Spreading Magic On the Road with Disney Social Media Moms
How do I even begin to describe how AWESOME (insert LEGO theme song here) it was to be invited to Disney Social Media Moms On The Road event?! I'll tell you right now that this subject will become a series of content posted, there was so much to take away, I can't fit it all into one post. This was my first blogging conference EVER, and the best part was that it was Disney :) If you're just joining me, make sure to read my first post that sheds light on what this event is about. This wonderful event took place in Scottsdale, AZ at the Fairmont Princess Resort.
Woo! It was a warm night :)
Scottsdale welcomed me into town the night before at 100º, just in time to share some laughter, excitement and drinks with some of the fabulous ladies in attendance. It was great to finally meet so many of the women that I've become friends with through social media and their blogs. It's really funny, I never met any of them in "real life" before, aside from the fabulous Disney Sisters. But no worries, I was in my element, surrounded by Disney family! Eventually, we all decided we should probably hit the hay since registration started the next morning at 7:45 am! My roomies were Jana from Merlot Mommy & Krista from Mostly Mommyhood!
So... who am I?! :)
We stayed at the Fairmont Princess Resort in Scottsdale, AZ and sleep came and went. I was up before 5 am, couldn't sleep from all the excitement! I enjoy representing my #DisneySide at all times, but especially when I'm attending a Disney function. So, naturally I went bounding as one of my favorite childhood princesses, can you guess?? :)
We trekked to the ballroom for registration and the excitement just kept building. I'm sure my roomies were probably tired of me rambling on about how amazing and excited that I was. I just couldn't contain myself. Being apart of Disney magic again was extremely moving and emotional. Me, emotional? Yes, tears were shed that day.
We checked in, received our badges, complete with our names and social media information. Oh, and the awesome swag bags! I love me some swag, but that was only a tiny bit of the pixie dust that was sprinkled that day. We chatted for a bit outside the the doors, then were welcomed inside, magical music playing and images of our DisneySide playing on the big screen. To the left, there were props from every imaginable Disney movie and backdrops to take selfies and group shots! That was a lot of fun; we were able to network before the festivities began.
Roomies - Jana & Krista
Once we all had our photo ops, we sat and had a lovely breakfast. Since I am allergic to gluten, I was able to correspond with BSM Media and made sure to request something that I could eat. I have to say, I was expecting fruit or yogurt! My friends all had yummy quiche, then low and behold our server came out and they had whipped up a gluten free quiche for me! It was amazing. I was overjoyed! It was magically tasty!
“Follow along @Disneyland on Twitter and hashtag #Disneyland60 ”
As we ate our breakfast, we were welcomed by Michele Himmelberg, @mhimmelberg, Director of PR at Disneyland. It was an honor meeting her! Michele shared about spending quality time with others, especially our families and how important it is to play at every age. I think that is so important. It's easier said than done, no matter how many kids you have. We have to make time, which is something I'm working on. It's easy to get caught up with all the stuff in life and forget to stop and PLAY. With play in mind, Michele tipped us off to pay special attention on July 17th which happens to be Disneyland's 59th birthday! {Sidenote: Our little family normally has a birthday party for Disneyland and we will be showing our DisneySide once again this year!}
There are some cool things in store for the 60th anniversary next year; I am really hoping to be at the Parks for that event! I don't know what it is, but I've already marked my calendar! Visit DisneyParksBlog.com at 10am PST on July 17th for a sneak peek! Follow along on Twitter @Disneyland and with the hashtag #Disneyland60. Can't wait!
We also did a favorite Disney activity - Pin Trading!! I started out with a Donald Duck pin, but I was in search of a special Castle! My roomie Jana had the castle I NEEDED, however she wasn't going to give it up for my Donald Pin. Fair enough :) Well, I ended up switching out Donald with a super cute Duffy Bear wearing a Sulley costume! Then my new friend Dani from Sincerely, Dani Rose, happily traded Duffy for the Castle and UP Balloons! The funny thing is, she traded the castle for Jack Skellington, with guess who?? Jana! It was a fun time of networking and laughter.
So many awesome things happened this year at the parks. Michele gave us insight into the Dwarfs Mine Train ride at the Magic Kingdom and we watched a behind the scenes video (above) of its creation by the Imagineers. It's really amazing the process that goes into the rides. It's all in the details! Right now there is a lot of magic happening with Disney's "Be the 8th Miner" contest. Check out all the fun at bethe8thminer.com and send in your pictures! You could end up winning $500 and a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train pin for the weekly challenge and be entered to win a 7-night Walt Disney World Resort vacation for four!!
Like I said, there was so much to take home, it was a very inspiring time of learning. I'll be uploading content over the next few weeks, sharing my thoughts from our amazing speakers. I'll leave you with a yummy dining tip from Michele... Next trip go to Disney's California Adventure and have breakfast at Flo's V8 Cafe in Cars Land. Order the Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast. I found this amazing picture on pinterest, from food blog Picky Palate - YUM!
Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast with Bananas... Oi Vey! Image © Picky Palate
If that doesn't make your mouth water and keep you hanging for more... I'll be sharing more from my trip in a series of upcoming posts. Stay tuned!
Up next...
Disney Parks Social Media: Behind The Scenes with Erin Glover, @gopluto, Disneyland Social Media Director
xo {spread magic}
THANK YOU so much to our fabulous hosts//speakers//insiders:
Maria Bailey, @MomTalkRadio, MomTV.com
Michele Himmelberg, @mhimmelberg, Disneyland Public Relations Director
Erin Glover, @gopluto, Disneyland Social Media Director
Lori Lorenz, @LoriLorenzCA @HPPrint, Senior Director, Direct Print Services, HP
Tracey Clark, @traceyclark, TraceyClark.com
Lisa Cash Hanson, @Mompreneurmogul, Snugg Wugg
Romy Taormina, @psibands, Psi Bands
Allyson Phillips, @tiltycupmom, Tilty Cup
Nadine Bubeck, @NadineBubeck, ExpectingPerfect.com
The Real Grumpy Cat, @RealGrumpyCat
For more info on this event and the Disney Social Media Mom Celebration, visit www.disneysmmoms.com