Sami C, Tennessee
- 11/1/2025
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 Oct 31, 2025
Jaime from AB asked“Hi there - if our boarding time is 1:30pm, what time do we need to arrive at the port?”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Jaime, and welcome to planDisney! It sounds like your Disney Cruise adventure is just around the corner, so let’s get you all set to sail.I’m glad you asked about port arrival... - On Oct 25, 2025
Ashlee from PA asked“I set sail on the Disney Wish this Monday. today (the Saturday before), I received an email that Castaway Cay and Day at Sea are swapping due to weather. Will they swap all activities both days? Olafs picnic was for day at sea (day 1) but is now castaway”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Ashlee, and welcome to planDisney! It sounds like you’re already on your way to an incredible adventure aboard the Disney Wish, so I’m hoping I didn’t miss the window to...View Related Videos
- On Oct 25, 2025
Matt from Victoria asked“Hi! Can I bring 6x alcoholic seltzers instead of beers on the Disney Magic cruise departing from Melbourne?”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Matt, and welcome to planDisney! Your cruise from Melbourne aboard the Disney Magic is sure to be an incredible adventure, so I’m happy to help you live your best bubbly life at... - On Oct 23, 2025
Cory from OR asked“How does currency exchange work? Do they have local currency for all ports, do I need US dollars cash, or does it get charged to stateroom, will they buy back any unused, any way to estimate fees if any on top of exchange rate?”Sami AnsweredHey there, hi there, ho there, Cory! I’m glad to see you here again with another great question!You’ll be happy to know that foreign currency exchange is available right at Guest Services...View Related Videos
- On Oct 23, 2025
Cory from OR asked“Parasailing at Castaway Cay what happens if you're over the weight limit? Are you just out the cost, or will they refund if you cannot participate. Is there a way to check and cancel onboard I'm close to being over and afraid of going over onboard”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Cory, and welcome back to planDisney! You’re about to head to one of my favorite ports of call, so I’m more than happy to help with this question.I love that you’re...View Related Videos