Sami C, Tennessee
- 4/22/2025
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 Apr 16, 2025
Sahara from PA asked“Hello, i am booked for a Bahamas cruise for my daughter's tenth birthday on May. Does the cruise ship offer birthday cakes?”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Sahara! I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate your daughter’s first double-digit birthday than on a Disney Cruise, so I’m glad you stopped by planDisney with... - On Apr 15, 2025
Laquan from GA asked“How much would it cost for me and my 4 year old grandson to cruise on a 4 day”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, LaQuan! How sweet that you’re looking into a cruise for you and your grandson. I’m so glad you thought to swing by planDisney and that I’m the one who gets to help make...View Related Videos
- On Apr 15, 2025
Rachel from FL asked“Hi, I was wondering if the themed nights were released yet for the Disney Destiny sailing on December 11-16th 2025? ”Sami AnsweredHiya, Rachel! How thrilling that you’ll be on one of the first 5-Night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Destiny this December, so I’m glad you thought to sail by planDisney with your...View Related Videos
- On Apr 15, 2025
Giovanna from SICILY asked“Hi! Looking forward to our first cruise ever, totally inexperienced but full of enthusiasm, we need to ask about the language/s spoken by staff on the ship. The cruise is a Mediterranean route starting from Civitavecchia. Thank you Giovanna”Sami AnsweredCiao, Giovanna. Benvenuto a planDisney! I feel the enthusiasm in your question, so I’m thrilled you thought to visit us before your trip.For all sailings, you will find that the entertainment,... - On Apr 15, 2025
Paula from BRUNEI DARUSSALAM asked“Hi! Me and a friend of mine are getting ready to book for our first Disney cruise which is for Disney Adventure ship. We were just wondering whether it is possible to split the payment between us both? Is there an option to do so with our cards?”Sami AnsweredCiao, Paula! Get ready for your best day ever! I’ll never forget my first Disney Cruise, so I’m glad you stopped by planDisney with your question so I can help make this trip even more...
