Amazing Adventures of the 2013 Disney Moms Panel Search

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Thanks for sharing that amazing story.

 

[bunkkinsmom]

OOOH OOOH! I wanna play!

I have 2 very different CM stories:

First....... 4 years ago our first WDW trip as an extended family. There were 8 of us. My MIL and FIL had never been to Disney and my SIL had been but never with kids. So there we are, 5 adults and 3 kids under 7, sitting in the window at Cosmic Rays on our first day in The World. My In-Laws were saying how great everything was and we were trying to explain that they hadn't even begun to see the entire picture. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something very strange. Where we were sitting we could see the front door of the restaurant from the outside. We were in a front window that sort of jutted out, so the front door was actually a little behind us. A CM was cleaning the outside windows of the front doors with glass cleaner. A child about 7 walked up to the door from the inside and stopped when he saw the CM, as if his way was being blocked. Without blinking and without hesitation, the CM took the glass cleaner foam spray and drew a tic-tac-toe board on the window. The child, also without hesitation pointed to the center square from the other side of the glass door. The CM put and X in that square and the kid nodded and smiled. The CM then placed his "O" and the child pointed to another square. Every time they finished a game, the CM would take his towel and erase the game and start over. This went on for over 10 minutes. I was in complete awe at the simplicity and effectiveness of this tiny piece of pixie dust. I told the in-laws "you see, it's not the just the grounds, or the rides, or the restaurants...... it's DISNEY. It just IS." They have been believers ever since.

Second...... 2 years ago all 8 of us went back. I called "Rick" from private events to see if I could schedule something special for MIL's birthday, which we were celebrating during the trip. Because of my Dis friends, I knew about a private dining location that was not on his list of available venues. He actually said on the phone "How did you know about that spot?!?!?!" I said, "The Disboards, why? Is that bad?" He let me know that this particular spot was reserved normally for celebrities and Company VIP's. I asked if that meant I couldn't have it, and he replied "Of course not! I'm just shocked that you knew to ask for it!" Rick set up a private desert buffet during Illuminations and promised us a true VIP experience. The big night came and I was very nervous, as I am customer service oriented and a bit of a control freak. There was an understated CM in a raincoat at the top of the ramp with a flashlight to show us down to the venue and she remained at the top the entire night. We had a private chef cooking crepes for us throughout the show. Then, just prior to Illuminations, Rick came down in person to wish MIL a happy birthday and to make sure everything was "Magical". Well of course it was! I thought maybe Rick was exaggerating the locale, so I asked the CM if this spot was really reserved for celebrities. She said, "Well, I was here last night with Gary Sinise. Does he count?" We were treated like royalty, and Rick even called me when we got home to follow up. A-flippin-mazing.

That makes it for me, the service sets Disney apart. Well, that and Dorma Nesmond!

 

[SAHDad]

It does seem that runDisney has increased their focus on women participants over the last few years. It is well-known that women are making up more and more of the endurance market and that they are more likely to travel to a destination (like WDW or DLR) with a group of friends for a race than men in general. Therefore, Disney, as a business, has targeted this audience and the result is a current focus on women. I hope, despite this focus, that runDisney events continue to be full of participants of both genders, all ages, and at all speeds as this is one of my favorite aspects of running with Disney!

True, but it's also a combination of factors - women are more likely to be charity runners (yay charity runners!), and more likely to run halves and destination races. So, businesses like run Disney create women-themed events, which encourage women to run (and discourage men), so the disparity grows even larger, prompting more women-themed races, etc.

I'd love for run Disney to be full of participants of all stripes, but it looks like they are becoming more insular. (FWIW - I think they missed a huge boat on the Tink race - I wanted to see a Pirate & Princess race, with the women having a 10 minute head start, and then bragging rights going to either a Pirate or a Princess for the fastest clock time. But, anecdotally, I have heard that men running "too fast" is frowned upon at the Princess and the Tink races.)

