Melissa Bratton’s fondness for Disney World started with her first trip at age ten. It was love at first sight and she kept going back. Over the years, Melissa’s Disney trips have included a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) trip and a high school graduation trip all in one month in the summer of ’89. When she was in her early 20s, she traveled to Tampa on business. “I knew I couldn’t be that close and not visit Disney!” Melissa said. She went down a day early, met up with a friend who was a former Cast Member and still lived in Orlando, and spent the day at Disney.
Melissa has a law degree and worked as a full-time attorney until she became a mom. In 2002, her husband, Lance, asked her where she wanted to go for their last trip together before their first baby was born. The answer? Walt Disney World® Resort, of course. Lance had never been to Disney World and thought it was an odd vacation destination for adults. However, just one day into the trip, he was hooked. Once her oldest was born, Melissa began working part-time in the field.
“We have since had two children and have taken them to Disney World numerous times, to Disneyland several times, to Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii, and on several Disney Cruises,” Melissa said. “Lance and I even spent ten days in Peru on an Adventures by Disney® trip celebrating our anniversary. I think it’s safe to say we are a fully committed Disney family!”
While raising a family and practicing law, she began helping family and friends plan their Disney trips. “I was known as the Disney lady and everyone came to me for recommendations and information about Disney,” she said.
Working with Melissa
“A friend told me about Small World Big Fun,” Melissa said. “After meeting with Cindy (Minor, owner of Small World Big Fun), we decided it was a perfect fit! My passion is helping clients choose the best place to stay, the best places to eat, and the best things to do on their trips — all while getting the best value for their money.”
Melissa said the best part of her job is helping parents and grandparents make dreams come true for their kids.
“I really don’t have a specific type of customer I work with. I work with busy moms who want to relinquish control and have the entire vacation planned for them and also with dads who want to have their fingerprints on the whole vacation,” she said. “I help grandparents who want a memorable trip with the family but are unsure about all of the computer tech components. I just love helping people figure out what makes up their ideal vacation.”
When clients work with Melissa, they are choosing a professional who will ensure their vision is heard and created.
“I am not here to do cookie-cutter trips. I am here to make each client’s dream vacation take place,” Melissa said. “I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of their destination. I have invested time and money into training (online and in person) so that I can sell what I truly know. I treat my clients the way I want to be treated.”
Melissa’s Top Three Tips for Disney Travelers
- Relax, don’t over plan or stress. Some of the best moments are the spontaneous ones!
- Cast Members on property are your best friends once you arrive.
- Read what I send you! It is all good info!
Melissa’s Top Three Disney Attractions
- Soarin’ Around the World®
- Space Mountain®
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith
Bittersweet Vacation and Brilliant Execution
Melissa shares two of her favorite client stories:
“Last summer I helped a friend plan a multi-generational trip with her husband, their children and his parents. We went all-out with a resort stay at the Contemporary and a full ten-day vacation. She wanted it to be super special for the kids and grandparents, so they could make fabulous memories. They had an amazing time! She came back raving about how excited her in-laws, especially her mother-in-law, had been and about how much fun they all had. Sadly, six months later her mother-in-law unexpectedly passed away. My friend is so happy they took that trip. Because of it, they have memories they’ll cherish forever.
“Then, just a few days ago, clients from up north called in a panic. A huge snowstorm was expected the next day in their state — the day they were scheduled to fly to Disney. They didn’t want to cancel or shorten their vacation, and they asked me if I could get them in a day early — as in THAT DAY! Their resort was sold out, but I found a room for them in another Disney Resort. After working with the airlines, Disney and Magical Express, I got them all lined out and they were out the door in a few hours! Not long after, they sent me pictures of them in the warm sun at Disney. Happy Clients!”
Get Started Planning Your Disney Adventure
It’s so easy to start planning your next vacation. “Just pick up the phone and call, text or email me!” Melissa said. “I will have a quick chat with you to see what you had in mind and make suggestions I think would work. From there we will build your vacation!”
You can reach Melissa at 501-786-0971 or [email protected]