Our Team
Jo Anne Smoot
Welcome! I’m Jo Anne, the proud owner and founder of Magical Tripcations and Tripcations Travel! We’re excited to be celebrating a decade of turning travel dreams into reality. With over 30 years of experience in business and sales, my true passion lies in creating unforgettable journeys that span the globe.
Travel isn’t just my profession—it’s my way of life. I’ve been on over 45 cruises, with each one bringing new experiences and deepening my love for exploring different destinations around the world. My connection to Disney is a lifelong affair, sparked in childhood and forever sealed during my magical wedding at Disney’s Polynesian Resort in March 2003. That special moment inspired me to build a career centered around Disney travel. I’m dedicated to staying on top of the latest trends and innovations, so you can always count on a Disney experience that’s fresh, exciting, and truly unforgettable.
At Magical Tripcations, our goal is to bring your travel dreams to life, whether it’s a whimsical Disney adventure, a serene Caribbean cruise, or an exploration of new and exciting destinations. Our team of passionate Travel Advisors are here to guide you through every step of your journey, ensuring its magical and unforgettable.
Leadership Team
Erica Ellis
Erica has been a Travel Advisor with Magical Tripcations since 2015 and her travel experiences are vast and varied. As the Disney authority in her family and friend circle, Erica has been helping her guests plan their tripcations and loves what she does. She's a CLIA Member, Platinum Disney Castaway Club Member, frequent Walt Disney World visitor & loves the spicy dill pickles from the Disneyland Resort Parks!
Erica specializes in Disney and Universal Vacation Destinations and has helped hundreds of guests with their Magical Tripcations.
From family trips with children to vacations as an adult with friends, Erica has done and planned it all! An avid runner, she has also participated in several Walt Disney World run Disney events, even completing the 2024 Dopey Challenge. Erica is a self-proclaimed foodie and eats mostly vegetarian, so let her help guide you through the wide variety of dining experiences available at the parks and resorts. She’s always eager to pass along her expertise to you! Erica would love to help you create a magical Disney experience that turns into lasting memories for you and your family.
Kimberly Evans
Kimberly has over 8 years’ experience with Magical Tripcations. She is well versed in all Disney Destinations, from parks to Disney Cruise Line to Aulani in Hawaii. She also specializes in the Hawaiian Islands and works with premier cruise lines and other land-based destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Kimberly is an avid and savvy traveler with over 18 years of experience in the business world and has transitioned her skills over to the travel industry. There is no travel budget too small, and she enjoys the challenge to ensure magical trips for all clients. Kimberly is focused on saving you time and money so that you get the most for your money without sacrificing quality and luxury. You can always make more money, but you can’t always make more memories! Let's go.
Ann Schroeder
Anyone who knows Ann, knows she has a love for travel, organization, and roller coasters! What better way to put these together, than to be a Travel Planner?!
Ann’s first trip to WDW wasn’t until she was an adult; she took her then 6- and 5-year-old girls to experience the magic, and that trip sparked a passion and love for all things Disney! She has had two recent trips to WDW with her husband, daughters, son-in-law, and her grandsons and is currently planning the next trip for her granddaughters! Ann’s strong planning and organizational skills help ensure her clients make the most of their Disney experience-from when to travel, where to stay, how to park hop, and what fast passes to use at what time. (Not to mention, she knows all the best snack places!)
Ann loves theme parks and their thrill rides as much as she loves to cruise! She has recently been on the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of The Seas and Majesty of The Seas ships, and has a Carnival cruise planned for the fall, where you’ll find her participating in all the fun cruise games or lounging by the pool with a good book.
Whether it be to Disney, a cruise or the beach… let Ann, with her passion for travel and strong organizational skills, help build your Magical Tripcation!
Amy Oberbeck
Amy has been an avid Disney fan since her younger years. She was brought to Disney World yearly by her grandparents and parents on many unforgettable, magical trips as a young child and continues to go every year, if not more! Taking over 40 trips to Disney and staying at many properties, the diversity is never ending. Now being a mom of two young boys, she cannot wait to bring the magic to their lives and the lives of her clients now! Let’s just say she took her son at only 4 months old to experience the magic! She has now expanded her knowledge to include several other destinations and cruise lines to help families find their perfect vacation! These include Universal Studios, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line and several other destinations around the world. Her passion is to help other families create memories together through traveling!
