Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[EEFOSTER]

Diane,

I LOVE the story about your son and the Contemporary. I think I'm going to steal that trick in a few years when my daughter gets her license. And I'm glad you missed the brunt of Fay.

But mostly THANK YOU for sharing the snippet of conversation you heard at the MK. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you sharing this. You made my whole weekend!

We do get people who say "thanks" to us when they're asking their Qs on the Panel, but we get almost no feedback as to whether guests actually use our advice or feel it enhanced their actual vacations in any way. It's so nice to know that our work is really worthwhile.

Again, you really boosted my spirits. THANKS!

Erin

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

'Sorry for the silence. DD just started Kindergarten, so it has been a pretty hectic week in the DISgeeks household! (In fact, I think I may have just set a personal record for the longest time I’ve remained logged off the DISboards! )

Her elementary school hosted an open house Monday, where the kids got to visit their classrooms and meet their teachers, then Tuesday kicked off the first full day of school. (‘Not sure how things work in your area of the country, but – in our county – Kindergarten is a full-day affair.) Needless to say, the whole exercise has been pretty emotionally draining, which I guess should be expected for such a major milestone… The good news: DD hopped off the school bus Tuesday with a huge smile on her face and immediately asked if we could go to the playground with a few of her new found friends! What a relief!

DD poses for a picture in front of the school bus after her first day of school.​

DD learned that one of the neighborhood boys in the above photo shares her same bus stop and Kindergarten class. (And - hey! - any kid who decks out in Disney garb for the first day of school is all right with me! )

Meanwhile, poor Little Man (DD2) was soooo distraught he couldn’t ride the school bus that I promised him a choo-choo train ride at a nearby park. We met a friend of mine and her toddler for an impromptu picnic and train-ride play date, which – quite frankly – was probably the best thing I could do to keep my mind off of DD’s first day of school.

Little Man looks forlorn after Big Sister leaves on the school bus.​

A friend and I adapted an idea from the pages of a recent issue of FamilyFun magazine. We invited a group of neighborhood moms and their kids (mostly Kindergarteners) to a back-to-school breakfast in my friend’s front yard. It was a big success! The guest list grew to about 40 people, and I believe all of them made it. The moms were able to commiserate, take notes and introduce our children to a few of their new classmates. Sure enough, as we arrived at the school’s open house later that afternoon, we spotted a few [new] familiar faces several paces behind us because of the morning’s festivities! Mission accomplished! Thank you Disney for such a great idea!

“Rise-and-Shine Breakfast” from FamilyFun article “Get-Ready Gatherings”

Back-to-School Breakfast Spread​

******​

Anyway, now back to our regularly scheduled program -- the Moms Panel thread:

Great Gobs of Good Questions, Ratboy! (‘Seems like you really want us to put on our thinking caps. ‘Not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course! ) ‘Lemme see if I can spare several moments in the next few days to write some responses – although the answers may come piecemeal.

Have a terrific Labor Day weekend everyone!

 

[PartyOf5]

Hey Scoopy - your children are beautiful! And what a great idea for breakfast! I do feel for your youngest...I can remember when my big brother headed off to kindergarten and left me behind - I could not understand why I couldn't go...and I had 3 little brothers with me at home!

Due to school construction, we don't start school until Tuesday. It was so nice having the extra week off! I will have one graduating this year, another starting high school and my baby will be in her 2nd year of middle school...time sure flies!

 

[I believe]

Diane, I am so glad you had a great vacation. I loved your story about having the GPS provide directions for the Contemporary under the Pop Century destination name. What a fantastic way to give him a specially made for him, by Mom, magical moment. I bet he LOVED driving his family through the Disney World entrance!

The story about Erin that you shared was great to hear. Erin, and the other Moms Panelists have helped so many people, it was nice to watch you make her day!

I hope your Moms Panel application process goes as nicely as the last couple of weeks have gone for you! You certainly deserve it! Welcome back!

 

[I believe]

DISGeeks, your children are ADORABLE. It looks like your daughter found herself some nice friendly Disney kids to hang out with! She is a smart girl!

