2010 Mom's Panel Results along with lists of Round 2 & 3 Participants

[Stitchnut]

Excitement is in the air for all of our 2nd rounders Sending positive thoughts to each of you

Missy, by the time you read this, hopefully you will have a nugget of info that can help reassure you about your health. Please know that you are not alone. Give yourself permission to be anxious, but try to keep things in perspective. You are being proactive and are doing the necessary things to get answers. You know what you need to do and it sounds like you have a good plan in place. The paxil does take several weeks to reach a therapeutic level in your system, but sometimes it works quicker. Just knowing that you are helping yourself can give you peace. I have helped counsel women who are going through post-partum depression and one of the things I tell them is that no matter how bad things seem today- tomorrow is coming and with tomorrow there is hope. Sending you the best wishes possible.

 

[TraciLeigh]

Question for Waiting Day 5 aka "They are reading your essays" Day:

What is your first memory of Disney? Go back as far as you possibly can on this.

My first memory comes from my first visit to Disneyland in CA. I was with my parents, my brother, and my grandparents. I will never forget the flowers. They were everywhere and the Street of Flowers was incredible! What a fabulous smell and sight. It is certainly ingrained in my memory.

This same trip, in the summer of 1962, also brings back an image of seeing the Osmond Brothers Quartet perform in Disneyland and as we left that show, I was able to see and say hello to Mr. Walt Disney himself.
Here is a clip from the show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp-JAZQJWcc


My first memory of Disney World came years later .,,,... ummmm...obviously!
This memory was checking into the Contemporary Resort in March of 1972. What a magnificent structure. My parents had friends whose daughter was the head buyer for the merchandise at Disney. She got us the room on the top floor of the resort. What a spectacular view from that lovely super modern looking room. This DD of my parents friends promised us a tour of the underground structures but we were so busy seeing the Magic Kingdom and that we decided to delay the tour she offered for another visit. Sad to say but she and her fiancée were killed in a small plane crash before we ever got that tour. It was such a tragedy. I will never forget her for making our fist visit to Disney World so very sweet.

My first Disney memory....

Thinking back over all the trips I took as a child, I have to say my first memories are of us (my mom, dad and sister) riding the Monorail to the MK. I have this memory of being on the Monorail, gliding through the Contemporary and thinking how cool it would be to stay there (I mean c'mon...as I kid all I could think was "The Monorail! It goes through the hotel!"). I also remember meeting Winnie the Pooh (the old style Winnie -- I think he wore a hat, right?).

 

[Tiggsntx]

First off, pixie dust and hugs to Missy today! I hope it all turns out fine!

Question for Waiting Day 5 aka "They are reading your essays" Day:

What is your first memory of Disney? Go back as far as you possibly can on this.

Hey guys,

Sorry I have been out of touch....very busy week so far. Actually that has been good, as it has kept my mind off the waiting for Round 2 results!

Anyway, my first memory and one of my favorite memories was when I was 7. I actually wrote a blog post about it back in April when I was counting down to our Grand Gathering for Easter. Instead of re-writing it, feel free to click on the link and take a look (there are also pictures).

http://scoopofreality.blogspot.com/2009/04/disney-countdown-4-days.html

Also, I too, saw the tweet about "narrowing down the applicants from the Moms Panel" which has me more nervous about it! But, as I said before, it has a been a busy week and for me, it will be an even busier weekend. Take care and continued good luck to all Round 2 applicants!

Allison L

 

[glo]

What is your first memory of Disney? Go back as far as you possibly can on this.


My first memory of Disney was when I went for the first time at the age of 12. We had driven down from Boston in a ford Torino station wagon with the back seat folded down so my brother and I could lie down and sleep. It took us about 27 hours on the road. I remember we stayed at the Days Inn Main gate. We could not stay on property because it was to expensive and you had to book so far in advance since there were only 2 hotels and the campground at the time. We had scraped and saved every penny to go. I was hoping we could stay in Lake Buena Vista but it never happened as a kid. I remember coming under the railroad station and being in total awe of the place. I had never been to a large amusement park. Heck , in Massachusetts I had only been to Benson's Wild Animal Farm with my school! The castle was incredible it didn't seem real to me. We were there to celebrate all of us (but my brother he was born here) becoming American citizens. I remember my dad getting emotional, to him this was huge being able to give us this. I just remember how beautiful everything was and how we stayed in the parks from the moment it opened til it closed. I will never forget my first trip there. I do not think that even after more than 30 trips to WDW has it ever been any less magical than my first trip.

