Disney Moms Panel Monday – Ritzy

Straight from my heart – A glimpse into what makes my fellow Panelists so very precious to me.

Ritzy’s enthusiasm was undeniable from the moment that I first “met” her on the DISboards during the selection process for the 2011 Panel. There was a thread on there for Moms Panel Hopefuls. Along with several other current Panelists, I made it a habit of popping in every once in a while to say hello and offer encouragement. The current Panelists have absolutely nothing to do with the selection process, we just believe it’s nice to have someone who has “been there, done that” to relate to (AND we just can’t help being curious about those who might soon be joining our family). 😉 Ritzy was one of the DISboard hopefuls who continued to progress, and therefore I got to “know her” through reading her posts.

On the first day of her training trip last December, Ritzy is one of the new Panelists who arrived early enough to join us for lunch at the Big River Grille. She made quite an entrance with her tiara and squeal.

Ritzy and I at Big River Grille

When I saw her at Bongo’s on that Saturday night, she was still wearing that tiara 😉 … and bubbling over with excitement.

Johnetta, Ritzy & I at Bongo's

Ritzy is a fellow New Englander, so I’ve gotten to see her on 3 different occasions since her training weekend. One time was in February, when Kathie and Bernie both came north and we all met in Boston for dinner. Ritzy ended up staying and chatting with Chris and I until around midnight.

Chris, Ritzy, Kathie, Bernie and I - Boston 2/3/11

On February 18th, Disney on Ice came to Boston. Ritzy, Jodi and I were lucky enough to be able to attend both a Social Media Mixer and the show with our families. The evening was awesome and we all had a great time. Like me, Ritzy is a social butterfly and she loves to make connections and chat with people. 

Ritzy, Jodi and I at Disney on Ice - Boston

Ritzy, Laura and I at Disney on Ice - Boston

Ritzy and I strolled through the Premier Club hallway to our Sky Box seats together. She was “so very Ritzy” on the way there…full of energy and giddiness.

Ritzy at Disney on Ice Boston

On April 6th, we were invited to a special Disney Cruise Line event in New York City. Chatting with Ritzy in the days before the event, she again showed that signature Ritzy enthusiasm.

Ritzy at the Disney Cruise Line event in New York City

It was wonderful to connect with our fellow Panelists, and the news the Disney Cruise Line will begin sailing out of New York City in 2012 was exciting!

Six Panelists: Chris, Jonas, Erin, Jill, Ritzy and I at the Disney Cruise Line event - NYC

After the event, several of us went to Times Square together for a quick visit. Ritzy is definitely a city girl. She seemed completely in her element and thoroughly enjoyed herself.

Ritzy, Chris, Kim Orlando and I in Times Square

I’m certain that I’ll be seeing Ritzy quite often, being that we only live an hour or so away from each other. I look forward to sharing many more Disney Moms Panel memories together.

Ritzy is on Twitter: @PearlySwan

If you haven’t yet read Ritzy’s inspiring contribution to our Disney Movie Lines column, you can enjoy that here: http://thedisneydrivenlife.com/2011/04/23/giving-up-is-for-rookies/

Love ya, Ritzy!

*Want to get to know some more Walt Disney World Moms Panel Moms & Dads? I share a different Panelist with you each Monday! Here’s the link to all of them so far:
http://www.memorymakermom.com/category/disney-moms-panel-monday/

Be sure to stop back by next week!