Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[Colmenares3]

So I wonder what Ratboy's childhood was like? I think it's rare/sweet that siblings would bond over Disney like this as adults (can you tell my sibs think I'm crazy). Did the RatParents take you guys to WDW a billion times when you were kids?

Ooh, I have to write quick, before Bret gets his version of the truth in.

We may have gone to DL as very small kids. I have no recollection of that, and since I'm Bret's elder he probably doesn't either.

As for WDW, Bret went in 1974 with RatDad (RatParents, sadly, being divorced by this time). Erica went with other RatSibs in 1975, leaving poor RatBoy at home. I'm sure he didn't mind.

And that's it. But when Bret was planning his last trip to WDW in 06, I pulled him into the world of TourGuideMiKE, and (as they say) the rest is history.

 

[5/4Disney]

So I wonder what Ratboy's childhood was like? I think it's rare/sweet that siblings would bond over Disney like this as adults (can you tell my sibs think I'm crazy). Did the RatParents take you guys to WDW a billion times when you were kids?

My personal experience was the opposite, I was the last kid in my circle to go to WDW. I swore that would never happen to my kiddos!


On an unrelated note ... about a month ago I was with a friend (M) at Starbucks. She runs into another friend of hers that I don't know (S). It turns out the S is going to WDW the week before Thanksgiving. She tells me about her kids and I give her some advice about rides/restaurants/etc. S was kinda crabby about the whole trip -- she was one of these "I'm too cool for Disney, I'm just going for my kids, I hate lines, I'd rather be in Tuscany" people. I just knew that she didn't even want to have a good time. Arrrgh.

So, I ran into S yesterday, post-trip. It turns out that they were staying at the Beach Club and they got "Year of a Million Dreams" picked to stay in the Presidential Suite there. Giant two-bedroom suite with huge living room with windows looking out onto the Boardwalk. (Watch me turning green with envy). They had a great time! Mickey knew that they needed some magic and he sent it their way !

E

This is a great story!!! I'm going to go back to what I've said earlier EVERYTHING happens for a reason. Well, we leave for DL (in about 24hrs and it's our first time there) and I'm feeling a bit anxious. We know WDW like the back of our hand and although I've done my research about DL I still feel anxious. It sure would be nice for us to get a dream (it just might make up for me not making it to the panel). I'll give you guys a report when we get back. Wish us luck and calmed nerves.....
Julie

 

[EEFOSTER]

Ooh, I have to write quick, before Bret gets his version of the truth in.

We may have gone to DL as very small kids. I have no recollection of that, and since I'm Bret's elder he probably doesn't either.

As for WDW, Bret went in 1974 with RatDad (RatParents, sadly, being divorced by this time). Erica went with other RatSibs in 1975, leaving poor RatBoy at home. I'm sure he didn't mind.

And that's it. But when Bret was planning his last trip to WDW in 06, I pulled him into the world of TourGuideMiKE, and (as they say) the rest is history.

Veeeery interesting. I definitely would have guessed that the RatClan were annual passholders for decades. Thanks for setting me straight.

E

 

[PolynesianPixie]

So I wonder what Ratboy's childhood was like? I think it's rare/sweet that siblings would bond over Disney like this as adults (can you tell my sibs think I'm crazy). Did the RatParents take you guys to WDW a billion times when you were kids?

My personal experience was the opposite, I was the last kid in my circle to go to WDW. I swore that would never happen to my kiddos!


On an unrelated note ... about a month ago I was with a friend (M) at Starbucks. She runs into another friend of hers that I don't know (S). It turns out the S is going to WDW the week before Thanksgiving. She tells me about her kids and I give her some advice about rides/restaurants/etc. S was kinda crabby about the whole trip -- she was one of these "I'm too cool for Disney, I'm just going for my kids, I hate lines, I'd rather be in Tuscany" people. I just knew that she didn't even want to have a good time. Arrrgh.

