Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[5/4Disney]

First things first!!
Nice to finally meet you Kim I feel as if we've already met

I agree with you Heather, if we would not have entered this contest or cared enough about the results then we would all not be here today. I will say I was bummed about not making it to round 3, but checking on ya'll each day made my disappointment fade and my excitement for ya'll grow!! Don't get me wrong I needed a excuse to go shopping for new outfits and this would have been a great one, but I guess I'll just have to wait for another. My time will come.
Julie

 

[2goofykids]

My 4 year old started squealing when the phone call came. She heard my reaction and knew, and she started jumping and screaming we won a trip to Disney World! Then the 2 year old joined in, and I had to go upstairs because I couldn't hear the CMs anymore! LOL Thankfully they were very nice about it and laughed along with us. I was half crying. I hope they thought that was cute and not insane.

Insane, nah, just that your whole family loves disney as much as you do. My kids would have been the same way.

Maybe you guys will get an official Mom's Panel tshirt? You know with the picture of the mom with mickey ears on at the computer that they used in our emails. Only thing is that might be a little girly for Bret.

I hope they don't make you guys stop posting info here cuz I am enjoying hearing about all this so much.

 

[usewickhouse]

Congrats to all our DIS winners!! How AWESOME is it that of 12 people selected 6 of them are from the DIS. I would like to think of the DIS as my higher education/college in all things Disney. WAY TO GO! Make us ALL proud and ENJOY this once in a lifetime experience. Becky aka...future WDW Mom's panel reader!

 

[KimAshton]

Disers rock!!

Congrats!!

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

Hi everybody!
Congratulations again to all our Moms Panel winners! Please keep us as informed as Disney allows you to about the process! We'll be your fan club!

For all those who made it to round 3 but were not selected to be on the panel, I truly admire your grace as you heartfully congratulate those who did make it to the actual panel. Surely you must be disappointed but you have been enthusiastic and supportive of the winners, and this speaks volumes about your character, and about the atmosphere of the DIS in general. I've seen message boards and forums get catty when far less was at stake than the opportunity to officially represent Disney. I hope Disney comes up with something else and you all are the first ones called, closely followed by the ones like me who made it to round 2!

 

[EEFOSTER]

Wow I feel honored that you decided to use my title for this thread.

So where are all our winners? Anyone want to share with us, that's if you are allowed, what you know, how you feel, how your family feels...?

I'm so excited for you all I can't wait to hear all about it, even the little details, like what are you gonna wear if your gonna be on camera?

Sorry sorry.

I spent so much of the last week in thinking about the contest that I managed to avoid about eight loads of laundry, the grocery shopping, picking up DDs new retainer from the orthdontist, etc. Had to play catch-up with my life today.

So ... what happened here:

It's funny ... when I told most of my friends and DH about it they were happy, but a little nonplussed. Most just said something to the effect of, "Well, duh." They knew that the Panel is really the perfect thing for me. What my friends don't know ... and I didn't realize before reading these boards, is that it is the perfect thing for so many many people. I got to know some of the other contestants chatting a bit and they were all such solid people. Warm, fun, and WDW EXPERTS. It's been a real honor getting to know them. And I feel lucky indeed to have been selected.

I'm starting to get to know a few of the Panelists (hi H, etc.). They're great!

In learning about their backgrounds a bit, I think maybe that in the end at least some of the WDW decision-making process had to do with demographics. We are amazingly evenly distributed geographically. We have diverse economic backgrounds. An array of ages and numbers of kids, etc. The Panel should have a really good cross-section of experiences to draw from.

My kids were very excited. Our (I'm saying "our" because I assume we all got the same thing, but I don't know this at all) first "reward" for being selected was an email with a personalized voice greeting from Minnie Mouse welcoming us to the panel. Gotta say that the DDs thought that this was pretty darn cool. DD8 drew me a big picture of Cindy's Castle with us together holding hands under the archway and a banner above reading "Disney Mom!" Brought me to tears.