Lindsay Dittmer
Lindsay takes pride in her long family history with Disney, her dad and grandparents were some of the first visitors to Disneyland after it opened in 1955! Her family has continued to be frequent visitors throughout their lives, passing on the love for Disney from generation to generation. Lindsay spent many years living in Southern California and had a season pass to Disneyland each of those years, which enabled her to visit at least once a month, giving her a wealth of knowledge that she loves to share. She is currently a stay-at-home mom to three children who share her love for visiting Disney Parks and can offer insight into traveling with a variety of ages. One of Lindsay’s favorite things to do at Disney is experience all the delicious food, she has eaten at many of the restaurants at both Disney World as well as Disneyland and can help guide you to the best choices for your preferences. Magical Disney memories are a priceless part of Lindsay’s life, and she is excited to have the opportunity to make them a part of yours too!
Travel Advisors
Amanda & Edward Briganti
Erica has been a Travel Advisor with Magical Tripcations since 2015 and her travel experiences are vast and varied. As the Disney authority in her family and friend circle, Erica has been helping her guests plan their tripcations and loves what she does. She's a CLIA Member, Platinum Disney Castaway Club Member, frequent Walt Disney World visitor & loves the spicy dill pickles from the Disneyland Resort Parks!
Erica specializes in Disney and Universal Vacation Destinations and has helped hundreds of guests with their Magical Tripcations.
From family trips with children to vacations as an adult with friends, Erica has done and planned it all! An avid runner, she has also participated in several Walt Disney World runDisney events, even completing the 2024 Dopey Challenge. Erica is a self-proclaimed foodie and eats mostly vegetarian, so let her help guide you through the wide variety of dining experiences available at the parks and resorts. She’s always eager to pass along her expertise to you! Erica would love to help you create a magical Disney experience that turns into lasting memories for you and your family.
Ashleigh Allen
Hi everyone, I’m Ashleigh Allen!
I’m currently in school for business with marketing! In my free time, I love to spend time with friends and family, travel, shop, and explore new places with my Golden Retriever Milly Kate. I’ve always had a love and passion for cruising! I love encouraging people to book trips because memories are priceless.
Ashley Jones
Erica has been a Travel Advisor with Magical Tripcations since 2015 and her travel experiences are vast and varied. As the Disney authority in her family and friend circle, Erica has been helping her guests plan their tripcations and loves what she does. She's a CLIA Member, Platinum Disney Castaway Club Member, frequent Walt Disney World visitor & loves the spicy dill pickles from the Disneyland Resort Parks!
Erica specializes in Disney and Universal Vacation Destinations and has helped hundreds of guests with their Magical Tripcations.
From family trips with children to vacations as an adult with friends, Erica has done and planned it all! An avid runner, she has also participated in several Walt Disney World runDisney events, even completing the 2024 Dopey Challenge. Erica is a self-proclaimed foodie and eats mostly vegetarian, so let her help guide you through the wide variety of dining experiences available at the parks and resorts. She’s always eager to pass along her expertise to you! Erica would love to help you create a magical Disney experience that turns into lasting memories for you and your family.
Beccy Alldredge
Beccy grew up in Southern California, going to Disneyland! Her parents and many family members have worked at Disneyland at one point, so, she was at the park all the time growing up. As an adult, that love of Disney has only gotten deeper. Beccy honeymooned at Disney World and goes at least once a year with her family. Their record is 5 times in a 12-month period. This isn’t a hobby for her – it is a passion. Beccy’s family also love to cruise with the Disney Cruise Line and have sailed to Alaska, the Caribbean over Thanksgiving and Cozumel over Christmas. They enjoy combining their cruise with stays at Walt Disney World Resort! There are a million options, probably literally a million different options for all the things you can do and experiences you can have when at Disney World, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney or the Disney Cruise Line. Beccy will walk you through all of them and help plan a trip just for your family.
