A Must Do Interview: Catching up with the host of “Must Do Disney”, Stacey J. Aswad

Post by Shaene Carson

For the last 10 years, anyone who has turned on a TV while visiting the Walt Disney World Resort has been greeted by Stacey. No vacation truly begins until you see her smiling face telling you all that there is to do at the Walt Disney World Resort. Everything from Splash Mountain to hanging at Downtown Disney, rest assured Stacey has told you all that you can experience while on your magical vacation.

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Stacey and ask her some questions that you may have wondered about yourself as well as get the low down on other things she is working on and that are close to her heart. Check it out!

When was your first visit to a Disney park, and what do you remember most about it?

My first time ever was to WDW in 2005 when I booked the hosting gig. I remember it feeling so huge and truly magical. It was even better than I could have imagined and I got the VIP treatment since I was there filming the TOP 7 MUST SEES. 

Who is your favorite Disney character & why?

There is something special about all of them but I do love Mickey and Minnie too of course. They are adorable the way they look and sound obviously but they also embody kindness and love and make everyone happy.

What is your favorite attraction at a Disney park?

Always hard to answer because I love so many for different reasons. Some of my standouts are Expedition Everest and Rockin’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Love the thrill rides! 

You can’t go to a Disney park and not talk about the food. What is your favorite item to snack on when in the parks?

I don’t get to eat a lot of Park treats while I am there because I am filming pretty much all the time but I do love the dark chocolate peanut butter cups. I get one when I arrive and cut a little piece each day to last however long I am there. I have yet to try a Dole Whip but it is on my WDW Bucket List.

You just celebrated your 10 year mark with the Walt Disney World between the “Top 7 Must Sees & Must Do Disney”, what has been your most memorable moment in that time?

It has been an incredible 10 years and counting. There are so many big and little things that I treasure about this experience and something new happens every time I go back that’s memorable. Of course the very first time the cameras rolled in 2005 in The World Showcase at dawn was pretty spectacular. Getting to be in Magic Kingdom before it’s open and the sun is coming up still gives me goosebumps. Meeting the guests while I am there filming or on social media who watch my show year after year and hearing how happy it makes them is such a joy for me. 

After checking into resorts in the Orlando area, most families rush to turn on the TV because no WDW vacation truly starts until “Stacey is on”. How does it feel to know that you have become a vacation tradition for so many who visit WDW?

I love being a part of people’s happy times in life, it’s an honor. I love what I do and having so many people appreciate and support me is icing on the cake. I don’t think I realized at first how important it was to people but I am fully aware now and I take it very seriously to make sure I am delivering my very best every second of the show. It really means a lot to me, I have amazing fans! 

You have had quite the diverse career. Did you always want to be a performer growing up?

I think being a performer chose me from birth. I have always loved being on some sort of stage and being creative, whether as a skater, dancer, actor, host. I love connecting with people and discovering new talents and abilities about myself. It is never boring and there is always a challenge and unknown element that keeps you on your toes. I live by the mantra, “Leap and the net will appear.” – so far it always has! 

You have done a lot of voice over work for commercials; what was a “wow I can’t believe I’m working for _______” moment?

I have been given so many amazing opportunities and seriously any chance I get in front of the microphone is a privilege and being trusted with someone’s vision is something I take very good care of every time. I would say the first time I ever heard myself on the radio or TV was pretty crazy. I was thinking, that girl sounds like me … oh yeah, wait that is me! That never gets old to this day.

I was reading your bio on your website. It said you were a 5-time national champion in competitive artistic roller skating. So, we have to know, do you still lace up the skating and go for a roll every now and then?

I love skating and it was such a great time for me all throughout my life. My family and my skating family are so wonderful, we made lifelong memories for sure. I still go skating once in awhile if someone has a party or something. It always feels great to play around and do some tricks but there is nothing like the rigorous training and excitement of competing though, it’s awesome! The gorgeous rhinestone encrusted outfits are so cool and of course those gold medals are pretty nice too! 

You have a weekly show called VO Buzz Weekly. Can you give us the low down on what it’s all about and how you got started with the project?

