Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2014 #DisneySMMoms

From the time I first learned about the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration happening each year at varying Disney resorts, I dreamed of receiving an invitation. I grew up visiting Disneyland each summer with my family while my husband grew up visiting Disney World. Together we are a Disney loving pair with a five year old daughter that could navigate herself through Disneyland because we visit so frequently. From our daughter’s first Disney pin trading experience to celebrating a birthday in Disneyland, each time visiting the park brings magical memories. This year, for the first time our family was invited to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Disneyland and we were ecstatic!

The schedule was full of fun and began from the moment we arrived. We checked in to the Disneyland Hotel and then went to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration registration area. With so many different tables to explore, we spent some time learning about new Disney apps and partnerships. We had our photo taken and later received a fun magazine cover style image.

We also had the opportunity to visit with Mickey during registration. My daughter was so excited for her big hug from Mickey!

Checking in to our room was just as magical! We have stayed at the Disneyland Hotel many times and the fireworks lighting up to Disney music in your room are always exciting.

My husband and daughter went to Disneyland while I attended the welcome reception sponsored by Coppertone.

Later we all met at the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree for a fun family dinner sponsored by the Magic of Healthy Living. We learned about new initiatives for children to eat healthy while hanging out with our favorite Disney characters. Live music, a scavenger hunt, and face painting added to the fun evening.

The next morning  all the conference attendees had an early breakfast sponsored by Hanes. We learned about new ComfortBlend undergarments for the entire family.

Then it was time for the conference general session to begin. We heard about everything from the traveling research used to create Cars Land to the social media platforms behind the Disney Resorts. Very influential Disney gurus and imagineers spoke to us about how they are turning Walt’s dreams into reality. We were also treated to some very special guests that shared how they show their Disney Side. Leslie Kay from Disney Bound, Jorge Narvaez of the Reality Changers, and the real Grumpy Cat were so inspiring. We heard from former NFL player and Dancing with the Stars winner Donald Driver and he shared his personal experiences about how he strives to help others with the power of his voice. Hearing from the Build-A-Bear founder was another amazing part of the day.

Throughout the day we spent some time with favorite characters too. Visiting with Anna and Elsa is always a treat! After learning about the creative process for Maleficent we were surprised with an opportunity for photos with the stunning character. Maleficent was intimidating and beautiful as she posed for pictures with the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration attendees. 

After the general session ended we had time to explore the parks with our families. We visited a few attractions before stopping for Starbucks at the Fidler, Fifer, and Practical cafe in California Adventure. Then we were treated to a special reserved viewing area for the World of Color water show.

Returning to our room in the Disneyland Hotel was exciting because a special gift had been left for us. We received the Animators’ Collection It’s a Small World China doll, It’s a Small World 50th Anniversay CD, and the Sabrina Carpenter CD. The doll was very special because my daughter is going to be entering a Mandarin Immersion Kindergarten program later this year. She loved getting to hear the doll sing in Chinese.

Saturday morning began with the attendees and families having separate breakfasts sponsored by Disney Junior. We learned about the new Give a Book, Get a Book program from some pretty amazing guests. Genevieve Goings of Choo Choo Soul shared why she believes every child should have access to books. We also heard from Reading Rainbow‘s LeVar Burton.

We joined our families for a special celebrity book reading with David Arquette (voice of Jake and the Neverland’s Skully), Ariel Winter (voice of Sofia the First’s Princess Sofia), and Tim Gunn (voice of Sofia the First’s Baileywick). LeVar Burton also read a story to the group. We met several characters and then were treated to a special concert from Sabrina Carpenter, the new star of the Boy Meets World sequel Girl Meets World.

Next we learned about how Maleficent was developed and were surprised by Princess Aurora herself, Elle Fanning. We watched as Maleficent interrupted Elle’s birthday song just before we shared cupcakes to celebrate.

We learned about how Disneynature’s BEARS was filmed before going to the theater in Downtown Disney to preview the movie.

Families were then given time to enjoy the parks together. I ventured off on a tour with some friends while my husband and daughter went to enjoy Disneyland attractions. My friend Sara from Mom Endeavors had won a group tour to a “Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” the night before during the welcome reception. She invited me to attend and I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to visit Walt’s apartment. The lamp above the Main Street Fire Department is always on in Walt’s honor and it was incredible to get to see it from the inside! While I’ve been on many different Disneyland tours, this was my first time stepping inside Walt’s apartment.

Later that evening our families were treated to a special dinner sponsored by GoGo squeeZ inside Mickey’s Toontown. The dinner was fantastic and my daughter was so excited to spend time on the attractions with out lines. We also loved the opportunity to get to know Genevieve Goings! 

Following dinner our group had special VIP access to the Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction. Then we had reserved seating for the fireworks. The “Remember…Deams Come True” fireworks show was the perfect way to end our magical day.  

The morning began extremely early for attendees participating in the runDisney event. I had not planned to attend because the event was full when I registered for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration but was invited last minute when a space opened on the list. The 2 mile run through Disneyland and California Adventures sponsored by New Balance was an incredible experience!

Our families had exclusive private access to Cars Land for the next several hours. We rode attractions over and over before having to return to the Disneyland Hotel and get ready to drive home to Arizona. My daughter was sound asleep in the stroller before we ever made it to the car.

The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was a magical experience and I am so grateful our family was invited to attend. We have always loved Disney but feel so much more appreciation for every amazing detail shared with us during the event. Our family will continue to share our deep love for Disney and grow with many more magical memories! 

I hope you enjoyed my personal photos from the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2014. I plan to share each experience in much greater detail. Which event photo collage is your favorite?

Disclosure: My family was invited to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Disneyland. In exchange for a paid conference fee we experienced many magical moments with planned activities. We also received discounted and complimentary items during our stay at the Disneyland Resort. All opinions and ideas are my own.