Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[WishesQueen]

OK!! I've been lurking!!! Its just so interesting to hear about the process the winners are going through.

I can't wait to see the panel in January!!

Congratulations to ALL!!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

poly pixie - as long as they can handle the first few Harry Potter's, then they can handle this!
the scariest part involves Maleficent (my favorite villain!)
It's very similar to Harry Potter in that it's designed for kids, but it's so well written and interesting that adults like it too.

they keep saying they're going to make a sequel soon, but I'm not sure when it's coming out.

My partner and I had a lot of fun this trip pointing things out to each other from the book - like "There's the teepee from that one part, remember!?!?!"

My kids LOVE Harry Potter! I looked this up on Amazon and I can't wait to get it! You and your partner must have had a blast with this! It adds a whole new element to the trip~I can't wait to experience this with my own family!

 

[Twende]

Hello all,

I just received a PM from someone here and was informed that her understanding was all phone interview rounders who were not seated on the panel are considered alternates, not just four people.

With this in mind I removed the alternate list that I had posted.

If anyone knows any differently please post what you were told.

Thanks and so sorry if I stepped on any toes! That was never my intension!

 

[Caldercup]

How do I make the most out of MVMCP with two small children, who will not be able to stay to watch the second parade? That is the advice I get most- skip the first parade and watch the second. But my kids would not be happy/awake to watch the second parade.

Well, I'm not a panelist, but I've done the MVMCP (4x) and the MNSSHP and can give you some advice.

First off, if you can't stay for the whole event, then don't look at the party as a way to "see" the Magic Kingdom. Instead, see it as a means of taking in the party events themselves. (In other words, don't try to make this your one time to do all the rides and attractions - you should go to enjoy the party.) Plan to see the shows, do the special character meets, stake out a good spot for the parade, etc. (I personally like to be just over the bridge from the Hub into Liberty Square.) If your kids handle fireworks well, try to stay for the special party ones -- they are worth the price of admission all by themselves IMHO!

Also, know that your party ticket will let you into the park starting at 4PM. Plan to take a break midday or skip touring that day altogether, saving your energy for the party. Alot of people set up dining reservations around 5:10-6:00 or so. Personally, I tend to eat a big lunch on party day and then graze around the party, taking special care to get lots of yummy cookies and hot chocolate.

Oh, and whatever you do, don't try to "eat" the snow that falls down on Main Street USA. Ick! (Beautiful, but ICK!)

Have a terrific time!
Eileen

 

[PartyOf5]

Oh, and whatever you do, don't try to "eat" the snow that falls down on Main Street USA. Ick! (Beautiful, but ICK!)

Boy, did I learn this the hard way...it's so tempting, walking down Mainstreet with the magical snow....double ICK!

 

[Caldercup]

I shared this over on PassPorter earlier, but thought you folks might get a kick out of it:

****

The combo of Disney knowledge and eavesdropping... ...can make you look like a dork sometimes!

I know 'cause I just went "over the edge" this morning.

I was at Kinkos shipping off a package to my DH (who's in Orlando for a convention and had the audacity not to invite me ). I was absorbed in carefully filling out the shipping label with all the specifics for the convention center, when my ears pricked up at the word "Disney."

See, the guy behind the counter was chatting with his co-worker:

"Yeah, and I don't even have the money to pay her back right now. I mean... exactly how MUCH is a one-day ticket to Disney anyway?"

Without thinking, without stopping my writing, without looking up, I just blurted out... "$75.62, tax included."

Conversation stopped. I looked up and all three Kinko's employees were staring at me with mingled looks of astonishment, horror and pity.

I just paid and left, knowing full well that they all burst into mocking laughter when the door closed behind me.

I'm SUCH a dork sometimes!
Eileen

 

[5/4Disney]

Hey guys, have you missed me?????

Guess what I've been doing all day? Holding newborn babies. Three of my friends have had babies since Sunday. One each day, can you believe that?Sunday-girl Grace, Monday-girl Miriam Today-girl Addison. Someone remind me I already have three and unless I really want to increase the price of a Disney trip I better slow down!!! Just kidding. I do love the smell and feel of a tiny baby.

Michelle- we've been trying to lure out the lurkers for sometime now, I guess you could say we're not the greatest at it. However; we did pull you out of hiding

Yum, you have got to have some of Disney's hot chocolate. I don't know what makes it so good(couldn't have anything to do with the location) but sometimes I crave it.

Kim- We don't think you were trying to hurt anyone's feelings, you were only posting what you've read. But thanks for clearing things up!

For those of you who have been dreaming, could you please dream about the TX lotto numbers for me. Or dream some of the fat off my butt, maybe you could picture me running a few miles. Hurry and do it before Thanksgiving Please!
Take care guys,
Julie

 

[celerystalker]

caldercup - they did not laugh! they stared at you in awe and wonder!!!!

what IS the snow made of?

