Apply to be on the Disney Mom Panel Sept. 8th

[Fellowship9798]

Also, if you want more details about the contest process last year, I wrote a detailed (perhaps, at times, a bit too detailed ) article about the experience (including my answers to last year's questions) HERE.

Wow. That's a very interesting article about your experience.

I'm a Dad too and I sent in my application on Tuesday. I'm hoping for some luck to make it to the next round, but if not I can console myself with my upcoming trip to WDW in October.

Actually, my one concern is that if I somehow did make it to the next round, Disney would e-mail me while I'm on vacation and I would miss the message or not respond in time. Maybe I had better bring my laptop with me, just in case. I was hoping not to lug it along with us and just be "on vacation" but oh well. I've already got strollers, car seats, teddy bears, etc to bring. What's one more thing?

 

[TheRatPack]

If you are ONLY looking for free stuff/benefits, etc., in my opinion the Moms Panel might not be for you. However, if you apply and don't get on the panel, you will still become part of the Mickey Moms Club which will likely have some nice benefits next year (no guarantees, but it seems likely they'll do something next year, right??!).

Just to clarify I wasn't saying I wanted in it just for the benefits...just wondering what was expected of you for being a volunteer. I absolutely LOVE to help people with Disney related information, probably a little too much LOL The main 'benefit or prize' seemed to be the individual training trip. Going on a trip by myself would be scary I think, where most people would be LOVING that trip, I'd probably be so nervous about it, I don't travel by myself. That is why I asked about the 'benefits'....as the trip really doesn't appeal to me (unless I can find some cheap rates and the family can tag along and head to the park while I was being 'trained'. So again, not a benefit seeker...just trying to figure out what else it required of you that might be seen as a benefit to some, but hard to work out for a homeschooling mom of 5 . No vacation time here LOL Seriously, they just don't know how cheaply they could have my 'knowledge' LOL A 40% off code to go with my free dining at a Value and I'm good....no free trip needed.

Then again, if I were to get on the panel, maybe this trip is all I'd need to bring out the World traveler of One LOL

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you are ONLY looking for free stuff/benefits, etc., in my opinion the Moms Panel might not be for you. However, if you apply and don't get on the panel, you will still become part of the Mickey Moms Club which will likely have some nice benefits next year (no guarantees, but it seems likely they'll do something next year, right??!).

Of course the current 12 of us on the panel are all different, but I think we all mostly signed up so we could help other families plan a better vacation by sharing our knowledge. That was the main "reward" for us. It also has been an amazing experience working more closely with Disney (although we aren't employees, we are independent contractors) on a very new "adventure" for the company. Who would have thought that Disney would let a group of parents share their honest (uncensored) opinions about WDW on their own site. It is fairly revolutionary for Disney, and it has been an honor to be part of the process. We also made some close ties/friendships as a group -- since we all share many things in common!

By the way (as a few on this thread have asked), we are NOT paid to be on the panel. We simply receive a "reward trip" (5-nights, 6-days for family of four) as a thank you for our help on the Moms Panel.



We have three kids, so we did have to pay for the incremental costs for the fifth person. Luckily I had a free ticket from being bumped on a flight earlier this year, so I'm using that. We were also fortunate to find availability at the Grand Floridian, so there is no extra cost for the fifth person (the rooms accomodate five). So the main incremental cost for us will be food and tickets. Not really a big deal, especially since it's only for one extra person.


By the way, if you are interested, there is an even more active thread about the Moms Panel over HERE.

Also, if you want more details about the contest process last year, I wrote a detailed (perhaps, at times, a bit too detailed ) article about the experience (including my answers to last year's questions) HERE.


And lastly, but most importantly, BEST WISHES for all of you who are applying for the 2009 Moms Panel. I'm sure all of you deserve to be on it, now let's just hope some Magic comes your way.

I took the time to read what you've posted through your links. I enjoyed your story! Wow, what a great experience! I did apply this year.

Bobbi

 

[RatBoy]

Just to clarify I wasn't saying I wanted in it just for the benefits...just wondering what was expected of you for being a volunteer. I absolutely LOVE to help people with Disney related information, probably a little too much LOL The main 'benefit or prize' seemed to be the individual training trip. Going on a trip by myself would be scary I think, where most people would be LOVING that trip, I'd probably be so nervous about it, I don't travel by myself. That is why I asked about the 'benefits'....as the trip really doesn't appeal to me (unless I can find some cheap rates and the family can tag along and head to the park while I was being 'trained'. So again, not a benefit seeker...just trying to figure out what else it required of you that might be seen as a benefit to some, but hard to work out for a homeschooling mom of 5 . No vacation time here LOL Seriously, they just don't know how cheaply they could have my 'knowledge' LOL A 40% off code to go with my free dining at a Value and I'm good....no free trip needed.

Then again, if I were to get on the panel, maybe this trip is all I'd need to bring out the World traveler of One LOL

Makes complete sense. I know it is hard to take off time from the family. Many of the current "Moms" had a hard time figuring out what to do. Heck, my wife wasn't too excited about me heading of to WDW alone either!!

