About Bonnie Nofsinger
A Rockford, Illinois travel advisor who plans Disney, cruises, Europe, and autism‑aware family travel.
Owner, Magic Bean Travel Co.
See how planning works →
Most travel agencies don’t think about what a vacation looks like for a family with a child on the autism spectrum. I built Magic Bean Travel Co. around exactly that — because I’ve lived it.
How Magic Bean Travel Started
I started Magic Bean Travel after years of navigating the travel industry as a mom of two kids on the spectrum. Every vacation meant hours of research, detailed planning, and a level of preparation most advisors didn’t understand.
I’d ask about noise levels in resort rooms. Crowd patterns at parks. Sensory profiles of specific destinations. Most of the time, I got blank stares.
That gap — between what my family needed and what the industry offered — became the foundation of Magic Bean Travel. What started as figuring it out for my own kids turned into helping every family like mine. I wrote about this journey in traveling with two kids on the spectrum — it's the most personal thing on this site.
A Different Approach to Travel Planning
Most agencies focus on logistics: flights, hotels, tickets, transfers. I start with the family.
Before booking anything, I talk with parents about their kid’s sensory profile, triggers, comfort zones, and what a good day actually looks like for their family. That conversation shapes everything.
From there, it’s selecting destinations and rooms based on sensory fit. Building visual schedules and pre-trip prep. Mapping quiet spaces and low-stimulation options at each destination. Planning pacing strategies for parks and excursions. Coordinating with resort and cruise accessibility teams in advance. I’ve outlined this full approach in my accessible and inclusive travel planning guide.
It’s not a standard booking with a few extra notes. It’s a completely different process — because these families need a completely different process.
Credentials & Partnerships
I’m one of a small number of travel professionals in the country with the IBCCES Certified Autism Travel Professional (CATP) designation. That means specialized training in autism awareness, sensory processing, communication, and how to apply all of it to real trip planning.
I’m also a two-time Royal Caribbean Partner of the Year, affiliated with Magical Vacation Planner — a Diamond-Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner — with active partnerships with Disney, select resorts, and cruise lines. Those relationships give my clients access to accommodations, priority support, and insider knowledge you can’t get booking on your own.
Who I Work With
I work with families across Northern Illinois, with a focus on families with kids on the spectrum. But I handle all kinds of family travel — Disney, cruises, Europe, all-inclusive resorts.
A lot of clients come for the autism expertise. They stay because the overall attention and service is better than anything they’ve found elsewhere. I work with families at every budget level — from first-time Disney visitors to experienced travelers looking for their next adventure. If you’re wondering how much a travel agent costs, the short answer is: my planning services are free.
As Seen On
I've been featured on WTVO Good Day Stateline (two appearances) covering Disney vacation planning for Northern Illinois families, and on WIFR CBS Rockford "First At 4" (February 26, 2026) for the launch of a free resource library for families traveling with special needs.
Rockford Roots
I’m based in Rockford and deeply connected to Northern Illinois. I know the local budgets, the airfare realities from O’Hare and Rockford International, the driving distances to regional destinations, and the seasonal patterns that affect pricing.
I’m also a resource for the local autism community — offering guidance and support to families who may not even know where to start when it comes to travel.
What Families Are Saying
From clients across Northern Illinois.
Bonnie didn't just plan our Disney trip — she saved it.
She got us into Be Our Guest when I'd given up, reminded me about park reservations I'd forgotten, and texted me tips while we were in line.
She saved us $400 without me even asking.
I almost cried when Bonnie called to tell me our cruise price dropped — she'd been checking without me even asking.
For the first time, we came home relaxed.
Planning travel with a child on the spectrum felt impossible until we found Bonnie. She asked questions our last agent never thought to ask — about noise, crowds, even the lighting in our resort room.
Found us the perfect adults-only resort.
We wanted quiet, romantic, good food — not a party scene. Bonnie nailed it. Best anniversary trip we've ever taken.
Handled every detail of our Italy trip.
Bonnie planned two weeks — Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice. Hotels, trains, day trips. All we had to do was show up.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
If your family has been putting off travel because the planning feels overwhelming — or if past trips haven’t gone the way you hoped — this is what I built Magic Bean for. I’ll work with you to understand your family’s needs, find the right destination, and build a trip plan that sets everyone up for a great time. Not sure if an advisor is worth it? Here’s why families are choosing travel agents in 2026.
Call (815) 904-9755 or email b.nofsinger@magicalvacationplanner.com. Or visit magicbeantravel.com and tell me about your family. I’ll take it from there.
What I plan
Explore: Disney & Universal, cruises, European river cruises, European tours, all‑inclusive resorts, and special‑needs travel planning.
Where I Work
Based in Rockford, Illinois — serving families across the country.
Local to the greater Rockford area
Most of my families are in the Rockford area and Northern Illinois. I love meeting locally when it works, and I know the travel patterns from O’Hare and Midway inside and out.
- Rockford
- Loves Park
- Machesney Park
- Roscoe
- Belvidere
- DeKalb
- Sycamore
- Crystal Lake
- McHenry
- Woodstock
- Freeport
- Elgin
- Byron
- Oregon
Tell me about your family’s needs
Tell me about your family. I’ll follow up within 24 hours — often much faster.
Serving Northern Illinois Families — In-Person Available
Most planning happens by phone, text, or email — but I'm happy to meet local clients in person.
- Rockford — Rockford Roasting Company, Meg's Daily Grind
- Belvidere — Brick & Ivy Coffee
- Freeport — 9 East Coffee
- DeKalb — Common Grounds Coffee
Don't see your town? Just ask — I'm flexible.
Bonnie Nofsinger
Personal Travel Consultant
Magic Bean Travel Co. • Rockford, IL
What Happens Next
- I personally review your request (not a bot, not a queue)
- I follow up within 24 hours — often sooner
- You receive 2–3 curated options tailored to your family