Erin Woods is a Concierge Travel Advisor with Favorite Grampy Travels, specializing in Walt Disney World Lightning Lane strategy, park hopping, and personalized family travel, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
I am all about maximizing Lightning Lanes and planning park hopping days that let your family see more without feeling rushed. But here’s the thing I tell every client: the best Disney moments are usually the ones you didn’t plan.
That balance is what I build into every itinerary. Structure where it matters, flexibility where it counts.
I’ll make sure your family has the right Lightning Lane selections locked in at 7 AM and the best park hopping strategy mapped out for the afternoon. I’ll also make sure there’s breathing room for the unplanned moments that turn a good trip into one your kids talk about for months.
I’m a mom of three: twin daughters and a son. One of the things I’m most proud of is the 1-on-1 trips I take with each of my kids, personalized entirely around what they love.
For my elephant-loving daughter, that means Caring for Giants at Animal Kingdom. For my son, it’s all things Super Mario at Epic Universe.
That’s exactly how I plan for my clients. I ask what your kids are into, what your family actually enjoys doing together, and what kind of pace feels right. Then I build a trip around those answers instead of a generic template.
I’ve been a teacher for over twelve years, first in high school English, now in middle school ELA. I also hold a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Curriculum design is about mapping out a sequence that makes sense, building in flexibility for when things don’t go as expected, and making sure every piece serves the bigger goal. That’s exactly what a Disney itinerary needs: which park on which day, which Lightning Lane tier to prioritize, when to park hop, and where to leave room for a slow morning or an unexpected character meet.
I plan lessons, units, and entire courses for a living. Detailed, multi-day plans with a lot of moving parts are what I do every day.
Lightning Lane strategy in 2026 looks different than it did even a year ago. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad just reopened on May 3, 2026, after a year-long refurbishment with completely new track, new Rainbow Caverns, and a lowered height requirement of 38 inches, down from 40.
That reopening reshuffles the Lightning Lane picture at Magic Kingdom. A Tier 1 attraction is back in the mix, which affects availability for everything else. For families with younger kids, the lower height requirement means more children can now ride, which changes your park day strategy.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster closed on March 1 and is being rethemed as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets at Hollywood Studios. That removes a Tier 1 Lightning Lane option, which means Slinky Dog Dash becomes even harder to book. These are the kinds of shifts I track constantly so my clients never waste money on the wrong tier.
I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and our kids attend the same school I attended from kindergarten through graduation. Deep roots in Pittsburgh, but we never stop traveling.
Last summer, I organized a month-long road trip for our family of five through seven national parks out West. Coordinating lodging, routes, and activities across Utah and Arizona for two adults and three kids taught me more about family travel logistics than any certification could.
I fell in love with travel during a semester studying abroad in college, exploring England, Wales, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Greece, and Italy. I became a travel agent because I treasure memory-making in both new and favorite places. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I work with families across the country, especially families with kids ranging from toddlers to teenagers who need a plan that keeps everyone happy.
I focus on Lightning Lane strategy, park hopping, and building personalized itineraries for families. I visit Walt Disney World multiple times a year to test strategies firsthand, and I track every tier list change, ride closure, and reopening so my clients always have a current plan. I also plan 1-on-1 trips tailored to each child’s interests.
Disney offers three tiers: Multi Pass for reserving multiple attractions in advance, Single Pass for individual high-demand rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Premier Pass for full access. Prices change daily based on demand, and resort guests can book seven days out. Timing that 7 AM window correctly makes a real difference.
I recommend starting at least six months out for peak travel seasons and three to four months for off-peak dates. Dining reservations open sixty days before your trip, and Lightning Lane booking windows open three to seven days out, depending on where you’re staying. The earlier we start, the more options your family has.
Favorite Parks: My answer changes every trip! EPCOT without kids, Magic Kingdom with kids, and Animal Kingdom for a slower-paced day. I also love Hollywood Studios.
Favorite Restaurants: Satu’li Canteen at Animal Kingdom and Three Broomsticks at Universal. Both are quick service spots that never disappoint.
Favorite Attractions: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Stardust Racers at Epic Universe. Both are a real rush.
Favorite Snacks: Cheeseburger egg rolls and DOLE Whip are must-haves for every Disney trip I take.
Favorite Characters: Belle is a well-read wellspring of kindness. And Neville Longbottom is proof that nobody should be counted out.
Favorite Family Vacation: Disney World, of course, but also National Parks. We’re trying to visit as many as we can while the kids are growing up.
Favorite Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean for its cross-generational appeal. I’m certified across six cruise lines, so I can help with ocean vacations too.
“Working with Erin, she made me feel like I was a celebrity, royalty even. I felt uber important to her and any single question I had she answered, and answered thoughtfully.”
— Google Review, all-inclusive Punta Cana trip
Tell me about your family and I’ll tell you which parks, which days, and which Lightning Lanes to book first. Email me at [email protected] or drop your details in the form below.
Erin Woods is part of Favorite Grampy Travels, a Universal U-Preferred Agency and Authorized Disney Travel Agency.
Complete the form below, and let’s start talking about your perfect getaway. I will contact you shortly to schedule a 15-minute complimentary consultation.
*After an initial complimentary 15-minute consultation to get to know you, yout travel style, and the destination that excites you most, a non-refundable planning fee may be required to begin the planning process.