Jessica Danie
When asked to name her favorite ride or favorite park, Jessica can’t answer! How can you pick just one when there are so many wonderful parks, rides, and resorts to choose from????
Jessica has done it all with Disney. From Aulani to Disney World, she has ridden the rides and taken in the sights. She has vivid memories of visiting the parks as a young child and now enjoys taking her three young boys. There’s nothing better than witnessing the magic of Disney through a child’s eyes! A year for the Daniel family is not complete unless there is a trip to a Disney Park or Resort.
Candace Kerrigan
My love of Disney goes back to when I was a little girl, and my parents would take me just about every year to Disney. I was mesmerized back then by all the magic that Disney offered, and I’m still mesmerized by it today. My youngest went to Disney at only 2 months and went back again when she was 13 months and is now obsessed with all the princesses. My oldest first went just before his 2nd birthday, and I will never forget the look on his face when he saw Mickey for the very first time. I’m very lucky that my 4 kids share my love of Disney, and I’m very fortunate that my husband enjoys it as well. I love to travel and plan itineraries and events, and this new adventure lets me do both things for others. I’m hoping to bring the magic of Disney and various other destinations to others. If you need help planning a trip to Disney, another destination or a cruise, please let me know!
Eliza & Josh Murray
Eliza and Joshua (Josh) Murray are a husband-and-wife team, that have Disney permanently imprinted on their hearts! Josh is a Fire Engineer and HazMat Technician with the San Antonio Fire Department and if the department would allow it, he would have Mickey ears on his fire helmet. Eliza has over 20 years of travel industry experience and has spread her joy of Disney in spirited discussions with friends and co-workers about her magical memories! They have shared this passion with their children, who have now grown into young Disney adults of their own. In fact, their daughter recently completed the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World! Clearly, Disney has a large footprint in their hearts, but they are also well versed in Universal Studios as well as cruises and general travel! Traveling is a huge passion for the Murray crew, and they know how daunting planning a trip can be. Let them share their travel experience and assist you by taking some load off of your shoulders!
Elizabeth Flores
Nothing gets Elizabeth more excited than planning her next trip to Disney! Her first visit, though she doesn’t remember, was at the age of 1, and Elizabeth has traveled there every year since. She has 38 visits to Walt Disney World under her belt, and she can’t wait to share all she’s learned with you! Elizabeth is the go-to person in her family and circle of friends when it comes to planning a Disney vacation with or without the kids. She has attended several of the special events that Disney has to offer and has also experienced Disney parks year-round. From Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party, to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Liz has done it all! Food and Wine, Flower and Garden, and not to mention all the behind-the-scenes tours at the parks. Elizabeth is also a huge foodie and has dined around the world in Epcot and at many of the Disney resorts. Character dining is not just for kids! Elizabeth can’t wait to share all her Disney love and knowledge with each of you!
Elizabeth Moss
Elizabeth began working with us in 2023. While new to the travel business, she is not new to seeing, doing and exploring. Elizabeth focuses on travel to Walt Disney World and Disneyland and is well versed in military benefits available. As a military spouse, she has educated herself on the ins and outs of using those benefits and creating a magical experience for families, girls’ trips, and couples.
Elizabeth has traveled to Disney World all her life and enjoys passing on tips and tricks to her clients. The wife of an introvert, she challenged and succeeded in making Disney fun even for him. As a teenager, she aspired to be a travel agent and is now doing just that. She is happy to work with any budget and loves a challenge!
Jeff Hathcock
Like many young children, Jeff fell in love with Disney at a very early age, watching the Disney Channel every day and dreaming of going to Walt Disney World. He finally made his first trip as an adult with his wife, and as they say, “The rest is history!” Jeff and his wife travel to a Disney property every year now since they became Disney Vacation Club members, and he is always planning the next trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to Disneyland, or a full vacation to Aulani, Jeff is always looking forward to the planning details. The opportunity to work with Magical Tripcations gives Jeff the great privilege of planning a magical vacation for you and your loved ones. Remember, there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day!!
