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

[5fromabove]

Tonight's dinner was held in the Napa Room at the Contemporary Resort. It's a private dining room, and is part of the fabulous California Grill. Alumni Moms from the '08 & '09 Panels joined us. It was an absolutely amazing evening...the food and view were fantastic. The best part, however, was the socializing with Moms and Dads who all share a common, deep love for Disney World. I sat at a table in-between Bernie and Portia, 2 wonderful fellow panelists I hadn't gotten to spend much time with until then.

Beautiful, funny Portia and I.

Suzannah, Chris, Amy and I

Disney Dad Marc L. took this photo of me outside...Thanks again, Marc.

Lots of socializing...

Disney Dads (from left to right): Marc, Jonas, Bernie, Disney's Gary, Chris, Terry and Joel:

Kathie and Jonas...I love this photo.

We started the evening with cosmopolitan cocktails. Have to admit, it was my first time trying one, and it was very good

Sweet Allison and I

Alumni Mom Kay gave us all envelopes, which is a tradition in her family. Thanks again, Kay.

Inside mine was a Disney $1. I will cherish it forever.

Appetizer: Sonoma goat cheese ravioli

Also at my table were Dannee, Allison, Chris, Amy & Marc

A few shots of the whole room...

Dessert: Mascarpone Cheese, Dulce de Leche and Creme Brulee ...all done Bananas Foster style.

A toast to a "Dream Come True" and the past, present and future of the Disney World Moms Panel.

Cinderella's castle as seen from the California Grill. We went outside to watch Wishes, and it was indescribable.

I stood with Marc and Jonas as we listened to the Wishes soundtrack. When Jiminy Cricket said, "A wish is a powerful thing, especially when it comes from the heart", I immediately became all choked up. I've watched Wishes many times, and while I've always enjoyed it...I've never been moved like I was on this magical night...

As he said, "You see, its just like I told ya.
Wishes can come true, if you believe in them with all your heart.
And the best part is, you'll never run out of wishes.
They're shining deep down inside of you.
'Cause that my friends is where the magic lives"...I noticed the tears streaming down my cheeks.

It is impossible to put into words how I felt at that moment. This Moms Panel dream has been a so important to me for several years. To be standing here, equating each firework with a wish I'd wished on a star...and knowing those dreams had finally come true...well, it was a moment I will remember for all of my life.

After dinner, most of us met in Suzannah's room. We had each brought some treasures from our hometowns to present to Leanna, Laura and Tina. They were tokens of our appreciation for making our dreams come true.

Kathie had made this gorgeous stained glass with the Moms Panel logo on it.

In addition to the items we chose for the 3 ladies, we also brought things for a big basket which would be a "thank you" to the staff who helped with this incredible weekend.

We headed back to our rooms and it was very late. I grabbed about 4 hours of sleep...knowing we had to be up bright and early to catch a bus at 6:10am! What a memorable day this had been!

 

[5fromabove]

This is so exciting. Mom's panel. What a dream. I can't wait to read more.

I do have a question. What are the giant fant type things in these pictures?

Thanks, Nancy. The fans were part of the numerous items of Disney memorabilia. Very cool

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Outstanding update.

I would have been crying with you. Those fireworks are amazing.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Pixie Princess]

I have really enjoyed your TR! It gives me hope. Yes, rejected again, but I'll keep trying because I dream of Mom's Panel too! Your report of watching Wishes had me tearing up, too. Not suprising though, I cry every time I see it. Heck, I cry listenting to the CD.

Congratulations on being selected and enjoy your time on the panel!

 

[5fromabove]

I have really enjoyed your TR! It gives me hope. Yes, rejected again, but I'll keep trying because I dream of Mom's Panel too! Your report of watching Wishes had me tearing up, too. Not suprising though, I cry every time I see it. Heck, I cry listenting to the CD.

Congratulations on being selected and enjoy your time on the panel!

Don't ever give up, Pixie Princess The 3rd time was the charm for me. Just believe in the beauty of your dreams.

 

[ladybugmom]

WOW!! Another incredible night! I got a little teary reading about your Wishes experience!!

 

[Marshay]

Add me to the list of those getting choked up while reading your Wishes moment -- how vivid it was to you at that moment!!

Love the photos! Love seeing everyone.

That stain glass is awesome!!

Looking forward to more!

 

[queensara]

My eyes were teary just thinking about how wonderful that must have been for you.

 

[helloconnie]

Kaylene you are doing a wonderful job with your trip report! I can totally see why you were chosen to be on the Moms Panel. I can't wait to read more!