Meh. Too despressing a thought for a Tuesday night. I've got a sick kid upstairs, so I need to read some more magical Disney stories!

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

True, but it's also a combination of factors - women are more likely to be charity runners (yay charity runners!), and more likely to run halves and destination races. So, businesses like run Disney create women-themed events, which encourage women to run (and discourage men), so the disparity grows even larger, prompting more women-themed races, etc.

I'd love for run Disney to be full of participants of all stripes, but it looks like they are becoming more insular. (FWIW - I think they missed a huge boat on the Tink race - I wanted to see a Pirate & Princess race, with the women having a 10 minute head start, and then bragging rights going to either a Pirate or a Princess for the fastest clock time. But, anecdotally, I have heard that men running "too fast" is frowned upon at the Princess and the Tink races.)

Meh. Too despressing a thought for a Tuesday night. I've got a sick kid upstairs, so I need to read some more magical Disney stories!

Sorry about your sick kiddo - hope some pixie dust will have him/her feeling better tomorrow!

I totally agree with you about the Tink race - I would have much preferred a Pixies and Pirates type race. So much potential for the shirts, medals, characters etc. Maybe when the women-centric marketing trend shifts they'll give it a makeover

I think that one more reason that women are more prominently featured visually in runDisney marketing materials is that women are more likely to find reassurance from knowing others like themselves are participating. I know when I signed up for my first runDisney event, I was very intimidated by the idea of sharing a course with "elite" athletes (even though we'd be nowhere near each other lol). It took reading stories here on the DIS boards about the WISH team and their members (men and women) who were, for the most part, "ordinary" athletes. I think there are many women who would not participate if they weren't reassured that they'd be sharing the course with others like themselves. The men I know who participate in endurance events don't seem to have this same worry in general and therefore probably don't respond to the same type of marketing.

I hope that you and many other male athletes (like my husband!) will continue to participate in runDisney events and share your feelings with them. I enjoy the events more sharing the course with every kind of athlete and want to see the races as inclusive as possible!

 

[SAHDad]

Sorry about your sick kiddo - hope some pixie dust will have him/her feeling better tomorrow!

I totally agree with you about the Tink race - I would have much preferred a Pixies and Pirates type race. So much potential for the shirts, medals, characters etc. Maybe when the women-centric marketing trend shifts they'll give it a makeover

Thanks. DD basically has some sort of lingering cough/congestion. It's not too bad during the day, but at night, she can hack pretty badly. No fever, so my guess is that she got my allergies and sinus issues - I' just better at blowing my nose during the day than she is.

I think the trend will switch sooner or later. DW works in an industry that is pretty sensitive to advertising trends, and she has been predicting that companies are going to start switching things fairly soon.

Anyway - I'd love to be on the Moms Panel, but the whole application process usually gets me feeling pretty down. On the plus side, I have a trip to WDW in just under 60 days, and then again in January, so there is always that to look forward to!

 

[snshine123]

So now to ask something completely not related to anything, but it will make the wait go faster.....I was lucky enough to be at the luncheon on Saturday (the cupcakes were AMAZING as was meeting everyone finally) While talking to Laura, I asked her for a Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe she had mentioned a while back as my husband is vegan and she said to email her at her WDW address. I have looked all over and can't find anything (but found a phone number) anyone have a clue as to what her email is as my husband now is all excited to taste the Mac and Cheese? Or is this like the "what's the secret ingredient in the Dole Whip" question? Will this get me any closer-no, probably not but it will sure make the hubby happy and maybe if he's happy I can get another trip out of it! Thanks all!

 

[ticofan]

OOOH OOOH! I wanna play!

