Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[AngieWin]

Yeah, you probably shouldn't beat yourself up too much over it! Consider your trip a bit of .... mandatory Moms Panel research.

Hmm, I wonder if you could call part of your trip for business then!?!?

I hope you can see some of your CM's you met in December. That would be fun!

 

[5/4Disney]

Good Morning Guys,

Erin- glad things are getting back to normal. I know the feeling, we are remodeling a bathroom so needless to say the rest of the house is also a disaster. So today I am going to pick up all the pieces and put things back together.

Did anyone see Jon and Kate Plus 8 last night? They were in WDW. I was not watching, but one of my really good friends called and said okay "Disney Mom" (they call me this since I entered the contest, they don't get it!) are you watching. I said no, but I am now. It was too cute, they had all 8 kids and they showed them doing various things throughout the Magic Kingdom. Surprisingly, my husband even watched it. He calls reality shows "Brain Rot TV" and usually won't watch; however this was about WDW so he did. And what do you guys think happened after that. Well.....we both went to bed and the discussion began. So do you want to go back?, When?........ Don't you just love this addiction we all have? Have a good day guys, I need to begin the morning routine and start making lunches ( Days like today I really wish our school had a cafeteria, I hate making lunches )
Julie

 

[WishesQueen]

Erin

Does the staff at the hotel your staying at know your on the Mom panel? Since you booked it a year ago!

Maybe your family will get a taste your your new found celebrity!!! I was also wondering what wonderful things they might be able to do for your family!!

Anyway, have a great time. I am excited that I can make ADRs next Thursday for July!!!

Give us an official review of hotel and restaurant reviews when you get back!!

 

[RatBoy]

Erin
Give us an official review of hotel and restaurant reviews when you get back!!

Note to self: Do NOT post any mentions about personal trips to WDW.

-Bret

 

[WishesQueen]

Please.... No pressure about personal trips!!!!!

Just alot of respect to those who made the board!!

I really feel like I know you guys so much better after watching your videos. We are so much alike in so many ways.

 

[DVCsince02]

I just wanted to say you all are doing a great job and keep up the good work.

 

[mom2_2girlz]

Just wanted to say what an AWSOME job you guys are doing. I haven't read anything negative about the site, but I think it's awsome! (I count too right!)

TIA and you guys are doing such a STAND UP job!
Marleen

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hey, Bret, I noticed that you've started to sign off some of your Moms Panel answers with Mickey-Mouse ears! Very appropriate!

---------------

I finally submitted my first question to the Moms Panel, but I was kind of bummed about the strict 256-character limit (although I completely understand the need for it). Although posed as a question, it actually was meant more as a friendly "heads up." I've noticed a few responses that -- in good faith -- provide links to some outdated information on Disney's web site. (Go figure!) If I understand correctly, Donald's Safari Breakfast (in the newly refurbished Tusker House) completely replaced Donald's Breakfastosaurus (in AK's Restaurantosaurus). If I'm correct, the folks at Disney may want to remove the old info from its site and beef up the Tusker House description!

 

[EEFOSTER]

Just wanted to say what an AWSOME job you guys are doing. I haven't read anything negative about the site, but I think it's awsome! (I count too right!)

I did read this just now:

We just returned from a WDW vacation and while there we purchased 2 refillable mugs. We are planning to return for a second vacation within the next year and was wondering if we could bring our mugs and use them when we return.

- Asked by Sherry from ON on 1/14/2008Answered by
Heather R., KY Category
Miscellaneous Hi Sherry!

Unfortunately no, the refillable mugs are good only for your initial stay. This was printed on the mugs themselves at one time, but I don't believe it is any longer. There is however a sign posted in the resort food courts that indicates this rule. Official policy is that refillable mugs can only be used at the resort where they were purchased, for the duration of the visit in which they were purchased. This policy may change, but it was still in place on my visit last month. No worries though - if you drink a lot of soda, coffee or tea, the mugs are still a good value to buy on every trip, and they make nice souvenirs as well.

Is this true? We went 2 years ago and stayed at Pop Century..went back this past year and stayed at Pop Century and used our cups from 2 years ago..actually several people there had the "old style" mug like we had. We did buy 2 new ones for our kids this year...so we used all 4 of them (2 old, 2 new). I don't ever remember seeing signs for this..maybe it's for the moderate resorts?

TIA and you guys are doing such a STAND UP job!
Marleen

Thanks to all for the support!

Yes, the mug thing is true. We were told last night that there should now be signs posted at all the resorts that states the above policy. Oh well.

I think I'm all packed for my trip now. I had a brief scare yesterday when DH momentarily thought that he would have tickets to the Giants/Packers games this weekend. (Meaning would I PLEASE postpone my trip.) The tix fell through, so I am still going to WDW.

