Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[DISgeeksfromDC]

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

Wow, Erin! (I have to admit, I'm feeling a twinge of jealousy over your good fortune! )

See? Referring to my previous post (a few pages back): The "unenlightened" Disney vacationer hears about a return trip and asks incredulously, "You're going again? So soon?" Meanwhile, the true Disney lover struggles with feelings of Disney envy! (It's what separates the uninitiated from the true connoisseur.)

We should start a thread entitled, "You know you're a Disney geek when..." (Of course, it probably already has been done!)

 

[dollhouse]

Erin,

We are staying at Shades of Green! We are taking advantage of this benefit (stunning resort!) until our DVC points kick in..not sure whether to save for a cruise, we haven't been on one yet! Awesome another trip for you! So glad for you!

Feel free to PM if you like, wouldn't mind actually meeting you in person if it would work out for us! However, I know how Disney schedules are!!!!!

I am excited to try Disney in Feb. I am just worried about the crowds over President's Day weekend!

I might add to all of you....it is great for ideas for the panel but we ALL know that Disney is doing a fantastic job and should be really proud of all of you on the panel!

Thanks again for sharing all your stories!

Leslie

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Wow, Erin! (I have to admit, I'm feeling a twinge of jealousy over your good fortune! )


We should start a thread entitled, "You know you're a Disney geek when..." (Of course, it probably already has been done!)

It exists over in the camping board:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1698917


Read through, it is really quite amusing!


I haven't posted over here in awhile, but I still follow it. I am thrilled with the way the Mom's panel is going! Keep up the good work!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

It exists over in the camping board:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1698917


Read through, it is really quite amusing!


I haven't posted over here in awhile, but I still follow it. I am thrilled with the way the Mom's panel is going! Keep up the good work!

Very nice! Thanks!

 

[Dcanoli]

Hi Heather,

Don't know if you posted this link already or not, but my husband just e-mailed me the story:

http://www.ajc.com/living/content/l...neymom_0129.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Deb

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hi Heather,

Don't know if you posted this link already or not, but my husband just e-mailed me the story:

http://www.ajc.com/living/content/l...neymom_0129.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Deb

Deb,

Thanks for sharing.

(To everyone following this thread: Keep 'em coming! If any of the other Panelists receive local coverage, I'm sure there are plenty of folks who would love to see it!)

So... I just read the article -- including the readers' comments. All I have to say is: That Steve guy (who posted a comment) sure is "scrappy" today. (Translation: "Who peed in his Cornflakes this morning?")

 

[BellaBuggy]

Hi Heather,

Don't know if you posted this link already or not, but my husband just e-mailed me the story:

http://www.ajc.com/living/content/l...neymom_0129.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Deb

That is the 'other Heather' ...I'm not sure if she is a DIS'er or not. Thank you for posting the link though, the other panelists hadn't seen this yet!

 

[Dcanoli]

Thanks for reply BB...I thought she was on here too!

Maybe one of you will talk to her and let her know about the link!

Glad I could post it for all of you!

 

[RatBoy]

OK, I'll try to respond to many of the prior comments. Please keep in mind this is just "RatBoy" talking, not Disney, nor any of the other Moms on the Panel. My opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Disney and their affiliates blah blah blah...

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??

Can you elaborate? I understand the site is sometimes slow to refresh, but is that your issue, or is the Panel too slow in replying to questions?

I am enjoying the site, but wish I had more time to dedicate to it.

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've seem some questions cut off too. Not sure if this happens after the question is submitted, or does the person get a warning (I haven't submitted a question yet)? The length is a difficult trade-off, I guess, in the design of the site. If someone has too long of a question, I think they should consider separating it into two questions (could be sent to the same person, if desired).

One related issue I have noticed is that you can't really ask for opinions about a planned itinerary, nor a touring plan for the day in a park. They require too many words. Those are some of my favorite discussions at tourguidemike, but they just don't work in the Moms Panel format, it seems.

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.

I agree with more than one answer if a pure opinion is asked for, but I wouldn't want the site to become too hard to read with too many responses (says the guy posting on a thread with 100's of replies!! ).

However for questions that are asking for facts, I actually like the format of only one answer. It's refreshing (vs. forums) to read a single question, and a single answer. No OT comments about...hmmmm...marathons, for example...

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 don't see that happening. That may be too open, and tough to moderate. But who knows, I could be totally wrong.

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!

I'm sure Disney could never please everyone on this topic. Diversity has just too many angles. Still, I get your point.

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.

OK, that explains my low rating scores!!

Hey Bret

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!!!

For now, as Erin mentioned, the site is really focused on/targeted for families with younger kids, that have never been to WDW before. My hope is that it is an entryway into the online Disney community. Some will stay with the Moms Panel for a long time, and others will likely "graduate" to other forums.

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.

No reason to thank us. Just trying to have a fun conversation!

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!!!

