Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[Dcanoli]

Well, at least I know it's not just me! Thanks for posting!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

And lucky for all of us, Scoopy will be on the case. I wonder if she left...she hasn't checked in lately. Anyway, I look forward to all the scoops and hopefully a few pics!

Enjoy your trips everyone!

Hi all! I’m back from a wonderful weekend at the World, so I thought I’d check in. (I returned home from Orlando late last night.) And, yep! You were right, Diane. At the time of your post, I’d already taken to the friendly skies. (In fact, my sister and I likely were awaiting our Magical Express transport to Coronado Springs Resort...)

‘Sorry to bolt without a word. (I’ve sort of developed this sorry little parting “ritual” where I add an insurmountable about of projects to my “to do” list. It doesn’t matter how short the trip or how much I’ve prepared in advance. Somehow I manage to add a bazillion additional items (such as deep-cleaning my bathroom!?! ). This nearly always leads to little sleep and a last-minute scramble to get out the door. Must be the “obsessive-compulsive” perfectionist in me…

****​

Anyway, it was a short -- but sweet -- trip. I managed to meet a few of our Panelists while wandering the World. Sadly, Bret wasn’t amongst them… I did spot Erin, though, while picking up my race packet, and she agreed to pose for a photo. Her daughter, who participated in the EE Challenge with her, kindly snapped this picture for us:

DISgeeks ran into Moms Panelist Erin Foster
while grabbing a quick lunch at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

DISgeeks and her sister "struggled" to keep warm at Base Camp – Fury 242.

Packet pick-up took place at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. (I can't say I'd ever set foot there before...)​

On Saturday, I saw Kim and her husband while heading to my race “corral.” After some pre-race stretching, I returned to introduce myself. I ran into them again – with their son Nicolas – during the post-race party. (I might add that all of the Moms I met seemed so very nice!)

DISgeeks and her sister posed for a pre-race photo as the all-girl team “Yeti or Not...”​

​

Odds and Ends:

*The race was fun. (I especially enjoyed giving “high fives” to some of the friendly cast members who flanked the course wearing giant Mickey gloves!)

*The scavenger hunt wasn’t as impossible as I’d feared – likely because my sister helped me crack our toughest clue. (Side note: It seems there were about eight versions of the “Expedition Passport,” which contained different sets of scavenger-hunt clues. Otherwise, the course could have become a crazy madhouse with 4,000 people rushing to the same spot… Lou Mongello of WDWRadio must have picked up the same Passport as me, because I spotted him at my clue site #3.)

*Oh, and the obstacle course was manageable – although the first two challenges (which involved climbing) sort of took me aback. Runners were permitted to bypass anything that seemed too strenuous. I mustered through them all, though...

*Speaking of the Obstacle Course: Heather R. (BellaBuggy) mentioned that a cameraman was on-hand to document the “Moms” race participation. If I understood correctly, ‘looks like he might have captured Kim on film, since she was the first to tackle the obstacle course. (That might have been a bit unnerving! ) Here’s hoping the Disney folks post something for us to see on the Moms Panel site!

*Speaking of Heather: I ran into a contingent of Moms Panelists while exiting Expedition Everest during the race after-party. (It included Heather R., Beth, Michelle, Erin and her daughter, and Laura.) They were making their way out of the Park, but Heather paused a few moments to talk. Again, they’re such friendly people! (Oh, and Expedition Everest is great fun in the dark, btw!)

*Finally, I learned that one of the Panelists has some incredibly exciting news to share, but I’ll wait for her to spill it when she’s ready -- especially since I heard it second-hand. (And, because I’m sure you’re now wondering: No! Nobody on the Moms Panel is pregnant! Not to my knowledge anyway… )

So, those are some of the EE Challenge and Moms Panel-related highlights! Thanks for indulging me in my mini trip report!

Just for Kicks: "Smiley in the Sky" spotted in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park around noon on race day.​

 

[PartyOf5]

Hey Scoopy - welcome back! You were missed!

Thanks for the trip report and pics...seems like you had a great time! Great job hunting out the Moms!

I do hope whoever has news spills it quick! My first guess was someone was pregnant but you've confirmed that is not it...that we know of anyway!

