Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[Dcanoli]

OMG! I have been checking that site every day to see if the new girls (and guy) were up yet! How neat.

I think it is "doubly" neat that you guys will still be on the site (won't you be under the Past Panel Members tab now?)!!

 

[PartyOf5]

So debut of the new Panel is tomorrow, right?

How exciting! Can't wait to check out the new site!

Are the 2008 Moms still going to be providing assistance on a rotating schedule as planned? Will you still be answering questions for all of us or just assisting behind the scenes?

And on another note, has anyone tried the Le Cellier Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup recipe from the Moms Newsletter? If so, how was it??? I am hoping it is: (1) easy to make, and (2) a reasonable substitute for the original!

Yes, the 09 panel launches today - although we do not have a specific time. Be easy on us!

Most of the '08 moms will be helping out throughout the year in shifts.

And I have not had a chance to make the soup yet...but it looks easy. But then again, so don't all recipes you watch on the Food Network!

 

[PartyOf5]

I just noticed there is a video up on WDW News:

http://wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx?videoid=111901&siteid=1

Note: when you see a beautiful mom with 'Diane L' listed as speaking, that is not me. That is actually the lovely Tanya.

 

[Dcanoli]

I just noticed there is a video up on WDW News:

http://wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx?videoid=111901&siteid=1

Note: when you see a beautiful mom with 'Diane L' listed as speaking, that is not me. That is actually the lovely Tanya.

Thanks for the update, and GOOD LUCK!

Here's to the beginning of a wonderful and magic-filled years for you all!!!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

... Anxiously awaiting the official debut of the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel! Best wishes, everyone!

Meanwhile, I thought folks might find the following press release interesting. It was distributed today via PRNewswire.

Academy Award Nominated Actress Angela Bassett Joins Walt Disney World Moms Panel with her Disney Vacation Tips

Academy Award Nominated Actress Angela Bassett Joins Walt Disney World Moms Panel with her Disney Vacation Tips

Actress Helps Debut 16 New Parents for the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating an exceptional opening year, Disney Parks has launched its second consecutive Walt Disney World Moms Panel, www.disneyworldmoms.com. Academy Award nominated actress Angela Bassett, star of television's "ER" and the movie "What's Love Got to Do with It" welcomes vacation planners to the two-year-old site and shares her own vacation planning tips. A mother of toddler-aged twins, Ms. Bassett joins 16 other travel savvy parents, The Walt Disney World Moms Panel, in giving free, tried and true advice for planning an unforgettable Walt Disney World Vacation.

This interactive online forum consists of 15 moms and one dad, who have proven their Disney knowledge and ability to field vacation-planning questions from all park-goers. Truly an eclectic group of parents -- from the suburbs of New Hampshire and Louisiana to our neighbors abroad in Ottawa and England -- these panelists are equipped and eager to share insights to make trips to Disney magical for every family.

Featuring a grandmother from Indiana who treasures celebrations at the parks to a New Jersey mom whose mastered Disney vacations with a special needs child, these Walt Disney World experts will ensure that no hidden Mickey is left undiscovered.

"We are extremely excited for our 2009 panelists to share their unique secrets, suggestions and personal traditions with other families looking to enhance their Disney vacation experience," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "Our 2008 panel answered close to 12,000 questions in its first 10 months, which further emphasizes how invaluable the Moms Panel has been for families planning a Walt Disney World vacation."

Welcoming the moms into their new roles is former inaugural panelist, Kim LaPaglia from Annville, Pa., who will continue to lend her Disney smarts -- this time to families sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line.

Get to Know the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel

The members of the Disney Parks 2009 online Walt Disney World Moms Panel are:

