Making Magic Happen: Kara Kane of Enchantaway Travel
Summerfield Farms resident and former Disney cast member Kara Kane helps families unlock the magic of stress-free Disney vacations.
For Kara Kane, Disney magic isn’t just a vacation; it’s a way of life. A former Walt Disney World College Program cast member and Disney Vacation Club member, Kara knows firsthand how transformative the Disney experience can be. Now, through her business Enchantaway Travel, she helps families create stress-free, unforgettable adventures filled with the same joy she’s always felt in the parks.
“I was a Disney travel agent with AAA for several years,” Kara shares. “Friends and family always asked me to help plan their trips, so I thought, why not get paid to do what I love?” When the woman who once ran AAA’s Disney program moved to another agency, Kara saw her chance to return to the work she loved most, creating magical vacations for others.
Kara specializes in all things Disney: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani in Hawaii, and Adventures by Disney, and she brings deep insider knowledge to every trip she plans. “There’s a lot of education behind Disney trips,” she explains. “I love helping families learn the magic of Disney, especially first-timers.”
“Do not try to do it all on the first trip! You’ll never do it all in one trip or even 100 trips.”
Her favorite resorts vary by vibe: Value resorts are ideal for families with young children, while moderate and deluxe resorts offer a quieter experience for multi-generational or adults-only getaways. Top pool picks include Stormalong Bay at Yacht & Beach Club, Lava Pool at the Polynesian, and The Dig Site at Coronado Springs.
Kara’s insider advice spans every park and season, right down to the details that make each day special:
- Magic Kingdom: Joffrey’s coffee and Mickey waffles to start the day, a castle photo, and a meet-and-greet with Mickey. Ride Haunted Mansion (her favorite), Pirates of the Caribbean, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Enjoy corn dog nuggets at Casey’s Corner, a sundae at The Plaza, shopping on Main Street, and end the night with Happily Ever After fireworks.
- Epcot: Joffrey’s coffee (always), then Soarin’, Test Track, and Living with the Land. Explore World Showcase, caramel corn at Karamel Kuchee, a pint at Rose & Crown, dinner at Biergarten, and fireworks in the evening.
- Hollywood Studios: Take the Skyliner to the park, ride Tower of Terror and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, lunch at Backlot Express, the Frozen Sing-Along, a Mickey pretzel with cheese, a Lunch Box Tart from Woody’s Lunch Box, then Galaxy’s Edge for Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash.
- Animal Kingdom: Photo at the Tree of Life, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Dinosaur, Avatar Flight of Passage, cheeseburger pods in Pandora, and Festival of the Lion King.
Kara helps families save time, money, and stress by handling Genie+, dining reservations, stroller logistics, and allergy-friendly dining. She also helps clients avoid pitfalls: “Don’t ask a million people on social media for advice. Everyone has their own opinions, and it can get overwhelming. Ask your travel agent. That’s what I’m here for.”
She’s a pro at adding extra magic when it matters. “A client tried for days to get a reservation at a popular restaurant,” Kara recalls. “She was discouraged, but I worked some Disney magic and got it. She said it made her trip!”
Seasonal offerings are another specialty. “Buy tickets for the Halloween and Christmas parties at least once—you won’t regret it,” she says. “The parks and resorts are decorated so beautifully. And runDisney is incredible; if you can, walk or run a race. It’s an experience like no other.”
Kara’s services come at no cost to clients because her work is commission-based, and she continually watches for new promos to modify reservations and pass along savings. Best advice: “Book early to secure the room you want. If a promo comes out, we can adjust it later.”
At home, Kara and her husband are happily settled in their dream home in Summerfield Farms, which they moved into on December 31, 2019, along with their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, both rescues from Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue and named Mickey and Minnie, of course!
Contact: kara.kane@enchantaway.com | www.enchantaway.com