Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[RatBoy]

I appreciate the notice, and the defensive comments (and I'm sure the other "Moms" do as well).

I actually can't find the Q&A on the Moms Panel site that is mentioned by the OP, so it all confuses me. If it really does exist, it is correct that it probably shouldn't be on our site, since our site is supposed to be about planning for a trip to WDW, not about trying to discuss rumors. We all try to do our best and sometimes make some mistakes. I know I have a few current posts with minor mistakes which I'm trying to get fixed ASAP.

IMHO, the Moms Panel is just another forum -- it isn't necessarily better or worse than the DIS, but it is different. I can completely understand why a DIS lover wouldn't find the Moms Panel forum to their liking. The Moms Panel is more oriented toward first-time planners, and people that want Q&As instead of long thread discussions. Again, it's different, but not necessarily better or worse.

I do think overall the quality and accuracy of the responses on the Moms Panel on average is really quite good -- but of course I'm a little biased!

For what it's worth, my advice would be to ignore the other thread. People on anonymous forums are not usually persuaded by other people's opinions and/or facts. I was tempted to reply, but am sure it would only fan the fire.

I appreciate very much that this thread has remained positive for over 6 months. Hope it can stay that way.

-Bret

 

[Dcanoli]

The other thread just seems very un-Disney-like.

Personally, in my experiences here on the boards, people have been so friendly and helpful, and I thought it was "neat" that a lot of the Moms on the M.P. were on the Disboards too.

It never occurred to me that some of their answers might be "wrong."

I just viewed it, as you said, another forum--another avenue, if you will, to find Disney information.

I don't think anyone visiting any one avenue is going to take it as the sole and factual information source.

Most people visiting Disney for the first time, scour a lot of different sources to come up with their information and final plans.

I was very tired when I posted last night, after a long day of work, but bottom line is that I was really shocked to see such anger on these boards.

 

[EEFOSTER]

I'll echo Bret when I say thank you for defending the Panel. Those folks on that other thread do seem rather cranky.

I know that we're all doing our best, but sometimes we do get them wrong. I myself have had to ask for a few of my answers to be pulled because I later found out that they were incorrect.

The biggest thing I've learned about Disney since being a Panelist is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to know everything. I will be making at least 7 trips to WDW this year alone. I have about 50 Disney related books I regularly consult. I have entire file cabinet filled with maps and menus and magazine articles about Disney. My Tivo is set to auto-record every travel or food related show about Disney. I check allearsnet wdwnews and disneyworld.com daily. I call Disney dining and Disney reservations several times a week to confirm or verify information. We're trying, we really are. And still I find out something new about Disney every single day.

Much of what we're supposed to be doing is giving our opinions about things at WDW so that new guests can get an experienced Mom's perspective. And no one is going to agree with all of any one else's opinions. Frankly, many of the Panelists don't agree with each other about many topics. I think this is a good thing. But I'm guessing some of the folks on that other thread wouldn't agree with me.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your vote of confidence.

Thank you!

Erin

 

[poohmomof5]

I appreciate the notice, and the defensive comments (and I'm sure the other "Moms" do as well).

I actually can't find the Q&A on the Moms Panel site that is mentioned by the OP, so it all confuses me. If it really does exist, it is correct that it probably shouldn't be on our site, since our site is supposed to be about planning for a trip to WDW, not about trying to discuss rumors. We all try to do our best and sometimes make some mistakes. I know I have a few current posts with minor mistakes which I'm trying to get fixed ASAP.

IMHO, the Moms Panel is just another forum -- it isn't necessarily better or worse than the DIS, but it is different. I can completely understand why a DIS lover wouldn't find the Moms Panel forum to their liking. The Moms Panel is more oriented toward first-time planners, and people that want Q&As instead of long thread discussions. Again, it's different, but not necessarily better or worse.

I do think overall the quality and accuracy of the responses on the Moms Panel on average is really quite good -- but of course I'm a little biased!

For what it's worth, my advice would be to ignore the other thread. People on anonymous forums are not usually persuaded by other people's opinions and/or facts. I was tempted to reply, but am sure it would only fan the fire.

I appreciate very much that this thread has remained positive for over 6 months. Hope it can stay that way.

-Bret

Well said Bret!

I agree 100% with your decision to stay away. As I just told one of my employees yesterday, it is NEVER in your best interest to try to one-up someone. Especially people like that, they are simply being petty and judgemental. You guys are doing great and I am very proud of you!