 

[helloconnie]

Another Great Question!

My first memory also goes back to Disneyland. I think I was around 7. We made a trip out to California and Disnelyland was one of the stops. I remember the castle, it's a small world is a very distinct memory, and e-tickets!

 

[glo]

Another Great Question!

My first memory also goes back to Disneyland. I think I was around 7. We made a trip out to California and Disnelyland was one of the stops. I remember the castle, it's a small world is a very distinct memory, and e-tickets!

I still have a half book of tickets from my first trip in 1976!!!!

 

[Stitchnut]

My first memory of WDW was when I was 7 and my grandmother and parents took me to MK for the very first time. We only had money to go for the day, but oh what a day it was. My grandmother's house was almost 2 hours away from the MK and we got up very early to make the drive. I can remember holding my grandma's hand as we walked onto Main Street. There was excitement all around us and I suddenly stopped and looked down the street to see the castle. I felt like the most special girl in the world because I was standing there looking at the castle in "real life." I stood there and couldn't move, until my family asked me, don't you want to see the rest of the park?

Several years ago, my husband and I planned a week long trip to WDW for our 2 children. I had really built up the anticipation and excitement for them because I wanted it to be special. We were on a resort bus heading to the MK for our first day and I was sitting in the seat with my daughter. The driver told us to look out to our left for a peek of something magical. I pointed at the castle for my 5 year old daughter to see. She said, "Mommy, isn't it the most beautiful castle you have ever seen? I've waited my whole life to see this." I nodded and with tears of joy, answered, "yes, it is!" My life came full circle that day.

 

[maroo]

Several years ago, my husband and I planned a week long trip to WDW for our 2 children. I had really built up the anticipation and excitement for them because I wanted it to be special. We were on a resort bus heading to the MK for our first day and I was sitting in the seat with my daughter. The driver told us to look out to our left for a peek of something magical. I pointed at the castle for my 5 year old daughter to see. She said, "Mommy, isn't it the most beautiful castle you have ever seen? I've waited my whole life to see this." I nodded and with tears of joy, answered, "yes, it is!" My life came full circle that day.

Aw.

That is so sweet.


I have one. Let me post it.

 

[Tiggsntx]

Another Great Question!

My first memory also goes back to Disneyland. I think I was around 7. We made a trip out to California and Disnelyland was one of the stops. I remember the castle, it's a small world is a very distinct memory, and e-tickets!

My parents still kick themselves that they didn't keep at least one e-ticket for commemorative's sake! But, who knew!

 

[koolaidmoms]

What is your first memory of Disney? Go back as far as you possibly can on this.

My first trip was when I was in the 6th grade, 11 years old. We went on a family vacation my DM, DF, DB, plus my aunt, uncle, cousins and grandmother. Five of us packed in one Oldsmobile for the ride down from Watertown, NY. Three in the back seat (UGH!). I have 3 or 4 very clear memories from that trip.

The most vivid memories of the entire trip were that we stayed in Lake Buena Vista Townhomes (which are no longer there) because the Polynesian was full.

That my aunt, cousin, mom and I bought these big straw hats from the hat shop near the Jungle Cruise and I have a picture of all of us with these huge crazy hats. It was my cousin's 16th birthday that day. To 11 year old me that was old and cool. It is one of my favorite pictures of all of us. She died many years ago at the age of 38, just 3 months before my DD was born, but I still keep this picture to make me smile and remember her.

Lastly, my grandmother on Space Mountain. It was back when they had the long benches that you sat on with someone between your legs in front of you. I was in the front of the first car with my mother behind me and my 4'10" grandmother was in front of my aunt in the second car. We took off and I remember sliding down and ending up laying on my back looking up in the car. When we got to the end my aunt was hysterical. My grandmother was laying on her back in front of my aunt with her eyes shut, not moving during the whole ride. Everyone was worried she had a heart attack! As we got out she opened up her eyes slowly and looked around, "Well, thank God that's over," she said as she stood up brushed herself off and climbed out. We all laughed for days over that. Grandma passed many years ago but that is one story we still tell of her today.

