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Colette VanderWal, Travel Agent in Ponder, TX

Colette VanderWal

Ponder, TX Travel Agent

Colette VanderWal

Ponder, TX

VANDERWAL Travel, an independent agent with Incentive Connection Travel Inc, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
4.7
(3)
100% Recommended
Traveling to Japan with you was truly the trip of a lifetime. I’ll be honest — I could have absolutely done without the 12-hour flight to... Read More >
About
Reviews
Certificates & Awards
My Places
Travel Stories & Media
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Orlando

Interests:

Universal Parks & Resort Vacations, Cruises, Luxury Cruises, Family Vacations

Suppliers:

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations

About Me

Me at Universal, It's great for solo travel
Me at Universal, It's great for solo travel

Hi, I'm Colette VanderWal — a Universal Studios Specialist and Luxury Cruise Certified travel advisor who brings both professional expertise and real family travel experience to every trip I plan.

I'm a devoted Harry Potter fan and have personally visited all three Universal Florida parks as well as Universal Studios Hollywood with my family, exploring every corner of The Wizarding World from Diagon Alley to Hogsmeade and beyond — on both coasts! Whether you're planning your first Universal vacation or you're a seasoned park regular, I know how to maximize your time, cut through the stress, and make memories that last long after you're home.

I'm also passionate about cruising and have Luxury Cruise Certification — because I truly believe cruises offer some of the best value in travel, combining world-class dining, entertainment, and incredible destinations all in one seamless experience. Whether you're a first-time cruiser or you already have sea legs, I'll help you find the voyage that's perfect for you.

And when it comes to bucket list travel, I lead by example! I recently fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking my family on an immersive 10-day journey through Japan — soaking in the culture, the beauty, and the unforgettable hospitality that makes Japan like nowhere else on earth. That experience is something I now pour into every Japan itinerary I create for my clients.

REVIEWS

Rating: 4.7
3 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 3 reviews

I loved the experience, but the 12 hour flight not so much!
Reviewed By Tim - Texas | Traveled to Japan | East and Southeast Asia
Traveling to Japan with you was truly the trip of a lifetime. I’ll be honest — I could have absolutely done without the 12-hour flight to get there and the 12-hour flight to get home, but every single moment in between made it worth it a hundred times over. From the second we landed, everything was seamless, exciting, and so thoughtfully planned. We explored Tokyo’s energy, wandered through shrines and temples that felt frozen in time, and soaked in cherry blossoms that looked like something out of a dream. The Harry Potter Studio Tour, Shibuya Crossing, Mt. Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi, Fushimi Inari, Nara Deer Park — every day felt like another highlight. What made it unforgettable was experiencing it all with you. You somehow balanced adventure, culture, food, and relaxation perfectly. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed — just amazed, happy, and grateful to be there. It was the kind of trip people talk about for years, and I’m so glad I got to share it with you. Long flights aside, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Colette VanderWal responded
"I'm so glad that your time in Japan was amazing. A 12 hour flight is quite long."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Friend Review of Our 10-Day Japan Trip
Reviewed By TJ - Houston, Texas | Traveled to Japan | East and Southeast Asia
I still can’t believe how incredible our 10-day Japan adventure was. Traveling with you made every moment even better — from the big iconic sights to the tiny details that only we would appreciate. It honestly felt like the perfect mix of fun, culture, food, and those “wow, we’re really here” moments that stick with you forever. Tokyo set the tone right away. Wandering through Sasazuka, getting lost (in the best way) in Shinjuku, and watching the chaos of Shibuya Crossing felt like stepping into another world. And the Harry Potter Studio Tour? I swear we were all grinning like we just got our Hogwarts Letters. That was pure magic. Then came the tours — Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Market, Senso-ji, the Gundam statue… every day felt like a highlight reel. But nothing beat the Mt. Fuji day. Lake Kawaguchi with the cherry blossoms in full bloom looked like a painting. I’ll never forget how peaceful it felt standing there, just taking it all in. Kyoto was a dream. Fushimi Inari’s torii gates, To-ji Temple, Nishiki Market — it all felt like classic Japan in the most beautiful way. And Nara? The deer, the blossoms, Todaiji… it was surreal. Osaka brought the energy right back up with Dotonbori and Osaka Castle, the perfect finale before heading home. What made the trip truly unforgettable, though, was sharing it with you. You planned everything so thoughtfully, and it showed. I never felt rushed, stressed, or overwhelmed — just excited for whatever came next. It was the kind of trip people talk about for years, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it with you. If anyone ever gets the chance to take a Japan trip like this — they should absolutely go. It was truly the adventure of a lifetime.
Colette VanderWal responded
"I'm glad we got to take the trip together!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Universal Orlando: A Solo Trip Like No Other!
Reviewed By Tim V. - Coppell | Traveled to Universal Orlando | Florida | USA
I spent three unforgettable nights at the Hard Rock Hotel while exploring Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure solo—and it was incredible. Huge thanks to Colette VanderWal with VANDERWAL Travel for making everything seamless, from park tickets to insider tips. Early park admission let me beat the crowds and ride VelociCoaster multiple times. I wandered Diagon Alley, sipped Butterbeer, and enjoyed solo dining at The Cowfish and Toothsome. The Hard Rock’s pool and Velvet Bar were perfect for unwinding. Traveling solo gave me total freedom to explore at my own pace, meet fellow adventurers, and soak in every moment. Universal Orlando is surprisingly solo-friendly, and the Hard Rock Hotel made it feel like a luxury escape. If you're thinking about a solo adventure, go for it—and let Colette at VANDERWAL Travel handle the details. You won’t regret it.
Colette VanderWal responded
"Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm thrilled your solo adventure to Universal Orlando was unforgettable. From VelociCoaster mornings to Butterbeer magic, it sounds like a dream trip—and I'm honored to have helped make it seamless. Here's to more adventures ahead! Colette @ VANDERWAL Travel"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
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Certifications & Awards

Universal Studios Specialist
Luxury Cruise Certified via CLIA
Orlando Expert via Visit Orlando

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

My Travel Stories

My family at Universal Studios Florida

Universal Parks Florida, Amazing!

I love being a travel agent—not just because I plan trips, but because I live them. This career has allowed me to turn bucket-list vacations into real memories—the kind you replay in your mind long after you’re home.   Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe are all amazing places to make your bucket list dream come tru...
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Client Testimonials

Universal Orlando: A Solo Trip Like No Other!
I spent three unforgettable nights at the Hard Rock Hotel while exploring Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure solo—and it was incredible! Huge thanks to Colette VanderWal with VANDERWAL Travel for making everything seamless, from park tickets, dinner reservations, to insider tips. Early park admission let me beat the crowds and ride VelociCoaster multiple times. I wandered Diagon Alley, sipped Butterbeer, and enjoyed solo dining at The Cowfish and Toothsome. The Hard Rock’s pool and Velvet Bar were perfect for unwinding. Traveling solo gave me total freedom to explore at my own pace, meet fellow adventurers, and soak in every moment. Universal Orlando is surprisingly solo-friendly, and the Hard Rock Hotel made it feel like a luxury escape. If you're thinking about a solo adventure, go for it—and let Colette at VANDERWAL Travel handle the details. You won’t regret it
Tim V.
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