This time last year I was waiting anxiously for a pixie dusted email which would move my dream of joining the hallowed ranks of the Disney Parks Moms Panel a little closer….
Does this sound like you?
Believe me, having applied for the Panel 4 times previously I totally understand how it feels to be in the waiting room and hanging on to every syllable, coded message and tweet from that naughty pixie @gary_jerry !
Hold on to your happy thoughts and keep believing in your dreams, because they can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.
As a magical DIStraction I asked my fellow writers if there was any thing about being a Disney Parks Moms Panelist they would like to know and here’s what said –
Caroline asked had I been posed any bizarre questions.
That’s such a great question, because the answer is most often my answers are a little more bizarre than the Guest’s query! I mean where else could I quote lines from Disney movies and Attractions and yet be taken seriously? Being a Disney Parks Moms Panelist and helping Guests make the most of their precious family time at Walt Disney World Resort allows me to indulge in some imaginative creative writing, it’s such a wonderful outlet for me and hopefully provides the Guest with a fun, yet informative answer to read!
Mary asked if there had been any questions from Guests that had really stood out and if so, what made it special.
My favourite questions are those that ask about dining and restaurants because I love good times, food and eating; therefore giving a Guest my humble opinion on my favourite dining options from the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue to the Earl of Sandwich is always special to me. It’s a marvellous feeling knowing that you’ve perhaps played a small part in someones special celebration or milestone event.
Renee asked, what is the toughest part of being on the Panel.
Living on the opposite side of the Atlantic and being so far away from my home at Walt Disney World Resort and all my dear Disney friends is tough for me. However, absence makes the heart grow fonder and I always look forward to hearing ‘Welcome home’ and receiving lots of warm hugs from my pals!
Christen asked, what have you enjoyed most about being a Panelist.
The lifelong friendships I’ve forged along my Disney Parks Moms Panel journey are my biggest joy. If I could give any Disney Parks Moms Panel Hopeful reading this a tip, don’t just concentrate on the destination – make friends and magical memories along the way.
Justin asked, has being on the Panel changed my life and has my appreciation of the process changed now I’m behind the curtain so to speak.
Although being asked to join the Disney Parks Moms Panel was a dream come true, what I hadn’t truly appreciated was the whole new world I was entering would be filled with a family I never knew I had – for me, that’s what’s behind the curtain and not just Gary Buchanan!!
If I can sprinkle some extra pixie dust onto your upcoming Walt Disney World Resort trip, please send me a question at The Disney Parks Moms Panel – I’m always happy to help!
I’d love it if you left me a comment so I can wish you good luck on your 2015 Disney Parks Moms Panel application!
Thank you so much for sharing a bit about your experience! It still remains my dream after applying every year since the beginning. Your support is greatly appreciated!
A dream is a wish your heart makes. <3 Please keep on dreaming…good luck to you Allison!
Jane,
I love reading your responses to guests questions. You always serve up an extra dose of Pixie Dust and really help guests feel more part of the experience.
Thanks for this DIStraction, just what Mickey ordered to take my mind off the search and a dream I’ve been chasing from the beginning, one day I hope to catch it!!!
Oh bless you for leaving me such a lovely comment Ellen. I’m certainly sending you an extra scoup of pixie dust to sprinkle onto your dreams!✨✨
Thanks for sharing your perspective and experiences, Jane. Like Ellen, I always enjoy reading your responses to Guest questions – your love for all things Disney certainly shines through!
It’s so nice of you to say that Lisa! #love is my secret ingredient in all things ❤️
What a wonderful encouragement you are Jane! Thank you!!
You are most welcome. Keep dreaming big! ☺️
It’s so fun to read about your experience WHILST we wait for this year’s results! As always, you are DIVA-licious and a true friend, dear Jane!
Dearest Diva Sherry you always say the sweetest of things! It goes without saying that I’m wishing you all the luck in the world. ❤️
Beautifully written and you know it’s from the heart. I’m so proud of your journey! I wish all the best and happiness for all the hopefuls!
& you know it’s also from the heart when I say ‘Thank you Leanne’ ❤️
Thanks for thinking of us hopefuls. I’m curious about the workload. As a full-time working mom I’m a little worried about getting in over my head. Not that I can ever imagine anyone ever regretting making the Mom’s Panel but I want to be realistic about the time commitment. Thoughts?
Great question Terri! It may help you to know I’m a wife, caregiver & busy Mum to 4 active tweens & teens; however I fit in my Moms Panel commitments in and around my ‘real life’ very comfortably!
This is great! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions! 🙂
The pleasure is entirely mine!
I hope you’ll forgive a male from stumbling upon your site and into your waiting room. I wish there were a FastPass+ to get us all through this queue a bit quicker! I am a second-time applicant – I was a finalist in 2011 – and wish you all the best of luck.
As a second-rounder for the second time, I think this may be one of the few “contests” in which it really is an honor “just to be nominated.” Thank you, Caroline, for hosting us while we wait. Are there going to be snacks?