Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[dollhouse]

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....

Thanks for the update and welcome! I am glad you are here! Sorry about not making it through the final cut. I know it must be difficult. Maybe in another 6 months, we may have another chance! Glad to hear Feb was 78 degrees. This is when we are heading to WDW! It should be nice. We are staying put in PA, can't move to the South just yet! I would prefer a nicer climate! We are in the saving pennies mode too! Hope to hear more from you! Take care!
You are not alone in your age comments!

Leslie
2nd round semi finalist

 

[5/4Disney]

Becareful what you wish for guys. We would love a bit of fall down here. Today in Clear Lake (just south of Houston), it is 86, yes ladies, I said 86. I would like to put the shorts up sometime, plus I'm still having to pay for pedicures since I'm still wearing flip flops EVERYDAY! I'm hoping that we get to wear pants in DL in a few weeks.
Guess what DH springs on me today. At the end of our DL trip, he will not be flying home with us. Instead he will be flying to Boston for work. GREAT, a plane trip with three kids, after a week in DL, and at 8pm all by myself. LOVELY His comment was, do you think you can handle it? My response was, do I have a choice? Maybe something really cool will happen while we are there and I won't care Let's just hope my two youngest sleep the entire way and that we don't sit by any of those people who dislike children Oh Well, the price we pay to spend a week in DL. You guys will have to let me know how your kids like the book. I really think our oldest DD 9 would like it.
Julie

 

[Oncemorewithfeeling]

Congrats on making it onto the panel -- sounds like it will be lots of fun.

One qustion -- what book is that "Magic Kingdom for kids Guidebook"? Is it the Birnbaum for kids or something different? I love books about Disney.

 

[dollhouse]

Congrats on making it onto the panel -- sounds like it will be lots of fun.

One qustion -- what book is that "Magic Kingdom for kids Guidebook"? Is it the Birnbaum for kids or something different? I love books about Disney.

The book is "Guide to the Magic for Kids". You can find it on www.guidetothemagic.com. It is not official Disney.It is a bigger book and thick but I think we will manage with it. We always do the autograph books and try to journal (especially for my oldest, to keep her writing and reading), but this is all in one. Trying something different. Check it out online. I love the Birnbaums book. I just got the 2008. I used one many years ago for our first trip with kids. It was a great resource for planning & was a great tool for our first trip with children. My oldest loves the new guide book. She wanted to take it to school today, but I said no way! We have 90 days to go for our trip. I hope it manages to stay in one piece ( and dry)! She had it with her in the bathroom getting ready this morning. It has a really cool section on Epcot which I am so excited about!

Take care everyone!
Leslie

 

[SharonLowe]

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?

We were there this year the first night. It was definitely very crowded for those wanting to watch the parade. Main Street was full in minutes and Frontierland wasn't far behind. We did rides during the first parade and had them mostly to ourselves - In Pirates, we were the only ones in our boat and the boat behind us was empty .

We did the second parade and Main Street filled up right after the fireworks ended. By the time the parade reached it, it was after 11 pm. I wish we had just parked for the first parade and fireworks and then done the rides. I know some recommend waiting for the 2nd parade stating that it will be less crowded. I didn't find that to be the case and I think we would have spent less time waiting and had more time for rides as soon as the fireworks were over.

 

[RatBoy]

A few quick notes, in no particular order...

1) Should have mentioned this earlier, but thanks Twende for using "moms" in quotes for the thread name Makes me feel so welcome.
2) I think I've seen 9 of the 12 panelists listed across any of the forums where I've seen the moms panel mentioned (PassPorter, Intercot, DIS, TGM, etc.). So there are 3 people out there that either a) do not frequent any of the main boards, or b) really want to make this a surprise in December. [ppsst - come on out and join us!! ]
3) I think all the panelists received info on travel today. Seems like most will fly to WDW on 12/8, and depart 12/11, with most of the training taking place on Sunday 12/9, and Monday 12/10 (still no detailed itinerary, nor have we received our legal docs to sign).

-Bret/RatBoy/SharkBait

 

[PartyOf5]

Thanks for the info Bret!

I was thinking maybe the others are waiting to clear the background, etc. before coming forward. They mentioned that would take 3-4 weeks so there is probably another week or two remaining. (Not saying they have anything to be worried about...maybe they are being extra cautious.)

 

[2goofykids]

Bret- Thanks for the update! Are you guys using DME or are they having someone pick you up at the airport? Are you getting excited? 12/8 will be here before you know it!

 

[PartyOf5]

A few quick notes, in no particular order...

1) Should have mentioned this earlier, but thanks Twende for using "moms" in quotes for the thread name Makes we feel so welcome.

BTW - I always thought MOMS would stand for something such as:

Moderators of Magical Site
or
Moderators of Mickey's Site
or
Managers of....
etc.

