Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[Dcanoli]

They called EBay, our local police, and Newark security, but no one really wanted to help. They all said that this is not altogether uncommon and for small items and it's difficult and rarely worth it to investigate.

Now, that is just wrong! Why in the world wouldn't EBAY, at the very least, contact the seller or suspend them since they know it was stolen.

I don't get that one at all.

 

[dredick]

Did you leave negative feedback under the seller? I would have put in it that the steal and resale items!

 

[Dcanoli]

Did you leave negative feedback under the seller? I would have put in it that the steal and resale items!

What a great idea!

 

[RatBoy]

Boy, it's been busy over here!

WishesQueen/Deb: That is an amazing act of kindness to share you Mickey Moms Club magnet! Two thumbs up

I totally agree with the "giving vs. receiving" (and to not tell our spouses ). I love giving away left-over FASTPASSes as I leave a Disney park, and watching my kids share glow-sticks with other kids at night in the parks. It feels great!

Erin: Thanks for following-up on the suggestion about posting the photos of your weekend event. I thought it was interesting - so,I figured there might be 1 or 2 over here that felt the same.

That's a shocking Ebay story, I tell ya! It proves that there are all kinds out there in the big blue sea! (come on, everyone sing along..."In the Big Blue Sea....")

DisGeeksfromDC/Scoopy: Thanks for posting the alumni article. I'll post some scanned copies of recent stuff below. I'm certainly late to the PR party, but it's been a pretty good week, if I say so myself (and...I think I just did )

Heather R.: Thanks for sharing your humor regarding the ODC/OCD. I agree with all of the comments about how nice it is to share this experience with 11 great gals, as well as the CMs.

Some of you all may know that us "Moms" set up our own private forum just to share stories, ask questions, and just get to know each other a bit better (and secretly I think there was a sub-plot to make fun of me. Mission accomplished, by the way -- many times over ). Would it surprise you to know that we have over 3,800 posts there? I guess we need some place to use up all the extra words that don't fit within the 200-word-limit Q&As on the Moms Panel site!!

At first I imagine many of us were interested in the family WDW trip prizes, but now I think that part is almost irrelevant (no, I'm not giving it away, though! ). In reality there have been many other more interesting "rewards", such as the December training session, press interviews, learning with Disney as they roll-out (and learn from, and tweak) this new web site, PR visits to WDW, and most importantly building friendships with 11 other people that have so many things in common but also bring many different skills and interests to the "party."

As was mentioned many many many posts ago, one word sums up the feeling of the Moms Panel experience...Kumbaya!

 

[RatBoy]

I hope it doesn't seem too self-promotional to post these, but I figured that someone might be interested (Scoopy?!), and they are fairly obscure. Besides, I sorta feel that part of our "job" is to share the PR material.


So here goes...

North Chicago Suburb magazine...

Brief mention in the table of contents...

The article (based on an interview that the writer did at my home)...

Hardcopy version of Scoopy's article above...

I received this magazine in the mail today (written by a Canadian reporter that was part of the Toy Story Mania press event that I attended)...

And I'll leave Scoopy with a challenge: Do you ever listen to podcasts??

 

[Dcanoli]

Great articles Bret! Congrats!

 

[EEFOSTER]

Would it surprise you to know that we have over 3,800 posts there? I guess we need some place to use up all the extra words that don't fit within the 200-word-limit Q&As on the Moms Panel site!!

At first I imagine many of us were interested in the family WDW trip prizes, but now I think that part is almost irrelevant (no, I'm not giving it away, though! ). In reality there have been many other more interesting "rewards", such as the December training session, press interviews, learning with Disney as they roll-out (and learn from, and tweak) this new web site, PR visits to WDW, and most importantly building friendships with 11 other people that have so many things in common but also bring many different skills and interests to the "party."

Great articles Bret!

We ARE difficult to shut up aren't we . Do you think if the ratio were reversed on the Panel, 11 Dads and 1 Mom, that there would be quite so much friendly banter?

And about the rewards...

At this point, the reward trip has almost nothing to do with my involvement in the Panel (I'm not sharing either though ). It really is about having this incredibly interesting experience in my life. And now also about the "giving not receiving" aspect of it. We get so many "thank yous" and little notes of appreciation on the site. It gives me a wonderful boost every day when I see how much people are being helped by the Panel. Kumbaya indeed.

