The 2022 planDisney Panel Search is about to begin!

www.runningonpixiedust.com

The most magical time of the year for Disney enthusiasts is here once again!  The planDisney Panel (formerly known as the Disney Parks Moms Panel) is searching for the next group of panelists. . .and it could be YOU!  I've applied to the panel every year since 2013 and have made it to the second round 4 times.  While there have been some variances from year to year, the general process follows a typical pattern.  But first, check out what planDisney has to say about the 2022 search!

The planDisney Panel is looking for people just like you!  All it takes is a love and knowledge of your favorite Disney destinations and a talent for sharing what you know with others. . .plus a whole lot of pixie dust!  Each year thousands of people apply, but just a small handful are selected.  You can apply for specialities in Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Vacation Club, or Disney Cruise Line.  To find out all of the details for eligibility, visit the planDisney Panel website.

The application usually opens right around Labor Day each fall and wraps around Halloween.  For the 2022 planDisney Panel Search, the first round of applications open at noon on September 9th and close at noon on September 14th.  Round one usually consists of a series of questions that let the selection panel know more about you and your Disney experiences.  After a few weeks, emails will roll in announcing if you've been selected to move on to round two.  In the past, round two has consisted of more written responses and a one minute video.  Here's an example of my round two videos from my applications for the 2019 and 2020 panels.

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Running on. . .Chick-Fil-A!

Some of you are already aware that I was invited to join the Chick-Fil-A Moms Panel this year and couldn't be more excited!  I can't remember exactly when my love of Chick-Fil-A began, but I know it was love at first bite of their delicious chicken strips and then my introduction to Chick-Fil-A sauce took our relationship to the next level.  As a busy working mom, Chick-Fil-A is one of my favorite places to stop on and pick up a quick lunch or dinner for the family.  And as a runner, I enjoy the fact that there are some healthier options on the menu too that are equally delicious.

As a member of the Chick-Fil-A Moms Panel, I will be responding to inquiries, answering questions, and giving a moms point of view on programs and products from Chick-Fil-A.  So far, I've found a few other Chick-Fil-A Moms from the Maryland area and I am looking forward to connecting with even moms from around the U.S.  If you're interested in following our fun, search #chickfilamoms on social media networks!

  

As a runner, I think of food for my body as fuel.  While I certainly enjoy indulging a bit from time to time, it's great to have a place like Chick-Fil-A where I can get healthy fast food options to keep me running - as an athlete and a mom!

Disclosure - I am an invited member of the Chick-Fil-A Moms Panel and occasionally receive free products or promotional items.  All opinions are my own.

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Walt Wisdom Wednesday

"Happiness is a state of mind.  It's just according to the way you look at things." ~ Walt Disney

I've always considered myself a glass half full kind of gal.  The way I see it, you can't always control what life hands you, but you can control how you respond to it.  Choosing to be happy is just that - a choice.  There is certainly enough bad news in the world to bring you down if you let it, but where does that lead you?

Yesterday I was disappointed to learn that my ongoing quest to one day be a part of the Disney Parks Moms Panel ended this year at Round 1.  This was an especially tough blow after having made it to Round 2 for the first time last year.  The email came through at 12:48 AM so I saw it on my phone when I woke up to feed my 8 month old son at 3:30 AM.  While the disappointment is certainly there, I have to say that the adventure and excitement each September is something I wouldn't miss for the world.  I've often said that Disney pushes me to be the best version of myself and even though I will once again not be joining the fabulous men and women of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, I have met some wonderful people along the way, continued to grow as a blogger, and am always finding new ways to share my love of Disney and the trip planning knowledge I have with those I meet.

By choosing to keep a positive frame of mind, you are opening up yourself to new ideas and finding solutions rather than focusing on the problems that may be plaguing you.  The attitude and demeanor you bring to a challenging situation can have a huge impact on the outcome.  Surround yourself with positive people and look for the ray of sunshine that may be trying to peek through the clouds.

Is it too early to start #DisneyMP2017 trending for those of us already in that waiting room?

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What is the Disney Parks Moms Panel?

Confession - Even those of us who eat, breathe, and sleep all things Disney sometimes have questions.

I consider myself to be well versed in the world of Walt Disney World travel, but new experiences like the first time I took a Disney Cruise Line vacation or getting ready for my first runDisney race sometimes leave me scratching my head.  How does transportation work?  What should I pack?  What can I find at the expo?

So where do I turn when I have a question - the Disney Parks Moms Panel!  These ladies (and a few gentlemen) can answer any Disney vacation question you throw their way.  And they do it all with a smile and a splash of pixie dust!  The Disney Parks Moms Panel features specialists in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and runDisney to name a few and also features panelists from a variety of countries.  Whether you are planning your first vacation or your twentieth, if questions come up, this is the perfect place to turn.  Previous questions are posted on the website and categorized so you can easily search questions and answers if you don't even know where to begin.

Last year I made it to Round Two of the search.  Will this be my year to go all the way?

And if you think you know Disney, why not try applying for the panel?  Each year, there is an application process to find new panelists.  The first round begins in September with the excited new members being announced around Thanksgiving.  I've applied each of the past two years and made it to round two last year.  In the past, applicants have answered questions similar to what may be posed to the Moms Panel, submit videos, and complete an interview. While every year there are thousands of applicants, only a small handful can be selected.  What's the secret to getting selected?  If you figure it out, tell me!  I'm sure though from what I've read that knowing your Disney nomenclature, practicing near perfect spelling and grammar, and letting your unique personality shine through are some of the most important criteria.  I can't wait for the applications to open up again this year on September 8th and keep wishing upon a star that this year will be my year to be a Walt Disney World specialist!

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