Mom Knows Best!

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Mom knows best...that's how the old saying goes, right?

Well, to prove this point and put that slogan to the test, the Walt Disney Company has implemented what they call the Walt Disney World Moms Panel.  (The 2008 Moms Panel is pictured above.)

For three years now, Walt Disney has recruited Moms (and Dads) from all over the country to their allustrious (and coveted) Moms Panel.  If you're not sure what I'm talking about, let me explain it to you a little bit.  The Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an on-line forum where guests can get insider tips and insights for vacationing at Walt Disney World from real moms and dads who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation.  (The on-line forum is a part of Disney's main website.)

Due to the overwhelming response since its launch in 2008, Disney increased its panel from 12 to 16 members for 2009, featuring 15 moms and one Disney dad. The panel grew even more last year to almost 20 Panelists, with several more Dads included.

This week, Disney again opened up the floodgates to apply for the Moms Panel, and myself, along with several other talented men and women, sent in their applications.  Disney said they would close the gates when they reached 20,000 applicants or when September 17th rolled around.  (Since the application process went all week, I think it is safe to guess they did not reach their 20,000 limit.)

Like many of my other Disney friends, we anxiously counted down the days until September 13th and our chance at a fourth attempt to send in our application.  Applying for the Moms Panel is a nerve-wracking event.  You don't just send in an application.  Disney gives you three questions, and you have to prove you know your  Disney "stuff" in this critical first round.  I'm not sure that any of us answer the questions quickly or lightly.

Some say getting picked out of this first round is like finding a needle in a haystack.  No one is exactly sure what Disney is looking for, and Disney's Cast Members' lips are shut tight.  Yet each year, we head back, muster up all we have, and reapply.  I've never had the luxury or joy of saying I've made it out of Disney's proverbial haystack, but I'm hopeful this may be my year!

It certainly would be a great honor to be chosen for the Panel.  Just to know that you have been hand-picked by Disney sort of says you have their "stamp of approval" and know your Disney "stuff."

...and with that bit of wishful thinking....the hard part begins.  As we all begin to exhale from filling out our application and hitting "SEND," we now have to inhale again as we (not so) patiently await Round 2 e-mails!

Here's a little Pixie Dust to all my friends (and myself) who sent in an application this year!  I am really pulling for you!  We've waited three long years for this opportunity; I hope we all make it out of the haystack and that dreams really do come true!