Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[WishesQueen]

Hey Guys!!

Thanks for the heads up on the new videos!! They are really cute!!

I use the plastic envelope WDW sends me!!!

Erin your girls a beautiful!!!

Mom's Panel thanks for the info on ADRs, BTW you were the first place I saw anything on it!!! Major scoop!!!

 

[PartyOf5]

Wow, Erin! You and the girls sure are having fun with Moms Panel! You sure are brave to take on Typhoon Lagoon! And to be without kids for 3 weeks...oh my...that's going to be a looong 3 weeks!

So, what exactly did the sound bite say for the 2009 Moms Panel?

 

[BellaBuggy]

Diane! If I didn't know any better I'd think you were trying to steal my job!



Of course I never want to leave the panel as it's been an incredible experience, but when the time comes I really hope the job goes to some of you great supporters. You've been so awesome!

I wasn't aware of the other thread before and it's all I can do right now not to go over and yell at some people. How rude! And I notice the biggest critic vanished after Kim posted...no surprise. Sometimes I think people forget that there is an actual feeling person behind every computer screen. Big (HUGS) Kim - we know how fabulous you are!

(And the Contemporry DVC thing kinda cracks me up. People complain that we don't have the cutting edge info, and when Kim posts something new she gets ripped because there's no official announcement. No way to win, is there? )

So, show of hands...who does NOT think that's a DVC being built by the Contemporry?

Sorry I haven't been here so much lately! I kinda got frustrated with the negativity of the dis as a whole (certainly not you guys!) and I've been spending online time in a more upbeat place. I hate that dis can be so tough sometimes. I'm a softie.

 

[EEFOSTER]

Wow, Erin! You and the girls sure are having fun with Moms Panel! You sure are brave to take on Typhoon Lagoon! And to be without kids for 3 weeks...oh my...that's going to be a looong 3 weeks!

So, what exactly did the sound bite say for the 2009 Moms Panel?

I have absolutely no idea what I said. Seriously. The producer just asked me some random questions about how I liked being on the Panel and I blathered.

One interesting thing about being on the Panel is how quickly you become accustomed to the camera. I was a complete and total wreck when we filmed those first introductory videos in front of the castle. I had notes, I practiced, we did rehearsals, we did several takes ... and I still forgot my name. And now just a few months later they just turn camera on and say something like "Talk about Typhoon Lagoon" and I'm yammering away like it's a perfectly normal thing that I do all the time. It really is all a blur though.

People keep asking me what I'm going to do without kids for 3 weeks. I have no grand plans. Except I think I'm going to go to the movies on a Saturday night -- without getting a sitter.

Oh, and by the way. The girls are were not wearing those Mickey "pasties" while they were being filmed. That photo was from the very end when they were just on me talking about the Panel. They were sticker-free when they were in the shots.

 

[NicsMom1500]

So, show of hands...who does NOT think that's a DVC being built by the Contemporry?

I hate that dis can be so tough sometimes. I'm a softie.

Heather, I appreciate the laughter, the support and your friendship. and !!

 

[NicsMom1500]

I was a complete and total wreck when we filmed those first introductory videos in front of the castle. I had notes, I practiced, we did rehearsals, we did several takes ... and I still forgot my name.

Oh, and by the way. The girls are were not wearing those Mickey "pasties" while they were being filmed.

Erin, you are SO well spoken - I think you are just trying to make me feel better since I tend to become a little "dopey" in front of the camera. Although...i do think it's becoming easier and I can see how reality tv stars can forget about the cameras being there.

I can't wait to see your new videos, especially with your girls being the famous stars that they are!!

Mickey "pasties" rock!!

 

[poohmomof5]

I have absolutely no idea what I said. Seriously. The producer just asked me some random questions about how I liked being on the Panel and I blathered.

One interesting thing about being on the Panel is how quickly you become accustomed to the camera. I was a complete and total wreck when we filmed those first introductory videos in front of the castle. I had notes, I practiced, we did rehearsals, we did several takes ... and I still forgot my name. And now just a few months later they just turn camera on and say something like "Talk about Typhoon Lagoon" and I'm yammering away like it's a perfectly normal thing that I do all the time. It really is all a blur though.

People keep asking me what I'm going to do without kids for 3 weeks. I have no grand plans. Except I think I'm going to go to the movies on a Saturday night -- without getting a sitter.

