Random Thoughts and Thoughtful Questions!

Today’s post is dedicated to random thoughts and thoughtful questions!

Our Disney fan status is evident.  From the watch on my wrist to the lunchboxes both the husband and I take to work to the magnets and window decals on our vehicles it is easy for friends, colleagues, and even strangers to become aware of the Williams Family’s passion for all things Disney.  And, that means we/I get asked lots of questions.  Here are a few from just this week. . .

“How long did you have to wait to meet them?” pointing to the photo of us with Anna and Elsa.  My reply—less than three minutes.  The conversation goes on about how they had heard that the wait times to meet Anna and Elsa were very long.  Well, yes, they were, but now the Magic Kingdom has instituted a return time pass along with Fastpass+ reservations to meet the newest Disney royalty, so wait times are minimized.  But, when the return time passes and Fastpass +’s are all gone for the day, guests are out of luck.  Back to the question though, the photo being inquired about was actually taken on the Disney Fantasy and for that, we had a special ticket with a specific time.  Again, less than 3 minutes of a wait.

“When is your next vacation?”  Bite, twist, and scrunch the lips while painfully responding that I’m not sure.  The answer is more complicated.  I am sure of our next Disney cruise—December 2015 which is closer than you would think.  What I am not so sure about is whether we can swing a trip next summer.  And, if we can, Disneyland will be the plan.  My need for some Disney anticipation is clinging to our cruise plans.  When I consider no firm dates or plans for anything else, I get a bit sad.  Even last night I was searching airfare and found a very reasonable round trip flight to LAX for about $250 per person.  I didn’t pull the trigger. . . yet.

“Have you heard about that Mom’s Panel thing yet?”  Not yet.  When the calendar turned to October the twitter and internet world was all a flutter with expectations of notifications of those moving onto round 2 of the selection process.  If I were a predicting sort, I would predict news will come in the next few days.  We’ll see and I will definitely keep you posted.

“Can you help my brother plan his trip?”  Sure!  Here’s my number. . .  When the husband reads this he is going to ask where the commission is—with a smile of course.  My commission?  Knowing that a magical adventure is on the horizon for that family. 

I wonder what questions I’ll get next week!

"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!

Disney Mom's Panel--Applications Open September 9

On September 9, 2013, Disney will once again open applications for the Disney Mom’s Panel.  Each year approximately 10,000 people (not just moms) apply for a coveted spot on the Disney Mom’s Panel.

The process includes an on-line application which is considered round 1.  Prospective panelists, if selected, then proceed to round 2, which last year required an essay and video submission.  Round 3 has historically included a telephone interview. 

The Disney Mom’s Panel is looking for panelists who can help other guests plan their Disney vacations and answer questions.

So, will you be applying to be a Disney Mom? 

I know I will be applying; it will be my fourth year.  Last year, my application allowed me to advance to round 2.  We will see what happens this year!

No Round 3 For Me--Disney Moms Panel Application

The email from Walt Disney World Moms Panel indicated my Disney Parks Passion was magical, but I was not moving on to round 3 of the Disney Moms Panel application process.  Disappointing?  Yes.  End of the world?  Definitely not!

As you may recall (click here to read more), I was thrilled to move on to round 2 of the process on the third try at applying.  To make it from 10,000 to 200 was darn near a Disney miracle in itself.  And, I’ll get to try again next year.

What I found interesting in this whole process were the number of applicants that I read about on a variety of on-line forums, which were, based on their posts, living in a somewhat suspended reality waiting to hear about the status of their application.  Ironically, when the emails were sent indicating “thank you” or “congratulations” many of the applicants that were moving on to round 3 were out and about doing other things.

What does all of this mean for me?  Well, I will still write and share about our Disney adventures via the Williams Family Blog.  I enjoy the writing, the sharing, and definitely the Disney adventures. 

Will I still help people plan Disney vacations?  You bet!  I learned just yesterday that some local folks were leaving for a trip and someone asked them if they knew about our blog and they responded indicating that our blog had helped them plan their vacation.  Yeah!  Blog comments indicate the same.  And, I am happy to answer questions in person, via phone, or email. 

We are very much looking forward to our next Disney vacation that will include a cruise on the Disney Dream followed by a stay at Walt Disney World.  I’ve already started working on the little cards for the husband to carry with him that includes all of our information for the trip—click here to read more.  Next step—packing!

