A Magical Dream Come True - 2010 Disney Moms Panel Training Trip Report

[5fromabove]

What a wonderful yet busy night. I bet you were tired but a very very very good tired.

Can't wait to read more.

I do have a question. About how long did you wait for Space Mountain at the MVMCP? I love love Space Mountain.

Hi Nancy, When we were able to ride it (when it was up and running correctly)...we waited less than 10 minutes total. It was actually less than that...we essentially walked through the queue and got on.

I agree, I Space Mountain too

 

[5fromabove]

Recapping: Monday, December 7, 2009.

We met at 8:00am for a Private Breakfast in Grand Republic A at the Contemporary Resort Conference Center. There, on a large table, were the surprises that we had all brought for Laura, Leanne and Tina. As shown in a previous post, these were items brought from our home towns as a "Thank You" to these wonderful ladies for making our dreams come true.

Here's the set-up:

The basket in the middle was for the staff who helped make our weekend so amazing.

Amanda W, Chris and Joel watching Laura discover her gifts...

Terry, Amanda, Chris and Jonas

As seen here, Laura was thrilled with Kathie's gorgeous stained glass Moms Panel creation, and Leanne was enthralled by it as well. Note to my buddy, Kathie: You still have me on your "waiting list", right?!

Tina, Laura and Leanne -- three incredibly sweet and amazing ladies. I'm SO blessed to have them in my life now.

Laura opening some of her gifts and admiring them...

After breakfast, it was time for our Computer Training! We were all very excited for the chance to learn the new system that we would using for the upcoming year. It would be our window to the World...our way to answer Guests questions and help them make the most of their Magical Disney vacations. For me, this was one of the highlights of the trip. I had been dreaming of helping Guests for several years now, and to learn to navigate the tools necessary to be able to accomplish this...was pretty exciting to me.

We spent several hours becoming comfortable with the computer program. Somewhere in the middle of it all, we watched a clip from Disney's (upcoming at the time) movie: "The Princess and The Frog". It was a fun diversion...and a perfect lead in for a surprise...

 

[5fromabove]

After the movie clip ended, the door up front opened and in came Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen!! How exciting to get to meet Disney's newest Royalty!!

One of our very own Southern Belles, Andi, was the first to meet Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.

Disney Dad Joel

Here I am answering Tiana when she asked me what had been the best part of my day so far...

I told her that it was meeting her

Sweet Amanda A.

Portia was SO excited to meet Disney's newest Princess.

Maria's turn

Dannee was also SO excited!

Sweet Allison

Disney Dad Chris

Disney Dad Jonas gives Tiana and hug (much to Naveen's dismay, LOL look at his expression)

Princess Tiana, Jonas and Prince Naveen

Group hug from Dad Terry

Kathie's turn

Kay get's her hugs

Our Princess Laura meets Tiana and Naveen

We had a LOT of fun meeting Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen and were all SO excited for the upcoming release of the movie. I couldn't wait to tell my DD's 5 & 7 that I had met them.

We had a bit more training, before it was time to break for lunch. This concluded our computer training ...

and it was time for something else fun and exciting...

 

[MiaBella05]

joining in

 

[Marshay]

What a great 'thank you' all of you guys gave Tina, Laura and Leanne. They looked thrilled and surprised by the gifts. Good job!

Now that you had the training and have been answering questions for a while, is it all starting to seem real? Is it pretty easy to do? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how it's going now, so please add another chapter to your TR to get us up-to-date!

That is so totally cool that you got to see Tiana and Naveen. I took my DD4 to see The Princess and the Frog two times. She loves it and so do I. Even my DH really liked it!

 

[buzz for boys]

Fantastic trippie !!! Cant wait to read more x

 

[5fromabove]

At 1:00, we had what I suppose could be called a "working lunch" because we had guest speakers sharing information with us while we ate a delicious meal. It was, however, the furthest thing from work. Instead it was downright Magical! Disney's Dream Makers shared some of the exciting packages available to Guests through the Disney Florist. Their stories of making dreams come true brought tears to my eyes...and many eyes throughout the room. Pure Disney Magic. Click: http://www.disneyflorist.com/ to see some of the amazing options available for your next Disney vacation!

After lunch, we were off to tour the newly re-branded ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This is "the ultimate destination for athletes, fans and anyone who loves sports." My mind immediately went to thoughts of my son, J. At almost 14 years old, he has already decided that he wants to be an ESPN Sports Announcer some day. In fact, this has been his dream for quite some time. We're a family of huge sports fans. Ever since the kids were old enough to play in "munchkin" leagues, Steve has coached them...often juggling several teams a season. Knowing how much J would love to tour this facility made me feel a bit guilty that I was having the chance. I vowed to share it with him someday.

