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

[jaysbabe]

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

I was scared to death of that thing too!! It may have had to do with the fact that I am claustrophobic and hadn't discovered xanax yet.

 

[jaysbabe]

My first memory of Disney was when I was 16 years old. My family could not afford to take us to Disney as children but by then I had a job of my own. My friend and I decided to take one of our paychecks and drive over to Disney for the day. It wasn't big deal for her because she had been many, many times over the years. I walked down Main St and stopped in awe of the Castle. I had seen it on TV so many times but it was more magical than I ever remembered. I always loved the Castle.

Many years later, I met my hubby at church. Our singles group was planning a trip to Austria and Germany. We did lots of research and I found the Castle Neuschwanstein on the web. I couldn't believe it -- the exact Castle from WDW outside of Munich. We decided to make it part of our trip. It was 2 days before we were supposed to head back home and it didn't look like we were going to be able to see the castle. The hotel we were staying at did not do tours to the Castle on the remaining days we were there. Hubby was adament that I was going to see that castle. He shelled out $200 to rent a Passatt and drove us to the castle. Prior to the tour, we were walking around outside the castle. We stopped just below the chapel window overlooking a beautiful mirror lake down the hill. My "boyfriend" dropped to his knee and presented me with a beautiful ring, asking me to be his wife!!

Even now, when I walk down Main St, I still get chills with how much it has played a part of my life and my own happy ever after!

 

[missy28]

I havent had a chance to catch up yet on the question of the day answers- can't wait-! But wanted to tell you all that the mammogram today went smoothly but did nothing to answer my questions. They did tell me I could get a copy of both the report and film in a few days, and I will. But I truly had an epiphany tonight as I was with my DD2 at our Mommy & Me dance class- I refuse to let fear rule me. As a Christian I know that my God gies before me, hemming me in, and whatever happens we will deal. I refuse to waste any more of my precious time worrying of the what ifs.

And tomorrow I will answer today's question and tomorrows! Can't wait to catch up... Unfortunately, after the mammo, I had to rush to court where I was til 5. And now it's bath & bedtime for a sleepy dd2. And her mommy. Love to all... You really are ALL the best. I felt all your good thoughts, pixie dust and prayers today.

 

[mamato3princesses]

That is a great attitude to have, Missy. Hopefully the coming weeks speedy by for you so you can have your next appt. and get this settled.

 

[ejud]

We did lots of research and I found the Castle Neuschwanstein on the web. I couldn't believe it -- the exact Castle from WDW outside of Munich.

Really??? I was under the impression that there was no real castle that was the model! Boy is my face red!

We stopped just below the chapel window overlooking a beautiful mirror lake down the hill. My "boyfriend" dropped to his knee and presented me with a beautiful ring, asking me to be his wife!!

Oh that's just cheating! Geesh! Some guys just make it so tough on the rest of us...



Jud

 

[ejud]

But wanted to tell you all that the mammogram today went smoothly but did nothing to answer my questions. They did tell me I could get a copy of both the report and film in a few days, and I will.

Best wishes to you on this! Hopefully it will all be a big administrative error! And you will start to get a bit more responsive personnel!

But I truly had an epiphany tonight as I was with my DD2 at our Mommy & Me dance class- I refuse to let fear rule me. As a Christian I know that my God goes before me, hemming me in, and whatever happens we will deal. I refuse to waste any more of my precious time worrying of the what ifs.

Good for you!

Yippee!



Jud

 

[Marshay]

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.

Hey, this could have been my posting -- except we only drove from PA. But I so remember laying down in the back of the station wagon with my sister while my dad drove and my mom, grandmother, grandfather and great-aunt were in the front 2 seats. We pulled a U-haul behind us.

What a way to go to Disney -- I do NOT recommend it!

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.

Love the grandmother story!!

My grandfather and mom got stuck on AstroOrbiter. They got in but once the ride was over, neither of them knew how to get back out. It was hysterical watching them contort themselves into ways no 60+ year old man should do!

I highlighted your writing about time ... what a wonderful memory to share! I'm so glad I can start building those memories with my daughters ... and my parents still go to DW, in fact they just bought DVC 2 years ago!

 

[Marshay]

Missy -- you really have the right outlook.

My devotion the other week was from Paul -- talking about how we are to give thanks in everything ... not for everything.

Gosh this is hard to do sometimes ... but when I do, I find my problems are lighter...

