Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[NicsMom1500]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to thank all of you for your nice comments on my PassPorter articles. I'm working on Part 3 which is due soon.

I'm having a wonderful time on the WDW Moms Panel and enjoy daily the new friendships I've made.

It's been such a magical experience. I love sharing my WDW tips and being humbled by what "I don't know". I haven't had a lot of time to hang out here at my favorite place: disboards. But I can tell you last night I was flipping through the "food porn" pictures to see what yummy things our family might enjoy on our June trip (11-20).

I was surprised to stop in today and see the article and comments posted. I just had to express my gratitude. All of you have been the best cheerleaders as I've embarked on this journey.

Just wanted to share the.... ...love!
Kim
WDW Moms Panelist

 

[NicsMom1500]

Last night I saw an answer Kim posted about tipping that had a 1 for a score. I thought her answer was valid and tried to cancel out the 1 and I gave it a 5. !

Thanks for the ratings help!

I think the ratings challenge me to make sure I'm giving each answer my best. When they are low due to a mistake I made or a conflict in personal opinion, I don't mind, but it would be more valuable if I knew what was incorrect.

Best wishes,
Kim
WDW Moms Panelist

 

[NicsMom1500]

also see that you are in WDW again in June 2008. So am I!!! I'll actually be there early May and again early June. If I see you I will have to ask for your autograph! LOL

I wonder where my Meet 'n' Greet location will be set up??

Yes I'll be in WDW in June. My first summer trip to WDW so I feel like a newbie. I'm a bit worried about the heat.

I'll be at GF first, then Saratoga Springs - along with my husband, son and my Mom. Got our ADRs made and I'm working on our itinerary.

In September we (me, husband and son) are returning for a short visit to participate in the first Expedition Everest Challenge. My ds will be at the AKL Simba Cubhouse while dh and I race. Many of the other Moms and Bret are going to attend to - we are all coordinating this Sept. trip ourselves. It isn't sponsored by the Moms Panel but we all thought it would be so fun to get together. Many of us are hoping to go to the MNSSHP on the friday night before the race too. So these two visits will be firsts for me:
First summer heat.
First 5K.

I really am doing the couch potato to 5K program right now. But, I'll tell ya that I celebrate a large birthday number (okay, 40) in June and I thought why not challenge myself. I'm hoping my fellow panelists don't have to see me crawl across the finish line.

Oh, forgot that another panelist (Darcie) and I are going to be at WDW April 18-20th. We were asked to attend a PR event with Mommy Bloggers. How cool is that! I don't know much more about the event yet but my flights were just arranged. It's so weird going to WDW again without having to make arrangements myself.

So, if any disboarders are there during my visits, let me know! I'd love to meet and say hello and especially thanks for all the support.

Kim

 

[NicsMom1500]

Not for me!

The hardest part is dragging myself away from the.... Sometimes the time goes by so quickly that I have to pull myself away to attend to family stuff. I am trying to do most of my Moms Panel stuff while my son is at school. Occasionally on evenings where dh takes ds to Scouts or other activities, I will stay home and "work". But most often I prefer to go with the family and leave the M.P. stuff for the next day. Like Erin said, it's weird never having a sense of completion. Although great that there are so many questions being submitted. The wonderful comments from people are truly uplifting.

I find it hard to answer some questions within the set character limit. But I've always enjoyed writing and find myself very "wordy" (okay sometimes rambling) no matter what I'm writing.

When I pass on the Moms Panel torch, it'll be bittersweet.

Okay, back to planning my June trip. (When I take the day off from M.P. stuff, I have to force myself not to go look at new questions. ha!)
Kim
WDW Moms Panel

 

[PartyOf5]

When I pass on the Moms Panel torch, it'll be bittersweet.

And your shoes (along with our other DISers) will be very hard to fill! Hopefully they fill with more DISers since they've had such great luck with you all!

Thanks for checking in, Kim. I couldn't help but notice you are going to run a 5K with other Moms Panel members?! Do fill us in...I assume you are training for that - how is that going? How many of the Moms/Dad will be joining you?

