Would You Want to Be a Disney Moms Panel Mom?

It’s that time of the year!  Tweeple are Tweeting!  Facebook statuses are updating!  Even the on life support MySpace is taking notice.  Walt Disney World is about to begin it’s search for candidates to serve as members of the Disney Moms Panel!

Last year at this time, I was anxiously awaiting the announcement.  I had applied the year before, but the essays I wrote, in that oh so sarcastic tone I tend to use when I write, apparently didn’t appeal to anyone.  I never made it past round one.  I hesitated to apply a second time, but thought if I wrote essays that spoke from a less sarcastic part of me, I could submit a heartfelt, emotionally charged without being mushy, list of reasons why I wanted to be a member of this panel.

I am, after all, a Walt Disney World fan.  I am not so much into the trivia part of things, nor am I into the minute details that would pack my brain with information such as how long it takes to bus from point A to point B.  But I do know that some of the best and most memorable times in my life have taken place at this happiest place on earth.  I really felt like I could do good with an opportunity to be on this panel. 

So, seven months into this gig, would I feel the same way now that I did a year ago?  Would I want to be a Disney Moms Panel Mom if I were not already a Disney Moms Panel Mom?  Has the job been all I thought it would be?

The answer to that last question is a resounding No.  This job is not all I thought it would be.  This job has been mind blowing, life altering, confidence building, and way more than I could have ever hoped for.  I expected to happily answer some questions from people planning WDW vacations – pretty much the same thing I’ve done on my own for years – for people that wanted my help or not.  In return, I’d get a free trip to Disney for my family, and the world would keep spinning

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I have absolutely fallen in love with 15 people who, without this panel, I never would have met.  I’ve taken weekend trips without my husband and children – and had fun without them!  I’ve spoken publicly several times – something I haven’t done since speech class in college.

I’ve lived through the terror of video shoots.  I’ve lived through the trauma of Podcasts. 

I have been introduced to some amazing people.  John Rick – the amazing pin dude from the Central NJ Disney Pin Traders – you just want to be best friends with this man!  Lou Mongello – warm, friendly, and probably as close to Walt himself as you are likely to come.  I have even been introduced to a few Skurvy Monkeys – and not only lived to tell the tale, but liked the encounter!

My WDW online community hero has spoken to me live and in person.  Deb Wills from www.allearsnet.com is my idol, and it’s always an awesome feeling when you get to meet your idol, and in person, you find absolute justification for your feelings.  What an incredible human.

There have been surprises along the way, there have been opportunities I never thought I’d have.  My life has been enriched by the friends I have made, and my laugh lines are definitely a little deeper as a result of these friends.

Would I want to be a Disney Moms Panel Mom if I were not one already?  As I recently told someone that I have worked with this past seven months, I would do this gig for a hot dog from Casey’s and a Fast Pass to Test Track.  I love it that much.

Keep your eyes peeled.  The announcement for applications to join the Moms Panel is coming, and you will see it at either www.disneyworld.com or www.mickeymomsclub.com .  This is the opportunity of a lifetime, that has changed my lifetime for the better.