Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[deekaypee]

deekaypee/Debra: This is a bit OT, but I noticed that you just completed both the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon. Wow! (I always figured that it's called Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge for a reason! ) Seriously, though, that's pretty impressive!

I just ran my first half marathon in the Fall, and I've been flirting with the idea of someday running a Disney Half Marathon. (It was the Virginia Beach Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon, and I'm certain that all of the music/entertainment -- which contributed to my adrenaline rush -- made the distance manageable. It's the farthest I've ever run... ) Anyway, aside from being a good excuse to travel to Disney, I figure that the setting would probably make it a fun run!

I do have a question, though: How do you dress for the race, considering it starts in the wee hours of the morning but likely gets pretty humid as the sun rises? Any advice?

Short answer...I bought a couple of sweatshirts at Goodwill & tossed them before the race, as it was already warm. Any discarded clothing, before or during the race, goes to charity. I also brought trash bags in case it rained, but didn't need them. Disposable is the way to go.

Longer answer...definitely do Disney!!! It was so much fun, with such a supportive community of runners & spectators that I'll be back next year (not for the Goofy, though; that'll be an every other year thing). If you haven't visited the W.I.S.H. board, Events/Competition subforum of the DIS, please do so. There's a great bunch of folks there who do Disney events & encourage each other in general. We're starting a Team-competition (Miles & Minutes) that will run from Feb. through December--all are welcome. We'll be competing with each other, in a friendly way (some trash talking, too), and celebrate all our success in January at WDW, during the W.I.S.H. meets which will take place the marathon weekend.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled thread. Thanks for listening.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

...definitely do Disney!!! It was so much fun, with such a supportive community of runners & spectators that I'll be back next year (not for the Goofy, though; that'll be an every other year thing).

Thanks for all of the details! Yep, I'm definitely adding the half marathon to my list of "things to do" at Disney.

'Any idea how quickly the races reach full capacity?

 

[deekaypee]

Thanks for all of the details! Yep, I'm definitely adding the half marathon to my list of "things to do" at Disney.

'Any idea how quickly the races reach full capacity?

Sorry again for the OT. The Goofy is already 75% full!!!! It fills up quickly. I think you (we) have until June or so to get signed up for the marathon--I'm not sure it if the 1/2 signs up more quickly.

The Disney Sports page for the marathon keeps the site updated with each race starts filling up so you can keep track: http://disneyworldsports.disney.go....detail?name=MarathonWeekendRegisterDetailPage

And usually someone posts a thread on the WISH forum as a friendly reminder, too.


This week's motivator:
The tortoise and hare
Each reaching the finish line:
One path, two journeys.

 

[RatBoy]

Debra,

Thanks for the info about the marathon. I'm very tempted. In fact I've asked all the Moms on the Panel to join me, but didn't get a resounding "Yes - we'd love to!"

Apologies to go back slightly "on topic", but I would love to know from those that have been following the "adventure" thread: What do you think so far about the Moms Panel site? What are the pros/cons in your opinion? What do you love, so far? What would make it better? What should we deep-six?

Thoughts?

 

[Twende]

Well let's see......

...I think it is time to add another dozen panelists!

Just kidding .... well sort of anyway!

I have not been on to the Panel site much this week but what I have seen looks good. I think more than one opinion or answer to a question would be nice.

Keep up the good work!

 

[sharonW]

Hi Rat Boy!! I have a lot of trouble with the site, it is
very slow. Why can't all questions be answered?
Maybe they need a larger panel?? How are you
enjoying assisting folks in making their disney
dreams come true??

 

[PartyOf5]

Debra,

but I would love to know from those that have been following the "adventure" thread: What do you think so far about the Moms Panel site? What are the pros/cons in your opinion? What do you love, so far? What would make it better? What should we deep-six?

Thoughts?

Hi Bret!

Well since you asked...I have some feedback

First of all - I think overall you guys are doing great! It's obviously a success and Disney planners are hungry for this type of forum. However with any success there is always room for improvement.

I'm not sure if it's me but I'm wondering if the people who submit questions would like a little more room to type? Seems like some questions are a little "squishy."

I would like to see the site become more interactive, rather than just Q&A. I think I mentioned this before but I would at least like to see more than one panelist answering some of the questions - especially the questions that specifically ask for an opinion.

Another improvement might be to schedule a weekly or monthly "chat room" with the MOMs...I wonder if Disney planners would find this helpful. May be worth a beta test.

I also think Disney should rethink the demographics of the MOMs panel...they may want to add a Mom/Dad or two to fill in the gaps. For example, I can't help but notice there are no MOMs with older teenagers. After reading the bios, I think the oldest children represented are 13. Disney is such a fun and different world for those over 13!

What to deep-six? I think eliminating the number of questions each panelist is actually answering was something that had to go. So that was a good move. You can PM me if you'd like me to elaborate (not sure how much feedback you are looking for).