Oh, and by the way. The girls are were not wearing those Mickey "pasties" while they were being filmed. That photo was from the very end when they were just on me talking about the Panel. They were sticker-free when they were in the shots.

I was wondering about the stickers! Phew!

Glad to hear you are doing well, I can't even imagine being kid free for 3 days, much less 3 weeks! GOOD LUCK!

 

[Mcmillanmom]

Erin, you look so young standing next to your daughters! I think it's all the happy pixie dust!

I can't wait to see your videos!

Laura

 

[PartyOf5]

Diane! If I didn't know any better I'd think you were trying to steal my job!

Never! Of course if one of you want to pass me a baton, I'd be happy to take the next leg of the journey!

.

 

[cdotla]

Erin - thanks for the update!!! Always interesting for us to keep following along with you and all of your great adventures!

And thanks to Bret for giving you the nudge to post!

Heather - I agree with your comments. I too am a softie and I am on the Dis due to a love of Disney. I wish all the negativity wld find another home!

Obviously there is no shortage of love on this thread...one of my favourites!

Oh...and I just finalized plans for a quickie adult trippie to WDW and the Poly coinciding with the EE event. Unfortunately, I arrive about 2 hours late to run the event. So sad about that, but I will be in the parks for the weekend and I am psyched to do opening weekend at Food & Wine and to close the Adventure's Club down on its last nite on Sept.27.

And you can bet your bottom dollar that if I spy any of you Moms on the Panel around the World in your downtime after EE, I will be coming right up to meet you and make you feel like rock stars!

 

[WishesQueen]

Erin - I am so glad you mentioned the stickers. I would have never worried you, but I noticed it right away I was hoping the cameraman gave you a heads up!!! Anyway!! You all looked great!!

Heather - If the day should ever come that I am fortunate enough to be part the Mom's Panel I would feel the same way about negative comments. I would run the other way rather then read them (I would cry). I was so upset for you guys and I let it be known!!

 

[NicsMom1500]

if I spy any of you Moms on the Panel around the World in your downtime after EE, I will be coming right up to meet you and make you feel like rock stars!

Fabulous! I'll be in Epcot with my family on Sunday. If...I can still move after running the race.

 

[BellaBuggy]

Never! Of course if one of you want to pass me a baton, I'd be happy to take the next leg of the journey!

.

I'd love to, and I hope I get the chance!

 

[BellaBuggy]

Oh...and I just finalized plans for a quickie adult trippie to WDW and the Poly coinciding with the EE event. Unfortunately, I arrive about 2 hours late to run the event. So sad about that, but I will be in the parks for the weekend and I am psyched to do opening weekend at Food & Wine and to close the Adventure's Club down on its last nite on Sept.27.

And you can bet your bottom dollar that if I spy any of you Moms on the Panel around the World in your downtime after EE, I will be coming right up to meet you and make you feel like rock stars!

I'll be in Epcot that Sunday (28th) as well!

Still trying to figure out how to squeeze in the Adventurer's Club. I get in on the 26th but was going to MNSSHP that night, next night is the EE 5K party and that's the last night of AC. I suspect it will be crowded that weekend! What to do?

 

[poohmomof5]

I'll be in Epcot that Sunday (28th) as well!

Still trying to figure out how to squeeze in the Adventurer's Club. I get in on the 26th but was going to MNSSHP that night, next night is the EE 5K party and that's the last night of AC. I suspect it will be crowded that weekend! What to do?

Wow, that sounds like a fun and BUSY weekend! Have a blast...

We are off in 3 weeks for 5 days in Disneyland and then 15 days on DCL bringing the Magic back home through the Panama Canal! We will then have about 8 hours at WDW before our flight home. I am super excited about a very much needed vacation. We have never been on a trip this long before, I am especially looking forward to the time with the kids as they are keeping us so busy here at home! I feel like we are rarely all together.

Anyway, have a great weekend everyone!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

...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."

How fun!! (Now there's something that most kids can't say they've done at the World!!)

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

Oh, and by the way. The girls are were not wearing those Mickey "pasties" while they were being filmed. That photo was from the very end when they were just on me talking about the Panel. They were sticker-free when they were in the shots.

'Ya know: Now that you mention it...



