Wow!!!

Okay, so I know, I STILL haven't finished blogging about my Mom's Panel training experience (I will) and, mom, I haven't posted pics of the children (I know), but I have to share. Yesterday, on our Mom's Panel Facebook thread a couple of moms started talking about the great "surprise" they received via UPS. I LOVE surprises!!! --- unless I know that I'm getting one and it hasn't come yet, ughhh! All afternoon I looked for the UPS truck. Snow was falling at quite a clip, and there were many plows that drove down our street, but that brown truck never came, or so I thought.

Before I went to bed, I remembered that I left the garage door open. As I went to close it, I saw the BOX sitting in the middle of my garage. HE DOES EXIST!!! was my immediate thought, and a sudden burst of energy helped me lift the package (yes, it was heavy & large) into my home, pry it open like a five year old ripping through packages on Christmas morning, and set it up for a photo shoot so I could share with everyone.

And this is what was inside the package. A complete party for all of my entertaining needs a la Martha Stewart. Or maybe my family will just think I'm really cool as we munch on all of these goodies watching It's a Wonderful Life (I wish) or college football (most likely scenario).

And my FAVORITE thing that was in the sleigh? The contents of that little box on the right...cute notecards for celebrating everything!

The best part about these cute cards is that we got two of each, so I can HOARD and SHARE. How great is that? I have to say that being a member of the Disney Mom's Panel has far surpassed my expectations. Laura, Leanne and the rest of the Disney elves behind this and all of the other surprises are amazing -- Thanks!!!

Something Really Fun

Highs & Lows

Yesterday was kind of a weird day of ups and downs. I like to start out with the bad news, because it only gets better from there:

1. I didn't mention this before, but on Friday night, one of the panel members got chosen, at random, to sleep in Cinderella's Castle on Sunday night -- It wasn't me.

2. The mom who did get chosen could have 5 guests. We chose names out of a hat. -- I still didn't get picked. (Let me say, that I couldn't be more excited for the 6 moms who are staying in the castle!)

3. The entire group was supposed to get our picture taken in front of The Osborne Lights -- BUT can you say CROWDED. There were soooooo many people there that picture taking was IMPOSSIBLE.

4. We had a couple of moments of free time, and we tried to ride Rockin' Roller Coaster (this was our second attempt in 2 days), but the Fast Passes were all gone, single rider lines were closed, and the wait was 60 minutes -- yesterday, we had gotten up to the loading area when the ride shut down -- we were given FP to come back, but we thought we would be generous and give them away (where's the good karma when you need it?).

Alright, in retrospect I sound whiney -- the good FAR exceeded the bad.

1. We went on a resort tour and saw the Suites at All-Star Music, the newly themed pirate rooms at Carribean Beach, the DVC suites for Animal Kingdom Lodge (my favorite) and Contemporary Resort.

2. We saw the Osborne Lights (amazing) several times because of the enormous crowds. It took us a looooong time to walk down that street.

3. We rode Toy Story Mania!

4. We had an excellant meal at the Brown Derby, and our special guest was Gary, a cast member in charge of media publicity (I think I got that right.) Anyway, he's the one who works with all of the celebrities who come into the park. He was hysterically funny and had a lot of interesting information to share.

5. After dinner, Gary showed us the soon-to-be-open American Idol experience. We were not allowed to take pictures, but let me just say, it's going to be AMAZING!!!!

6. I came back to my room to find Mickey had decorated it and left not one, but several presents for me and my family! I took pictures, and I promise I'll post them all when I return. It was seriously like Christmas!!!

Overall, it was another INCREDIBLE day at Disney!

Pinch me please

Seriously, I can't believe that I was selected for the 2009 WDW Mom's Panel, and I'm in Disney World for training. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I have been given the royal treatment.

There were not one, but two Disney representatives waiting to greet me at the airport. Irvine, my VIP Tour Guide, drove me to my resort. Where I was greeted by the manager of Coronado Springs, given my packet of information and escorted to my room. All I can say is, "Wow!!!!"

The itinerary for this trip's events was kept under lock and key, so as you can guess, my first order of business was finding out what we would be doing, but I also wanted to meet all of my new friends, and I wanted to catch some rides before the official activities were underway at 4:30. I was like a kid at Christmas! I ripped open the envelope to see where we were eating (Jiko, Brown Derby were on the list -- score!) and what activities were in store for us (Cinderella's Suite Tour - yes!!!). After quickly glancing at that, I ran down to the lobby to meet up with my new Disney friends. We split up -- some moms wanted to shop, while others wanted to ride Rockin' Roller Coaster.

At 4:30, we met at Rix for cocktails/appetizers and our official meeting. Then we rode our private bus to Magic Kingdom to tour Cinderella's Suite. One word - AMAZING!!! We all had a great meal with Winnie the Pooh at Crystal Palace and headed off to watch the parade and Wishes. We had the train depot all to ourselves, and let me tell you, I am spoiled. The train station on Main Street is the most spectacular spot in the entire park to view the parade!

Okay, this all sounds a little clinical, but I had to post quickly. I'm off for another full day of activities. I don't know how to upload pics to this post from my hotel, but I promise to post pictures once I get home. Another day filled with magic awaits!