 

[5fromabove]

Recapping: Sunday, December 6, 2009

A 4:15am wake-up call today reminded me that it was time to rise and shine. We were to meet at 6:10am for a bus ride to Epcot's Italy Isola.

There, we would be having our photo shoot. Now, I've been to Disney World many times when it is dark at night...however, this was definitely a first to be there before the sun rises.

Watching dawn break over Spaceship Earth as we awaited our photo shoot. It was SO beautiful.

A sea of pink coats. It was approximately 40 degrees that morning and very windy. I felt like I was back home in New England...brr.

Disney Dads Joel, Jonas and Terry (with Marc in background)....waiting for their turn to get their make-up done ( I love this photo).

Erin and Suzannah getting dolled up.

My turn...this pampering was SO much fun.

Marc getting his photo face on

Beautiful Kathie after getting her make-up touched-up (love this photo too).

After the group photo shoot, we had our individual photos taken with Mickey and Minnie. This was SO cool. By the way, to see the group photo, be sure to visit this link:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/01/walt-disney-world-moms-panel-welcomes-new-members/

Kathie giddy after her photo session

A group shot of the three of us from Massachusetts (Jodi, Chris and I).

After the photo shoot, we were treated to a wonderful buffet breakfast upstairs in the American Adventure. While waiting to head up, the '09 alumni Moms gathered for a photo.

The American Adventure was all decked out for Christmas, it was so beautiful.

Jennifer and Chris singing Christmas carols.

The beautiful, festive centerpiece on the table.

Pretty Christmas village near the buffet line.

Kay, Bernie and Anna enjoying their breakfast.

Kathie bringing her plate of treats to the table.

Jonas and Maria

After breakfast, we relaxed for a few moments while waiting for our video shoot.

Soon, we headed back outside for our exciting Video Shoot!

 

[5fromabove]

Recapping: Sunday, December 6, 2009

After breakfast, we headed back over to Italy's Isola. Looking back towards the American Adventure, I was captivated by the beautiful Christmas tree. It was such a wonderful treat to have Epcot's World Showcase all to ourselves. It was incredibly peaceful and really allowed us to soak in many of the "little details" that add up to make Disney World so magical.

We arrived back at the spot where we would have our video shoot. We were all very excited...and a bit nervous. The arrival of the "Fab 5" made any butterflies quickly disappear!!

Allison and Mickey

Mickey blew me a kiss

Mickey and his Sweetheart

The Fab 5 - Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald

We had SO much fun filming our video. Then we had a few more minutes with the characters and I got to have this photo taken with my camera. It makes me smile every time I look at it, as it reminds me of how incredibly happy I was at that very moment. It was like I was in the middle of a dream

Next, we walked out of the World Showcase and headed over to ride Soarin' together. Soarin' is one of my favorite rides in Epcot, and it was a LOT of fun to ride it with my new Moms Panel family.

The video shoot was a surreal experience and yet another memory that I will cherish forever. You can watch the official video here: http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/videos.aspx . Note: If the video "skips" a little, just let it play all the way through once. Then click play and it should work fine after that.

After Soarin', we were given some free time to enjoy the Parks. I was very excited, as this meant that we had a chance to fulfill a "deal" that Kathie and I had made with each other during the Moms Panel selection process!

 

[Marshay]

Oh, just loving the photos! What a great experience to get a photo with both Mickey and Minnie!!

So glad to hear the video and photo shoots went well.

Hmmm, what is the deal you made with Kathie... I can't wait to find out!

Oh, and love the pink coats!

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Hi! and congratulations on being the newest member of the Moms panel! What a wonderful time it looked like you had meeting everyone. I would have loved to have been able to hear all of the Disney chit chat at the tables during dining times. I can't wait to hear more.

 

[lilpapsgirl]

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

This is great! Can't wait to read more!

 

[cdotla]

Great updates Kaylene!

I can feel the excitement right along with you. And I don't blame you one bit for tearing up during Wishes - what a fantastic memory you will have of that night!

Your events sound so exciting! While I would not normally be thrilled at the prospect of waking up at 4am, I would have been bouncing off the walls with excitement at what you had scheduled that day! The photo/videoshoot in Epcot would have been so much fun!

I love that the trend of the hometown gifts have continued this year. That must be so nice for Laura, Leanne and Tina to receive. And I have to say that Kathie's stain glass is absolutely incredible!!! What talent!

Can't wait to hear about the remainder of your journey, and of course, all about this bet!

