Sami C, Tennessee
- 8/1/2025
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 Jul 28, 2025
Jennifer from OH asked“Do you know what movies we'll be playing on the Disney wish sailing on 8/15?”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Jennifer, and welcome to planDisney! You’re in for such a magical getaway, and one of the best parts is having your very own floating movie theater at sea! Whether you’re...View Related Videos
- On Jul 27, 2025
Heidi from Helsinki asked“Is there a transport from Airport to the port and what is pricing for this service?”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Heidi, and welcome to planDisney! It sounds like you have a magical voyage on the horizon, so I’m happy to help you with those logistics so you can focus on sailing the Big...View Related Videos
- On Jul 24, 2025
Peter from Staffordshire asked“We are looking forward to our first cruise. Our eight year old loves Stitch, so we were wondering what films may be showing on the Fantasy from Southampton to Bilboe?”Sami AnsweredAloha, Peter, and welcome to planDisney! I'm so excited for you and your family as you get ready to set sail on your very first Disney Cruise. As a fellow Stich-fan who just spent my birthday seeing... - On Jul 23, 2025
Christine from NM asked“What night is pirate night on Disney magic Jan 2-7, 2026”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Christine, and welcome to planDisney! It sounds like you’ll be ringing in the New Year the right way: with an incredible adventure aboard the Disney Magic! I completely understand... - On Jul 22, 2025
Stephen from IL asked“Hello! I have a family of 4 (me, my wife, and two kids ages 3 and 5). We are possibly looking to take a 3 night cruise and hoping to do so between December 27th and January 5th. And we would look to leave from a port in FL. Would you be able to help?”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Stephen, and welcome to planDisney! It sounds like you’re looking to celebrate the New Year in style with a Disney Cruise, and I’m delighted that I get to be the one to help...View Related Videos
