Disney Parks Moms Panel Archives

Disney Parks Moms Panel

10 Signs Telling You to Apply for The Disney Parks Moms Panel This Year

September 3, 2018 / Disney, Lifestyle, SoCal Fun

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

It’s almost time again! The Disney Parks Moms Panel search will begin this year on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 and if you’re not sure whether to apply or not, you’re not alone. I’m having the same struggle and am still undecided, but it’s like that for me every year. Yes, I’ve applied more than one time before. So far, I’ve only made it to Round 2 in the selection process, which is probably all the more reason I should apply again this year, right? If you’re not sure what exactly the Disney Parks Moms Panel is, let me fill you in a little bit. The Disney Parks Moms Panel search is an annual selection process, originating back in 2008, where Disney searches for new moms, dads, grandparents and other family members to join this group which serves as an online resource for Disney guests. The panel is hand-picked, diverse and knowledgeable and each member exudes a passion for Disney and has a love of helping others plan the ultimate Disney family vacation of their dreams with helpful tips and heartfelt advice about Disney. Whether guests have a question about a theme park, restaurant, service, shop, hotel or activity, the Moms Panel is there to help with that planning.
Each of the chosen panelists specializes in one of these categories:

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Disneyland Resort in California
runDisney events
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Cruise Line

Applications for the 2019 Disney Parks Moms Panel search will open at noon EDT on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 and round one closes at noon EDT on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. To read the specific eligibility requirements for this year’s search, please go here.So now we’re back to the original question: Do we apply this year or not? I think the fact that you’re here reading this blog post is already a sign that you should. I’ve met a few of the past and present Disney Parks Moms Panelists and if you ask any of them, they will always tell you to go for it! I mean, what do you have to lose?In case you’re still not sure if you should, I put together a fun list of “10 Signs Telling You to Apply For the Disney Parks Moms Panel This Year”.If you can relate to any (or all) of these things, I think you need to apply this year! Here they are:

You love Disney.
You see “Hidden Mickeys” everywhere you go
When you’re out shopping you spot things, like outfits, that would “be perfect for your next Disney trip”
You have a pet with a Disney-inspired name
You prefer Mickey-shaped foods.
Your friends and family constantly ask you Disney questions and/or for Disney tips.
You have a “Disney Bucket List” somewhere.
You know what Club 33 is.
You own more than 3 pairs of EARs.
You’re named after a character in a Disney movie or story.

Personally, I can relate to all of those. How about you? Ok so we’re all going to apply this year, right? Here’s where you can fill out your application. (starting September 5) Good luck, Everyone! Come back and comment after you apply so we can chEAR each other on!

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-the-Road” at Disneyland Resort

September 4, 2017 / Conferences, Disney, SoCal Fun

I was invited to attend a conference and provided with entrance to the Disneyland Resort. All opinions are 100% my own.

Pixie Dust landed in my inbox a few weeks ago, in the form of a magical invite to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration On-the-Road at the Disneyland Resort. Just the mention of anything Disney, brings a smile to my face and warms my heart so I was giddy to share this news with anyone and everyone who would listen!

So grateful for the invite to #DisneySMMC on the road! You never get used to #PixieDust in your inbox! Thank you, @DisneyMoms! MAGICAL day! pic.twitter.com/u72NJEOH2n

