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What is the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (& What it isn’t!)

May 8, 2013 By sami 2 Comments

Today kicks off the 2013 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. And while I’ve attended the #DisneySSMoms Celebration (not conference!) the past two years, I will not be there for the 2013 event.

(Pause for a moment of silence).

Yes, I know – I too am (naturally) disappointed…but more than that, I’m grateful to have been chosen to participate in the Disney extravaganza in 2011 and 2012.

That’s right, chosen. I think there are a lot of misnomers out there about what exactly the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is, so as a token of gratitude and in a spirit of education, I thought I’d both clarify what DSSM is…and what it isn’t:

(I think this is also a good time to mention that I am not a Disney spokesperson, am not and never have been employed by Disney, nor was I asked to write this post. This is purely my opinion and insight for the help of clarifying based on my personal experiences for all who ever have been or hope to be a part of this spectacular event).

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration: What it isn’t

1. Disney Social Media Moms is not a conference

Just look at the name: “Disney Social Media Moms Celebration”. Started under the radar in 2010, the Disney Social Media team invited a selected group of bloggers to experience Walt Disney World in a unique way for a 4 day event. The 2011 DSSM Celebration accepted applications, but fell under a huge backlash after applicants didn’t understand that ‘application acceptance’ didn’t equate with ‘conference attendance’. 2012 went back to a pure invitation format. As mentioned above, I was fortunate to have been invited to both the 2011 and 2012 events, both of which were a brilliant combination of speakers and events to not only take my blogging and social media to the next level, but to share what’s up and coming with the Disney Organization, which leads me to my next point…

2. Disney Social Media Moms is not a giant Disney commercial

Not to give too much credit to the nay-sayers, but criticism has come up that the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is nothing more that a giant, glorified Walt Disney World commercial. It isn’t…and I have one simple way to explain it. I think it’s safe to say that anyone attending is a HUGE Disney fan (I know I am!). So what Disney fan wouldn’t want a sneak peak at what’s up and coming in the land of the mouse? Not only do celebration attendants get to experience the parks and hotels in some pretty unique ways, but we are privy to finding out about what’s up and coming in their future plans (for instance, last year we got a preview of the New Fantasyland, as well of the Art of Animation Resort – both of which opened after the event).

3. Disney Social Media Moms is not free

While the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is presented to its participants at a GREATLY reduced cost over regular Disney Parks & Resorts standard pricing, there is still a fee to participate and participants must pay their own travel to and from the event. However, I think anyone who has attended the event would unanimously agree with me in saying that the experience FAR outweighs any cost associated with getting there

So in case you couldn’t glean from my points above what exactly the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration IS, let me help you out

The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is…

an event bringing bloggers and their families together to experience Walt Disney World and the Disney family of brands in a truly unique ( & magical) way!
an invitation only, four day event comprised of both well-known and new bloggers, all for the purpose of helping them expand their blogging know-how & social media reach while fueling their passion for Disney with sneak peaks into what’s ahead for the company
a chance to hear amazing, intelligent and encouraging speakers from the media, business, PR, travel & blogging worlds
a way to meet some incredible bloggers in real life
an opportunity to interview some of the brains behind the Disney shows we love

and of course, an opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime at one of our family’s favorite places on earth: Walt Disney World.

I wanted to send a sparkle of Pixie Dust to ALL the celebrants attending this year’s Social Media Moms event. I would be lying if I didn’t admit I wanted to be there with you all, but of course am proud of the organizers for wanting to introduce a new crop of Social Media Moms (& dads!) into the mix.

Here’s hoping I get to “See You Real Soon” again in 2014!

DSC00025 300x168 What is the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (& What it isnt!)

See you real soon!

For more Disney Social Media Moms goodness, check out:

On the road to Disney Social Media Moms 2012
Art of Animation Resort Sneak Peak
LIVE Shaky & Bones Video footage from the Disney Social Media Moms 2011 event
Disney Character Meeting Video Tips
Inside Disney Social Media Moms 2011

or feel free to check out all my Disney Deals, Discounts & Insights before your next trip to Walt Disney World!

What is your take on the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration?