 

[poohmomof5]

I'll echo Bret when I say thank you for defending the Panel. Those folks on that other thread do seem rather cranky.

I know that we're all doing our best, but sometimes we do get them wrong. I myself have had to ask for a few of my answers to be pulled because I later found out that they were incorrect.

The biggest thing I've learned about Disney since being a Panelist is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to know everything. I will be making at least 7 trips to WDW this year alone. I have about 50 Disney related books I regularly consult. I have entire file cabinet filled with maps and menus and magazine articles about Disney. My Tivo is set to auto-record every travel or food related show about Disney. I check allearsnet wdwnews and disneyworld.com daily. I call Disney dining and Disney reservations several times a week to confirm or verify information. We're trying, we really are. And still I find out something new about Disney every single day.

Much of what we're supposed to be doing is giving our opinions about things at WDW so that new guests can get an experienced Mom's perspective. And no one is going to agree with all of any one else's opinions. Frankly, many of the Panelists don't agree with each other about many topics. I think this is a good thing. But I'm guessing some of the folks on that other thread wouldn't agree with me.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your vote of confidence.

Thank you!

Erin

Well said Erin!

 

[PartyOf5]

I try to read the Q&A's on the MOMs panel almost every night. I also have learned a lot! One theme you will notice is many, many vacation planners use their valuable question space to give positive/encouraging feedback. "Love the panel." "You guys are great." "Thank you so much." It goes on an on.

That is the feedback to focus on - they are the 'customers' of the MOMs panel. There will always be people on DIS or elsewhere with negative comments....not just on the MOMs Panel but for anything really.

Karma - keep positive and good things will come your way.

 

[NicsMom1500]

Thanks to each of you for your personal support. True Disney fans know what's it's like to share the LOVE of WDW rather than trying to one up each other.

My passion for WDW is fueled by helping other families find the magic at WDW rather than professing that I know everything about the World.

I feel the love from each of you that has stayed on this amazing journey with us! And I always feel the love from my fellow panelists. It's all good!!

Don't forget to stop by my blog
http://stopamoment.typepad.com/

to read my June trip report. I'll be adding to it this week. I'm also getting ready to go to Magic Meet in Camp Hill, PA this Saturday. It's about a half hour or so from our house.

If any DISers are there, stop and say Hi!

Hug a Mouse!!
Kim

 

[WishesQueen]

I remember the first time I took my family to WDW. What I mean is the first time I was the MOMMY!!! I was looking everywhere for answers to things that are first hand to us pros.

What I am trying to say, is that I would have loved to have found the Moms Panel. I am sure that so many people are thrilled to find it and you guys are doing such a great job. Who wouldn't love helping people traveling to WDW???

I have just always found that anyone who can be so negative on any subject that jealousy is usually a huge factor. Bret is right the Moms Panel is very similar to Dis, just simplier and focused on a smaller level of topics!!!

Great job you guys!!!

 

[Mcmillanmom]

When I arrived at Walt Disney World last December to meet the other excited and nervous Moms, I was blessed to meet 11 of the most positive and wonderful people I have ever come across, in my many, many, (alright a whole lot!) years on this lovely Earth.

Eight months later, each and every one of us has gotten such wonderful feedback over and over again. Comments from people all over the world, that often bring me to tears. We are making magic and the next panel will be blessed with that opportunity as well.

If we have learned anything from our beloved Disney movies is that it's not negativity and meaness, BUT, pixie dust, light and love, that are what make happy endings.

XOXOXOXOX

 

[I believe]

I do think overall the quality and accuracy of the responses on the Moms Panel on average is really quite good -- but of course I'm a little biased!
....
-Bret

I totally agree!

The biggest thing I've learned about Disney since being a Panelist is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to know everything. I will be making at least 7 trips to WDW this year alone. I have about 50 Disney related books I regularly consult. I have entire file cabinet filled with maps and menus and magazine articles about Disney. My Tivo is set to auto-record every travel or food related show about Disney. I check allearsnet wdwnews and disneyworld.com daily. I call Disney dining and Disney reservations several times a week to confirm or verify information. We're trying, we really are. And still I find out something new about Disney every single day.

Erin

Erin, I see why you are such the fountain of information and have helped SO many people. You have quite the system! Keep up the great work!

One theme you will notice is many, many vacation planners use their valuable question space to give positive/encouraging feedback. "Love the panel." "You guys are great." "Thank you so much." It goes on an on.

