Moms Panel Results!?

[Haeg]

Bella- it's funny you say that because when I was a teenager we went to WDW in August every year and just about every trip we would run into someone we knew. It was most likely that time of year, you know getting the trip in during value season just before school started.

I had to chime in on this. Almost every time I go to WDW I run into someone I know. But I notice a lot of DIS'ers are from NJ. Plus we tend to go during NJ week. Hey thats next week.

 

[hegfam]

The only questions that really came to my mind after the interview were:

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

Boy you are reading my mind! I'll second these answers.

 

[dollhouse]

It is interesting reviewing these posts. As this contest progressed, I have become more fascinated. My main question is "Why the 6th month mark?". Are they seeing how it will go over? As with anything, I think it takes time for things to catch on so 6 months could be a bit premature and for Disney to only commit for 6 months is hard for me to believe. I think when Disney has a very grand idea like this, it would be a larger time frame. Are they going to switch out the panel and give this more like 1-2 years? Is there going to be another contest or will they stick to the original winners? This is all so fascinating to me. I am so curious to get feedback from the winners. I know there will be certain things you can't divulge but the future of the Moms panel is something I would love to know about. I think you will have all the technical support you could dream of. The execs at Disney are so incredibly smart and they are probably covering all scenarios. Wonder how many people are preparing logistics, technology & training for this panel?


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. This whole thing is truly amazing to me. I also wonder how long they have been in preparation for this contest prior to putting the contest out on their site. I must say I am really envious of you all but so proud of you that made it (even though I wouldn't know you if I saw you 2 feet in front of me ). I know for all the 2nd rounders who wanted to get to the 3rd round, it is reassuring knowing that the finalists feel the same way we do about Disney World. I wonder if you will still be able to contribute to the boards if you are working an official Disney board? Is that a conflict of interest? I have so many questions, just like other people.

This is so exciting for you all! I know your families must be so proud of you!

Take care everyone. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

[PartyOf5]

It is interesting reviewing these posts. As this contest progressed, I have become more fascinated. My main question is "Why the 6th month mark?".

I considered the 6th month mark to be a minimum commitment from those who are selected to be on the panel. I'm sure they don't want to select someone and have them quit after a month or two. But this would be a great follow-up question to ask as well!

This weekend I will be celebrating my work-aversary (24 years) and wedding anniversary (18 years). I believe in longevity if it's a good fit. If selected for this panel, I would probably serve for the rest of my life if they let me!!!

Diane

 

[5/4Disney]

Guys, I know I did not interview but I have also thought about a few things and like many of you have said, I am the support system around here!

I wonder what "type" of suggestions you guys will be allowed to make. I know Disney wants to keep it "real", but "how real". There are bunch of little tips to offer, but not all will make Disney $$. (Disney will still benefit because just getting someone to the park is step 1) We all know what happens to our bank accounts once we get there. I'm sure all this will be explained in training. I guess that's why training is 4 days. They know you guys are great at posting already, after all they admitted to reading these boards. The people moderating the board will have a BIG job on their hands.

I also wonder if you guys will have to sign some sort of waiver saying that if you offend someone or say something wrong, you will be responsible? Or if you will have a bunch of prewritten responses that you can rely on as back up? Lord knows they don't want any lawsuits on their hands.

I can't help but think that Disney has some concerns as well. I'm sure there will be critics, but on the flip side many people trust the Disney name and that will be enough in itself. Believe it or not there are people out there who have never posted or seen one of the boards so Disney can draw these folks to their board through marketing (name recognition, good old trust or any other marketing tool)

 

[BellaBuggy]

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!

Well THAT'S not helping my nerves!

 

[poohmomof5]

Well THAT'S not helping my nerves!

I thought the exact same thing. I am trying so hard to be calm and not make a big deal about this. But I am so excited as the awesome possibilities that are ahead! Ugh, I can't believe I said that out loud!

My kids want to do the Disney College program in the future, so I told them that I am preparing them for waiting for an answer to something you really want.

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

 

[poohmomof5]

Guys, I know I did not interview but I have also thought about a few things and like many of you have said, I am the support system around here!

I wonder what "type" of suggestions you guys will be allowed to make. I know Disney wants to keep it "real", but "how real". There are bunch of little tips to offer, but not all will make Disney $$. (Disney will still benefit because just getting someone to the park is step 1) We all know what happens to our bank accounts once we get there. I'm sure all this will be explained in training. I guess that's why training is 4 days. They know you guys are great at posting already, after all they admitted to reading these boards. The people moderating the board will have a BIG job on their hands.

I also wonder if you guys will have to sign some sort of waiver saying that if you offend someone or say something wrong, you will be responsible? Or if you will have a bunch of prewritten responses that you can rely on as back up? Lord knows they don't want any lawsuits on their hands.