 

[Marshay]

My earliest memory at a Disney World resort is the one time we stayed in the Contemporary Resort. We were in the Garden Wings and I was in complete awe over the bathroom. It was huge!! More than twice as large as my room at home.

And it had not one but TWO, I repeat TWO places to take a bath!! That was unheard of!! One was a tub and the other was a shower.

I just couldn't fathom that as a 7 year old girl... we only had one tub for our entire HOUSE and here were two for just one bedroom.

On that day, nothing more on earth could ever be better than Disney. I would always uphold Disney as top of the line.

 

[ejud]

My earliest memory at a Disney World resort is the one time we stayed in the Contemporary Resort. We were in the Garden Wings and I was in complete awe over the bathroom. It was huge!! More than twice as large as my room at home.

And it had not one but TWO, I repeat TWO places to take a bath!! That was unheard of!! One was a tub and the other was a shower.

I just couldn't fathom that as a 7 year old girl... we only had one tub for our entire HOUSE and here were two for just one bedroom.

On that day, nothing more on earth could ever be better than Disney. I would always uphold Disney as top of the line.

ROFLMAO!

Oh Marshay!!!

LOL!

You are easy!!! Hehehehee...

You stayed at the Contemp????

OOOOooooo!

I am envious!



Jud

 

[maroo]

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!!

You are very welcome! There is more in the trip report in my siggie - the one with the hearts. It is not quite finished...but finished enough to read and not be kept totally hanging.

Oh my gosh! I LOVED the arcade at the Contemporary. I remember watching this guy play Galaga for HOURS - he was so good! I loved that arcade.

I havent had a chance to catch up yet on the question of the day answers- can't wait-! But wanted to tell you all that the mammogram today went smoothly but did nothing to answer my questions. They did tell me I could get a copy of both the report and film in a few days, and I will. But I truly had an epiphany tonight as I was with my DD2 at our Mommy & Me dance class- I refuse to let fear rule me. As a Christian I know that my God gies before me, hemming me in, and whatever happens we will deal. I refuse to waste any more of my precious time worrying of the what ifs.

And tomorrow I will answer today's question and tomorrows! Can't wait to catch up... Unfortunately, after the mammo, I had to rush to court where I was til 5. And now it's bath & bedtime for a sleepy dd2. And her mommy. Love to all... You really are ALL the best. I felt all your good thoughts, pixie dust and prayers today.

I am so thankful for your faith. THAT will hold you together. He will hold you together. No matter what.

I hope you fill find out soon. And peace for you until you do find out.

Still praying for you each day!

 

[stephielela]

Missy~ i hope they get back to you quickly with an all clear! i too am a single mother and cannot even imagine...

My First trip to Disney was in 1990, when I was 6. my sister was only 1 and she slept the whole time on my dads back in one of those carriers. I remember being in epcot and ll the characters were dressed in those crazy space suits. we stayed at the caribbean beach, and at the time kokomo by the beach boys was one of my favorite songs so i was loving it! i distinctly remember riding space mountain for the first time... and crying for 10 minutes after! i can't wait for ds to be old enough to remember his trips! the smiles and giggles are good enough for now though.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

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.

This story about your grandma made me laugh so loudly my 2yo son came over to see what was going on!! Thanks so much for sharing with us all

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Missy just wanted to say I'm thinking of you and hope all goes well for you. Take care of yourself

 

[2 princess 3 princes]

Missy - Also want to let you know I'm sending positive thoughts your way, I've had several health scares also, and I know how hard it is when you're a mom to consider not only the issue at hand, but also the effects that it will have on your family. Keep your chin up, you'll have your answers soon!

 

[Donna]

My earliest memory at a Disney World resort is the one time we stayed in the Contemporary Resort. We were in the Garden Wings and I was in complete awe over the bathroom. It was huge!! More than twice as large as my room at home.

And it had not one but TWO, I repeat TWO places to take a bath!! That was unheard of!! One was a tub and the other was a shower.

I just couldn't fathom that as a 7 year old girl... we only had one tub for our entire HOUSE and here were two for just one bedroom.

On that day, nothing more on earth could ever be better than Disney. I would always uphold Disney as top of the line.

Another thing I remember about the Contemporary was the bathroom had a PHONE in it! how cool was THAT! but who in the world uses the PHONE in the bathroom!!

 

[The Moonk's Mom]

Hi all! I haven't been by in a while to continue my cheering..soooo... Does that make up for lost days? I have been so busy sewing for Halloween...ugh...then it's time for Christmas!