Also Bret, not to make your head too big - but...my two younger children LOVE reading your responses (at least once or twice a week they'll say "lets read some of Ratboy's answers." OK, keep in mind it's winter and sometimes we get a little bored!) Anyway, I like the fact that we can look up answers by a panelist to make that process easier! We do read other responses too and after we read, we agree on a rating and vote.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Debra - Thanks again for your helpful responses.

Thanks for the info about the marathon. I'm very tempted. In fact I've asked all the Moms on the Panel to join me, but didn't get a resounding "Yes - we'd love to!"

Baby steps, Bret! Baby steps! You might want to start by inviting the other Moms to join you for Disney's Race for the Taste 10K. (I'm thinking that 6.2 miles may sound a bit more palatable than 26.2 miles - or 13.1... ) Added bonus: It coincides with Epcot's Food & Wine Festival.

Oh, I have a few thoughts on the Moms Panel. I'll write them later when I have a bit more time to spare... Overall, though, I like the site!

 

[WishesQueen]

Hey Bret

I mentioned this once before...Last August, can't remember if Disney sent it to me or I stumbled on it, on the Disney Website. But I was asked to take part in a Disney questionaire. They said that Disney was going to have a more interactive website, with Q&As, Menus and restaurant reviews. The questionaire was quite long and was looking forward to another place to soak up information.

The Mom's panel is great, I wish this site was around when I first started to take my children to Disney. But for a person pretty informed on Disney it gets alittle boring. I love reading the questions people asked, most of the time I know the answers. As we all know, there are tons of people like us that go to Disney regularly (at least once a year). Especially the DVC people.

Think of all the websites that you could jump on right now, like Disboards with Disney freaks looking for information. Not just the simple, first trip information the information that makes you return to that website at least once a day to see what you missed. Sound familiar

So, what I was thinking they need to incorporated more information on to the website, so that Disney fans new and experienced could use the panel/website. I think it would be even more popular, right now it seems to be more for the occasional visitor or the new visitor.

Then, when the 12 panelists become overwhelmed by popular demand. They could hire the rest of us to join you guys!!!

 

[WishesQueen]

One more thing!!!

I just walked away from my computer so excited that we were asked our opinion of the Mom's panel, and asked for suggestions.

That I had to come back and say thank you again to the panelists for keeping us so informed and to Bret for asking our opinion.

I worked for Goldman Sachs for 15 years and was part of the recruiting team for Wharton. So, I am very well informed, as are most of us how smart Mr. Bret is. So, I highly doubt that he really needs our help, but thanks for askiing!!

See what I mean??? Thats why I visit this site everyday!!!

 

[5/4Disney]

Bret, and others on the panel!

First, I think you guys are doing great!
I do think it would be nice to have a second opinion on some of the questions. I know I have read some answers and thought, that reply was great, but maybe I would have added "this"...... Allowing the person to reply to the mom with a "thanks" or "thanks but" section would be helpful at times. I understand this would open another door and open forum questioning can be troublesome at times, but that is what so many love about these and other on-line forums.
Don't really know what to trash yet, I'll let you know my thoughts later.
Julie

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I had to come back and say thank you again to the panelists for keeping us so informed and to Bret for asking our opinion.

...I highly doubt that he really needs our help, but thanks for askiing!!

Thanks for remembering your “roots” and inviting us DISers to take part in your Mom’s Panel “adventure”!

First, I just want to reiterate how much we appreciate your efforts at making the Moms Panel a success! It’s clear that you’ve devoted a lot of time to answering so many questions. The Panel’s post counts continue to climb! (And, considering you’ve already surpassed 1,300 written responses in three weeks -- when the contest rules required only eight weekly posts – I think you’ve pretty much exceeded Disney’s expectations.)

I also want to applaud Disney for permitting you to mention off-site resources in your answers. (Bret, I was particularly impressed when you cited bradk’s web site (http://www.stitchkingdom.com) in response to a question about PhotoPass. (…Even if bradk did openly express skepticism about the Moms Panel contest/phenomenon! ) I’ve always found his posts insightful, and I even downloaded his PhotoPass guide and “Disney Acronym Decoder!” before our last trip to the World. I also enjoy viewing the DISboard threads where bradk posts photos.