I'm not sure I know what this is reference to? Did we cross paths in recruiting?

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.
Julie

That's a very interesting idea. For now, you can somewhat "respond" by asking a second question to the same person that answered before (go to the person's "bio" page, and there is a link there to submit a question to that person directly), and starting off the question.."Hey Erin, thanks for the great advice about X. Now I have a follow-up for you..."

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

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

Yep, it makes complete sense. Oh, and I hope you have a smashing trip. I'm very jealous.

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!

Hmmm...do you really want to read a blog from me??

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).

Agreed that some way to make the voting be more representative would be nice. Not sure what the best answer is though.

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!

-kristenc

Kristen, it seems you are not alone in this opinion!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

It's refreshing (vs. forums) to read a single question, and a single answer. No OT comments about...hmmmm...marathons, for example...

HEY! [I think] I may "represent" that remark...

 

[PartyOf5]

OK, that explains my low rating scores!!

HEY - that's not because of us! And I know your only teasing...I don't think I've seen any low scores for you - or anyone for that matter! We haven't had time to visit the site in a few days so if any low ones did pop up, don't look my way!

Speaking of the OT marathon...I thought the link above was for marathon info...not sure why. I just clicked on it and realized it's local coverage for the other Heather. I'm glad I clicked, I would have missed it. I probably just gave away the fact that I'm not a marathon runner.


Bret, thanks for responding to all our feedback!

 

[Colmenares3]

Here's a link to the final installment in RatBoy's trip report on Magically Speaking:
Moms Panel Selection, from a Dad's Point of View
(Part 3)

Just a note- for anyone wanting to read the first two installments, the link to the second one isn't working, temporarily. Don't ask. Here's a link to the first one, though.
Moms Panel Selection, from a Dad's Point of View
(Part 1)

 

[WishesQueen]

I'm not sure I know what this is reference to? Did we cross paths in recruiting?

Sorry, sorry, sorry about the confusion!

I left Goldman after 15 years to have a family, I read in your trip report on Magically Speaking that you went to Wharton.

I was an assistant to a partner who recruited for Wharton and after 15 years I meet SO many people from Wharton. Most of them very educated, well rounded and lots of fun. Wharton graduates at Goldman were like a fraternity all in their own. Your bio just brought back a few nice memories, of some old co-workers, obviously didn't need to mention it, since it created alittle confusion.

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?

OK, promise no more Off Topic Comments

What I would like to know!!!

What does Bret think? pros/cons etc......

 

[5/4Disney]

You've done it again Bret! One fantastic article The only thing missing was Me, I must say I am a bit envious though, sounds like you guys really had a great time. This just might inspire me to take an adult only trip again one day. DH and I usually hit the Epcot's IF&WF but now I want more....
Julie

 

[mmkk]

I got an e-mail that sent me to this article. Its got several quotes and tidbits about the Mom's panel including quotes from our own Ratboy!!
http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/disney-world-101.html?id=2489189

BTW, Great job you all that made the Moms Panel! Its great to know that half are DISers!

 

[dollhouse]

Bret,

Excellent article! I really enjoyed reading all three! They were fantastic and very funny! Thanks for attaching photos! It is really great to see everyone having a blast!

Thanks again!

Keep up the good work panelists!

Leslie
dd
dd 7
dd 4 and (changes everyday!)

15 days in counting until we are off to the WORLD! so pumped!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Thanks for all of the links to Panel-related articles!

Hey, Bret: Once again, I really enjoyed reading about your Mom’s Panel experience. I especially liked learning about the extra surprises Disney incorporated into the training trip. Fun! ‘Gotta love the sword-wielding photo of RatBoy “cutting” the Cinderella-slipper dessert and the image of “Ivanna Dream.” (My DD5 spotted Ivanna on the computer screen and wanted to know if “that lady” was trying to be Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother…) Oh, and your assessment of the “Test Track” photo truly seems spot-on!

Hmmm...do you really want to read a blog from me??

Well… Yeah! Now that you’ve wrapped up your three-part series, what else do you expect us to read?

I’m thinking, though, that if questions keep rolling in at the same rate (or maybe even at a fraction of it) Disney probably would need to tap a second group of people to act as vacation bloggers. (And -- based on the candid offers folks keep making (myself included) –- I don’t think Disney would have much of a problem finding volunteers… )

(More Shameless Self-Promotion Actually this is a plug for everyone who would like a second crack at becoming a part of the Moms Panel): I’m not sure if anyone got a chance to look at the link to Disney’s family.com web site (http://family.go.com/generaltemplate.do?id=comment-mania-winners-archive) that Kristen posted . Along with a stable of regular bloggers, the site also features a weekly contest (“Comment Contest: Share Your Story”), where readers submit personal anecdotes in response to a weekly feature story. The best responses then are posted for everyone to read.