— ✨Wendy✨ (@OverthetopMommy) July 25, 2017

After I shared about my wonderful invite on my social channels, I received a few questions asking what exactly Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is? So let’s just start there.Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is a multi-day conference that began over 7 years ago at the Walt Disney World Resort. This annual event put on by the Walt Disney World Events Team, is by invitation only and is extended to a couple hundred social media moms (and dads) and their families each year. Attendees participate in a conference and also get to spend to time in the Parks with their families during their stay. Last year, I had several friends attend and have the opportunity to experience the very first “Land and Sea Celebration” where they sailed aboard the Disney Wonder! (Read about my friend Gayle’s experience here.) How magical does that sound? A Disney cruise is definitely on my family’s travel bucket list! Have you been on one before?
The Walt Disney World Events Team took the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration out “On-The-Road” a few years ago, creating a half-day “mini” conference, making several stops across the country, and even in Canada. I was lucky enough to attend the “On-The-Road” conference last year, when it was held at Paradise Pier at Disneyland Resort.Whether you’re invited to the regular Disney Social Media Moms Celebration conference or one of the “On-The-Road” locations, you’ll have the chance to learn about the latest Disney news, including the happenings at the parks, with Disney Cruise Line, at Disney Aulani, with the Disney Parks Moms Panel Search, and with Disney Vacation Club. You’ll also receive social media tips and tools and gain valuable insight from speakers at the conferencesDisney Social Media Moms “On-The-Road” at Disneyland Resort was held this year in Disney California Park, inside Stage 17. It was a jam-packed morning and I want to share all about my experience with you. (To read what I did to get ready for this big day, go here.)
Upon arrival at the conference, we were each given a Disney pin so we could participate in some pin trading with the other attendees as we enjoyed a delicious buffet breakfast. Have you ever done pin trading in the Parks? It’s so much fun. I LOVE my new Minnie Mouse pin! She’s adorable! It was fun to pin trade and get to know some of the other Disney Moms in the room.
What followed was a lineup of wonderful speakers, each one sharing either exciting news about Disney or an inspirational story. Lisa Mendillo, Managing Editor at Walt Disney World Resort, grabbed our attention immediately as she began with one of the most magical giveaways you might know of right now: a raffle to win a pair of (highly sought after) Disney Rose Gold EARs! I don’t think I’ve ever heard a room get that quiet in such a short time! We were all crossing our fingers and hoping to be chosen! Although I wasn’t one of them, I was excited to know one of the winners, Tania of Latina Mom TV.! It’s always exciting to see your friends win something! Lisa also touched on some of the latest happenings at the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and the Disney Parks Moms Panel Search.. Here are just a few of those updates:

The World of Pandora – New to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the World of Pandora brought a whole new element to the Park and features.
Rivers of Light – Also new to Animal Kingdom, this past February was the nighttime show “Rivers of Light” which combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature.
“Happily Ever After'” Fireworks Show – Catch this nightly show in the sky above Cinderella Castle is the most spectacular fireworks showcase in Magic Kingdom history. It starts with a dream…and takes you on an unforgettable journey that captures the heart, humor and heroism.
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opened at the end of May inside Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort. This thrilling attraction takes guests. New for this year at Halloween Time, read about the nightly transformation this attraction will undergo just for Halloween!
Disney Junior Dance Party – This summer, an all-new Disney Junior Dance Party debuted at Disney California Adventure Park. This high-energy, live show experience that takes its inspiration from the most popular Disney Junior shows on TV, including the new series “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” as well as “Doc McStuffins,” “Sofia the First” and “The Lion Guard.” The show is set to include live appearances from some of your favorite characters, fun music from Disney Junior and much more.
Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America Attractions – The Disneyland Railroad and the attractions along the Rivers of America (the Mark Twain Riverboat, the Sailing Ship Columbia, and the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes) reopened at the end of July, after a complete refurbishment, which made room for the upcoming Star Wars area. The scenes along the Rivers of America, which are backdrop for Disneyland Railroad’s route, portray scenes that were inspired by Walt Disney’s true-life adventure movies,
Disney Cruise Line – Marvel Day at Sea features exclusive character interactions where you’ll have a chance to meet astounding Super Heroes and a very extraordinary Villain.
Disney Parks Moms Panel – The 2018 Disney Parks Moms Panel search will begin this year on September 6 as the application period for Round 1 will open.