That is the feedback to focus on - they are the 'customers' of the MOMs panel. There will always be people on DIS or elsewhere with negative comments....not just on the MOMs Panel but for anything really.

Karma - keep positive and good things will come your way.

These words of appreciation are proof that the Moms Panel’s work has been well received and is appreciated by the people who matter the most. Their writing these words of gratitude is even more valuable as they entered the words into a space-limited question field, as PartyOf5 mentioned.

I believe PartyOf5 is so right about Karma!

My passion for WDW is fueled by helping other families find the magic at WDW rather than professing that I know everything about the World.

Your desire to help families shines through your very helpful and thoughtful answers!

Don't forget to stop by my blog
http://stopamoment.typepad.com/

to read my June trip report. I'll be adding to it this week.
Hug a Mouse!!
Kim

It is nice to know that you want us to come read the blogs. Sometimes when I read random bloggers’ posts I feel a bit like a peeping tom. I wonder if all bloggers appreciate having a stranger read their posts. I know that people wouldn’t put them on the internet if they didn’t want people reading them, but sometimes I feel like I should cover my eyes when I read them.

Kim, I am really enjoying your posts! They are fun to read!

I loved your very funny post about not following the herds. The other day my family walked passed a family that was leaving the beach. The mom told us that we should not bother going to the beach today because it is too crowded. I thanked her, but we continued walking to the beach. We settled near the water and had plenty of room. I had to laugh a little when I looked back up the beach to see hundreds of adults packed like sardines in the soft, hot, dry sandy strip at the top of the beach. Why stay up at the top of the beach? Almost all of the kids were playing in the water or right near the water, why not be near them?

When I arrived at Walt Disney World last December to meet the other excited and nervous Moms, I was blessed to meet 11 of the most positive and wonderful people I have ever come across, in my many, many, (alright a whole lot!) years on this lovely Earth.

Eight months later, each and every one of us has gotten such wonderful feedback over and over again. Comments from people all over the world, that often bring me to tears. We are making magic and the next panel will be blessed with that opportunity as well.

Awww

If we have learned anything from our beloved Disney movies is that it's not negativity and meaness, BUT, pixie dust, light and love, that are what make happy endings.
XOXOXOXOX

And the greatest of these is pixie dust.

 

[cdotla]

Another shout-out to our Moms Panelists!

And excellent post over there Kim! I think sometimes people need to be reminded that they are talking about real people, with real feelings, families and lives.

Keep up all of your good work!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Wow! It sure has been a busy day here!

While there are quite a few “perks” that come with being a Moms Panelist, the public scrutiny – and occasional snide remark(s) – would be a real bummer, especially since we know you take your jobs so seriously. You folks are great! And, I completely agree with everyone else’s thoughtful (and sensible!) comments here on this thread.

You handle yourselves so graciously and professionally, which I’m confident is yet another reason why Disney chose you to represent its Resort. What a classy bunch!

On a personal note: I know that I’ve gleaned helpful information from the Moms Panel. Recently, I’ve been prepping for an upcoming trip with friends to Orlando – with an all-too-sort visit to the World. Obviously, every second counts, so I’m trying to plan wisely. I ran a Google search to see if Toy Story Mania is open during morning EMH, and – wouldn’t you know it? – I wound up with a link to Bret’s answer on the Disney Moms Panel site.

Click here to read what Bret has to say.

(‘Should have just checked there in the first place, huh? ) For inquiring minds, the short answer is “Yes,” btw. I might add that Disney hasn’t even updated this info on its official site. (To date, Toy Story Mania isn't even marked on the online Hollywood Studios map... ) Here’s a very tangible example of the Moms Panel getting it right and -- in fact -- beating Disney to the punch in the process!

 

[DVCsince02]

I'm so glad that thread ended on a positive note. Keep up the awesome work ladies and Bret!

 

[DVCsince02]

Did I kill this thread?

 

[Dcanoli]

No, you didn't kill it. It comes and goes....

But, it has been quiet for the time being...

 

[dredick]

Wow, I just caught up! Bravo to those that held there heads high on that other thread! I'm so proud of you all and the defense of the moms panel! Way to go!

 

[RatBoy]

Sorry for the radio silence. Traveling WAY too much these days (yes, I do have a real job!). A few update items...

