Getting to Know our Mousekemoms
Mousekemoms- they always give us great advice and keep us up to date on the latest and greatest Disney has to offer. They give us our perfect Disney trips, and we feel like they’re part of our own circle of friends. However, what do we really know about them? Join us for this series, where we will be learning more about our lovely Mousekemoms, Jen, Lori and Juliana. Today, we will be getting to know our Mousekemoms, continuing with Juliana.
Tell Us a Little About Yourself
I live in Charlotte, North Carolina- I’ve lived a lot of places. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and when I was twelve, I moved to Tampa. That’s when I first got to go to Disney. Since then I’ve lived in a few Eastern states, and have been lucky enough to live abroad in Paris for a couple of years, which fueled my passion for travel.
I have two daughters in middle school, which is fun in and of itself. They too love to travel, and we all hope for another opportunity to live abroad and travel so easily will present itself.
How did you "Get Into" the Disney Lifestyle?
I moved to Tampa at 12, and we had this neighbor. Her granddaughter would come to visit. My grandmother who lived with us was friends with her grandma, so we would hang out. One time, they were going to Disney for the day, as you did at the time, and she was allowed to invite a friend. I actually didn’t want to go. I thought I was too cool. But, I went and remember everything from the moment we drove under the welcome sign. That was it, I was hooked!
I went to Disney kicking and screaming. I was a late bloomer, but I fell in love with it. I don’t think it leaves you, ever.
I got to go often as a day visitor, but I knew one day I would take my family for a real Disney Vacation. I wanted a big huge trip. My husband said that we had one shot, so I waited until my girls were 5 and 7 and I regret that. I wish I’d have taken them when they were littler.
A comedian, Nate Bargatze, has this bit where he talks about taking his little girl to Disney. People asked him, “Why would you do that, why wouldn’t you wait until they’re older? They won’t remember it”. His answer was something like, “You’re right, I should just lock ’em in a closet until they can remember stuff.” Knowing what I know now- I wish I would have taken them when they were babies. The memories are just as special, and I should have known we’d be back. My husband is fully on board, even though he likes to pretend he’s not.
What is your favorite place on Disney Property (park, resort or both)?
That’s a hard one. I love Epcot, its a place I can completely relax, my chill place. Tiffins, and the Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom. You don’t even realize you’re at a theme park, it’s so relaxed. I just love it, a hidden gem where you can always get a table, and drinks are delicious. I have not yet been to Aulani, but I think that’ll be pretty high on the list too. We’re going there in August and I can’t wait.
What's been your favorite Mousekecocktail so far?
Tipsy Ducks in Love, that one is always there. Tea and coffee and bourbon and chocolate syrup, Lori introduced me to it actually. It’s the perfect way to start your day, frankly.
Park hopping or Resort hopping?
I’m a resort hopper. I love a good monorail pub crawl. I love going from restaurant to restaurant. They just have so much to offer. If you’re not staying in a deluxe, then you can still just come in and enjoy some of what they have to offer. I don’t care to park hop – I like to just stay in one park.
What is your favorite Disney Restaurant?
In a resort, Toledo is great, and for a bigger budget, I was blown away by dinner at Topolino’s Terrace. I also really love Wine Bar George in Disney Springs. It’s fantastic, easily accessible, and often has walk-up availability. We were in Orlando Easter Sunday, and we had just gotten out of church, and we didn’t have any Disney plans. My husband was so bummed, “I can’t believe we’re here and we’re not going to go to Disney – like at all.” So we decided to drive to Disney Springs and see if we couldn’t find a place to go for brunch. Low and behold, there was brunch reservations for Wine Bar George in the balcony seating area. It was lovely.
What is something you have to do every time you go to Disney?
Honestly, I am not that kind of person. I get to go so often, that we get to just enjoy the moment. This is coming from a person who used to plan every second too. Although, my daughter pointed out we never eliminate EPCOT. When we go and do short trips, we often have to eliminate a park, EPCOT is never on the chopping block.
What is something you haven't done, but would like to do?
I really want to do the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I still, after all this time, have a dream trip I want to do too. I want a seven day trip with a Savannah view room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I want to visit all the parks, water parks. I want to do it all. Take a fireworks cruise, cause that was freaking amazing. Just take at least a day and just really enjoy the resort, since I don’t think I’ll ever actually get to Africa. I think that resort has so much to offer, so that’s my goal.
Do you have any Disney collections?
Just fashion accessories. I have maybe a dozen magic bands and a dozen pairs of ears. I don’t necessarily set out to get new ones. I don’t consider myself a collector. Just a lover of fashion accessories!
What's something you love about your other Mousekemoms?
Jen is hilarious. I love her wit and sharp sense of humor. I envy it. I wish I was as quick as she is.I admire Lori, too. She keeps so much stored and organized in her brain. She’s good at explaining all the info that we’re processing in our heads all day every day.
What do you love about your job?
What don’t I love about my job? I get to make people’s dreams come true. I get to ask them what they want most out of a trip that is once in a lifetime for many of them, and make it a reality.
What do you think a Disney newbie should do on their trip?
It’s changed so much. I used to think it was important to fit in ALL the things. Frankly, it’s not worth iu. Given the current climate, I think that you need to stop and take a minute. It’s okay. Remember that no matter what you’ll have a great time. Have a rough plan. Just know it’s okay to deviate from the plan. Just take a moment to breathe and take it all in.
Anything you'd like to add?
Whenever there’s a split in the queue, always go left. It works 90% of the time.
Thanks for joining us in our journey to learn more about the powerful ladies behind Mousekemoms and Kingdom and Cruise. Join us soon to learn more baout Mousekemom , Jen!
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