Chat With a Disney Guru – Focused On The Magic

Weekly series!
Welcome to a great new way to compare notes, pick up some helpful tips for your next Disney visit, and discover some fantastic Disney bloggers!  Each week I will be highlighting an interview with a certified, pixie dusted fan of The Mouse.  

WARNING:  Their enthusiasm for all things Disney is, in fact, quite contagious!  So come along for the ride with us … you may learn something new, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face as you read about the good, the really really good, and the “you absolutely can’t miss this….”!

This week:  Focused On The Magic’s Deb!

For those who don’t recognizer her – Deb is the weekly host of the “Disney Wordless Wednesday” I enjoyed doing each week.  Her Disney centric site showcases her remarkable photography, and features some of the most original and breathtaking Disney photos I’ve seen.  See the link below, from an article on Deb’s blog that she wrote on “Photography Tips” to help us novices … good stuff!

Tell us a little about you, and your website (blog).
Good Morning! My name is Deb (Debra Ann on Facebook, @debsdistwit on Twitter) and I’m the owner/ author of the “Focused on the Magic” blog.  I have been a Disney fan since I first saw The Wonderful World of Color  and  The Mickey Mouse Club on TV as a young girl. I’ve been blogging about my love of all things Disney for a little over 7 years now on a few different blogs.  Before that I had a Disney website for about  6 years.  

I am a mom to 2 fine young who have grown to be Disney lovers too. I combine my love of photography with writing about my Disney experiences traveling with my family, with my husband or as a solo traveler and what I have learned along the way. 

When I’m not in Walt Disney World I’m planning my next trip!

Which is your favorite Disney Park, and why?
The answer to this really depends on the day, who I’m with and the weather!!  Most times, I would answer, my favorite park is the Magic Kingdom.  Its magic takes me back to my childhood and I feel like a fairytale princess! It offers something magical for everyone in my family and I love capturing that magic in pictures. 

Top 3 characters you’d like to meet on an ideal day at Disney:
#1 Mickey
#2 Donald
#3 Winnie The Pooh

Your 3 favorite Disney attractions, and why you love them.
Tough one! My top 3 in no particular order from all 4 WDW parks!

#1 Pirates of The Caribbean at The Magic Kingdom.
Fun for the whole family and picture taking is a challenge and I like photo challenges.

#2 Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom. 
I love the whole theme and seeing all the animals out in the open.  I love how each safari ride is a little different and here too, the photo challenges!

#3 Great Movie Ride in Disney Hollywood Studios.
I’m an old movie lover. I enjoy hearing the campy spiel on each ride and I love the western scene. Here again, I love the photo challenge.

Favorite time of the year to visit?
Anytime is a great time! During The Flower & Garden Festival is probably my favorite. The weather is just right and the flowers are beautiful to photograph.

The park snack your day is not complete without?
Gotta have a Dole Whip or a Mickey Ice cream Sandwich!

Favorite Character Meal?
The Beach Club’s Cape May Café with Donald, Goofy and Minnie is a must do for us each trip.

Top 3 Disney Property restaurants you like to eat at.
Flying Fish.
Le Cellier.
Rose & Crown.

How do you keep the Pixie Dust flying at home, in between trips?
Blogging keeps my Disney spirits up and planning new trips for myself or friends. Sharing trip reports and pictures, reading and cooking our favorite Disney dishes.

Any tips for people planning their 1st trip to Disney?
Plan, read, ask questions! Once you’re there, take your time. Don’t be a commando. You’ll be back!

How long have you been blogging about Disney?
Skip- answered it in #1

Do you take your own pictures, and if so – any tips for getting good shots?
Photography is my hobby. I was a celebrity photographer in my last life-pre kids, so the majority of the picture taking is done by myself. 

Where do you find inspiration for blog topics to feature?
I find inspiration by looking through my photos or having discussions with my Disney friends. I host  blog hops on Wednesday and Friday that help me decide on topics. On WordlessWednesday I pick a topic that any park guest would be able to relate to. For instance this week’s topic is Disney Details. I’ll be posting a picture of a Hidden Mickey. On Friday I host a FlashbackFriday blog hop. Anyone can linkup their picture from their early trips. I post Magical Memories on Monday and usually food or trip planning on Thursday.

What is your motivation to keep blogging – or any final advice to share?
My motivation to keep blogging would be my Disney friends and readers in the online community. It’s a wonderful group of people who enjoy sharing their love of all things Disney. I love spreading pixie dust each day and sharing my knowledge, with hopes that it will help others on their next Disney adventure.

Thanks so much, Deb!  I thoroughly enjoy Deb’s Disney Blog, you will, too!  You can check it out here:

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Enjoy this post?  Catch up on the others in the series…

Disney On Wheels

Disney Lifestyle ~ Melanie

Delightfully Disney ~ Jackie

Disney Babies Blog ~ Jennifer

The DVC Mom ~ Kristen

Disney Fan In Colorado ~ Holly

A Disney Mom’s Thoughts ~ Beth

Manda’s Disney Blog

Focused On The Magic ~ Deb

Disney Blue Fairy Shares ~ Ariel

Days In The Park ~ Chad