Disney Social Media Moms on the Road in Philadelphia

When I was chosen to attend the Disney Social Media Moms on the Road in Philadelphia, I didn’t know I was in for such a dose of Disney magic and pixie dust!  Was it worth the 8 hour drive, both ways?  Absolutely!  But I didn’t drive that far only for a Mickey shaped Rice Krispie treat.  I wanted to learn how to grow my blog, and of course learning from the best in business-Disney-was a must!  Not only did I learn a ton, but it also reinforced my passion for selling Disney travel.  I have always loved Disney, Disney travel, and the memories associated with Disney.  And now, seeing it from a mom, blogger, AND travel agent perspective, I love it even more!

My Disney Social Media Moms conference started with arriving in King of Prussia around 4PM.  After listening to Disney on my iTunes radio and the FROZEN soundtrack over and over, I was ready to interact with my fellow agents and bloggers for the evening.  The Crowne Plaza was spectacular!  And after meeting up with my fellow agents in the lobby, I knew we were in for some fun!  Off to the Melting Pot for dinner-and some photo booth fun!

On Thursday morning, I thought some Disney-bounding was in order.  So I donned my Minnie Mouse colors-white pants, red shirt, black and white Mickey head scarf, and black flats to head down the hall to the conference.  After I checked in, we chatted while we waited for the doors to open.  As soon as we walked in, it was Disney.  Totally.  Disney Parks music playing, photo backdrops and props to Rock our Disney Side, as well as cute table decorations.

Our morning started with the fantastic Disney Parks Blog representatives.  Gary Buchanan, Jenn Fickley-Baker, and Jamie Landon all had magical behind the scenes information and helpful blogging tips for us.  If anyone knows about Social Media, it’s these three!  I loved that they shared the story behind the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!  Every GREAT Disney attraction has a GREAT story!  And let me tell you from experience, the SDMT is no exception!

Plus as the day went on, I kept adding more Disney Social Media Moms goodies to my super cute Initials, Inc bag!  Vinylmation, pins, prints {that I’m hanging in my office}, puzzles, sunscreen, and so much more!  All the fun items below fit in my absolutely adorable Initials, Inc bag…that I so love!

Victoria Lim was so kind to tell us about using our iPads, iPhones, and videos effectively in our blogging and social media sharing.  Of course, I’m a sucker for a good app.  Did you know that live photos get 104% more comments?  And, I also learned that Twitter is where it’s at as far as social media goes!  There were hashtags everywhere!

Toward the end of our time, three fantastic business moms joined us.  These inspiring women-Amy Bradley, @toydozer, Toydozer, Kristi Gorinas, Dad Pack, andJen Groover, @jengroover, Butler Bag were moderated by Maria Bailey, @MomTalkRadio, MomTV.com.  The two things I really took away from them:

Have more fear of regret than fear of failure because the sense of regret is stronger than the sense of failure.

When you are talking to your children, look at the whites of their eyes.

And before I knew it, the morning was over-but not until my favorite Mouse made an appearance! It wouldn’t be a Disney event if Mickey Mouse didn’t show up!  I can only hope that next year I’ll be chosen to attend the Disney Social Media Moms on the Road-or even better the full conference in Orlando or Anaheim. Now THAT would be a dream come true-I guess my heart better start wishing!