My oldest starts school on Wednesday and my youngest starts Kindergarten on Friday. I am trying to keep the summer fun happening while still getting them ready for back-to-school mode. I must confess that the back to school preparation isn't going quite as well as the beach part.

 

[I believe]

Happy Labor Day!

For anyone in the path of Gustav, I am thinking of you tonight. I hope it wobbles and weakens overnight. Stay safe!

 

[RatBoy]

Hello everyone, I'm back!
Oh, and I have a Moms Panel tidbit to share...we were eating at a food court in MK, minding our own business. And you know how it is...you can hear many conversations but you don't zone in on them. Well, there was this one couple with two small children and they were debating on what to do next. I didn't hear the entire conversation but the mom mentioned that "Erin, said we should definitely do this." Not sure what "this" was but didn't think anything more of it. The conversation continued and I then heard "but Erin said maybe this would be a good idea." Again, still not paying too much attention. Then the dad finally asks her - "Hon, who is this Erin you keep talking about and should I know her?" She responded that Erin was from the Disney Moms Panel and I almost choked on my food with laughter! Thought you would all appreciate that one...especially Erin!

Diane,
That was so nice of you to share. Very cool story!!
Any photos to share of your trip??

-Bret

 

[RatBoy]

One week to go for the 2009 contest to kick off. Excited?

Thanks for the answers so far to my inquisition. Good stuff. Keep 'em coming if you like!!

Since I asked so many questions, I figure it's only fair I try to answer a few myself as well..

So, to keep things lively as you all wait to take over our jobs , I'd love to find out what everyone thinks about the Moms Panel site so far (now that we have more than 6 months under our belts).
- What are the best features/benefits of the site?
* I like the videos
* I like the format of only one concise answer to a question. It is makes it different from all the other forums, and gets you info more efficiently. Doesn't work perfectly for all types of questions, but I have grown to like the format
* Huge variety of questions. I have been surprised at the level of detail of some questions. There are several very common questions (e.g., how to celebrate an event?), but I've been pleased by the variety of questions.


- If you ruled the universe, what would you change/improve?
* Better search engine (advance feature to search with "AND" and not just "OR")
* Some better mechanism for feedback and/or suggested corrections
* I'd prefer if you could read more Q&As on one page, and/or would prefer to not have to click each question to read the full answer (way too slow)
* In general the site is too slow
* I wish the Q&As were posted based on the most recent RESPONSE date, not the most recent QUESTION date/time. As is, if you answer a slightly old question from the queue, it gets buried and read by relatively few people.
* I don't think the "top-five" questions are very helpful

- How could the current panelists improve things?
* They are all practically perfect in every way!

- What other videos might you be interested to see?
* Unfortunately my pin trading video seems to have gone missing. I hope to re-do it later this month at WDW
* I did create a video about Magical Express, but in several parts my hand wasn't steady enough, so they couldn't use it. Not sure if I'll have a chance to re-do it. This is a HARD topic to do in 1-2 minutes!
* I plan to also do one on Hidden Mickeys later this month as well
* Two others that I did that might be posted in the near future: How to make/collect pressed pennies? and How to select a guidebook / how do guidebooks differ?

- What topics aren't discussed enough? Too much?
* Releatively few questions about how to plan a day in each park. Ride order, etc.
- What other features would be helpful?
* A central place to find out about refurbs, and WDW news announcements


Also, for those thinking about applying for the 2009 panel...

- What is your motivation?
* My motivation was to share information that I thought would help others, have more direct involvement with Disney, and to be involved in a brand-new web site

- What do you hope to get out of the experience?
* Meet lots of great people (check!)
* Learn a little more about web sites and marketing (check!)
* Get some experience with media [mags, web, podcasts] (check!)
* More trips to WDW with the family (not yet, but looking forward to the EE 5K, and our post-Thanksgiving vacation!!!)

That's all I can think of for now. Let me know if you agree/disagree.

 

[PartyOf5]

Quoted from Bret (I couldn't figure out how to quote a quote!):

One week to go for the 2009 contest to kick off. Excited? YES! But my mind/time has been preoccupied with catching up on the home/work fronts from vacation and the kids are back in school...hopefully I'll be in the right mindset come Monday!

Thanks for the answers so far to my inquisition. Good stuff. Keep 'em coming if you like!! I'll go next!

