About Me:
I’m a writer and stay-at-home mom. I grew up on California’s central coast, but nowadays, Arizona is home. Because my primary role is that of “mom,” keeping up with my children accounts for the majority of my time. When I can find a spare minute, though, I enjoy reading the latest Jodi Picoult novel or trying out a new recipe. I can also be frequently be found with my nose buried in my laptop, blogging! I freely admit to being the kind of person who flosses daily and balances my checkbook to the penny. My inclination to over-attentiveness serves me well though my Type-A personality is the backbone that keeps our family on time and task. I work as a freelance writer and my articles have been published in national magazines as well as in various regional publications.
About My Family: I’m married to a rocket scientist, who, unlike a stereotypical one, is as fun-loving and carefree as they come – think “Hakuna Matata.” I have three daughters, ages 14, 11 and 9, and a 2-and-a-half-year-old son. Our family is chockfull of personality. My oldest daughter is a princess at heart. My 11 year-old is an eternally inquisitive fiery redhead. My youngest daughter has a way of charming everyone she meets. She also happens to have an extra chromosome, which means she has Down syndrome. Last, but certainly not least, is my son whose curious nature and explorative behavior keeps me on my toes day in and day out! As a family, we enjoy playing board games, evening walks, and, of course, vacationing at Walt Disney World!
About My Disney Experience: My love for the resort, together with my perfectionist ways, led me to become an expert on many aspects of Walt Disney World travel. In planning multiple Grand Gathering vacations, including details for special needs and senior citizen family members, I’ve garnered insight into valuable travel tips. The regular trips my family took to Disneyland growing up rooted a love for Disney parks deep into my heart. Now, I’m so happy to have the opportunity to create those same priceless memories with my own four children at Walt Disney World. My year spend as a Moms Panelist was absolutely magical! In addition to making great friends, I thoroughly enjoyed playing “Internet Fairy Godmother” and spreading some virtual pixie dust in the form of vacation tips that helped other families plan amazing Disney vacations!
Other Q&A's from this Panelist
I have the opportunity to stay at the SOG or the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge for few more $ with special. I am sure they are both nice, but like how Disney castmembers go the extra mile- recommend one above the other? 2 child 8 & 13 - Aug 29 -Sep 6.
- Asked by Michael from CA on 6/17/2009
I've not stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (yet!) but I have stayed at Shades of Green. While I highly recommend Shades of Green as a great value for eligible guests, my pick--in your situation--would be the Animal Kingdom Lodge, hands... read more
- Answered by Darcie M., AZ
We will be WDW 9/7-14 for DD's 3rd birthday (first trip). We will have her 1 year old sister with us as well. Are there any shows you would recommend seeing, or maybe more poignantly, not seeing with kids these ages?
- Asked by Katie from NH on 6/25/2009
It's so wise of you to figure this sort of thing out before you leave home Katie; it'll make planning your days much easier once you arrive!
With regard to age-appropriateness, there are a few shows I would recommend skipping altogether, only... read more
- Answered by Darcie M., AZ
I noticed in a previous answer that you talked about having silhouettes done of your children. I have researched and can't seem to find where to have this done--although I think it's MK. 25 days away from our first family trip!! Thanks for your help!!
- Asked by Tracy from RI on 6/19/2009
I can't wait until my family arrives at the twenty(ish) point of our trip countdown Tracy; we're still hovering around 90 days!
As for those silhouettes, they can be done in the Magic Kingdom. We visited a kiosk area just across from Sleepy... read more
- Answered by Darcie M., AZ
Hello, thank you for taking my question we are a family of 6 and we will be at the park the last week of July. We will be off site and want to keep cost down as much as possible what would you suggest? Thanks
- Asked by John from KS on 6/16/2009
I have a family of six too John so I understand where you're coming from! Here are some ways you can cut on costs for your trip:
-eat a hearty breakfast before you arrive for a day of theme park touring
-just purchase base tickets(skip on... read more
- Answered by Darcie M., AZ
Here's another one for you. Aug 16 -20 I will be in DW with DD8 - celebrating her birthday. She is a semi-adventurous eater and gets bored with the counter service - they aren't very exciting and a lot are the same basics for kids. Any suggestions?
- Asked by CYNTHIA from CT on 6/16/2009
Have you ever dined in any of Walt Disney World's sit-down restaurants? Typically, you will find a bit more variety in the menu offerings there, particularly at the World Showcase restaurants. While they all do feature a few of the... read more
- Answered by Darcie M., AZ