Mary Spina meets Mary Poppins!

Magical DIStractions is fortunate to have a seasoned Disney expert on our writing team! Mary Spina (also known as DisneyMaryS in social media), is by far an expert on all things Disney Vacation Club (DVC). She has been a member of the DVC since 2005 and has stayed in EVERY SINGLE  Walt Disney World DVC property!! You can read her article “Why Disney Vacation Club” to see some of the many perks offered to DVC members. I honestly do not know anyone who visits Walt Disney World as much as Mary! I personally live vicariously through her photographs!

Mary at the Waynama Safaris

Mary has a vast knowledge of Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) as she spends so much of her time there. I seriously doubt there is a question she cannot answer in connection with WDW! She knows the Parks and Resorts like the back of her hand.  Mary has also taken some of the behind the scenes tours Walt Disney World has to offer. She has previously written articles relating to her experiences on the Wild Africa Trek (Our Morning Taking the Wild Africa Trek) and Wanyama Safari Tours (Wanyama Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge). I have always wanted to participate in the Wild Africa Trek but never wanted to spend the money to do so. I can honestly say after reading Mary’s article, the Wild Africa Trek will be part of my next WDW vacation!

Dinner at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Have you ever wondered about  Signature Dining in Walt Disney World? Well, Mary has dined at just about every one of the Signature Restaurants! The only one left on her to-do list is Victoria & Alberts at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Mary’s says her favorite dish at the California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort) is the amazing Dragon Roll (Spicy and Tataki Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, Avocado, Dragon Sauce, Hijiki-Shirataki Salad). She has fabulous taste as this is my go-to dish as well!

Dragon Roll – photo by Jimmy DeFlippo

Her favorite entree at the Flying Fish Cafe  (Disney’s Boardwalk) is the Idaho potato-wrapped Red Snapper (over a Rich Leek Fondue with a Veal Glace de Viande and Red Wine-Cassis Butter Reduction). Again, a fabulous dish!! One thing can be said about Mary, she has great taste!

Idaho potato-wrapped Snapper, photo by Disney Parks

Not only is Mary a DVC and WDW expert, she also is our go-to person for Disney Cruise Line (DCL). She has been on four Disney cruises on three of their four ships. Once Mary has sailed on the Disney Wonder she will have completed the Disney Cruise Line Grand Slam! Mary is a Round 2 finalist in the search for the 2015 Disney Parks Moms Panel. Mary would make a fabulous addition to this panel! Mary says her favorite thing to do when she isn’t on a Disney Cruise or vacationing in Walt Disney World is “talking about Disney and planning the next trip!”

Meeting Donald onboard the Disney Fantasy