Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[mom2_2girlz]

Hi guys!

I'm soooo excited for you guys and it sounded like a Very MAGICAL trip! Very jealous !

Thanks for keeping us abreast of what's going on and I can't wait until January 7th. I should really take a vacation day for that

Congrats and good luck!!!!

Marleen

 

[RatBoy]

Hi guys!

I'm soooo excited for you guys and it sounded like a Very MAGICAL trip! Very jealous !

Thanks for keeping us abreast of what's going on and I can't wait until January 7th. I should really take a vacation day for that

Congrats and good luck!!!!

Marleen

Just promise me that you'll be nice to us. At least for the first few days!

Throw us a few easy ones to get us started!

-Bret

 

[swandiverpatt]

There is a flat-screen TV in front of our elevators here and I just saw a beautiful picture of all of you on the trolley on Main Street U.S.A.

One of my associate managers told me she'd wished I could have met you (and I do, too!) and you were "such a wonderful group of people."

Congratulations again!

 

[EEFOSTER]

There is a flat-screen TV in front of our elevators here and I just saw a beautiful picture of all of you on the trolley on Main Street U.S.A.

One of my associate managers told me she'd wished I could have met you (and I do, too!) and you were "such a wonderful group of people."

Congratulations again!

Ohmigoodness, thank you for the kind words. You are too sweet.

We all had the best time at WDW! We are really looking forward to the launch on the 7th. I'm so curious to see the photos from our trip. That trolley photo was funny ... the photographer told us to pretend like we were waving. So of course we all started waving like crazy and our hands kept getting in each other's faces, messing up the shot. Then he reminded us that it was a STILL photo and we should just PRETEND to wave. Boy were we clueless. Anyway, I'm glad the photo turned out well.

I hope everyone in the office is taking some well-deserved time off next week, because I know we'll all be pestering you with questions about the site as the launch date nears.

Have a very happy holiday!

Erin

 

[BellaBuggy]

There is a flat-screen TV in front of our elevators here and I just saw a beautiful picture of all of you on the trolley on Main Street U.S.A.

One of my associate managers told me she'd wished I could have met you (and I do, too!) and you were "such a wonderful group of people."

Congratulations again!

Aw, thank you so much! I am anxious to see those trolley pictures as well, they looked like they'd be really cute.

It's been a week and a half and I haven't even managed to do a trip report, upload my pictures, or even talk to all my friends & family about it. The holidays are kicking my butt this year! (or maybe it's just my kids )

 

[dollhouse]

Thanks everyone for keeping us involved! I must say, the more I hear, the more jealous I become! Gosh, what an incredible experience. It sounds like everyone had a great time together...how could you not? I can't wait to go check out the site on Jan. 7th! We are heading to Disney in Feb. After Christmas, I can start focusing on that! I know how busy it gets this time of year. We have our meals set so that is a good thing! Pirate & Princess Party...here we come!!!! It is going to be a nice break from the Western PA weather! It will come at a great time!

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas to you all!

I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families and friends. Enjoy the time together.

Did they ever say to you what the future of the Mom's panel is going to be? Do they have any further plans? I would love to know, I am sure we all would love to know! Keep us posted! Your gifts are incredible. You are celebs! Too cool! Maybe we will see you on TMZ...JUST KIDDING!!!!

You guys have been truly wonderful!

Take care! Thanks again!

Leslie semi finalist
dh
dd 7 (in training)
dd4

DISNEY HERE WE COME!!!!! FEB. 2008

 

[cguill]

Erin, I just skimmed thru your posts - looks like you all had a great time, I don't mean this in a mean way at all but what was the point of the trip, from what I read it sounds like you all ate alot and rode some rides, why did they have this panel or are you not allowed to share that info.

 

[Twende]

I was wondering along those lines too.
Your training period sounded like a blast but how much of it was learning or working?

I have also been trying to come up with some great questions for you all to answer here in what basically a few days?

I am so excited to see the opening of your website!

 

[RatBoy]

I think the trip had several objectives (in approximate order of importance):
- Meet the other panelists, and start to build some bonds
- Learn about the web site (logistics, what it will look like, how to use it, how it will be moderated, etc.)
- Get group photos, videos, biographies, etc. for future promotional purposes
- Expand our level of experience within WDW (new restaurants, events, upcoming rides [e.g. Toy Story Mania], hotels, etc.)
- Have some fun

I think we accomplished all of this extremely well. Sure the TR is mostly focused on the "having fun" part, but I don't think all of the rest makes for such great reading. KWIM?