So, I ran into S yesterday, post-trip. It turns out that they were staying at the Beach Club and they got "Year of a Million Dreams" picked to stay in the Presidential Suite there. Giant two-bedroom suite with huge living room with windows looking out onto the Boardwalk. (Watch me turning green with envy). They had a great time! Mickey knew that they needed some magic and he sent it their way !

E

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

 

[RatBoy]

Ooh, I have to write quick, before Bret gets his version of the truth in.

We may have gone to DL as very small kids. I have no recollection of that, and since I'm Bret's elder he probably doesn't either.

As for WDW, Bret went in 1974 with RatDad (RatParents, sadly, being divorced by this time). Erica went with other RatSibs in 1975, leaving poor RatBoy at home. I'm sure he didn't mind.

And that's it. But when Bret was planning his last trip to WDW in 06, I pulled him into the world of TourGuideMiKE, and (as they say) the rest is history.

Veeeery interesting. I definitely would have guessed that the RatClan were annual passholders for decades. Thanks for setting me straight.

E

RatBoy to the rescue ... (que theme music here!)...

Just a few corrections to make...

Erica failed to mention that she won the trip to WDW (due to her artistic talent - in her case it was painting. In my case, I guess it was writing). It was only a trip for 4 people and we are 6 siblings in total, so she had to make some tough choices. She unfortunately decided against picking her stinky bratty youngest brother (who admittedly had gone by himself with dad on the earlier trip. Yes it was a fair decision, but I still like to tease her about it!).

Regarding my experience... I do think we went to DL as kids, but definitely have no memory of the experience (I only have photos of me at the San Diego zoo). I did go to DL at least twice when I lived in California as a young adult, and then went to WDW several times when we lived in Florida (we lived for almost 2 years near Ft. Lauderdale).

As a family (RatWife, RatKids, RatNanny), I have been to WDW twice. In 2002 we went to WDW for a week (those were the commando years - mostly following UG touring plans), and then went to WDW Oct of 2006.

Most recently we were at DL for 4 days in August.

No I haven't been to WDW 50 times like some of the others around here at the DIS, but I think I have a good level of experience, and have done a ton of research.

-Bret/RatBoy/SharkBait

 

[PartyOf5]

So, when you guys travel, are you pack rats?

Sorry...couldn't resist!!!

 

[Twende]

I am heading out to FL and then Disney in the morning.

I wanted to wish all you panelist a great time during your training. I get back the day you all leave so I doubt I will have the chance to catch you all before you leave.

Have a blast at training and then rush back here to give us all the scoop!


Pack rats..... now that is funny!

 

[2goofykids]

Hi, How's everyone doing? Wow it has been a busy couple of days. My kids found their package on the door step on Saturday morning. My ds was very excited when he saw the postmark from the North Pole. He read the card that said surprise we are going to WDW to all of us and then jumped up and down for a few minutes. DD jumped along too, but didn't quite understand. My dh read their letters to them and the opened the few gifts from Santa & Mickey. At some point my dd got her shoes and coat and said come on lets go. I asked her where and she's says DISNEY WORLD! It was very hard to explain to her we weren't going right then and she got very sad for a few minutes.
Since then I have been frantically trying to Christmas shop for family who won't give me any ideas what to buy. They don't seem to understand that I need to be done shopping now. We were supposed to put up the tree but both dh & I had colds and didn't feel up to it. Now ds is sick with a sinus infection and a fever so he has been out of school for the last three days. Luckily yesterday was my dd's regular 2 year old dr. appt so we were able to get ds in with her. I must say I was very proud of dd yesterday. She was a champ at the dr's even though she got two shots, she didn't cry. She almost did but then the dr got out a candy cane for her and all was forgotten.

Anyway I am sure all of our panelists are busy getting ready for their training which is only a little over a week away. I hope you have a great time and you can share it with us when you get back.
Julie- I hope you & your family are having a great time in DL!
Twende- I hope your having lots of fun in Disney!

 

[dollhouse]

Hey! I haven't been posting, just a little busy.