Don't know what I'm going to wear. Need to find some time to try on everything I own, throw it all out, and have a panic attack or three. I think I too will just bring waaay too much stuff and decide when I get there.

There was no communication from WDW today. I'm guessing we'll get a big packet of legal forms in the mail tomorrow.

That's all for now. Will check in more as I get more info.

Erin

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

Sorry sorry.

I spent so much of the last week in thinking about the contest that I managed to avoid about eight loads of laundry, the grocery shopping, picking up DDs new retainer from the orthdontist, etc. Had to play catch-up with my life today.

So ... what happened here:

It's funny ... when I told most of my friends and DH about it they were happy, but a little nonplussed. Most just said something to the effect of, "Well, duh." They knew that the Panel is really the perfect thing for me. What my friends don't know ... and I didn't realize before reading these boards, is that it is the perfect thing for so many many people. I got to know some of the other contestants chatting a bit and they were all such solid people. Warm, fun, and WDW EXPERTS. It's been a real honor getting to know them. And I feel lucky indeed to have been selected.

I'm starting to get to know a few of the Panelists (hi H, etc.). They're great!

In learning about their backgrounds a bit, I think maybe that in the end at least some of the WDW decision-making process had to do with demographics. We are amazingly evenly distributed geographically. We have diverse economic backgrounds. An array of ages and numbers of kids, etc. The Panel should have a really good cross-section of experiences to draw from.

My kids were very excited. Our (I'm saying "our" because I assume we all got the same thing, but I don't know this at all) first "reward" for being selected was an email with a personalized voice greeting from Minnie Mouse welcoming us to the panel. Gotta say that the DDs thought that this was pretty darn cool. DD8 drew me a big picture of Cindy's Castle with us together holding hands under the archway and a banner above reading "Disney Mom!" Brought me to tears.

Don't know what I'm going to wear. Need to find some time to try on everything I own, throw it all out, and have a panic attack or three. I think I too will just bring waaay too much stuff and decide when I get there.

There was no communication from WDW today. I'm guessing we'll get a big packet of legal forms in the mail tomorrow.

That's all for now. Will check in more as I get more info.

Erin

Erin,the picture your DD drew sounds adorable, definitely something you will keep forever I'm sure! The Minnie Mouse greeting sounds like a lot of fun!

I agree, I think Disney was definitely trying to have a diverse cross-section of people on the panel, so that just about anyone who writes in will identify with someone on it. I don't know how accurate this is, but I suspect one of the reasons I made it to round 2 was because I have a special needs child, and I wrote about how Disney has such a positive effect on him. I'm quite sure I'm not the only parent of a special needs child who applied, but I would think that might have been one of the things they were looking for, so I wonder if any of the panelists have a special needs child, because I would think that would be a valuable asset to the panel, much like someone with a large family, or someone who frequently travels with grandparents, or a single parent, etc, because these visitors often have unique needs when they travel and would welcome advice from people who have been there/done that in their particular situation.

Thanks Erin, for sharing your experiences so far, we look forward to hearing even more!

 

[celerystalker]

I'm so excited for you all! It's like when the diser one the trip for the year of a million dreams!!!!

I can't wait to hear about all your adventures!

 

[PartyOf5]

I would like to say that I had the opportunity to get to know some of the other finalists through here and through emails, and they are some really great people. Some of them may be on the panel in the future, or they may be here and sharing their wit and wisdom, but wherever they are they will be bringing a lot of good info and great personality to the table. I am honored to have gone through this process with such a nice group of people. I suppose technically this was a competition, but I think we had a spirit of camaraderie that was very special, and without a hint of one-upmanship. So thank you to all of you who made this experience that much sweeter, because it was shared with friends.

Hi H1 - we feel the same way about you guys...I know you'll do us proud! It was an amazing week hanging out together with the "DIS dozen" sharing our hundreds of emails! Hopefully the panel will be such a success they'll need to call in the reserves...we're all ready to back you guys up should the call come! Keep sharkbait in line!!!

