Mona Leigh G, Maryland
- 12/30/2017
About Me
My friends call me "Dr. Disney." Although my Ph.D. is in Human Development, sometimes it seems I spend more time planning trips for myself and my friends to Walt Disney World Resort! When I'm not planning my next trip to Walt Disney World, I am the Director of the Center for Young Children at the University of Maryland. In my free time, I enjoy working out in the early mornings, playing board games, hosting parties, reading, and of course, planning my next Disney Vacation Club trip.
About My Family
I live in Columbia, Maryland with my wonderful husband of 15 years, Joe, my fabulous 11-year-old daughter, Willow, and our lovable basset hound, Laverne. Part of what is so special about Disney for us is that my husband and I grew our love of Walt Disney World together. We enjoy keeping up on happenings around "The World" and sharing these in our daily lives as a dose of magic. Our daughter now joins in these conversations with enthusiasm and opinions of a strong-willed sixth grader. She can even keep up now in our games of "Disney 20," our modified version of "20 Questions" regarding all-things-Walt Disney World! Our extended family includes two grandmothers and one uncle, all of whom have accompanied us on trips to Walt Disney World. Although our daughter is hearing-impaired, it does not slow her down one bit in life or on a Walt Disney World vacation.
About My Disney Experience
Although I came to Walt Disney World Resort once as a child in 1986, my true love for and addiction to Disney did not begin until adulthood. In 2001, my husband had a conference for work at Walt Disney World and asked if I wanted to come down and spend a few days after his work was done, and the rest was history. When our daughter was born, we realized that we would return to Walt Disney World again and again. So, when she was only a few weeks old, we became Disney Vacation Club members. I have been to Walt Disney World as an adult without children, as a pregnant woman and then breastfeeding mom, on a moms-only weekend to run a runDisney race, as a parent of a young child, with other families, as a couple on a "no-kids-celebration" getaway, and with extended family. We have stayed at nearly every Disney Vacation Club resort at Walt Disney World, and I would love to help you to consider which one is right for your next vacation.
Questions I’ve Answered
- On Dec 25, 2017
Tara from MI asked“Hi!!! We are coming on January 7 and we have never been! Are fast passes worth the buy this time of year?? I have been told it is really slow. We have 5 day park hopper tickets. Any tips and thoughts on how to organize our time etc etc are much approciat.”Mona Leigh answeredHi Tara, Your first Walt Disney World trip is coming up so soon; you must be getting very excited! I have great news for you. Disney FastPass+ service is included with your theme park admission - it... - On Dec 24, 2017
Adolfo from FL asked“Can I buy more fast pass??”Mona Leigh answeredHi Adolfo, Thank you for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question. We on the panel love to help guests to plan magical vacations! I am glad to hear that you plan to take advantage of... - On Dec 21, 2017
Mariana from IL asked“Have you left an only child at one of the Children's Activity Centers? We noticed Disney Beach Club has one and were wondering if our daughter would do well there. She's 4 and easy going, but still, she's young so can get nervous. Any thoughts?”Mona Leigh answeredHi Mariana, I have an only child who is a daughter as well, and I am happy to share our experience in having her visit the Children's Activity Centers at Walt Disney World. She has absolutely loved... - On Dec 18, 2017
Lisa from MN asked“I'm wondering about the timing of fast pass and meal reservations. The fast pass has an hour window. Is it realistic to have a meal reservation an hour after the start of a fast pass reservation?”Mona Leigh answeredHi Lisa, Thank you so much for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question. We on the panel love helping guests to plan magical vacations! I am so glad to hear that you are taking... - On Dec 17, 2017
David from IN asked“My father sleeps in a recliner. We are staying in a 2 bedroom villa...not a lock-off. Is there a recliner in the room since it sleeps 9.”Mona Leigh answeredHi David, Thank you so much for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question. We on the panel love helping guests to plan magical Disney vacations! It sounds like you are planning a stay...