By Rich Bockmann
“Disney” means the same in English and Spanish, but tips on how to plan a Disney vacation are a different story.
For five years, moms, dads, grandparents and guardians who have mastered the art of planning a Disney vacation have been sharing their advice on the forum disneyworldmoms.com, and this year a Jamaica mom will be one of the first to answer questions in Spanish.
“I grew up on the West Coast. My first Disney experience was at Disneyland when I was 3 years old with my parents,” said Malanie Rivera, the mother of two. “I think that was the moment I really fell in love with the Disney experience.”
More than 40 panelists on the website answer a range of questions about planning Disney vacations, such as Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney and runDisney.
“We’re willing to answer any kind of question, like ‘how to plan a vacation’ or ‘what time is the 3 o’clock parade.’ Believe me, I’ve gotten several questions like that,” said Rivera, whose family is of Puerto Rican heritage.
The Jamaica mom and occupational therapist was one of 15 new panelists chosen from thousands of applicants based on her knowledge of Disney.
“In 2004, I made the first trip to Disney World with kids of my own. Since then we’d go every year, sometimes even twice a year,” she said.
“I’ve run the gamut of taking small children to big children, with family, friends and by ourselves,” Rivera said of her 14-year-old son Jeremiah and 12-year-old daughter Emily. “Throughout the years we’ve been able to experience it in all the facets of my life and my kids’ lives.”
Some of the tips Rivera offers include planning breaks throughout the day in the hot summer months and taking advantage of Extra Magic Hours, which allows guests to enter a particular park either before it opens or after it closes to the public.
“You get a whole different perspective on the park. You can get that coveted picture in front of the castle without the crowds,” she explained. “There’s something to be said for riding Splash Mountain at 11 at night.”
The panelists are unpaid, but they are compensated with a training trip each year to keep them abreast and informed of new experiences.
“To be honest, it’s something I just absolutely love. My family thinks I’m obsessed and crazy,” said Rivera. “I’m honored and excited to get that info out into the Spanish community, and I think it’s certainly an aspect a lot of forums online don’t really tap into.
“Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California both have large Spanish communities, and I think [the bilingual panel] will be really successful.”
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