I'm sooooo very glad that you said something about those "pasties," 'cuz the moment I saw that photo I thought, "Now that's an unfortunate placement of Mickey stickers!" Too funny! I actually mentioned it to my DH, then -- after we read your recent post -- we both had a good laugh! Thanks for the giggle!!


Wow, Erin! To think we actually could have bumped into each other at the WDW Resort... We just arrived home in the very wee hours of this morning (Yep! We're a Road-Tripping family! ) from a trip to Orlando with friends. 'Looks like our visits may have overlapped!

Our vacation included some quality time at the World (of course! ), although -- admittedly -- not enough. I got to introduce my friends' kids to the Magic Kingdom. We watched the fireworks one night from the Poly beach while enjoying Dole Whips from Captain Cook's Snack Company. Later that week, the mommies returned to the Poly for a quick Tonga Toast "fix" while our DDs decorated cookies at the Grand Floridian's "Grand Adventures in Cooking" experience. Oh, and the adults spent a night "clubbing" at Pleasure Island. Good times!

Bonus: Since I knew we wouldn't be spending near enough time in the Disney Parks, I managed to convince my DH to arrive in Orlando early so that we could stay on-site and spend a day park hopping. We took full advantage of EMH - starting early at Hollywood Studios (for Toy Story Mania!) and closing down the MK at 2:00 a.m. I was actually dreading the July heat and crowds, but I'm thinking it rained just enough to make them both bearable.

Anyway, thanks for indulging me in my mini trip report!!

 

[NicsMom1500]

Bret and I had a great time at Magic Meets this past Saturday.

see some photos at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21880213@N07/?saved=1

there are also some other moms panel photos which I hope to update soon.

Kim

 

[Dcanoli]

Great pictures! Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

I have to say that you guys have done a wonderful job this year. Gosh, makes me a little nervous about applying again this year.

I know that I, personally, probably can't live up to the standards you guys have set! Boy, that bar is high!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Bret and I had a great time at Magic Meets this past Saturday.

see some photos at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21880213@N07/?saved=1

there are also some other moms panel photos which I hope to update soon.

Kim

Very cool! Thanks so much, Kim, for posting the photos.

I see you got to meet Justin Muchoney (Disney Parks CMO) to boot. (Once again, I think I'm a little bit jealous... )

 

[RatBoy]

I agree with Kim that MagicMeets was fantastic. Well worth the effort to get there. I met so many nice people, and everyone was so easy to talk with since we all had so much in common. The fact that they raised $20,000 for the Make a Wish foundation made it even more "magical"!

Highlights included:
- Getting taped for the event video while waiting for the doors to the meet to open. I got to say "Por Favor, mantenganse alegados de las puertas!"
- Spending quality time with Kim and her family
- Real conversations with many people I idolize in the Disney community
- Justin Machoney's presentation on the CMO (for those interested, if you follow his thread on the DIS you can find much of the same info and photos that he discussed in the presentation)
- Presentation by Steven Barrett about Hidden Mickeys (and many conversations with him)
- Meeting up with the gang from WDW Today
- Chatting with Lou Mongello (and discussing our plans to record a podcast with him this Thursday! Note: Kim was instrumental in setting this up)
- Being interviewed on WDW Today, and getting a chance to say "Ding"
- Attending the evening pin trading event (learned a ton of info about pin trading from many experts)

And now for some photos...

Kim and husband, Michael

With Steven Barrett...

The "Fabulous Annette Owens" (Mouse Fan Travel, and guest host on WDW Today)...

WDW Today podcast team (clockwise from top left: Matt Hochberg [host and owner of StudiosCentral.com], Mike Newell [Mouse Radio], Mike Scopa [allears.net], Len Testa[co-author of the Unofficial Guide])

Justin (by the way, Kim was working hard to convince him to run in the Sept. 5K run -- hope it worked!)...

Expert panel session (left to right: Lou Mongello [Trivia author, and host of WDW Radio Show podcast], Dave Marx [PassPorter], Len Testa [Unofficial Guide], Deb Wills [owner of allears.net], Beci Mankhen [owner, Mouse Fan Travel, and frequent expert guest on Lou's podcast], and Mike Scopa [allears.net and WDW Today co-host], and Matt Hochberg [host of WDW Today]as the moderator)...

Me and the gang from WDW Today...

And lastly, a sign behind Lou Mongello's table that "says it all" about MagicMeets...

-Bret