Gosh, some of you have trips very soon...HAVE FUN!

Panelists, are you ready? I am so jealouse, I must say. I can't wait to hear about it. I can't believe it is in one week!

Have so much fun..how can't you!

Take care,
Leslie

 

[RatBoy]

We just received details on our MomsPanel training trip itinerary, and it looks VERY COOL.

In case anyone is interested in the details, I thought I'd share some highlights...


Saturday, Dec 8
- Arrival, late morning/ early afternoon
- Staying at the Coronado Springs Resort. (personally I'm thrilled with the choice, as I haven't stayed there before. It's also a perfect choice considering that it is used for conventions and will have facilities for our training needs)
- First activity is a meeting at CSR in the late afternoon, and then we are off to MGM/DHS for dinner and a tour of the Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Sunday, Dec 9
- Morning training at CSR, followed by lunch at Cindy's Royal Table
- An afternoon visit to the MK (probably a mix of training and some fun), followed by dinner at Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge
- Cap off the day by returning to the MK to see the Castle Lighting ceremony and then stick around for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!!

Monday, Dec 10
- Morning training at CSR
- Afternoon photo/video shoots at the MK for the MomsPanel site
- Dinner at Epcot, and VIP seating for the Candlelight Processional (Celebrity guest narrator: Steven Curtis Chapman)

Tuesday, Dec 11
- We are free to do what we like for the day
- Flights home at various times of the day (varies by person)

My first thought when I read the itinerary was simply...WOW! It certainly exceeded my expectations!

I think I can safely speak for us all when I say that we are extremely excited about this trip, and the adventure that awaits us as we kick off the MomsPanel site in January. Hope you all have a great weekend.

-Bret

 

[tink_about_it]

My personal experience was the opposite, I was the last kid in my circle to go to WDW. I swore that would never happen to my kiddos!

E

I Love Disney for the same reason! I longed to go as a kid! I mean more than anything!Now, I go as much as I can! My relatives all make fun of me...but I could care less...Isn't it funny though that when they go to Disney, they want your advice on what to do?

 

[Marshay]

Thanks for posting the itinerary! WOW, let me say again, WOW! They truly packed all the top things you could do each day while you are there! Get plenty of rest now b/c you all will be so super-excited down there, you'll never sleep!

I hope you guys can take photos to post on here of your trip -- I need to live through you all!

 

[mandymommy4]

Congrats to all the panelist!

ratboy, I've been lurking all this time but I just read your itinerary for the trip and that was my que to jump in .... My DH and I will be eating at Artist Point for our anniversary the same night the panelist will be there! We have a late ADR, 8pm, but hopefully I can catch a glimpse of the panelist (A big group of VIP's and CM's, not that hard to spot) how cool is that! I can't wait to eat at Artist Point again, the food is really good.

I am a local passholder and it is still in the 80's in the day and upper 60's at night, this is the best time if year to visit WDW! MVMCP, Osbourne lights, AND Candlelight! Sounds like only the best for the Mom's Panelist! You all will love it, the parks are beautifully decorated and the "ice lights" on Cindy's Castle are AMAZING, I teared up a little as Fairy Godmother cast her spell. Also, the Osbourne Lights are the best ever. Seats at Candlelight are impossible to get unless you book a dinner package, it is my favorite Christmas thing to do at WDW (I use to sing with Voices so the show brings back wonderful memories.) Enjoy your trip, I think we would all love a trip report!

 

[dollhouse]

Oh my gosh! Thanks for posting that Ratboy! Your trip sounds amazing, I knew it would be very special!

I can't wait to hear all about it! You all will be in my thoughts next weekend. I hope your families will be well settled and you don't worry about the kiddos at home. Just think, what an experience to share with them when they are old enough to understand! They will be so proud of you! What a special treasure you will all hold forever!

Good luck and safe travelling!

Tell Mickey hello from the rest of the semi finalists! Maybe you could make a special wish from us at Cinderella's Castle, okay? I don't think I need to tell you what that wish is!!!!!!!! Wish hard!

