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Her Dreams Come True

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By JASON GEARY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 13, 2008

UPPER TAMPA BAY - After more than 30 visits to Walt Disney theme parks, Beatrice Rose is comfortable giving advice.

For years, friends, family and co-workers have been asking her about the best times to visit Disney parks, where to eat, where to reserve lodging, what gear to pack, what rides are too scary for young children and more.

"You want to ask me a question, I'll tell you from my heart what you should do and you should not do," she said.

Now the mother of two is spending her free time at night answering such questions online for people around the world.

Rose, 38, whose family lives within the Waterchase neighborhood, was one of a dozen parents selected out of thousands of applicants to take part in the Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

She is the only panelist from Florida. Others come from New York, Illinois, Nebraska, Arizona, New Jersey, Canada, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Rose and these other parents have been fielding more than 1,800 questions since they began writing last month, according to the Web site.

Nicole from Maryland wanted tips for planning a trip with her 3-year-old and 1-year-old.

Rose suggested taking advantage of "baby-care centers" to change diapers, get supplies or take a break from crowds or bad weather. She also advised getting a hotel close to the parks.

"At those ages, your children may be in need of an afternoon break," Rose wrote. "You can slip out of the park and take them for a short nap or dip in the pool, then head back to the park later."

Lori from Georgia was wondering whether the weather would be good or whether crowds would be bad if she planned a trip near Thanksgiving.

Rose responded that Florida weather is typically nice in November and suggested visiting the week before the holiday.

"The actual Thanksgiving week will be a bit more crowded, especially as you approach Turkey Day weekend," Rose wrote. "It is not as crowded as Christmas and summer, but for those 'crowd-adverse' it may be a bit much."

Paula from Louisiana was looking for a good spot to watch a space shuttle launch, which was scheduled for liftoff while they would be visiting Disney.

A few years ago as a shuttle was taking flight, Rose and her family happened to be on one of the boats moving between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The captain stopped the boat so everyone would get a glimpse through the windows.

"Based upon this experience, I will tell you that you won't likely see much details of the shuttle other than the trail of smoke that works its way up," Rose wrote. "As long as you are in a location with clear vision to the east you should see this happen."

Leanne Jakubowski, a Disney spokeswoman, said the concept for the online panel was to give people seeking vacation planning tips a place to get "real answers from real parents."

Disney had not done anything like it before, and the level of interest was unknown.

"It was just amazing what we found," Jakubowski said.

Within a week, 10,000 applications poured in, and the search was stopped so Disney representatives could begin reviewing them. A series of essays and telephone interviews whittled the number of candidates to the chosen 11 mothers and one father.

"There's a really good mixture of different types of families," Jakubowski said.

In exchange for their work, the panelists receive a complete Walt Disney World vacation package for their family, she said. Disney has six-month contracts with the panelists and has an option to renew them.

For Rose, the opportunity was too good to pass up.

Growing up in the Amazon, the Peru native had not seen anything comparable in her childhood to the "magical wonderland."

Her first visit came when she was about 21 years old and dating her future husband, David, who works in the mortgage department for Chase Manhattan.

The sight of Cinderella's castle still fills her with something close to awe.

"I remember walking into the Magic Kingdom and seeing the castle," she said. "It makes me shake just to think about it." She and her husband have two children, Teddy, 6, and Alicia, 7.

While living outside Florida, the family would take trips to Disney parks about three times a year. Now, they take frequent weekend jaunts to the parks.

Longtime friend Angela Padron met Rose about 12 years ago when both women were working as teachers. It didn't take long for Padron to recognize Rose's fascination with Disney.

The Roses' wedding cake featured a tuxedo-clad Mickey smooching Minnie on her cheek.

"She is definitely a Disney fanatic," said Padron, 36, who lives in Broward County.

When taking her 11- and 13-year-old stepsons to Disney theme parks, Padron said she calls Rose for her expertise.

BEATRICE ROSE

AGE: 38

BACKGROUND: The Peru native moved to New York in 1988 and then moved to New Jersey in 1995. She worked for a while as an elementary school teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She and her husband, David, have two children, Teddy, 6, and Alicia, 7. The family moved to Tampa about four years ago.

FAVORITE DISNEY CHARACTER: Mickey Mouse - "If there is no Mickey then there is no Disney," Rose said.

FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIE: "Finding Nemo"

TOP DISNEY MEMORY: In 2006, her family got in line for Soarin' - a ride at Epcot. They were shocked to become the 5 millionth riders and were treated to cake, gifts and a free meal.

"I think that's one of the top memories," Rose said. "We'll never forget that one."

INFORMATION: www.disney worldmoms.com

Reporter Jason Geary can be reached at (813) 865-1505 or jgeary@tampatrib.com.

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