About Me:
I am a husband, a father, and a professional dot-connector. I thrive on making the seemingly complex, simple and relatable. Most of the time, I'm doing this with my tax consulting clients, but I also enjoy helping my family, friends and clients make the most of their Walt Disney World vacations. My family and I live in Northern Virginia, just outside of our nation's capital.
About My Family: My family tree is filled with Mickey-shaped leaves. My parents honeymooned in Walt Disney World. My mother-in-law was a cast member in Disneyland. My wife and I were blessed with many Disney vacations as children. Although my plans to propose in Walt Disney World were interrupted in September 2001, we honeymooned there after our wedding in 2002 and have been making semiannual trips to our Happy Place ever since. We're now parents to a lovely little girl, and jolly little boy, and two Labrador Retrievers.
About My Disney Experience: My friends and family lovingly refer to me as a “Waltophile” due to my unquenchable thirst for all things Walt Disney. I have been fortunate to grow-up with many wonderful Disney vacation experiences, and my wife and I absolutely love creating new Disney memories with our children. I love answering questions about how to enjoy the Disney Parks with babies and preschoolers; I’m so glad we’ve made those memories in our family. I also look at my Disney vacations as an apprenticeship with Walt Disney himself. I return from each of our trips with amazing souvenirs in the form of lessons in customer service, innovation, storytelling, and branding.
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Other Q&A's from this Panelist
I know that Main Street Bakery's cinnamon rolls are now being sold at Gaston's Tavern but are they only selling cinnamon rolls with maple frosting? or are they offering the option of either maple frosting or the original frosting?
- Asked by Samantha on 5/16/2013

Hi Samantha!
No joke - I just finished my breakfast, and after reading your question, I'm hungry for a cinnamon roll now. Thanks a lot!
While I love the attractions, shows, resorts, and all other aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation, the...
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- Answered by Derek H., VA
Hi! Do you know if I rent a car and am staying in a WDW property, do I pay for parking in the parks?
- Asked by alison on 5/16/2013

Hi Alison!
I've got some great news for you - because you'll be staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, you can park for free at the theme parks during your stay. Just make sure you keep your resort parking permit (the slip of paper you'll...
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- Answered by Derek H., VA
Hi! Where's the best place in MK to watch the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, and maybe (though not sure) the Main St Electrical Parade and/or Electrical Water Pageant in one place in MK with a great view of everything and not overly crowded? Thanks!
- Asked by Emma on 5/15/2013

Hi Emma!
I really like your question because it's one of the most heavily debated topics among Walt Disney World fans. I'll start by revealing my favorite viewing spot for each of those performances, and then I'll tell you why I think they're the...
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- Answered by Derek H., VA
What are the official hours for LUNCH at Be Our Guest restaurant . . . I can't seem to find any hours but dinner on the website. I usually don't have enough space in the box to say thanks . . . so for all of my past and future questions, THANK YOU!!
- Asked by Megan on 5/10/2013

Bonjour Megan!
I'm sure you've heard the hype about the new Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Guess what....the hype is totally justified! I fortunately have experienced this restaurant at both lunch and dinner and it's...
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- Answered by Derek H., VA
On May 17, the listed closing time for DHS is 10pm, but in the daily schedule Fantasmic is listed at 10:30 pm. How can this be?
- Asked by Toni on 5/9/2013

Hi Toni!
I absolutely love the Fantasmic! performance at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I've experienced it dozens of times, yet I still get goosebumps with each performance I see.
Great question about the timing of the performance....
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- Answered by Derek H., VA