-Bret

p.s. I hope you guys are thinking of EASY questions for us!

 

[cguill]

I guess that still doesn't really answer my question. Did they have you help develop a website ??? Are you going to be answering questions on this website when it launches ??? Where will the website be ??? Was there more than just a website involved ??? I don't know much about this panel so you will have to enlighten me. Did they value your opinions on things around the parks, did they ask you all about how to make things better in the parks, etc ....

Thanks ...

 

[cguill]

It seems to me like you could have sent them pictures & bio's via e-mail, etc ...

 

[RatBoy]

It seems to me like you could have sent them pictures & bio's via e-mail, etc ...

It would be kind of hard to send a group picture of all of us in front of the castle, etc. by mail.

I guess that still doesn't really answer my question. Did they have you help develop a website ??? Are you going to be answering questions on this website when it launches ??? Where will the website be ??? Was there more than just a website involved ??? I don't know much about this panel so you will have to enlighten me.

Sorry, I didn't realize you weren't familiar with the Moms Panel. So let me try to explain....

There are 12 "moms" (I'm a dad , but the rest are moms) on the panel, and we will be answering questions for people who are planning trips to WDW. The site launches on Jan. 7, and it will be within the official WDW web site. The exact web site is disneyworldmoms.com.

Does that help more?

 

[RatBoy]

In case you want more detail, here is the original press release from September...

Disney searches for park-savvy parents for first-ever Walt Disney World Moms Panel

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Sept. 6, 2007) --
Calling all moms: Is a trip to Walt Disney World Resort your idea of the perfect family vacation? Do you know where to find the one and only campfire marshmallow roast at Walt Disney World Resort? Have you ever been to one of the resort's baby care centers to change and feed your little one? Or maybe you and your family have visited so often that others have said you could write a book filled with travel tips? If so, Disney wants to hear from you.

As part of "The Year of a Million Dreams," Disney announced today the launch of a nationwide search for moms who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Twelve finalists will be selected to serve on the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Those 12 parents who have a passion for the Walt Disney World vacation experience will have the opportunity to share their vast knowledge of the resort and personal secrets of success with other families who are considering this magical vacation experience. In exchange, the 12 panelists will receive a 6-day/5-night vacation to the Florida resort for themselves and three other guests.

"Through our consumer research we know that there are aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation that can be challenging to the primary vacation planner, most often that means mom," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "We could not think of a better way to provide vacation planning advice than to create an online forum. This will assist guests who are looking for real and reliable vacation recommendations that fit their family's travel needs."

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel will be found online at www.disneyworldmoms.com and feature content provided by the panel. It will also offer guests the opportunity to pose specific questions and have them answered by the panelists. The site, which goes live in January 2008, will host valuable park insights and vacation planning tools for those parents planning a Walt Disney World vacation.

Are you right for the panel?

Disney realizes that the person who serves the "mom" role differs from family to family. Whether you pride yourself on knowing insider tips and insights for vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, or are popular among friends and family for planning fabulous vacations on a budget, you may be right for the panel.

From Sept. 6 through Oct. 5, 2007, interested applicants can visit and in 300 words or less in answering three questions, explain why they should be considered for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Disney will select 12 panelists with children of various ages.

"For families interested in taking a Walt Disney World vacation, the interactive site will feature a wealth of helpful planning information, expert tips and advice about various topics related to visiting the Walt Disney World Resort," said Crofton.

 

[cguill]

Thanks Rat Boy --- did they get into asking your opinion about other things, crowd levels, customer service levels, restaurants, etc ...

 

[RatBoy]

Thanks Rat Boy --- did they get into asking your opinion about other things, crowd levels, customer service levels, restaurants, etc ...

Not really. That wasn't the point of our trip. We were there to learn and build friendships. I don't think we have (nor will have) any special access to Disney, nor special power to influence.

If there is something you think should be shared with Disney (opinions, feedback, etc.), you should contact guest relations and share it with them. That's what I would do.