The other thing I’ve learned in the Disney Moms Panel application process is that I may need to consider expanding my use of technology to twitter. . . along with a Smartphone or Ipod.  I’m thinking about it and will keep you posted.

Maybe Third Time Is The Charm--Disney Moms Panel

Maybe third time is the charm!  A few weeks ago I submitted an application for the Disney Moms Panel—click here to read more.

Disney Moms Panel is an on-line presence of people chosen by Disney to help others plan Disney vacations.  Each year a new panel is chosen.  Would be Disney Moms (and dads, uncles, etc.) can apply for various categories such as Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Club, runDisney, Adventures by Disney, etc.  I chose the category of Disney Cruise Line for my application.

The application process begins in mid-September and is open for one week or until 10,000 applications are submitted.  I got mine in on the first day.  (When I told this number to someone I work with they said, “You mean there are 10,000 crazy people like you?”  I took it as a compliment.) 

On Friday I opened my email to find “Congratulations You are Moving On to Round 2” of the Disney Moms Panel application process.  I nearly started dancing.  Thrilled begins to describe my response. 

I then had to settle down and read carefully.  The directions indicated that I had to complete the next submission by 11:59 pm EST on Tuesday, October 15.  No late submissions would be accepted.  I would then be notified via email about a phone interview in early November if I advanced to round 3.  Then I read through the rest of the application. . . five more questions to answer and a 60 video were required.  I read through the questions before going to bed so I could have some think time.  It also said not to construct responses on word processing software and then copy/paste into the on-line application.  (I had some suspicions as to why-but more on that later.)

On Saturday morning I listed to a PassPorter Moms Podcast featuring a current Disney Moms Panelist offering more information about the application process, selection, etc.  Again the issue of not copying from word processing came up and it was more about some of the encoding that happens making the receivers of the application unable to read it.  Okay, that’s important!  This particular Disney Mom (who was a dad) shared how the Disney Moms Panel becomes both an on-line community and a face-to-face community, which was something I hadn’t considered.  His best advice was to not get too invested in the process as some of it is a numbers game.  He also told how this year there were some new categories for panelists.

After the podcast, I started drafting my responses to the application questions—on word processing software—as word counts were important.

The first question was about my experiences with Disney Cruise Line.  No problem.  I just highlighted our four, soon to be five, sailings on the various ships and various itineraries.  99 out of 100 words.

The next question was how I have helped friends and family plan Disney Cruise Line vacations.  I told about how a friend of a friend had called me prior to their family’s holiday cruise, our hour long conversation, and how seemingly simple questions can weigh heavy on someone’s mind planning a Disney vacation.  100 out of 100 words used.

I then had to tell about me—this was a bit more difficult but included information about my work and various interests beyond Disney.  98 out of 100 words.

My favorite question was telling about my family.  When I read this response to the husband he said I made them sound better than they were.  I did not embellish; they are just that great.  I included the husband’s goal to go platinum for Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club and how the train garden in EPCOT is the son’s favorite Disney spot.  100 out of 100 words used.

Describing my favorite Disney memory was the last question.  Wow, there are so many to choose from.  This was also the category that I would have to create a video telling about my favorite Disney memory.  I recalled the time when a fellow guest told us we “glowed” and how that comment made my day.  Yes, I do believe there is such a thing as Disney glow.

We spent some time on Sunday taking various takes of the video.  I knew when I finally got it right and uploaded it onto the computer.

After printing my responses, I then typed them into the application.  (I know, you were worried about that, weren’t you?)  Uploaded the final version of the video and hit “Submit.”  It took a while for everything to go through but I got the “completed submission” message and took a deep breath.

Now, the waiting.  I will say that I was thrilled to make it to round 2 and I wish all current and future Disney Moms Panel applicants a bit of pixie dust!  Good luck!

Disney Moms Panel--3rd Time's The Charm?

The applications for the Disney Moms Panel went live yesterday and will be live Sept. 10 -14, 2012, on when 14,000 applications have been received, whichever comes first.  Click here if you would like to apply to be a part of the Disney Moms Panel.

I knew the applications would be coming out soon and after two years of submitting an application, I was undecided about what to do.  But as soon as I opened the website I knew that if I didn’t enter I would regret it.  So, I launched in, answered the various questions that are designed to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, in terms of general Disney knowledge.

