Life After Disney: Let Magical Vacation Grocers fill your cupboard

His next role came with a move to Florida three years later, when he joined the Disney College Program working as an attractions host at Space Mountain before switching gears and becoming a front desk host at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. After that, Conners was part of the opening team for DisneyQuest at then-named Downtown Disney, but he missed working at a resort, so stints at Port Orleans, Fort Wilderness, All Star Movies, and Old Key West followed, with roles that included training coordinator, housekeeping manager, lost-and-found/warehouse manager, and housekeeping process manager.

His final role was at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort as process manager and guest experience manager, until company-wide furloughs ended his 27-year career with Disney.

Conners was laid off in early December, and by Dec. 10 he had launched Magical Vacation Grocers, providing a service many have come to rely on over the past year: personalized grocery shopping and “doorstep” delivery. But his company takes a small side-step from the big-name delivery services by zeroing in on the specific items vacationers want and need.

“I had always wanted to start my own business, and I had this idea for a while,” Conners reveals. “My wife and I are Disney Vacation Club members, and have had much experience packing groceries for our stays. Since we have been members for over ten years, we have packed for many stays and have it pretty down as to what we need for the kitchen. Also, working at DVC properties, I was able to observe just how many groceries members purchase, and how it helped them. I thought it was a great idea to create packages that are a one-stop-shop experience, where guests could select the package, customize it a bit, and purchase it for delivery.”

Magical Vacation Grocers offers three ways to order: choose a pre-assembled package (with or without customization), select individual items, or create your own custom package.

Choose from two Breakfast packages, two Lunch packages, four Dinner packages, two Produce packages, and five snack-style packs (including a convenient Movie Marathon selection with popcorn, soda, chips, chocolate bars, and a nacho kit). Need kid-friendly activities for a day spent enjoying your resort? Forget to bring rain ponchos, mister fans, and sunblock? Or, heaven forbid, you’ve run out of diapers, wipes, and other baby necessities – there are packages for those eventualities, too.

You can also “add more magic” by opting for personalized vacation items such as reusable tumblers, a portable charger, drawstring cinch bag, or a tote bag.

Each package takes the party size and accommodation set-up into account, and all feature name-brand products to ensure quality and consistency. Clients with access to kitchen facilities can choose items that need heating or cooking, while those without a kitchen can opt for ready-made meals.

It isn’t just vacationers who are benefitting from the service, though. Conners has also developed several “Thank You Packages” travel agents can send to their clients. The size of each gift runs from the adorable Tinker Bell to Minion-sized to jumbo King Kong selections.

When it’s time for delivery, groceries are dropped off at Bell Services for the guest to pick up upon arrival, or Magical Vacation Grocers can meet them in the lobby and deliver face-to-face. And, because pixie dust is real, packages can be delivered with as little as two hours’ notice.

Built on the skills he learned during more than two decades of experience as a cast member, two hallmarks of Conners’ service are courtesy and efficiency. And, like his time with The Walt Disney Company, he takes care of the mundane things so that guests can get out there and make more magical memories.

To find out more, or to place an order, visit MagicalVacationGrocers.com.