Hmmmmm! ... I’m wondering if a similar contest could appear on Disney’s Moms Panel site. Each week, the Panel could feature a different Disney Park, activity or venue (in a blog?), and seasoned Disney-goers would be invited to share their favorite memories (with optional photo included ). (For example: “Tell us about your favorite Character Dining experience.” “What is your favorite memory from the Magic Kingdom?” “…best interaction with a Disney character?” … “best tip when visiting DAK?” ...The type of questions asked during the Moms Panel’s second-round application process [“In 100 words or less…” ] –- only more specific and more of them. Heck, I bet some of the semi-finalists could even recycle their answers… )

Anyway, the contest would serve several functions:
*It would provide an ever growing, Wiki-style database of information about Disney World Resort to accompany the Panelists’ Q&A efforts. This would appeal to the “newbies” – the inexperienced WDW planners Bret referenced in his articles’ “Epilogue.”
*It would motivate veteran WDW planners (the “Board-Readers” Erin mentioned) to return to the site. (I’m guessing that most of us would love to see our stories in print… )
*It would showcase the sort of heartwarming stories that Amy, Leanne & Duncan referenced in their “rejection” e-mails.

Anyway, again, it’s just a (very long-winded ) thought…

Okay! I promise to stop [publicly] obsessing over this whole Moms Panel blogger concept … at least for now and unless provoked. I wonder if anyone has ever been “flamed” on the DIS for becoming too obsessive-compulsive about a topic?

 

[Colmenares3]

Here's a link to the final installment in RatBoy's trip report on Magically Speaking:
Moms Panel Selection, from a Dad's Point of View
(Part 3)

Just a note- for anyone wanting to read the first two installments, the link to the second one isn't working, temporarily. Don't ask. Here's a link to the first one, though.
Moms Panel Selection, from a Dad's Point of View
(Part 1)

In the interest of being complete , here's a link to the second installment:
Moms Panel Selection, from a Dad's Point of View (Part 2)

 

[RatBoy]

In the interest of being complete , here's a link to the second installment:
Moms Panel Selection, from a Dad's Point of View (Part 2)

By the way, I really need to thank you, sis, for encouraging me to write the darn thing (I also blame you for that! ). And more importantly, for some fantastic editing feedback. If it weren't for Erica, it might have been even llonger!!

Thanks hermanita!

 

[sharonW]

OK, I'll try to respond to many of the prior comments. Please keep in mind this is just "RatBoy" talking, not Disney, nor any of the other Moms on the Panel. My opinions are not necessarily the opinions of Disney and their affiliates blah blah blah...




Can you elaborate? I understand the site is sometimes slow to refresh, but is that your issue, or is the Panel too slow in replying to questions?

I am enjoying the site, but wish I had more time to dedicate to it.



I've seem some questions cut off too. Not sure if this happens after the question is submitted, or does the person get a warning (I haven't submitted a question yet)? The length is a difficult trade-off, I guess, in the design of the site. If someone has too long of a question, I think they should consider separating it into two questions (could be sent to the same person, if desired).

One related issue I have noticed is that you can't really ask for opinions about a planned itinerary, nor a touring plan for the day in a park. They require too many words. Those are some of my favorite discussions at tourguidemike, but they just don't work in the Moms Panel format, it seems.




I agree with more than one answer if a pure opinion is asked for, but I wouldn't want the site to become too hard to read with too many responses (says the guy posting on a thread with 100's of replies!! ).

However for questions that are asking for facts, I actually like the format of only one answer. It's refreshing (vs. forums) to read a single question, and a single answer. No OT comments about...hmmmm...marathons, for example...



I don't see that happening. That may be too open, and tough to moderate. But who knows, I could be totally wrong.



I'm sure Disney could never please everyone on this topic. Diversity has just too many angles. Still, I get your point.



OK, that explains my low rating scores!!



For now, as Erin mentioned, the site is really focused on/targeted for families with younger kids, that have never been to WDW before. My hope is that it is an entryway into the online Disney community. Some will stay with the Moms Panel for a long time, and others will likely "graduate" to other forums.



No reason to thank us. Just trying to have a fun conversation!



I'm not sure I know what this is reference to? Did we cross paths in recruiting?



That's a very interesting idea. For now, you can somewhat "respond" by asking a second question to the same person that answered before (go to the person's "bio" page, and there is a link there to submit a question to that person directly), and starting off the question.."Hey Erin, thanks for the great advice about X. Now I have a follow-up for you..."



Yep, it makes complete sense. Oh, and I hope you have a smashing trip. I'm very jealous.



Hmmm...do you really want to read a blog from me??



Agreed that some way to make the voting be more representative would be nice. Not sure what the best answer is though.



Kristen, it seems you are not alone in this opinion!

The page is extremely slow to refresh! The panel answered my question quickly, well one of my questions that is. One question wasn't answered. Thanks! I hope your enjoying helping folks make their disney dreams!!