Disney Mom's Panel Interview with Kristen Hoetzel Go

To continue with my series of interviews with Mom's Panel applicants, we go to Kristen Hoetzel Go, Moderator on the Sorcerer Radio forums and Chef of the Cooking with Mickey show on Youtube (click here to view and subscribe to Kristen's Youtube feed).

What made you want to apply for the Disney Mom’s Panel?

I have a lot of experience with traveling and have been fortunate to have had a chance to travel throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. One of my favorite places is Walt Disney World. I love planning my Disney vacation and sharing my tips and experiences with others on message boards and my blog. I thought what better way than to become part of the Disney Mom’s Panel.

What did you have to do to apply?

Visit http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com/recruiting/default.aspx , register or log in if you already have an account. Then you answer three questions about yourself, your family and your favorite tip.

What were the requirements to apply?

You had to be 18 years of age or older, speak English fluently, have access to the Internet, be able to provide opinions, respond at least 15 times a week, be able to participate for a year, be able to travel to WDW Dec 4-8, post a photo and autobiography, not be a CM or TA and be familiar with WDW and having visiting in the last 12 months. I think that about covers it. Lucky for me, you don’t have to be a mom.

What exactly does someone on the Disney Mom’s Panel do?

The Mom’s Panel answers questions, concerns and helps others with planning their magical Disney vacation. They get to answer with facts and with personal experiences.

What do you feel qualifies you to be on the Mom’s Panel?

My first trip to WDW was a high school trip in 1991. I immediately fell in love! Since then I’ve been 10 times. I even had my honeymoon there. I’ve stayed at all of the resort categories and off-site. I have tried several of the Disney restaurants from Cinderella’s Royal Table to Raglan Road to Biergarten. I’ve even tried a couple of the Disney Dining Plans. I’ve done several of the non-theme park Disney activities. I’ve been to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. I’ve been on several cruises, just not the Disney cruise… yet. I also have medical problems so I’m familiar with some of the needs of those with disabilities and some of the challenges that they can have with the parks. Also, I enjoy writing and sharing with others. I belong to four Disney fan site message boards and am a moderator on one. I share my Disney tips, knowledge, Disney dining experiences and trip reports with others on these sites and include them on my blog.

If you got onto the panel, what would you want to do?

Once I was finished screaming and doing a happy dance I would immediately start. I would be so happy to get to share my experiences and help others plan that very special, magical Walt Disney World vacation. I’d tell others the great information I know about planning a honeymoon, anniversary trips, just for fun trips, things to do that are romantic, great places to dine, how to plan a couples trip, a family trip or even a trip with just friends. I would share my experiences with special events like Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.

Any other thoughts/comments?

I’d like to wish all of those who applied good luck and I look forward to possibly getting to be on the panel with some of them. For those who enjoy reading Disney dining reviews, trip reports and videos on Disney recipes (I’m host of Cooking With Mickey) visit www.srsounds.com/forum. I’m BelleLovesTheBeast on the forum and I can be followed at Twitter.com/Cookin_w_Mickey.