I like to travel, but as I’ve mentioned before, it’s getting harder and harder to get away.  Last year, I skipped out on our Walt Disney World Moms Panel reunion because I was headed to the Variety Power of Women luncheon the same week, and my daughter had asked me to travel less.  I’ve cut back somewhat on traveling, but on occasion, there’s still that trip that I just have to take.

Last weekend, I went to Walt Disney World for the annual moms panel reunion.  It wasn’t the easiest weekend to get away, but things came together pretty well, and I was able to leave knowing that my family was taken care of.

As soon as I met my friend Joanne in the food court, I knew I made the right choice.  Sometimes, mommy needs to charge her own batteries.  The moms panelists (some, but not all, pictured above) are among my closest friends – I just wish I could see them more frequently.  These are the friends I turn to for true friendship, and I just have so much fun with them.  Seeing them is just what I needed.

Recharging With My Disney Mom Friends is a post from: Multitasking Mommy

The Disney Junior dinner and party at Disney's Hollywood Studios

This past weekend, I had the privilege to attend the 2nd Annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, which took place at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.  The celebration was part conference, part media-familiarization trip, and offered all guests inspiration, education, and socialization.

I attended with the unique viewpoint of Walt Disney World Moms Panelist and blogger, and still learned a ton about Walt Disney World.  I had the opportunity to check out a new resort to me (the Grand Floridian), and try a new experience (the Wild Africa Trek at the Animal Kingdom).

Highlights for me from the three-night conference were:

• The amazingly inspirational Rene Syler, who not only talked about her reinvention and avoiding toxic relationships, but also brought her tech folks to help answer questions (one tip – great, relatively cheap plug-ins here)
• 

  Up close with hungry, hungry, hippos

  Getting to spend time with some of my favorite people – the Social Media team at Walt Disney World (plus Gary) who help bring the magic to the Moms Panel and bloggers every day

• The Wild Animal Trek at the Animal Kingdom, which offers up-close views with the animals that you see on the Kilimanjaro Safari.  It was the perfect blend of adventure, sightseeing, and photo ops (including that great picture I got of the hippos).
• Blog tips from Chris Brogan and Matt Jacobson from Facebook.
• The Disney Junior dinner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Even though my children didn’t attend with me, the party was so fun!

I’ll be posting more on Mom’s Favorite Stuff over the next few weeks, including some interviews I did with Joy Bauer and some of the Disney Channel stars.

Disclosure: While I paid for my own airfare and conference fee, this conference was heavily sponsored by Walt Disney World.  All opinions are my own.

The 2011 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! is a post from: Multitasking Mommy

Remember when I was so excited that I was actually chosen as a Walt Disney World Moms Panelist?  That seemed like so long ago, so not surprisingly, I’ve answered by last question (for now) as a Walt Disney World Moms Panelist.   My two years are up, and it’s time to pass the reigns to a new group of “moms” – all of whom are enthusiastic, well-qualified, and wonderful!

Being on the panel has been incredibly amazing.  I’ve made lifelong friends – some of the best friends I’ve ever had.  I ran a half-marathon.  I met Gary.  I went to Hawaii.  I did a spit take while dressed as a pirate.  And I helped hundreds of families plan their Walt Disney World vacations.

All in all, it was more than I ever thought it would be.

So Long, But Not Goodbye, to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel is a post from: Multitasking Mommy

Where it all began!

Back in 2008, I was honored to be selected as one of the 16 members of the 2009 Walt Disney World Moms Panel.  I eagerly attended training, not knowing a single soul, and left Walt Disney World with 15 lifelong friends.

The 2009 Moms

Soon, we were to be planning reunions trips, birthday celebration trips, and any other kind of trip that got us together.

In just a few weeks, my initial time on the panel is coming to a hiatus.  But the friendships are lifelong.

The Greatest Group of People I Know is a post from: Multitasking Mommy

APPLY!

How To Get On The Walt Disney World Moms Panel is a post from: Multitasking Mommy