Walking into the "Milk House" we watched as cheering competitions were taking place. We were surrounded by talented young athletes, full of determination and promise. It made me smile just to be around them...and I found myself wanting to tell them all to follow their dreams.

One of the buildings had this painted in a room. It has been "my word" for as long as I can remember. I describe myself as passionate about my family and friends, passionate about Disney, passionate about helping others, passionate about many things. I was with a group of people who truly understood and shared my Disney passion and that was pretty amazing.

We were treated to a tour of the Sports Complex grounds, and I started snapping photos to show J...I knew he would love every bit of it.

We went into the ESPN Innovation Lab, which was VERY cool.

Here, we got to watch an amazing 3D sports film. Again, I thought of J.

Trust me, it's VERY cool with glasses...

This is Maribel's photo, it cracks me up every-time I look at it.

Joel heading out of the Innovation Lab.

Back towards the main buildings

Where we were treated to an information session (photo by Maribel).

Kathie enjoying the visit.

After the ESPN visit, we headed back to the Contemporary where we changed clothes and met back in the lobby. We were on our way to an amazing last night of our trip! First up was dinner at Restaurant Marrakesh in Morocco! I had never eaten here, so was interested to see what it was like.

Our group heading in to Morocco...

Andi, Maria and Amanda A...looking over the menu as we all tried to decide what to eat. Our table ended up going with the Marrakesh and Royal Feasts which everyone at the table shared. I was quite proud of myself, because I don't consider myself a very adventurous eater. In fact, in looking over the menu, "beef shish kebab" was one of the only things I recognized.

A belly-dancer came to our group and selected a few ladies to dance with her. LOL at Laura and Diane's expressions as they look at this lovely lady's six-pack!

Portia decided to join them too

Laura, Diane and Portia enjoyed the rhythms of Morocco on the dance floor.

Jonas was a very patient and helpful "partner" at the table. He translated for me, helped me find things that I would enjoy, and steered me away from things I would probably prefer not to sample. LOL. Thanks again, Jonas!! We were both starting to look a bit exhausted by this point in the trip.

Andi and Maria

Jonas ordered a round of Tangiers Breezes for most of the table. This was a delicious little treat.

After dinner, we had about an hour to walk around Epcot and enjoy "Holiday's Around the World" before meeting up for our next, unbelievable event. I thought this was such a pretty sight, looking across the lake at the Christmas tree near Spaceship Earth.

more to come...

 

[Marshay]

Thanks for the pics of ESPN Sports -- I had never been here before so it's cool to see it.

Morocco -- yum! We ate there many years ago and were pleasantly surprised by our meal.

Loving your report and can't wait for more!

 

[5fromabove]

We were given free time to enjoy Holiday's Around the World - "Celebrate the season as World Showcase comes alive with the diverse traditions of food, fun and entertainment from across the globe."

We knew we only had about an hour, as we had to arrive back at the American Gardens Theatre by 7:50pm, so a group of us stayed together in that general area. Chris and Kathie stopped to enjoy a funnel cake...an American tradition.

I wandered over to Japan to browse the shops for a bit, and then met up with Allison in front of the American Adventure. She and I decided to commemorate Christmas in true American style...we visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Waiting in line gave us a great chance to chat and get to know each other more. It made me sad to realize that the trip was almost over, and that I wouldn't have more time to spend with Allison. She is such a sweetheart.

It was time for the Candlelight Processional...and I was SO excited! Known as "One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional is a joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by an orchestra and a glorious mass choir."

The event "retells the stirring true meaning of Christmas with a special celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir". The guest narrator was going to be Anika Noni Rose, who is the voice of Princess Tiana in Disney's new Princess and the Frog movie. We all had special seats saved for us - "Gold Badge Seating" right up front.

Allison and I waiting for it to begin.

The Candlelight Processional was an unforgettable experience. It continuously gave me chills...to hear the talented orchestra and choir singing songs about our Savior at Christmastime in Disney, where I was realizing my dreams...it was all very powerful. I could sit here and try to describe how beautiful it all was, but I know I would fail to do it justice. Instead, I will show you some photos that manage to capture, in small ways, the beauty of it all.

It began with an orchestra...

Then came the candlelight processional...one by one, they filled the stage...

and we were treated to an amazing performance...

That is Anika Noni Rose, in the center, to the right of the harp. She has a gorgeous voice.

Marc thoroughly enjoying the performance...

After this incredible experience, it was hard to believe we still had one more special event before our evening came to a close...

 

[buzz for boys]

Fantastic update those pictures gave me goosebumps. Cant wait to one day see the candlelight procession for myself.

 

[5fromabove]

Now that you had the training and have been answering questions for a while, is it all starting to seem real? Is it pretty easy to do? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how it's going now, so please add another chapter to your TR to get us up-to-date!

