Today we’d like to introduce you to Catya Mesyef.
Hi Catya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
This Fall, I was beyond excited to connect with the Disney family behind Fantastical Vacations, a free concierge travel service that specializes in Disney vacations! I was already an avid fan of Dan & Leslie Lowry’s podcast “Addicted to the Mouse,” and as the world began to reopen, I was ready to channel my passion to help others experience the magic of Disney.
The Disney Parks have always held a special place in my heart. Traveling with family to visit and revisit our favorite castles, attractions, and characters has blessed me with countless memories over the years. As is true for many others, Disney World has become a place I know I can rely on for familiar comforts and new thrills.
In 2020, the world had to postpone more than just a vacation. During this heavy time, we all needed to heal and to return to our happy place more than ever. For me, that meant turning to some of the Disney families who were sharing their Disney experiences and following the latest updates from the Walt Disney World Company on social media. In true Disney fashion, my dream became a reality and I was welcomed into this wonderful community of other hopefuls and Disney fanatics at Fantastical Vacations. I decided that no matter which wild turn the world took next, one thing was certain, I wanted to embrace and continue to grow in this meaningful community and share the magic!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Disney is much more than a destination — it is a language, a lifestyle, a true cultural phenomenon! There is so much to take in at once while visiting a Disney Park that it can be overwhelming! This is why I highly recommend using a travel advisor. As Walt Disney said, “it takes people to make the dream a reality!”
I find that I am able to address many of the initial concerns with just a conversation. I love talking to the travelers that reach out to me and getting to know their objectives and challenges so that I can customize their plans accordingly.
However, one difficulty I routinely encounter is convincing travelers that my services are completely free! It’s true!
How do you think about luck?
Luck must have served a large role in my life. As each individual is enduring unique hardships during this unprecedented time, we have had unlimited reminders of the value of our family, dreams, hope and community.
I feel lucky for every magical memory I have made with my own family, fortunate for the opportunity to be hopeful and excited with other Disney families, and committed to serving those who also dream big. I also feel lucky to have been welcomed into Fantastical Vacations, its own kind of family, full of “Disney Adults” who make magic happen.
Pricing:
- Free!
Contact Info:
- Email: catya@fantasticalvacations.com
- Website: fantasticalvacations.com
- Instagram: @disneybycatya
- Facebook: facebook.com/disneybycatya
Image Credits
Catya Mesyef