Filed Under: Reviews, Travel, Walt Disney World Tagged With: conference, disney social media moms, mom, Travel, walt disney world

Art of Animation Cars Family Suite at Walt Disney World

December 4, 2012 By sami

Have you seen inside the Art of Animation resort at Walt Disney World yet? I’ve got a peak inside the Cars Family Suite for you this Christmas at the newest Disney resort, the Art of Animation.

If you watch the video, I also give you a tour inside Animation Hall, which houses registration, the “Ink & Paint” Food Court as well as the gift shop and arcade.

Here’s the tree inside the Art of Animation lobby:

The sky light just above the tree:

The registration area:

Detail of the animation wall:

I got to bunk with my friend Joey Fortman in a Cars Family Suite for the night while in Orlando for some meetings. The Art of Animation resort is 75% family suites, which means you can fit up to 6 people in these rooms. Take a look:

Each room contains a main bedroom with its own bathroom, a separate family room area with its own bathroom, a couch that folds out into a bed and a kitchenette. As you saw, they also have a family friendly desk with a murphy bed – too cool!

The courtyard around the Cars Family suites are also pretty amazing. It looks like you stepped right out of the movie into Radiator Springs!

I also LOVE the CARS details in the rooms. Of course this has nothing to do with the fact that our last name resembles most of the decorations…

I can’t wait to bring my family back to the Art of Animation suites here at one of our favorite vacation destinations, Disney World! The New Fantasyland also opens this week. Unfortunately I won’t have a chance to go into the parks this trip, but we can’t wait to uncover the fun and make even more memories here.

Have any of you stayed at the Art of Animation resort yet? Which section would you choose: Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars or Finding Nemo?

Filed Under: Reviews, Travel, Walt Disney World Tagged With: "art of animation", cars, Christmas, Family, hotel, suite, Travel, walt disney world

Disney Halloween Fun & Activities at Disney Parks & at Home!

October 29, 2012 By sami

IMG 4056 300x200 Disney Halloween Fun & Activities at Disney Parks & at Home!

Looking for some Disney Halloween fun and activities both at Disney Parks and at home this week? While we love Disney at any time of year, I’ve never felt the urge to go for Halloween because I never knew if it would be too scary for my little ones…even though I’ve heard “Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party” is one of the best times of the year to go to Disney Parks.

So I asked my friend Lisa from Babes in Disneyland to share some of her expertise and experiences during this time of year at Disney with all of you to gain a little deeper insight into what goes on at Disneyland during Halloween and how you can bring some of the Disney decorating magic home if you can’t make it to Disney Parks. The following is a guest blog from Lisa:

Disneyland is known for its magic and fun throughout the year, but many fans may not realize that the Halloween season has become one of the most popular times of year. In mid September each year, Disneyland is transformed into an autumn wonderland filled with festive décor, savory foods and more pumpkins than you can shade a witch’s broom at.

The cornerstone of Disneyland’s Halloween celebration is Haunted Mansion Holiday. Each year, the Mansion is taken over by the sights and sounds from Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas.” Inside and out, Haunted Mansion Holiday is decorated with the whimsy and bright colors the film has become known for. This year, Haunted Mansion Holiday is celebrating its twelfth year at Disneyland and there’s no end in site for this annual Park tradition. Find out a little more about how this attraction “comes to life” (or should I say death?) each year, what’s planned for the thirteenth anniversary and what Jack Skellington thinks of it all.

Haunted Mansion Holiday Video HTML:

In addition to Haunted Mansion Holiday, Disneyland provides a number of exciting opportunities for families to create memories with young children. From pumpkin carving, art and game activities and petting goats and sheep at Big Thunder Ranch to becoming a pirate at the new Pirates League, Disneyland offers a lot of truly remarkable experiences for young children this time of year.

Learn more about the fun activities just for little ones this season at the Disneyland Resort.

KID VIDEO HTML:

PIRATES LEAGUE VIDEO HTML:

To make the Halloween season even more special for Disneyland fans and families, the Park offers a special separate-ticket Halloween event each year called Mickey’s Halloween Party. On party days, the park closes a little early and guests attending this fun and “not-so-spooky” evening get to experience Halloween Disney style. Party goers get to trick-or-treat throughout the park in costume, experience the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular hosted by “Master of Scare-omonies” Jack Skellington, attend dance parties throughout the park, meet unique characters at fun photo locations throughout the park, experience “Mickey’s Costume Party” cavalcade and much, much more!

