"No" to Disney Mom Panel Application This Year

It’s a “NO.”  After applying for the fourth year for the coveted position of Disney Mom Panelist, I received the following email yesterday:

On behalf of Disney Parks, I would like to thank you for taking the time and effort to apply for the 2014 Disney Parks Moms Panel. With the thousands of applications we received, it's a great undertaking to choose such a small number of Disney Parks fans to be a part of the new Panel. Unfortunately, your application was not selected this year to move forward to Round 2 of the selection process. Please know that we were not only touched by your passion for Disney Parks, but the wonderful stories you conveyed to us in your answers. While this is not the easiest news to deliver, we hope this does not diminish your spirit for Disney Parks. And, we hope this does not discourage you from applying again next year. As Walt Disney once said, "All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." In fact, many of our Disney Parks Moms Panelists applied multiple times before becoming members of the Panel so we hope you will consider applying in future years. Thank you again for taking the time to share your love of Disney Parks with us and applying for the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Sincerely, Gary Gary Buchanan Social Media Managing Editor Disney Parks

Just like last year, I applied as a “specialist” for Disney Cruise Line.  Unlike last year, I did not advance to Round 2. 

The email says that it hopes that the news does not diminish my spirit for Disney Parks.  No worries.  My love of all things Disney has not been dampened one bit.  In fact, I am feeling a little lighter, as the waiting and wondering sure does take its toll. 

Will I apply again next year?  Interestingly, a year ago, I wasn’t sure, even after advancing to Round 2.  This year, I know for sure I will apply again.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

One of the criteria for application is having visited a Disney park within 12 months of the application process.  While I definitely met that criteria this year, I will also meet it one year from now AND have another Disney cruise under out belt. . . making that grand total 6.  Most likely will also have our next Disney cruise reservation!

To all who applied and are moving on to Round 2 and beyond, congratulations and best wishes!  Pixie Dust to you all!