Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[dollhouse]

Bret,

Very nice follow-up. I really enjoyed reading it!

How do you have time to do all of this? I can see why you were picked for the panel.

Do you guys have a cap on how many questions you are answering or is it how many you choose to answer? AND.....what about the questions that aren't being answered? I know I never rec'd any response (email) to my question. I am just curious to see how many questions are coming into the site and what is the requirement for actual posted responses. In the first week there was what...about 600 questions posted....that averages to be 50 per person...is this what they expected? I think this is really going to take off. I think it is incredible. I don't want to be a "negative Nellie" or anything but what about the people that are asking the questions and not getting an email or any response...do you think they would be disappointed? Is there something on the site that indicates not all your questions will get answered or "try searching first". I didn't read the whole intro to the panel on the site because I think I am pretty knowledgable about the panel...HE HE! I was just wondering. My concern is for other people getting discouraged if they aren't getting ANY sort of response. I am sure it is a systems issues that will get resolved, but it is cool to think outside the box on how this whole thing is going down or what the "vacation planner" is expecting from this site. Brain-storming is a great thing!

We are leaving in a month and can't wait! We are going on a "Hidden Mickey" hunt!

All the photos looked incredible! Thank you so much!

Leslie

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hey, Leslie, I know that Erin mentioned a while back that the moderators were trying to resolve some technical issues with the Panel-generated e-mail responses. I'm wondering if maybe you submitted your question during that time frame.

I submitted my first question yesterday, and I immediately received a ("Your Question Has Been Received") confirmation e-mail. (It specified that -- due to the high volume of questions -- an answer isn't guaranteed. It was the same sort of boiler-plate language that we received when we first submitted our Moms Panel applications...) Once the question was answered, I received a "Your Question Has Been Answered" follow-up e-mail with a direct link to the reply. I'm wondering if you run a search on the Moms Panel site (using key words from your question) you'll discover that it already has been answered.

Anyway, that's just my experience. Obviously, the panelists are best equipped to give definitive answers on the subject.

On another -- somewhat related -- note (regarding MIA e-mails): I believe I've received just about every e-mail generated by Amy, Leanne and Duncan/the Moms Panel except that follow-up last week to the "Moms Club" invitation. No biggie, really, since I already voted. I just find it a bit bizarre. Is it possible that Disney somehow sorted out the e-mail addresses belonging to those who voted from those who didn't/couldn't? I mean, I now Disney is good at what it does, but that's a bit too sophisticated, right? There aren't enough hours in the day... (Thoughts? Comments? ... Snide remarks? )

What I really want to know is: Are there any other people out there who were able to vote the first time and never received a follow-up message?

 

[dollhouse]

I bet your right about my timing on my question. It is good to know that they have fixed that! Thanks for responding!

I have no answer as to the follow-up email. I am wondering if they can sort through the previous submitted votes. That is a very good question. I am sure they have quite sophisticated tech support! I would think if you voted, you are in their memory bank! I think you will be just fine! This is all just a mystery to us!

I really just can't wait to hear Disney's take on the first month or two of the whole process! I think their findings are going to be really interesting. I hope some of the wonderful panelists will share some good info. with us! (if they are able to...obviously!)

This has been a wonderful experience even though some of us didn't make it!
It has been a lot of fun!

Leslie

 

[WishesQueen]

I am so thrilled that the panelists have kept us so involved. Its great knowing the whole procedure with great deals (thanks Bret- especially). But honestly, the more I learn the more I hope that this is such a huge success that the 12 panelist need help. Tons of help!!!!!! and opportunity knocks again!!!!

It really sounds like something we would all love to be a part of and watching to all those videos, you see something about yourself in each and everyone.

If not!!! I am enjoying myself here, reading all this great information!!!

 

[I believe]

Are there any other people out there who were able to vote the first time and never received a follow-up message?

Yes, I was able to vote the first time and I didn't receive a follow-up message. I think, especially where they are taking a vote, this is how it is supposed to work. Hakuna Matata!

While I am in here..... Congratulations on a fabulous Moms Panel launch! I love the site and am so happy to see the high volume of helpful and thoughtful answers. You are doing a great job spreading the magic and it is so much fun to watch the site grow!

