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Mark Benson
Mark Benson

Mark Benson

Forest Park, IL Travel Agent

The Vacationeer

18 Reviews
100% Recommended
3 Years of Experience
Additional Languages
English

Expert in Disney, Universal, and Specialty Trips

I'm a Disney nerd, a budding star at Disneybounding, and a master of the My Disney Experience app, which I consider the best video game. 

I seek out unique adventures that highlight local experts, world-class experiences, and ones that can be enjoyed by people of all ages -- even if you're leaving the little ones behind this time around.

I got into this business through my love of Disney, and of helping people navigate the often murky planning waters to find the real magic: a vacation built around you. As a kid, I spent summers visiting my grandparents, who lived one town over from Walt Disney World in Florida. And as an adult, I have rediscovered the magic of the original: The Disneyland Resort in California. How important is the Disneyland Resort to me? My wife and I flew out there from Chicago just to get married ... we were definitely the best-dressed couple on Jungle Cruise that night.

At Disney and Universal theme parks alike, believe it is possible to do and see everything you need to see without running yourselves ragged. And how is that possible? I've done it, and I'm eager to teach my clients. Simply put: I make travel easy.

But my love of travel doesn't stop at the water's edge. I've sailed the Disney Cruise Line, experienced fireworks at sea, and marveled at the global adventures crafted by Adventures By Disney, National Geographic Expeditions, and by Viking, which is best known for its European river cruises.

Whether it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or an adventure you plan on building upon over the years, I believe that the vacation begins the moment you start planning it. But spending months and months stressing over the details, only to come home from your trip feeling more relieved than invigorated ... that's not the experience any of us deserves. 

I look forward to using my expertise to turn that dream vacation into a reality. Cheers, in advance!

Areas of Expertise

Destinations:

Hawaii
Bahamas, Castaway Cay
California, Disneyland
Florida, Universal Orlando
Florida, Walt Disney World
Florida
California, Anaheim
Florida, Orlando
Hawaii, Kapolei, Hawaii
California, Los Angeles
Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu
California, Santa Barbara
Florida, Kissimmee
Florida, Port Canaveral
Florida, Lake Buena Vista

Interests:

Adult Only
Cruises
Disney Vacations
Family Vacations
Global Travel
Honeymoons
Sporting Events
Universal Parks & Resort Vacations
Couples & Romance
Theme Parks
Destination Weddings
River Cruises
Celebration Travel
Holiday Travel

Suppliers:

Adventures By Disney
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Disney
Disney Cruise Line
Disneyland Resorts
National Geographic Expeditions
Roadtrips Sports Travel
Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations
Viking

My Travel Specialties

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, Expert

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, Expert

Aloha! I'm a travel advisor who specializes in helping families, couples, and Disney lovers experience the magic of Aula...

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Sports Travel Specialist for the Ultimate Fan

Sports Travel Specialist for the Ultimate Fan

Let's turn your sports bucket list into a reality. As a proud partner of Roadtrips, I specialize in crafting unforgettab...

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Disney Weddings and Honeymoons Expert

Disney Weddings and Honeymoons Expert

Dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding or honeymoon filled with Disney magic? You deserve a travel advisor who not only speci...

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Adventures by Disney global travel specialist

Adventures by Disney global travel specialist

As a travel advisor with a deep love for immersive storytelling and meaningful cultural experiences, I love introducing ...

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Disney World Travel Specialist

Disney World Travel Specialist

The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is a destination that draws people from all over the world, so you are absolutel...

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Disneyland Resort Vacation Specialist

Disneyland Resort Vacation Specialist

I'm a Disney nerd, a budding star at Disneybounding, and a master of the My Disney Experience app, which I consider the ...

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Viking cruises

Viking cruises

From European river cruises to the Mississippi, and the oceans to Antarctica expeditions, Viking offers a unique experie...

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National Geographic Expeditions

National Geographic Expeditions

National Geographic Expeditions are an unmatched way to see the world. From trains to cruise ships, in a small group or...

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Universal Parks

Universal Parks

From the Wizarding World to the Simpsons, and Dracula to Super Mario, the Universal theme parks are a feast for the eyes...

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Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Cruise Line is an amazing mix of luxury and fun. My last cruise was aboard the Disney Wish, to Nassau and Cas...

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Disney Parks and Resorts

Disney Parks and Resorts

I'm a Disney nerd, a budding star at Disneybounding, and a master of the My Disney Experience app, which I consider the ...

Read More
I Make Disney Travel Easy

I Make Disney Travel Easy

I'm a Disney nerd, a budding star at Disneybounding, and a master of the My Disney Experience app, which I consider the...

Read More

Reviews

18 Reviews
We've been to Disney World many times, because, I mean ... EPCOT. And we decided to work with Mark on our last trip, which included Universal, because I always get stuck doing all the family planning and that means that I just kinda carry around a lot of stress about it. But he made it easy and chill and then EPCOT was exactly how EPCOT always is, and just a great trip. Will call him again!
NickiB - Walt Disney World | Florida | USA
Thank you, Mark, so much for all the help you gave us with our Disney World vacation! Everyone had a great time, and it was a blessing to have your research on resorts and dining plans, and your experiences with them. Personally, walking into the park the first day knowing that a) you taught me the app, and b) your number was in my phone if I had a problem, made it all very chill right from the start. Aren't you glad? I didn't have to text you once ... the photos don't count lol. Safe travels to all!
alyssa - Walt Disney World | Florida | USA
We got married up in Santa Barbara, which is a few hours north of Disneyland. But wanted to spend the evening and next couple days celebrating at Disneyland. He worked within our plans and even had nice dinner reservations for late that evening in the park. Nothing quite like watching the Disneyland fireworks over the castle, and pretending it's just for you and yours.
Marisol - Disneyland | California | USA

Certifications & Awards

Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expeditions Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Oceans Expert
Viking Rivers Expert
Viking Rivers Expert

My Places

Abercrombie & Kent
AmaWaterways Cruises
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Avalon Waterways
Azamara Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
Celestyal Cruises
Crystal Cruise Line
Cunard Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
GLOBUS Tours
Holland America Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Oceania Cruises
Princess Cruise Line
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Riviera Travel
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Seabourn Cruises
Silversea Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Virgin Voyages
Windstar