Have any of you planned your free trip yet? If so, are any of you planning on going at the same time? Are you able to chose where you'll be staying or is the trip preplanned for you, VIP style? Love hearing all the details!

 

[NicsMom1500]

I will be so sad when my moms panel gig ends but passing my spot on to a DISer would be fabulous!!!

Free trip - yes, we were able to pick where we wanted to stay as long as there was availability. Many of us have already scheduled our trips beginning in June all the way through the end of the year.

There are actually 3 of us that have trips that overlap in June. My June stay at the GF is my winning trip. I'll be having afternoon tea at the GF with my fellow panelist, Kara, while we are there.

It's so weird planning this trip without worrying too much about costs. Very surreal and wonderful. We did extend our stay and will be moving over to Saratoga Springs. To save money we are renting points courtesy of another DISer.

There are quite a few going during the November/December holiday season, I think. We try to keep a calendar so we can see if any of our visits overlap.

No red carpet/VIP stuff. I made my own ADRs, for example.

I'm training for the 5K. I am not fond of running distances so I'm gonna have to dig deep to make this happen. I can walk forever though. LOL I'm at the beginning of my program but it's going well. Thanks for asking. I have lost about 5 pounds so I can't complain. I don't have the list right in front of me but I think there is at least 8-9 of us going. Some just for 2 nights but we are really trying to get together and cheer each other on.

I'll try to be better about checking in. Oh, the Woman's Day article should be in the next issue. I'll see if I can find a link to the tv interview that I did for a local station. Back to my June itinerary...
Kim

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Thanks for checking in, Kim. I couldn't help but notice you are going to run a 5K with other Moms Panel members?! Do fill us in...I assume you are training for that - how is that going? How many of the Moms/Dad will be joining you?

Welcome back, Kim! The 5K course looks like a lot of fun -- and maybe a little spooooooky in the dark! Please do keep us posted!

Oh, forgot that another panelist (Darcie) and I are going to be at WDW April 18-20th. We were asked to attend a PR event with Mommy Bloggers. How cool is that! I don't know much more about the event yet but my flights were just arranged. It's so weird going to WDW again without having to make arrangements myself.

Now that is cool! Let us know how it goes. (And, we'll be on the lookout for any articles generated by the press event.)

'Ya know: Your trip dates coincide with the final portion of Disney's Dream CMO contest. The Top Three finalists will travel to Disney World (April 16 - 22, 2008) for their reality-show-type competition. I know you'll be super-busy, but it would be really cool if you somehow managed to catch some of their antics! (I know I'd be jealous... )

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Now that is cool! Let us know how it goes. (And, we'll be on the lookout for any articles generated by the press event.)

Correction: (Oops!) If I understand correctly, then the PR event will be geared more towards Mommy Bloggers -- not the press. So, I guess we'll be looking for mentions of the event in various blogs instead of newspaper articles.

'Just curious: Will it target Orlando-based bloggers, or is this some sort of Disney-based confab that will draw writers from across the U.S.? (I ask, because it looks like Disney recently hosted a similar event in Silicon Valley for mommy bloggers...)

Either way, it sounds like a lot of fun for you and Darcie. (Plus, it's another great excuse to return to the World! )

 

[dollhouse]

Hey everyone!

I haven't posted in a very long time. I am in school again & this has taken up a lot of time. Just went through and read all the amazing posts! I am so happy that you all have had such an amazing experience and it is so great that everyone has showed so much support and stayed in touch! Disney has a way keeping people together and sharing the magic.

What are the plans for the Moms Panel 6 month stints? It seems as though it has been so successful and I am wondering what the plans for the future are for the panel? It also seems like friendships have been formed and I think that is just one of the best things that could happen in any experience!

Anyway, just wanted you all to know that I have been thinking about you all and enjoyed reading the posts. I am very jealous about the 5k run...hmmmm? Ran a few in the past but don't think I could run around the block now. Maybe something to think about. The hills in Western PA are a little intimidating! HA HA!

Thanks for the great reading and they sure picked a great bunch..finalists and semis!