Thanks for sharing all your experiences!

I am very happy for you all!

Leslie

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

We just received details on our MomsPanel training trip itinerary, and it looks VERY COOL.

In case anyone is interested in the details, I thought I'd share some highlights...


Saturday, Dec 8
- Arrival, late morning/ early afternoon
- Staying at the Coronado Springs Resort. (personally I'm thrilled with the choice, as I haven't stayed there before. It's also a perfect choice considering that it is used for conventions and will have facilities for our training needs)
- First activity is a meeting at CSR in the late afternoon, and then we are off to MGM/DHS for dinner and a tour of the Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Sunday, Dec 9
- Morning training at CSR, followed by lunch at Cindy's Royal Table
- An afternoon visit to the MK (probably a mix of training and some fun), followed by dinner at Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge
- Cap off the day by returning to the MK to see the Castle Lighting ceremony and then stick around for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!!

Monday, Dec 10
- Morning training at CSR
- Afternoon photo/video shoots at the MK for the MomsPanel site
- Dinner at Epcot, and VIP seating for the Candlelight Processional (Celebrity guest narrator: Steven Curtis Chapman)

Tuesday, Dec 11
- We are free to do what we like for the day
- Flights home at various times of the day (varies by person)

My first thought when I read the itinerary was simply...WOW! It certainly exceeded my expectations!

I think I can safely speak for us all when I say that we are extremely excited about this trip, and the adventure that awaits us as we kick off the MomsPanel site in January. Hope you all have a great weekend.

-Bret

That sounds FANTASTIC!!! Thanks for sharing that with us! I am so excited for you guys, can't wait to hear all about it (or as much as you are allowed to tell) when you get back!

 

[5/4Disney]

Bret- Sounds like you guys are going to have a fun trip.

We got back from DL late last night and I'm beat!!!! I flew home with all three kidos by myself can you say suicide..... I'm never doing that again. Our DS 3 was loud an pumped . He was playing with what he calls "Lightning A Queen" and all his friends. I just felt like everyone was looking at me and saying "with their eyes" that poor/stupid lady.
Our trip was great, cold and wet, but we had fun. I love the fact that you can walk back to your hotel and not take 30min out of your day to go back to the room. It rained all day Friday but I must say there were no lines!! Within about an hour and a half we rode splash moutain x2, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates and watched the TR, and climbed the tree house. We also took phots with EEyore, Pooh and Tigger. We had no lines and walked right onto everything. However; we now all have sore throats and coughs from "playing" in the cold rain. Oh well, the price we pay.... I'll have to type more specifics later, I'm wanting to get the kids in bed so they can get ready for school tomorrow and I can have a bit of peace
Julie

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

That itinerary sounds busy but exciting.. You have all the best stops wrapped into one quick trip! Have a wonderful time everyone..... I cant wait to hear how the trip was...

 

[JoRy]

Bret and panelists....

The itinerary looks fantastic. Are they going to let you ride as well? And have you gotten your pink t-shirt yet?

Sounds like you guys are going to be busy but also have some time to enjoy WDW. Make sure you guys take great notes so we can get a good trip report when you return.

Represent the guys well, Bret!!!!

 

[RatBoy]

Bret and panelists....

The itinerary looks fantastic. Are they going to let you ride as well? And have you gotten your pink t-shirt yet?

I'm just glad the itinerary doesn't include Bibbity Bobbity Boutique!!

Sounds like you guys are going to be busy but also have some time to enjoy WDW. Make sure you guys take great notes so we can get a good trip report when you return.

Trip report? What's that?

Represent the guys well, Bret!!!!

If I can even get a word in edge-wise, I think I'll be doing well!

-Bret

 

[JoRy]

-Bret

And if all else fails....you can just go skeet shooting...I may have a thing or two you could use as a target!!!

And I bet you would look fantastic with hair extensions and glitter....wait...don't you have to have hair to get extensions?