It’s a vision that Chuck Duran and I brought to life back in January 2012 and it is now being watched in more than 85 countries around the world. It is really about inspiring, educating and entertaining people about the voice over business and giving people the skills, tools and resources they need to succeed in their lives. Whether you are in the voice over industry or not there is something you can get out of it because we share our lives and talk with our guests about their lives and experiences and so much of it universal to people no matter what their chosen career or path. It’s so much fun to do and such an honor to bring to people. I love that we are putting good into the world and after 165 episodes and counting, a VOICE ARTS Award and fans around the world I think we are hitting a chord people want to hear. Check it out on the VO Buzz Weekly YouTube channel or at www.VOBuzzWeekly.com

You are a very busy person, but when you do have down time, what do you like to do?

I am busy but in order for me to be my best I make sure I put myself on my “To Do List.” If you’re not healthy and sane nothing else matters so it’s a must do for me. Some of my passions … I hike every morning at sunrise and read inspiring books for bed, I love to cook and bake, spend time with my animals, time with family and friends in person or on the phone, writing in my journal, knitting, decorating and doing DIY projects at home. 

Animals seem to be very close to your heart. What kind of pets do you have?

Animals are definitely my heart and soul. I have always connected with them my entire life and feel compelled to help them any way I can. Right now I have four rescued cats who I call my Pride and the four chambers of my heart. They are amazing companions and teachers, I adore them.

There are many animal charities out there. What are the ones that you support? How can your fans help you to support them?

It is one of my big dreams to see the end to animal’s homelessness and cruelty in my lifetime. I want to be a huge part of that solution. I support lots of different charities especially no-kill shelters and work toward the day that no more healthy animals are euthanized because they didn’t find a home in time. It’s insanity! Some of the ones I love are Best Friends, North Shore Animal League, Actors and Others for Animals, Guide Dogs for the Blind, ASPCA, SPCA LA, The Humane Society, Alley Cat Allies, Animal Legal Defense Fund, World Wildlife as well as smaller local rescue group who are doing amazing work.

People can help in so many active and passive ways. Adopt a pet don’t buy one. Donate or volunteer with local or national rescue groups. Foster animals even if you can’t adopt until they find their forever homes, share the word with your networks if you know of animals needing homes, spay and neuter your pets, speak up if you witness or are aware of animal neglect or cruelty situations. If we all take an active part and be these innocent creatures responsible and loving voice, the possibilities are amazing and limitless. 

Also, if someone wants an autographed photo, they can go to my website www.staceyjaswad.com/charity and donate $20. All the proceeds will go to various charities and rescue groups and they get a photo personalized to them from me. 

We do a feature on our website called “Mean Muggin’ Monday”.  It is where we feature different coffee mugs of our readers that they send us pictures of. Do you have a favorite coffee mug?

I am a hot water with fresh lemon drinker, does that count?! Here is my VO Buzz Weekly mug that gets a lot of action in my house and on the set. 

Who was your inspiration growing up?

Growing up and to this day my parents. I am so blessed to have them in my life and be their daughter. Even though we live 3000 miles away, I speak with them every day. Anything I achieve in my life I share with them because without their love and support, none of it would be possible. I am a product of what happens when parents support their children, listen to them, allow them to be their authentic selves and allow them to believe that no dream is too big. They are incredible individuals and to me the ideal partnership. #LoveBeyondMeasure

You have accomplished a lot in your career and you have had fun doing it. What is a bit of advice you can give to all those out there who have big dreams in not only the entertainment industry, but in life?

I am very much still a work in progress but I can share some things I have learned along the way that may inspire someone else. There is only one you in the world and you are amazing. If you believe in nothing else, believe in your own abilities, goodness, capacity for love, passion of purpose and promise yourself to never give up on you. Be your own best friend and always have your back. Get yourself in order, ready and in balance so that you are able to recognize and receive the blessings and dreams when they arrive. Do your part and your angels will do the rest. 

The regret of never having tried to achieve your dreams is much worse than not ever trying. What is the worst thing that could happen? You learn, grow, laugh, cry, challenge yourself, fly, or arrive at a different place than maybe you thought but at least you are moving. Momentum is a powerful thing and it starts with a single step from where you stand right now. 

Life truly is precious and so it time, we are not promised any certain number of days. Give your time only to the people and things that make you happy, help in some way, serve, and bring you peace of mind. Talk more about your blessings than your worries and remember that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing. 

Doing what someone else thinks you should do never works long term so be true to your own heart and follow your gut, it’s always right. Leap and the net will appear and maybe just maybe your wings will too! Xoxo

We want to thank Stacey for taking time out to talk with us. Please make sure you check out her website http://www.staceyjaswad.com to find out more about her amazing career and what she is up to!