About Me:
My name is Jodi. I grew up in Rhode Island, but now call Massachusetts home. I’m the original Type-A, multitasking mom, who plans things from start to finish and always has more than one ball in the air! I recently gave up my full-time job to find more balance in my life. I now work part-time as director of finance for a nonprofit firm, edit and write for two websites, and am a part-time stay-at-home mom. I have a background in economics and finance and enjoy helping families find ways to stretch their vacation dollars.
About My Family: My husband and I have been married for over eight years and we have two small children – a spirited, princess-loving 4 year old girl and an energetic, Mickey-loving 2 year old boy. Both my husband and I grew up experiencing annual family vacations and continuing that tradition with our own family is important to us. We’ve found that Walt Disney World makes traveling with small children so easy. Our children have enjoyed meeting characters, watching performances and riding attractions.
About My Disney Experience: My family first visited the Magic Kingdom when I was only 5 years old. After that, whether it was by plane, train or car (and we’ve done it all), we visited many times. Now that I have my own family, my husband and I have taken our children annually for the past few years. Our family’s favorite resort is the Animal Kingdom Lodge, where my children loved watching the animals right from our hotel room. I really look forward to helping parents everywhere plan a vacation within their budget that will truly create lifelong memories.
Other Q&A's from this Panelist
I am planning a trip with myself and a 5 year old. Do you think there is enough to do at each park for a full day, or should I use a park hopper, and how many days should be plan on? We've been doing 4 days at DLR with success.
- Asked by jim from WI on 11/14/2009
Hi Jim - While you can definitely visit the Walt Disney World resort without a park hopper, I always prefer having that option. Sometimes I like to have a meal, especially dinner, at a different park than the one we've visited for the day (we... read more
- Answered by Jodi G., MA
Will be going to Disney Coronado Springs and read that it has been remodel ( room) would you say that the rooms are just as nice as the Poylesian?
- Asked by DIANA from WI on 11/21/2009
Hi Diana - I stayed at a newly remodeled room last year at Coronado Springs and they are really beautiful. They are probably the nicest rooms of the moderate resorts.
However, the Polynesian rooms are larger, and in my opinion,... read more
- Answered by Jodi G., MA
Love your panel! My question is would it be possible to get to the MK from the airport using Magical Express in less than 2 hours? Our flight comes in @ 9:44 and we would like to be @ MK by 11:30am, we won tickets to be @ the taping of the Xmas Parade? TY
- Asked by Jennifer from ON on 11/19/2009
Hi Jennifer - it's definitely possible to travel from Orlando International Airport to the Magic Kingdom via the Magical Express in less than two hours, but it isn't a guarantee. I usually plan on it taking about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
I'd... read more
- Answered by Jodi G., MA
We are planning a trip to Disney in March of 2010. My son is 1 1/2 old and we have been to Magic Kingdom twice this year. We are trying to decide between Animal Kingdom and Hollywood studios. We don't know what would be better for him. Any suggestions?
- Asked by Heather from OH on 11/15/2009
Hi Heather - I think it really depends. My inclination is to say Hollywood Studios, because my kids love that park. They are big fans of Pixar movies and Playhouse Disney, so they love the character greetings, as well as the Playhouse... read more
- Answered by Jodi G., MA
Bringing DD 5 in April. Was wondering which water park would be better choice. Swims with assistance, not into slides but wants to be able to go in the "big kid" section also. Is it worth the money or should we just stick to hotel pool? Thx!
- Asked by Shari from GA on 11/14/2009
Hi Shari - personally, I'd probably stick to the hotel pool, since your daughter isn't into slides and needs assistance to swim.
I'm not sure if you already have hotel plans, but one suggestion is to stay at either the Yacht Club or the... read more
- Answered by Jodi G., MA