 

[PartyOf5]

I hope it doesn't seem too self-promotional to post these, but I figured that someone might be interested (Scoopy?!), and they are fairly obscure. Besides, I sorta feel that part of our "job" is to share the PR material.


So here goes...

Hey 3DB...(can I call you that? Donald Duck Dad Bret..kinda has a ring to it?!)...thanks for posting the article...awesome!

 

[Marshay]

Just trying to catch up ...

Wow that story about buying back your own camera -- too funny, if it wasn't so sad....

Bret -- great articles!

Re: rewards -- you guys are so dedicated on a daily basis, that a few free trips to Disney certainly is not the reason to do the job. Frankly, you could save up to go and be less work! It's your love for Disney and sharing with others that motivates you to do your job. Kumbaya!

 

[I believe]

I love giving away left-over FASTPASSes as I leave a Disney park, and watching my kids share glow-sticks with other kids at night in the parks. It feels great!

These are great ways to make someone's day!

Some of you all may know that us "Moms" set up our own private forum just to share stories, ask questions, and just get to know each other a bit better (and secretly I think there was a sub-plot to make fun of me. Mission accomplished, by the way -- many times over ). Would it surprise you to know that we have over 3,800 posts there? I guess we need some place to use up all the extra words that don't fit within the 200-word-limit Q&As on the Moms Panel site!!

Wow! Yes that would surprise me!

I hope it doesn't seem too self-promotional to post these, but I figured that someone might be interested (Scoopy?!), and they are fairly obscure. Besides, I sorta feel that part of our "job" is to share the PR material.

Please do share, we enjoy reading all of these! Very nice stories, BTW. I really like the title "This Cheese Stands Alone" from the Stanford publication. You are making a big difference for so many vacationers!

And I'll leave Scoopy with a challenge: Do you ever listen to podcasts??

I can't wait to find out more about this.

At this point, the reward trip has almost nothing to do with my involvement in the Panel (I'm not sharing either though ). It really is about having this incredibly interesting experience in my life. And now also about the "giving not receiving" aspect of it. We get so many "thank yous" and little notes of appreciation on the site. It gives me a wonderful boost every day when I see how much people are being helped by the Panel. Kumbaya indeed.

Disney certainly selected a Disney-hearted group of Panelists!

Hey 3DB...(can I call you that? Donald Duck Dad Bret..kinda has a ring to it?!)

Very cute PartyOf5!

....Re: rewards -- you guys are so dedicated on a daily basis, that a few free trips to Disney certainly is not the reason to do the job. Frankly, you could save up to go and be less work! It's your love for Disney and sharing with others that motivates you to do your job. Kumbaya!

This is so true, Marshay. They certainly have the Disney spirit!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I hope it doesn't seem too self-promotional to post these, but I figured that someone might be interested (Scoopy?!), and they are fairly obscure. Besides, I sorta feel that part of our "job" is to share the PR material.

'Loved the articles, Bret. (Thanks for posting them!)

And I'll leave Scoopy with a challenge: Do you ever listen to podcasts??

Ooooh! A challenge! (Admittedly, though, I don't listen to many podcasts [yet!], so I think I could use a "lifeline"! ('Guess it might behoove me to start, huh?!? )

(There was the latest "Walt Disney World Resort: Plugged In" podcast, which features "Top Tips from Disney World Moms" (the same video posted on the Disney World Moms Panel web site), but it's a few months old.... I'm guessing that you're referring to something more recent?!? )

******​

Oh, wait! I'm listening to yesterday's WDW Today podcast, and you just got a name-drop in the middle of a response to an ADR-related question. (Is that it? )


Episode 418 - Listener Questions
(It happens about midway through the podcast. The great "180 days out + nine" or "180 days out + ten" debate...)

(...Sheesh! I'm such a geek!)

 

[I believe]

(There was the latest "Walt Disney World Resort: Plugged In" podcast, which features "Top Tips from Disney World Moms" (the same video posted on the Disney World Moms Panel web site), but it's a few months old.... I'm guessing that you're referring to something more recent?!? )

******​

Oh, wait! I'm listening to yesterday's WDW Today podcast, and you just got a name-drop in the middle of a response to an ADR-related question. (Is that it? )


Episode 418 - Listener Questions
(It happens about midway through the podcast. The great "180 days out + nine" or "180 days out + ten" debate...)

Great job, DISgeeks!

Wow, more cool PR for you Brett, you are popping up everywhere!

(...Sheesh! I'm such a geek!)