I don't think I'll be posting any major trip reports about this vacation. At this point I think I need to save my big chunks of writing for the panel. I will say that while this is a relaxation trip, I am planning on doing a bit of research. I have scheduled the Backstage Magic tour. I'm also going to visit several of the resorts that I don't usually stay at to get more familiar with them.

The CMs do know that I will be coming. But I'm not scheduled to meet with them and I don't expect any fanfare at the hotel. I think that now that training is over, they really want us to have the same perspective on WDW that the average guest would. I'm just a regular mom giving other regular moms tips for planning their trips.

Again, thanks to all for the support. You guys are the best!

Erin

 

[WishesQueen]

Have a safe relaxing trip!!!!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Hey, Bret, I noticed that you've started to sign off some of your Moms Panel answers with Mickey-Mouse ears! Very appropriate!

---------------

I finally submitted my first question to the Moms Panel, but I was kind of bummed about the strict 256-character limit (although I completely understand the need for it). Although posed as a question, it actually was meant more as a friendly "heads up." I've noticed a few responses that -- in good faith -- provide links to some outdated information on Disney's web site. (Go figure!) If I understand correctly, Donald's Safari Breakfast (in the newly refurbished Tusker House) completely replaced Donald's Breakfastosaurus (in AK's Restaurantosaurus). If I'm correct, the folks at Disney may want to remove the old info from its site and beef up the Tusker House description!

You're right. The breakfastosaurus is gone It is mostly just fast food McDonalds now.

 

[RatBoy]

Hey, Bret, I noticed that you've started to sign off some of your Moms Panel answers with Mickey-Mouse ears! Very appropriate!

Congrats on finding the Hidden Mickeys! Glad you like them.

---------------

I finally submitted my first question to the Moms Panel, but I was kind of bummed about the strict 256-character limit (although I completely understand the need for it). Although posed as a question, it actually was meant more as a friendly "heads up." I've noticed a few responses that -- in good faith -- provide links to some outdated information on Disney's web site. (Go figure!) If I understand correctly, Donald's Safari Breakfast (in the newly refurbished Tusker House) completely replaced Donald's Breakfastosaurus (in AK's Restaurantosaurus). If I'm correct, the folks at Disney may want to remove the old info from its site and beef up the Tusker House description!

I (and several other "Moms") saw that question, and mentioned it to the moderators. Thanks for pointing out the issue (or shall we say "opportunity for improvement" ). You can also PM one of us here at the DIS to let us know about that kind of stuff, if you like.

-Bret

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Congrats on finding the Hidden Mickeys! Glad you like them.

---------------

I (and several other "Moms") saw that question, and mentioned it to the moderators. Thanks for pointing out the issue (or shall we say "opportunity for improvement" ). You can also PM one of us here at the DIS to let us know about that kind of stuff, if you like.

Ew! 'Hope I didn't embarrass anyone! In the future, I'll try to PM one of the DISboard-frequenting panelists. I've never attempted a personal message before, but I'll figure it out!

 

[PartyOf5]

Bret! I specifically signed up for the Magically Speaking newsletter so I could read part II of your story. Great job...my favorite part:

Also, I wanted another new experience – in this case, a new hotel. The lower price also helped sell the idea to my wife, but I'm definitely not sharing that conversation (I left her with the kids for four days to meet up with 11 women and I wanted to stay an extra day? You can fill in the blanks).

I'm totally

Can't wait for part III.

 

[sharonW]

I certaintly hope they are going to improve the moms panel
site, it is sloooooooooooow!! Just found out from mousesavers
that one of the panel, michelle may lives a hop skip and jump
away from me, its a small world after all!!!!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Bret! I specifically signed up for the Magically Speaking newsletter so I could read part II of your story.

Very cool! Could somebody post a link to the latest article?

I just subscribed, so I should be set for Part III once it's posted.

 

[Colmenares3]

Here ya go:
Moms Panel Selection, from a Dad's Point of View (Part 2)

Part Three should be hitting this DIS thread on Tues 1/29. Or just subscribe to Magically Speaking.

 

[WishesQueen]

Once again Bret well done!!!

You mentioned:

Background on Disney's vision for the Moms Panel

Can you elaborate?

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Thanks for the link to Part II of Bret's Magically Speaking article.

Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed such an in-depth look at the whole Moms Panel experience. Plus, all of the photos were a nice bonus! I particularly liked the pictures of Leanne and Duncan. (It's nice to finally put faces to the names on every piece of Moms Panel correspondence!) (One question:There's a third person [Amy], who always signs off on the e-mails. What was/is her role in the whole process?)

I'm impressed that your Osborne Lights photo turned out so nice, since you have to stand really, really still for those. Of course, I guess it's a bigger challenge when you're posing with fidgety kids...

 

[DVCsince02]

Bret - great job writing the article! It's obvious why you were picked for the panel. Looking forward to part 3.