So you’ve made it to Round 2 of the planDisney Panel Search…congratulations!! That is an amazing accomplishment and super exciting. However, you may be feeling nervous and unsure about the next round. Or you may have been here before and wondering what you can do the same or different to advance or finally have it be your year.
I’ve been there. And then I finally made the planDisney panel in 2014, back when it was called the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Many people have asked me for my advice on Round 2, so here’s the advice I give to my friends. I do not represent Disney, planDisney, or anyone else except myself.
PlanDisney Panel Round 2 Search Advice
When you answered the Round 1 questions, there was something that caught someone’s eye and you advanced to Round 2! Now it’s time for more questions and a video in Round 2.
Here are some of my best tips for the Round 2 in the planDisney Search:
- Stand out.
- Be yourself.
- Have a clear video.
- Be audible and speak clearly.
- Follow all instructions in the application.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to turn in your application.
- Have someone else proofread your answers.
- Don’t compare yourself.
- Answer the questions.
- Be passionate.
- Smile!
Some of this advice may sound obvious, but sometimes we forget the little things. I have proofread answers over and over and over, and sometimes I still make mistakes. So ask someone else with fresh eyes to proofread.
Find a way to stand out. There are A LOT of qualified and magical applicants. You need something to stand out above the rest – whether it’s your expertise, the languages you speak, a special experience, the way you answer questions, etc. Find something that will make anyone reading your answers or watching your video remember you the next day or a week later.
Sometimes technical issues happen. But also life happens. Try to finish your application with some time to account for any issues that may arise.
Smile! Sometimes when I get nervous, I forget the simple things. I can’t say exactly what planDisney is looking for, but for the most part they want real people helping real Guests. You don’t need to worry about fancy editing skills, but blurry videos don’t help anyone get to know you better.
Relax. Easier said than done, but try your best.
If you don’t make it to Round 3, it’s not a reflection on your qualifications or Disney magic. I can’t imagine how hard it is to choose the panel each year. And sometimes the needs change.
If you’ve been applying for years and years and you get another ‘not this year’ email, do what’s best for you. If you’re one of those who wait for Search each year and enjoy the process, then you’re awesome! I am in awe of your positivity.
If you’re one who gets a little more down each year, you’re awesome, too. And it’s ok to take a break for a year to let your heart heal or find other ways to make magic.
You can look up stats on everything from number of panelists each year to when emails come out to how many panelists they’ll take from this state or that state, etc. I don’t know that anyone will ever crack the code.
It takes courage to apply. And you should be proud of yourself no matter what. The highs are super high and the lows are lsuper ow, and there’s value in the process. The pain and joy I’ve had over the years have been equally as important to me.
I love my planDisney family. I also love the friends I’ve made through the planDisney Search process. There’s nothing like finding your people who never want to grow up and who understand that flying across the country to see the last shows of Rogers the Musical is totally normal.
Good luck, pixie dust, and hugs! Ready to begin? Let the wonder take hold. Go get ’em, Class of 2024!