Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[PartyOf5]

This is starting to sound like the Ms./Mr. USA and Universe pagents !

Very exciting!

 

[magic2go]

This is starting to sound like the Ms./Mr. USA and Universe pagents !

Very exciting!

Yikes! I sure hope there isn't a swim suit competition phase! That would definitely put me out of the running!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

This is starting to sound like the Ms./Mr. USA and Universe pagents !

Very exciting!

... only without the opening song-and-dance number!

 

[DisneyJo]

Wilma Bride and I are both from England

 

[Princess Sophie]

I also think we will be notified the week of 10/20. If I remember correctly from last year, those moving onto the third round were notified late in the day on a Friday and a representative set up our interviews over the weekend. Interviews were then conducted the following Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Yeah, next week seems to be the date Good luck to everyone! Im sure any of you will well deserve the honor, there is a lot of people here that truly love WDW and thats the most important, that way everybody wins!

 

[Not so Dumbo]

I'm from Michigan, USA.

 

[Dcanoli]

Wow! I thought it was overwhelmingly international, but it seems there are quite a lot of USA-ers on the list too!

Thanks for responding everyone!

GOOD LUCK in the upcoming weeks!!!!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Wow! I thought it was overwhelmingly international, but it seems there are quite a lot of USA-ers on the list too!

Thanks for responding everyone!

GOOD LUCK in the upcoming weeks!!!!

Just curious: How many of the U.S. folks are either (interview-round) finalists from last year or past Disney College Program participants? I've noticed those emerging trends, too.

Thanks! And, best wishes!

 

[RatBoy]

I promised a while back to post about the Expedition Everest Challenge 5k weekend. Sorry I've taken so long to get back to it. This won't be a trip report, as much as a photo log. I'll also try to focus mostly on Moms Panel stuff (but I did post many family photos from the weekend over on facebook )...

Background:
- Heather R. came up with the idea for the Panelists to try to get together for the EE challenge. It was such a great idea that 11 of us all jumped on board and found a way to make it to WDW for a mini Moms Panel reunion (unfortunately Brigitta couldn't find a way to join us). We all paid our own way, but Disney did make us some cool t-shirts, joined us for the run, arranged a VIP viewing spot for Friday night's MNSSHP, and added a few more magical moments.

Thursday - Sept 25
Family arrived from Lima, Peru, at around 7 pm. They were returning from my daughter's first communion ceremony the weekend before (yes, I attended, but returned earlier to Chicago). We stayed at the AKL. Booked a standard room (using the EE5K reduced rate), but got one of the rooms with a bunk bed. I mentioned to my son to try the night-vision viewing -- they did, but were a bit disapppointed. Only two night-vision scopes were available. There was a long wait, and very little to see. I arrived from Chicago after they went to sleep -- at around midnight.

Sorry - no photos of the first night.

Friday - Sept 26

Didn't sleep well -- much too excited.
Slept in until 8:30 (that's VERY late for me at WDW!!!)
Had a relaxing breakfast at Mara around 9:30, and then slowly got ready to go to the Magic Kingdom. Arrived around 11:00 am.

Here are the kiddos [LtoR:Allie-8, Lauren-3, Peter-6]enjoying the Halloween decorations at the MK

The girls ran off to Small World, and Peter and I went to get FPs BTMRR (never did end up using them! ). Then he and I rode Buzz Lightyear a few times (mediocre scores, but we had fun), and then we headed to Exposition Hall (in Town Square) for one of the magical experiences that Disney set up for us... an opportunity to see a sneak peek at the new Tinker Bell movie. As Peter and I are walking through the lobby, we run into none other than Justin Machoney...

We went outside to take the picture above, and then the girls arrived. I introduced everyone to Justin, but somehow none of them were quite as excited as I was.

In the theatre we met up with many of the other Moms and family, including Kim, Heather R, Darcie and Laura (I think that's the complete list at the 2:00pm showing - others went to the 5:00 showing). Tina, one of the Cast Members that works on the site (and was involved in the selection process last year), was also at the showing. The theatre was fairly large, and was about 3/4 full. I think many of the others were cast members, but not really sure. The Moms and Justin were introduced to the crowd. They seemed to have some vague idea of who we were. We also got to meet the movie's writer, director and producer. They spoke for a little bit before the movie. After the movie they showed us a slide show of the planned new Pixie Hollow meet 'n' greet area. Then we were back out to enjoy the Magic Kingdom.

Photos were not allowed during the Tinker Bell experience -- sorry. In fact my wife took a photo of my daughter in the theatre, and they made her delete the photo because some of the theatre and decorations might have appeared in the photo. Ooops!

I had arranged to film a few how-to videos that afternoon, so we had only a short amount of free-time. We went on Caroussel of Progress (since it would be closed during MNSSHP), and then headed back to Main Street to meet with the folks involved in the video.

Unfortunately we didn't take photos of the filming. Drat - I really regret that. As usual there was a camera guy, a producer (she basically just gives some helpful advice - we are free to do/say as we please), and a guide from the park (to make sure we don't interfere with other guests). All my kids got to participate in the first video on Hidden Mickeys, and then Peter helped me with the second video on pin trading (while the girls went off to play).

Before I knew it, it was 7:00, and we needed to be back at the Main Street train station for a Moms Panel gathering and a special announcement. On the way there, I noticed these "painted" on the sidewalk in water (photo "borrowed" from Lori Burke -- thanks Lori!!!)...

We saw Goofy heading up to our roped-off area (we basically had the entire elevated platform in front of the Main Street train station), so my kids and wife headed there, and I went to our locker to get our costumes.

Here's the Goofy guy (note: several of these photos were borrowed from Leanne. You'll notice some duplication from her Blog. thanks Leanne!!)...