Bret, I really enjoyed your articles and pictures on the Magically Speaking newsletter! And Erin, I loved your story with Bret's pictures when you both returned from training! Thank you, as well, to all of the other Panelists that have contributed here.

Also, I did send in a Q that didn't get answered. I am guessing because the answer is a secret at this point. For background, my family and I are coming in February and I have been hoping we will be able to see the Spaceship Earth hot air balloon that is pictured in the Disney Dreams Catalog flying over EPCOT. I figured with Spaceship Earth's official re-opening coming up it might already be flying over EPCOT or in the works to do so.

When you go on your trip Erin, if you see it would you please let us know?

Thanks so much to everyone for keeping this going and I hope you all have a great day!

-kristenc

 

[5/4Disney]

Hey Guys,
I too was able to vote the first time and didn't receive the second e-mail either. I think you guys are right Disney was able to determine who was having problems with the voting.

In regards to the panel, I haven't asked any question yet. We're going back at the end of Aug. maybe I'll think of something by then.
Julie

 

[RatBoy]

Once again Bret well done!!!

Background on Disney's vision for the Moms Panel

Can you elaborate?

Two main points:
1) The Moms Panel and the site may evolve over time. Nothing is set in stone. No one knows for sure how popular it will be, and what the feedback will be.
2) The idea of the site is that we are free to express our opinions and share our experiences. For example, if we think that a web site outside of the WDW site provides valuable information, we are free to share it.

If you can imagine, for the second point there was a lot of disbelieve and discussion. Over time we began to realize they really mean it. I think as you see the site, you will see this loud and clear.

Also, I did send in a Q that didn't get answered. I am guessing because the answer is a secret at this point. For background, my family and I are coming in February and I have been hoping we will be able to see the Spaceship Earth hot air balloon that is pictured in the Disney Dreams Catalog flying over EPCOT. I figured with Spaceship Earth's official re-opening coming up it might already be flying over EPCOT or in the works to do so.
-kristenc

There is no guarantee that all questions will be answered. If questions are outside of the scope of information needed for planning a trip to WDW, it probably wouldn't be answered. If you are asking for us to confirm rumors, that really isn't possible for us to answer, since we don't have any more information than you guys do. Also we don't want to confirm things that have too much variability (e.g., Are there Captain Jack Sparrow meet and greets in MK? Yes, they have happened in the past and might happen in the future, but they aren't regularly scheduled).

Make sense?

-Bret

p.s. Thanks for all the nice messages about the article. I know there is repeat info for some of you who also read Erin's TR posts earlier in this thread. I thought especially of you guys when I added the photos of Leanne and Duncan (gotta add something new!)

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

This has been a wonderful experience even though some of us didn't make it! It has been a lot of fun!

Agreed! It's nice to have discovered a "support group" that gives me my daily Disney fix.

 

[PartyOf5]

Two main points:
1) No one knows for sure how popular it will be, and what the feedback will be.

Well I think WE'VE known how popular it would be since day 1...this is a big gap for Disney...it's nice to see they are starting to fill it!

Where will Disney be getting the feedback? I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say I'd love to fill out a survey in support of the MOMs panel! I think feedback will also include system feedback - how many "hits" the site averages, the rate of incoming questions, etc.

I do think the MOMs panel as it stands now is a very successful phase 1. I do see it expanding. In case you are looking for some proactive feedback...

...I'd like to see more than one MOM (Dad) provide input to the questions.
Especially the "what do you recommend" questions. As you know, it's always helpful to get more than one opinion. I know this probably isn't possible now as you guys seem to be flooded with questions...but maybe this is something they can incorporate in the future...

And Bret - yes, thank you for the pics of Leanne and Duncan. Leanne looked very much like I thought she would - full of life, full of smiles, etc. And Duncan was the one who gave me the news that I did not make the panel. He handled it so well and now that I see his pic, I can see what a teddy bear he actually is!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[PartyOf5]

Gosh...where is everyone? Please don't tell me I'm the only MOMs Panel "groupie" left!

Anyway, I noticed on the site they took down the individual counts for posts. I guess they don't need it since you guys are exceeding your quota!

