We are thrilled to introduce you to one our agents, Stephanie Murphy. Stephanie is the owner of Diamond Sky Travels and is married with three children: Sophie (13), Joey (10), and Allie (7). Their house is also home to Max and Roxie their 2 dogs and Luna the cat.
Stephanie has been working closely with Gateway Travel since the fall of 2014 and her family loves to travel!
"We travel as often as we can, and each have our own favorite places. Mine is Disney resorts and Discovery Cove, Sophie- Universal Studios, Joey- Legoland, and Allie-Magic Kingdom."
When Stephanie and her family are not traveling, they juggle a few other interests...
"We are very involved in our church, where I sing and play the drums in the praise band, am the VBS Director, and am a Youth Leader with my husband David. We have a large family and spend a lot of time with them.
I recently decided to start a new adventure and opened a brick and mortar agency. We live in a small town and I hope to bring my travel experience and planning skills to the community. I am a Disney College of Knowledge graduate, registered with CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and have done specialized training for other Orlando parks and travel."
Stephanie's love for travel was revived after her family's trip back to Walt Disney World in 2011, the first trip to Disney since she was a child.
"The feeling you get when you're there is not explainable. It truly is magical! I realized what an amazing place it is and how much they have to offer. I thought to myself I bet I could come every year and still never do it all!"
In 2013, her family traveled back to Disney World and included Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Gulf shore beaches, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Wet N Wild.
The following year came the addition of Sea World, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica.
"It was then I decided to become an agent and specialize in Central Florida vacations. There is so much to offer and so much detail, I had to share it with people who, like me before 2011, didn't realize what was waiting for them there. I understand the stress of planning a family vacation, and the time it takes from your busy life to do so. Of course you want to find out the best offers out there, and don't want to miss or forget anything. I want to help you get the most for your money!
In her launch as a Travel Agent, Stephanie joined the Gateway Travel team in September of 2014.
"I love knowing that we are a part of a family of over 100 agents who are a willing to help each other. We share information in a Facebook group and anytime you have a question or need help/advice about something, someone is always there to lend a hand. Most agents are alone working from home, and do not have the support like we do. Gateway keeps me up to date with webinars and training to help further my career.
Best of all, we are a faith-based agency who donates 10% of its earnings to charity! You can't beat being part of a team that is there for you, and it's community. How rewarding it is to have a family go on their trip knowing you have had a hand in every part of their excitement-AND because they chose you, Make A Wish, or one of the many charities GT gives to also benefitted from it!"
Stephanie stays current and up to date on many Florida attractions traveling every year. She will be the first to tell you there is always something new to see and things to learn.
"My favorite so far has been going with my husband to tour every resort property they (Disney World) have. I had no idea how much there was to do outside the parks! (Until now! LOL) Disney is constantly changing and growing I hope to keep going and learning for a very long time."
However, like many before her, when Stephanie started in the travel business, she had a few misconceptions.
"I, like many people, assumed you pay a travel agent and in turn they get you deals and discounts you couldn't find on your own. While we are aware of current offers and promotions we can apply to your reservation, discounts are not available. :("
One of the things we love about Stephanie is the great provision she provides to her clients and she truly cares about each booking as if it were her own.
"I will always be concerned for my clients because of the fear of the unknown. Accidents do happen, and things can go wrong sometimes. Bad weather comes out of nowhere, luggage may get lost, etc. I urge my clients to purchase a protection plan every time."
Stephanie shared a beautiful memory of one of her favorite Travel Agent moments
"Sending a family to WDW for their daughters 7th birthday. Knowing what a special day that would be for them and helping to sprinkle my fairy dust around to do all I could for her big day made me feel wonderful! I know that was a memory for a lifetime, and I helped make it happen for them! I look forward to making many more dreams come true!"
Stephanie Murphy
EMail: Stephanie@GatewayToMagic.com
Agent Phone: (573) 358-9598