I will say, however, that the training trip was probably the highlight of the entire experience. The combination of meeting all the other Moms, meeting so many Cast Members, Training, experiencing WDW during the holidays (my first December trip), and the VIP treatment was amazing.

-Bret

 

[Beckie w/ an IE]

Makes complete sense. I know it is hard to take off time from the family. Many of the current "Moms" had a hard time figuring out what to do. Heck, my wife wasn't too excited about me heading of to WDW alone either!!

I will say, however, that the training trip was probably the highlight of the entire experience. The combination of meeting all the other Moms, meeting so many Cast Members, Training, experiencing WDW during the holidays (my first December trip), and the VIP treatment was amazing.

-Bret

Just wondering, what hotel did you stay at? I've alsways wanted to stay at the GF. I'm guessing that's where they put you...

 

[RatBoy]

Just wondering, what hotel did you stay at? I've alsways wanted to stay at the GF. I'm guessing that's where they put you...

Hmmm, guess you haven't read the full three-part article yet??

For the December 2007 training, we all stayed at, and our training was held at, the Coronado Springs Resort. It makes complete sense, since they are well equipped for training (meeting rooms, etc.).

-Bret

 

[Beckie w/ an IE]

Hmmm, guess you haven't read the full three-part article yet??

For the December 2007 training, we all stayed at, and our training was held at, the Coronado Springs Resort. It makes complete sense, since they are well equipped for training (meeting rooms, etc.).

-Bret

No...I haven't gotten through the whole thing yet but thanks, Just wanted to know where you stayed for the training...

 

[nikmpayne]

Whohoo.....I applied. I am so excited to apply again this year. I felt very fortunate that I was able to apply last year and moved past my disapointment, very quickly, when not selected. (How can one be disappointed in Disney, you just can't.)

My family has a trip planned for Dec 9-14th, how cool would that be, to meet up with the family after training. Well, here's to hoping anyways. Good luck to all that applied!!!!

Happy waiting!

Nikki

 

[lori1043]

I for one am sorta glad the training trip is seperate from a family trip. I'd have a hard time concentrating on training if I knew my family was out there playing-I'd wanna be with them!

I told my DH that I applied for this last night(yeah, I should'a told him BEFORE applying, but I did it on a whim and heck, chances ARE slim...) and he was all for it-even "training" in December. Thank God I have a good hubby who knows my crazy love for all things Disney!
I DO so love my hubby!!!

Gotta get school rolling!

Lori

 

[nikmpayne]

I agree with being happy about them being separate vacations. I would want to be with my family as well. But since the training dates were Dec 5-9 and our family vacation is Dec 9-14, that would be bonus for me. I know chances are slim, but hey a chance is a chance and I will take what I can get. Someone has to win....right. Hopefully it will be one of us.....

 

[Cheshire_cat]

RatBoy - where can we find Part 2 & 3 of the article?

Thanks for posting this - it was very interesting!

 

[lori1043]

I agree with being happy about them being separate vacations. I would want to be with my family as well. But since the training dates were Dec 5-9 and our family vacation is Dec 9-14, that would be bonus for me. I know chances are slim, but hey a chance is a chance and I will take what I can get. Someone has to win....right. Hopefully it will be one of us.....

THAT would be a super long extended vacation for you!!! Awesome!

Yeah... so its a slim chance, but hopefully it IS someone from here!
I am trying not to look too much at anything to do with it b/c I do not want to tease myself too much. I'd love to forget about it unless I get an email or phone call. But I found myself perusing the Mom thread that Ratboy mentioned and got swallowed by it!!! Very good thread, thank you!

Ratboy- I love that this has lead you to writing. I homeschool my kids and am doing a little homeschool course of my own-a writing class. I feel the bug to write and have for a long time, and have started MANY times in notebooks, but have NO idea how or where or what. I think articles would be my best bet. I could go on and on.... but I think the fact you wrote an article on a subject you love is fabulous!


Lori

 

[RatBoy]

Ratboy- I love that this has lead you to writing. I homeschool my kids and am doing a little homeschool course of my own-a writing class. I feel the bug to write and have for a long time, and have started MANY times in notebooks, but have NO idea how or where or what. I think articles would be my best bet. I could go on and on.... but I think the fact you wrote an article on a subject you love is fabulous!

Lori

It was an easy article to write. Although very difficult to keep it short. I guess it allowed me to express lots of things I wanted to say beyond that darn 100-word limit!

Truth be told, my sister twisted my arm to write the article (she is the co-editor of magically speaking, which is the newsletter for themouseforless.com). But, she didn't have to twist it very hard.

Here are links to the three installments...

Chapter 1 (The application process)
Chapter 2 (Meeting the other "Moms")
Chapter 3 (Training and beyond)


Hope you enjoy. Might as well do something while waiting for Disney to respond - right?!

-Bret

 

[Jennygt]

It was an easy article to write. Although very difficult to keep it short. I guess it allowed me to express lots of things I wanted to say beyond that darn 100-word limit!

