About Me:
My first stuffed animal was a Pooh, and that launched my love affair with Walt Disney World. When I’m not planning trips for friends or family, I can be found with my e-reader or an "old-fashioned” book nearby. Singing is a longtime hobby, although these days my time on the karaoke circuit is somewhat limited.
Recently, I’ve become involved with runDisney, and I look forward to clocking many miles through the Parks!
I teach Popular Culture at the University of South Florida, but I have also served as a professional communicator, multimedia scriptwriter, and a producer of children’s video games.
About My Family:
My husband Phil (reader, sculptor, sketcher, and programmer) and I met as so many couples do nowadays: online! Turns out, we worked right around the corner from one another, but it took the Internet to bring us together. We were married in 2001.
In 2004, we became the forever parents of a beautiful boy from Guatemala, and later that year, our second son was born to us here in the Sunshine State.
Our first family trip to Walt Disney World was in 2005, and we continue to travel together as much as we can.
About My Disney Experience:
Living so close to Walt Disney World, I have been able to indulge my passion with ease. My first trip occurred when I was a toddler, and now I see Disney through my children’s eyes, itself an incredible experience.
As the longtime “go-to” planner amongst my friends and co-workers, I have developed informed opinions about the many ways families can travel to the World.
Day trips and weekend getaways are particularly fun for me to plan, and a favorite is to introduce Guests to the many interactive experiences (like parades and live shows) that take place every day.
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Other Q&A's from this Panelist
If we are staying in a Little Mermaid room, can we add amenities like a coffee pot and mini refrigerator?
- Asked by karen from AL on 12/29/2012

Hi there, Karen!
At Disney's incredible new Art of Animation Resort, rooms in The Little Mermaid section do feature a complimentary mini-fridge.
Like its sister standard rooms at the other Value Resorts, a coffee maker is not...
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- Answered by Deborah B., FL
Can I collect my prebooked annual passes from the guest services desk outside the magic kingdom gates
Many thanks.
- Asked by Tracy on 12/27/2012

Hi there, Tracy!
If you purchase your Annual Passes online or via telephone, you are welcome to pick them up at any Guest Relations window at any Walt Disney World Park or at the Downtown Disney Guest Relations counter.
Simply bring with you...
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- Answered by Deborah B., FL
Where can I find a list of the character Christmas trees that are in Camp Minnie-Mickey? I believe there is 14 or 15 trees represented.
- Asked by Helen from MN on 12/27/2012

Hi there, Helen!
The main character-themed Christmas trees in Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney's Animal Kingdom are as follows:
Pocahontas, Meeko, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Stitch, Goofy, Pluto, Brother Bear, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, The Jungle...
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- Answered by Deborah B., FL
We will be coming to Disney World March 29-April 5. Be Our Guest Restaurant is booked up for dinner. Wondering if anyone has had luck with getting a walk-up table due to cancellations, etc.
- Asked by Jennifer from NC on 12/27/2012

Hi there, Jennifer!
My advice to you: try calling Disney Dining at (407) WDW-DINE every single day, at least twice (morning and evening). There is nothing at all wrong with this approach; the Cast Members at Disney Dining know that high-demand...
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- Answered by Deborah B., FL
I don't want to purchase a dining plan since my son is the pickiest eater on the planet. Since I am not renting a car, are there any fast food type restaurants around the resorts where I can just grab things for breakfast and lunch to pack with us?
- Asked by Jennifer from IL on 12/28/2012

Hi there, Jennifer!
Every Walt Disney World Resort hotel offers a small convenience store on-site, which sells a wide variety of pre-packaged grocery items: cereal, crackers, etc.. More recently, refrigerated cases have been added to offer fruits...
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- Answered by Deborah B., FL