The Castle Concierge shares travel information, celebration ideas, and vacation strategies. Be it a real venture or one that is still only being imagined — Castle Concierge strives to inspire you to create extraordinary vacations and fun adventures. We provide reviews, tips, itineraries, budgeting examples, and handy lists to help your travels and staycations go smoothly!

KIMBERLY LaPAGLIA

Kim LaPaglia with Mickey Mouse at WDW Moms Panel Media Gathering

Kimberly’s love of Disney travel began with a sixth-grade trip to Florida to visit her grandparents. This vacation featured an excursion to Walt Disney World. From then on, WDW became a favorite destination. In the years to follow, this special interest (maybe obsession!) was shared with the person who would become her lifetime traveling companion — Michael. They have dreamed up many trips to Disney destinations since their first visit to Disney World. Memorable vacations include a honeymoon at the Grand Floridian, a Disney cruise in the Mediterranean, a vow renewal at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, an Adventures by Disney Southern California trip (Disney Imagineering!), and stays at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

Kim even shared her passion for all things Mouse-related when she was selected for the inaugural Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now known as planDisney) in 2008 and the inaugural Disney Cruise Line Panel in 2009. As a Disney Mom, she helped countless families plan their own dream-filled journeys.

In between travels, Kim enjoys reading, writing, and researching. Now an empty-nester, Kim enjoys hobbies such as Book Club, puzzles, mystery games, photography, baking, and interior decorating. Due to a recent move to Florida, Michael and Kim spend date nights at Walt Disney World!

For over a decade, she’s worn many hats for the Disney Food Blog. Currently, she writes and edits their EPCOT Festival books. She loves her work as editor for the Disney Food Blog.

MICHAEL LaPAGLIA

Michael in Epcot at Walt Disney World

Michael began his love for Disney travel with a childhood trip to Disneyland.

Then, vacations to Walt Disney World sparked Michael’s interest in the man behind the magic — Walt Disney.

Plus, Michael is a lifelong fan of Star Wars.

In addition to the amazing journeys, he has taken with his wife and son over the past 2 decades, Michael is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with nearly 30 years of employment experience in the behavioral mental health field and special education. Much of that time, he has been providing behavioral treatment, supervision, training, and clinical consultation with families, mental health agencies, and special educators, relating to children exhibiting challenging behaviors and those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

One of Michael’s passions is teaching graduate level courses for Lipscomb University in Nashville and St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. His business, Behavioral Compass, also offers tutoring and BCBA supervision.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys watching movies, listening to music, reading about movies, and cooking.

NICOLAS LaPAGLIA

Nic meeting Minnie Mouse at age 2.

Nicolas had his first journey on a Lear Jet. Born three months premature, his plane ride (to transport between hospitals) happened at eight weeks of age! Nic is fond of all modes of transportation — trains, planes, taxis, ships, and cars. By age 3, he had visited WDW twice. He’s been to the Mouse’s House as a toddler, school-age child, teen, and young adult. He’s tried to keep track of his visits but I think he’s now lost count. 😉

In December 2022, Nic graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. For four years, Nic played trumpet with the Auburn University Marching Band.

Nic spent two summers working at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center as a Mission Control Complex Crew Trainer (Camp Counselor) and Resident Assistant.

In early January 2023, Nicolas began work at Pratt & Whitney’s Columbus Engine Center. As a production engineer, he gets to work every day with jet engines!

You can reach Kim, Michael, or Nicolas via email – editor @ thecastleconcierge.com.

MEDIA MENTIONS

AllEars

Disney Cruise Line/Castaway Club Compass Newsletter

Disney Food Blog

It’s “All in WDW” Lancaster Online

PassPorter

Tracie Cook with Vacation Field Guides

DISNEY FOOD BLOG POSTS

Review: New Year’s Eve Dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table

GUEST AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

PassPorter