Since I asked so many questions [yes, you do! LOL] , I figure it's only fair I try to answer a few myself as well..


Quote:
Originally Posted by RatBoy
So, to keep things lively as you all wait to take over our jobs , I'd love to find out what everyone thinks about the Moms Panel site so far (now that we have more than 6 months [actually 8 months!] under our belts).
- What are the best features/benefits of the site?
* I like the videos
* I like the format of only one concise answer to a question. It is makes it different from all the other forums, and gets you info more efficiently. Doesn't work perfectly for all types of questions, but I have grown to like the format
* Huge variety of questions. I have been surprised at the level of detail of some questions. There are several very common questions (e.g., how to celebrate an event?), but I've been pleased by the variety of questions.

Generally I agree with the above. I would love to see the option of another "Mom" being able to jump in with a comment if warranted. When I have time read some of the questions, I sometimes think 'ooh, I wish I could add this point', etc. I am also impressed with the variety of questions...frankly I think many of the posters are not first time trip planners but rather feel more comfortable asking the panel their questions.


- If you ruled the universe, what would you change/improve?
* Better search engine (advance feature to search with "AND" and not just "OR") Agree!
* Some better mechanism for feedback and/or suggested corrections This would be a great addition to the site...I'm sure people would love to give feedback. I think the only way to give feedback is to take a survey (or tell you guys directly!), right?
* I'd prefer if you could read more Q&As on one page, and/or would prefer to not have to click each question to read the full answer (way too slow) Great suggestion!
* In general the site is too slow
* I wish the Q&As were posted based on the most recent RESPONSE date, not the most recent QUESTION date/time. As is, if you answer a slightly old question from the queue, it gets buried and read by relatively few people. Well, that explains something I've been wondering about!
* I don't think the "top-five" questions are very helpful

I totally agree with the above.

- How could the current panelists improve things?
* They are all practically perfect in every way!

- What other videos might you be interested to see?
* Unfortunately my pin trading video seems to have gone missing. I hope to re-do it later this month at WDW
* I did create a video about Magical Express, but in several parts my hand wasn't steady enough, so they couldn't use it. Not sure if I'll have a chance to re-do it. This is a HARD topic to do in 1-2 minutes!
* I plan to also do one on Hidden Mickeys later this month as well
* Two others that I did that might be posted in the near future: How to make/collect pressed pennies? and How to select a guidebook / how do guidebooks differ?

- What topics aren't discussed enough? Too much?
* Releatively few questions about how to plan a day in each park. Ride order, etc.


- What other features would be helpful?
* A central place to find out about refurbs, and WDW news announcements

A section for Moms to blog their thoughts or trip reports? What worked/what didn't, etc. Not large blogs...quick hitting - maybe 3-5 paragraphs at most - just to get a point across.


Also, for those thinking about applying for the 2009 panel...

- What is your motivation?
* My motivation was to share information that I thought would help others, have more direct involvement with Disney, and to be involved in a brand-new web site

In addition to what's already been posted to motivation on this thread (which I totally agree with), my additional motivation is to sort of "get back" at all the people who don't get us Disney...well...geeks! I get teased so often about living Disney - being a Disney planner, encylopedia, etc. - I'd just like to have the last laugh if you know what I mean!

- What do you hope to get out of the experience?
* Meet lots of great people (check!)
* Learn a little more about web sites and marketing (check!)
* Get some experience with media [mags, web, podcasts] (check!)
* More trips to WDW with the family (not yet, but looking forward to the EE 5K, and our post-Thanksgiving vacation!!!)

The above is all bonus...but what I hope to get most out of the experience is meeting new Disney Moms/Dads who share my deep passion for Disney. It would be a special honor to serve with some of the Moms on this very thread. How cool would that be? I know, I'm dreaming...but that's allowed!

 

[PartyOf5]

Any photos to share of your trip??

-Bret

Unfortunately, we had some camera issues. With the wind from Fay, we think sand somehow got in our cameras when we were taking pics at the beach. I took a ton of pics, but not all of them were recorded on the SD card. My son also took pics, but he said all his came out blurry and he was getting a lot of grinding noise, etc.. We did end up buying a couple disposable cameras, but we haven't developed them yet. Hopefully we can dig some up that are 1/2 way decent!