I can't help but think that Disney has some concerns as well. I'm sure there will be critics, but on the flip side many people trust the Disney name and that will be enough in itself. Believe it or not there are people out there who have never posted or seen one of the boards so Disney can draw these folks to their board through marketing (name recognition, good old trust or any other marketing tool)

You know, there are interesting things I have wondered about as well. In the past 2 years I have taken some leadership classes (including a full week long class in Iowa, in January...fun!)

We talk alot in these classes about building new things, going outside of the box and taking risks. I am sure they have done a lot of these brainstorming and idea creating exercises and they have a lot to work with, now we just work on implementing them. And, my specialty, learning to be flexible and change course when necessary. (Being a mom of 5, I am an expert at changing course and going with the flow!)

It will be interesting to watch it evolve!

And, thanks so very much for the support. As someone recently posted, this is really neat having a whole group of people pulling for us and cheering us on. We have created a mini community and it makes me feel proud!

 

[my3boys]

I told myself I needed to stay away from here during this waiting period to keep my anxiety at bay, but I keep coming back. I think I may be developing an ulcer......especially when I read dollhouse's comments about the panel being a groundbreaking experience.

Wishing everyone a calm, restful weekend and few days until Wednesday. I'm not sure if this is the weekend I want an extra hour of time, though!!!

 

[poohmomof5]

Okey dokey, technically it is Friday. So. it's time for today's question...

"What question would you have asked the interviewers if you could do it over (or if you had been interviewed)?"

During my interview I didn't ask any questions - doh! Mostly due to the fact that they had already answered the key questions I wanted to ask (When will they notify us? Is it 1 or 2 trips?, etc.), but also partly because I didn't want to ask anything that might offend or count against me.

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?
2) Any plans for a DLR panel?
3) Any info they can share about the format of the panel?
4) Anything you do (or don't) want posted in any public forum about this process?

Of course I would also have liked to have received information about the 6-day trip, and the 4-5 day training (what hotels? what events? etc.), but I don't think that would have been appropriate, as that isn't my main motivation for applying.

-Bret

I ditto the redo question. Like I have shared before, I really talked way too much and one of the most important skills in life is being a listener, but I was really shook up and not quite game on.

Anyway, if I could add another question of the day...here goes...

What would you like to tell them that you didn't have a chance to say?


My answer to that would be very simple:

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.

An example of that would be when someone asks me where they should stay. My advice would probably vary for every single person. Is it their first trip? Are they going to be at the parks every day. How old are the kids? Do they like thrill rides etc. All of these go into the planning. What type of hotel are they used to? What is perfect for one family may not work for another.

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

 

[Magnetic]

I know Disney wants to keep it "real", but "how real". There are bunch of little tips to offer, but not all will make Disney $$.

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.

 

[WishesQueen]

Hey Everyone!!!

This is my first ever reply!!! I have been reading everything for a month since we all first applied for the contest. I was knocked out in the first round and was so upset. I felt so much better after reading all your posts and I am not feeling like such a loser anymore. My kids make fun of me constantly and think I am a Disney freak. Which is way I chose to finally join in the fun, I registered with another site, but found the people so more supportive and fun on this site. So hear I am!!!! I am finding so much in common with everyone.

I wish everyone the best of luck and I am so looking forward to reading what the future holds for everyone. This is so mush fun living vicariously through you guys!!!

 

[poohmomof5]

Hey Everyone!!!

This is my first ever reply!!! I have been reading everything for a month since we all first applied for the contest. I was knocked out in the first round and was so upset. I felt so much better after reading all your posts and I am not feeling like such a loser anymore. My kids make fun of me constantly and think I am a Disney freak. Which is way I chose to finally join in the fun, I registered with another site, but found the people so more supportive and fun on this site. So hear I am!!!! I am finding so much in common with everyone.

I wish everyone the best of luck and I am so looking forward to reading what the future holds for everyone. This is so mush fun living vicariously through you guys!!!

I also was on another board and found way too much negativity. But, we seem to have found an awesome group.

Nice to meet you and keep posting. We asked a question of the day for the past few days, so why don't you answer them so we can get to know you a little more!

Have a great day!

 

[DVCsince02]

I just wanted to chime in here.

I have been reading your posts EVERY DAY and I am just so excited for everyone! I know who ever gets chosen to be on the panel will do an amazing job. Your passion for WDW shows with each post.

I promise you I will be one of the first posters on the new Moms Panel in January to make sure I can keep you in a job!

P.S. - Keep me in mind if you have any openings in the future.......

 

[RatBoy]

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 understand what you are saying, and it is likely true.