Too bad you couldn't hook up with Bret....

Thanks again for sharing your report!

 

[magic2go]

‘Sorry to bolt without a word. (I’ve sort of developed this sorry little parting “ritual” where I add an insurmountable about of projects to my “to do” list. It doesn’t matter how short the trip or how much I’ve prepared in advance. Somehow I manage to add a bazillion additional items (such as deep-cleaning my bathroom!?! ). This nearly always leads to little sleep and a last-minute scramble to get out the door. Must be the “obsessive-compulsive” perfectionist in me…


Odds and Ends:

*Finally, I learned that one of the Panelists has some incredibly exciting news to share, but I’ll wait for her to spill it when she’s ready -- especially since I heard it second-hand. (And, because I’m sure you’re now wondering: No! Nobody on the Moms Panel is pregnant! Not to my knowledge anyway… )

Thanks for all the updates! Sounds like you had a fun filled trip! I know what you mean about the to-do list... my latest one is stocking the freezer full of food, so I dont have to hit the grocery store as soon as I get back! I don't know why - just call me crazy!

HMMM, I guess if we're waiting for HER to share the news.. it won't be Bret I figure that gives us 10 other choices? Since 11 of the 12 mom's panel were there? HMMMM..... Guess I'll be glued to the computer waiting to find out... WAIT... that's just the norm.. go figure!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

HMMM, I guess if we're waiting for HER to share the news.. it won't be Bret I figure that gives us 10 other choices? Since 11 of the 12 mom's panel were there? HMMMM..... Guess I'll be glued to the computer waiting to find out... WAIT... that's just the norm.. go figure!

Hmmmm... Well... Not to get too terribly technical on you, but there's still a chance it could be Bri, considering I received the information second-hand!

'Hope everyone's week is off to a good start, especially those who may be suffering Disney withdrawal. (Okay, that's likely everyone -- not just those who just returned from a quickie weekend "fix"... )

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hey Scoopy - welcome back! You were missed!

Thanks for the trip report and pics...seems like you had a great time! Great job hunting out the Moms!

I do hope whoever has news spills it quick! My first guess was someone was pregnant but you've confirmed that is not it...that we know of anyway!

Too bad you couldn't hook up with Bret....

Thanks again for sharing your report!

Thanks, Diane! I can't wait to see what the other folks have to post!

 

[EEFOSTER]

I'm back!

I won't duplicate Lori's posts, but obviously we did meet at packet pick-up. Charlie and I had come right from the airport, we were loaded down with luggage and sort of frenzied with hunger, so it wasn't my finest moment. But Lori was very sweet and it was too funny to be "recognized." I can't tell you what a kick my hubby got out of hearing that someone spotted me and wanted a photo. (Oh, and Scoopy is waaaay good on those scoops. I'm not sure who the second hand squealer was, but yikes, Lori was sure quick in finding him/her.)

So fun to see everyone together again. Big props to Heather R for coming up with the idea. A few of the Moms were on their reward trips (for being on the Panel), but most of us just paid our own way to come for the weekend. How's that for Disney dedication. We were all (except Bri) at MNSSHP on Friday night and all of us except Heather M and Beatrice were at the EE5K on Saturday.

It was a big weekend of Disney firsts for me. We got to be among the first people to see the new Tinker Bell movie that's coming out on DVD next month. Very cute for the little fairy fiends in your house.

It was my first MNSSHP. It was a blast. If I do say so myself, our costumes were a big hit. Charlie and I were campaigning for Mickey. We got so many High Fives from guests and CMs. Several people wanted our pictures and lots of folks told us that they were going to write in a vote for Mickey.

It was also my first race of any sort, ever. The atmosphere was so fun. (Lori's photos are great). I was just glad to finish the race at all. (Hey, have you heard, it's HOT in Florida.) But I was so proud of my daughter. She had been quite vocal about her distaste for running while we were training. But she loved the friendly competitive spirit at the AK. After about the mile mark when she saw that good old Mom was slowing her down, she asked if she could run ahead. We had phones and a meeting spot, so I let her go. And she zoomed past several of the Moms to finish about 6 minutes ahead of me. She had never run more than a mile and a half consecutively before, so this was a real achievement for her.