- Erin just got back from doing some more videos this weekend at the waterparks, etc. (I'm sure she'll post with more details and LOTS of photos!! )
- Two new "how-to" videos were posted on the Moms Panel site today

- Kim and I are attending MagicMeets this Saturday (not an official Disney activity, just two Disney geeks, hanging with lots of other Disney nerds ). Kim is bringing her family as well.

- There is a small "blurb" about the moms panel in the current August "Country Living" magazine

- There is a small mention of the Moms Panel videos in today's Magically Speaking newsletter...
"Moms Panel "How-To" Videos
The Walt Disney World Moms Panelists have found a fun way to share quick tips and vacation planning advice with a series of step-by-step how-to videos. Videos currently available include How to Use Fast Pass, Disney for All Ages, Rider Switch, Character Greeting Etiquette and more. According to Bret Caldwell, the sole dad on the Mom's Panel, "The idea of the videos is to supplement the info we share on the Moms Panel forum. Some videos were made with professional camera crews at the parks, but many of them have been made at our houses with home video cameras. We each selected our own topics, and got to write, direct and produce them all on our own. It's been a blast." To view the videos, visit disneyworldmoms.com."

"Saludos amigos" to all.

-Bret

 

[NicsMom1500]

Well, I'm slowly working on my trip report from our June vacation to WDW.

Today I added some info on my indulgent time at the GF tea. You'll also see a picture of fellow panelist Kara and I looking very happy after our quiet time at the Garden View Lounge. (our boys were off on their own adventures!)

Thanks, Kara for those memorable moments!!

Stick with me and I promise to write more soon. I would love if you dropped by at:

http://stopamoment.typepad.com/

I can't believe we are in to our 2nd 6 months on the WDW Moms Panel. It's so bittersweet. I'm thankful every day for this amazing adventure and yet, I'm trying not to think about how to fill the void in my life when it's over. I'm going to need a new way to fill my time with making dreams of mine (and others) come true. Maybe I'll finally write a book (okay, at least finish one) or at least get caught up on the clutter in my house (oh wait, that's not a magical way to fill my time, is it??!)

If anything, it'll be so much easier to pass on my torch if I know it's going to one of you that will carry it proudly. It would be SO magical to pass on the magic to someone that I knew believed in it and wanted nothing more than to share it with fellow WDW travelers.

I know I'm getting sappy, I'm so sentimental it's icky, but thank you for staying on this journey with us.

Okay, back to re-living the WDW magic via my trip report.

Oh, and if anyone is attending Magic Meets this weekend in Camp Hill, PA. Look for Bret (Disney Dad) who is traveling FAR and without sleep to attend. I'll be there with my family but we have a very short drive from just outside hershey, PA. Yes, indeed, some mornings we can smell chocolate in the air.

Hugs!!!
--Kim

 

[PartyOf5]

Hmmm...how did updates sneak past me? Thanks for the updates, Bret and Kim!

I just checked out the new videos - great! I also use a clear plastic envelope similar to Beth's...only mine has the dividers - and it's my favorite color - purple.

Kim, don't worry about getting sappy...it shows your true passion for the panel. I'm sure many of your co-panelists feel the same way. And I'm sure a few of us here would be honored, and equally sappy, to carry on the torch!

I hope everyone is doing well.

 

[EEFOSTER]

Bret has given me another virtual kick in the pants to keep y'all updated on my Moms Panel adventures.

My oldest has been at camp in Maine since the end of June. She's an old pro, but this year her little sisters will be joining her for the first time for part of the summer. (I will be child-free for three weeks -- the first time in 12 years. I cannot even imagine this ) I decided to get a little quality time in with them before they leave. So what else would I do but take them to Disney World?! In addition to riding Toy Story Mania several times (it just killed me that there was a ride I hadn't done yet), we were able to get in some filming of videos for the site. We did a transportation story in front of the MK. Two spots at Typhoon Lagoon (don't even get me started about the whole bathing suit thing - I ended up wearing a large non-body hugging cover-up the entire time). One spot at the MK Baby Care Center. And I did some sound bites for a video that will shown to applicants for the 2009 Panel . I have absolutely no idea when/if any of this will be posted. But we did have lots of fun. And I was really glad that my girls got to be a part of it. They thought it was pretty darn cool to be walking through the MK with a cameraman. Josie said to me, "Mom, I bet those people think we're famous."

Here are some photos:

Josie the rock star

Josie and Louisa hamming it up at Typhoon Lagoon

The three of us with Andy the cameraman (very nice btw)