 

[EEFOSTER]

The very nice woman from Disney Events Planning said that someone would meet us at baggage claim with a sign with our name on it. (Makes me feel almost like a business-mom ).

I'd like to echo what Bret said, if any Moms Panel lurkers are out there, give us a holler. We'd love to meet you! Send one of us a PM if you're too shy to come out in public. (Though I don't think the folks at WDW will let us be shy for too long once we're there.)

Erin

 

[dec5girl]

Hello!
I'm a "lurker" and mom's panel applicant, but didn't make the first cut! (How did that happen???)
I want to know how to subscribe to this thread. Can anyone give instructions? Thanks. I will enjoy reading the mom's panel and the sort of behind the scenes info on this forum!

 

[dec5girl]

OK ignore me! I figured out how to do it. At least everyone knows how un-forum savvy I am now.

 

[5/4Disney]

Hello!
I'm a "lurker" and mom's panel applicant, but didn't make the first cut! (How did that happen???)
I want to know how to subscribe to this thread. Can anyone give instructions? Thanks. I will enjoy reading the mom's panel and the sort of behind the scenes info on this forum!

Just go underneath the page numbers on this thread, where it says thread tools click subscribe to thread and you get select different options. Let me know if this does not help.
Julie

 

[goofy4tink]

Hello!
I'm a "lurker" and mom's panel applicant, but didn't make the first cut! (How did that happen???)
I want to know how to subscribe to this thread. Can anyone give instructions? Thanks. I will enjoy reading the mom's panel and the sort of behind the scenes info on this forum!

And welcome to the DIS boards!!! I have a brother and two nephews from Snohomish..nice to see others from that neck of the woods here.

 

[dec5girl]

And welcome to the DIS boards!!! I have a brother and two nephews from Snohomish..nice to see others from that neck of the woods here.

Your kidding! That is amazing. It takes a long time to get to Disney World from here. A lot of people think we're crazy!

 

[dollhouse]

Just wanted to say hello!

To all of you that are preparing for your trips...HAVE FUN! I would love to be able to go over the holidays!

To all of the panelists: 3 weeks to go. I can't believe it! I can't wait to check it out in Jan. I hope all your childcare and wardrobe plans are finalized!

Best of luck to you all!

Leslie

 

[KarenP99]

No word from our panelists in almost 2 days...is that a sign they got info from Disney requesting they don't post?

Best of luck to all of you - I can't wait to "see" you on the Mom's Board in January!!!

 

[RatBoy]

No word from our panelists in almost 2 days...is that a sign they got info from Disney requesting they don't post?

Nope, I think it is just a sign that things are busy as the holiday season begins, and there is a bit of a slowdown in anything newsworthy to share. I'm sure posts will pick up again as we get closer to Dec. 8.

Only 20 days to go!!

-Bret

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Hi all. Just wanted to drop in and see if anything was new!

 

[JoRy]

SO I have read through all the posts and as usual everyone here is filled with enthusiasm and warmth for the panel, and those of us who did not make it "all the way". For those of you who know me, I was a very busy poster for a while...and once the phone calls came and I was told thanks, but no thanks, it was pretty hard for me to handle. I mean, I know it was a long shot, but after working on people's trips for so long and them telling me I ought to work for Disney...I thought maybe this was meant to be...but alas, no.

So, I took some time off from DIS and WDW. I took some time to focus on my business again, and plan other adventures. I guess you could say it was sour grapes, and I know some others on here who might not admit it, but I know you felt the same way too. I was very jealous and I needed some time to calm down and remember I had another life before applying for the Panel. I know everyone on DIS is wonderful, and wanting to say the right thing, and congratulate all the panelists, but when you are as competetive as I, and want something pretty badly as I, it has not been fun.

But finally I am back. Enough of the whining...enough of the feeling sorry for myself for not making it. I mean, come on...it is WDW...it is a place I will be on New Years Day with my reluctant wife, and fanatical kids. I will be using all the secrets I know to avoid the crowds, and eating at all the best places because I know where they are and when to go. But mostly, I will be back at the place where I feel the best!!! Where I truly feel at home!!!

To all the panelists...I will be watching you very closely...but I can guarantee you there are no 12 people on earth more qualified then you, and you all will be great!!! So gloat a little...stick out your chest (maybe not you Bret), and be proud of what you have accomplished!!! I mean over 10,000 people wanted your job, and you got it.

And for all of us who can only wish we were one of them...it is ok to be jealous and sad..but,hey, let's get over it and come back to the one thing in the world we know will always be there for us....


Ok...now back to your regular scheduled program, and enough of the Josh chronicals!!! I will be back to some regular posting with a few anecdotes and smart alec remarks, so watch out and bring it on.