About Me:
I am a stay at home mom who recently switched careers from VP of Human Resources at a financial services firm to VP of Household at an exciting new startup: McNally Inc. I am married to a man who I agreed to go out with after challenging him to keep me laughing for our entire first date. Eight years and two beautiful boys later, my side still hurts! I was born and raised in New York, graduated from Cornell (undergrad) and Columbia (graduate) and currently call a New Jersey Suburb home. I enjoy baking (especially making crazy cupcakes for my son's parties and classes), my role as kindergarten class mom, ice skating and planning vacations for my family and others.
About My Family: I am the proud mom of two beautiful boys, ages 6 and 4, who are often mistaken for twins. My husband and I purchased DVC before having children on a whim, after seeking shelter under a sales kiosk during a summer storm. We were able to take a number of romantic, childless trips prior to their arrival. As my family's self-appointed cheerleader, I regularly seek out creative, if not terribly typical events to celebrate with our Disney vacations. This summer for example, we championed the loss of my 6 year old's front teeth. Our celebration included breakfast with Chip & Dale, a pair who share a similar "dental dilemma!" My boys are fans of all things Mouse. My little guy prides himself on telling his friends that his first Disney trip took place inside his mommy's belly!
About My Disney Experience: I have been visiting Walt Disney World for 33 of my 35 years. I’ve stayed in every type of accommodation from a tent at Fort Wilderness Campground to a Beach Club Villa. As Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, we have the wonderful opportunity to travel to the "World" at least two times per year and have also enjoyed Disney's Vero Beach and Hilton Head resorts. I've shared my love of Disney with neighbors, family and even a couple behind me awaiting an oil change! Some of my best planning tidbits have gone to special-needs moms to whom I've suggested take time to enjoy what I have deemed, spontaneous, "Non-Space Mountain Moments", including hula hoops on Main Street USA and dancing water fountains at EPCOT. In addition to an arsenal of planning tips, I believe I offer a unique perspective on how to make Disney an amazing adventure for individuals with a variety of needs and abilities by helping them plan trips that are as magical as they are.
Other Q&A's from this Panelist
We would like to purchase a dining plan for 2 adults and 2 children ages 10 and 13. Which dining plan would you suggest would be the best value?
- Asked by nadeera from ON on 11/22/2009
Hi Nadeera,
My family usually purchases the basic dining plan that provides one table service, one counter service and one snack credit per day. We tend to use our "snack" for a light breakfast, counter service for lunch at whatever park we are... read more
- Answered by Tanya M., NJ
Thanks so much for all your help so far! One last question before we head to WDW on 12/10, We have ADR @ Yachtsman @ 545 on 12/13 & also have tickets to VMCP that evening. We know we will run late to the party, but will we have a prob w/ bus to MK @
- Asked by Norma on 11/23/2009
Hi Norma!
It sounds like you have a wonderful evening planned. Yachtsman Steakhouse is a fabulous signature restaurant that serves amazing steak (big surprise, I know!), fabulous wine and fantastic dessert! You will have no trouble catching a... read more
- Answered by Tanya M., NJ
We are getting into WDW on 2/5 afternoon, and we were thinking about playing dinner that night by ear. We would like a sit-down dinner. Are we nuts? Or should we make an ADR? We're not sure if we'll be in the MK or at the hotel, or what! :) Thanks so much!
- Asked by Meghan from CT on 11/17/2009
Hi Meghan,
Early February, before President's Week, is generally a less crowded time to visit Walt Disney World, and consequently, the odds that you could secure a table without an advanced dining reservation are certainly better than during peak... read more
- Answered by Tanya M., NJ
We only have 1 day to spend in Disney (Thanksgiving Day). Which park would be the best to visit with our 2 year old girl?
- Asked by Anna from SC on 11/18/2009
Hi Anna,
I would recommend visiting Magic Kingdom with your little princess. Fantasyland alone has enough attractions to keep her happy for the better part of a day! Peter Pan's Flight, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, The Many Adventures of... read more
- Answered by Tanya M., NJ
We are visiting Disneyworld in Feb 2010. I was able to make dining reservations at CRT for breakfast but the earliest time I could get was 10:00 am. Is this enough time to enjoy our breakfast? I have a 5 yr old and a 13 yr old.
- Asked by Kimalee from LA on 11/18/2009
Hi Kimalee,
Congratulations on "snagging" one of the toughest reservations in "the World!" I'm guessing your children will have a magical experience dining at Cinderella Castle. You will absolutely not be rushed during your breakfast. Your... read more
- Answered by Tanya M., NJ