Jennifer Jamieson
Are you ready to step into a world of laughter, joy, and enchantment? Let Jennifer be your guide to the vacation of your dreams! From her earliest childhood memories to the delight of experiencing Disney World with her three daughters, Jennifer's love for the magic of Disney has only grown stronger over the years. With her deep-rooted connection to Disney, Jennifer is devoted to crafting priceless experiences for you and your loved ones.
But Disney isn't the only adventure on Jennifer's radar – she's a seasoned traveler with expertise in all realms, including Universal Studios and beyond! Whether you dream of exploring enchanted castles or embarking on thrilling adventures, Jennifer is here to make it a reality.
Drawing from her personal years of travel experience and insider knowledge of theme parks, cruises, and more, Jennifer is committed to designing stress-free and magical vacations for you. Let her expertise transform your travel dreams into cherished memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.
Joie Ward
Erica has been a Travel Advisor with Magical Tripcations since 2015 and her travel experiences are vast and varied. As the Disney authority in her family and friend circle, Erica has been helping her guests plan their tripcations and loves what she does. She's a CLIA Member, Platinum Disney Castaway Club Member, frequent Walt Disney World visitor & loves the spicy dill pickles from the Disneyland Resort Parks!
Erica specializes in Disney and Universal Vacation Destinations and has helped hundreds of guests with their Magical Tripcations.
From family trips with children to vacations as an adult with friends, Erica has done and planned it all! An avid runner, she has also participated in several Walt Disney World runDisney events, even completing the 2024 Dopey Challenge. Erica is a self-proclaimed foodie and eats mostly vegetarian, so let her help guide you through the wide variety of dining experiences available at the parks and resorts. She’s always eager to pass along her expertise to you! Erica would love to help you create a magical Disney experience that turns into lasting memories for you and your family.
Kristy Dye
Kristy has been a passionate Travel Advisor since 2016, specializing in Disney Destinations, Universal, cruises, and travel to Europe. She holds certifications from both ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), underscoring her commitment to excellence in travel planning.
Residing in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kristy is a dedicated wife and mother of two boys. When she’s not caring for her family, traveling, or indulging in her love for all things Disney, she serves as the director of a Mother’s Day Out program during the school year.
Kristy's lifelong love for Disney began with her childhood trips to Disney World, and it flourished when she spent her honeymoon there. Now, she delights in creating magical, memory-filled vacations for her own family. Her personal experiences and professional expertise make her the perfect person to plan a tailor-made vacation for your family. Let Kristy turn your travel dreams into reality today!
Kirsten Lankford
Kirsten Lankford is a seasoned Travel Planner with over a decade of experience in crafting unforgettable journeys. Her passion for travel blossomed into a full-time pursuit, leading her to join Magical Tripcations where she has dedicated herself to curating extraordinary experiences for friends and clients alike. With a keen eye for detail and a wealth of expertise, Kirsten takes pride in meticulously planning and executing remarkable trips to diverse destinations. Specializing in cruises and Disney vacations, she combines her extensive knowledge with ongoing training to provide her clients with the latest insights and tailored recommendations. Kirsten's dedication to ensuring memorable travel experiences has earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor in the world of wanderlust. Whether exploring far-flung corners of the globe or immersing in the magic of Disney, Kirsten is committed to turning travel dreams into reality for every client she serves.
Kate Vest
Hi, I am Kate Vest and I reside in the Midwest slightly outside of St. Louis, Missouri. In recent years, I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Business and have been working in Healthcare IT for over 15 years. I have been an agent since 2021 and have hit the ground running and maintained a CLIA membership every year since starting with the team.
I found a love for Mickey Mouse early on, painting my bedroom with yellow Mickey hears and having a Disney border along with the iconic Mickey telephone. I am through and through a Disney adult x Swiftie so if that is your vibe, I am definitely your tribe. I love the Disney magic, and it is my favorite thing about Disney. There is nothing better than stepping off a plane and entering the Disney bubble. There is nothing more exciting than planning my next Disney trip, and as an annual passholder I go quite often. I started going to Disney in 2018 and have not looked back. I have attended every festival at Epcot, Disney After Hours events at the parks and Mickey’s Not So Scary as well as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas parties. I am the go-to Disney vacation planner for my friends and family, as I am a true planner at heart. My specialties include all things Disney, Universal Orlando and Hollywood, Royal Caribbean and all-inclusive resorts.