The funniest thing was that many years later as I prepared to take my parents and children to WDW I realized I was the same age they were during that trip! That really brought time into perspective for me.

 

[TraciLeigh]

My first memory of WDW was when I was 7 and my grandmother and parents took me to MK for the very first time. We only had money to go for the day, but oh what a day it was. My grandmother's house was almost 2 hours away from the MK and we got up very early to make the drive. I can remember holding my grandma's hand as we walked onto Main Street. There was excitement all around us and I suddenly stopped and looked down the street to see the castle. I felt like the most special girl in the world because I was standing there looking at the castle in "real life." I stood there and couldn't move, until my family asked me, don't you want to see the rest of the park?

Several years ago, my husband and I planned a week long trip to WDW for our 2 children. I had really built up the anticipation and excitement for them because I wanted it to be special. We were on a resort bus heading to the MK for our first day and I was sitting in the seat with my daughter. The driver told us to look out to our left for a peek of something magical. I pointed at the castle for my 5 year old daughter to see. She said, "Mommy, isn't it the most beautiful castle you have ever seen? I've waited my whole life to see this." I nodded and with tears of joy, answered, "yes, it is!" My life came full circle that day.

The last four lines of that story made me cry (don't worry, they were "Mousetears").

And that's what it's all about....seeing the magic of Disney through the eyes of our kids.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[maroo]

Question for Waiting Day 5 aka "They are reading your essays" Day:

What is your first memory of Disney? Go back as far as you possibly can on this.

Can I play? Even if I am not a Round 2er??

My favorite Disney Memory...before September 7th...would have been hard to narrow down.

But now...

My favorite Disney Memory was being with the Family of the Day - a Make a Wish family - on Labor Day this year. His wish was to see the Steam Trains in Disney World.

Here are a few pics. A picture is worth a thousand words.


Lucas gets his wish...

And then he gets to meet a special friend...(Love his open arms....)

The Cast of Characters

And Opening the Park!

The magical memories experienced by our wish kids would fill a book!

 

[mamato3princesses]

Maroo--Round 2 or no round 2....your post just made my day!!! Thanks for the tears!!!


My first memory of Disney, or possibly my most fond first memories are from when I was 9 years old. We made the drive down from Mass. stopping at "South of the Border" and buying junkie trinkets. It was my mom, me & my 3 siblings, as well as my step-father & his kids. I remember playing at the arcade in the Contemporary (stayed offsite though) and buying my glass figurines of Winnie & the gang

Also from that trip, I remember vividly the smell from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea too! And, I remember all of us on the Davy Crockett Canoes feeling so grown up paddling along. So much fun!!!

PS---I missed our question yesterday: Something I would change would be to reopen 20,000 Leagues!!

 

[ZannaLand]

Maroo--Round 2 or no round 2....your post just made my day!!! Thanks for the tears!!!


My first memory of Disney, or possibly my most fond first memories are from when I was 9 years old. We made the drive down from Mass. stopping at "South of the Border" and buying junkie trinkets. It was my mom, me & my 3 siblings, as well as my step-father & his kids. I remember playing at the arcade in the Contemporary (stayed offsite though) and buying my glass figurines of Winnie & the gang

Also from that trip, I remember vividly the smell from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea too! And, I remember all of us on the Davy Crockett Canoes feeling so grown up paddling along. So much fun!!!

PS---I missed our question yesterday: Something I would change would be to reopen 20,000 Leagues!!

OMGOSH! We have very similar experiences!! I went when I was 6 months old, and again at like 6 or so but I don't remember those, I remember the time I was 8 or 9 and we drove down from Mass. too!! My parents made this whole "educational moments" trip - we stopped in Baltimore, Delaware, Philadelphia, Charleston, South of the Border (LOVE Pedro!), Savannah, and then Disney for a week. We stayed in the Lake Buena Vista Vacation Villas (no longer there) and I fell in LOVE with Figment and Epcot. On the way back up we stopped at St. Augustine and DC before coming back to Mass. I still have my little journal from that trip. We've done many trips from MA to FL since then, including various moves from here to there, and South of the Border is always one of our stops LOL!