I will definitely add a final post once I get the rest of this up. I think there will only be 3 or 4 more posts and It'll be done. Thanks for reading it and I'm glad you've enjoyed it so far

 

[cdotla]

Wow! You have been busy updating!

Great seeing Tina, Laura and Leanne's expressions in receiving the hometown gifts. Did you guys get a chance to meet Jo (from DPC) during your trip?

What a special treat to see the CP with such great company. I am sure walking in with reserved seats, and not having to occupy and keep toddlers entertained while waiting was a lot more relaxing and enjoyable!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Marshay]

Ok, so is the funnel cake any good? There are always so many great snacks to enjoy at Disney that I never know which ones to choose...usually I save my sweet snack for France.

I totally agree on the Candlelight Processional! It's truly a spiritual encounter -- esp when they do the Hallelujah Chorus! I remember tears just streaming down my cheeks as I whispered along. It was so moving.

I also really like the human Christmas tree.

 

[*dreamit*doit*]

Finally all caught up! Thanks for sharing this - it's pure MAGIC!

 

[ladybugmom]

Another wonderful update!! How fun that you got to meet Tiana and Naveen!!! My girls cannot WAIT to meet them in May!! And the CP looks incredible!! It's something I look forward to in Dec.!!

 

[mom2shayleeandlogan]

Hi
Finally caught up! What a wonderful update, so many amazing things to experince. Can't wait to hear what the last suprise is!

 

[aharbin88]

You are right! That IS Gold Badge Seating! It almost looks like you are right on the stage with the orchestra!

If I had gone to the CP anytime I wanted to this year, I think Anika Noni Rose would have been the narrator I would have chosen to see. I think she has an incredible voice, but to also see her in WDW at the same time that The Princess and The Frog was released would have just been incredibly special. Not only for those who were lucky enough to be in the audience, but for her, too. I bet she was so moved by this whole experience.

I've never been to the CP, but just the thought of it brings chills. I can guarantee I'd be a tearful mess if I were there live!

Great update!

 

[5fromabove]

Recapping: Monday, December 7, 2009

At 9:00pm, after the incredible Candlelight Processional, we were off to the United Kingdom's Terrace. There we were being treated to a "Dessert Reception with Viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth". It was a bit crowded leaving the American Adventure, but fortunately we all stayed together. We just had to follow the Cast Member with the blinking "lightsaber" (see him in the center of the photo?)

We arrived to find a variety of delicious dessert options.

Jonas, with champagne in hand, pauses with Maria for a photo

IllumiNations is one of my very favorite shows: "The sky erupts with light and fire as this nighttime spectacular celebrates our world, with dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks, and fiery torches all choreographed to an incredible musical score."

As it started, I headed over to the edge of the Terrace area and leaned against the railing, gazing out towards the World Showcase Lagoon. As always, it was breathtaking from the moment it began...

I began thinking about how it was the last night of our Training Trip, and how we were going to have to say goodbye in the morning...

I knew that while we'd definitely see each other at different times in the future, the likelihood of us ALL being together again was very slim.

It's a big world, and we all come from different backgrounds and families. Yet our deep love for Disney World and the fact that we all love to share it with our own families, and have strong desires to help other families experience the same Magic brought us together. In 4 short days, we had bonded, shared memories and developed friendships that will last a lifetime. I looked around at my new family and felt incredibly blessed. Then, I started thinking about my own family back home, and how they too, love IllumiNations. While listening to the beautiful music and watching the stunning show, I was overcome with emotion. It was almost indescribable, a very powerful moment.

I leaned against the railing, and tears were streaming down my cheeks. Suddenly, I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder and envelope me in a hug.

It was sweet Maria. She and I stood there in silence, with tears streaming down our cheeks, our arms wrapped around each other, completely lost in the moment...

After the show, we talked about how much we were going to miss each other, and ALL of our friends. This was twice during the trip that the fireworks had moved me to tears. Once was during Wishes when I equated each one with a Wish-Upon-a-Star about making it to the Moms Panel. This time was different. I explained to Maria how instead, each firework reminded me of a magical memory from our weekend. There were SO many...each one special, each one priceless. Those memories will truly last a lifetime.

After IllumiNations, we went back to the Contemporary. The Magic Kingdom had Extra Magic Hours, but I was drained. I decided to spend some time packing my suitcase. I knew I wouldn't have the time in the morning to do it, as those last few hours promised to fly by.

...More to Come...

 

[5fromabove]

Ok, so is the funnel cake any good? There are always so many great snacks to enjoy at Disney that I never know which ones to choose...usually I save my sweet snack for France.

I wish I could answer this question, but I behaved myself and didn't even have a bite! However, funnel cakes are one of my (many) weaknesses...so I'll let you know if I try one before you

 

[ladybugmom]

WOW!! What a great way to end an incredible 4 days of training!!