Good times!!! Enjoy!

Diane

 

[DISshopkeeper]

Sorry sorry.

I spent so much of the last week in thinking about the contest that I managed to avoid about eight loads of laundry, the grocery shopping, picking up DDs new retainer from the orthdontist, etc. Had to play catch-up with my life today.

So ... what happened here:

It's funny ... when I told most of my friends and DH about it they were happy, but a little nonplussed. Most just said something to the effect of, "Well, duh." They knew that the Panel is really the perfect thing for me. What my friends don't know ... and I didn't realize before reading these boards, is that it is the perfect thing for so many many people. I got to know some of the other contestants chatting a bit and they were all such solid people. Warm, fun, and WDW EXPERTS. It's been a real honor getting to know them. And I feel lucky indeed to have been selected.

I'm starting to get to know a few of the Panelists (hi H, etc.). They're great!

In learning about their backgrounds a bit, I think maybe that in the end at least some of the WDW decision-making process had to do with demographics. We are amazingly evenly distributed geographically. We have diverse economic backgrounds. An array of ages and numbers of kids, etc. The Panel should have a really good cross-section of experiences to draw from.

My kids were very excited. Our (I'm saying "our" because I assume we all got the same thing, but I don't know this at all) first "reward" for being selected was an email with a personalized voice greeting from Minnie Mouse welcoming us to the panel. Gotta say that the DDs thought that this was pretty darn cool. DD8 drew me a big picture of Cindy's Castle with us together holding hands under the archway and a banner above reading "Disney Mom!" Brought me to tears.

Don't know what I'm going to wear. Need to find some time to try on everything I own, throw it all out, and have a panic attack or three. I think I too will just bring waaay too much stuff and decide when I get there.

There was no communication from WDW today. I'm guessing we'll get a big packet of legal forms in the mail tomorrow.

That's all for now. Will check in more as I get more info.

Erin

Yes, yes, DETAILS! Thank you and I hope you all keep them coming!!

 

[pl'smama]

Just have a question for everyone. There is mention of the panel having a good mix of people, covering many areas. That is just great and so very appropriate for Disney. I am curious if any of the winners or even those who almost made it, are from anywhere outside of the United States? I am not sure if the contest was even open outside of North America. If not, then any Canadians on the board or close to it?

Congrats to everyone!!

Suz

 

[Merryweather2]

Just have a question for everyone. There is mention of the panel having a good mix of people, covering many areas. That is just great and so very appropriate for Disney. I am curious if any of the winners or even those who almost made it, are from anywhere outside of the United States? I am not sure if the contest was even open outside of North America. If not, then any Canadians on the board or close to it?

Congrats to everyone!!

Suz

I'm a fellow Ontarian and made it to the semi-finals. I've also been curious if any of the panel members reside outside of the USA.

Thanks to all for the updates!

 

[my3boys]

How wonderful is everyone with their congratulations and kind thoughts. Disney truly brings out the best in everyone.

As for me, I'm a middle school librarian from Omaha, NE, with 3 sons and a husband who is also a teacher. I've been in the dazed mode all day and can't stop smiling; it is truly surreal.

A great moment for me was actually telling my parents. My dad had to print out the letter so he could show it off to all his morning coffee buddies. I just thought it would be so fun to listen in to all those retired old men talking about WDW - they are really like a group of clucking hens when they all get together.

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

How wonderful is everyone with their congratulations and kind thoughts. Disney truly brings out the best in everyone.

As for me, I'm a middle school librarian from Omaha, NE, with 3 sons and a husband who is also a teacher. I've been in the dazed mode all day and can't stop smiling; it is truly surreal.

A great moment for me was actually telling my parents. My dad had to print out the letter so he could show it off to all his morning coffee buddies. I just thought it would be so fun to listen in to all those retired old men talking about WDW - they are really like a group of clucking hens when they all get together.

Awww..that's sweet how proud your dad is!

