Sami C, Tennessee
- 6/13/2025
About Me
Bonjour, friends! I’m Sami, an Author, TV Host, Blogger, Professor, first-generation American, and empty-nester who feels most at home when my family is together at sea. Born in Chicago, my journey has taken me around the world—as a tennis pro in Mexico and The Bahamas, a student in France, and a singer in England. My kids and I are passionate sports fans, always cheering for our Chicago Bulls and UNC Tar Heels (my MA alma mater and my daughter’s college). I even worked the Atlanta Olympics after graduating from Emory and took my kids to the 2024 Summer Games (with a Disneyland Paris visit too!). I’ve called Nashville home since 2009, where I love mentoring young women in my church and interviewing friends on the red carpet. I can’t wait to help you find adventure in the great wide somewhere on your next Disney Cruise Line vacation!
About My Family
I’m a proud single mom to two kids in college: my son is a student at Loyola Chicago and my daughter attends UNC-Chapel Hill. We are a passionate and competitive bunch who enjoy sports, live music, and snacking our way around the world. Time together is rare, so we crave making magical memories aboard Disney Cruise Line and in Disney Parks worldwide.
My son, who also loves playing tennis and pickleball, has been my Disneyland buddy for years. His love for roller coasters began once he climbed aboard the Incredicoaster (but Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will always hold a special place in our hearts because he made a core memory the day he was finally tall enough to ride).
No matter what my kids are into at the time, we always have shared favorites on our Disney cruises: pin trading, decorating our stateroom door, late-night Funnel Vision movies, feeding the stingrays on Castaway Cay, hugging Stitch, and, of course, starting dinner each night with a Mickey ice cream bar.
I love when my kids are home on breaks with their significant others so I can try out new recipes and watch our favorite Disney movies together. But we’re also always planning the next time we can sail away on a new Disney Cruise itinerary.
My son, who also loves playing tennis and pickleball, has been my Disneyland buddy for years. His love for roller coasters began once he climbed aboard the Incredicoaster (but Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will always hold a special place in our hearts because he made a core memory the day he was finally tall enough to ride).
No matter what my kids are into at the time, we always have shared favorites on our Disney cruises: pin trading, decorating our stateroom door, late-night Funnel Vision movies, feeding the stingrays on Castaway Cay, hugging Stitch, and, of course, starting dinner each night with a Mickey ice cream bar.
I love when my kids are home on breaks with their significant others so I can try out new recipes and watch our favorite Disney movies together. But we’re also always planning the next time we can sail away on a new Disney Cruise itinerary.
About My Disney Experience
My very first Disney memory goes way back to when I was five and I convinced my parents to take a spin on the Mad Tea Party teacups immediately after attending a luau at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. I’d like to think I’ve been taking (& planning) unconventional Disney vacations ever since!
My mom moved to Florida after I graduated high school, so we had a tradition of spending a couple of days at Disney World every year before she drove me to college. Our favorite itinerary included grabbing breakfast on the Boardwalk, floating around Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and then walking over to the World Showcase at EPCOT to watch the nightly fireworks.
I raised my kids just around the Riverbend from the Walt Disney World Resort and they've celebrated every major milestone with their favorite Disney friends. I’ve been cruising with Disney for almost twenty years, so I’ve watched my kids delight in every stage, from the Small World Nursery to Edge and Vibe. But our absolute favorite place on Earth is Castaway Cay, and now they are old enough to enjoy Serenity Bay with me. So whether you’re looking to take a multi-generational trip or plan a romantic getaway for two, I love helping my extended ohana discover a whole new world at sea!
My mom moved to Florida after I graduated high school, so we had a tradition of spending a couple of days at Disney World every year before she drove me to college. Our favorite itinerary included grabbing breakfast on the Boardwalk, floating around Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and then walking over to the World Showcase at EPCOT to watch the nightly fireworks.
I raised my kids just around the Riverbend from the Walt Disney World Resort and they've celebrated every major milestone with their favorite Disney friends. I’ve been cruising with Disney for almost twenty years, so I’ve watched my kids delight in every stage, from the Small World Nursery to Edge and Vibe. But our absolute favorite place on Earth is Castaway Cay, and now they are old enough to enjoy Serenity Bay with me. So whether you’re looking to take a multi-generational trip or plan a romantic getaway for two, I love helping my extended ohana discover a whole new world at sea!
Questions I’ve Answered
- On Jun 4, 2025
Ayrieka from GA asked“I want to ride Disney transportation from the cruise line but my flight has a late departure at 7:30 PM is there anything I can do until it’s time for me to go to the airport?”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Ayrieka, and thanks for stopping by planDisney. You’re asking a great question about Ground Transportation, so let’s think this through together.There’s nothing harder... - On Jun 4, 2025
Jeannie from VA asked“For the Disney Wonder 10 night in Auckland, New Zealand cruise that starts December 19th 2025 form which nights will be formal nights or other themed nights?”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Jeannie, and thanks for sailing by planDisney with your question. You have an incredible Christmas adventure at sea ahead of you, so let’s talk all things themed nights so you can...View Related Videos
- On Jun 4, 2025
Sarah from BC asked“Hi. I am looking to take a 3 night Baja cruise from San Diego (my first cruise)! It says we disembark at 8am. What is the latest I should except to be off of the ship?”Sami AnsweredWelcome back to planDisney, Sarah! How exciting that you’re looking at embarking on your very first Disney Cruise (and I promise, once you experience Disney Cruise Line, it won’t be your... - On Jun 3, 2025
Nathan from Kent asked“Do you know if there’s a pirate night on our cruise? We sail from Southampton to Spain in the 31st July to 5th August.”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Nathan! I’m glad you sailed by planDisney ahead of your 5-Night Cruise to Spain this summer. Let’s ask Genie if he can help us uncover a whole new world for you at... - On Jun 3, 2025
Christophe from belgium asked“Hi there, Yes yes, we are sailing on the Fantasy on july 12th, 7 nights. Would you already know when pirate night is and formal night? Thank you. Chris”Sami AnsweredOh boy, Chris, your Mediterranean Cruise will be here before you know it, so I’m glad you sailed back by planDisney to uncover the mystery behind the theme nights for your itinerary.I used my...View Related Videos