 

[5fromabove]

So...a little history about that "deal" that I mentioned in my previous post. The 2010 Moms Panel application process began back in September, questions for those moving on to "Round 2" came in mid-October and the "Final Interview Phase" was at the end of October. Somewhere around the middle of October, Kathie (magic2go) and I began messaging each other on the DIS boards. We remembered each other from the previous year (s) processes. She had been a finalist for the '08 panel, and I had been for the '09 one. It just wasn't meant to be back then. We knew how much this dream meant, and quickly became a sense of support for each other along with a big group of "hopefuls" on the DIS boards. While our family's knew how much we wanted to be able to achieve this dream, we truly understood how very much this magical wish meant...because we shared it in common. Somewhere after Round 2 and before the Final interview phase, when we were instant messaging on Facebook one night, the conversation led to our favorite rides at Disney World. I mentioned how much I love Tower of Terror, and Kathie informed me that she had never been on it. *gasp* Never been on Tower of Terror?! We HAD to fix that. So, we made a deal...if somehow we both were blessed enough to make it on to the Panel, we would ride Tower of Terror together. She told her husband who said he'd have to see a picture for proof .

Well, we were just given "Free Time to Enjoy the Parks"...so guess where we were headed?! We went through the International Gateway and jumped on a ferry to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Marc, Joel and Maria joined us...we were SO excited!

The guys sat outside on the "deck" while Maria, Kathie and I relaxed inside. At one point, I jumped up to take a photo of the Dads. Joel smiled right away, and I thought it was odd that our resident photographer wasn't smiling for me too. I said, "Smile, Marc!" and he didn't. Joel started laughing and informed me that Marc was asleep!! He gave me a thumbs up and I snapped a pic.

Here he is nudging him, LOL. Poor Marc, we were just playing with you because we love you. It's no surprise that he fell asleep, we were ALL rather exhausted at this point...running on pure adrenaline and excitement.

We arrived at DHS, and were greeted by this gorgeous Christmas tree.

After getting through the gates, we made a bee-line down Hollywood Boulevard, and turned right onto Sunset Boulevard. There, waiting at the end was a beautiful sight...

Maria was a bit nervous as well...this promised to be a fun bonding exercise! Here's our crew waiting for "the room".

Now, this photo is hysterical. Note Joel holding his hat with one hand while the other is in the air, Marc videoing the whole thing on his phone (it quickly ended up on Twitter), Maria with her eyes closed holding Kathie and Marc (across the aisle), Kathie holding Maria and I...and me holding Kathie and my bag. LOL.

Since we were on a thrill ride roll, we headed straight to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster next.

While in line I was telling Joel how no matter how many times I ride this and how much I love it, I always end up with a photo at the end of me screaming at the top of my lungs, with a look of panic on my face. As fate would have it, we ended up in the front row, with Maria and Kathie behind us and Marc behind them. Joel and I decided to PLASTER a big grin on our faces, give a "thumbs up" and hold it for the picture. ROFL at this photo: We Rock.

It was Maria's first time on R 'n' R, she did awesome!

Our own "Fab 5" who conquered Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Rollercoaster together...in record time

A very special friend of mine from Iowa happened to be vacationing at Disney the same time that I was there. I had discovered that she was at Epcot that afternoon. So, after we all grabbed pretzels, I excused myself while the rest of the group headed over to the Star Tours shop. I lucked out and a boat was just getting ready to leave the launch. I jumped on and recognized a pink Moms Panel coat right away. It was Alumni Mom Michelle M.! I enjoyed chatting with her for the ride to the Boardwalk, where she got off.

Once in Epcot, I headed for Canada where I saw a beautiful sight: my friend, Michelle and her gorgeous daughter Elliana!

We shared some hugs and smiles. Unfortunately, it was a very quick visit. I had to catch the monorail back to the Contemporary, and get ready to head to dinner.

Too cute!!

On the way out of the Park, I stopped to enjoy the Christmas themed topiary's. Here's Goofy.

Goofy, Mickey, Minnie and don't forget Donald peeking through.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Pluto.

Once back at my room, I snapped a quick photo of my new messenger bag that I *love*.

Soon, we were headed out to our exciting dinner event. It was a first for many of us and was SO much fun! Can you guess where we're headed?!?!

...MUCH more to come...

 

[Twende]

Thank you so much for sharing the details and the pics! I am so enjoying it all!

 

[Marshay]

yeah, for ToT and RnR -- those are just the best rides -- simply so much fun!! I can't wait to take my DD on them when she is bigger.

How cool to meet up with your friend and her daughter is one sweet pile of sugar!! Adorable!

I love seeing the coats and the goodies (messenger bag).

Hmm, it looks like Animal Kingdom to me so I'll guess Tusker House and private safari? That would be awesome.

Can't wait for the update!

 

[Mommy2LittleVols]

I'm a little late, but joining. Looking forward to reading about your adventures!