It’s that time again! Disney is opening up applications for the 2011 Disney World Mom’s Panel on September 13! Think you might wanna join up?
You might remember when I first heard about the panel in 2008. (<—Click. It’s a short one.)
In 2009, I met Panelists Margret and Amber while at the Magical Moms Mixer.
Who knew in 2010 I’d actually BE on the panel?!
I can’t even remember why and how I decided to send in my application. And I had no idea what a fun experience it would be–yes, even with my horrible our phone interview. I felt like a real Disney-insider just trying out for the panel!
And when I actually DID make it? I was on cloud 9, mainly because I knew there was training coming up! Actual TRAINING at Disney World!! It was amazing. Magical. Hilarious. {Which reminds me, I think I’ve only updated the first 3 days…hmmm…}
Now, it’s time for a new crew of folks to join our lil’ fam. But before it all goes down, I thought I’d offer my 2cents. So, if you are considering throwing your mouse ears into the hat, here’s my advice:
1. Don’t sweat the application. The first round is only 3 questions (well, it was last year). I don’t remember the questions (or my answers) but the point is–don’t try to make a Disney resume. Just answer from your pixie-dust filled heart. Don’t show them you could be a Disney travel agent or tour guide. Instead, show them you “get” Disney. Show them you understand the magic of a Disney vacation.
2. Be prepared to work. I’ll be the first to admit, answering questions is hard. Maybe not for every one of the awesome folks on the panel. But for me? I had to choose my questions with care, do lots of research (online and on the phone) and proofread and tweak extensively. Not to mention there is a quota of answers that must be met every week. And these are not easy “which-park-has-the-castle” kinda questions. People ask all kinds of questions–things about scheduling, flight times and transportation. Go ahead and click through the Moms Panel and see if you could actually answer some of them!
3. Follow Zanna’s advice. My Disney bff, Suzannah has an amazing post about the Mom’s Panel including an interview with our illustrious leader and Social Media Manager, Laura Spencer. She’s got some practical tips to get your application noticed!
4. Hakuna Matata! Just enjoy the ride. Enjoy filling out your application. Enjoy getting emails from Disney. Enjoy watching the results on twitter (#wdwmoms) or on forums like the Disboards. Have fun with it–as an adventure and not a contest!
If you’re thinking about trying out and have a question, please leave it on the comments. I’d love to talk about my experience. Anyone thinking about applying?
{also: my favorite Moms Panel post: How To Use The Disney World Moms Panel}
Hi Amanda,
I will be applying and I get a little worked up just thinking about it. I will take your advice though… If I dont make it, life will go on! But, I will definitely put everything I have into it. I am most nervous about looking like a huge nerd. LOL
do you get to be on the panel again? or FOREVER? wouldn’t that be awesome? how long do you get to do it?
There are all kinds of legal contracts, etc. And some panelists do get to continue on. There’s so much traffic on the site they need lots of panelists. So, there were 08 and 09 panelists answering questions this year, too. If they want me for 2011, I’ll do it! 🙂
I’ll be applying! Thanks so much for your advice and for sharing your experiences. I get so excited reading all about it. Whoever gets chosen for the 2011 Disney Moms Panel has wonderful adventures ahead. I hope I’ll be one of them! I’ll be cheering on everyone who applies. What a fun process!
I am going to apply this year. I really wanted to do it last year but didn’t. I am excited about the entire process and truly appreciate all your insight and advice.
I have used the Mom’s Panel for questions in the past. They are a great resource. It would just be way too cool to be part of the Disney Mom’s Panel.
I will as well be tossing my Mickey ears in the ring this year! I’ve loved reading all the advice and tips and the reminder to just be ourselves and not get caught up in it. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.
Aloha-great blog and great advice!!
I am so excited to apply. I hope that I will be considered, even though I’m from Hawaii.
First of all, Disney should have snatched you up years ago when they had the chance. Your family were always the Disney cheerleaders. Your talents were unrecognized so I’m glad you are at least on this panel. Disney should thank you for letting them use you as you are truly the real thing when it comes to loving everything about Disney that there is.
I hadn’t even thought of it until I saw your post this morning. But I think I will apply. We took our family to Disney this past winter and it was, truly, magical. I couldn’t believe all the zillions of questions I have entertained since, so I’d love to do it with Disney on my side.
Hi Amanda,
You are one of my favorite Moms! I’m so glad I found your site.
I love everything about Disney, I even wrote my senior year term paper about Walt! I’ve only been to WDW 4 times – trip #5 is comming up in Nov. – I read everything I can get my hands on and participate in a few Disney forums. Do you think I have enough experience to be considered?
I can’t imangine how awesome it must be to get to help people plan their trips on the Moms Panel.
Hi amanda. i really want to appply this year but am afraid my lack of trips to the parks will lower my chances. the last trip there was about 7 months ago and i only had a couple of days to indulge. i am a regular at disneyland and an extreme disney enthusiast, which may help. any suggestions?
My only thought is that it’s a lot harder than you think…or maybe than I thought! People ask HARD and detailed questions. So, go over to the Moms Panel site and just read the first page of questions. See if you could answer them. I had to learn a lot about other Disney websites b/c my Disney experience has NOT been as a MOM to DISNEY WORLD. I’ve done cruises and Disneyland as a mom. But my Disney World experience came as a kid and as a resident of Orlando. Anyway, it’s a fun experience–I’d just try out anyway! 🙂
I know its a mom’s panel, but do you ever think about getting dad’s input as well. Being brought up on disney with a trip every other year growing up instilled a love for disney in me that is never-ending.
I am taking my 19 month old daughter to Disney this week (we leave Thursday) for her magical initiation into the world where dreams come true.
It is my love of disney and familiarity with disney, that paired with a dad’s point of view could be very beneficial to concerned disney readers. Many guys come to your site to check out info on disney and pose their questions, and I am sure many of them would appreciate a males point of view as well time to time.
Dustin
There are several dads on the Moms Panel! You should try out–apps open sometime in September!
Hi,
Just noticed your posts now…wish I had seen it about a day ago! I had a phone intervies today having made it to round 3 and it did not go as planned. Do you know if they take any other things into consideration to make this final decision? I keep getting disconnected and was over my break at work and my nerves caused me to confuse a ride at Disney world with on at Disneyland – yikes! Should I hang up my mouse ears?? Sigh.
Thanks.
Lisa
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