I can’t wait to plan with you and your family your next trip, wherever that may be.
Lisa Casarez
Hello, I'm Lisa. I began my journey with Magical Tripcations in 2023, and it’s been a thrilling adventure ever since!
As a proud member of a big Disney-loving family, I know firsthand the magic that a well-planned trip can bring. There's nothing like the sparkle in a child's eye when they meet their favorite character, or the joy of a family experiencing the wonders of Disney together.
At Magical Tripcations, I’m thrilled to be part of a team that not only supports each other but also continues to grow and learn. This means I’m always equipped with the latest tips, tricks, and insider knowledge to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
My mission is to provide exceptional support and guidance to every family I work with, turning dreams into reality one trip at a time. Let's create magical memories together!
Michelle Canchola
Michelle is a pastor’s wife, mother of four, and a Disney fanatic! She fell in love with all things Disney on her first Disney trip. She loves it so much that it is slowly transforming her home into a Disney wonderland. She would love to sprinkle some pixie dust so your Disney trip will be unforgettable, stress-free, and simply magical. Hablo espanol!
Michelle Stamats
My name is Michelle! I specialize in Disney vacations including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney. My family has been traveling to Walt Disney World since I was a toddler and in recent years, I've started bringing my own children! My perfect Disney day is people watching in Magic Kingdom eating my Mickey pretzel, taking in the ambiance.
Phil Hardy
I have a passion for travel and love helping others plan their magical adventures. I find myself just as excited planning our guests’ trips as I am when I plan our own.
I have been a travel consultant since 2017 and planned family vacations, mom and daughter trips, birthday celebration trips, graduation celebration trips, group trips, and family reunion trips. My passion is cruises (Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Line, and MSC Cruise Line), Disney, Universal Studios, Caribbean resorts, Mexico resorts, and Hawaii. I have been fortunate enough to travel to several locations in the Caribbean, visit top Mexico destinations, sail on several cruise lines, and our family travels to Disney and Universal on a regular basis.
With over 25 years of customer service experience, I know that getting to know our guests is key to getting the most out of your travel experience. I love getting to know our guests, understanding our guests likes / dislikes, and learning from their vacation experience. My goal is to give special attention to what my guests are looking for and what is important to them. What activities do they enjoy? What food do they love (and not love)? Are they looking for an active or relaxing trip? Excellent Beach? Cultural Experiences?
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Deborah, since 2003. We have two wonderful children. Our daughter is living her dream working in the theme park industry and our son who is an inspiring music producer.
Ruthie Gray
My Disney parks love started as a child in the 70s.
My husband and I have four grown children who share our love of WDW, and while we have enjoyed some great Disney trips with them as they were growing up, we have developed a real love of adult-only Disney vacations. Each trip we take, we find some new magical experience, and I look forward to sharing these “adult gems” with clients. From private tours, fine dining, golf excursions, spa experiences, to the best spots to sit and enjoy a beverage while soaking in the magic, I believe Walt Disney World is the most amazing place to vacation, no matter your age!
I can't help but cry every time I get to step onto Main Street, and "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" is the song that has gotten me through any difficult times! My favorite rides are Haunted Mansion, Soarin', Flight of Passage, and Tower of Terror, but I have just as much fun on Dumbo, exploring World Showcase, enjoying some galactic libations at Oga's Cantina, or exploring the paths of Discovery Island.
Tiffany Shelton
With a passion for all things magical, Tiffany specializes in creating unforgettable vacations to Disney and Universal Studios, as well as DCL and Royal Caribbean cruise line. With years of experience and insider knowledge, Tiffany ensures that every detail of your trip is perfectly planned, from park tickets and accommodations to dining reservations and special experiences.
Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, Tiffany’s expertise and personalized service will make your theme park adventure seamless and stress-free. Let Tiffany transform your Disney and Universal Studios dreams into reality.