2014 MP Hopefuls!!!

[mjaclyn]

Hi Everybody,

I'm still slightly depressed today but I'm feeling better emotionally. I wish I could say the same physically!! Lol I went to the doctor this morning and he put me on an antibiotic so hopefully I'll be better within the next couple of days.

I am definitely going to continue applying for the panel. I really really hope that 2014 is my year. I think next year I'm going to try to stay away because after posting about the panel, reading and thinking about it every day... It was much more difficult when I didn't make it. I think it will be a lot easier for me if I try not to do that next time.

I wish you all the best for next year's panel!!! Thanks so much for sharing this crazy ride.

 

[MissLiz]

I completely understand the financial thing. Last year we went to WDW in Sept and decided to buy annual passes. And then, right before Halloween, my DH found out that the practice he had just started with in June decided not to have his position anymore and he was let go.

So, there we are, we had just bought into DVC, had annual passes, and we were going to try to live on my salary. Yeah, not good.

Luckily, the company that he had left to go to that job really, really wanted him back and they created a position for him so that he could get back in.



Good luck with !!!

 

[cruisecrasher]

I didn't apply this year as I haven't been to WDW since 2008. However, I am going in just a little over a month and will also be returning next fall. That makes me eligible again! I look forward to applying, getting absolutely no sleep, and checking my email ever 20-30 seconds. Just one short year away!

Me too on the ineligible this year thing. I haven't been to the WDW since my honeymoon in January 2004. But don't feel too badly for us, we've been enjoying DCL and are super happy now that they're sailing from right near us in Galveston.

So when I found out they were adding itineraries from here that included stops in Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral (WDW!!!!!) I had to book a second cruise for the year and then they've got some super great deals on some of the four nights as well...how much vacation is too much?

Ahem...anyway, that's me!
313 days of relaxation until the WDW Moms Panel Application process starts again!
Assuming its the Monday after Labor Day again...

 

[MissLiz]

I'd like to add, too, that one thing good about not making it to R3...I'm getting a TON of work done.

 

[DopeyDame]

Howdy! I didn't really post on the round 2 threads because I was just trying not to think about it and go on with life. Now that I go the big "no thanks!" I'm back and waiting for next year!
I actually feel pretty zen about things right now. This is my second time making it to round 2. And the first time, while I spent a TON of time on my essays and videos, I still didn't really feel like they portrayed "me" and I wasn't really thrilled wiht my submissions. This year, though, I feel like my essays and video gave the judges an accurate understanding of who I am, what I'm like, and what I know about Disney. If that person isn't who they want for the panel this year, there's really nothing I can do about that. I'm sure each year they have some "holes" to fill. This year, I didn't fit into one of those holes. Maybe next year I will! It's a much better feeling than the one I had in the past where I felt like I didn't give myself a fair shot, ya know? OK... that's my philosphizing for the day.

I have a question, though... do you think they consider how many times you log in with your website account? Ages ago, I created an online account with my DH's name for a vacation we were planning using the email address we reserve for vacation planning. I can't remmeber exactly why I used his name instead of mine, but I did, and your name and birthdate are the two things you can't change in your profile. So anyway, three years ago when I first applied for the moms panel, I created a new account with my name and a different email list. I log onto that occasionally when I'm just playing with some ideas, but when we actually book a trip I usually use the original one with my husbands name. Do you think that could matter? Should I use the one with my name in preparation for next year's process?

 

[Suzanne033]

I have a question, though... do you think they consider how many times you log in with your website account? Do you think that could matter? Should I use the one with my name in preparation for next year's process?

I would have to say that can't be an indicator because I have never booked a Disney vacation through the Disney.com website and I made it to Round 2. I use it mostly for intel and to book ADRs. I have a friend who is a travel agent that does it all for me. I just tell her the 3WH and she books it.

 

[SAHDad]

Quick share:

So, I'm sitting here, waiting for the kids to come home, checking email and waiting for the dishwasher to finish. Doorbell rings. I answer it, only to find Captain Jack Sparrow at the door.

The son (who is in his 20s) of our next door neighbor had dressed up as Captain Jack to take his daughter out to see the grandparents for Halloween. So, I got a couple of pics with Captain Jack today.

 

[MissLiz]

Quick share:

So, I'm sitting here, waiting for the kids to come home, checking email and waiting for the dishwasher to finish. Doorbell rings. I answer it, only to find Captain Jack Sparrow at the door.

The son (who is in his 20s) of our next door neighbor had dressed up as Captain Jack to take his daughter out to see the grandparents for Halloween. So, I got a couple of pics with Captain Jack today.

That is pretty cool!

We really should dress up with the kids, but the closest I've come is wearing cat ears and a tail one year.

