Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[5/4Disney]

Hey ya'll,

Just thought I'd drop by and say hello! Sounds like everyone's summer is about as crazy as ours. Sorry, I haven't been around much but we've been traveling and I'm still preparing for the EEC in AK. (Are you panelist ready?) To top things off we are about to get hit by a Tropical Storm/Hurricane tonight or tomorrow. It's going to hit Galevston which is about 25 miles south of us. So to avoid all the crazy last minute "freakers" I've been preparing now. Lord knows we don't want another evacuation like hurricane Rita. Take care everyone and I'll see some of you in September. I'll let you guys know if we start floating away.
Julie

 

[cdotla]

Speaking of the EEC - who all is confirmed?

I am 99% sure I am going, although I still haven't signed up yet and see that it is already 85% sold out.

(Not that I will be making a decision over this, but it really bothers me that they made the theme park ticket with a limited use date mandatory for participants. Obviously as an AP, this is completely useless to me! At least for the Minnie, the ticket was *optional*!)

Anyway, I would love to know who is going, or like me, thinking of going.

 

[5/4Disney]

Speaking of the EEC - who all is confirmed?

I am 99% sure I am going, although I still haven't signed up yet and see that it is already 85% sold out.

(Not that I will be making a decision over this, but it really bothers me that they made the theme park ticket with a limited use date mandatory for participants. Obviously as an AP, this is completely useless to me! At least for the Minnie, the ticket was *optional*!)

Anyway, I would love to know who is going, or like me, thinking of going.

I'm going for sure!! We will fly in noon Thurs. and have reservations at the AKL.
Julie

 

[PartyOf5]

Hey ya'll,

I'll let you guys know if we start floating away.

Oh, Julie! I hope all turns out OK...check in when you can. Good luck!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Welcome back, The6ofUs and dollhouse! Congrats on the good grades, Leslie (dollhouse)! ‘Hope you’re enjoying your Orlando trip! And, have a terrific Disney vacation, The6ofUs!

I found this question posted and wanted to share that I was asked to be "highlighted" in the first issue of the newsletter, but was so busy at the time that I didn't have time to do the interview. (It hasn't slowed down much for me, either, but that's beside the point).

I did have a phone interview for the Moms panel, so maybe that's why I was chosen. If that's the case, I'm guessing that the other profiled moms had phone interviews, too, and that's why they were chosen to be profiled.

A-ha! So, it sounds like Disney wanted to show the finalists some “love.” (That’s cool!)

I wonder if the remaining folks will be featured in a future newsletter, if they were too busy to participate, or if they’ve simply lost interest….

Thanks for the insights, btw!

I did see some postings on other boards and there were some negative comments on the panel which I didn't think was very nice or warranted to say the least. You guys are so great! ????

...Thanks to all the panelists that have kept us in the loop on your experiences..so kind of you all!

If you don’t mind my asking, where did you read all of the negative comments? ‘Just curious… (In fact, I’m probably too inquisitive for my own good! )

I actually tried to run a Google search on the subject, and all I found was this little gem from al.com’s “IMAGINEERDS” blog, which opens with some pretty negative comments but ends with praise for the Panel:

“Video tips from Disney Moms Panel”

Cut-and-pasted from the al.com's "IMAGINEERDS" blog:

Video tips from Disney Moms Panel
Posted by Matt Cuthbert July 30, 2008 2:45 PM
Categories: Walt Disney World

“I've always been leary of the "Disney World Moms Panel." They tend to repeat the same advice you hear over and over again without much unique insight, and their answers always seem like they're filtered through the Disney PR department (I have no idea whether such an accusation is true).

The new video section of their page is kind of cool, though. In particular, Michelle's "Rider Switch" video is the first time I've heard an explanation of that partular park feature that has actually made sense.”

******​

It appears that Disney must have distributed a press release about the Moms Panel’s newest feature (the Panelists’ informational videos), because it received plenty of pick-up in various Disney-friendly venues such as LaughingPlace.com, MousePlanet.com, StitchKingdom, The Disney Blog, and The MouseForLess.com (which features a short “blurb,” that quotes Bret).

Cut-and-Pasted from TheMouseForLess.com’s “Walt Disney World News” page:

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."

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Oh, and the Moms Panel's “how to” videos were recommended during the latest Netcot podcast. (“NETCOT.com - The InterNET Community Of Tomorrow”)

Bret Caldwell also received a “shout out” for mentioning Netcot – and “Van” (its co-founder and host) – in one of his recent Moms Panel responses.

The references to the Moms Panel and Bret occur during the “NETCOT NEWS” portion of the show, toward the end of the program:

Transcribed from the Podcast:
“I don’t often cover a lot of theme park touring tip ‘kinda news around here, but this week a couple of articles caught my attention, so I thought I’d share.

One is from the Canadian Press, and it’s all about some helpful tips for keeping your cool at Disney World…”

“…And if reading isn’t your thing, then might I suggest some new videos from the official Disney Moms – plus Bret – web site. The Disney ‘Moms’ have put together all sorts of helpful videos that are sort of ‘how to’ videos for touring the Parks. Topics include packing for the Park, using FASTPASSes, and even making flying to a Disney Park fun.