Can’t make it to the Disneyland Resort this Halloween season? Do not fret! There are lots of things Disney fans can do to bring the magic of Disneyland home! While Disney websites like Spoonful.com and the Disney Parks Blog offer great recipes and craft ideas, you can’t beat the craft ideas below from Disney decorating guru, Dave Caranci.

Decorating video HTML:

Halloween Time begins each year in mid September and ends on November 1. For more information on visitng the Disneyland Resort with young children, head over to BabesInDisneylandBlog.com.

Filed Under: Reviews, Travel, Travel Tips, Walt Disney World Tagged With: halloween, holiday, Travel, walt disney world

Disney Parks 2013 “Limited Time Magic” Celebration Announcement on GMA

October 17, 2012 By sami

ltm0089324SMALL 200x300 Disney Parks 2013 Limited Time Magic Celebration Announcement on GMA

Disney Parks made a HUGE announcement about their 2013 “Limited Time Magic” Celebrations by erecting a 45,000 pound ice castle on the NYC Times Square set of Good Morning America today (October 17, 2012).

It looks like Disney Parks will be celebrating 2013 with miniature week long celebrations all throughout the year in all of their parks.

If you’re looking to learn more about what exactly the “Limited Time Magic” means for the Disney Parks when it begins in January, here are a few examples from the Disney Parks Blog:

True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine’s Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine’s collectibles will be offered for the week.
Independence Week: It’s red, white and blue as Disney Parks salutes America with a 4th of July Fireworks Party — for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest and guests will find special USA shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.

Long Lost Friends Week: Lesser-known Disney characters will move from the shadows to the spotlight meet-and-greets on both coasts. Photo opps with characters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum will surprise and delight guests. And Disney guests even have the chance to vote online for which characters they want to see.

Pirate Week: Why talk like a pirate one day when you could celebrate these scalawags all week long? The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a bicoastal buccaneer bash in which Disneyland and Walt Disney World become pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets and more.

Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: The Dapper Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the “Original Boy Band” and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.

It’s not known yet how exactly we’ll find out what’s happening when, which I imagine would make it difficult to plan your upcoming trip around, but if even the most fanatical of Disney fans can be patient, I’m sure they’ll be announcing more details soon. Of course, you can keep up with the latest news by following the Twitter hashtag #LimitedTimeMagic.

You know me, I’d never turn down a reason to go to Walt Disney World, but I’m not sure if this is as exciting of an announcement as the “Give a day, get a day” they did a couple years ago when you got a free ticket for volunteering, or when you got to celebrate your birthday for FREE at Disney Parks.

What about you, is this newest Disney promotion an enticement for you to visit Disney Parks in 2013?

Filed Under: Reviews, Travel, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 2013, Announcement, celebration, parks, walt disney world

Disney on Ice 2012 Ticket Giveaway: Win Nashville!

September 27, 2012 By sami

image002 250x300 Disney on Ice 2012 Ticket Giveaway: Win Nashville!
Are you looking to win tickets to Disney on Ice coming to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena October 4-7, 2012? Then you’ll want to enter this Disney on Ice ticket giveaway! and here it is! If you live in Nashville, you can win a family 4 pack of tickets to the latest Disney on Ice extravaganza: Worlds of Fantasy!

I’m proud to once again partner with Feld Entertainment to offer my readers 5 family four packs of tickets to giveaway.

To enter, just leave a comment below letting me know why you’re so excited that Disney on Ice is coming back to Nashville with this new show.

THE GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED & THE WINNERS ARE:
-Jim T.
-Mary L.
-Cara M.
-Sarha M.
-Kelley A.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will receive vouchers for tickets that must be redeemed at the box office before the show. Please keep this in mind as you enter.