I've never been to MVMCP, but I've been to MNSSHP three times - this last time with a 2 year old.
the fireworks are my FAVORITE! followed closely by the parade. I second what calder said -
don't do a park that day.
get there at 4ish and soak up the ambiance.
do the rides that are must do's for you.
catch the first parade and the fireworks and then head out before a meltdown.
Or, you can try our method -
we didn't even notice until it was too late!
This is around 11 pm - perfect example of what MNSSHP does to a two year old. I swear one minute she was asking for another piece of candy, the next she looked like this:

 

[5/4Disney]

I shared this over on PassPorter earlier, but thought you folks might get a kick out of it:

****

The combo of Disney knowledge and eavesdropping... ...can make you look like a dork sometimes!

I know 'cause I just went "over the edge" this morning.

I was at Kinkos shipping off a package to my DH (who's in Orlando for a convention and had the audacity not to invite me ). I was absorbed in carefully filling out the shipping label with all the specifics for the convention center, when my ears pricked up at the word "Disney."

See, the guy behind the counter was chatting with his co-worker:

"Yeah, and I don't even have the money to pay her back right now. I mean... exactly how MUCH is a one-day ticket to Disney anyway?"

Without thinking, without stopping my writing, without looking up, I just blurted out... "$75.62, tax included."

Conversation stopped. I looked up and all three Kinko's employees were staring at me with mingled looks of astonishment, horror and pity.

I just paid and left, knowing full well that they all burst into mocking laughter when the door closed behind me.

I'm SUCH a dork sometimes!
Eileen

Eileen

That's okay, you can hang with us dorks!!

So what was their facial expression when you said this? Or did they just look at you like you had something stuck between your teeth. Gotta love that feelin.
Julie

 

[Caldercup]

So what was their facial expression when you said this? Or did they just look at you like you had something stuck between your teeth.

I would say that it was pretty clear they thought I was a nutter.

They actually moved to the other side of the store to finish their conversation.... uninterrupted. (I tried not to notice that they also snuck worried looks at me as if they thought I might suddenly pull out a knife or start singing "it's a small world...." )

The best thing of all was that, just after I had paid and left, I got a call from the DH who balked at the extremely high price of the "first delivery" service and wanted me to go back in and reduce it to the "delivered by 10AM" service.

I opened the door to the Kinkos and the uproarious laughter that I heard at first stopped dead cold.

I have to admit to taking a small amount of delight in the fact that they seemed seriously worried that I was going to go postal on them all.

Gave me a good giggle for the rest of the day.
Eileen

PS - I know I'm not alone in this -- we ALL do it, don't we?!

 

[2goofykids]

I shared this over on PassPorter earlier, but thought you folks might get a kick out of it:

****

The combo of Disney knowledge and eavesdropping... ...can make you look like a dork sometimes!

I know 'cause I just went "over the edge" this morning.

I was at Kinkos shipping off a package to my DH (who's in Orlando for a convention and had the audacity not to invite me ). I was absorbed in carefully filling out the shipping label with all the specifics for the convention center, when my ears pricked up at the word "Disney."

See, the guy behind the counter was chatting with his co-worker:

"Yeah, and I don't even have the money to pay her back right now. I mean... exactly how MUCH is a one-day ticket to Disney anyway?"

Without thinking, without stopping my writing, without looking up, I just blurted out... "$75.62, tax included."

Conversation stopped. I looked up and all three Kinko's employees were staring at me with mingled looks of astonishment, horror and pity.

I just paid and left, knowing full well that they all burst into mocking laughter when the door closed behind me.

I'm SUCH a dork sometimes!
Eileen

That is just too funny. There have been times when I have heard strangers discussing disney and really want to jump in but don't for fear of looking like a crazy person.

Thanks for the MVMCP tips. We have been before when my ds was almost 3 so I have an idea of how everthing goes. We are definitely going for the Christmas shows & characters, any rides will be a bonus. Do you know how soon the frontierland area starts to get full for the first parade? I know if you want to sit on Main street and watch the parade you basically need to sit down when the party starts. I'm just wondering if it is the same back in frontierland?

 

[2goofykids]

celerystalker- What a picture! We could probably get away with that with my dd, who is also 2. DS on the other hand starts getting tummy aches when he gets too tired. I am trying to decide whether to take a chance at stay as late as possible, but I am afraid it my bite me in the butt later on our trip.

 

[dollhouse]

Okay, this is funny!

You are so not alone! I hear Disney and it is like my ears suddenly turn into a dog's ears.

Remember, I am the one that has dreams about Regis & Kelly! Oh, it looks like the taping of the parade is on Nov. 30th or Dec. 1. I just got my All Ears Newsletter..so Ratboy won't be there! Too bad, that would have been great!

We got our Magic Kingdom for Kids Guide Book today. At first, I was like, oh no,this is too big to carry around (2 children), but after looking through it, it is so awesome! My oldest said this was the coolest book she ever saw! It is going to be fun to do this with the girls!

Hey, BBB just opened in Cinderella's castle....I am sure you knew but just reminding you. We are having breakfast there one morning so I am taking the girls prior to the breakfast. I am saving it for Christmas morning, I printed something out on the computer then they can read it. I thought it would be a great present from Mommy and Daddy!

Take care!
Leslie

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hi, everyone!