For a link to that –- yeah, that’s right! – 'Show Notes' at NETCOT.com. And, when you get there, if you really want to see something cool, then go to that website and do a search for “Netcot.” Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the article, and check out who’s featured there. By the way, ‘Thanks, Bret’! And, there’s a ‘shout out’!”

The full podcast:
Netcot #113 – The Backwards Show

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

A blogger from families.com had positive things to say about the recently released “How To” videos:

Moms for Moms - Disney World Panel

Cut-and-pasted from the families.com website:
08 Jul 2008 06:25 AM
Moms for Moms - Disney World Panel
by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

"I love discovering neat opportunities for moms to get advice and suggestions from other moms. Today's great opportunity is The Walt Disney World Moms Panelists. The site has great videos on how to do everything from pack for your Disney World vacation to getting away for a weekend with friends and no kids. Typically, I wouldn't advise you to get these ideas from another site, but it's all hosted by the Walt Disney World Forums and endorsed by the mouse itself.

So I wanted to share some real gems. Among my favorite video How Tos are:

* Disney For All Ages - The video is offered up by Laura Spencer and her friends Carolyn, Dot and Julie. They enjoy going to Disney without the kids where they can tour things like the Art of Disney in Epcot
* Make the Switch - The Mays explain how families with young children can use the Rider Switch pass to let both Mom and Dad go on the rides with the older kids, but there's always a parent there to take care of the younger ones
* Souvenirs at Walt Disney World - Erin and her three kids discuss how to pick out the best keepsakes from their Walt Disney World trip

I like the panel idea, I like the video idea and I like how it's all by moms for other moms. It's an interesting way to build a community feeling with other parents who have been there before you and you never know, you just might learn something new.

If I were to make a How To video, I think I would do one on how to get around Walt Disney World with a 4 year old and why investing in a park stroller is not a bad idea even with an older child because there's a lot of walking and kids, despite their high energy levels, do not have the endurance to walk non-stop between the rides. We tried it both way and to be honest, with the stroller there were far fewer meltdowns due to exhaustion.

What do you think?"

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Here’s that press release distributed by Disney:

wdwnews: “Walt Disney World Moms Panel Launches ‘How-To’ Video Series Online”

Park-savvy panelists share their best Disney vacation tips with home videos
​

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Families planning a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort now have access to a new online resource at disneyworldmoms.com: Moms Panel “How-To” videos.
The Walt Disney World Moms Panelists share quick, step-by-step visual tips about everything from planning a girlfriends getaway without the kids to figuring out how Disney’s Magical Express really works.

“How-To” Videos Preview:
* “Packing for the Park” – Heather Roberts-Nault, Louisville, Ky., with a little help from her daughter, shares tips and personal favorites on what to pack when headed to a Disney theme park for the day, especially with little ones in tow.

* “Fast Pass” – Bret Caldwell, Evanston, Ill., takes the guest inside Walt Disney World Resort to uncover the magic of FASTPASS, including where to find FASTPASS, how to get one and the best ways to use it.

* “Make Flying Fun” – Beth Choisez, Floral Park, N.Y., shares her ‘secret to sanity’ when traveling by plane – Beth provides tactics for dealing with the luggage, strollers, diaper bags, and the kids, so that everyone stays calm and happy.

* “Disney for All Ages” – Laura Spencer, Boston, Mass., and her girlfriends, Julie, Dot and Carolyn, provide some ideas for enjoying Disney without the kids – suggestions include a visit to the Art of Disney in Epcot concluded by a champagne toast in France.

* “Make the Switch” – Michelle May, Lebanon, N.J., and her husband take on an attraction using the Rider Switch Pass – specifically, how families with young children can experience the rides without having to stand in line twice.


The Walt Disney World Moms Panel experts conceived the “How-To” videos as a fun way to provide original and innovative content designed to help alleviate the pressure of planning a memorable Disney vacation – so families can focus more on making memories of a lifetime.
To view the Walt Disney World Moms Panel “How-To” videos or find additional vacation planning tips from experts, visit disneyworldmoms.com.


About the Walt Disney World Moms Panel
Launched in January 2008, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum where guests can get insider tips and insights for vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort from real moms who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. The Walt Disney World Moms Panel consists of 12 real parents selected to share their vast knowledge of the resort and personal secrets of success with other families who are considering a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Guests can pose questions and have them answered by the panelists, as well as gain access to other valuable park insights and vacation planning tools for booking a Walt Disney World vacation. For more information, visit disneyworldmoms.com.

-30-​

MOMSPANELHOW-TOVIDEOS/6-30-08:lj

 

[dredick]

just got my email!! Says Sept 8th, Thank God i can have my entry in before we leave for our cruise on the 13th!!