 

[RatBoy]

RatBoy / aka "sharkbait" checking in as well.

Sorry to have slowed down in the posts, but I have been traveling more than the usual this week (local trips, plus Atlanta and Salt Lake City), and running on only a few hours of sleep (partly due to travel, partly due to excitement).

Thanks Twende for creating this thread. Excellent idea.

I am a Partner in a mid-sized sales and marketing consulting firm. My wife is from Lima, Peru, and we have three kids (DD7, DS6, DD3). I spend much more time over on the tourguidemike forums (they have been such great supporters through this contest ) than here on DIS. Mostly because that is where I started to really learn the details of how to plan WDW trips. What else do you want to know?

Some of you may know by now that I am the only guy on the panel

My guess would be that this means that there were 1,000 or fewer males that applied - so that the process is fair and the Panel represents the approx. distribution of people who applied. Just a guess [don't spread this around as a "fact" ], but it would seem to make sense. I thought for sure they would have to accept at least 2 guys, because one would be so awkward. So, here I am "awkward guy." Fortunately, I could care less about that, and am very excited for this opportunity.

Of course I enjoyed meeting everyone "virtually" in this process, but I especially enjoyed meeting some of the other guys who were in the running. Josh and "DizneyDave" were the ones I saw the most on these threads. They seem to be quality folk, and I hope they can join the panel in the near future. I sure wish they could have made it this time!

As most of us reading this, I'm very curious to see how this all plays out, and what the initial (and likely evolving) process/product will be. It certainly is an interesting journey so far!

-Bret

 

[BellaBuggy]

So Bret, you don't want to dish with us about what you're wearing?

 

[BellaBuggy]

Oh on the Minni audio...my girls were also thrilled. Annie shouted, "Mom! Minnie Mouse knows your name!!!" She was very impressed.

Does anyone knw if there is a way to record that audio to my hard drive or to a CD? I'd like to keep it forever.

 

[poohmomof5]

Oh on the Minni audio...my girls were also thrilled. Annie shouted, "Mom! Minnie Mouse knows your name!!!" She was very impressed.

Does anyone knw if there is a way to record that audio to my hard drive or to a CD? I'd like to keep it forever.

How exciting! I bet you guys are just thrilled beyond reason!

Have a wonderful time and make sure to enjoy the journey!!!!!!!

 

[pl'smama]

Thanks Merryweather2 for the info. Great to know that a fellow Ontarian was so close!!

I just love the bit from BellaBuggy's DD about Minnie knowing her name! THat brought a laugh and lump to my throat. Kids are so the best!!

What a great thread. Have a super day everyone!

Suz

 

[EEFOSTER]

I agree, I think Disney was definitely trying to have a diverse cross-section of people on the panel, so that just about anyone who writes in will identify with someone on it. I don't know how accurate this is, but I suspect one of the reasons I made it to round 2 was because I have a special needs child, and I wrote about how Disney has such a positive effect on him. I'm quite sure I'm not the only parent of a special needs child who applied, but I would think that might have been one of the things they were looking for, so I wonder if any of the panelists have a special needs child, because I would think that would be a valuable asset to the panel, much like someone with a large family, or someone who frequently travels with grandparents, or a single parent, etc, because these visitors often have unique needs when they travel and would welcome advice from people who have been there/done that in their particular situation.

Thanks Erin, for sharing your experiences so far, we look forward to hearing even more!

I do know that there is at least one parent of a special needs child. There is at least one mom of five kids and one with one child. I've travelled to WDW in many different configurations over the years (completely solo, alone with DH, with a sitter in tow, with another family, with my parents, etc.), so I have that to draw from.

My parents are pretty into it too. My dad keeps sending me these emails about the "Mommy Club." He said he keeps picturing me on the Mickey Mouse Club show he watched when he was a kid. Dad actually asked me if all the Panelists were from the US. I don't know. Maybe there's a token Canadian, like there's a token Dad .

E