It seems like there’s always something new and exciting coming soon at either one of the Disney Parks or with Disney, in general. Did you know that the Disney Parks Moms Panel search will begin this year on September 6? The application period for Round 1 of applicants is only open through September 13. If you aren’t familiar with the panel or are still on the fence about applying, here are 3 reasons why I think you should apply this year. Although I’ve never been chosen for the panel, I have applied for it twice before and can tell you what it’s like to apply. It’s a great opportunity for any Disney Mom (or Dad) to pursue. Since I am a huge fan of the Disney Parks Blog, I was really excited when we heard from Erin Glover who is the Editorial Content Director of Disney Parks Blog! She is so knowledgeable about all things Disney and shared some great tips with us about the best ways to share our content from our blogs to social channels.

Just as soon as Erin was finished speaking, a familiar tune started to play in the room. It was “Baroque Hoedown” and if the name still doesn’t ring a bell, that’s the theme song for Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade. We had our own personal performance at the conference that day as 2 royal couples danced in the front of the darkened room, wearing their beautifully lit-up costumes from the actual parade.
The Main Street Electrical Parade originated inside Disneyland Park in 1972 and just recently returned to the Disneyland Resort this past January for an encore performance which ended on August 19. I’d have to say that this was my most favorite parade of all time, mainly because of how much it reminds me of my childhood. The conference attendees were delighted to be introduced to.Stacia Martin, a Disney Artist and Historian. Ms. Martin has been with the Company for 39 years and as she stood in front of the crowd, up on the stage, she talked to us about so many interesting topics and facts she knew and had come to learn all of these years, while she sketched away, making it look like it was effortless. She first sketched Tink as she talked. Next, she called up my friend Caryn (from Rockin’ Mama) to the stage to sketch her favorite character. What an exciting thing to be called up for! We all watched in awe and as Ms. Martin finished the sketch of Winnie the Pooh. We then learned that Ms. Martin had also sketched a personalized rendering for each of us and that we’d be taking ours home that day! Here’s the one I got to take home. I will treasure it forever!As soon as we were asked to turn off our cell phones and put away any device at the conference, I knew something good was coming next. Sure enough, we got to see a never-before-seen clip from “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” which is a 22 minute animated short from Disney Animation Studios. The short will be shown in theaters this holiday season when it precedes the full length animated feature “Coco”, due to release nationwide on November 22. I don’t want to spoil anything but I am happy that the original (voice) cast is returning for this holiday adventure. Here’s the official trailer:

After the sneak peek we also got to have a Q & A with the directors of this featurette, Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers. Can Thanksgiving hurry up and get here already?
Leanne O’ Regan, Director of Content Relations for Disney Parks, introduced the surprise keynote speaker, Amy Robach of CBS’ Good Morning America. Amy is an amazing journalist and news anchor and sat down on stage with Leanne to share about her journey and her battle with breast cancer.Amy featured a live mammogram on her show, Good Morning America, as a way to encourage viewers to get their own mammograms done. Shockingly, she received devastating results of her mammogram afterwards, as she was told she had breast cancer., Amy shared that it was one of the most eye-opening and shocking events of her lifetime!

“I started surviving the day I got the diagnosis.” – Amy Robach.

All I could do was sit and listen to her story and quietly wipe tears from my own eyes. She is amazing and positive and inspiring and reminds me of a very good friend of mine who is currently battling cancer. Attitude is everything in situations like theirs. It seems like the more positive energy you exude, the more positive outcome you will get!Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road” included such a wonderful collection of presentations and speakers and Disney magic and was nothing short of a memorable experience for the attendees.
I got to connect with influencer friends, many of which I usually only “see” online. There’s really nothing like the community of Disney Moms and how much they support each other and to be in a room filled with many of them that day, was definitely My Happy Place. The conference portion of the day ended at noon but the day was far from over because we were then hosted to play in both Parks until closing time. We were also lucky to be given a pre-loaded FASTPASS to experience the all-new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and enjoyed the perks of having MaxPass on our Park Hopper tickets that day, which included PhotoPass.(The park photographers are amazing!) I highly recommend trying out MaxPass on your next visit! It is so convenient! It was such a wonderful day and I was so grateful to have been invited this year’s Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road”. A special thank you to Leanne, Courtnee, Lisa, and the entire Walt Disney World Resort Events Team for including me. You can join in on the conversation by following the hashtag #DisneySMMC on Twitter and Instagram. I also recommend you follow @DisneyMoms on Twitter, too, so you can keep up with the latest announcements regarding the Disney Parks Moms Panel and other exciting events up and coming with Disney Parks.