My daughter Charlie, Kara's son Matthew, Leanne, Kara

The whole race gang

I thought the obstacle course was fine except for the last element which involved crawling along the sandy. buggy ground whilst covered with race sweat. I skipped that one. As for the Scavenger Hunt, we got two right and probably would have done one more but for the fact that it was DARK and I could barely read my Passport. Note to self, next time bring a pen light.

After the race I went on EE with several of the Moms and we ran into Lou Mongello -- very nice to see him in person.

And the Sunday morning Charlie and I went to Epcot to check out the Food and Wine booths. I was wearing my Moms Panel visor and met a very nice young woman who was a regular listener to Lou's podcast and had heard us there. She seemed excited to meet me so, that was another of my 15 seconds of fame. LOL.

Of course I came home and one of my twins ended up being awake all night with tummy trouble (an ongoing issue), so I'm about to take her to the doctor. (Meanwhile she's enjoying a little Zach and Cody.) A mommy's work is never done

Erin

 

[Tiggsntx]

Thanks Scoopy for the trip report and pics....it is nice to put a face to the name/post! Yeah, the posts were few and far between and I for one missed them. I am also looking forward to the 'big' news

Well, more happy waiting.

Allison L.

PS I had a wierd dream about finding out about Moms Panel via FedEx!!! I just hope to find out one way or another soon, since clearly my subconscious is playing tricks on me!

 

[bellastella227]

Just for a laugh, I will share some personal info...
My mom actually DID vote for Mickey Mouse in a presidential election once! I think it was her first time voting and she wrote him in. He might have a chance this year with all the DISers behind him!

 

[np4gp]

Just for a laugh, I will share some personal info...
My mom actually DID vote for Mickey Mouse in a presidential election once! I think it was her first time voting and she wrote him in. He might have a chance this year with all the DISers behind him!

That is awesome!! I have been putting mouse ears (drawn) 4 President on all of my YOAMD mail in postcards. Great story - thx for sharing. I needed that laugh today!

 

[chrisw127]

Of course I came home and one of my twins ended up being awake all night with tummy trouble (an ongoing issue), so I'm about to take her to the doctor. (Meanwhile she's enjoying a little Zach and Cody.) A mommy's work is never done

Congrats to you and your daughter. I would love to do that with mine someday. I have twins also--19 months and I know what you mean. Twice as much opportunity for someone to be awake all night!

 

[PartyOf5]

Hi Erin - thank you for the trip report and pics...your daughter looks just like you! You must have been so proud of her when she ran ahead to finish the race 6 minutes before you. Maybe running is a new mother/daughter hobby for you both.

I do hope your other daughter feels better soon.

Regarding the mystery news...I guess it doesn't pertain to you? Maybe Kim? Laura? When oh when will we know!?

Hopefully Bret will check in soon! I'm sure he has more pics to share.

 

[5/4Disney]

Well, I see some of you have beat me home....
Let's just say 9 days in the parks was great, but now I'll be doing laundry for a week.

The EEC was fantastic!! I must say that running a 5k after spending 7 days at the parks was a bit harder than I thought. My feet are NEVER going to forgive me. BTW, Dh just looked up the results and we placed 85th (out of the coed teams)

Lori, I can't believe you saw Erin at packet pick up, so did I. We must have been there at the same time but did not know it. I didn't introduce myself because she had her daughter with her and I didn't know what she would think. (gosh, what a nut.....) Instead, I saved my introduction for the race. I was heading over to my corral "Wave 7" when I saw everyone and just had to say hello. Later that evening, I saw Kim and her family outside EE (which we road 5 times with no wait!!!!!) I asked how everyone did and she said good.

I'll post some pics as soon as I get a chance, the dryer has gone off so it's time for me to switch the loads.
Julie

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

(gosh, what a nut.....)

Who? You or me?

Regarding race results: Maaan! (Now I'm confused.) I just checked the results, and my sister's and my score doesn't appear. (There are at least two other "Yet or Not" teams listed, but neither are under our names or bib number.) She wore our chip and had it removed at the finish line; meanwhile, I relinquished the tear-off part of my bib when we were getting our scavenger-hunt answers verified. (Do you think someone lost it?)