 

[DSRMary]

No not rude, I brought it up. I am 54 and my sons are 23 and 16 but we have been cruising on Disney since 2001 for a total of 15 times so I have experience with all age groups over the years.
Last year I did not make it to round 2 so this was harder this year and I do feel pretty disappointed

Keep at it! I'll be 51 next month and although last night I would have said "never again", I'll be like Dory, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming swimming swimming... I've applied every year since the Moms Panel began, made it to R2 twice. I figure getting to R2 twice, I must be doing SOMETHING right. At least that's what I am telling myself.

 

[BethA]

just saw something on someone's blog that one of the best things about being chosen was acquiring a close group of friends who share your love of Disney. Well, even though I have not posted much prior to sharing my disappointment I do feel I have gotten to know all of you and enjoyed hearing everyone's stories about Disney and life in general. Being worried constantly about my mom's health I know this is insignificant in life's let downs. It would have been an honor to be picked and so much fun to experience, but I have a group of Disney fanatics here to share with.

 

[TheDisneyMama]

Oh stay tuned! This is likely to be a very interesting trip report. Four generations are going: Me, DH30, DD2, Dsister30, Dmom56, Ddad56, Dgrandmother80, and dgradnfather82. Then, Sister's best friend, plus her husband and two kids (DD4 and DS6) decided to come along.

DGF is a disabled vet with back problems who likes to grumble and complain a lot. Also enjoys arguing for the sake of arguing. For example, when watching football, he will find out who everyone else is cheering for and cheer for the other team. DGM often lets it go, but will likely pick a couple of battles this trip if he seems to be disrupting the fun. Both will have ECVs. Neither have been to WDW before, but lived near Anaheim back when Disneyland was still quite new and loved IASW, Pirates, Carousel of Progress, and Haunted Mansion. DD2 is speech delayed, so I'm not at all sure how our character meals will go - worried that none of them will be able to understand here which will break her heart as she talks about seeing Mickey all the time. Dsister is quite angry that the grandparents decided to join us. Insists that she does not want to skip a single ride, show, or other attraction. Dmom is worried about keeping her parents content.

We are all really looking forward to our trip, but I am certain that some rather funny stories will come out of our vacation.

Well... That will be an interesting trip!!! And surely you will get a great memory out of this trip for next year's application!!! You can talk about how you converted a grumpy grandfather into a mellow Disney fan or how Disney made grandparents not fight even once. (Fingers crossed!!)

 

[Amy18]

Oh stay tuned! This is likely to be a very interesting trip report. Four generations are going: Me, DH30, DD2, Dsister30, Dmom56, Ddad56, Dgrandmother80, and dgradnfather82. Then, Sister's best friend, plus her husband and two kids (DD4 and DS6) decided to come along.

DGF is a disabled vet with back problems who likes to grumble and complain a lot. Also enjoys arguing for the sake of arguing. For example, when watching football, he will find out who everyone else is cheering for and cheer for the other team. DGM often lets it go, but will likely pick a couple of battles this trip if he seems to be disrupting the fun. Both will have ECVs. Neither have been to WDW before, but lived near Anaheim back when Disneyland was still quite new and loved IASW, Pirates, Carousel of Progress, and Haunted Mansion. DD2 is speech delayed, so I'm not at all sure how our character meals will go - worried that none of them will be able to understand here which will break her heart as she talks about seeing Mickey all the time. Dsister is quite angry that the grandparents decided to join us. Insists that she does not want to skip a single ride, show, or other attraction. Dmom is worried about keeping her parents content.

We are all really looking forward to our trip, but I am certain that some rather funny stories will come out of our vacation.

We took a similar group a few years back, all that AND two pregnant mommies, two 3 year olds potty training, a teenager, and two 7 year olds!
It is fun - sometimes. I have a lot of tips and tricks for groups like that if you'd like some pointers just holler!

 

[Amy18]

Just checking in. I'll apply next year - this was the first time ever getting to R2, and I'd applied every year, so I'm hoping that my persistence is starting to pay off.

I kinda zoned out halfway through my last trip report attempt, but I'll try it again when we are down there after Thanksgiving. If I take the laptop, and download a couple of pics every day, I might actually get it written while we are there.

Me too! Apply every year, 1st time for round 2. So, I will do it again next year, since I apparently have a narcissistic need for rejection.

 

[Amy18]

I will be back next year.

2014

This is my 2nd year applying. Both years I made it to round 2.

I am surprisingly okay this year.

I am more bummed because we are going on a trip to Disneyland in 2 weeks thanks to my DH's parents. They wanted to take all the grand kids. We were planning to upgrade our passes and get season passes. But now my husband just found out he is being replaced by a consultant early next year. So not really thinking it is wise to spend that money right now. So after our trip in 2 weeks I don't know when we will be back. We have been to DLR or WDW at least 1 time per year the past 10 years. I always know when our next trip is. I won't know what to do with myself!

