Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Leonhard
Hi Erica , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We are Paula and Erica, best friends who have shared a passion for travel for almost a decade. We first met while working as independent travel agents in Argentina, and our friendship quickly grew through our mutual love for exploring new destinations and creating unforgettable travel experiences for others.
In late 2020, we both took a leap of faith and moved to the United States, settling in Davenport, Florida, just a stone’s throw away from the magic of Disney World—first Erica, then Paula. This move was the spark that ignited our dream of starting our own travel agency, and in September 2021, we proudly founded Magical Dreamers Travels, which we fondly refer to as our “baby.”
Erica, with her extensive experience and numerous recognitions in the business world, has always been driven by a desire to create something impactful. She is passionate about making a significant change in the U.S. travel industry, and her vision and leadership are key to the agency’s rapid growth and success. Meanwhile, Paula, a recognized lawyer in Argentina and a successful travel agent, brings her expertise, dedication, and strategic insight to the agency. Together, we complement each other perfectly, combining our skills and passion to push boundaries and set new standards in personalized travel experiences.
Since then, Magical Dreamers Travels has grown beyond our wildest dreams. Today, we are proud to have a network of over 70 independent travel agents around the world, all dedicated to planning magical trips to the most enchanting destinations on earth. Our journey has been incredible, and we feel blessed to share the joy of travel with so many people. We can’t wait to see where the road takes us next!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—starting a business in a whole new country comes with its own set of challenges, and we’ve faced our fair share along the way. Moving from Argentina to the U.S. was a big step, filled with excitement but also uncertainty. We were adapting to a new culture, navigating visa processes, and building a network from scratch in an unfamiliar place. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, especially as we juggled the demands of setting up a new business while settling into our new lives in Davenport.
One of the biggest challenges was establishing ourselves in the competitive travel industry, especially during the tail end of a global pandemic that had disrupted travel worldwide. We had to quickly learn and adapt to new regulations, shifting customer expectations, and the rapidly changing landscape of travel. Building trust with clients who were understandably cautious about traveling again required a lot of dedication, transparency, and flexibility on our part.
Our success is largely due to Erica’s extensive experience and exceptional abilities in creating and managing businesses from scratch. Her strategic vision and leadership were crucial in navigating these challenges and turning them into opportunities. Paula’s deep experience in the travel industry and her expertise as a recognized lawyer in Argentina also played a significant role in shaping our agency’s approach to delivering personalized and exceptional travel experiences.
Additionally, growing our team from just the two of us to over 70 independent travel agents worldwide was no easy feat. It involved a lot of hard work in training, building relationships, and fostering a supportive community despite the geographical distances.
But despite these challenges, our passion for what we do kept us going. Each struggle taught us valuable lessons, and every obstacle we overcame only strengthened our resolve. We’ve learned to embrace the unexpected, lean on each other, and celebrate even the small victories along the way. Looking back, we wouldn’t change a thing—it’s all part of the journey that brought Magical Dreamers Travels to life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Magical Dreamers Travel?
Magical Dreamers Travels is more than just a travel agency—it’s a community built on a passion for creating magical experiences. We specialize in crafting personalized travel journeys, with a strong focus on Disney destinations and other enchanting getaways around the world. Whether it’s a dream family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventurous group trip, we tailor each experience to the unique needs and wishes of our clients, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service and the genuine care we put into every trip we plan. We understand that every traveler is different, and we take the time to get to know our clients, listen to their dreams, and create custom itineraries that turn those dreams into reality. Our team of over 70 independent travel agents from around the globe brings diverse expertise and local insights, allowing us to offer truly unique experiences that go beyond the standard travel package.
We are known for our deep knowledge of Disney destinations—thanks to our proximity to the magic here in Davenport, Florida—and our agents are experts in all things Disney, from park strategies and dining reservations to insider tips that make trips unforgettable. But our expertise doesn’t stop there; we offer a wide range of services, including cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and worldwide adventures that cater to travelers of all kinds.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the trust and loyalty we have built with our clients. Our brand represents not just a service, but a promise to deliver joy, wonder, and unforgettable memories. We want our readers to know that when they choose Magical Dreamers Travels, they are choosing a team that genuinely cares about making their travel dreams come true. Our commitment to exceptional service, our expertise, and our love for travel are at the heart of everything we do.
We believe that travel has the power to bring joy, foster connections, and create lifelong memories, and we are honored to play a part in that journey for our clients. At Magical Dreamers Travels, it’s all about making the magic happen—one trip at a time.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, we see the travel industry continuing to evolve with a greater emphasis on personalized, sustainable, and technology-driven experiences. Travelers are increasingly seeking unique, customized journeys, and as owners of Magical Dreamers Travels, we are dedicated to leading our team in delivering those tailored experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
We anticipate that advancements in technology, like AI and virtual reality, will transform how travelers plan and enjoy their trips. However, we believe the human touch and expert guidance we provide will remain crucial in navigating these changes. As leaders, we are committed to staying ahead of these trends, investing in training for our agents, and leveraging new tools to enhance the service we offer while maintaining the personal connections that set us apart.
Sustainability is also at the forefront, and we’re actively working on incorporating more eco-friendly options into our offerings. As the industry shifts, our role is to guide our team through these changes, ensuring that Magical Dreamers Travels not only adapts but thrives by continuing to offer meaningful, magical experiences.
We are excited about the future and are fully engaged in leading our agency through this dynamic landscape, always with our clients’ best interests at heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magicaldreamerstravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicaldreamerstravel/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicaldreamerstravel
