Disney Moms Panel Monday – New Year, New Name, New Logo

If you stopped by disneyworldmom.com today, you may have noticed something NEW…

wdw_mp_logo new

That’s right, our name has changed from the Walt Disney World Moms Panel to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.

Keep an eye out for exciting information soon from Disney!!

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Disney Photo Fun Friday – Christmas Dapper Dans

Fellow Panelist Marc Lorenzo is an amazingly talented photographer. He has a gift for capturing the Disney magic and his photos always speak a thousand words.

Christmas Daper Dans (1)

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Thoughtful Thursday – Enthusiasm

Sharing simple motivational quotes that have touched me in some way.

“Enthusiasm is that kindling spark which marks the difference between the leaders in every activity and the laggards who put in just enough to get by.”
- Unknown

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Disney Moms Panel Monday – Anticipation

Last year at this time, I was getting ready to “sit on the bench” for a year. It was my turn to take a hiatus from answering questions on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. I recall clearly what a bittersweet time it was for me. I had poured my heart and soul into answering questions for 24 straight months and I wasn’t ready to “take a breather”. I sat down and wrote this article, appropriately titled “Reflections” as I looked back on memories from 2010 and 2011:

http://www.memorymakermom.com/2012/01/02/disney-moms-panel-monday-reflections/

My children are all athletes. There have been times through the years that they have had to “sit on the bench”, even though they wanted to keep playing. It gave others a chance to shine and to share in the action. They didn’t know it at the time, but it was the best thing for them. That’s how this past year has been for me. Little did I know that 2012 would be an incredibly draining year for me emotionally, with challenges and hurdles in nearly every aspect of my life. Not “officially” answering questions freed up my time for other responsibilities. Ever present thoughout those struggles were my fellow Moms Panel Family Members. They reaffirmed what I already knew: whether you are “taking a breather” on the bench during your hiatus or in the trenches spreading Pixie Dust every day…once a Moms Panelist, always a Moms Panelist. Family ties run deep. I hope my fellow Panelists who are getting ready to “sit on the bench” starting tomorrow will find comfort in that. Time flies and with a little bit of Pixie Dust and luck, you’ll be back in action for 2014.

It is with unbridaled passion and enthusiasm that I am getting ready to “get back in the game” tomorrow. I’ll be actively answering quesitons again for 2013 and I could.not.be happier! In fact, quite a few of my fellow 2010 Moms and Dads will be coming back including several of these dear friends…

From left: Maria, Chris, Kathie, me, Allison, Marc, Amanda A and Bernie

In addition to a lot of returning Alumni Panelists, we’re getting ready to officially welcome the newest Members of our Moms Panel Family. Be sure to keep an eye on DisneyWorldMoms.com in January to meet them! There are some exciting changes in store for the Panel and you won’t want to miss out on the news!

My weekly Disney Moms Panel Monday will be returning in the New Year as well! I still have 43 more Panelists to introduce to you, and with my hiatus coming to a close I’m gearing up for a busy year!

As always if you are planning a Disney Parks vacation, be sure to stop by the Moms Panel , my friends and I would love to help you plan a magical trip!

Happy, Happy New Year!!

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Disney Photo Fun Friday – Disney Resorts During the Holidays

Fellow Panelist Marc Lorenzo is an amazingly talented photographer. He has a gift for capturing the Disney magic and his photos always speak a thousand words.

Spending a day “Resort Hopping” is one of my “must-do’s” during my Holiday Disney vacations. Marc has captured a few of the incredible sights to be seen during this magical time of year. Here for your enjoyment are 33 beautiful photos!

Happy Holidays from us to you!

Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel

Beach Club Gringer Bread Carousel 2 (1)

Beach Club Gringer Bread Carousel 1 (1)

Beach Club Christmas Train

Beach Club Christmas Train 2 (1)

Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Tree

Contemporary Ginger Bread Christmas Tree 1 (1)

Contemporary Ginger Bread Christmas Tree 2 (1)

Gringer Bread Tree at the Contemporary 1 (1)

Contemporary Resort Mickey wreath

Contemporary Lobby Christmas Wreath 3 (1)

Contemporary Lobby Christmas Wreath 4 (1)

Contemporary Resort lobby

Contemporary Lobby with Christmas Tree (1)

Contemporary Resort

Outside Tree at the Contemporary 1 (1)

Contemporary Decorations (1)

Dolphin Hotel poinsettia tree in lobby

Dolphin Posietta Christmas Tree 1 (1) Dolphin Posietta Christmas Tree 3 (1)

Polynesian Resort

Polynesian Christmas Tree 1 (1)