Second...... 2 years ago all 8 of us went back. I called "Rick" from private events to see if I could schedule something special for MIL's birthday, which we were celebrating during the trip. Because of my Dis friends, I knew about a private dining location that was not on his list of available venues. He actually said on the phone "How did you know about that spot?!?!?!" I said, "The Disboards, why? Is that bad?" He let me know that this particular spot was reserved normally for celebrities and Company VIP's. I asked if that meant I couldn't have it, and he replied "Of course not! I'm just shocked that you knew to ask for it!" Rick set up a private desert buffet during Illuminations and promised us a true VIP experience. The big night came and I was very nervous, as I am customer service oriented and a bit of a control freak. There was an understated CM in a raincoat at the top of the ramp with a flashlight to show us down to the venue and she remained at the top the entire night. We had a private chef cooking crepes for us throughout the show. Then, just prior to Illuminations, Rick came down in person to wish MIL a happy birthday and to make sure everything was "Magical". Well of course it was! I thought maybe Rick was exaggerating the locale, so I asked the CM if this spot was really reserved for celebrities. She said, "Well, I was here last night with Gary Sinise. Does he count?" We were treated like royalty, and Rick even called me when we got home to follow up. A-flippin-mazing.

That makes it for me, the service sets Disney apart. Well, that and Dorma Nesmond!

OK!! So where is this spot?!? You have me dangling.

 

[DisneyLifeMel]

So now to ask something completely not related to anything, but it will make the wait go faster.....I was lucky enough to be at the luncheon on Saturday (the cupcakes were AMAZING as was meeting everyone finally) While talking to Laura, I asked her for a Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe she had mentioned a while back as my husband is vegan and she said to email her at her WDW address. I have looked all over and can't find anything (but found a phone number) anyone have a clue as to what her email is as my husband now is all excited to taste the Mac and Cheese? Or is this like the "what's the secret ingredient in the Dole Whip" question? Will this get me any closer-no, probably not but it will sure make the hubby happy and maybe if he's happy I can get another trip out of it! Thanks all!

Hi... She tweeted her email address not long ago: laura.spencer@disney.com . Enjoy the mac & cheese. If nothing else, a new recipe will certainly help pass the time while we wait for news!

 

[bunkkinsmom]

OK!! So where is this spot?!? You have me dangling.

LOL! It's so funny because when you see it you think, "Really? that's a secret?" It's called UK Pubside. It's between Rose and Crown patio and the outside terrace to the right. Very small, holds 10 people tops. I think it may even be open to the public during the day but closed off to Illuminations at night. It was the perfect viewing locale for the fireworks. PERFECT......

There are some AMAZING pictures in this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2121903

Evidently it is a wedding event locale? When I called Private Dining I was sent the brochures online and all of the venues were very large. I had seen these pictures and emailed back requesting this spot, and was thrilled to get approval to be there. We really did feel like rock stars!

 

[disneydreamgirl]

LOL! It's so funny because when you see it you think, "Really? that's a secret?" It's called UK Pubside. It's between Rose and Crown patio and the outside terrace to the right. Very small, holds 10 people tops. I think it may even be open to the public during the day but closed off to Illuminations at night. It was the perfect viewing locale for the fireworks. PERFECT......

There are some AMAZING pictures in this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2121903

Evidently it is a wedding event locale? When I called Private Dining I was sent the brochures online and all of the venues were very large. I had seen these pictures and emailed back requesting this spot, and was thrilled to get approval to be there. We really did feel like rock stars!

I should be getting ready for work right now! Checked in for more CM stories - really enjoyed the new ones.

Thanks for the insider info, bunkkinsmom! Loved the thread of pics...what a great night...everything looked wonderful and that cake was spectacular!!

Ok, now I need to hustle my buns! Have a great day everyone!

 

[bunkkinsmom]

I should be getting ready for work right now! Checked in for more CM stories - really enjoyed the new ones.

Thanks for the insider info, bunkkinsmom! Loved the thread of pics...what a great night...everything looked wonderful and that cake was spectacular!!

Ok, now I need to hustle my buns! Have a great day everyone!

