2010 Mom's Panel - what did you write?

[Ducky4Disney]

Now I'm curious, I'm sure that all of us not chosen to go to round 2 feel like there has been a terrible mistake made. Why not me? What did you write that caught their eye? I feel like I did a good job answering the questions, but I suppose not good enough. I'd like to see what others have written for their 100 word responses.

I wasn't chosen but I'll kick it off.

In 100 words or less, tell us about yourself and your family.
I am a wife, a mother, and I work full time as a Perfusionist. My husband and I have been married for eight years and we are the proud parents of two fabulous boys, Allen and Thomas. At 3.5 years old and 8 months old they amaze me everyday with new abilities and their sibling antics. Juggling family life and work leaves little time to myself. When I have free time, I like to design and fabricate jewelry, crochet, or just relax with a good book.


In 100 words or less, what makes you a Walt Disney World® expert and what is your number one tip for families who are visiting the parks for the first time?
Whether it's strollers, diaper bags, and breastfeeding, or finicky family and wheelchairs; I’ve done it all at Disney! I've experienced Disney in many ways: going solo, as a couple, and with extended family. I've been there pregnant, with an infant, and with a toddler. First-timers often overplan their days which makes kids hot and cranky while leaving parents frazzled and frustrated. Get to the park early, while the crowds are low and the weather is cooler, then take a break during the hottest part of the day and have a nap or a swim back at the resort.


In 100 words or less, tell us about you. Do you have a special talent or expertise (e.g. write a blog, are a food or wine expert, speak a second language, travel internationally, etc.)?
I love helping coworkers, family, and friends plan their Disney vacations. Tailoring the experience to meet individual needs incorporates my computer and communication adeptness with my imagination to create something magical every time. Turning people on to the magic that is the Walt Disney World Resort gives me a special thrill. It’s not just for kids or those with grandchildren. It’s for everyone and I can show people how to experience Disney in new and exciting ways.


Anyone else want to share?

BTW - MAJOR congrats to the round 2 finalists!

 

[nursegirl]

I'll go next!

Question #1:
I'm a Dole Whip devouring, Soarin' riding, hidden Mickey finding, Beauty and the Beast watching, Dino digging Mom of two wonderful boys. An Englishman's wife, I completed a work/study in the UK and returned four years later with our first son! I'm a proud Auntie to six princesses and two pirates from both here and abroad. I've been a Pediatric Nurse for almost ten years and have heard or seen about everything when it comes to kids. I love to plan Disney vacations, and I'm the resident Disney trip planning guru for friends, family, and anyone who will listen.

Question #2:
I've enjoyed planning and going on many Disney vacations over the years with various ages and in all stages of life. We've been fortunate enough to visit during each season, stayed in every type of accommodation, been Annual Passholders, and dined all over the World. A first time visit can be overwhelming, so my number one tip for families would be to stay onsite and use the Extra Magic Hours. If you have early risers, you can use the early entry and take a break in the afternoon. Alternatively, if you like to sleep in, the later hours are ideal.

Question #3:
The research involved in organizing a Disney holiday is something I really do enjoy. I read any and all Disney guidebooks for fun and spend hours everyday lurking and posting on the many Disney discussion boards. As a Pediatric Nurse, I've had the priviledge of working with children and families in all kinds of situations, both here and in the UK. Everyday I've tried to use my love for Disney as a conversation starter, and it always puts children more at ease. My friends, family, and patients would probably say that I have a special talent for "speaking Disney".

I'm definitely disappointed that I didn't move on, but I enjoyed the anticipation and hanging out with everyone while we waited. Hope lots more folks post their answers on here, just because I'm super curious and love seeing what was similar to what I posted or what I wish I had submitted! Thanks Ducky4Disney for starting this thread - and I thought your submission was excellent, so I don't know what we did that wasn't attention grabbing enough.

Oh well, back to real life now! And yay, yay, yay all the Disboarders that are going through!! Here's hoping we have lots of you that go all the way!!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Thanks for replying Nursegirl! I speak Disney as well!

BUMP!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Bump!

What? No takers?

D4D

 

[johnkimv]

I honestly cannot for the life of me remember what I wrote, but I know I put a lot of thought and heart into it. I am moving on to round 2!

 

[nursegirl]

johnkimv, congrats on the move to Round 2!!

I only have my answers because I saved them to a document this year. Last year I didn't apply because I lost my answers - my computer did something weird - so after I retyped and lost them the 2nd time last year, I gave up! But I made sure they were saved this year. Otherwise, I wouldn't have a clue!

Ducky4Disney, I guess we are the only ones! I think it would be fun to read everyone's answers - but totally understand if folks don't want to put them out there.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

*sigh

Oh well! I wrote mine in a document then copied and pasted it into the form. I guess I'll never know.

 

[eastcoastcan]

In 100 words or less, please tell us about yourself and your family.

I’m 41, married with 2 girls - ages 2 and 6. I work fulltime as a manager in a call centre and really treasure family time together. We live on the east coast of Canada on one of the prettiest river systems around. We like to hike (albeit at a leisurely pace), swim and BBQ in the summer and in the winter we like to skate, ski (again at a leisurely pace) and count the days until warmer weather! We’re lucky to live near family and get-together for weekly Sunday brunches. If I could change something about my life, I’d wish for more vacation time and a quick, direct flight to Orlando from our local airport!

In 100 words or less, what makes you a Walt Disney World® expert and what is your number one tip for families who are visiting the parks for the first time?by

I’ve been to Disney as a teen in the early ‘80s when Magic Kingdom was the only park, as a couple in 2000 and then with kids for 5 consecutive years in a row starting in 2004. I’ve gone while pregnant, while nursing and while kids are still in diapers! I love everything about Disney and the Mouse- evidenced by logo socks, T-shirts and sweaters! My top tip would be that if your children are under 6, seriously consider taking a stroller. The other “tip” would be that any age is a good age to take your children to Disney and you can help keep the trip in their memories by looking at photos and souvenir books.

In 100 words or less, tell us about you. Do you have a special talent or expertise (e.g. write a blog, are a food or wine expert, speak a second language, travel internationally, etc.)?

Special talent – hmm! I was born in England (moved to Canada when I was 7) and have backpacked around Europe, South-east Asia and Australia. I’m comfortable with different cultures and love meeting new people - the transport buses in Disney are perfect for that! Over the past few years, I’ve discovered all the websites dedicated to WDW and browse them on a daily basis. Our trip in 2004 was planned in less than 2 weeks versus our upcoming trip that I booked 7 months in advance and have a spreadsheet with opening hours and ADRs all ready to go! I am very enthusiastic and chatty about WDW - I share that there is no “perfect time” - you can go now and go often and have a special experience every time.

Just got back from a trip (Oct 19 to 30) - great weather and low crowds!

Catherine

 

[Ducky4Disney]

I was just imparted with a little tidbit that I seemed to miss on the "official rules" for the contest. Not to cut and paste from a document into their form, to just straight type it on the site. Anyone know about this? I swear I didn't see that! I didn't want my session to time out, that's I went the cut and paste method.

D4D