Highlights from Disney Social Media Moms 2012

I cannot believe that it has already been a week since I left for the Disney Social Media Moms Conference! It is difficult to capture everything I experienced into one blog post, but I have highlighted my favorite moments below. Also, if you attended the conference and wrote a post as well, please leave your link in the linky widget at the end of this post.

I hope you are ready to see a ton of photos. 🙂

YACHT CLUB RESORT

photo credit: Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resorts never disappoint and the Yacht Club Resort was certainly no different. This deluxe resort was within walking distance of Epcot and a short boat ride from Hollywood Studios, which was very convenient during my short stay. The nautical theme was consistent throughout the grounds and took you to a world of water and relaxation. The Yacht Club even had 24-hour hot tub access that a few of us enjoyed one evening!

FOOD

I have a confession-I get just as excited about the food at Walt Disney World as I do the rides in the parks. There are so many flavors to experience in the resorts and parks, especially in Epcot’s World Showcase. I like to explore new restaurants with each visit, so I made sure to reserve a special lunch with a good friend and co-worker Haley (who was also celebrating her birthday!) at Les Chefs de France in the French section of the World Showcase. The food was, well, magnifique.

I also enjoyed tasty dishes at Rose & Crown, Crystal Palace, Captain’s Grille, and from all of the conference breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

The conference included a host of a great lineup of speakers from various backgrounds and fields of work. We were honored to listen to the following speakers:

• Amy Jo Martin, Digital Royalty, @DigitalRoyalty
• Ramon DeLeon, Domino’s Pizza, @Ramon_Deleon
• Peter Shankman, The Geek Factory, @PeterShankman
• Lisa Druxman, Stroller Strides, @LisaDruxman
• Chris Brogan, Human Business Works, @ChrisBrogan
• Conference Host: Maryellen Hooper, @MaryellenHooper

ART OF ANIMATION SNEAK PEEK

It was a real treat taking a sneak peek at the new Art of Animation Resort! This value resort was decked out in kid-friendly Finding Nemo decor, including Nemo family suites, a pool, and a splash pad. When complete, the resort will also include sections for Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid. My kids are already begging me to book a room!

NEW FANTASYLAND ADDITIONS

During the conference, we also heard about the new additions that are currently being made to Fantasyland! These additions include Storybook Circus and Fantasyland Forest.

WALT DISNEY WORLD PARKS

I could not leave out the fun I had in the parks! My pal, Haley, and I were able to enjoy several rides and attractions at all of the parks, including Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, Toy Story Midway Mania, and of course, It’s a Small World. The folks at Disney provided all attendees with a PhotoPass, which was the first time I had used the service. I have to tell you, it was so nice having special photo opps available throughout the parks! Here are a few of my favorites shots (I came home with 80 shots):

FRIENDS, OLD AND NEW

A social media conference isn’t complete without your best blogging friends around you. It was a joy seeing close friends of mine and making brand new connections.

photo credit: Jyl Johnson Pattee

photo credit: Jyl Johnson Pattee

photo credit: Jyl Johnson Pattee

FINAL THOUGHTS

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Disney Social Media Moms and hope to bring my family next time, if I am invited back. Although we have visited Walt Disney World several times, including a Disney cruise, the Disney Social Media Moms event elevates the magic with their own special touches that no one else can duplicate. I am extremely grateful that I was given this opportunity to take part.

There is something about Disney that makes us all giddy, giggly, and inspired by the magic. At Walt Disney World, there is a place for us all, despite our differences, disabilities, or lifestyles. Once there, one is given permission to forget the stress and worry of the world and just have plain fun. This is why my family and I keep going back.

Amy @ Mom Spark

For 16 years, I have been the creator & full-time blogger of Mom Spark. I’ve also created content for numerous outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, & Huff Post.