The Disney Moms Panel Fan Luncheon

Imagine my excitement when I saw the posting for the Disney Parks Moms Panel Fan Luncheon early last week. I was already going to Walt Disney World to attend a couple of other meet and greets and was elated to read this invitation. So I quickly sent my R.S.V.P. and waited with baited breath for the confirmation email, which came a couple of days later, telling me where and when.



The anticipation of seeing the Disney Parks Moms Panelists and meeting Laura Spencer were beyond my wildest dreams. I have been trying for the Panel for five years now and have never made it beyond round one, nor did I have the glorious opportunity to attend any past Fan greets, but I sure did follow them through the experiences of others.

The event began at 12:15 p.m. and we were to congregate on the second floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort in front of the California Grill elevators. As I approached the second floor I was met with throngs of hopeful fans all lined up to register, which might I add was very well organized and the line went quickly.

It was there, that I met with my Facebook friends who are hopefuls such as myself. I was so excited to see my friends face to face after years of computer correspondence.

With my friend, Gayle.

With my friend and now Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Jackie.

 



With Gayle, Jane, Amy, Janice, Faith.

 We were all so excited!

 

An honor seeing Deb again.

 

To see Deb Wills again, the last time being aboard the Disney Wonder for Mousefest 2007, was a real treat!

 

Meeting Steve Barrett and his lovely wife Vickie was a surprise and an extreme pleasure!

 

 

Waiting for the elevator doors to open with great anticipation. I had tunnel vision and could think of nothing else, other than meeting the Disney Parks Moms Panelists. Even my claustrophobia faded.

 

 

I finally was able to board the elevator and was delighted to meet some more friends where we were able to pose together with Chip and Dale, what a treat!

 

 

After this fun photo we were led to the main dining area only to be greeted very warmly by the Disney Parks Moms Panelists in a receiving line. I couldn't believe my eyes, it was surreal and I was in orbit. Nothing of this dimension has ever happened to me, I was so elated, words cannot describe.

 

We were led to the beautifully decorated dining room of the California Grill, with the glorious panoramic view of Walt Disney World and the best view of Cinderella Castle that I have seen from afar.

 

 

 

I was invited to join a very friendly group of cyber friends and we enjoyed our meal of pasta, roasted potatoes, salmon, chicken, string beans, salad and cauliflower soup. Added to this delicious meal were mini creme brulees and the most delectable cupcakes all done up in pink with a white chocolate Disney Parks Moms Panel tablet. I loved my cupcake, especially with the lemon filling.

 

 

 

One by one the Disney Parks Moms Panelists began to approach our tables and greet us warmly. They made us all feel at home and very welcome.

 

Smiling with Ari and Leslie..

 

Couldn't believe I was standing beside Marisol.

 

With the good company of Marisol and Malanie and her lovely, blue eyes.

 

With Suzannah, who was so kind to share lunch with us.

 

Smiling here with Stacy, Elizabeth, Nancy, Jodie and the ever thoughtful, fellow Canadian Kirsten!

 

Us hopefuls smiling with Laura Munkel.

 

Excited to be with Susan, Amanda and Kim.

 

With dear Susan and Bernie who even gave my daughter Physics advice in the past!

 

I discovered a shared passion of Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort with Susan.

 

Shared a chat with Marc, Angelo and Amanda.

 

Received a big, warm welcome from the beautiful Ca'Sandra!

 

Erin is very easy to talk with and made me feel right at home.

 

Not only is Teronya gorgeous but ever so warm and friendly!

 

Sweet Emma from the U.K. which I would love to visit someday.

 

Got some great advice about Disney Vacation Club from Andrea!

 

Allison, with whom I can relate to as a mom.

 

Learned valuable lessons in being a good friend by observing Kaylene.

 

Had a couple of chuckles with Kathie!

 

 

 This moment captured by Susan Farell sent me into orbit!

 

Who wanted to leave? I certainly didn't want to leave, eventhough I was beckoned by my husband who needed my assistance over at the Magic Kingdom. The luncheon was delicious, the company so welcoming and the venue breathtaking. As if that wasn't enough, we were all given gifts with delightful goodies and souvenirs. How very grateful I was to be part of that special afternoon!

 

 All good things, however, must come to an end.  This is the reason I captured whatever joy I could hold and basked. A little keepsake treasure that I will hold near and dear to my heart, will be my little calendar with all the Disney Moms Panel autographs, I even got an autograph from the Pink Princess herself, Laura Spencer!

 

This momento will be framed and will adorn my desk. I will treasure it forever.

 

The memories from this day, the friendships forged, will be forever etched in my heart. Thank you kindly for including me as part of this event, Laura Spencer and Disney Parks Moms Panelists.

 ♥