* Kathryn "Kay" Belin; Valparaiso, IN -- A parent and grandparent of two boys who has celebrated reunions, birthdays and graduations to weddings, engagements and business reward trips -- you name it, Kathryn's celebrated it!
* Diane Campagna; Bristol, R.I. -- This mom has mastered planning successful trips that please both her sons of 10 and 7 years old as well as her 2-year-old daughter.
* Margaret Fries; Oak Lawn, Ill. -- Paralegal turned PTA president, Margaret and her three boys ages 12, 8 and 6 have spent close to every major holiday at the parks.
* Jodi Grundig; Natick, Mass. -- Successful mom and blogger who travels to Disney every year with her husband, 4-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.
* Doug Ingersoll; Carmel, IN -- Father of two girls who grew up traveling the world, Doug calls Disney World his true home as the author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, 2009 Edition."
* Diane Luba; Plymouth, Conn. -- There's no stopping this mother of two teenaged boys and a tween girl who has traveled to Disney by planes, trains and automobiles.
* Joanne McCabe; Ottawa -- Single mom to her daughter, 8, who has driven to Disney from Canada and marathoned throughout Disney with three generations of her family.
* Tanya McNally; Basking Ridge, N.J. -- Vice-president of HR turned vice-president of her household, this mom of two boys ages 6 and 4 -- one child with special needs -- has mastered traveling to Disney throughout her 32 visits in 34 years.
* Whitney Pickering; Laurel, Miss. -- Mother of four children, ages 3 to 13, who boasts about leading her family brigade of 19 to Disney as well as having dined at more than 50 park restaurants.
* Karen Prince; Plymouth, N.H. -- Disney Vacation Club member and mom of three young children has experienced Disney while pregnant, with newborns, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
* Cathy Schikowski; Richfield, Ohio -- Mom to a 5-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter who has enjoyed nearly 40 trips to the parks celebrating anything and everything, with a specialty for birthdays.
* Anna Skamarakas; Bellmawr, N.J. -- Mom of three mouse-crazed daughters ranging in age from 17 to 3, she has planned more than 200 trips and has stayed in every Walt Disney World Resort.
* Jackie Stevens; Luling, La. -- Married to her high school sweetheart and mother to three rambunctious boys, this mom knows how to make the most of a Disney trip -- even when the majority was spent in a hotel room with the flu.
* Amber Vaughan; Washington, Pa. -- A stay-at-home-mom of 26 years old, she loves to re-visit her families' Disney adventures with her two children.
* Jennifer Wilkes; Acworth, Ga. -- Mother to three princesses of her own ranging in age from 13 to 5, she can plan a Disney vacation to satisfy the tiniest of travelers -- including having traveled when her youngest was 6 months old.
* Joanne "Jo" Young; West Malling, Kent England -- A busy mom of two tween girls who is an expert in planning a Disney vacation from overseas.

For more information and to "meet" the new panel members, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com.

About the Walt Disney World Moms Panel

Entering its second year, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum where guests can get insider tips and insights for vacationing at Walt Disney World from real moms and dads who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Due to the overwhelming response since its launch in 2008, Disney increased its panel from 12 to 16 members for 2009, featuring 15 moms and one Disney dad. Each panelist was 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 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 www.disneyworldmoms.com.


SOURCE Walt Disney World

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I just noticed there is a video up on WDW News:

http://wdwnews.com/viewvideo.aspx?videoid=111901&siteid=1

Note: when you see a beautiful mom with 'Diane L' listed as speaking, that is not me. That is actually the lovely Tanya.

Hmmm... It seems to be having a hard time loading. I hope to access the site later, though. (Just curious: Is Angela Bassett in the video?)

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

'Looks like it's official.

The 2009 Panelists' photos and bios have been posted on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel site. (Incidentally, there are separate tabs, which include photos and bios of "Current Panel Members" and "Past Panel Members.") It also appears that Brigitta, Erin and Kim are the members of last year's Panel who have been tapped to help with the kick-off. Of course, Kim also is serving as DCL "guru.")

I can't wait to take a closer look when I get a moment...

 

[DisneyJo]

Yep we're all on there Erin and Bri are helping for the first quarter, Kim is the DCL Mom

 

[Mcmillanmom]

You will notice all kinds of fun new things popping up at www.disneyworldmoms.com! Welcome to the newest panelists and hello to the retired diva Moms who are joining me one tab over!

And thank you to 2008 Disney Mom Beth and her family for helping me with the filming of the Angela Bassett video. We couldn't have done it without them!

Laura
2008 Walt Disney World Moms Panelist

 

[PartyOf5]

Hi everyone...what a day! On top of the launch, my son's truck was hit by a car...$4100 in damage! Luckily he had just parked his truck and left the truck. A teacher slid into it with black ice and moved his truck over by 2 parking spaces!

