When you wish upon a star....

I'm not sure how many of you realize this, but I am a fanatic when it comes to all things Disney. I love the parks, Disney films, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and if I could afford it, I would vacation several times a year at Walt Disney World. I will admit, I am a wee bit obsessed with the Mouse and his House.

Today, I took the first step toward fulfilling a dream I've had for three years. I applied for the Disney Mom's Panel. The Mom's Panel is a group of moms - and one dad - who answer questions in an online forum about planning a vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando (and the Disney Cruise Line). Today was the first day to apply for the 2010 panel -- and so at 9 a.m. this morning I started answering three questions in (100 words or less per answer) about me, my family, and any expertise I might possess that would be useful if picked for the panel.

And for the rest of the day I have been second guessing my answers (or at least the portion of those answers that I can remember!). I just wanted my answers to be 'right' and I know that I should stop stressing, but this is something that is really important to me. I have wanted to be part of this panel since it started. I applied in 2007 and 2008. And, if I don't make it this year, I will apply again next year.

I love planning trips to Disney. I love reading the guide books and 'unofficial' Web sites, researching the best resorts and restaurants. I have a notebook that is quickly filling with ideas, lists, and 'must do' items for our next family trip to WDW (which isn't until 2011...but you can never be too prepared!). I spend time every day 'tweeting' with other Disney fans, dreaming about being at the parks. And to be part of this panel would mean I would have the chance to share my thoughts, ideas and tips with parents around the country (and the world) - helping them plan a great trip at the happiest place on Earth.

It's hard to express how much I want this or how much it would mean to me to be picked. It would be amazing - sort of how I feel every time I walk through the turnstiles at the Magic Kingdom and step onto Main Street. I would be overjoyed.

They accept 20,000 applications, and this year they are only picking 10 moms and/or dads to be on the panel. Yes, I said 10. Out of 20,000. So yes, I understand that I probably have a better chance of being hit by lightning than I do getting picked....but I am hoping and wishing upon s star that I've been sprinkled with some extra pixie dust today!

If I make the cut this year and become a real Mickey Mom, it will be a dream come true.