-Bret

 

[cguill]

I'm fine --- I was just wondering

 

[5/4Disney]

I think the trip had several objectives (in approximate order of importance):
- Meet the other panelists, and start to build some bonds
- Learn about the web site (logistics, what it will look like, how to use it, how it will be moderated, etc.)
- Get group photos, videos, biographies, etc. for future promotional purposes
- Expand our level of experience within WDW (new restaurants, events, upcoming rides [e.g. Toy Story Mania], hotels, etc.)
- Have some fun

I think we accomplished all of this extremely well. Sure the TR is mostly focused on the "having fun" part, but I don't think all of the rest makes for such great reading. KWIM?

-Bret

p.s. I hope you guys are thinking of EASY questions for us!

Bret,

I couldn't agree more!! Disney knows you guys could figure out a web page our even train online, but whats the fun in that. After all we are talking about DISNEY (the dream makers) (and you guys did win a contest with 10k entries) RIGHT!! What a better way to learn than hands on!! Things change all the time and why wouldn't they (Disney) want you guys to visit the Resorts before you begin chatting about them. This was your time to answer any question you may have had. I mean if we really want to get technical we could flip the situation and say Gosh why didn't they let you guys have fun and see the parks. Why did they make you work the entire time........ Poor Disney they just can't win can they? Don't worry about me guys, I'll watch you on the 7th, but I'll leave you alone (I'm already and expert I just didn't make it as far as you did) Have fun with it, this is a chance of a lifetime and I'm Happy for you all
Have a Blessed New Year!!
Julie

 

[EEFOSTER]

Bret,

I couldn't agree more!! Disney knows you guys could figure out a web page our even train online, but whats the fun in that. After all we are talking about DISNEY (the dream makers) (and you guys did win a contest with 10k entries) RIGHT!! What a better way to learn than hands on!! Things change all the time and why wouldn't they (Disney) want you guys to visit the Resorts before you begin chatting about them. This was your time to answer any question you may have had. I mean if we really want to get technical we could flip the situation and say Gosh why didn't they let you guys have fun and see the parks. Why did they make you work the entire time........ Poor Disney they just can't win can they? Don't worry about me guys, I'll watch you on the 7th, but I'll leave you alone (I'm already and expert I just didn't make it as far as you did) Have fun with it, this is a chance of a lifetime and I'm Happy for you all
Have a Blessed New Year!!
Julie

Stepping in here after Bret has it all handled. He's right about the purpose of the trip (of course). I didn't write about the several hours of site training we had each day, 'cause that was the (relatively) boring part. But we did have classroom sessions each morning. While we could have maybe learned about the site itself from home. We couldn't have met the other panelists from home. And we couldn't have met the Cast Members from home. They are obviously a key piece of this whole thing. I feel much more comfortable working on the project now that I have actually met the people who conceived of the thing in the first place. Also, during our meals, which were fantastic, we were sitting with the CM site developers and learning more about the Moms Panel while we were eating. Work AND play.

Our purpose is not to give WDW our opinion about the parks, but rather to give our opinion/advice to other guests. While all of the panelists are Disney experts, none of us knows EVERYTHING about the parks. (And many of us knew things about the parks that the veteran CMs didn't). That's part of the reason why there are 12 of us -- so that between us we will have the answers to most questions. Also, part of the reason for the trip was (I believe) to make us even better informed advice-givers. The trip was a chance for WDW to share with us some parts of the parks that we may not have experienced before. I myself had never been to the EPCOT candlelight processional before. And now that I have, I feel better informed.

I'm getting so excited now about the approaching launch date. Jan 7th here we come.

 

[cdotla]

I too am anxiously awaiting the launch date!

In the meantime, if anyone finds some time to supplement the generous TRs and personal comments shared by Erin and RatBoy that would be most appreciated!

It would be great to have another "sneak peak" to tie us all over until Jan.7!

 

[WishesQueen]

Hey guys,

I am catching up on all your wonderful stories now that 1/2 the holidays are behind me and it all sounds unimaginable. I am so looking forward to January 7th.

I was wondering if the website is going to have other changes. In August I stumbled on a survey. I can't remember if it was sent to me or if I was visiting the Disney website when I found it.

They asked tons of questions and they said that they were going to add restaurant menus and restaurant reviews to the website. Also for Parks, hotels & Rides too!!!

Has anyone remember seeing this and does anyone know if and when this is going to happen?