Another solution may be to add another panel atop the normal one and add your extra applications to it. Once configured, it can remain hidden; just open it when you need it by clicking on the hide button (left or right is selectable).
Right click on the Panel, select Add to Panel > Panel >Panel
Right click on the new Panel to configure its hiding options, then add your applications to it. The new panel can be customized further by reducing its width or height independently of the main Panel, However, the kicker look seems to be linked to both.
-mikie