However there is so much advice one can share that is in the best interest of Disney and everyone else. For example I am a believer in getting to the park early, and taking a break in the afternoon. Not only does that make the family's visit more enjoyable, it also smoothes out the "load" of guests in the park, since most people arrive late morning and stick around in the afternoon. So by sharing the advice of trying to arrive early everyone wins.

I think there are lots of examples like this, and that is likely to be the spirit of the Moms Panel.

Hey Everyone!!!

This is my first ever reply!!! I have been reading everything for a month since we all first applied for the contest. I was knocked out in the first round and was so upset. I felt so much better after reading all your posts and I am not feeling like such a loser anymore. My kids make fun of me constantly and think I am a Disney freak. Which is way I chose to finally join in the fun, I registered with another site, but found the people so more supportive and fun on this site. So hear I am!!!! I am finding so much in common with everyone.

I wish everyone the best of luck and I am so looking forward to reading what the future holds for everyone. This is so mush fun living vicariously through you guys!!!

Welcome to DIS!!!

Sorry that the first-round didn't go better for you. Face it, the odds were terrible, and none of us expected to make it farther than that original entry.

Thanks also for the positive support, and joining in on the fun.

-Bret

 

[JoRy]

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 agree with a lot of what you guys are saying, and I am sure that the panel will be restricted in what they are allowed to say, but I think the true point of this panel is that the people asking the questions want to talk to people like them, and getting honest answers. I mean, let's face it...we all know WDW always has people frequenting the parks, and they always will. But what so many of us love about WDW, and really what sets it apart from all the other vacation destinations in the world, is its attention to detail. Disney wants every little detail to be perfect, and I imagine there were some folks out there who they discovered wanted some questions answered...and not necessarily by an "official" Disney cast member. So they needed to offer that little detail as well. They knew there was a market for some family who has three teenagers and two toddlers to be able to ask a person who has a similar situation as them how they manage. They will want to know what to do with the toddlers while the teenagers are wanting to go on Space Mountain over and over again. The panelists will not be giving the patented response of, "There is so much magic in the park that no matter where you are you will smile and feel all your dreams coming true." No, they will get the response of..."yes, that really stinks to have that problem. A lot of times right around SM there is the talking trashcan, and when we went last year, my 3 year old followed that trashcan around for an hour. And when he was finished he challenged my teenage son to Buzz and beat him." Do you understand what I mean. The panel is the added detail to make the families feel like they really have someone who knows about the anxieties they are feeling.

I know...rambling again. But it is a great question someone has presented, and I am sure we all have thought about it(and I also am sure will be addressed at the training).

As far as the questions I did not ask at my interview...

I had tons of questions about the training and the subsequent trips I was afraid to ask as I did not want to jinx anything.

Also...would the panelist be considered actual CM's or just guest consultants? Would the panelists still be eligible for the Dreams giveaways...I mean I do not know what I would pick...the Panel or a night at Cinderella's Castle

-Josh

 

[DVCsince02]

I know...rambling again. But it is a great question someone has presented, and I am sure we all have thought about it(and I also am sure will be addressed at the training).-Josh

You aren't rambling, you are sharing the L...O...V...E...

 

[poohmomof5]

I agree with a lot of what you guys are saying, and I am sure that the panel will be restricted in what they are allowed to say, but I think the true point of this panel is that the people asking the questions want to talk to people like them, and getting honest answers. I mean, let's face it...we all know WDW always has people frequenting the parks, and they always will. But what so many of us love about WDW, and really what sets it apart from all the other vacation destinations in the world, is its attention to detail. Disney wants every little detail to be perfect, and I imagine there were some folks out there who they discovered wanted some questions answered...and not necessarily by an "official" Disney cast member. So they needed to offer that little detail as well. They knew there was a market for some family who has three teenagers and two toddlers to be able to ask a person who has a similar situation as them how they manage. They will want to know what to do with the toddlers while the teenagers are wanting to go on Space Mountain over and over again.


-Josh

Hey, that's my family!

I agree with you. What I think they would be looking for would be a wide range of expertise. Families of different sizes, different ages and maybe even no kids at all.

I wonder what they know about the finalists? Like how many times we have been there, where we stay etc.

 

[JoRy]

Hey, that's my family!

I agree with you. What I think they would be looking for would be a wide range of expertise. Families of different sizes, different ages and maybe even no kids at all.

I wonder what they know about the finalists? Like how many times we have been there, where we stay etc.

I know that!!! Just seeing if you were paying attention!!!

 

[poohmomof5]

I know that!!! Just seeing if you were paying attention!!!

I figured...you are on the ball. Impressive!



I need to go do some laundry and other fun stuff for awhile. I think somehow 2 or 3 of the kids planned sleepovers this evening and we are having Sheepshead night at our house on Saturday and my son's birthday on Sunday along with a cheer competition. Boy, I have a big weekend ahead of me.