Pop Century

Pop Century Christmas Tree 1 (1)

Pop Century Christmas Tree 2 (2)

Pop Century Christmas Tree 2 (3)

Pop Century Christmas Tree 3 (1)

Pop Century Christmas Tree Close up (1)

Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas Tree 1 (1)

The Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas Tree 2 (1)

Grand Floridian

The Grand Floridian Christmas Tree (1)

The Grand Floridian Defocused Christmas Tree (1)

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

The Grand Floridian Gringer Bread House 1 (1)

The Grand Floridian Gringer Bread House 2 (1)

The Grand Floridian Gringer Bread House 3 (1)

The Grand Floridian Gringer Bread House 4 (1)

Grand Floridian Staircase at Christmastime

The Grand Floridian Staircase Christmas Decorations (1)

Yacht Club Christmas Train

Yacht Club Christmas Train 1 (1)

Yacht Club Christmas Train 2 (1)

Yacht Club lobby

Yacht Club Christmas Tree 3 (1)

Yacht Club Lobby Christmas Tree (1)

Yacht Club Wreath (1)

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Thoughtful Thursday – Expect Excellence

Sharing simple motivational quotes that have touched me in some way.

“Excellence is the result of…
Caring more than others think is Wise,
Risking more than others think is Safe,
Dreaming more than others think is Practical,
and Expecting more than others think is Possible.” 

Ronnie Oldham

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Disney Photo Fun Friday – The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Fellow Panelist Marc Lorenzo is an amazingly talented photographer. He has a gift for capturing the Disney magic and his photos always speak a thousand words.

I absolutely LOVE the Spectacle of Dancing Lights! Here are a few incredible photos that Marc recently took of this special event…

Osborne 2 (1) Osborne 3 (1) Osborne 4 (1)  Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights 5 (1) Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights 6 (1) Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights 7 (1) Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights 8 (1) Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights 9 (1)
Disney Mom Marisol and I at the Spectacle of Dancing Lights a few weeks ago…

marisol and I at SODL

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Disney Photo Fun Friday – Cinderella Castle Dream Lights

Fellow Panelist Marc Lorenzo is an amazingly talented photographer. He has a gift for capturing the Disney magic and his photos always speak a thousand words.

Seasons Greetings from Marc and I! As a special Christmas gift from us to you, we’ll be sharing extra photos of Disney during the Holidays every Photo Fun Friday during the month of December.

One of the most beloved sites for Disney fans is Cinderella Castle and nothing is more beautiful than when it is decorated with enchanting Castle Dream Lights.

Cinderella Castle during Holiday Wishes Fireworks…

Cinderella Castle during Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade

Castle Lights…

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Disney Photo Fun Friday – Muppets Store HDR

Fellow Panelist Marc Lorenzo is an amazingly talented photographer. He has a gift for capturing the Disney magic and his photos always speak a thousand words.

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With Thanks…

Ever have one of those years? The ones where when you pause to look back you can’t even begin to fathom how you’ve gotten through it with your sanity still somewhat intact? I have. To be honest, 2012 has been less than stellar…and it has been incredible all at the same time. It’s all how you look at it.

I could focus on one of my brother’s fighting cancer, 3 of my children getting concussions (2 of them gave me nightmares for months), my oldest daughter moving to Nevada, my Dad battling some health issues, my Mom facing some vision problems, hitting a bumpy patch in my relationship and losing a dear friend to breast cancer. If I do that, it is really easy to feel down and overwhelmed. Thankfully I’m a glass-half-full kind of girl, so for Thanksgiving I’m reminding myself to flip the above script:

My brother beat cancer and his lung issues are healing, all 3 of my children that suffered concussions have healed with no permanent damage, my precious oldest daughter is finding her way in life – owning her choices and learning from her mistakes. My Dad has great doctors treating him and my Mom caught her glaucoma and cataracts in time to save her vision. Steve and I spent time in NH together for our Anniversary and are determined to make each other a priority. Most importantly, I know without a doubt that I will see my friend in Heaven again someday.

When I look back on 2012, there is one simple fact that will forever stand out vividly in my mind. I have some AMAZING friends. Through all of the struggles and obstacles that I faced, that one truth remains abundantly clear. So today, I want to pause and say THANK YOU to those of you who virtually held my hand, stood by my side, and even carried me at times this past year. Your friendship is a priceless gift in my life. I have been truly blessed and I hope you know how very much you are appreciated. From the very bottom of my heart and with ALL of my love…THANK YOU.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  Today, I celebrate you.

Posted in Family Life, Friends, Holidays and Birthdays, Walt Disney World Moms Panel | Tagged | 1 Comment