Sami C, Tennessee
- 6/17/2025
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 Jun 9, 2025
Michael asked“Hi, I was wondering if you could confirm if there are themed nights (and what these might be) on board Disney Fantasy sailing from Southampton 31st July. Thank you!”Sami AnsweredAhoy there, Michael, and welcome back to planDisney! It’s wonderful to hear from a fellow Disney fan across the pond, and I’m so glad you reached out as you prepare for your 5-Night...View Related Videos
- On Jun 9, 2025
Lawrence from TX asked“Looking to plan our 13th Disney cruise at the end of 2026. When will the dates for fall/winter be posted?”Sami AnsweredAhoy, Lawrence, and welcome to planDisney! It’s such a pleasure to greet a Disney Cruise Line Guest who knows the ropes; with a 13th voyage on the horizon, you’re well on your way to...View Related Videos
- On Jun 9, 2025
Jessica from FL asked“When does the Halloween on the high seas room decor package drop on the website to add to my booking ?”Sami AnsweredAhoy, Jessica, and welcome to planDisney! How fabulous that you have a Halloween on the High Seas cruise on the horizon. I’ve sailed these themed cruises more than any other, so I understand... - On Jun 9, 2025
Susan from Dorset asked“Hi, Which night will be pirates night on the 7 night western Mediterranean cruisr 22-29 September from Southampton please?”Sami AnsweredWelcome back to planDisney, Susan. It’s always a joy when a fellow Disney cruiser returns to our crew with a great question. And what a sailing you have ahead: seven magical nights through the... - On Jun 9, 2025
Julie from CA asked“I am going on the 4 night cruise on the Disney Wish in August. Can you tell what if any theme nights there are? Thank you in advance”Sami AnsweredWelcome back to planDisney, Julie! It’s always a joy to see familiar friends here, and how exciting that you’re setting sail once again, this time aboard the Disney Wish! If this cruise...View Related Videos