The Face Behind Vacay the Julie Way

Hi, I’m Julie. A Cruise & Theme Park Specialist with 1923 Travel!

I’m a mom of four kids ranging from 5 to 19, married to my husband Pablo, and based right in the middle of the country in Kansas. Being landlocked only made my obsession with the ocean stronger.

For years, I was the client. I used a travel agent for our family vacations and loved having someone guide the process. After experiencing how much smoother and more enjoyable it made our trips, I realized I wanted to be that person for other families too.

I took my first cruise in 2024 and completely fell in love. I remember standing on that ship thinking, “How is everyone in the world not doing this?” From that moment on, I was hooked. I instantly became determined to get on as many ships as possible and learn everything I could. Partly to better serve my clients. Partly, if I am being honest, for myself too.

Cruising quickly became my specialty. I dive deep into ships, stateroom categories, itineraries, and promotions so I can confidently match each client with the right experience. Not just a cruise. The right cruise.

I love both Disney and Universal, but for completely different reasons. Disney gives me that internal magical feeling that never fades. The music, the storytelling, the nostalgia. I feel like a big kid the second I step onto Main Street. I still get giddy when I see Mickey, and I hope I never lose that. Visiting Disneyland Paris was one of those full circle moments for me. Experiencing Disney magic internationally only deepened my appreciation for how powerful and emotional those parks can be. And I’m a true believer that there’s nothing Starbuck on Main Street can’t fix!

Universal pulls me in differently. It is immersive in a cinematic way. The parks are created by the same people behind the movies, which makes the worlds feel incredibly real. You are not just riding attractions. You are stepping directly into the stories. As an obsessive Harry Potter fan, visiting the Wizarding Worlds and experiencing the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London felt surreal. Every detail matters, and I love that.

Travel in our family is everything. It is how we reconnect. It is how we celebrate. It is how we breathe. As much as I believe in big family vacations, I also believe in the power of girls trips and couples escapes. Moms need time away. Marriages need intentional time together. Friendships deserve memory making too. That balance is at the heart of Vacay the Julie Way. I design cruises, theme park vacations, and perfectly matched getaways around real life. Your life. Your season. Your priorities. And I do it at no additional cost to you. If I recommend it, there is a reason. If I am excited about it, it is because I would book it myself. Let’s plan something unforgettable.