Moms Panel Results!?

[hegfam]

As far as the 6-month specification, I agree that it was probably a minimum in order for them to put the effort in training you for the position and 'earning' the free trip. They want people who will commit for the long-term, I don't think they were thinking in terms of it not working out or succeeding. If anyone thinks positively, Disney does!

Regarding keeping it real, the panel may not be "hired positions" but the job will be to encourage people to visit Disney and I'm sure the training will be focused on what Disney already does so well - convincing people to visit Disney for the first time or come back for more. And the panel may have access for the first time to some clarification from Disney about certain issues that there are differing opinions on from time to time... can anyone say refillable mugs?

 

[EEFOSTER]

I can't give someone great advice about a vacation if I don't know what they want out of their trip. If we can have the chance to find out what is important to the family for their trip, we can help them reach that goal and have a better trip.

That's really it in a nutshell. Let's face it, it's not like there's any lack of information about WDW out there -- there's Disney's own wealth of info that they're more than willing to send out for free, there are shows on the Travel Channel almost every day, there are boards like this, my personal tip-of-the-iceberg library of Disney-related books includes 50+ volumes. So what people want is a way to understand how all this information relates to THEM and their own unique needs. Two families with a similar make-up on the outside might be very different under the surface. People are insecure and want reassurance that they've made the right choices. (Will my fussy-eater preschooler be able to find something to eat if our family pays $250 to see the Hoop-de-Doo Review?, etc.) Going to WDW can be a significant investment in time and money -- they want to know that they've invested wisely.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Hi Everyone,

I have posted before on this thread. I'm kind of a mom's panel groupie at this point . If you've been following, you may possibly recall that I am one who was out of town the week that the Mom's panel was launched and by the time I got home, they had already recieved 10,000 applications and closed the contest. I missed the boat by being on one !

Well, as crazy as this sounds, I knew I needed to be heard, so I wrote something up~not knowing the questions posed, and overnighted it to Disney . Complete with a scrap book page and a quote from Walt ( yes, I am passionate about WDW!) I never heard anything back, and I think that now, more than anything, I just want to know that my essay has been read by someone who gets it.

So, in another post I will ...well...post it. Read it if you want. No obligation, of course. But I thought since you all are just waiting anyway, you might want something to do.

And I think it may make me feel better.

~Ami

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Dear Mickey or Minnie *o*,

Forgive me, because my excitement at the moment is about to over flow since I discovered the “Mom‘s Panel!” I have been a "stay-at-home" mom for 12 years and a Disney maniac all my life! My excitement subsided for only a day when I realized that applications were no longer being accepted. How did I miss that? However, being a determined mom who will not take “no” for an answer, I decided to find a way to get discovered! Read on ~you will not be sorry.

In the beginning of my 34 year existence, I remember when Disney World was fairly new and Magic Kingdom was the whole world. You could stay at the Polynesian, or Contemporary, or Fort Wilderness and see Cinderella's Castle in the most beautiful horizon ever made by human hands! The monorail was magical in and of itself and you were the luckiest kid in the world if you got to ride up front with the driver!

I have a vivid memory of sitting on the dock at the Polynesian Resort and watching the construction of the Grand Floridian, dreaming of the day I would get to stay there. When I finally walked through the entrance and heard the piano music and saw the bird cage and all the sunlight and greenery, I knew I had arrived! It is that attention to detail, that creation of ambiance that keeps me enthralled! As a little girl, my dad took me on Disney vacations and they are the best memories I have. I have made it a mission to give my own three daughters those same memories and make new ones for myself.

I love nothing more than to plan our vacations, from taking advantage of extra magic hours, to which restaurants we will try for the first time and which ones we'll enjoy again. To the shows we will see, and the activities we will do, and where we will meet Mickey himself. I always start by choosing a Resort. I love them all! There is one for every mood, every passion, every idea of the perfect vacation! When I book that Resort, it feels as if my vacation has already begun. Each trip is full of new life experiences that Disney seems to so effortlessly provide.

I am hungry for knowledge! I read everything I can on Disney. I research and try to stay on top of what is new or changing. I pay attention to the specials they offer and the events that they host. I just can't get enough!

Well, I love to plan trips so much, that I started helping my friends when they took trips to Disney. I gave them tips and tricks and told them about "not-to-miss" stops along the way. I told them how to find all the hidden magic at their resorts and some lesser known activities they might enjoy. Word spread, and all of a sudden I am getting emails that say, "I heard from 'so and so' that you planned the greatest Disney vacation they have ever been on! Would you help me?" I have planned trips based on the experience they would like to have, trips on a budget, trips on no budget, trips for families, Grand Gatherings and couples. I LOVE what I have been doing! This is my wish: to fill my days making everyone's Disney dreams come true!

Please write back and tell me what my next step should be. I will be dedicated to this panel and an asset to it. I have found that my passion for Disney is infectious!