 

[disneygirl212]

Well, I'm still catching up for the last few days...My 1st memory/trip of WDW...
It was 1977 I was with my grandparents and 2 younger sisters. Standing on Main Street watching the parade (so much different in those days) and deciding who would get the last 2 e-tickets. My sister crying hysterically on Haunter Mansion, and for some reason, my 1st Disney souvenir was a stuffed koala bear. I can remember exactly where I found it . 3rd shelf down on the far left.
Ok, so it was more than one memory, but memories I'll never forget! Oh how I wish I had pictures of those times

 

[disneygirl212]

Oh, yeah, Almost forgot...how scared I was to get on 20,000 leagues. I still get teased about that

 

[ejud]

What is your first memory of Disney? Go back as far as you possibly can on this.

Ah! But you say "Disney", not DisneyLand or World!

And the first thing that comes slamming to the front of my mind is sitting in front of the TV, old wooden box thing, very little, watching Professor Von Drake on Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday night! Loved that, especially when the Professor or Jimminy were hosting!

First solid memory of Disney World was also on TV, the night they were showing the construction of this new place, and especially the crane inserting a room into the Contemporary!

As far as being there goes, first visit was courtesy of the US Navy as it were, our one day of liberty from Orlando Recruit Training Center, Co 379, and I joined the half of our company that opted for Disney instead of downtown Orlando.

Thinking back, what I remember most is the Cast Members! No particular ride stands out, but several cast members did and do. Yes, it was all great, but it was supposed to be! But the Cast members- that was something special!

Oh! And I remember that me and my two buddies I hung with that day- we are all standing up there waiting for the monorail, and I watch it come in and quite naturally for me, think the front looks good so ask if we can ride up front! This seemed to be a new idea or strange request to the CM, but she checked with the driver and we got the okay, so my first ride on the monorail was up front- through my beloved Contemporary (where I have yet to actually stay!) and past barren fields with a few topiaries decorating the last few hundred feet before arriving at the Magic Kingdom!



Jud

 

[ejud]

She said, "Mommy, isn't it the most beautiful castle you have ever seen? I've waited my whole life to see this." I nodded and with tears of joy, answered, "yes, it is!"

Oh man! (Pass the kleenex please...)



Jud

 

[ejud]

OMGOSH! We have very similar experiences!! I went when I was 6 months old, and again at like 6 or so but I don't remember those, I remember the time I was 8 or 9 and we drove down from Mass. too!! My parents made this whole "educational moments" trip - we stopped in Baltimore, Delaware, Philadelphia, Charleston, South of the Border (LOVE Pedro!), Savannah, and then Disney for a week. We stayed in the Lake Buena Vista Vacation Villas (no longer there) and I fell in LOVE with Figment and Epcot. On the way back up we stopped at St. Augustine and DC before coming back to Mass. I still have my little journal from that trip. We've done many trips from MA to FL since then, including various moves from here to there, and South of the Border is always one of our stops LOL!

It is interesting to note that South of the Border is within a few feet (miles?) of being the exact halfway point between Boston and DisneyWorld!

Gotta love those el cheapo souvenirs!



Jud

 

[Twende]

I thought everyone understood this but all are welcome to post answers to these questions. We are simply trying to help the ten day waiting period to pass more quickly and have a slight element of fun to boot!

WOW this question has really used up the tissues to day! Almost every post brought tears to my eyes and put a smile on my face.

I will attribute part of my soft emotions today to it being our 33rd wedding anniversary. Nothing like being married to a wonderful man! The ironic thing is his first name is Walt!

Oh! Disney on TV! Now that was a Sunday tradition in our home. I can sing the words to that song and close my eyes and see the opening of the show. What a wonderful memory!

I loved the sub ride too. I remember how very real it was to me, a child! I too loved the damp smell and the excitement of loading into the sub. The wetness just added to the adventure. When I rode it the first time it was the one in California and there were real live women dressed as mermaids swimming around the subs. I so wanted to be a mermaid!

Keep sharing the wonderful world of Disney memories!