disney's Resort in Vero Beach, and Disney's Resort in Hilton Head for families in the United States and Canada! I can even book Universal Orlando as well!

 

My Agents

Katie Kraft

Katie’s love for Disney began with her first visit to Disney World when she was in the 2nd grade. She lives in Hammond, Louisiana with her husband and 2 boys. Her family’s favorite vacation spot is Disney World! She has visited 30+ times!! There’s nothing she loves more than seeing her boys’ faces light up when seeing the castle or meeting Mickey and his pals!

After planning several trips of her own and helping family and friends plan their trips she decided to turned her love for Disney into a job she loves as a vacation planner with Mouse Vacation Planning!

 

Nicole Szulborski
I am obsessed with all things Disney and Disney travel! I have been traveling to Walt Disney World every single year since I was 5 years old, and have either stayed at or visited every resort on Walt Disney World property! Now as an adult, I am so excited to say that I made my dream come true of moving closer to the magic, and live within a short drive of the Walt Disney World resort! In addition to Walt Disney World, I have also sailed on Disney Cruise Line multiple times, visited Disneyland Resort in California, and am dreaming of one day visiting Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa. My life is centered around all things Disney, and I love bringing that passion out in making magic for my amazing clients

 

DiAnne Roberts
DiAnne lives in western New York and she visits a Disney destination at least once a year. She has been married for 30 years, is a mother of two grown children, and has one grandchild. DiAnne retired early from a local school district so she can help others create magical memories that will last a lifetime. No matter how many times you go to Disney, there is always something new to discover.

DiAnne is very passionate about Disney, and has traveled to the parks many times over the years. Due to her passion and experience, she will help reduce the stress of planning your vacation. DiAnne's strengths include: reserving hotels, recommending itineraries, Genie +, scheduling dining reservations and much more. These will help relieve the pressure that comes with arranging the perfect vacation. You can actually enjoy your vacation and not worry about what comes next! Her friends and family often reach out to her for Disney and Universal travel advice, and she can’t wait to share her expertise with you as well!

 

Nicole McLaughlin
Nicole is the true definition of “Disney Adult.”  She lives in Columbia, Maryland with her husband, two children, and dog…Daisy.  Yep.  Daisy Duck dog 🙂  Nicole is a teacher by day, but Disney princess by night!  (Self-proclaimed) She has been to Disney more times than she can remember and is ALWAYS planning her next trip.  Spreading the Disney joy is her passion and nothing makes her happier than talking, planning, collaborating on all things Disney related with fellow planners and clients.  Nicole loves getting to know her clients, gaining an understanding of their Disney vibe, and planning the most magical vacation that suits their interests, needs, and budget.  She looks forward to getting your magic started and helping to make all of your Disney dreams come true!

 

Lauren Williamson (bio coming)

 

Katie Thompson
I am a mom of 2 amazing kiddos; a 9-year-old girl & 2-year-old boy.  For as long as I can remember I couldn't wait to be a mom and now that I am, my life completely revolves around them! We have also been huge Disney fans (I was 7 years old for my first Disney vacation) with at least 1 Magical Vacation a year. I have lived in Wisconsin most of my life but just recently made my dream of living in Florida come true!  We are now officially Florida residents and Disney Annual Pass holders; we now try to visit Disney at least once every 2 weeks.  I also can't wait to visit Universal Orlando more to gain some knowledge to share with my clients.  Some of my favorite things are warm weather, Tigger, the Green Bay Packers, Italian food, playing cards with my family, and going on any adventure with my kids. My favorite thing about Disney is seeing it through the eyes of my children - it's a whole new experience with every age and each child!  Becoming a Disney travel agent is another dream come true and I can't wait to share all my expertise, knowledge, and experiences with others to help give them the most magical family vacation & memories to last a lifetime! Lets start planning together today!

 

Kristina Kirk
My name is Kristina, I am a wife, stepmom, physical therapist, attorney’s assistant & liaison, and mom of fur babies. My love of Disney started at an early age when Disney movies brought me joy while I was recovering from multiple surgeries and during long hospital stays. I understand the importance of building unforgettable memories with the people you love. And of all the destinations in the world, Disney World is my home away from home. I cherish past magical memories made with my mom, dad, and sister and look forward to future Disney vacations with my own family and friends.I love everything Disney, especially planning Disney vacations for family, friends, and coworkers. Some of my favorite Disney World memories were taking my 5-year-old stepdaughter to Disney for the first time, watching her dance with Judy Hops down main street, or cast members treating my husband and I like royalty on our honeymoon. I am a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge and have a strong background in organizing, attention to detail, and planning. I am excited to help you make long lasting memories by planning your magical Disney vacation.