At the end of the day, I still have my medal, photos and the experience, but a listing in the race results makes it feel more official. (I have a general idea of our race time when we crossed the finish line. 'Guess I should just subtract the time of our wave-start (20-minutes into the race in "Corral" #5). I'd rather have the official results, though. I wonder what happened... Ick!

Edited to Add: I hope this doesn't affect the availability of our professional race shots. (I don't think it should...) Since it's my sister's first race and my first Disney event, I'd actually planned to purchase one -- as long as we don't look like complete sweat-drenched dweebs. Then maybe I'll pass...

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I wonder if Trish (cdotla) enjoyed the race and if she made it home safely. Our paths never crossed the whole weekend...

Are you back, Trish?

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Lori, I can't believe you saw Erin at packet pick up, so did I. We must have been there at the same time but did not know it.

'Guess we should have all traded photos before we left so that we could spot each other. (The Panelists were at a bit of a disadvantage, considering it's sort of hard to blend into the scenery when your picture is plastered all over Disney's web site. The pink "Moms Panel" tee-shirts were sort of a give-away, too! ...Ahhhh! The price of celebrity! Erin was very gracious, though, when she humored me with a photo op!)

I did show some restraint! I decided to spare everyone I saw during race day, since we were all in our gym clothes and had other things on our minds.

I'll post some pics as soon as I get a chance, the dryer has gone off so it's time for me to switch the loads.
Julie

'Looking forward to seeing your photos!

 

[5/4Disney]

Who? You or me?

Regarding race results: Maaan! (Now I'm confused.) I just checked the results, and my sister's and my score doesn't appear. (There are at least two other "Yet or Not" teams listed, but neither are under our names or bib number.) She wore our chip and had it removed at the finish line; meanwhile, I relinquished the tear-off part of my bib when we were getting our scavenger-hunt answers verified. (Do you think someone lost it?)


At the end of the day, I still have my medal, photos and the experience, but a listing in the race results makes it feel more official. (I have a general idea of our race time when we crossed the finish line. 'Guess I should just subtract the time of our wave-start (20-minutes into the race in "Corral" #5). I'd rather have the official results, though. I wonder what happened... Ick!

Edited to Add: I hope this doesn't affect the availability of our professional race shots. (I don't think it should...) Since it's my sister's first race and my first Disney event, I'd actually planned to purchase one -- as long as we don't look like complete sweat-drenched dweebs. Then maybe I'll pass...

Not you, Me!!!! I should not have thought twice about it, Oh Well...

 

[Tiggsntx]

Welcome Back, Julie!!! and Congrats on the Race results! Sounds like you had a lot of fun. Wow, 9 days there. Glad to have you back.

Good luck with all that laundry. At least it will give you something to do while we wait, wait, wait to hear about Moms Panel

Have a magical week.

Allison L.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Not you, Me!!!!

I figured! I was just funnin' ya!

 

[I believe]

I'm back!

Welcome back, Erin!

It was my first MNSSHP. It was a blast. If I do say so myself, our costumes were a big hit. Charlie and I were campaigning for Mickey. We got so many High Fives from guests and CMs. Several people wanted our pictures and lots of folks told us that they were going to write in a vote for Mickey.

I really like your costumes. I took a peek at Leanne's blog the other day and saw a glimpse of you with Charlie. I thought you were both campaigning for Mickey when I declared my vote for Mickey. Now that I can see that Minnie is running too, I may have to go back to being undecided.

It was also my first race of any sort, ever. The atmosphere was so fun. (Lori's photos are great). I was just glad to finish the race at all. (Hey, have you heard, it's HOT in Florida.) But I was so proud of my daughter. She had been quite vocal about her distaste for running while we were training. But she loved the friendly competitive spirit at the AK. After about the mile mark when she saw that good old Mom was slowing her down, she asked if she could run ahead. We had phones and a meeting spot, so I let her go. And she zoomed past several of the Moms to finish about 6 minutes ahead of me. She had never run more than a mile and a half consecutively before, so this was a real achievement for her.

Congratulations to you both for completing your first-ever race! Thanks for sharing some of the magic with us!