MAKE IT MAGICAL

After seeing the number of families who show up at Walt Disney World without a plan, Hinsdale native Colleen Bentley created The Park Planners a concierge service specializing in custom Disney experiences.

The Disney brand prides itself on creating some of the happiest places on Earth. But what Colleen Bentley noticed when she visited Walt Disney World about seven years ago was that not all Disney experiences are so joyful. With long lines and restaurants that were impossible to get into, the Hinsdale native saw that for those who weren’t prepared, a trip to Disney could be more miserable than magical.

“From the time I was young, our family always showed up with a plan, which helped us maximize our time in Disney, and actually enjoy our vacation together,” says Bentley, explaining how that trip inspired the idea for a business to help other families do Disney better. “So, I brainstormed how this could translate into a business and came up with the unique idea of a concierge planning service.”

After many late nights listening to “park music” in her West Loop apartment and planning, Bentley’s dream of a Disney concierge service became a reality.

A tiny client base of eight skyrocketed into the hundreds, enough for Bentley to quit her job and take on the business full time by 2020—the same year she and husband, Ben, moved to Clarendon Hills with an eye on starting a family. The Park Planners opened its first office in downtown Clarendon Hills in 2023.

“We’re a one stop shop for clients—meaning we can book your vacation, plan every detail, and even assist with any questions that arise during your trip!” says Bentley. “There is so much to see and do at the parks, so our team helps focus on the things that your family will enjoy the most with their custom itinerary.”

And The Park Planners specializes in more than just Walt Disney World. Concierge planners can also book trips to Disneyland in California, the Disney Cruise Line, Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa, Disneyland Paris, and Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood—including the new Epic Universe theme park.

“We are a part of the Disney Earmarked Program, which is an exclusive, invite-only program for the top agencies. This program gives us first access to all of the new and exciting things happening at the Disney company,” says Bentley. “When you work with us, you’re getting expert assistance and guidance from some of the best in the business!”

Bentley is excited to be taking her daughter, Molly, who turns 3 this month, and newborn son, Teddy, to Walt Disney World for the first time this summer as a family of four.

“I have so many fond memories of visiting Disney with my family as a child. Now being able to take my own family is just pure magic every time,” adds Bentley. “Walking down Main Street at the Magic Kingdom with my daughter when she had just learned how to walk last year was something I will never forget.”

It’s a rite of passage she cherishes and hopes to pass along to others.

“We want to help clients have those magical experiences without the stress that can come with it—especially for the parents,” adds Bentley. “Being able to create lifelong memories for our clients is such a privilege and still brings me such joy even after seven years!”

For more information about The Park Planners, email Colleen Bentley at [email protected]. You may also call 630-605-8790 or visit parkplanners.com.