So now no Disney panel this year and no annual pass next year. Unless some pixie dust flies our way and something opens up before we go in 2 weeks?

Okay that is my sob story.

Oh wait yesterday I got blood drawn, a flu shot, and a no from the mom's panel.....I was able to milk that a little last night

Okay now the sob story is done.

Hmmm....I can top that! (not that I want to) Monday I had another breast MRI because they can't tell if I am just forming scar tissue from my lumpectomy in August, or if it's a new tumor. Yesterday I had a core biopsy, and pre-op tests for my surgery next Wednesday. Then they took 14 - yes I said 14 vials of blood from me. THEN I click on my stupid email after dinner and see the stupid "sorry loser" email!!!

Oohhh- I can't wait to hear about your trip to DL! I have never been. Which is silly because DH has a ton of family in Anaheim. His aunt has a HUGE house with 5 empty bedrooms, and an "extra" Mercedes we could use. We are thinking about going next summer for a week. I am dying to see Cars Land, and to play Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, because it is supposed to be better than Space Ranger Spin, because you can actually lift up the guns!

 

[Amy18]

Hi Everybody,

I'm still slightly depressed today but I'm feeling better emotionally. I wish I could say the same physically!! Lol I went to the doctor this morning and he put me on an antibiotic so hopefully I'll be better within the next couple of days.

I am definitely going to continue applying for the panel. I really really hope that 2014 is my year. I think next year I'm going to try to stay away because after posting about the panel, reading and thinking about it every day... It was much more difficult when I didn't make it. I think it will be a lot easier for me if I try not to do that next time.

I wish you all the best for next year's panel!!! Thanks so much for sharing this crazy ride.

Awe, I hope you'll change your mind about staying away! We really enjoy having you here. I thought about it last night a couple times too, that the stress and rejection is too much, and that reading and thinking about it all the time was driving me crazy. But, I have made such great friends here. And I love that we support and encourage each other.

 

[Amy18]

I completely understand the financial thing. Last year we went to WDW in Sept and decided to buy annual passes. And then, right before Halloween, my DH found out that the practice he had just started with in June decided not to have his position anymore and he was let go.

So, there we are, we had just bought into DVC, had annual passes, and we were going to try to live on my salary. Yeah, not good.

Luckily, the company that he had left to go to that job really, really wanted him back and they created a position for him so that he could get back in.



Good luck with !!!

Yeah, it hasn't been the best year for us either. I think that's pretty common now, with the economy in the pooper! Hubby just took on a second role at work, and he is expected to get a hefty raise in January. Hopefully that holds true. I just worry about his state of mind. He still works 830-530, but he has double the work he had before. He has great people working under him, but he is still so busy. Most days he forgets to eat lunch. I just wish I could pick up the slack somehow, bring in more money.

We always use our tax refund for 1 vacation, and then if we can swing it we do a second vacation by saving up $. We don't use credit cards, ever. Not even for Christmas. I want a Disney Visa, but he won't let me. I can't say I blame him though. It's so easy to swipe and go, and I am a shopaholic!

 

[Amy18]

Me too on the ineligible this year thing. I haven't been to the WDW since my honeymoon in January 2004. But don't feel too badly for us, we've been enjoying DCL and are super happy now that they're sailing from right near us in Galveston.

So when I found out they were adding itineraries from here that included stops in Castaway Cay and Port Canaveral (WDW!!!!!) I had to book a second cruise for the year and then they've got some super great deals on some of the four nights as well...how much vacation is too much?

Ahem...anyway, that's me!
313 days of relaxation until the WDW Moms Panel Application process starts again!
Assuming its the Monday after Labor Day again...

You're already counting down to the next MP applications???
Get out! Get out! Get out!!!
Just kidding. It will be here before we know it.

We did the Magic March of 2010. Really liked it. It went out of Pt. Canaveral then, we did Eastern Caribbean. We are doing Fantasy this March out of Pt. Canaveral to Western Caribbean. We've been to all those islands years ago on Carnival, so we are very excited to go back! DS11 loved the kids club last time, we barely saw him, and he is super excited that he gets to do the Tween club this time!

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

We took a similar group a few years back, all that AND two pregnant mommies, two 3 year olds potty training, a teenager, and two 7 year olds!
It is fun - sometimes. I have a lot of tips and tricks for groups like that if you'd like some pointers just holler!

My plan is to convert him from Grumpy to Happy. I have some things in mind that I think will help. Plus, my grandmother will be a huge asset in that she won't let him ruin other people's trips.

Well... That will be an interesting trip!!! And surely you will get a great memory out of this trip for next year's application!!! You can talk about how you converted a grumpy grandfather into a mellow Disney fan or how Disney made grandparents not fight even once. (Fingers crossed!!)

