An incredible, magical trip for a 2010 Moms Panelist ... Updated 1/10

[luvpoohandcompany]

Cant wait to hear more! Great trip report. Keep it coming

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi Kathie!! I just found your TR and I'm looking forward to hearing more!! Congrats on making the Moms Panel for 2010!!!

 

[Marshay]

Sorry it took me so long to get back to your TR...with Christmas shopping and family in town (they just left), I got busy.

I was meeting Kaylene right there at the gate.

So, as I got off the plane, I looked around quickly and recognized her! And Jodi from 2009 sporting her bright pink Moms Panel jacket

we had managed to find Moms Panelist Jennifer! YEAY! So, off the 4 of us went.. baggage claim...

While we were waiting, Allison and Amy appeared! Now of course, we are having our own little party, right there in the baggage claim of MCO! Then, off to ME and Whitney and Jackie AND Karen are all there! What a great way to pass the time waiting for our bus to ... the Contemporary!

As we waited, we started hearing reports that Joel had arrived at MCO and that Amanda A, Suzannah, and Amanda W were all at the contemporary already! I couldn't wait to get going so I could meet them all!

As I was standing there devouring the agenda, and star-gazing at the badge, I spied Joel! Yes, another panelist!

And, of course, who else would I run into ?? All the 2009 Mom panelists from the airport! So, I had some nice chats with them before they headed off to the Studios, Sci-fi, and the Osbourne lights! They were so nice and welcoming to a new face, it was great to have some company!

Of course, right after I finished eating, I somehow managed to bump into another group of Moms... So, I ended back up in the restaurant - this time with Marc, Terry, Brenna, Amy, Amanda W, Joel, Allison & Jonas! At the next door table were Diane G and Amanda P! Wow, what a great group they all are! I can't believe how quickly we all started chatting - like long lost friends separated for years!

I think this is so much fun -- all the moms seeing each other at the airport, baggage claim, Magical Express, check-in, restaurants, etc. I can just feel the excitement as you all meet each other and hug and probably squeal a little too!

This is the group... minus Portia - Not sure where she ran off to!

One last picture from the Prop Shop -

Laura, Leanne, & Tina had sent us a beautiful present --- The Mickey shaped basket contained a jacket (you'll see it soon), a pen, baseball hat, watch, polo shirt, mouse pad, messenger bag (LOVE IT) and notepads -- all with the Mom's panel logo! There was also a shopping bag & rose! Wow, even more magic on this incredible day! WOW!

Thanks for all the pictures and for putting the DIS names on the people! I'm starting to put it all together now!

That's a great group photo!

That prop show looks just wonderful! I definitely would be spending time looking at everything!

Yeah - -you got the goodies (hopefully there is even more to come!) I can't wait to see all the stuff inside!

More TR, more photos, please!!

 

[IATink]

Yay another mom's panelist report! I am so grateful to all of the panelists like you who share their experiences. It is so great to follow your journey. And, it gives all of us who try every year for the mom's panel to keep on trying! Congrats!

 

[My3TXGirls]

How exciting - can't wait to hear more...

Lori

 

[magic2go]

Hi Everyone! Thank you so much for all the kind words! I can't wait to get back to writing the report! We finally arrived home from our holiday trip to visit family & friends throughout New England -- as soon as I recover you'll be hearing more from me!

 

[mmounsey]

Can't wait to read more!

 

[magic2go]

Ok, so - I think I remember where I left off ! Since I had only gotten as far as Day 1 before The Holidays took over!

Day 2

The next morning was an early wake up call. With alarms (yes, plural - just in case one didn't wake me up, I had 3 set!) buzzing at 4:30, it was time to get up and going for our busy day. This would be the day many (all) of us would be dreading - video shoot day! And a rainy, foggy, gray day it would be!

Now, those previous panelists on the Moms Panel told us not to worry, don't stress - but hey, they are pro's by now! Us newbies just wouldn't listen - it was heavy duty Stress time!

So, in reality, I was up before the alarms… and raring to go! Unfortunately it was a lonely morning down at the Contemporary Grounds - waiting for my fellow panelists AND the coffee shop to show some signs of life!

Soon though, we were all assembled and off in buses to try one of WDW's newest restaurant: Kouzzina. Now, I have to say that this was high on my list of new things to try - I am a big Food Network and Iron Chef fan, and I was anxious to try out Cat Cora's new spot!

The breakfast didn't disappoint! We had choices of a greek-style omelet with tomatoes, spinach and feta, pancakes with granola and orange incorporated right in the batter, or a tamer All-American feast of eggs, bacon/sausage and toast. Since I was still full from dinner and desserts at the Prop Shop, I ate a bit lighter, but have to say that I loved the assorted pastries on the table. Yup, give me the option to pick something battered up with cinnamon and sugar first thing in the morning and I'll cave. Yup, I'm not so strong before coffee!

All too soon, we were headed back to the Contemporary - the rain had put a crimp in our plans and it was time for Plan B: Filming at the California Grill.

Luckily for us, we had some professionals to help us. Two women armed with an enviable array of cosmetics, flat irons, and hair products! YES!