Our cameras are in need of upgrade anyway....this is the perfect excuse to get new ones! Maybe Santa ....

 

[PartyOf5]

Hey Moms...did you see the latest contest in the Disney Insider?

The Mom, What Were You Thinking? contest! (Bret, I'm sure you can enter also!)

http://family.go.com/mom-what-were-you-thinking-contest/?CMP=NLC-NN1413021771

 

[WishesQueen]

OK!! I am starting to get a little nervous!!! Its the 3rd of September and I haven't even thought what I going to write in my application this year. What I wrote last year obviously was no good.

I keep telling myself not to even apply, but it was so much fun!

 

[zulaya]

WishesQueen - I know how you feel. You think you did a great job the first time only to not have made it.

I don't know that thinking about it now will be helpful. They may ask the same questions; they may ask for something different. You may prepare something and completely have to redo it.

Keep your chin up. Once you see what you have to write, it will come. I know it's easier to say than to do ~ believe me!

Thankfully, I have a lot of work this week to keep my mind from wandering too much.

 

[RatBoy]

Hmmm, maybe someone from Disney IS reading this thread?! The Top 5 questions just got updated on the MP site.

Also, the Jedi Training video is up again. It's worth a look. (OK, maybe 3D glasses aren't needed , but it is a cool video!)

-Bret

 

[5/4Disney]

Sorry I haven't been on either. This school thing has me "running"!!! No really, I drop off the girls and DS and I head out for our 5k run.
We lucked out this time Gustav did not head toward Houston. I just hope we can be this lucky again, DH and I are taking a mommy & daddy trip to Miami/South Beach this weekend. I'm praying Hanna stays away.
I just realized all of you are sooo excited about the new panel, but we didn't do WDW last year, we went to DL twice instead. We will be there at the end of this month for the challenge, but contest might be full by then. Anyway, I'll just have to wait and see. Right now my plate is so full I don't know how I'd add one more thing. With one daughter in 4th and the other in 2nd our homework load has really increased. Not to mention those catholic school teachers love to motivate with fear!!! Take care and I'll see some of you at the race.
Julie

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hmmm, maybe someone from Disney IS reading this thread?! The Top 5 questions just got updated on the MP site.

Also, the Jedi Training video is up again. It's worth a look. (OK, maybe 3D glasses aren't needed , but it is a cool video!)

-Bret

Fun! Thanks for the heads-up, Bret. (And great job, Kara and Samuel! )

I'm 'sorta messing with the chronology of your questions , but – since we’re on the subject of Moms Panel videos -- I thought I’d take a stab at answering your inquiry about them:

- What other videos might you be interested to see?

I love Kristen’s suggestion to include a video detailing Disney’s Magical Express service (It’s a bummer Disney couldn’t use your footage, Bret… )

I thought I read somewhere that one of the Panelists created a video explaining Disney’s PhotoPass service. If not, I think it would be a worthwhile topic that could cover:
-Where to find PhotoPass photographers in the Parks.
-How to save money by pre-purchasing your PhotoCD.
-How to review and edit photos.
-A reminder to take a photo of the ID on your PhotoPass card – in case you misplace it.

Likewise, I’m sure that “newbies” would appreciate a segment about dining reservations:
-What’s an ADR? (Advance Dining Reservation)
-How far in advance does Disney accept dinner reservations?
-How do you contact Disney to make dining reservations?
-What are some of the most popular venues, which book fastest? Etc.

Since many of the “Moms” plan to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP), it might be fun to create a segment highlighting some of Disney’s hard-ticketed special events.
-Hard-ticketed events require a separate ticket for Park entry.
-Revelers will receive wristbands upon entry in the Park; meanwhile, regular Park-goers must vacate the premises before the party starts.
-Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP), Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) and Mickey’s Pirate and Princess Party (P&PP) feature special, event-specific parades and fireworks displays.
-The Parties also offer unique photo ops, such as pictures with your favorite characters in seasonal garb, Princesses with their Princes, etc.
-(This is a start anyway… )

Finally, I suspect that the average vacationer isn’t even aware that Disney’s Wide World of Sports hosts a number of races as part of Disney's Endurance Series. The upcoming Expedition Everest Challenge might provide the perfect opportunity to gather some pre or post-race footage and create a segment on the subject.