I would love the tips. Something you might want to know, though. You see, my grandparents aren't going to go anywhere without my mother. My dad says he isn't going to leave her alone to feel like she has to take care of them. Mom and dad have also said that they plan to stick with me the whole time since they think I will know best which rides to enjoy and in which order. My husband says that he isn't going to leave me because he wants to spend all of our time together. So, unless people change their minds, there will be absolutely no splitting up at all, aside from my sister possibly going off with her friend and that family. If you do have tips, though, for a huge group that refuses to split up, please, please, PLEASE share. All I have gotten so far was, "everyone split up and meet back together for a meal". Great advice, I think, but not sure it will work with my group. But maybe after 3 days or so....



I know I sound negative here, but I'm honestly looking forward to it. My mom is just ecstatic about going back to Disney World. She thought that once my sister and I were out of the house, she would never convince my dad to go back. My dad is so excited about seeing the park through his only grandchild's eyes. He talks about how he absolutely has to be the one to take her on Peter Pan's Flight and that he can't wait to see how she responds to The Living Seas (big fish fan, my daughter is). Also loves the idea of going to character meals with her - something he hated when my sister and I were children - and playing with Mickey and Donald with her.

My grandmother and grandfather couldn't believe it when I told them that Carousel of Progress had been moved to WDW and are really looking forward to it. I'm a little concerned about how much Pirates has changed, but I still think that they will love it. I have talked to them about Soarin' and, since they loved America the Beautiful, I thought that would be another thing that they would love. My grandmother loves animals and really wants to go on the safari, but I'm not sure about my grandfather and his back. The plan was for me to be pregnant this trip and then I would say that I needed to sit out and simply ask him if he would keep me company. But, plans change and we are not expecting as of yet, so I am going to need to get creative here. I know he will love the Dapper Dans and the Flag Retreat ceremony.

My husband is so excited about the food! We are eating at a lot of Epcot restaurants which he hasn't really done in the past. Garden Grill has always been his favorite, so we booked that, but we are also eating at Akershus, Le Cellier, and Coral Reef. He is excited to see how our daughter responds to Coral Reef and absolutely loves the idea of the exotic foods at Akershus. And who can turn down a steak from Le Cellier, not to mention the cheddar cheese soup and the maple creme brulee? Plus, we have reservations for just the two of us at Mama Melrose, which sort of became "our" restaurant on our honeymoon.

As for me, give me a ride on Great Movie Ride and an evening at the Studios, and I am happy as a clam. So, it's really not all negative, but we do have some interesting experiences ahead of us.

 

[Amy18]

Howdy! I didn't really post on the round 2 threads because I was just trying not to think about it and go on with life. Now that I go the big "no thanks!" I'm back and waiting for next year!
I actually feel pretty zen about things right now. This is my second time making it to round 2. And the first time, while I spent a TON of time on my essays and videos, I still didn't really feel like they portrayed "me" and I wasn't really thrilled wiht my submissions. This year, though, I feel like my essays and video gave the judges an accurate understanding of who I am, what I'm like, and what I know about Disney. If that person isn't who they want for the panel this year, there's really nothing I can do about that. I'm sure each year they have some "holes" to fill. This year, I didn't fit into one of those holes. Maybe next year I will! It's a much better feeling than the one I had in the past where I felt like I didn't give myself a fair shot, ya know? OK... that's my philosphizing for the day.

I have a question, though... do you think they consider how many times you log in with your website account? Ages ago, I created an online account with my DH's name for a vacation we were planning using the email address we reserve for vacation planning. I can't remmeber exactly why I used his name instead of mine, but I did, and your name and birthdate are the two things you can't change in your profile. So anyway, three years ago when I first applied for the moms panel, I created a new account with my name and a different email list. I log onto that occasionally when I'm just playing with some ideas, but when we actually book a trip I usually use the original one with my husbands name. Do you think that could matter? Should I use the one with my name in preparation for next year's process?

I honestly don't think that has anything to do with it. I highly doubt they take the time to check that stuff. The only thing they are interested in is making sure your contact info is accurate. That's all.

Welcome! Glad you are here. Pull up a chair, and join us for all our weird goofy silly things we like to say & do, and some fun planning and fantasizing about next year.

 

[Amy18]

Quick share:

So, I'm sitting here, waiting for the kids to come home, checking email and waiting for the dishwasher to finish. Doorbell rings. I answer it, only to find Captain Jack Sparrow at the door.

The son (who is in his 20s) of our next door neighbor had dressed up as Captain Jack to take his daughter out to see the grandparents for Halloween. So, I got a couple of pics with Captain Jack today.

Oooh - do share!