Attending my first Disney Social Media Moms Conference 2012 was a whirlwind experience for both my daughter and myself. Since this was my first time attending the event, I had no expectations. I have attended many a corporate meeting, two in Disney World as a matter of fact but The Disney Social Media Moms Conference more than exceeded my wildest dreams. The conference was well thought out, supremely organized, informative and yes, inspirational.
We arrived on Thursday, early enough to enjoy visiting Hollywood Studios which disappointingly we found out at that Dancing Star Storm Troopers only make appearances during the Star Wars weekend. Nonetheless, my daughter enjoyed riding the Haunted Mansion. I opted not to take the plunge.
During the first night’s mixer, we learned about Disney’s newest family friendly property, Aulani on Oahu, Hawaii. Since I have never been to Hawaii, I was intrigued by all the amenities this incredible property has to offer. Afterwards, my daughter met me at a private beach party at Disney Yacht Club resort where we were staying.
Day 2 was filled with amazing line up of speakers.
- Meg Crofton, the President of Walt Disney World Resort and Parks gave us a quick preview of our upcoming tour of the newest Disney World Resort property, The Art of Animation Resort which is set to open in May 2012.
- Amy Jo Martin – Digital Royalty provided us with her take on social media. “Everyone’s content is the same but how you deliver it, is unique to you. Designing your day means doing more of what makes you happy. How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.”
- Ramon DeLeon – Domino’s Pizza Chicago was truly the best speaker of the event. His brand of using social media to build excitement for product that should otherwise not generate that much excitement but he does. All I know is the next time I go to Chicago, I WILL be heading to Ramon’s Domino’s Pizza just to order some pizza. My favorite quotes from Ramon included “Those who help people, win and Give people “Wow” to share and they will. Challenge yourself and create your own “Wow.”
- Gary Buchanan – Disney’s Social Media Managing Editor talked about the Star Wars weekends.
- Ann Foster – Director of Disney Destinations Consumer Insights provided the “food for thought” quote of the conference. “There’s only 18 summers to have a family vacation with your child.” If that doesn’t make you think that every day and every vacation should be a memory for you both I don’t know what will.
- Peter Shankman – The Geek Factory best quotes. “Be a weed. A weed is different, it sticks around. Being different rocks. Nothing exciting ever happens in your comfort zone. Staying in your comfort zone is usually because of fear. 90% of the reasons our ideas fail is because we’re waiting for other people’s approval. If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.
- Lisa Druxman: Stroller Strides I loved her tip “Write out Your Goals! Daily. And take Quiet Time Daily. Review the Goals and Review them Weekly and Monthly. See your progress and you will get to your goals.” That is what I need to to NOW.
That evening, we all headed to Animal Kingdom which was fantastic because my daughter was able to ride Expedition Everest one of her favorite rides.
Day 3 of the Social Media Media Moms Celebration started with a surprise treat of an appearance by original Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers Cubby O’Brien and Sherry Alberoni. They talked all about their early years as a mousketeer and working with “Uncle Walt.” Cubby even performed. Then it was off to a variety of breakout sessions ranging from going on the Wild Africa Trek to Social Innovation at Disney.
I attended “Cruising Disney Style” and learned about Disney’s fleets of ships, their amenities and attractions, and itineraries for 2012 and 2013.That evening we were lucky enough to preview the Art of Animation Resort Hotel and enjoy a fun-filled evening.
There you have it, just a few days at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Disclosure: I was invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Conference and paid a fee to participate. I was not specifically asked to post about the event but reporting on the events that really stood out for me. And for the record, it is the “happiest place on earth.”