It looks like DISboards lurkers and Moms Panel applicants are still stepping forward, so I thought this might be a good time to introduce myself. (I’m both, btw.)

I’ve frequented the DIS for a long time. I discovered the forums while planning my DD’s first trip to Disney World. She was 18 months old at the time. She just celebrated her fifth birthday last month, and she now has a two-year-old brother. (Wow! Time really flies!)

Anyway, shortly after my family returned from our Disney vacation, I received an e-mail congratulating me for progressing to the second phase of the Moms Panel. (I was so excited, I about had a heart attack…) Sadly, I never made it past round two. It was fun while it lasted, though, and the excitement definitely made the transition from Disney World back to the daily grind a bit more bearable.

Congratulations to all of the panelists! I look forward to visiting the Moms Panel site when it debuts. Meanwhile, keep those details coming. I’ve really enjoyed following this thread (and the one that preceded it). (Thanks, Kim, for starting it!)

 

[PartyOf5]

Hi, everyone!

It looks like DISboards lurkers and Moms Panel applicants are still stepping forward, so I thought this might be a good time to introduce myself. (I’m both, btw.)

 

[PartyOf5]

You guys are always good for a laugh!!! The Kinko's story is too much!

 

[2goofykids]

Hey, BBB just opened in Cinderella's castle....I am sure you knew but just reminding you. We are having breakfast there one morning so I am taking the girls prior to the breakfast. I am saving it for Christmas morning, I printed something out on the computer then they can read it. I thought it would be a great present from Mommy and Daddy!

Take care!
Leslie

That sounds like so much fun! I wish dd could do BBB, but she is only 2. We are having breakfast at the castle though and I can't wait!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

poly pixie - as long as they can handle the first few Harry Potter's, then they can handle this!
the scariest part involves Maleficent (my favorite villain!)
It's very similar to Harry Potter in that it's designed for kids, but it's so well written and interesting that adults like it too.

they keep saying they're going to make a sequel soon, but I'm not sure when it's coming out.

My partner and I had a lot of fun this trip pointing things out to each other from the book - like "There's the teepee from that one part, remember!?!?!"

I got the book! I'm trying to decide if we should start reading now, or wait for the long car trip. The trip is a surprise, and I don't want to tip them off too early!

I shared this over on PassPorter earlier, but thought you folks might get a kick out of it:

****

The combo of Disney knowledge and eavesdropping... ...can make you look like a dork sometimes!

I know 'cause I just went "over the edge" this morning.

I was at Kinkos shipping off a package to my DH (who's in Orlando for a convention and had the audacity not to invite me ). I was absorbed in carefully filling out the shipping label with all the specifics for the convention center, when my ears pricked up at the word "Disney."

See, the guy behind the counter was chatting with his co-worker:

"Yeah, and I don't even have the money to pay her back right now. I mean... exactly how MUCH is a one-day ticket to Disney anyway?"

Without thinking, without stopping my writing, without looking up, I just blurted out... "$75.62, tax included."

Conversation stopped. I looked up and all three Kinko's employees were staring at me with mingled looks of astonishment, horror and pity.

I just paid and left, knowing full well that they all burst into mocking laughter when the door closed behind me.

I'm SUCH a dork sometimes!
Eileen

I look like a Disney dork on a regular basis. You're in good company here!

~Ami

 

[magic2go]

Sorry for the delay... finally checking in...

I am a native New-Englander who moved to South Carolina last year to get out of that snowy, freezing weather! And I mean freezing - when returning to Vermont from our last Feb trip to WDW - there was a 100 degree temperature difference ! 78 in Orlando when we left, and -22 when we got home!!!!! AHHH! We were Mickey-popsicles!!!

Our family of 4 includes a daughter, 10 and son, 7... and lots of extended family who love Disney as well. We've been many times with grandparents and friends...we've lost count...

As our consolation prize for not making the final cut, we'll be squeezing in a quick trip in Dec to surprise the kids... We haven't told them yet, and my son is still "saving up his pennies for the trip mom didn't win" (his words, but with a smile)

I still keep checking my email for a note saying Disney really must have me... but... no luck yet Hopefully some day soon!

Anyways, I'll end this long post now.. with saying, I'm glad I found you all! Its made the disappointment just a bit more bearable

-- Kathie

 

[magic2go]

Oh, and I forgot to mention (showing my age again I guess!) - that I had thought that all the folks interviewed, but who didn't make it, were alternates...The woman who called me did mention alternates when we talked, but I wasn't on the ball enough to ask any details...

Googling around turned up this post in another forum, which made me think there may be a bit more to it...

excerpt from a post on another board:
"From what I was told, there are 4 alternates that can be called at anytime should things change. They were totally overwhelmed with the interest for this that other things are already in the works. I believe that as the 6 month mark nears, there will be another selection process of which was not described to me.

Since I was selected as a "runner up", I was asked not to post until this morning so that they would have time to contact everyone. The person I talked to told me that she was assigned to call the alternates so, she didn't have the hard job of telling people that they didn't make it. "


I hope its ok to post that here, I'm not sure of the rules of cross-posting things....