An essay question was next on the application.  In 100 words or less explain how you plan for a Disney vacation and help others plan.  If memory serves, I needed 97 words of the 100.

Then  it was time to select he one area of preference for representing if you are chosen for the Disney Moms Panel.  The choices range from Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Club, runDisney, Disneyland, Adventures by Disney, etc.  I chose Disney Cruise Line. 

More multiple choice questions came up to test my specific knowledge about Disney Cruise Line, followed by an essay question asking why I would recommend a Disney Cruise Line experience in 100 words or less.  I needed about 80 words.  Then I hit the submit button.

After reading more about others’ experiences with applications, there seems to be three rounds for those that are chosen to go past the initial application. 

Wish me luck!  And, good luck to all who apply for the Disney Moms Panel!

Disney Mom's Panel

I applied to be a part of the Disney Mom’s Panel yesterday. For the last couple of years, Disney has selected about 36 “moms” to be a part of an on-line forum to assist with Disney vacation planning questions. The panel consists of moms, dads, grandmas, aunts, etc., just the name implies that it is all moms. The tour of duty is for two years—agreeing to answer a certain number of questions each week during that two year period.



The first year, I attempted to apply, but the application process had closed within a handful of days due to already receiving 20,000 applications. The second year, I applied again, and while I wasn’t even a finalist, I did automatically get enrolled in the Mickey’s Mom Club and received informational e-mails and a box of free Disney goodies. I have even received limited edition renderings of Disney’s newest ship, the Dream, and the last little surprise package I received had a magnet for my car indicating that I was a member of the Mickey’s Mom Club.



So, this year’s application was my third time applying to be a part of the Disney Mom’s Panel. First step, find the on-line application. Easy. There was a link to the application from the Disney Parks Blog.



Second, log in using your e-mail and Disney password. Harder. While I did already have an account, the log in wouldn’t register my e-mail or password. Even after Disney e-mailed me a new password, an error message kept popping up on the screen. I eventually prevailed! Maybe it was a test of ones technological perseverance.



Third, answer/respond to 3 on-line questions. The first question had three parts. Easy. When was my last Walt Disney World vacation with my family? Am I employed by a competitor or in conflict with Disney? And, true or false, (I’m paraphrasing this) World Showcase is a compilation of pavilions from 14 countries around the 5 mile World Showcase Lagoon? OK—my last Walt Disney World vacation with my family—March of 2010—our sixth visit. I also mentioned that our 7th visit is quickly approaching. Am I employed by a competitor or in conflict? Nope! Last part—World Showcase—the answer is FALSE! While I typed my entry, I responded that this was a trick question. World Showcase is a compilation of pavilions from various countries, but there are 11 countries represented, not 14. The husband asked if I was sure. I replied—certain! I even wrote the countries down on a piece of paper to check. Upon submitting my application, I double checked at the Disney web-site. Yep, 11. Also, the distance around World Showcase Lagoon is about 1 mile, not 5. How do I know this? During our visit in March of 2009, we arrived late on a Saturday afternoon. We had dinner at Chef Mickey’s then took the monorail to EPCOT. The boy wanted to go to Germany to see the trains. We visited with a cast member and were told that it was about ¼ of a mile to Germany and another ¼ back. Germany is approximately ¼ of the way around World Showcase Lagoon. Yep, about 1 mile.



Fourth—tell about how you help non-family members plan Disney vacations. Easy. I inserted a portion about the Williams Family Blog. I told about one blog reader who was planning their first vacation in June, but had booked their second trip and their first Disney Cruise before even going on their first trip to Walt Disney World.



Fifth—tell about what tools and resources I use in planning a Disney vacation. Easy. Again, I mentioned the Williams Family Blog, our experiences with 6 Walt Disney World vacations under our belt, 3 Disney Cruises, and an Adventures By Disney tour. In addition to our experiences, using various web-sites and planning guides to plan our vacations. That was the last portion of the application, so upon completion I hit the “submit” button. I received an e-mail confirming that my application had been received.



Sixth—waiting. Hard. The deadline for applications is Sept. 29 or when they receive 20,000 applications, whichever comes first. In the meantime, I grabbed my latest edition of Passporter—Field Guide to Walt Disney World, and did a little Disney dreaming before heading off to sleep. I’ll keep you “posted.”