We were in Disney in Feb. & the girls are already asking when we are going back. It probably won't be for a long time... I think our impromptu trips are going to slow down!

Leslie (semi finalist for the first ever Disney Mom's panel!)
dh
dd 7
dd 4

 

[dollhouse]

PS:

Kim, I am sure there will be a lot of people that would love to "GRAB" that torch out of your hands! HA HA!

What an amazing experience you all must have had....I am so happy I got the chance to share in it a little way!

Take care everyone!

Any scoop...be sure to pass along!

Leslie

GO PENS AND PANTHERS!!!!

 

[WishesQueen]

I would love to have the experience of being on the panel one day.

But even if that doesn't work out. It will be fun if when and if they shake things up a bit. The posting is fun to read and be part of when new news comes around!!

Win or loss, things are fun around here!!

 

[5/4Disney]

Kim, glad to hear you are enjoying the panel so much!! Unfortunately we won't be going in June. However; we would love too. My Dh and I are wanting to sneak away for the Food and Wine Festival one weekend. I haven't been during the summer in sometime (living in Houston I know what the summer heat can be like). You guys will do fine, just take a break during the heat of the day and swim. Don't forget to drink PLENTY of water and take advantage of the air conditioning .

Leslie, I hope school in going well, at times I wish I could go back and finish my MBA.
Julie

 

[dollhouse]

Wow...3rd post in a day for me!

Julie, thanks for mentioning your kind words for school. I have a BA and attempting to go back to school for nursing. If I had the BS (ha ha..that sounds funny), I would have the sciences...so it is hard for me with the girls. Anatomy is a difficult but so interesting. I should be able to start the actual Nursing classes in January or next Fall...taking it slow because of the kids. I don't want to overload myself.

However, we all as Moms (sorry Bret! and Dads) were many hats. I have a lot of respect for everyone on this forum because it seems like you all do so many things. Disney enables us to escape from the real world at times & just focus on the magic of "life" for everyone in every situation..that is why I love it so much! I think this is why we all love it so much!

Keep up the wonderful positive vibes going on in this thread! It is a wonderful thing!

Leslie

 

[WishesQueen]

I do love chatting on this tread!! I am looking forward to Disney mixing it up a little or adding something fun and exciting so we could all chat it up!!

 

[I believe]

Wow, lots of happy and exciting things happening over here! Kim, I loved part two and can’t wait to see part #3. Congratulations on your upcoming GF summer winnings stay. You must be so excited for your trip and to get to visit with your friend, Moms Panelist Kara. You’ll have the best time!

I definitely wouldn’t worry about having to feel bittersweet about passing on any Moms Panel torches in the near future. I doubt Disney would let any of you slip through their Mickey gloved fingers and I can’t imagine any of you could pass on the opportunity to continue your super-rewarding roles. Daily you have eased the minds of many Moms Panel website Guests by being right there “with them” online ready to offer personalized assistance. This Moms Panel security blanket that you all provide to first timers is another beautiful gift to Guests- Disney-style. It is a wonderful win-win situation for everyone. Now, if only they would imaginate some more Moms Panel Panelist openings?

Good luck with your physical training for the 5K Expedition Everest Challenge. I am guessing team Moms Panel will have a great time with this event. I’ll have to pick up my first ever copy of Woman’s Day next month. I can’t wait to see the article you mentioned. While I’m sure it has been great to get press on the internet, radio and TV, I really think there is something extra special about appearing in a nationally printed paper publication. What an extra special souvenir from this extramagical experience!

I’m so happy for you and the rest of the Panelists. You have all done so much to make yourselves and Disney proud! Keep up the good work and please do stop back by more often to keep us updated. It is so exciting to hear all about your wonderful details.

Lots of good wishes for you all, from me,
kristenc

 

[I believe]

Thanks DisGeeksDC for posting Kim's articles. You mentioned you were having a dinner party the other night on the CMO thread, I hope everything went well! Also, thanks for reading my CM story from that thread. Glad you liked it.

