Diane W, Alabama
- 9/12/2024
About Me
I'm a happily married mom of two daughters (and a very handsome cat named Walt). I was thrilled and humbled to be chosen as part of the 2014/2015 planDisney panel as a Disney Cruise Line specialist, returned in 2017 as a Walt Disney World specialist, sailed back as a Disney Cruise Line specialist in 2018, returned in 2021 to answer Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line questions, and came back in 2024 to help guests planning visits to Walt Disney World Resort. I'd love to help you plan your next magical vacation! I've visited the parks more times than I can count - enjoying family vacations, girls getaways, runDisney weekends, and solo trips. I'm happy and excited to share tips and advice from my personal experiences to help you plan your next visit!
I was a preschool teacher for nearly 20 years, and loved to incorporate my love of Disney into the classroom whenever possible. In my free time, you can usually find me at a live concert or in a movie theatre. I'm a big fan of Marvel movies, which I was introduced to by my fellow planDisney panel member, Tania. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed participating in runDisney events – I'm a proud finisher of the 2013 Goofy's Race-and-a-Half Challenge, and completed nine Princess Half-Marathons and several Disney Fairy Tale Challenges! I'm proud to be one of two 2014 panelists from "Sweet Home Alabama" – I love my Auburn Tigers! War Eagle!
When I'm at Walt Disney World, you can usually find me at Magic Kingdom, looking for the Dapper Dans. I'm a boy-band fangirl, and my favorite Mouseketeer will ALWAYS be Justin Timberlake.
About My Family
My handsome prince John and I have been married since 1997. I truly married my best friend – what a blessing! He's supportive of my adventurous spirit, which has allowed me to follow my dream of becoming a part of planDisney. We have two beautiful daughters who love Disney as much as I do. Our oldest just completed the Disney College Program, where she loved spending her days interacting with guests in The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion at EPCOT. She is looking forward to a second round of the College Program working in Children's Activities. Our youngest is a thrill-seeker, always hoping for a front seat on Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, or Space Mountain. She is a lifelong One Direction fan, and recently ran into Liam Payne (twice!) while visiting Walt Disney World - how’s that for a magical moment? We certainly cherish the memories of their Walt Disney World Resort vacations when they were little, but are thrilled to continue making memories with our adult daughters! I wouldn’t be surprised to find them both working for the Mouse someday.
Over the past few years, we have learned to navigate our Disney vacations in new ways, as my husband survived a massive stroke in the fall of 2021. We now travel with a wheelchair, and have experienced several visits to the theme parks, as well as a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Disney does an amazing job helping guests with disabilities be able to experience the magic of a Disney vacation safely and comfortably. While our vacations look a little different, we are so happy for the accommodations Disney provides to make a magical Disney experience accessible for all.
I enjoy Disney vacations as a family, and have also loved Mom/Daughter trips, as well as a visit or two with just my husband. We've made so many wonderful memories throughout the years on our Disney adventures, and are always looking forward to the next one!
About My Disney Experience
Ever since my first visit to Walt Disney World Resort at the age of 5, I've been in love with all-things-Disney. Some of my fondest childhood memories are listening to my Disney vinyl records, with read-along storybooks, for hours! Our family has always loved visiting the parks and in 2005 decided to make our first magical voyage aboard Disney Cruise Line. We've been hooked ever since! Our favorite thing about a Disney Cruise Line vacation is disconnecting – from phone calls, email, etc., and just spending quality time together as a family.
For me, there's nothing more magical than a Land and Sea vacation, combining a visit to Walt Disney World Resort with a Disney Cruise Line vacation. I'm always planning and dreaming about our next adventure!
Questions I’ve Answered
- On Sep 11, 2024
Maria from GA asked“Can you get a Mickey shaped pretzel at Disney Springs?”Diane AnsweredHi Maria!Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question - I'm happy to help!Mickey-shaped pretzels are iconic and beloved by Disney fans – and I am one of those fans! There’s no... - On Sep 9, 2024
Patricia from WI asked“Can we park at animal Kingdom Lodge if we have a reservation for the starlight Safari.”Diane AnsweredJambo, Patricia!I’m so excited to hear you’ll be enjoying the Starlight Safari on your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation! It’s an awesome nighttime adventure where you’ll...View Related Videos
- On Sep 9, 2024
Melissa from FL asked“Do you have to wear a costume to participate in the trick or treating? I want to take part but after being at the hot park all day I don’t think I’ll be able to put up with a costume!”Diane AnsweredHi Melissa!I’m so glad you’re excited about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - it’s one of the most fang-tastic events at Walt Disney World! No worries - you don’t... - On Sep 8, 2024
Patricia from QC asked“I have dinner reservation at Cinderella’s castle in November 12, 2024 at 5:35 but we don’t have Christmas party tickets are we going to be asked to leave?””Diane AnsweredHi Patricia!Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question - I'm happy to help!I'm so happy to hear you'll be dining like royalty at Cinderella's Royal Table during your visit to Walt Disney...View Related Videos
Holidays at Walt Disney World | planDisney Podcast – Special Episode
- On Sep 5, 2024
Jeff from RI asked“I found a post from 2022 that said there was not a place to store luggage at Disney Springs, but wondering if this may have changed since then?”Diane AnsweredHi Jeff!It sounds like you're planning a magical day of shopping, dining, and exploring at Disney Springs! As a no-ticket-needed destination, Disney Springs is perfect for both daytime outings and...View Related Videos