Disney Social Media Moms Celebration "On-The-Road" Magical Memories #DisneySMMoms

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Disclosure: I participated in the Disney On-The-Road Social Media Moms conference. This was a free conference, and I have not been compensated for writing about the conference. However, I did receive a fabulous gift filled Disney bag and promotional products at the event.

In June I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-the-Road” event held at the beautiful Crown Plaza Valley Forge in King of Prussia, PA. To say that I was thrilled, excited and honored to be invited to this event is an understatement. It is one of THE social media conferences of the year for Mom Bloggers. An invitation is highly coveted with some bloggers traveling long distances to attend the half day event in Chicago, Philadelphia and Phoenix Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-the-Road” conference locations.
It was a magical day that flew by too quickly. Not so fast that I didn't snap a few quite a few pictures to share with you.

The hour and a half drive to Philly seemed to fly by as I rocked out to my favorite Disney CDs. I arrived at the conference at 7:30, right on schedule as the doors to the conference room opened at 8:am. Walking in to the beautiful  lobby of the Crowne Plaza Hotel I was immediately greeted by my blogging friends Lisa and James from Home is Where the Mouse is, Linda from Great WDW Tips, Amy from Mouse Ears Mom, all pictured below. After warm Olaf hugs all around we queued up at the registration desk which was also where we received our lanyards and magical goodie bags.While waiting for the doors to open I got to meet up with my DF Didi from DisTherapy and many more familiar friendly faces. It was a great opportunity to socialize, exchange cards and make new friends.

The room was rocking the magic of  Disney. From banners and balloons to photo ops and pixie dusted decorations on each table.

Kermit was thrilled with my table choice and immediately started socializing with the red head.

Tricia from Pixie Dusted Treasures and Didi from DisTherapy rockin' their Disney Side with props.

A delicious breakfast of quiche, hash browns, fresh fruit, juice and coffee were a welcome sight for me as I was up at 3:30 am. and too excited to sleep or eat before my drive. Only for Disney would I get up that early and go without coffee. To top it off we were treated to a sweet Mickey Rice Krispie treat.

Yummy breakfast

After finding a table, meeting my table mates and nibbling a bit I had the opportunity to meet Gary Buchanan,
Social Media Managing Editor for Disney Parks Public Relations Walt Disney World Resort. I had been looking forward to the opportunity to meet Gary IRL (such a fangirl) for a long time. Each of the events I have attended somehow I had missed a "meet and greet" with the social media rock star. Well, Disney fans I have to tell you, he is as charming, funny, witty and sweet IRL as he is online.

Gary Buchanan strikes a impressive character pose in his Disney Bounding Jedi Donald attire.

After a bit more socializing it was time for us to take our seats for the the conference to begin. We were welcomed to the conference by Jamie Langdon, Public Relations & Social Media Manager Walt Disney World.

Jamie introduced us to Gary Buchanan, Walt Disney World Social Media Managing Editor who talked about all the exciting new things happening in the Disney Parks and gave us a behind the scenes look at the Disney creative process by sharing some great stories and visuals in his effervescent and dynamic manor that we all enjoyed so much.

 

One of the stories I truly enjoyed hearing about was the making of the "Diaper Dans" video and how it was inspired by a 10 pm typo of Dapper Dans. He took the typo "Diaper Dans" and developed it into an unforgettable hit video with the help of a few cookies from the Main Street Bakery.

 

The most adorable "Diaper Dans"performing on Main Street USA.

Gary is just a natural with kids and watching him interact with the little ones in the making of this video was hysterical. His storytelling and creativity have no bounds!  Jamie's daughter stole the show! Just a cute as can be and so sweet, just like her mom.

Following Gary was Jenn Fickley-Baker, PhD. Social Media Manager for The Disney Parks Blog who talked to us about story content, the creative team of over 100 writers and shared stories that were inspirational and furthered each point.

The making of the sensational tweet that actually featured 140 characters to officially announce the latest Disney Parks bicoastal, All-Night Extravaganza on Memorial Day Weekend. Disney creativity and storytelling is epic!

The heartwarming story that brought a tear to my eye and I think everyone in the room was
Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members Rally To Reunite Guest With Beloved Bear.

Next up was Victoria Lim, Managing editor at Walt Disney World. Victoria shared tips from her vast knowledge of  photography and photo journalism.
Victoria showed us how tips for taking better still pictures with your phone and for taking video. Both areas I am seriously lacking in but would very much like to improve. Have you seen my video tutorials? No, because they are just awful. I sound like Glinda on helium and shoot like I'm waving a flag. We call it "he's got a gun" type videography.

I'll leave you today with a great takeaway from Victoria Lim,

"Photos on Facebook receive 104% more comments and double the exposure of the post."

Coming soon - Part II of Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On The Road” in Philly. I'll share more magical memories, tips and takeaways from the day, more guest speakers, more Kermit and a most magical character encounter.

Till then,

Special ..make that HUGE thanks to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Team and Maria Bailey and her BSM Media Team for inviting me to this magical event. You've inspired me with your immense creativity, dynamic presentations, extensive knowledge and your continued generosity toward moms and families. I am excited to go forward and spread some pixie dust!!!