I was selected to serve as a 2017 Disney Parks Mom Panelist, an independent contract position with magical benefits. This is a totally unsponsored post, and all opinions are my own. This post was later edited and added to when the panel changed names to planDisney!
Y’all. I can hardly believe it. This week, I started my journey as a part of the Disney Parks Moms Panel. A few years ago was the first time I caught wind of the panel, which is a portion of the Walt Disney World website, where folks can go to ask vacation questions large and small of a group of panelists. These panelists are hand chosen by Disney for their expertise in various fields (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise, DVC, and various foreign languages in combination with these), writing skills, and overall who knows what.
That’s right. It’s a mystery. Even to me, a current panelist. Thousands upon thousands apply for the panel, and only a few are invited to the ball. I still don’t know how it’s done. I just know that I tried my best, put forth a huge effort, a dose of my real self and that was what was needed in this moment. If I can give you even a glimpse into my journey to this point, I will feel mighty accomplished. Oh, and if you’re headed down to Walt Disney World, be sure to drop by and ask me, Lindsey P, Panelist for the Disney Parks Moms Panel a question! I can’t wait to help you plan your next vacation.
Round 1: Application
Round one opened up Wednesday, September 7, 2016, a short series of “About Me” questions, a few faux panelist questions and that was it! I had applied to the panel in the fall of 2015, but I remember being flustered, panicking over the questions and trying to fit too much in. I wanted to relax. This time, my second attempt, I took a deep breath, and the application was done in less than an hour. I clicked submit and it was done. Now I had to wait for Round 1 to close on September 14th.
Round 2: Questions and a Video
I was sitting at home the day the Round 2 email came, on 10/3; it was nearly a month after Round 1 Applications came out, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I had been passed on to the next round! Say whaaaaat?! The next round opened on 10/7, and consisted of more questions PLUS a one minute video. I thought long and hard about my questions, but I felt SO CONFIDENT in my answers. I just felt like they were spot on, well-written and showed my personality. The video, however, stewed in my brain for days. After I figured out a creative angle that didn’t “do too much,” I finally sat in my basement for 30 minutes and shot it. I was very thankful GrandMartha was here that day so I could push out my answers while she played with Red and Scarlett. Thanks, GrandMartha!! Now, here’s my Round 2 Application Video for the Disney Parks Moms Panel:
Silly, right? But totally shows off my true self… goofy, fun and lots of costume changes! Round 2 closed on 10/14.
Round 3: Phone Call
My email for the final round of the 2017 Disney Parks Moms Panel came at a lunch during a Travel Expo on October 21. While folks were being seating and gathering their things, I routinely whipped out my phone to screen my emails and notifications. Behold, an email. An email that stilled my breath. I’m pretty sure I inhaled all the oxygen in the room as it spun and spun. I made it to the final round. A phone interview was next, and I could expect a scheduling call later that day. WOW!
That phone interview ended up being scheduled for a time that I was going to be IN THE PARKS at Walt Disney World Resort (week of October 23)! My best friends Meghan and Krystyn boarded Jungle Cruise for a tropical tour while I sat in one of the quietest places in Adventureland, the dock of the Cruise beside the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse waterfall. I prayed my cell phone would keep reception and plugged in my portable charger. Here we go! (This was my view RIGHT BEFORE the call…..)
The phone rang and my heart leapt into my throat. Speak, Lindsey speak!! The phone call was only 15 minutes, with the tiny hold I was placed on while the interview panel assembled. It was a rather informal interview, with questions about me. I get so nervous talking about myself like that, but I let my guard down and went with it! I felt really good about the call and that let me have an even better time in the parks with my gals. Thank you to both of them for enduring my nerves on that trip!
Notification…
It was Halloween Day, October 31st. A day I thought I’d never receive a phone call. I was getting the candy bowl ready, laying the baby down, when the Hopefuls Facebook group started to light up. People were getting calls. Yeses and Nos… I was sweating! When my yes call came, I almost had to ask the lady to repeat herself. Come again? I made the panel? Are you sure? Oh MAN!!! To say I was on Cloud 9 would have been an understatement, for sure. I was told to prepare for my training trip…
Training
Training was UN. REAL. I’ve been on insanely busy press trips. I’ve been to a few conferences held at Disney when you hardly have time to breathe. But training took the cake. We were shown around property to see new things, learn about experiences we may have missed before, and spent quite a while learning just how to be on the panel. It was a handful of days to create chemistry with my fellow panelists, and I could almost weep with love for my new friends.
Do you remember the last day of camp when you were a kid? When you had to say goodbye in person, but knew you’d be friends forever? It’s like that. Times 10. Memories were made, things were learned, we laughed, we cried at the end, and it was glorious. The photo above was the very moment we all met as half of us got off Disney’s Magical Express and onto the property at The Grand Floridian Resort.
So how about it? In my past years of sharing my Disney experiences with you, giving you a look into my nerdy soul and showing you my passion, do you feel moved to have a magical vacation? Chances are, if you are a regular reader, a friend or a family member, I’ve already helped you choose a hotel, a restaurant, or given you tips on how to cut from Space Mountain to Pirate of the Caribbean, all while avoiding the 3pm parade crowd. But if you are hungry for more (I know I never need MORE reasons to go to Walt Disney World!), please visit the Disney Parks Moms Panel and ask me a question or two. Or find one of my fellow panelists that might also know the answer. We’re there to help, and we’re so passionate about what we do. 
So Aloha, my Ohana. I’ll see you down the rabbit hole, just around the riverbend. Where Mickey and Goofy are waiting to say, “Hiya, pal!” I’ll be the one waving you down Main Street, U.S.A., and so happy to see you. ♥
Years Past my planDisney Service
Wow, y’all. That was the WILDEST RIDE IN THE WILDERNESS and I wouldn’t give it up for anything. I talk to my “class” every day. We meet up in cities all across the world and laugh together every chance we get. These guys have become some of my closest friends. For those of us that applied and applied until we turned blue in the face, we know The Blue Fairy was waiting for our perfect chance to add us to the Panel. It was meant to be in 2017 for all of us!
For those of you that are now applying to the planDisney family, the application process has changed a little bit, moving up to the summer! Hopefully, this means that more of you are “eligible” with your yearly trip to the Most Magical (or Happiest!) Place on Earth. Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself, take a deep breath, dig a little deeper to share your favorite experiences, and always let your conscience be your guide!
HUGE HUGE congratulations on making the Panel! I took a solo trip to WDW in October. It was my first trip to WDW in 20 years!
Thank you so much!! And oh! I didn’t know it was your first trip back in so long… so much to see!
I think it was the wish from the Blue Fairy. So happy for you! They really did make the perfect choice!
I wish I would’ve known this, I was at Disney yesterday looking for good places to eat and needed help.
Congratulations!!!!
Thank you so much!! Yes, it can take a day or so to get you your answer with the moderation of the questions, but it’s a fabulous resource – I’d be honored to help you out!
How do we submit questions? Im going on our first disney trip in June. I have lots of questions on reserving dining.
Here is the main site, where you can either search for a topic (like google), or ask a question. If you feel moved, you can even toss certain panelists questions, like me! There’s a blue box on the right to get started. Thank you! Here: https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney.go.com/meet-the-moms/panelist/lindsey-p-416/
Hey there! I think I saw your application on the Facebook group and really loved it so there is zero surprise in my book that you made it all the way! Congrats! Here’s hoping a fellow Georgian makes it next to you in 2018! Best wishes!
ooo how exciting! This looks like a lot of fun and congratulations on making the panel, it’s such a lovely idea! Can’t wait to visit Disney
I really had no idea this was something that existed, but I also have to admit that I’ve never been to Disney. My husband and I have recently talked about taking our grandchildren, now I know where to go with my questions if we decide to go! Congratulations!
Thank you so much! I hope that you get to take that trip with your grandkids soon, and please, do stop by and ask me ANYTHING!
Omg this sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime! I would love to do something like this congratulations!
this is fantastic and amazing! I had no idea this even existed. So, I am headed to Disney Paris in July and info or insider tips I would so appreciate!
Yes, please stop by and ask anything you like! We don’t have a specific Paris representative, but we can help!
Wow what a great honor! Congrats on making the panel Lindsey! I never knew there was so much to being on the panel. I just know you’re going to have a great time and have lots more awesome Disney adventures in 2017!
Congrats. That’s an amazing opportunity. I hope to see your adventure on your blog.
That’s awesome! Congrats! I’ve actually applied every single year, and never get accepted. 🙁 I live in Florida, 8 hours from WDW…my answers must suck. lol
OMG. This is amazing! My fiancé used to work at Disney in the College Program and we still try to visit as much as possible. What an awesome opportunity to earn some perks for your family! Maybe when I have little ones I can apply too!
That is so awesome congratulations. I LOVE Disney World .
How awesome is that?! Congratulations! I watched your video and totally smiled along with you – it was so creative.
I have no idea what the mom panel even is! What do you do??? That sounds like so much fun!
Sounds like a really amazing experience and opportunity! Congratulations!! Can’t wait to read future Disney posts!
WOW congrats on this new exciting new role you are taking!! It sounds as such exciting project to work on and I’m so excited for you!! Good luck!!!
Wow congrats! That is so awesome! Looks like you had a blast!
So excited for you! Meghan and I knew it! Especially after everything we learned from you on our trip!
What an adventure. And, yeah, the last day of camp…the worst and best
Wow! What a wonderful opportunity! That is really great and I am happy for you. Congratulations!
Omg congrats girl!!!! This is such an amazing opportunity!!! Have a fabulous year with Disney!!!
Congratulations on being selected! I never even knew this existed before coming across your post.
That is awesome – congratulations! I actually never been to Walt Disney World before, but I’d to visit there someday with my family.
