I'm a Wannabe Disney Moms Panelist

I have no shame in saying I so badly wanted to apply to be a part of this year's Disney Moms Panel however, being that my last trip to WDW was more than a year ago and going to Aulani didn't count (bummer) I was not eligible to apply in September. 

I thought it might be a fun exercise though to head to the Moms Panel site and see if I could answer any of the submitted questions about WDW. This is my park of expertise so I filtered there to see the questions. This is in no way me saying that the answers provided by the panel are incorrect, these women (and men) know their stuff! They know more than I do honestly, I'm just practicing with hopes one day I'll be able to be a part of the panel. I thought I would see if I would answer in the same manner or if I would have a different take on things. As I stated, I am not a panelist, just a big ol' wannabe. 

​Let's see if I can answer some questions!

Here are the most recent questions asked and answered on the Moms Panel page about Walt Disney World. I carefully scrolled down the page to be sure I only read the question and not the panelist's answer. After I answered I checked theirs against mine. Check out their answers via the provided links and mine and please, let me know how I stack up! I'm a work in progress!

Question 1: How long does it take to get to the Magic Kingdom Resort from Art and Animation Resort?

This is a resort I've personally never stayed at however, upon looking at the map of WDW property, Art of Animation is nearest to Hollywood Studios. I would venture a bus trip takes about 25 minutes, give or take. This does not include time spent waiting for the next MK bus at the hotel's bus depot but the bus drops off closer to MK's gate than driving oneself. Driving to MK will require either a boat or monorail ride from the parking lot to the front gate. 

Question 2: Have reservations at Boatwrights. From MK what is the best stop to get off (or does it matter)? When returning to Pop Century, I see that there is a boat to Dis.Spr. Is that the best return?Finally, should we have that Pecan Pie or Ghirodellis for desert?   

Boatwrights in located in Port Orleans. If traveling from MK to Port Orleans - Riverside you can easily take a bus right to PO-Riverside! On your way back, PO does offer a water taxi to Disney Springs that will allow for bus services that can get you back to Pop Century. Otherwise you can take a bus to another park and hop on the bus for PC from there. In regards to desert, I guess it would depend on if you wished to digest a bit after the meal. Taking the water taxi to Disney Springs and heading to Ghirardelli is a great choice because you just can't go wrong with a Golden Gate Banana Split!

Question 3: Is there a fee from Orlando airport to Old Key West resort on the Magical Express?

I love the Magical Express! Once you get off the plane, you grab your carry on (not your checked bags, so no waiting at the carousel) and find the line for the Magical Express. From there your band will be scanned and you'll be ushered onto the bus that will take you to your hotel. Your bags will be delivered right to your room. All of this is done at no extra cost, just be sure to sign up for it after you book your flight! 

Question 4: Is AK open for marathon spectator viewing before 9am park opening? Event guide says 6:30am so folks can enter the park early? But a ticket is still needed before 9? (I'm hoping to run through between 8-9.) Thanks!!

Running the WDW marathon is so fun! I've done it myself once and remember running through parks prior to park opening and only having Disney Cast Members (and characters) there to cheer me on. Once the parks opened that is when guests lined the path. AK will not open early for spectators and anyone who wishes to watch you along your route will need to purchase a park ticket for the day. Unless they were planning on being at AK anyway, I would have your chEARing section meet you at the finish line. 

Question 5: Can you get to the Hoop-de-doo from the Wilderness Lodge?

Both Wilderness Lodge and Ft. Wilderness (location of Hoop-de-doo) are on the boat route. The best bet is to take the boat from WL to FW and back again.

There we have it, my first attempt at answering questions about WDW! I can already tell I need to work on providing more details and contact info but I think this was a great first attempt. I'll keep doing this exercise through out the year to work on getting experience and a feel for what it is like to be on the Moms Panel and not just a wannabe! 

Here's hoping I can get to WDW soon so I can be eligible to apply next time!