Being a Disney geek is a good thing, DISgeeks, hakuna matata. Keep up the good work! Thank you for finding them. I need to listen to more of these too.

 

[RatBoy]

Oh, wait! I'm listening to yesterday's WDW Today podcast, and you just got a name-drop in the middle of a response to an ADR-related question. (Is that it? )


Episode 418 - Listener Questions
(It happens about midway through the podcast. The great "180 days out + nine" or "180 days out + ten" debate...)

(...Sheesh! I'm such a geek!)

WOW! You ARE good!!! Funny thing is that I didn't even know about this mention when I posted the question.

The one you mention is, admittedly, more interesting than the one I was thinking of (very subtle hint...388 ).

The most interesting one (so far ) isn't actually available yet, although you could have already heard it. Fortunately it includes another much more interesting Moms Panelist (OK, that leaves you with 11 choices. Hmm, a better hint??...hmmm...OK, got it...who has a daughter named after one of the Princesses).

Colder? Warmer? More confused yet?

-Bret

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

WOW! You ARE good!!! Funny thing is that I didn't even know about this mention when I posted the question.

The one you mention is, admittedly, more interesting than the one I was thinking of (very subtle hint...388 ).

The most interesting one (so far ) isn't actually available yet, although you could have already heard it. Fortunately it includes another much more interesting Moms Panelist (OK, that leaves you with 11 choices. Hmm, a better hint??...hmmm...OK, got it...who has a daughter named after one of the Princesses).

Colder? Warmer? More confused yet?

-Bret

Cool! (And, nuts!!)

Hmmmm.....

I just did a little sleuthing, and -- in the show notes from Episode 388 of WDW Today -- a "Brett of IL wants to know the best low cost hotel/motel off-site."

Hey! Your name is "Bret," and you're from Illinios!

Hmmmm.....

Time for some "Breaking News"?? (...pending verification, of course! )

Episode 388 - Listener Questions
(It supposedly happens early in the program.)

******

As for your second hint... It appears that Laura Spencer (whose daughter is named Ariel?) has been featured in a podcast or news report. I'm 'gonna need some more hints, though, to figure this one out!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

YEP! (It's confirmed.) In Episode 388 of WDW Today, question #3 came from "Bret Caldwell of Evanston, Illinois."

(Thanks for the hint, btw! )

Meanwhile, were you able to take any of those solo, weekend trips to The World? (I'm guessing they were for research purposes... Maaaan, you Panelists sure are committed to your jobs! 'Nothing like taking a "hit" for the team at the World! )

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Great job, DISgeeks!

Thanks!

Being a Disney geek is a good thing, DISgeeks, hakuna matata.

 

[I believe]

I see posted on Kim's blog, Stop a Moment that today is her birthday!

Happy Birthday Kim!

 

[PartyOf5]

Kim!

Happy Birthday!

arty:

 

[RatBoy]

Yep, BIG birthday wishes to Kim, since it was BIG Birthday (21, I'm guessing! ).

-Bret/ratboy/sharkbait/3DB

 

[RatBoy]

Admittedly, though, I don't listen to many podcasts [yet!], so I think I could use a "lifeline"! ('Guess it might behoove me to start, huh?!? )

For someone who doesn't listen to podcasts, you sure figured most of it out very quickly.

Obviously I DO listen to podcasts. They are great in the car, or for long plane rides. My favorites these days are...

- WDW Today (Matt Hochberg, Len Testa, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa, and [sometimes] the "Fabulous Annette Owens")
- WDW Radio Show (Lou Mongello)
- DIS Unplugged (Pete Werner, Corey Martin, Julie Martin, Kevin Klose and John Magi)
- Inside the Magic (Ricky Brigante)

All of them are good in their own ways, but personally, I'd recommend starting with WDW Today, because they have shorter shows (although their tag line is "give us 5 minutes, and we'll give you the World", their shows tend to run 15-20 minutes), and they are very knowledgeable and entertaining folks. It's also helpful to read their wikipedia page, to get up to speed on their inside jokes. They LOVE to make fun of Lou Mongello on their show, but in reality they are good friends with Lou.

I had the honor to go to lunch with Matt Hochberg at Prime Time Cafe during the TSM trip (something I set up on my own). Great guy, and amazing to hear how dedicated he and the podcast team are to their "hobby" (all have day jobs, since the podcast barely breaks even).

Oh, and yes, you are on the right track with the "Laura" guess. The show isn't available yet. But I have a sneaking suspicion you'll find it when it is.

-Bret