Moms Panel Training Day 2: Kouzzina, Video Shoot & More

Saturday, December 5th started out bright and early. After showering, I opened my gift basket and was incredibly excited and grateful for everything that I discovered inside: a pink quilted jacket, pink polo, mousepad, watch, blue messenger bag, pink hat, pads of paper and pen...all with the Moms Panel logo on them! In addition there was a smaller travel bag. I was SO giddy and excited!

The time was on my watch read:


and we were due to meet in the lobby at 7:30 to head to the Boardwalk. We'd be enjoying breakfast at Disney's newest Restaurant Kouzzina. They feature celebrity chef Cat Cora's Mediterranean family recipes. Here's our group waiting for the shuttle:

Kouzzina had delicious food, and we enjoyed the chance to get to know each other.


Photo below by Brenna

Joel, Amy and Jonas

Joel and Amy

Lots of excited smiles all around the tables...

Dannee and I

Portia and Diane L

Amanda A and I

A Hidden Mickey in the lobby.

After breakfast, we headed back to the Contemporary where it was time for our video shoot at the California Grill. It was supposed to be outside in the sunshine, but the weather wasn't cooperating with that plan. Here's Amy and Andi getting all dolled up.

My turn for make-up and hair...

Photos of me by Kathie

Andi describing her video shoot experience to Jonas and Kathie :)

All I will say about my video shoot is that I ended up being much more nervous than I expected to be. I recall walking out of the room and immediately wanting a retake (but I think I had already been given several, LOL). I learned that I do better when I know what to expect. Now that I've done this once and have survived the "deer in the headlights" experience, I'm ready for future cameras and plan to sparkle and shine. Note to friends and family: You can feel free to skip my video online, really...I won't be offended...oy.

Here I am with Disney Dads Terry and Chris after my video shoot.

The view out the windows, yes...it's still raining...

Dannee waiting for her turn...

After we all finished our video shoots, we were off for a VERY exciting field trip! The Utilidors Tour!! The Utilidor is a utility corridor built beneath the Magic Kingdom. It is part of Disney's "backstage" area, and is used by Cast Members. I will only say that it was incredibly exciting, and a true honor to be able to experience it. I will remember it forever, as I will with every single moment of this trip. :)

Afterwards, we were all presented with these pins:

It says, "Guest Service Star" and is a symbol for the Service that the Moms Panelists will be providing to Guests in helping them plan their vacations to the most Magical place on earth :) I became teary eyed...it was all such a dream come true to me and I still could hardly believe this was all really happening!!

After the Utilidor Tour, we were led out the the Castle Forecourt. Here, we would experience our next event!!