Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Rickert
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was offered the opportunity to become a Dream Designer with My Mickey Vacation Travel in August 2015, I was overjoyed at the thought of helping create magical memories for other Disney Dreamers. It truly feels like an honor to be part of such an incredible team of people who share a deep love for Disney and a passion for planning dream vacations.
Some of my most cherished Disney memories include my very first visit to Walt Disney World with my family when I was 8 years old, marching down Main Street with my High School Marching Band, as well as the magical moment when my daughters first saw Cinderella Castle. Recently we’ve had the privilege of experiencing Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa on the beautiful Island of Oahu, which was unforgettable.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve had the joy of expanding my expertise beyond Disney destinations, offering planning services for a variety of dream vacations. Whether it’s cruising the open seas, exploring Universal, relaxing in Hawaii, or enjoying the luxury of Sandals and Beaches resorts, I love helping families create memories that will last a lifetime.
Originally from Western Pennsylvania, I graduated from Penn State University, but for the past 25 years, I’ve proudly called the Metro Atlanta area home. My husband, Eric, and I now live in Alpharetta, where we not only love to travel but also enjoy giving back to our community by volunteering in our daughter’s various school organizations. I was honored to be named Volunteer of the Year at Creekland Middle School in 2023. Spending time with family and being involved in our local community means the world to us, and we cherish the opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many in the travel industry, I’ve faced my share of struggles along the way. The pandemic, in particular, was a difficult time for both my clients and me. The sudden travel restrictions, closures, and shifting regulations created a lot of uncertainty. Many trips were canceled or postponed, and it required a lot of flexibility and patience to navigate the ever-changing landscape. But through it all, I remained committed to supporting my clients and helping them reschedule their dream vacations when the time was right.
In addition to COVID, I’ve also had to deal with unexpected obstacles like missed flights, hospitalizations, and even hurricanes impacting travel plans. It’s always a challenge when these things happen, but my role as a travel agent is to step in, advocate for my clients, and make sure they still have the best experience possible, even in tough situations. I’ve learned that being prepared, staying in constant communication with my clients, and having contingency plans in place can make a world of difference when these hiccups occur.
While these challenges can be frustrating, they also remind me why I love what I do – I get to be the person who makes things right and ensures that my clients still have a magical experience, no matter what unexpected bumps come their way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a dedicated travel professional specializing in unforgettable family vacations, I understand that every trip is a unique opportunity to create lifelong memories. With a particular focus on Disney Destinations, I help families unlock the enchanting experiences that only Disney can offer. But my expertise doesn’t stop there. I’ve expanded my offerings to include a wide range of vacation options, from relaxing cruises and thrilling Universal Studios adventures to luxurious all-inclusive resorts in breathtaking locations like Hawaii and Sandals/Beaches..
What sets me apart is my deep passion for both travel and customer service. I take the time to truly get to know my clients, their preferences, and their dreams for their trip. This allows me to offer tailored recommendations that suit their unique needs. I’m known for being attentive, detail-oriented, and always ready to go above and beyond to ensure a smooth, stress-free vacation. What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients – many have become friends, and seeing their excitement and happiness after their trips is incredibly rewarding. It’s the personal touch and dedication I bring to every trip that I believe truly sets me apart.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID-19 crisis taught me many valuable lessons as a travel agent. I learned how crucial flexibility and adaptability are, as travel plans could change rapidly. Clear and timely communication with clients became essential, as they relied on me for updates and reassurances. The crisis also reinforced the importance of building strong relationships with clients, as trust and support were key during uncertain times. . Finally, the pandemic showed me the resilience of the travel industry – while challenging, it reminded me that people will always cherish travel and that the industry will bounce back stronger than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mymickeyvacation.com/team/melanie-rickert/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanierickert_travelplanner
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieRickertDreamDesigner
- Other: https://mymickeyvacation.com/quotes/?did=120