 

[I believe]

Thank you all so much for the nice comments. I was a little annoyed about the online chatter but then I had my entire family's illness to distract me. We've had multiple rounds of strep, middle dd now has pneumonia - oy!

Heather, I hope your family is feeling better now! There is nothing sadder than when your kids don't feel well.

The cold/flu season should be over soon. I hope everyone is feeling well now.

Spring is almost here!

 

[PartyOf5]

I do love chatting on this tread!! I am looking forward to Disney mixing it up a little or adding something fun and exciting so we could all chat it up!!

I totally agree! I'm thinking the next 'shake-up' will be the launch of the first newsletter followed by the process to pick round 2 for the MOMs panel. I believe the first term is up in June and they'll need time to train, etc. However, my feeling is they won't let the entire first round of the MOMs panel go at this point. I think they will keep 6 of you and bring on 6 new MOMs to ease the transition. The last thing Disney will want to do is have a lull in answers to Disney planning questions.

Regardless, as I said before, you guys have huge shoes to fill! In my opinion, the panel has exceeded expectations! Although it does worry me slightly that running a 5K may be an unexpected, unofficial job requirement!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Thanks DisGeeksDC for posting Kim's articles.

My pleasure!

You mentioned you were having a dinner party the other night on the CMO thread, I hope everything went well!

Thanks for the well wishes! It was fun! (Actually, it was a fairly casual get-together. My husband was looking for an excuse to reunite with his University of Maryland friends and their families during March Madness -- even though their team wasn't even playing! )

Of course, things can get pretty raucous with a bunch of kids running around! (They were a fairly good bunch, but quantity guarantees a bit of a hullabaloo...) As I "reclaimed" our house afterwards, I sort of chucked at the irony of entertaining: I push to spotlessly clean the place prior to our company's arrival. I bask in its sparkly "glow" for a few seconds before folks descend upon our home. Afterwards, I often feel like a cyclone has hit! …Isn't that a bit backwards?!?

Also, thanks for reading my CM story from that thread. Glad you liked it.

Sure thing! I know that folks have varying opinions about the perfect age to take the kids to Disney World. Stories like yours, though, are a good reason why I'm such a big fan of taking them while they're young and actually believe that they have the power to "blow out" all of the lights on Main Street in order to kick off the SpectroMagic Parade! Priceless!

I was recently reading a mommy blog that referenced an old Disneyland billboard. It pictured a group of little girls dressed in their princess garb and included the slogan, “Take them while they still believe.” Now that’s what I'm talking about! Good stuff!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I do love chatting on this tread!! I am looking forward to Disney mixing it up a little or adding something fun and exciting so we could all chat it up!!

I'm thinking the next 'shake-up' will be the launch of the first newsletter followed by the process to pick round 2 for the MOMs panel. I believe the first term is up in June and they'll need time to train, etc. However, my feeling is they won't let the entire first round of the MOMs panel go at this point. I think they will keep 6 of you and bring on 6 new MOMs to ease the transition. The last thing Disney will want to do is have a lull in answers to Disney planning questions.

Regardless, as I said before, you guys have huge shoes to fill! In my opinion, the panel has exceeded expectations! Although it does worry me slightly that running a 5K may be an unexpected, unofficial job requirement!

Ooooh! I hope you folks are really onto something and Disney does have some new developments in store. Now that would be exciting!

I'm thinking, though, that Disney won't formally launch another Moms Panel contest until next Fall. ('Not sure if my impressions are adequately substantiated. If I recall correctly, though, a few of the articles I've read mentioned that -- if the Panel succeeds (which seems to be the case) -- Disney will revisit the contest next year. I'm guessing that -- if any of the moms decide to bow out at the six-month mark -- Disney will call on an alternate?! From the sounds of it, though, the Moms seem pretty happy with their exciting, new "gig." (Of course, all of this is purely conjecture on my part... What do I know? )

I'm definitely looking forward to the latest Mickey Moms newsletter. (Hey, Karen: I can't wait to read your interview. It feels like it has been a long time coming, huh?) I'm also curious to see what Disney will include in the Mickey Moms Club welcome kit!