About Us
Built on Heart, Experience, and a Love of Travel
Discover the story behind Dreams by Design Travel and the values that guide how we care for our guests and advisors alike.
Our Story
Dreams by Design Travel was created from a belief that travel planning — and the people behind it — deserve more care, intention, and heart.
I entered the travel industry in 2012 after discovering how powerful thoughtfully planned travel could be. But it wasn’t until a season of isolation, while recovering from thyroid cancer, that clarity truly set in. During that time, I reflected on what mattered most — family, connection, and creating something meaningful. I had worked with other agencies, but when those experiences didn’t align with my values, I knew I could build something better.
Dreams by Design Travel was born from the desire to create a place where advisors feel supported, valued, and at home — because when advisors are cared for like family, they naturally extend that same care to the guests they serve. From the beginning, this agency has been built on fairness, trust, collaboration, and a genuine love of travel.
Travel has always been part of my life. My family and I have been exploring destinations around the world together since 1983, and those shared experiences shaped how I view travel — not as a transaction, but as a way to connect, celebrate milestones, and create lifelong memories. That perspective guides everything we do today.
Nearly 11 years later, Dreams by Design Travel has grown into a close-knit team of experienced advisors who share a common goal: to treat every guest like family and plan every journey with care, detail, and intention. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all trips. We believe in listening, advocating, and designing experiences that feel personal, meaningful, and well cared for from start to finish.
Our story is one of resilience, purpose, and heart — and it continues with every guest we welcome and every journey we help bring to life.
Does this sound like you?
You want your travel planned thoughtfully, not rushed or cookie-cutter
You care about price, but also about value, expertise, and peace of mind
You’re traveling with family — possibly across generations — and want every detail handled with care
You appreciate having an advocate if plans change or issues arise
You want to work with people who genuinely care about your experience
You’re looking to create meaningful memories, not just book a trip
You’re ready for a sunny getaway where just about everything is included
You love to travel to Disney Destinations but don’t know where to start
You love to cruise or have never cruised and want to hear about our vast cruise experience but have no idea what cruise line would best serve your needs
Already have a trip booked but need help planning; we may be able to transfer your booking to our agency; ask your advisor for details
If so, you’re in the right place. Let’s design your trip.
How We Help You Every Step of the Way
The thought of planning a trip can be intimidating, but we’re here to walk you through it every step of the way! The steps below give you an idea of what to expect for the process whenever we’re working together.
1
Start the Conversation
Once you reach out, we begin with a thoughtful conversation to learn about your travel goals, priorities, budget, and what matters most to you. This helps us understand the experience you’re hoping to create.
2
Explore Options Together
We provide curated quotes and recommendations based on your needs and preferences, offering guidance and insight so you can make a confident, informed decision.
3
Book With Ease
After you’ve selected the options that feel right, we handle as much or as little of the booking process as you’d like. Once your trip is reserved and deposited, we move seamlessly into the planning phase.
4
Customize & Prepare
We tailor your travel plans to your wants and needs, coordinating details, timelines, and logistics. As your trip approaches, we send reminders and handle date-sensitive items so nothing is missed.
5
Travel Supported
We remain available before, during, and after your trip, providing support, advocacy, and peace of mind — so you can focus on enjoying every moment.
Let’s Design Your Trip!
Thoughtful planning, genuine care, and support you can count on — from start to finish.
Fun Facts About Me and DBD!
Let’s get to know each other on a more personal level.
Below are fun facts about Donna, the owner of Dreams by Design Travel. Do you have anything in common with her?
My personal email starts with ILUVWDW…hmmm wonder what that stands for?
My very first trip to Walt Disney World was a result of being the 10th caller in a local radio show! I was hooked from that day on!
Since winning the radio contest, I have been to Walt Disney World over 100 times and over ten times to Disneyland!
My sons have been going to Disney since they were three and now they are 41 and 31 this year!
On one of my trips to Disneyland, I was fortunate enough to tour Walt’s apartment above the fire station on Main Street.
Our combined trip count among our 30 advisors is over 1000!
All of our advisors are graduates of the Disney College of Knowledge!
In 2024, I got to meet Josh D’Amaro, CEO of the Walt Disney Company!
Ellen DeGeneres follows me on Twitter, now called X.
Featured Guest and Sponsor
We’re proud to be featured guests on the Where Yinz Goin Podcast, where travel advisors come together to discuss destinations, planning tips, industry insights, and all things travel. It’s one more way we share our expertise, passion, and real-world experience while helping travelers feel more confident and informed as they plan their next adventure.