Speaking of photos (and at risk of sounding illiterate ): Is it likely that Disney will make the Moms Panel site more visually stimulating? (I like to see pictures with the words I read… ) Seriously, though, it’s fun to associate photos with the venues and activities being described. (“A picture is worth a thousand words…”) I understand why Disney might want to steer clear of a glorified, glitzy marketing campaign on its Moms Panel pages, but I do find pictures helpful in my decision-making process. (People’s stories (and photos) prompted me to save my DS’s first professional haircut for the Harmony Barber Shop and to make an ADR for my DD to attend the Wonderland Tea Party. I’m certain that anyone considering dropping big bucks for My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party or the BBB also might appreciate a picture or two.) Anyway, I’m wondering if the Panel might invite “Disney veterans” to submit mini trip reports about their experiences at specific venues, and – of course – photos would be welcome. This is sort of in line with the restaurant reviews WishesQueen mentioned – only broader. Another idea: Invite people to submit their best Disney World tips, then compile them into an ever-growing list for each Park or Disney Resort venue. ‘Just a thought…

I totally agree with others’ requests for feedback from more than one Panelist when opinions are being sought. What a good idea!

I also like the idea of giving people access to restaurant menus. (I do wonder, though, if Disney might shy away from posting them, because it could be awfully hard to keep them current. People likely are a lot less snarky about inaccuracies they find from an “unofficial” source as opposed to Disney proper.)

For what it’s worth…

 

[dollhouse]

Hello everyone! I have been off the computer for awhile! Things just don't seem to slow down!

As per Bret's question....I truly appreciate you asking our feedback. I do think 12 is a little low for the panel based upon my previous comments on how many people travel to Disney monthly/yearly. It seems like a lot of work for you guys. If the site really takes off....I just think a lot of people aren't going to get their questions answered which could bring negative opinions of the site. (Not that I am wishful thinking or anything..I am being honest). I do think also there should be several answers to a question if another panelist would like to add something. This is a great thing for anything (not just a Disney vacation!). I love to hear different opinions...not just one! I also agree that the limited space for a questions is rather...limited!

That is my 2-sense! I am in agreement with a lot of the other posters!

I think it boils down to the site being a little restricted..if that makes sense...not in a really bad way though!

I do think you guys are doing an incredible and amazing job! You should all be very proud of yourselves! I am so impressed!

We are off to Disney in 17 days! YIPPEE! Hoping for some sun!

If anyone wants to add something that was pretty amazing on a recent trip that my 4 and 7 year old (girls)would enjoy..something really different, I would really appreciate it!

Off to unpack skis, ski clothes and food...and get ready for the week!

Take care you guys and thanks again for asking Bret!

Leslie *semi finalist Mom's Panel* & re-student *YIKES!*

 

[bradk]

I also want to applaud Disney for permitting you to mention off-site resources in your answers. (Bret, I was particularly impressed when you cited bradk’s web site (http://www.stitchkingdom.com) in response to a question about PhotoPass. (…Even if bradk did openly express skepticism about the Moms Panel contest/phenomenon! ) I’ve always found his posts insightful, and I even downloaded his PhotoPass guide and “Disney Acronym Decoder!” before our last trip to the World. I also enjoy viewing the DISboard threads where bradk posts photos.

my ears were burning on this one the big, round ones i was born with.

i too would like to applaud brett for his support although i'm not as blatantly promoted as much as i feel i should be

just had to say, i don't really read the disney moms site to be honest. i don't read it anymore to be more precise. i did occasionally spotcheck it and while I know Brett far better through TGM than here, I have nothing but positives to say about him and his efforts. if anything's wrong with his approach, he cares a bit too much about the final product.

however the lax attitude disney is having to the Q&As (which was one of my big question marks) isnt without it's problems either. after reading one response in particular (not from Brett), I was so disgusted with not only how wrong and incomplete the answer was but how it also barely even addressed the poster's concern. it bugs me because i don't have the ability to step in and say wait a minute, you are doing a total disservice here.

maybe if there was a way to reach out to the moms to help guide them if they're receptive? maybe there is and i didn't bother to research it. i'd prefer some kind of active feedback system other than voting (which considers a question with 1 vote of 5.0 to be better scored than one with 200 votes and a value of 4.8 for example) - there actually should be a minimum threshold for votes before it means something. then again, i can see the merits in defining an authority figure even if the authority figure is sometimes wrong. otherwise you end up with 10 responses, each correcting the other and creating more confusion.

all this and who knows what happens in 5 months?

with all due respect to brett, et al. i still see it as more of a promotional tool than anything else. i also like the design of the site (lack of visual stimulation aside) but i don't see it as a viable alternative or replacement to the DIS for example or other message forums i frequent.

but thank you for the kind words and support.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

my ears were burning on this one the big, round ones i was born with.

SPOOOOOOOKY! He's omnipresent!

Mention bradk's name, and he magically appears!

 

[RatBoy]

Hey Brad:

Good to see you over here on this thread (slumming it - huh? ).

I appreciate your comments, and all of the others as well.


General comment:
I am just curious as to what folks on the DIS are thinking about this, so I asked. It's a nice "pulse check" from a group that is well prepared to provide constructive feedback.

I'm pretty sure some of the Disney folks read this thread too, so it's fairly safe to think that at least the opinions are read.