 

Erica Trella
Hi everyone! My name is Erica Trella, a life-long Disney Fan. Ever since I was young, I’ve fostered an enduring passion for everything Disney-related. Throughout the years, I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Walt Disney World over a dozen times, exploring numerous hotels, indulging in delightful dining experiences, and savoring an array of scrumptious snacks. I’ve also had the joy of traveling to Disneyland.

Among my many DIsney-related interests, I proudly label myself a Minnie Mouse Headband Ear Connoisseur, boosting a collection of over 100 unique ears. Additionally, I’ve collected a diverse assortment of Disney pins, ranging from holiday-themed and limited-edition pieces to those representing different parks and beloved characters. These collectables help me bring the Disney Magic to my own home!

Walt Disney World will always hold a special place in my heart! My happy place!

 

Elizabeth Volpe

Liz is grief coach and a Disney vacation planner from Rhode Island with a lifelong passion for creating magical experiences. Having visited Disney 35 times since her very first trip at just six months old, Liz has an intimate knowledge of all things Disney. Family Disney vacations hold a special place in her heart, filled with memories that last a lifetime. She understands the joy, wonder, and lasting impact that a well-planned Disney vacation can bring, and she’s dedicated to helping others experience the same.

As a Disney vacation planner, Liz’s goal is to help her clients create unforgettable memories that will bring smiles and laughter for years to come. Whether it's a first-time visit or a return trip, Liz knows how to tailor each experience to make it truly magical. Her expertise, combined with her love for all things Disney, allows her to craft personalized vacations that cater to the unique needs and desires of every family. With Liz by your side, you can be sure that your Disney vacation will be nothing short of enchanting.

 

Jason Pirring 

Dennis McMullen (bio coming)

 

Robert Gunia 
Ever since I was little, my family always went on vacations to Disney World. I have been to Disney World about 15 times for family vacations but was also a Cast Member as well! Furthermore, I have been to Disney in Tokyo, Paris, and Shanghai. I loved creating magic for Guests and making sure that they had the best trip possible. I have always loved talking to people and working as a Cast Member and being a Disney travel agent is the best of both worlds. I have also participated in 3 Run Disney races and have won 2 of them! I am extremely excited to use my Disney knowledge to create and plan the most magical adventures for you!

 

Brendan Corbin (bio coming)

 

Samantha Tarcy
I live in Ohio with my husband, daughter, and son. I am a Pharmacist, and a Disney World aficionado at heart! We are Disney Annual Pass Holders and have stayed both on and off property. One of my favorite memories was finishing the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon with my husband in Epcot at Midnight, and seeing the same Disney excitement in my kids' eyes I had when I was their age. While I love making memories with my family, I truly enjoy helping others plan their trip and I would love to help you plan yours! 

I like learning what people are excited to experience, what are their must-do activities/rides/dining, and then I make personalized itineraries with suggestions and tips to save both time and money.

Having traveled with and without kids, and leading a group of all ages, I like to give people flexible options that work best for their group’s goals. As a pharmacist, I am detail-oriented and I have a heart to help. I want people to make great memories with their hard-earned vacation time and money. A job well done to me is hearing clients' favorite memories with a smile in their voice when they return. I know planning a Dream Disney vacation can be overwhelming, and I would be honored to help you plan your next trip to Disney!

 

Andrea Rapach

 

Jillain Salomone (bio coming)

 

Jennifer Harte

Alexis Grace Smith (bio coming)

 

Jaden Kott (bio coming)

 

Zack Shafferman

I grew up and spent most of my life in Virginia before moving to Florida last year. I graduated from George Mason University and while I was there, I had the opportunity to spend a few months in the Disney College Program, which was amazing. Growing up, my family would save our money so we could come to Disney World every few years and my parents were able to become Disney Vacation Club members in 2002, giving us even more opportunities to experience all that Disney has to offer!

I currently live in the Orlando area, just a few minutes from Walt Disney World. My wife and I are huge Disney and Universal fans and have a son who is 3 and a daughter who is 1. We love creating new memories with them at the parks and seeing all the magic through their eyes!

I’m excited to now be a part of Mouse Vacation Planning and help families and individuals plan their best Disney trip and create memories that will last a lifetime! From working at Disney to going all the time now, it’s given me a great deal of knowledge about the parks and the opportunity to provide great insight and tips to help families enjoy their vacations!

 

Priscilla Schweitzer (bio coming)

 

Colleen McDonald (bio coming)