Bret, I thought of you today...had the TV in the background and they had an advertisement on for tonight's Apprentice. I can't remember the exact quote ... and I think it was from Gene Simmons ... but he said something like "I am the king of the ladies." Anyway, I immediately thought of the panel/you and it gave me a great chuckle.

 

[dollhouse]

Gosh...where is everyone? Please don't tell me I'm the only MOMs Panel "groupie" left!

Anyway, I noticed on the site they took down the individual counts for posts. I guess they don't need it since you guys are exceeding your quota!

Bret, I thought of you today...had the TV in the background and they had an advertisement on for tonight's Apprentice. I can't remember the exact quote ... and I think it was from Gene Simmons ... but he said something like "I am the king of the ladies." Anyway, I immediately thought of the panel/you and it gave me a great chuckle.

Hey PartyOf5...I am still here! I am not leaving any time soon! I am just waiting for all the inside scoop on the panel. It doesn't look like anyone has anything to report on. I didn't notice they took down the individual counts, however I haven't been on much due to starting a class..wow it has been a long time since I have been in school..hard to get back in the studying mode (not mentioning years ) while balancing children! I have been a sahm for a few years and thinking about starting a "new career". My school is a funny combo of older non-traditional students and the young ones! WOW!

BUT...I am still here! Just waiting for the scoop! I am still hanging in there. Everyone else?

Leslie

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Gosh...where is everyone? Please don't tell me I'm the only MOMs Panel "groupie" left!

Anyway, I noticed on the site they took down the individual counts for posts. I guess they don't need it since you guys are exceeding your quota!

Well, this "groupie" is still around -- just lurking (without much to say).

Yeah, I noticed the missing counts, too. I was wondering if maybe somebody thought it fostered too much of a competitive (read: stressful) environment as opposed to a cohesive team, where everyone feels like a valued contributor. You know: The temptation might be to quickly churn out answers that boost your count. Meanwhile, somebody without a lot of entries might meet the agreed-upon quota and put a lot of thought into her/his contributions, but a hectic work/home life doesn't permit that person to keep the same pace.

Anyway, it's just a thought... Now, after I've written all that, the individual counts will probably be back tomorrow -- completely blasting my little theory to smithereens ...

 

[Twende]

Gosh...where is everyone? Please don't tell me I'm the only MOMs Panel "groupie" left!

Anyway, I noticed on the site they took down the individual counts for posts. I guess they don't need it since you guys are exceeding your quota!

Bret, I thought of you today...had the TV in the background and they had an advertisement on for tonight's Apprentice. I can't remember the exact quote ... and I think it was from Gene Simmons ... but he said something like "I am the king of the ladies." Anyway, I immediately thought of the panel/you and it gave me a great chuckle.

I am still around just not my normal jovial self. That horrid car accident right after Christmas, in Toledo, Ohio was a friend of mine. Losing her, and her kids, has put a bit of a damper on some things right now.

I have been reading here and a bit on the Mom's web site but just not like normal.

I'll be back!

 

[dollhouse]

Twende,

I am so sorry. I saw that on the news (being from Western PA). I am terribly sorry for your loss! I can't even imagine. I am so sorry. It really puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

Leslie

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Twende,

How awful! I'm really sorry for your loss.

 

[PartyOf5]

Twende,

How awful! I'm really sorry for your loss.

I'm very sorry also.

 

[WishesQueen]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss!! I didn't hear anything about it, even though I am not that far away! I am glad that your able to check us out and chat with us!

To help keep your mind occupied -

I am still here too! I get to make ADRs next Thursday and I am putting together my plan. I don't know why I put so much pressure on myself. When I go on the mom's panel now I just read the q&a on the front page. I asked all Disers a few questions each to get the ball rolling, but now I lurk!!

 

[RatBoy]

Twende,
Very sorry about your news. It sounds so tragic. Hope you are healing bit by bit.

-Bret

 

[Twende]

Thank you all for your kind words. Several of us on this board were friends with her. It has been a real nightmare and because of the trial for the driver; it is a long way from being over.

Little Jordan's funeral service is tomorrow in MI. I hope after that we will all find a way to find some closure and then we can focus on the happy memories instead of the horror of their deaths.

Thank you all for your understanding and support. It means so very much!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Several of us on this board were friends with her.

Was your friend Bethany a DISer, too? (I hope you don't mind my question.)