 

[poohmomof5]

Dear Mickey or Minnie *o*,

Forgive me, because my excitement at the moment is about to over flow since I discovered the “Mom‘s Panel!” I have been a "stay-at-home" mom for 12 years and a Disney maniac all my life! My excitement subsided for only a day when I realized that applications were no longer being accepted. How did I miss that? However, being a determined mom who will not take “no” for an answer, I decided to find a way to get discovered! Read on ~you will not be sorry.

In the beginning of my 34 year existence, I remember when Disney World was fairly new and Magic Kingdom was the whole world. You could stay at the Polynesian, or Contemporary, or Fort Wilderness and see Cinderella's Castle in the most beautiful horizon ever made by human hands! The monorail was magical in and of itself and you were the luckiest kid in the world if you got to ride up front with the driver!

I have a vivid memory of sitting on the dock at the Polynesian Resort and watching the construction of the Grand Floridian, dreaming of the day I would get to stay there. When I finally walked through the entrance and heard the piano music and saw the bird cage and all the sunlight and greenery, I knew I had arrived! It is that attention to detail, that creation of ambiance that keeps me enthralled! As a little girl, my dad took me on Disney vacations and they are the best memories I have. I have made it a mission to give my own three daughters those same memories and make new ones for myself.

I love nothing more than to plan our vacations, from taking advantage of extra magic hours, to which restaurants we will try for the first time and which ones we'll enjoy again. To the shows we will see, and the activities we will do, and where we will meet Mickey himself. I always start by choosing a Resort. I love them all! There is one for every mood, every passion, every idea of the perfect vacation! When I book that Resort, it feels as if my vacation has already begun. Each trip is full of new life experiences that Disney seems to so effortlessly provide.

I am hungry for knowledge! I read everything I can on Disney. I research and try to stay on top of what is new or changing. I pay attention to the specials they offer and the events that they host. I just can't get enough!

Well, I love to plan trips so much, that I started helping my friends when they took trips to Disney. I gave them tips and tricks and told them about "not-to-miss" stops along the way. I told them how to find all the hidden magic at their resorts and some lesser known activities they might enjoy. Word spread, and all of a sudden I am getting emails that say, "I heard from 'so and so' that you planned the greatest Disney vacation they have ever been on! Would you help me?" I have planned trips based on the experience they would like to have, trips on a budget, trips on no budget, trips for families, Grand Gatherings and couples. I LOVE what I have been doing! This is my wish: to fill my days making everyone's Disney dreams come true!

Please write back and tell me what my next step should be. I will be dedicated to this panel and an asset to it. I have found that my passion for Disney is infectious!

Very moving and wonderful! I am sure they loved reading this. Your passion is inspiring. I am sure something will come along that is perfect for you.

 

[The6ofUs]

So, I hope you will indulge me a few questions now:
1) What is the plan for the panel after June 2008? What happens when (not if ) it is successful?
3) Any info they can share about the format of the panel?

Bret, I asked about the format of the panel. Unless they change their minds, it won't be a message board or chat room format at first. It will consist of people submitting questions, and the panel's answers will be posted as part of an answer library (my words, not their's). They're starting out slowly so they'll have room to grow based on what their members need (which is the best way, in my experience, to build a community).

 

[The6ofUs]

1) How bad did I really sound!?
2) Can we have a redo later in the week?

These would've been my questions, too!

 

[The6ofUs]

My main question is "Why the 6th month mark?".

I think they're planning on the panel lasting more than 6 months, it's just that they want a chance to add new panelists at that point. Some panelists may want to move on to other things, or some may just not be working out.

Do you finalists realize that you are possibly going to be part of something GROUNDBREAKING for DISNEY WORLD? I can't even imagine how that feels. DISNEY WORLD! I wish the best for you all.

It's so exciting, and I'm so nervous about that Wednesday call telling me whether I'm in or not! But it's been a wonderful experience along the way, too, especially right here in this thread.

 

[ibelieveindreams]

Hi, new to the board....sort of stumbled upon this thread....I too, made it too the final 26, and learned in the interview process, that 'there was some confusion on some of the Boards about training and the trip', ah hah says, I and figured there must be a place where everyone is talking....I've enjoyed reading and getting to know all of you, and giggling along the way, watching and understanding the various relationships between all of you...not to mention my own joy to know that I'm not the only mom in this world that has multiple sleep overs, or must juggle what seems to be a hundred balls at once. We love Disney too, and though we have been through some tough times, we find a way to go, I see Disney for our family a place for dreams, no matter what the age, where time seems to stop...sometimes, time just needs to stop...keep dreaming...life is short...laugh, love...and be in the moment...i hope you all can welcome me to the family...at least thats how it feels....soooo...i am the new kid on the block as they say... ...

 

[WishesQueen]

What a sin that you missed the opportunity for the mom panel. You write beautifully and inspire me.

I too have been going to Disney since the opening with my family. We stayed at the Contemporary. I help every going to Disney but thats about were it ends for me. Most people actually think my family is crazy for going back every year. I just don't think they get it!!!