Yeah I worked with a Disney baker to plan a cake for MIL but it was SUPER expensive. The cake shown in that thread is AMAZING! This was another posters thread, but the venue is really beautiful. There were 8 of us and the private crepe chef and there was plenty of room. I wouldn't suggest more than that though. From a numbers standpoint, we did it for under $500. I honestly don't think that's too outrageous for the amount of deserts we consumed as well as the private chef. We had 2 different kinds of crepes, a huge chocolate banana torte, fruit, cupcakes, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a few other deserts that I can't remember. It was way too much food!!! Honestly, I would do this again in a heartbeat.........and I just might!!!!

 

[marhs]

Today I woke up with this song in my head... "I got a feeling... that tonight's gonna be a good night..." So, maybe not tonight, but soon we should hear about the next round and I am feeling good right now! One step at a time, right?!!?!

Your CM stories have been great! Keep 'em coming while we wait!!!
Happy Wednesday everyone!

 

[khiguchi]

OOOH OOOH! I wanna play!

I have 2 very different CM stories:

First....... 4 years ago our first WDW trip as an extended family. There were 8 of us. My MIL and FIL had never been to Disney and my SIL had been but never with kids. So there we are, 5 adults and 3 kids under 7, sitting in the window at Cosmic Rays on our first day in The World. My In-Laws were saying how great everything was and we were trying to explain that they hadn't even begun to see the entire picture. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something very strange. Where we were sitting we could see the front door of the restaurant from the outside. We were in a front window that sort of jutted out, so the front door was actually a little behind us. A CM was cleaning the outside windows of the front doors with glass cleaner. A child about 7 walked up to the door from the inside and stopped when he saw the CM, as if his way was being blocked. Without blinking and without hesitation, the CM took the glass cleaner foam spray and drew a tic-tac-toe board on the window. The child, also without hesitation pointed to the center square from the other side of the glass door. The CM put and X in that square and the kid nodded and smiled. The CM then placed his "O" and the child pointed to another square. Every time they finished a game, the CM would take his towel and erase the game and start over. This went on for over 10 minutes. I was in complete awe at the simplicity and effectiveness of this tiny piece of pixie dust. I told the in-laws "you see, it's not the just the grounds, or the rides, or the restaurants...... it's DISNEY. It just IS." They have been believers ever since.

I absolutely love hearing stories that happen to "new" Disney fans and they get to experience the magic for themselves! It really is the small things...

 

[snshine123]

Hi... She tweeted her email address not long ago: laura.spencer@disney.com . Enjoy the mac & cheese. If nothing else, a new recipe will certainly help pass the time while we wait for news!

Thanks all!!! I knew someone here would have it! I will share the recipe as soon as it comes. She swears it tastes even better than the real thing!

 

[Jump4Joy8390]

Happy Wednesday to everyone here in the Waiting Room!

Thought I'd share a couple of our CM stories to pass the time....

One of my favourites happened in 2008 at Walt Disney World. We were at Epcot one afternoon, at the Character Meet and Greet Spot to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and then Pluto. Mickey’s “handler” took a picture of us with our camera, we got Mickey's autograph, and moved along to Minnie. The next evening, we were at the Magic Kingdom, in the old Toontown, in line again to meet Mickey, this time in his judging tent. When we got to the front of the line, his “handler” turned to us and said, “You guys were at Epcot yesterday!” We thought it was so amazing that she remembered us – it was a day and a half later! She must have met hundreds of people between our 2 visits! Amazing!

Another time, my daughter and I were waiting by the castle at the Magic Kingdom, near the Sleepy Hollow restaurant. A Cast Member came outside with 2 big frozen drinks. I looked at her and said something like, “Wow, what are those?!?!” She said, “They’re Slushies – would you like them?” And she handed them to us! So nice!

Stuff like this happens all the time - it's why we love Disney so much!

Okay back to waiting.....