Missy - keep up the postive attitude and God WILL see you through this!


I have a Disney memory to share...it is full circle too!

When I was little my mother bought us those Diseny story books with album that told stories. My all time favorite was the one that went with It's a Small World. I would lay in my floor for hours listening to it over and over...praying some day I would get to go. Our first trip to WDW was at Christmas after a year of some really, really bad stuff happening to my family. My parents took us to the World to escape..not just for us, but for them too. And that is what it was! An ESCAPE! But then we came around the corner...and there it was! It's a Small World! I was so happy! I laughed the entire time! It was like everything else didn't matter...I remember feeling peace.

Then we took our kids (and my parents) to WDW in 2008. It was the first trip for my kids. We got to the ride and there was only one line open and it was LONG! I did not care! I would wait for days to ride! Then a CM came up to me and said follow me...I mean this was out of the blue. He skipped all the way down the other line he opened and I am pretty sure I did too. My family in tow...we went straight to the front! I laughed the whole time again....yep to what some people is annoying...I find peace. I love that ride!

 

[missy28]

koolaidmoms- your grandma story had tears of JOY in my eyes this morning... nice change! what a great memory!

My first Disney memory-

I only went to Disney 2 times as a kid, (my obsession didn't grow into it's full height until college when my best friend made the mistake of telling me her aunt worked for Disney and could get us in for free... one trip she got us Epcot VIP passes, so we could go into all the backstage lounges for the different pavilions, too cool- but a story for another time!) ANYWAY, my first trip was when I was about 6 mos old, so clearly no memories there. The last trip and my first memory was at age 3... and I remember 3 things: Small World, the People Mover, and Dreamflight/If you Had Wings (not sure which it was in 1976-anyone know?).

I must have loved Small World because even to this day when I ride it I feel like I am right back at age 3, we must have ridden it a bunch of times, since I clearly remember the white room very vividly.

My dad and brother (age 7 then) had decided to ride Space Mountain and since it was all so new and cool, the line for it was about 3 hours long. So as they waited, my mother took me on the People Mover and Dreamflight alternatively back and forth for the entire time to keep me busy! And I screamed everytime we went through Space Mountain because it was so dark. When I took my Gemma on it at 18 months on her first trip, I was waiting for her to do the same thing, but this kid is apparently fearless- Pirates, Haunted Mansion, doesn't phase her.

Anyway, so that's my first memory. Can't wait to hear what my daughter's is when she's old enough to articulate it!

And, btw, last night was the first good night's sleep I've had since all this began... praise be to God.

 

[Twende]

Here is the question for Waiting Day #6:

Who is your favorite character and why? Do you relate to the way they act, look, or sound on television and movies? Have you had a one on one encounter with this character while visiting Disney? Do you talk and interact with your character now that you are an adult or with any of the characters? What was your most memorable character encounter and this one can be while watching your family interact?

My favorite character is Hyacinth. I relate to her because of her being a ballet dancer. I danced as a child and teenager. Now that I have developed a more rounded adult figure I completely relate to her. I have never been able to get really close to her physically while in the World. The closest is during parades when she skates by on roller skates.

I love interacting with all the characters. I speak to them and engage them in mimic'ed conversations. I liked it a lot when the character wandered around the parks and appeared randomly to guest but I understand how difficult that had to be for the characters, the handlers, and in reality for the guests.

One of my favorite encounters was when DS was about 5. His favorite character were Chip and Dale. We had spent the entire morning and part of the afternoon looking for them in the park and had had no luck. We found a great place to stand to watch the upcoming parade and worked on keeping two year old DD and DS busy while we waited. We heard the parade music and stretched our necks to see the start of it. Who do you think was leading the parade? It was Chip and Dale! I thought my heart would melt as I watched DS's eyes get bigger and bigger. He could not believe his wish was coming true. Of course in well trained Disney fashion both Chip and Dale sensed that this little boy adored them and they paid special attention to him! I wanted to them both for making my DS so happy!

My second favorite encounter was with my mom when she had been very sick and just not strong and happy like she usually is. Coming out of Festival of the Lion King we found Goofy. We stood in line for a picture with him and he just electrified my mother with happiness. It was a miracle to see.

 

[helloconnie]

Missy - Great Attitude! good things will come!

I was pondering the question of the day a little bit last night and remembered riding a ride that "shrunk' you down and sent you through a ride as if you were this small little thing. I don't remember what it was called but I remember believing I had shrunk and thinking it was so cool!