3 Reasons YOU Should Apply for the Disney Parks Moms Panel #DisneyMP

August 22, 2017 / Disney, SoCal Fun

Last week, I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road” at the Disneyland Resort and got the inside scoop about a variety of Disney-related news. One of the exciting announcements they made was about the official dates for the 2018 Disney Parks Moms Panel application period. This year, applicants will be able to apply for this amazing and unique opportunity beginning on September 6! The application window will only be open through September 13 and I don’t recommend waiting until the last minute to apply! This was the tweet that announced it on Twitter:
What is the Disney Parks Moms Panel?
The Disney Parks Moms Panel began back in 2008 as a simple, world-of-mouth forum and has evolved into a highly sought-after source for questions and answers about Disney vacation destinations. This online resource, comprised of a group of Disney loving moms (and dads), is where guests can receive helpful tips and heartfelt advice about Disney from a hand-picked, diverse and knowledgeable group of “moms” who exude a passion for Disney and have a love of helping others plan the ultimate Disney family vacation of their dreams.Whether guests have a question about a theme park, restaurant, service, shop, hotel or activity, the Moms Panel is there to help with that planning.

Here’s a cute video with an overview of the Moms Panel:

Each of the chosen panelists specializes in one of these categories:

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Disneyland Resort in California
runDisney events
Disney Vacation Club
Disney Cruise Line

Here are 3 reasons why YOU should consider applying for the Moms Panel this year:

Because You LOVE Disney
If you didn’t love Disney, you probably wouldn’t even be reading this right now, so you already have that going for you! If you’re like me, you are constantly being asked by family, friends, coworkers, and everyone else who knows you, about all things Disney. People just know that I love Disney and know they can always ask me questions about it. I may not always know the answer, but they probably figure I do. A love for Disney is what drives all of the Moms Panel applicants to go for it and you should too!It’s a Magical, Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
How magical would it be to selected as one of the hand-picked panelists this year? It seems like such an amazing and unique opportunity to be able to help guests who are vacation planning and especially getting to do so in a area you love talking about and know the most about….DISNEY! Whether you were picked to help guests with Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, runDisney events, Disney Vacation Club, or Disney Cruise Line, it would be such a wonderful experience and definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of it!You Have NOTHING to Lose By Applying, Only Something to Gain!
I will fully admit that before I ever applied for the Moms Panel, I really doubted myself and my abilities. Then I had a friend remind me that there was only something to gain if I applied and that I had nothing to lose. Sometimes you just have to take a chance on yourself and believe. You literally have nothing to lose by applying! Even after I didn’t advance past Round 1 the first year I applied, I still applied the following and made it to Round 2! It was very exciting. Who knows? Maybe if I apply this year, I’ll make it to Round 3 or even better, Round 4! You can make it, too!

Have I ever applied?
If you’re wondering if I’ve applied before, the answer is YES! I’ve actually applied twice before. Although I didn’t make it to the final round and wasn’t selected, it was a great experience and every year I consider applying again. The photo above was me attempting to make my video submission for Round 2 of the selection process. To read more about my experience about “What It’s Like to Apply for the Disney Parks Moms Panel”, click here.

So, are you ready to apply for this year’s Disney Parks Moms Panel? I sure hope you do! Don’t forgot to go here on September 6 at noon EDT, when the application window opens for Round 1. To see the latest updates, I highly recommend you follow @DisneyMoms on Twitter!

Video is property of Disney Parks Moms Panel.

What It’s Like to Apply for The Disney Parks Moms Panel! Should I Apply Again This Year?