 

[DisFanInCO]

Just got a few minutes in between all my work meetings this week to catch up on the Waiting Room. What great CM stories you've all shared! And Bunkkinsmom - THANK YOU for the info on UK Pubside! I'm trying to get my hubby to plan a 40th birthday trip to the World for me (it's a couple years away, but gotta start dropping hints as early as possible!) and this sounds like a great option to hint to him about.

I have had so many great CM encounters - I love heading to the parks early and talking to the CMs before it gets busy. Everyone has such interesting stories and reasons for working at Disney! One special encounter happened on our trip to Disneyland this past Jan. We were waiting for the evening parade to start and my daughter, who was wearing her Belle costume, was getting a little antsy, wondering (loudly) when it was going to start. The CM making sure the parade route was clear heard her and came over to us. We started chatting with her and learned that she has 9 grandkids and they are ALL boys, so she always love seeing the "princesses" when they visit the park. We talked for a few more minutes and then she had to move on, but before she left, she reached in to her pocket, handed something to my DH and said "for the princess". DH handed it to my daughter and her eyes lit up - it was a small replica of Cinderella's glass slipper. DD totally forgot she was waiting for the parade and just sat and stared at it for the rest of the evening. She ended up sleeping with it for the rest of our trip and it now has a place of honor in her room. She also often talks about going back to visit "the lady who gave me Cinderella's slipper" so we will be looking out for her on our next trip!

 

[skater]

Those little daily interactions are why we keep going back to WDW. The CM's in Epcot who stop what they're doing to juggle a soccer ball with my soccer nut. The CM's at AKL who share their amazing stories of home with all of us. The CM's who still call my young adult DD a princess. That magic just doesn't happen anywhere else.

The first time we took my son was just 9 months after we adopted him from S. Korea at age 5. We headed to Dumbo first and standing by the ride was Stitch. Both of my boys adore Stitch (it truly is an adoption story to us), and my son ran up to him and threw his arms around him. Stitch's handler asked him if he would like to ride Dumbo with Sitch! How wonderful that my son's first WDW ride was with the character he most identified with. It was a truly amazing experience.

 

[Suzanne033]

Ok... I will join in on the waiting fun:

We were at Disney on the first day of our 3 day Land/4 day Sea Disney Cruise package in 2004. We were just finishing dinner at the Rose & Crown when our waitress informed us that Illuminations was going to be cancelled that evening. She said that the reason for the cancellation was because Mickey was unable to make it over to Epcot from Hollywood Studio in time to officially start Illuminations. At that point my husband and I were starting to catching on that something was going on. The waitress then asked our daughter if she would be willing to fill in for Mickey and start the show. After some initial trepidation (she was very shy then) she agreed and within minutes they had her outside standing on a podium with a ‘magic wand’ in hand and with three waves of the wand a firework shot out from behind us and Illuminations began.

It was a perfectly magical way to start our vacation!!!

 

[Suey12]

Hello

Just stopping by to say how lovely it was to meet so many of you at the Moms Panel Meet & Greet at California Grill on Saturday. Many of us have been online friends for years, who would have believed we would ever meet in person?

Continued GOOD LUCK to all of you awaiting news of Round Two. I think the waiting is the hardest part.

 

[FlyingBelle]

This last trip we were on the bus going back to the hotel from EPCOT. We were all hot and tired (and DS was sick, so we weren't getting much sleep at night).

We had to wait about 30 minutes for a bus to All Star Sports, and when the bus arrived, we were the only ones waiting for it (it was before Illuminations).

We got on the bus, happy to be sitting and in air conditioning. The driver was pleasant and told us we should wait a bit to see if anyone else was heading out before fireworks. So, we waited about another 15 minutes until another family showed up.

In the meantime though, DD (5) was doing her best to sit still and behave (did I mention we were all hot and tired??), and the driver came over and handed her a pink coin and said "You've been doing your very best to be a good little princess!". We looked at the coin and it said "You were caught being good!"

It was a really sweet gesture and made my daughter feel really special