 

[I believe]

Hi everyone—
I just received the latest Mickey Moms email. Since some of us don't receive these emails, here is the information about the Moms Panel...
[copied text]
In the previous issue of the Mickey Moms Club newsletter, we let you in on a little secret: that we would soon be filling the coveted spots of the 2009 Walt Disney World® Moms Panel. Well, we just can’t keep the details to ourselves any longer and we wanted you to be the first to know. Starting on September 8 and running through September 19, 2008, or when we reach 20,000 applications, we will be accepting applications for the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel. As a Mickey Moms Club member, applying should be a breeze since your love and knowledge of Walt Disney World Resort plays an active role in your life. Starting September 8th, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com/2009 to submit your application. And – if you know of other moms who want to join the Mickey Moms Club, this is their chance too. Everyone who submits an application for the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms panel will be invited to join the Mickey Moms Club. Good luck, Mickey Moms! [end]
*****************************
I am so glad to know the day they will start to accept applications! Woohoo!

 

[I believe]

There is also a highlight on Kathie F. from SC. I don't know if she is a DISer. She gives great advice, "smile on “it’s a small world”, scream on Expedition Everest, and don’t forget to give Mickey a hug!"

 

[Mcmillanmom]

We get to pass the fairy wand! A few more will be able to join the few, the proud, the Mickey lovers!

 

[I believe]

Some highlights--There is a cool back to school organizer; a recipe for the yummy looking Papaya, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad from the Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge; mention of the Caribbean Beach Resort's pirate themed rooms that will open in 2009; and both Mickey and Minnie will be sporting new costumes at MNSSHP.

 

[I believe]

We get to pass the fairy wand! A few more will be able to join the few, the proud, the Mickey lovers!

That would be AMAZING! Sign me up, please!!

edited to add:
I LOVE MICKEY!!

 

[magic2go]

There is also a highlight on Kathie F. from SC. I don't know if she is a DISer. She gives great advice, "smile on “it’s a small world”, scream on Expedition Everest, and don’t forget to give Mickey a hug!"

Of Course I am! How could i not be a Diser! All things mickey mouse rule in this household!

I'm excited about the 2009 panel too - maybe this time I'll make it? ? I'm scared though, you all will be a tough act to follow! I made it as far as the interview's last time ... but no further


2009 Mom's Panel Here I come!

 

[dredick]

Of Course I am! How could i not be a Diser! All things mickey mouse rule in this household!

I'm excited about the 2009 panel too - maybe this time I'll make it? ? I'm scared though, you all will be a tough act to follow! I made it as far as the interview's last time ... but no further


2009 Mom's Panel Here I come!

*******************************************ZSzeb001_ZNxmk788YYUS
Let me wish good luck to a fellow Diser from SC!

 

[magic2go]

*******************************************ZSzeb001_ZNxmk788YYUS
Let me wish good luck to a fellow Diser from SC!

Thanks! I think I need it, there is some really stiff competition out there ! The 2008 panel is awesome!

PS and the rest of you are no slouches either!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

That would be AMAZING! Sign me up, please!!

edited to add:
I LOVE MICKEY!!

From one Mickey-lover to another: I hear ya! And, if there's enough room on that Panel, then sign me up, too! Here's hopin' anyway!

There is also a highlight on Kathie F. from SC. I don't know if she is a DISer. She gives great advice, "smile on “it’s a small world”, scream on Expedition Everest, and don’t forget to give Mickey a hug!"

Of Course I am! How could i not be a Diser! All things mickey mouse rule in this household!

I'm excited about the 2009 panel too - maybe this time I'll make it? ? I'm scared though, you all will be a tough act to follow! I made it as far as the interview's last time ... but no further

2009 Mom's Panel Here I come!

Yay!! , Kathie! (Nice Mickey Moms Newsletter profile, btw...) Thanks for joining our thread!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Speaking of the EEC - who all is confirmed?

I am 99% sure I am going, although I still haven't signed up yet and see that it is already 85% sold out.

(Not that I will be making a decision over this, but it really bothers me that they made the theme park ticket with a limited use date mandatory for participants. Obviously as an AP, this is completely useless to me! At least for the Minnie, the ticket was *optional*!)

Anyway, I would love to know who is going, or like me, thinking of going.

Wow! (So you managed to switch your arrival time?)

I’m still very interested in the race, but I have yet to commit. ‘Guess I’d better act soon, though, since it looks like it’s pretty close to capacity...

If I go, I’ll likely turn it into a mini family trip, because
1. The race coincides with a day-and-a-half break in DD’s school sked.
2. This is the last time DS would qualify for free admission. (He turns three this Fall.)

‘Still looking for a jogging buddy … or three!

 

[PartyOf5]

Of Course I am! How could i not be a Diser! All things mickey mouse rule in this household!

I'm excited about the 2009 panel too - maybe this time I'll make it? ? I'm scared though, you all will be a tough act to follow! I made it as far as the interview's last time ... but no further


2009 Mom's Panel Here I come!

Hi Kathie - so nice to meet another MOMs Panel runner up! Loved your feature in the newsletter!

Wow guys...20,000 entries this time!