August 9, 2015 / Disney, SoCal Fun

If you’re active on Twitter like I am, then you may have seen the tweet that came from the Disney Moms Twitter account recently, sharing exciting news about the Disney Parks Moms Panel!

It’s almost that time of year again…the time when the application window opens for the Disney Parks Moms Panel! It only opens once a year and it’s a VERY exciting time, especially on Twitter! If you’re not following the Disney Moms account on Twitter already, you should go do so now.

The Disney Parks Moms Panel is a select group of moms (and some dads) who are chosen through a very extensive search. After they are chosen, they go on to be part of an online forum where they help Guests by answering questions and offering advice and tips about Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disneyland Resort in California, Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line, team sports at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and runDisney events. Applicants initially complete an online application for Round One, which contains questions in essay format. Those who advance past Round One may be asked to submit a video, participate in a phone interview or conference call, or even do other things as part of the selection process. It’s a ton of fun to participate in! I’d even call it magical!

I’ve applied for The Disney Parks Moms Panel twice. Two years ago I applied in a hurry without knowing much about it. I don’t even think I double-checked my spelling ( you totally should though) and I actually just quickly typed up and submitted my answers one morning right before the 8:00 a.m. school bell rang! I realized afterwards that I should’ve taken more time. I didn’t make it past Round One that year and it motivated me to plan better for the following year.As soon as the application window opened last September for Round One, I was on it! I took so much time! I researched the answers a ton and was super careful. I must add that Disney is really looking for the real you and not something that’s been rehearsed or memorized. Yes, you can study certain things but they can spot a true Disney Side when they see one! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I received a pixie-dusted email informing me that I was advancing to Round Two! That email in itself, was already magical! Last year, Round Two required a video submission though! Yikes! Me? On video? I sound about 12 years old on camera! The thing is…I really wanted to be part of the Moms Panel so I knew I needed to get past my insecurities about being on camera! I’ve seen some of the Disney Parks Mom Panelists on videos before and they seemed comfortable in their own skin so that’s what I was going to work on portraying.

One Sunday, I put on my best Disney Mom outfit, a pair of cute EARs (those are kind of necessary), and my Disneyland Mom button. I also put on some makeup and curled my hair. I locked myself in my daughter’s room for about 6 hours that day, with Woody and Jessie on the bed post behind me and about a dozen stuffed animals to keep me company. I can’t even count how many retakes I shot on iMovie that day! I had SO many outtakes! They were funny to look through afterwards!

I was super proud of myself for doing it. I conquered the video requirement and sent it off to Disney! I wasn’t selected to advance to Round Three last year, but I really felt like I’d a gained a lot from applying again AND was honored to even get to Round Two. Honestly, it was totally worth all of the time and effort I put into it. Are there some things I’d do differently if I were to apply again? Absolutely! I’ve put together a list of some tips for applying for The Disney Parks Moms Panel. These are just my own tips for others who are considering applying.

I think #5 is the MOST IMPORTANT one! You have to stay positive and believe in yourself. You should also be supportive of others who are applying. I made so many friends in the process of applying and found so much support and praise on Twitter. It was a magical time, even though I was stressed out to the max! Each time pixie-dusted emails were sent out informing applicants about whether or not they were advancing to the next round, I found so much love from Disney friends. Not only did it come from others who were applying but also from Disney friends, including the current Disney Moms panelists, themselves! It’s such a great experience and the Disney people make you feel special, whether you are chosen for the panel or not. I thought it was so nice that they bothered to send a kind email to those who didn’t make it. It’s so much better than just never hearing anything.

So…do I apply for the 3rd time this year? Is the 3rd time going to be “the charm” for me? Hmmm…what do YOU think? Are YOU going to apply this year? Have YOU applied before too? If you plan on applying this year, Round One of the Disney Parks Moms Panel Search begins at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 and will remain open until noon ET on Tuesday, September 15, 2015! If you are going to apply, good luck and chEARs!