Anyway, thanks to all for the comments so far. Don't stop. I'll try to find time later this week to post more replies/responses to some of the specific comments I've read so far. I just finished Part 3 (it is the final part) of the Magically Speaking Moms Panel article (should be out soon!), so my free time has been limited.

-Bret

 

[I believe]

Debra,

I would love to know from those that have been following the "adventure" thread: What do you think so far about the Moms Panel site? What are the pros/cons in your opinion? What do you love, so far? What would make it better? What should we deep-six?

Thoughts?

Hey there-

As I mentioned before I am really enjoying watching the site grow! You (and the other Panelists) are doing a great job!

I would love to see the Moms Panel have a new blogging section similar to the one on Disney's (Family Blogger website), www.family.go.com (found under Blogs -way down at the bottom of the page) I think it would be fun to have a place where the Panelists could freely blog about their good times and most special memories. There are already so many super sweet stories buried in lots of different answers... it seems like they deserve a special place where they could be showcased. They would make wonderful reading! Personally, here on the DIS, I love to go over and read the Disney Cast Member Thank You thread because I just love reading these happy posts! A bonus....they would be sooo much fun to write!

Another feature I like on the Disney Family Blogger website is that users can log in and make a short comment. It isn't a forum, but it almost is, and as a bonus, this format is already Disney-approved!

And ...what about requiring users to log in to vote on answers...more like ebay's feedback system... inside of an answer you could click on the “number” of votes cast and see the list of users who cast those votes alongside their vote. Maybe they could even allow you to click on a user and then see what answers they have voted on and the votes they cast... It just seems a little bit odd that some answers have many many votes and others sit out there with only one or two vote(s).


Oh and last but not least....The one thing I would most like to see .............................
a link saying they are again ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS to help you all out! I just keep looking...looking!

Keep up the good work!!

-kristenc

 

[WishesQueen]

I too think the Mom's panel is great, I am sorry I didn't mention it before. But you guys already know that!!!

 

[EEFOSTER]

Sorry I've been gone here for a bit. We're deep in the heart of Oz in our house right now. The big school production is this weekend. DD is Dorothy (one of six -- so that there is not just one "star"). We've been crazy memorizing lines and costume shopping, etc.

I truly appreciate the time and effort you folks have put into thinking about the Moms Panel and ways to improve it. Some of your comments are ones that we've already mentioned to the CMs. And I will tell the CMs to check out this thread so they can see your ideas for themselves.

The Panel really is a work in progress and I believe that there will be ongoing tinkering with it. There are however some limitations with the technology at this point, so not everything will happen all at once. Another thing to remember is that you guys are really not the audience for the Panel. The CMs have reminded us that the Board readers (you) are already experts and know where to find info about WDW. The Panel is geared more to the first timer or near first timer who really needs a place to start or someone to hold their hand. The needs of those folks might be different from yours. (And who knows, maybe the scope or goals of the panel will change over time. I'm really just speculating, but I have a feeling that there will be a decent amount of evolution in the product.)

As far as the picture thing goes, I'm not sure I agree that I would like photos right on the site. I think it already runs a bit slowly (with that pesky rating animation). What we're supposed to be doing is providing links in our answers to a source that will have photos. I myself am extremely guilty of forgetting to do this. So I appreciate your observation and will try to do that more often.

Leslie, where are you staying on your trip? I think I will overlap with you on my regular family trip (booked a year ago).

Erin

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Ugggh! I paused the help my kids with something (what nerve! ), my session timed out, and I managed to lose what I typed. So... Let's try this again:

I would love to see the Moms Panel have a new blogging section similar to the one on Disney's (Family Blogger website), www.family.go.com (found under Blogs -way down at the bottom of the page) I think it would be fun to have a place where the Panelists could freely blog about their good times and most special memories. There are already so many super sweet stories buried in lots of different answers... it seems like they deserve a special place where they could be showcased. They would make wonderful reading!

A bonus....they would be sooo much fun to write!

Oooh! I love it! I love it! [Insert giddily clapping, bobble-headed smiley here! If such a smiley actually existed, I'd add it! ]


You know: This would be the perfect format for those mini trip reports (with photos??) I mentioned.

Baby steps! I realize that you won't be able to make the additions overnight, and -- for many reasons -- Disney might not choose to incorporate any of our ideas. I do believe, though, that -- space permitting -- the blogs could only add value to the site. Personal stories are interesting and fun! (As "I believe" mentioned in her post, many of the Panelists' responses already have "super-sweet" nuggets already tucked away in them.)

Thanks again for soliciting our feedback and allowing us to feel like we're actually contributing to the process. It's fun to consider the "what ifs." You folks have been working sooo hard, you should be proud of your efforts! (I hope that-- by inviting us to contribute our opinions -- you don't feel like you've just opened some massive Pandora's Box! )

I hope everyone had a good weekend!