Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Torres.
Hi Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Orlando has always been more than just a destination for me; it’s been a source of inspiration. I grew up visiting Orlando with my family and grew to love it as an adult. I love it so much that I decided to document anything that inspires me in hopes that I can inspire someone too. 2020 was a year of reflection for me, and what I found was that I was putting my dreams on hold without any real reason. So, in 2021 I decided to finally start my theme park travel blog: itsmichellelaine. I didn’t want to just take pretty pictures in theme parks. I wanted to provide value to a community that is interested in what interests me.
I plan my visits (and yes, my budget!) around theme park festivals and new releases so that I don’t miss a beat, and neither do my followers. Every day I take some time to research what’s trending, and I find ways to apply it to my niche. Sometimes it’s challenging, but the end results are always worth it! After planning about a week’s worth of content, I spend the rest of my time engaging with the community I’ve built. Building meaningful connections on Instagram is truly the most important part, so if you’re not connecting with people, you’re missing the whole point! As much fun as it is to keep people informed on the latest in theme parks, it’s fun to join trends and share my personality too! So whether it’s doing a silly dance on an Instagram Reel or sharing a behind the scenes to a photoshoot, I want the community I have to see me as Michelle, not just an Instagram page. Most importantly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my strongest supporter, Andy. He’s truly my other half and the one who believes in me the most. I have found success in surrounding myself with people who believe in me and invest in my passions with me. Expressing who I am through my creativity with the ones I love, is truly the best!
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?
My biggest challenge along the way has been accepting that I don’t look like a lot of other theme park creators. There seems to be an association between theme parks and poufy dresses. That’s great and all, but as someone who prefers ripped jeans and a comfortable sneaker, I felt like I didn’t belong. Thinking back, that’s so silly! What helped me overcome that was realizing that the world doesn’t need more of the same, the world needs more authenticity. So, I stopped looking at everyone else and focused on myself. When I did that, my creativity exploded! I dressed like myself, wrote like myself, and guess what: even made connections like myself. I saw the value in who I am and what I have to offer, and others saw it too.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have my own theme park travel blog on Instagram called: itsmichellelaine I specialize in Orlando theme parks! I’m known for sharing hacks and secrets to everyone’s favorite attractions. I research when new things are happening so I can be among the first to share what’s new. I intentionally plan each trip so I can make a must-do list for my followers. During and after each visit, I review popular foods and products that I know will peak my follower’s interests. I’m most proud of the friends I have made and the opportunities I have received. I never imaged I would be where I am today!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is that everyone at least tries to achieve their dreams. I fully believe that we have dreams and passions for a reason and that dreams are part of who we are. Sometimes we have to work hard to achieve them, but that will only make us better and stronger. The most important thing is that you don’t give up, you keep following after your passions, and you stay surrounded with people who keep you encouraged and inspired.
Contact Info:
- Email: heymichelletorres@gmail.com
- Instagram: itsmichellelaine