Erin and her daughter, Charlie, were in current-event inspired costumes...

Heather R. showed off her amazing sewing talent...

Kim and Beatrice were also there with their kids...

I decided to pretend to be a CM...

And my kids went with a mix of Star Wars and Mulan-inspired attire...

Heather M (left) was also there with family...

Duncan's (right) costume was "casual-day-Friday", and we were all thrilled that he joined us...

Beth and Kara were dressed as...well...moms!

Laura "Always a Princess" Spencer was there with family, but Leanne caught this cute photo of her with Justin...

And Leanne, of course, also joined us at the event...

A little later we managed to get a group photo...

And then Leanne shared the big announcement about one of the Panelists. As was mentioned earlier: Congratulations to X for Y. Very exciting news (and not a pregnancy!)!!

[DIS appears to have a limit of 25 photos per post, so I'll continue in a moment...]

 

[RatBoy]

[continued...]

I headed off with my family for trick or treating and rides. Erin, Kara and Beth (see photo below) hung around a little longer to see the fantastic parade...

We managed to get a coveted photo with Snow white and her whole gang that evening...

We saw the fireworks from behind the castle, while waiting for Snow White. Although not perfect, it was still a great show from there. Wow - what a finale!

We got "stuck" back by BTMRR during the first parade, and had to ride it over and over and over again, with absolutely no line. The kids were in heaven!!

We stayed around to watch the second parade back at the original VIP viewing area at the train station (everyone else had left that area by then). If there was a headless horseman, we sure didn't see him. But the rest of the parade was fantastico. The grave diggers definitely stole the show.

Sometime around 11:00 pm we were all pooped, and headed back to the AKL.

Tomorrow -- morning rest, and then the EE 5K!!

-Bret

ETA: If any other "Moms" (or anyone, for that matter) have photos to add, corrections, or additions, please share!!

 

[jojo14]

Just curious: How many of the U.S. folks are either (interview-round) finalists from last year or past Disney College Program participants? I've noticed those emerging trends, too.

Thanks! And, best wishes!

Interesting - I worked as cultural representative at Epcot (Canada) in 1985-86.

 

[gailadams_uk]

I am from the UK

 

[Tiggsntx]

Thanks Bret for the trip report! Looks like a lot of fun. I am still dying to know about the "announcement"! I guess we'll find out eventually....

Also, as noted in my "signature line", I was College Program in Spring of 1996 and worked at PO (now POFQ) at Sassagoula Floatworks!

Have a great week everyone... I look forward to hearing about Round 3 finalists!!!

Allison L.

 

[PartyOf5]

Bret: thank you for sharing your trip report. Maybe Sophie will follow your lead.

I know I commented before but I'll comment again. I LOVE the pic of you as Jungle Cruise Skipper! What a great idea. Was Jungle Cruise open during the party? If so, did you ride and what was the reaction of your fellow skippers?

 

[mmounsey]

[continued...]


We managed to get a coveted photo with Snow white and her whole gang that evening...

WOW! What an awesome picture! Were they all specially set up that night?

 

[BellaBuggy]

It's almost embarassing to come back here and post since I am here sooooo infrequently these days! I really don't know where everyone finds the time - I only sleep 4 hours a night as it is!

The EE 5K weekend was a lot of fun, and so great to see almost everyone again. I so missed Bri!

It was awesome to get to meet DISGeeks! She's just as sweet IRL as she is here.

Thanks for the compliment Bret, but I can't say my sewing abilities are amazing. I just couldn't come up with a good solo costume idea - we usually do family themed costumes.

Congratulations to everyone who is moving on to round 2, and I wish you the best of luck. I know how exciting this is!!! And, I am fortunate enough to be able to say that whoever is ultimately selected, I look forward to meeting you at the training session in December.

 

[Tiggsntx]

Heather...great to hear from you! I have enjoyed your blog, too! Have a great week and don't be a stranger to the boards. We love hearing from all you panelists! You have all done such a great, fantastic, unbelievable job this year. You will all be missed. Take care.

Allison L

 

[BellaBuggy]

Thanks! Blogging is just one more thing I am behind on. Two DIsney trips in the last 6 weeks and I haven't even touched on either of them!

 

[Princess Sophie]

[continued...]

I headed off with my family for trick or treating and rides. Erin, Kara and Beth (see photo below) hung around a little longer to see the fantastic parade...

We managed to get a coveted photo with Snow white and her whole gang that evening...

We saw the fireworks from behind the castle, while waiting for Snow White. Although not perfect, it was still a great show from there. Wow - what a finale!

We got "stuck" back by BTMRR during the first parade, and had to ride it over and over and over again, with absolutely no line. The kids were in heaven!!

We stayed around to watch the second parade back at the original VIP viewing area at the train station (everyone else had left that area by then). If there was a headless horseman, we sure didn't see him. But the rest of the parade was fantastico. The grave diggers definitely stole the show.

Sometime around 11:00 pm we were all pooped, and headed back to the AKL.

Tomorrow -- morning rest, and then the EE 5K!!

-Bret

ETA: If any other "Moms" (or anyone, for that matter) have photos to add, corrections, or additions, please share!!

Great report Bret...hilarious as always!! I admire you for finding the time to work/be with your kids/answer a LOT of questions at the Moms Panel/report here...tell us your secret!!

BTW, your costume was a blast!!!!

 

[Princess Sophie]

Congratulations to everyone who is moving on to round 2, and I wish you the best of luck. I know how exciting this is!!! And, I am fortunate enough to be able to say that whoever is ultimately selected, I look forward to meeting you at the training session in December.

Hi Heather! Mmmmmm Dont know why this sounds to me as it has something to do with the "great announcement" Bret commented....hope so!!!

Love you job at the Moms Panel and your videos!