Anyway, for what it’s worth…

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Sorry I haven't been on either. This school thing has me "running"!!! No really, I drop off the girls and DS and I head out for our 5k run.
We lucked out this time Gustav did not head toward Houston. I just hope we can be this lucky again, DH and I are taking a mommy & daddy trip to Miami/South Beach this weekend. I'm praying Hanna stays away.
I just realized all of you are sooo excited about the new panel, but we didn't do WDW last year, we went to DL twice instead. We will be there at the end of this month for the challenge, but contest might be full by then. Anyway, I'll just have to wait and see. Right now my plate is so full I don't know how I'd add one more thing. With one daughter in 4th and the other in 2nd our homework load has really increased. Not to mention those catholic school teachers love to motivate with fear!!! Take care and I'll see some of you at the race.
Julie

If you think you're even the slightest bit interested in serving on the Moms Panel, I'd apply anyway and try to work mention of your upcoming trip (for the Expedition Everest Challenge) into one of your answers. (I know! I know! Really easy to do within a 100-words-or-less limit! ) I definitely wouldn't wait until after the race to apply, because -- if the contest is at all like last year's -- it will reach capacity at break-neck speed.

'Just my ten-cents. (I hope you don't mind that I gave it... )

Crazy how the start of the school year makes life so hectic again! I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since that's also the time when activities that were on hiatus for the summer kick off again!

'Sending a little extra pixie dust your way...

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

DISGeeks, your children are ADORABLE. It looks like your daughter found herself some nice friendly Disney kids to hang out with! She is a smart girl!

My oldest starts school on Wednesday and my youngest starts Kindergarten on Friday. I am trying to keep the summer fun happening while still getting them ready for back-to-school mode. I must confess that the back to school preparation isn't going quite as well as the beach part.

Thanks, Kristen!

So, how was your oldest DD's first day of school?

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hey Scoopy - your children are beautiful! And what a great idea for breakfast! I do feel for your youngest...I can remember when my big brother headed off to kindergarten and left me behind - I could not understand why I couldn't go...and I had 3 little brothers with me at home!

Due to school construction, we don't start school until Tuesday. It was so nice having the extra week off! I will have one graduating this year, another starting high school and my baby will be in her 2nd year of middle school...time sure flies!

Thanks, Diane! (And, welcome back! )

'Hope your kids' first day of school went smoothly yesterday -- although they're probably pros by now. High school graduation, huh? ... Kindergarten is an adjustment, but I suspect that emptying the nest will be even harder!

And, I love your story about "doctoring" the GPS directions to the Contemporary! Great way to create a "Magical Moment" for your DS!

Oh, and I have a Moms Panel tidbit to share...we were eating at a food court in MK, minding our own business. And you know how it is...you can hear many conversations but you don't zone in on them. Well, there was this one couple with two small children and they were debating on what to do next. I didn't hear the entire conversation but the mom mentioned that "Erin, said we should definitely do this." Not sure what "this" was but didn't think anything more of it. The conversation continued and I then heard "but Erin said maybe this would be a good idea." Again, still not paying too much attention. Then the dad finally asks her - "Hon, who is this Erin you keep talking about and should I know her?" She responded that Erin was from the Disney Moms Panel and I almost choked on my food with laughter! Thought you would all appreciate that one...especially Erin!

Now that's great! She's famous!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hey Moms...did you see the latest contest in the Disney Insider?

The Mom, What Were You Thinking? contest! (Bret, I'm sure you can enter also!)

http://family.go.com/mom-what-were-you-thinking-contest/?CMP=NLC-NN1413021771

Oh! Now, that's rich! (I've only looked at a few, but some of those photos are pretty funny! )

And, I'm sure that -- if we're really honest with ourselves -- all of us probably qualify for a few fashion "faux pas" photos, especially if we dig out our pictures from the 70s and 80s!!

OP corduroy short shorts (with knee socks), anyone?!? Jelly shoes?!? Shoulder pads?!?

'Nuff said!