Is there anywhere to buy Disney Gift Cards at a discount? I know target does a 5% discount I was looking for something better. Just curious. Thanks
Yes, that Target deal might be the best! BJ’s Wholesale does something similar, but if you use your Disney Visa to purchase those cards you can get your reward points, too. Please feel free to drop by the panel and ask anything else you’d like!
Congratulations! I am not a mom yet, but I often refer to the Disney Parks Moms Panel for answers to questions for my own trips and in helping others plan their trips. I work as an independent Travel Agent that specializes in Disney destinations. Just a question for the future: Are you allowed to be considered if you work for another company such as I do? Do you get any sort of compensation as a member of the Disney Moms Panel? Thanks for sharing your experiences! As a redhead myself, I’m glad I found your page!
Welcome, fellow Redhead! 🙂 And thanks so much for asking! I think that if you are a travel agent, you are not eligible for the panel. I believe it says that in the initial application. Thank you so much for hitting up the panel for help with your vacation; we’re hEAR for you! 🙂
Thank you so much Lindsey for sharing your process!! The 2018 panel will be my 4th attempt, and as a Disney dad I feel the odds are not necessarily in my favor. Like yourself and all those that apply, my family has a strong passion about WDWR. It has become that family tradition that we know will endure. I hope to be able to share my experiences just as you have here as it truly gives us hope that we too can make the panel.
Future Mom/Dad panelist,
Patrick
P.S. Feel free to throw a pixie dust this way! 😁
Hooray! I am so glad that this helped you! I think search will come soon, so keep your eyes peeled. I’ll be chEARing for you! Please come back and chat it up!
Hello Lindsey! First congratulations, Im so happy for you. I got so excited reading your experience for applying at Disney Moms Panel! Im applyning mext month for the Brazilian Disney Mom Panels. Im so nervous and I keep wishing hard for the wishing star to make it happen too! Thank you for sharing everything! ♥️♥️ Have a magical day
I’m so glad to hear this! What a magical adventure you have ahead of you. Breathe deep, and think happy thoughts. Come back and let me know what goes on!!!!
Congratulations on being on the panel! I was excited when I saw that they were looking for the 2018 panel…only to find I don’t qualify cause my hubs is a CM. That’s okay, though. Disney is still magical and I think the panel is a GREAT opportunity for my fellow Disney moms! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for the kind words! And yes, you know where to go if your husband ever decides a change in course! 🙂 Have a magical week, and THANK YOU so much for reading along. I sincerely appreciate it.
Hi Lindsey!! Your so sweet! Congratulations on becoming a Disney moms panel member! That’s so cool! So This blog post is 2 years old and I’m not sure if your still on the panel but I have questions anyway if you wouldn’t mind. I’m doing research on the Disney moms panel and I’m still trying to find out if it’s right for me to apply. What are the benefits? And when you go on the training can you bring your family? I have a few more questions you can privately email me if you have the time.
Much appreciated!
Thank you for your kind words! I just rolled off the panel as you are not allowed to serve more than two years in a row without taking a “break.” I hope to return in the future! The benefits of the panel were really emotional for me. Yes, you get a reward trip for your family, but helping guests everyday made me feel amazing. That, and I made lifelong friends that are full of support.
Training is ONLY for the selected panelists and is very intense! Applications will open in September, I estimate. Good luck to you!
Hi Lindsey! Thank you so much for posting about your experiences applying for and subsequently serving on the Panel! Your joy and excitement totally come through in your writing and I got goosebumps just reading your blog post. What an awesome time and such an honor! Keep up the wonderful blog and love your positivity!
Thank you so much for all your kind words! I really appreciate your time and thank you for reading along! 🙂 🙂 chEARS!
Hey Lindsey! Thanks so much for sharing this post and your video! I just submitted my round 2 application yesterday, and hearing a bit more about the time frames you experienced helps me sort it all out in my head. I actually watched a lot of the MP videos to help me prepare, and I loved your video with highlights around the Magic Kingdom!! So it’s super fun to find your blog. ChEARS!
Thank YOU so much for all your kind words! Break a leg on your submission… may the Blue Fairy sprinkle it with magic! And I can’t believe you found my DPMP videos, that is awesome!!! Thank you for watching them. It was a fun, long day!
I’ll bet! I’m sure you have to get in super early to avoid shooting with a bunch of people around?! What a fascinating and I’m sure exhausting experience! Thanks again for sharing your “goofy” self with the world – although you don’t seem goofy to me, just fun! 😁
I found out about the Mom’s Panel a while ago and my 21 year old daughter told me I’d be perfect for it! Except, I’m a Dad and but we do know they except Men now too. She encouraged me to apply this year, as I know just about everything Disney and have been planning trips for a LOOOONG time. Now that it’s been almost a month since applying, I think I’ve lost hope I got to the 2nd round. Oh well, there’s always next year. I loved reading your experience, and maybe with a little luck and perseverance I might someday be a rare guy on the Mom’s Panel!
yes! Never stop trying. I can hear the passion in your text! 🙂