Anyway, if you are unable to watch the vidoe via wdw news, it's also posted in the 'How To' section on the moms panel site:

http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/videos.aspx

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Hi everyone...what a day! On top of the launch, my son's truck was hit by a car...$4100 in damage! Luckily he had just parked his truck and left the truck. A teacher slid into it with black ice and moved his truck over by 2 parking spaces!

Anyway, if you are unable to watch the vidoe via wdw news, it's also posted in the 'How To' section on the moms panel site:

http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/videos.aspx

Hey, Diane: Any updates on the accident? I'm guessing your son now is hitching rides to school (or driving a rental)... 'Glad nobody got hurt.

 

[cdotla]

I finally had a chance to check out the website and watch all the videos. Great job you guys!!! Everyone of you look like you have been doing this for years!

Very well done! Hats off and congrats!


PS - maybe it is just me, but Karen's video lost sound 1/2 way through for me.

 

[PartyOf5]

Hey, Diane: Any updates on the accident? I'm guessing your son now is hitching rides to school (or driving a rental)... 'Glad nobody got hurt.

Hey Scoop! Thanks for asking...the truck is being operated on as we speak...it should be ready by the end of next week! They are waiting for a part to arrive from Orlando of all places! I offered to go pick it up but...

In the meantime, we've been playing musical vehicles. DH signed the rental in his name so his is the only one that can drive it. DS has been driving the family minivan around...so not cool for a senior I'm told! LOL And that leaves me with DH's red Jeep Wrangler! Guess I'm the cool one of the family...but then again, I rarely leave the house these days...especially when it's cold out!


cdotla - thanks for your compliments on the video. That was probably the most nerve-wracking thing I had to do! And I did it on one hour's sleep as the night before was our slumber party in the Castle!

As we finish week #2...so far, so good! I think we are getting the hang of things and our nerves seemed to have disappeared...and it's getting easier to answer the questions.

Our first wave of PR events will occur next month. Two of our moms will be covering the American Idol grand opening and another two will be handling the resort showcase event (although I will be honest I'm not really sure what that is yet).

I hope everyone is doing well! Diane

 

[SAHDad]

Out of curiosity - does anyone have even a guess as to the gender breakdown of the applicants? I'm wondering if I should just have DW apply next year, since she would be aiming for any of the 15 slots, whereas I am trying for the sole dad position.

(I could be way off, but I'd bet that men account for more than 1/16th of the apps.)

 

[Dcanoli]

...okay, this is a COMPLETE shot in the dark, but I thought I'd try it....

I was out with some friends for lunch today with my boys. As I was leaving (this was in Canton, GA), we were driving down Hwy. 20 back towards Cumming.

There was a gray Chrysler T&C in front of us, and it was completely decked out in Disney garb (i.e., license plate holder, magnet of the Fab 5 from the World, antenna topper, and family window decals).

I am posting here because it also had a Mickey Moms Club magnet on the back, and frankly, I've never run across one before (except my own).

Just wondering if maybe this big Disney fan and fellow MMC member was on the boards....

Anyone out there, on this thread, living in North Georgia, driving a gray Town & Country, and a member of the MMC??

 

[PartyOf5]

Please enjoy our latest video!

16 Ways to Celebrate with the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Those who follow "Leanne's Life" may have noticed her most recent Tweet:

"...Hope the moms aboard DCL Wonder are having a blast." (Yesterday, she mentioned that she had a chance to meet the aforementioned moms.)

'Seems that Disney is sponsoring a Mommy Blogger Cruise this weekend on the Disney Wonder. A handful of blogging moms (at least seven) will enjoy a three-day cruise to the Bahamas.



Here are the posts I've managed to uncover so far:

*Amy (from Selfish Mom) - "I’m awake…still" and "The car is coming at 6:15 - will I be packed?"

*Arianne (from To Think is To Create) - "Here Comes The Sun"

*Denene (from "My Brown Baby") - "Denene And Mickey Sitting In A Tree…"

*Katja (from Skimbaco Lifestyle) - "Disney Cruise & Bahamas - here I come!"

*Kim (from Traveling Mom) - "Disney Cruise- My First" and "Packing, scheduling, and cleaning the sock drawer"

*Melanie (from Don't Try This at Home) - "The Mommy Blogger Disney Cruise" and "At the Beach"

Maria (from My Teen, The Alien) also is traveling with the group, but it appears she has yet to post anything about it on her site.


Oh, and it looks like Moms Panelist Kim LaPaglia is with them, which makes perfect sense.