Truth be told, my sister twisted my arm to write the article (she is the co-editor of magically speaking, which is the newsletter for themouseforless.com). But, she didn't have to twist it very hard.

Here are links to the three installments...

Chapter 1 (The application process)
Chapter 2 (Meeting the other "Moms")
Chapter 3 (Training and beyond)


Hope you enjoy. Might as well do something while waiting for Disney to respond - right?!

-Bret

Thanks for all of your insight into the proces, very interesting read! Keeping my fingers crossed for this year!

 

[Reese]

Well I just applied. After four hours sleep, six sick children and vacation in four days I don't think my answers were the best but hey I can dream .

 

[jctimon]

I loved the articles Bret! I applied on the 8th, but truthfully just reading your article made me feel like I was there too! Thanks for sharing your magical experience! WOW!

 

[NicsMom1500]

Bret's article is GREAT reading!! And I wish all of you DADs applying for 2009 very best wishes.

If anyone wants more reading to keep them busy while waiting for Round 2, feel free to check out my articles here:

I wrote three separate articles that appeared in the PassPorter newsletter but the above link will take you to a forum where all 3 were posted.

Travel:
My husband accompanied me on the training trip. I had to book his airfare. But I was able to get my seat location that Disney had booked for me and then get him right next to me. If you read Bret's article, you'll know that it was a whirlwind. But my dh had fun playing in the parks and got to glimpse me experiencing some special moments. (My son was okay staying home with Grandma since we had just returned from Disneyland.)

Compensation:
i don't think the application makes it clear. It was the same for us. Once chosen (or was it before the phone interview?), you'll undergo a background check and after you are chosen some contractual obligations will be sent your way. You will have to read your contract to see if a family trip or other compensation will be included. If you are chosen, the training trip for you the panelist will likely be arranged and paid for by WDW, as will any Public Relations (PR) events/trips that you may be invited to attend.

In April, I flew down to Orlando by myself to attend a PR (Mommy blogger) event. Darcie (another WDW Moms Panelist) and I were put up at the Beach Club. It was another BUSY schedule but oh, so much fun. Including a limo to the California Grill for dinner and then to La Nouba!

wishing each of you a magical journey! And let's give a big to the Cast Members reading all 20,000 applications!

kim

 

[TheRatPack]

I told my DH that I applied for this last night(yeah, I should'a told him BEFORE applying, but I did it on a whim and heck, chances ARE slim...) and he was all for it-even "training" in December. Thank God I have a good hubby who knows my crazy love for all things Disney!
I DO so love my hubby!!!

Gotta get school rolling!

Lori

I completely understand good husbands My husband would pack my bags for me and shove me out the door. He tries to get me to do more for myself all the time. I'm just a homebody though....and hate to ask someone else to watch my kiddos for longer than a few hours. Anyhow...wouldn't it be a nice break Although, not sure they'd learn too much with Mom not here...LOL I saw that one of last years panelist was a homeschooling mom....so I suppose if she can do it, so can others.

 

[lori1043]

One good thing about homeschooling is that you can make your own schedule. Here in Louisiana we promise 180 days of schooling and we have a year to do it(about the same as the majority of states and more than our public school system requires!). We have started every July for the past 3 years so that we can take December off and have about 1 or 2 weeks for vacation, down days or whatnot in the year. I tried to school throughout December our first year and boy, it made me miss that time I had when kids were in school, but we planned the following year accordingly, so that December was filled with lots of time for baking and wrapping and cooking and parties and even a little bit of time for ME (shopping usually)while the kids go to grammas or stay home with daddy.

I am like you, I HATE asking people to keep my kids too. I love them with me or DH. But, they have the luxury of getting to know grammaw a bit more than if they were in school since she LOVES having them about 1 or 2 Fridays per month. I hate even asking her for more than the 1 Friday, but she'll call and ask for them if there is too long of a lapse!

We end our year after Stanford testing, which is usually the first week in May.

Although many see it as a burden or as crazy, homeschooling is a much better fit for our family(we had them in school for 2 years) and it allows us a schedule that revolves around family life and a vacations at off times.

So, no, you are right! School is very lax with daddy! Dh has them when I work on Fridays usually and school gets done for the most part(!)- but I am the primary 'teacher'. Thankfully, DD10 is very self motivated and independent learner! DD8 is not so independent and self motivated, but at least it gives me more time to 'teach' her!

Not that you needed all THAT info, but I thought I'd share what I love even more than Disney... Okay, so it is a tie! But homeschooling is a calling, a vocation for me, and it comes first -although the Dis is tempting(I have caved many a time ), but school is 1st.

Lori

 

[MegaWoman]

I did apply this year - though I had to take a break from house-hunting to do so! (Who needs a house when you could end up doing something for the Mouse?!?!?) Now I have to try and concentrate on everyday life and not check my e-mail 47 times a day.

** Thanks so much RatBoy for the article detailing last years' experience, I hadn't read it yet and it was great!

Stephanie