As for a question that I would ask if I was advanced to step 3.....I think I would want to know, if there was going to be a turn over of moms after the six months and if there was an opportunity to have it turn into a long term position with Disney? I work at home now for a party company answering the phones. I always thought that it was be amazing to do it for Disney. I contacted them many times to see if any opportunities were available. So when the opportunity came up with the contest I was out of control thrilled. I always knew Disney eventually become involved with the work at home mom. So many companies are getting involved and its no surprise Disney would catch up!

Getting paid would be great, but a free trip every year to the hotel of your choice would be worth to me!

 

[The6ofUs]

I can't give someone great advice about a vacation if I don't know what they want out of their trip. If we can have the chance to find out what is important to the family for their trip, we can help them reach that goal and have a better trip.

That is what I wish I could have said. Anyone else want to share?

I agree! I need the details in order to help them have the best trip experience, that's why I think this message board format works so well. We can keep asking questions until we have what we need to give good advice.

 

[WishesQueen]

No newer then me!!! Welcome!!!

My family is thrilled I found other people to talk to you about Disney and this contest. They have heard enough!!! For them they enjoy Disney conversation a few months before we go. Since our next trip is July I've been on my own!

 

[poohmomof5]

Hi, new to the board....sort of stumbled upon this thread....I too, made it too the final 26, and learned in the interview process, that 'there was some confusion on some of the Boards about training and the trip', ah hah says, I and figured there must be a place where everyone is talking....I've enjoyed reading and getting to know all of you, and giggling along the way, watching and understanding the various relationships between all of you...not to mention my own joy to know that I'm not the only mom in this world that has multiple sleep overs, or must juggle what seems to be a hundred balls at once. We love Disney too, and though we have been through some tough times, we find a way to go, I see Disney for our family a place for dreams, no matter what the age, where time seems to stop...sometimes, time just needs to stop...keep dreaming...life is short...laugh, love...and be in the moment...i hope you all can welcome me to the family...at least thats how it feels....soooo...i am the new kid on the block as they say... ...

Welcome! Welcome!

I love your quick intro! I fell like I know you already! How do you think you did on the interview? I was a babbling gushing rambling one. In case you haven't read everything, I know I said some things that made sense, but I also know I kept talking and talking. I was nervous.

Good luck!

 

[The6ofUs]

I was wondering this too. I have learned -lots- of money-saving tips over the years from this board, but not all of them will be something Disney will want the general public aware of -- I'm sure they won't let panelists recommend that people buy their passes from a broker (for less $) than at the gate, etc.

I have a different opinion on this one. I think if it's between not being able to go at all, and recommending all the discounts available in order to be able to go on that one-in-a-lifetime trip, Disney would much prefer the latter. I told them during my interview that I would be approaching questions from a budget-conscious angle, and they seemed fine with it. We'll find out for sure on Wednesday, though.

 

[The6ofUs]

WishesQueen, welcome to the DIS! We're glad to have you with us.

 

[The6ofUs]

Dear Mickey or Minnie *o*,

Forgive me, because my excitement at the moment is about to over flow since I discovered the “Mom‘s Panel!” I have been a "stay-at-home" mom for 12 years and a Disney maniac all my life! My excitement subsided for only a day when I realized that applications were no longer being accepted. How did I miss that? However, being a determined mom who will not take “no” for an answer, I decided to find a way to get discovered! Read on ~you will not be sorry.

I definitely wasn't sorry! Well done, Pixie!

 

[The6ofUs]

ibelieveindreams, welcome to our group! The more, the merrier!

 

[WishesQueen]

Thanks!!

I was just thinking of something I wanted to throw out.

Do you know what I find fasinating? How many people we meet while at Disney that don't have a clue about simple obvious things. I can't believe how many people go without any investigating.

I of course am always talking to people and trying to help them. My family gets hysterical and I am the entertainment for hours on end, but I enjoy it. I like talking to people and sharing all my information.

So, here we all are filled with tons of Disney information between all of us its probably staggering. Then there is the other side of the coin and Disney has definitely hit the nail on the head and I bet with this panel and some new features to the Disney website that I just might not find that many families needing help during my next visit.

 

[The6ofUs]

As for a question that I would ask if I was advanced to step 3.....I think I would want to know, if there was going to be a turn over of moms after the six months and if there was an opportunity to have it turn into a long term position with Disney?

Although I didn't ask this question, my guess is that there will be at least a partial turnover of moms/dads. I think it depends on how things unfold as to whether they would become longterm paid positions. They probably don't know themselves at this point.

 

[ibelieveindreams]

Welcome! Welcome!

I love your quick intro! I fell like I know you already! How do you think you did on the interview? I was a babbling gushing rambling one. In case you haven't read everything, I know I said some things that made sense, but I also know I kept talking and talking. I was nervous.

Good luck!

boy did I ever...ramble on and on...at one point, I think I caught myself, and thought, what was the question.... ...but thankfully..i was one of the first ones...the first hour of the first day of all things...i tend to ramble too when i get nervous...guess thats just par for the course...no matter the outcome...it has and continues to be an unbelievable experience...