Here's me:

And DisJPK (Jonas): Everyone, and I mean everyone, got the full makeup treatment... although he may have gotten to skip the flat iron!

Here is seallenz (aka Amanda A) - such a natural!

After a nerve wracking hour or so (was it really that quick ?!??!) all of our videos were done. Yes, tears and sweat (you know who you are!!) were shed, BUT it was over. Now we could really enjoy ourselves!

And how do you create a special experience for 20+ Disney Geeks? Well, you entice them with a tour of the Utilidors of course! What a wonderful reward for facing those evil cameras!

As always, no cameras were allowed behind-the-scenes, but let me just say that it lived up to my expectations. Our guide was wonderful and kept us all entertained. We laughed, we smiled… and we cried… yup. I did. Now, I'm not normally a crier, but when she thanked each and everyone of us for helping to pass on the Disney tradition to families everywhere… I shed a tear or two… And I wasn't the only one!

To mark this special occasion, we were even given a special service star - a special retired Cast Member pin for going above, and beyond, the call of duty. I will treasure this for a VERY long time.

And of course... I'll cut this off here... with this special moment. More to come, including how I can embarrass my kids from 600 miles away!

 

[hcoker1]

oohhh I hate waiting!
Thanks for another update, what an experience this must have been for you.

 

[Queila]

The breaksfast at Kouzzina sounds delicious. Thanks for the update.
Cannot wait to hear more!

Q

 

[Nancy for Disney]

Looks like such a wonderful trip. I am reading one the other Mom's Panelist tr too. As a matter of fact I thought that tr was what I clicked on. How exciting to be on the panel and what a wonderful trip Disney is providing. I am so envious. I can't wait to read more and live vicariously through you. I also feel the need to go check all the mom's out on the Disney web site. Maybe even make up a question to ask. I know I asked many questions on the mom's panel before I became addicted to DISboards.

 

[ladybugmom]

It sounds like a wonderful day even with the rain!! Kouzzina sounds sooo yummy!! And the tour of the Utilidors sounds incredible!!

 

[emmalouisenicholson]

The trip sounds absolutely amazing! Can't wait to hear the rest of your report!

 

[cdotla]

Great update!

At least your videos were shot first thing in the morning so that you could then relax and enjoy the rest of the day...you know, so that you weren't secretly rehearsing your lines in your head all day!

Too bad about the rain. But I couldn't imagine a nicer place to shoot inside than the Cali Grill. And thumbs up for the convenience too, being right in your resort.

Can't wait to hear the rest of your adventures! I am really enjoying reading all of the Mom's reports. They are all really unique and each bring a different perspective. Next best thing to being there really!

 

[magic2go]

And the finish of Day #2...

We didn't have too much time to dwell on the sentimental though -- The Moms, Dads & all were off to see the Move it, Shake it, Celebrate!! Parade. Tagging along with us were those wonderful Camera folks - wow, its a surreal experience to have a video camera aimed at ME while in the Magic Kingdom. A Rock Star moment to be sure!

Since we're such a twitter-prolific bunch, video and photos of us Moms dancing in with Donald Duck and congo'ing through Main Street soon hit the web. Within just few minutes, I had a txt from home: It was the kids via Dad. Requesting that Mom no longer dances in public!

Oh well, I'm a mom. Its my JOB to embarrass them!

With the parade over, we had a few hours to ourselves - So off to ride the new Space Mountain! BUT, no, it wasn't meant to be. Space was being cranky, and had a mechanical "time out". So, Buzz it was!

Here are Disney Moms Suzannah and Amanda gunning for Kaylene and me:

And my buddy Kaylene and I!

Since we had a few hours to kill, a few of us were off to Downtown Disney! Shopping! Yes! Here is a picture of fellow South Kakilakian Terry, myself and Kaylene at the Contemporary Bus Area…

All too soon, just a lunch and a Christmas ornament later, we had to head back and get ready for our dining experience for the evening: The Napa Room at the California Grill!

The Napa Room was spectacular. The company was incredible. The view, of course was one-of-a-kind. A big thank you to Disney Mom Marc for capturing a photo of me & the beautiful castle.

The food - especially MY food was delicious! You see, if you missed it before, I am a vegetarian. And BOY did I get special treatment here. In fact, I think a few of my fellow Moms may claim they are too, the next time they get to eat here!

Here is the highlight of my meal, that made everyone at my table Jealous. Yes, Jealous - with a capital J!

Thanks to Diane L for the picture! I was too happy to stop and take one, I just dug in!

After a lovely dinner, which started with a Champagne toast, we were all treated to a Bananas Foster Creme Brulee. Yes. Yum. Yes, I need to burn those calories off still!

Again, everything was over too soon… our night was coming to an end… After Wishes, it was time to say goodnight and head back to the room. What a lovely view along the way though…

 

[ladybugmom]

Great update!! Beautiful pictures!!

 

[Queila]

Hey... for us Disney fans you guys ARE rockstars! Enjoy the ride.

Q

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

WOW your meal looks sooooo good it'd make me think of becoming a vegetarian too! YUM