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

One of the moms (Katja) already has posted a blog entry while cruisin' to the Bahamas:

*Skimbaco Lifestyle - "Disney Wonder and magical time"

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

A number of this year's Panelists have received some "love" from their local news media. I plan to copy and paste each story in a separate post -- since some news links have a habit of expiring.

And, on another note: For those who are following the blogs of the lucky moms on the Disney Wonder, I've added a few extra links to my original post (above). 'Looks like I missed a few of their pre-trip musings. 'Lemme know if you find any others...

Happy reading!

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Kathryn “Kay” Belin; Valparaiso, Indiana

Post-Tribune (www.post-trib.com): "Moms unite for Disney"

Moms unite for Disney

January 25, 2009
BY BOB KOSTANCZUK Post-Tribune staff writer

Walt Disney World tugs at Kathryn “Kay” Belin of Valparaiso.

It tugs hard, in fact.

Kathryn Belin poses with a life-size Mickey Mouse in her
Valparaiso home. Belin is one of the 16 members of the
2009 Walt Disney World Mom's Panel.
(Scott M. Bort/Post-Tribune)

Belin has gone to the vacation mecca in Florida almost every year since 1972.

“And I’m up to going several times a year right now,” noted the 55-year-old grandmother. “My daughter was married there; my son was engaged there.”

With such fervor for all things Mickey Mouse, it seems natural that Belin would find a place on the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel.

The retired elementary school teacher was one of 16 parents chosen to be panelists who offer free online advice to those planning Disney World vacations.

Belin is the first grandmother named to the panel, which was launched last year with 12 members.

No fewer than 10,000 applications were received for the positions.

Had the application process not been curtailed at a certain point, the number of submissions would have been much greater, according to a Disney official.

For the 2009 panel, “thousands” of applications flooded in from across the country and abroad, according to promotional material.

Belin passed what is billed as “an extensive review process” that included a phone interview in order to take her place at the computer and tackle queries that www.disneyworldmoms.com dishes.

“Basically, it’s a bank of questions, and we go in and we can answer the questions that we feel we’re best suited for as far as our knowledge goes,” Belin said. “But we also can get personal questions, and the ones I have gotten so far actually have been directed to me by other grandmothers.”

There are certain types of assistance commonly sought through the interactive online forum.

“I would say the majority of questions are about the resort value packages, and a great number are about the dining opportunities,” the Valpo grandma said. “Dining and package values are probably the majority of our questions right now.”

The family-entertainment giant said Belin was picked for its panel because of her “knowledge of Disney, coupled with her many visits and unique tips for navigating the parks.”

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel was convened to provide “insider tips” for vacationers pondering the massive acreage that presents endless options.

“I think people are now really coming to realize that planning a trip to Walt Disney World is kind of like going to Europe,” said Laura Spencer, social media manager for Walt Disney World. “I think for a lot of people it’s just very overwhelming — the complex is so huge.”

Making trip planning seem like a workout, Spencer points to “the effort and the mental energy that you need to put into it.”

Providing reinforcements is the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, which actually includes one Hoosier dad from downstate Carmel.

“They can submit their question to just the general panel or to a particular mom,” Spencer said. “It’s regular people just like they are,” Spencer said.

Belin is a panelist who’s a Disney-vacation addict just like hordes of other Americans. Her infatuation began when she was attending the University of Miami at the time of the 1971 opening of Disney World, which would make Orlando wildly popular as a getaway destination.

“I love Disney World ’cause it’s one place that you can go with all different ages: You can go with an infant and a grandparent on the same trip,” Belin said. “It’s the one place that I really can leave everything behind. There is a bit of magic there for me.”

To get on the “Moms” panel, Belin applied online.

She answered a series of questions gauging awareness of, and passion for, Disney-related diversions.

Corporately speaking, the Hoosier woman was the kind of “park-savvy” parent being sought — someone with the “undying passion to share their Disney World knowledge with others.”

Whether she’s fielding questions about the best attractions for a tot at Magic Kingdom or which Disney eateries best suit, Belin is a wife, mom and grandma who’s in her element as a “Disney Moms” panelist.

“I love doing it, and that’s really the impetus behind it,” she said.

Contact Bob Kostanczuk at 648-3144 or bkostanczuk@post-trib.com.