Filed Under: Events, giveaway, Walt Disney World Tagged With: 2012, disney on ice, giveaway, mickey, nashville, ticket, win

Merida Character Meeting at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

June 1, 2012 By sami

Want to know where the Merida character meeting spot is at Disney’s Magic Kingdom?

The Merida Disney Character Greeting at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park is just off the side of the castle in the Fairytale Garden (across from Starlight Ray’s cafe on the bridge from the castle over to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party).

As of May 2012, character meeting times run continuously from 9am – 5:30pm. They take families in by groups of 50. While you wait to meet the newest princess, you can color or practice your archery skills.

Merida stars in the newest Disney Pixar movie “Brave” to be released in theaters on June 20, 2012. This curly red-headed beauty hails from Scotland.

The Merida costume and other Brave merchandise just came out and up until June 1 could only be found in the cart outside the character greeting area in the Magic Kingdom and at “Once Upon a Toy” in Downtown Disney, so even Disney cast members were stopping Kariss to look at her costume!

Filed Under: Reviews, Travel, Travel Tips, Walt Disney World Tagged With: brave, character, greeting, magic kingdom, meeting, merida, princess, theme park, walt disney world

Free Disney Movie Rewards Code May 2012

May 30, 2012 By sami

Looking for a FREE Disney Movie Rewards Code? Try entering this into your Disney Movie Rewards account to get 25 free points: U13PEKSZZD

Use the codes to ‘earn’ unique Disney merchandise from your favorite Disney films. We’ve gotten everything from free movies to fun Toy Story memorabilia to decorate my son’s room! Just look for the codes inside every Disney movie you buy and in their monthly newsletter.

Thanks to Couponing for 4 for letting me know!

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Walt Disney World Tagged With: code, Deals, december, free, movie, points, rewards, walt disney world

Rapunzel character meeting at Disney Magic Kingdom Town Square

May 29, 2012 By sami

Looking for the Rapunzel character meeting spot at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park? It’s no longer by the castle, but instead just left of city hall in Town Square on the left after walking in and passing under the railroad bridge.

Rapunzel is the star of the Disney movie “Tangled” (in case you missed it) and is a recent addition to the Disney character greetings, comparatively speaking when it comes to the other Disney Princesses.

Kariss finally got to meet Rapunzel for the first time at Magic Kingdom Town Square and even though we arrived before the park opened, we still came upon quite a line and had to wait about 25 minutes to meet this newly popular princess in purple (though it was worth it because Kariss was wearing the Rapunzel wedding dress we surprised her with that morning!). We bought the dress for her when we visited the Disney Store in Times Square NYC when we were there in March…and she had no idea

It looks like we took her to the Bippidi Boppidi Boutique, but I actually did her hair that morning with the same accessories we got when we went to the BBB years ago!

As with any character greeting, make sure to have your autograph book and Disney Photo Pass ready to go before getting to the front of the line.

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips, Walt Disney World Tagged With: character, city hall, greeting, magic kingdom, meeting, princess, Rapunzel, square, town, walt disney world

Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort Review

May 27, 2012 By sami

This Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Resort Review is based on our 7 night stay in May 2012 that included both a blog conference event stay and a family pleasure stay.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is located between Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and falls into their “Moderate Resort” category.

I had stayed at the Coronado Springs resort years ago, but it has since been renovated and some nice amenities have been added, most notably free wifi throughout the resort and beautiful sliding doors dividing the sleeping area from the bathroom. This latest feature served us especially well especially since I had to wake up much earlier than the rest of the family and it allowed me to get ready with ease knowing I wasn’t going to disturb their sleep! (Formerly, only a curtain pulled to divide the two areas, which did not give nearly as much privacy or sound protection.

We typically don’t stay in moderate resorts because we don’t feel like the small increase in room size over the value resorts & the inclusion of a “beverage cooler” (aka mini fridge) warrants the substantial difference in price. However, the Coronado Springs resort is laid out beautifully, and I appreciate the inclusion of the Rix lounge to hang out in and work, along with the new quick service snack shop located right off the main lobby where you can grab a quick snack or even refill your Disney refillable mugs.

The pool was also a big hit with the family. While we had a “quiet pool” located right outside our rooms, we also spent a good deal of time at “The Dig”, the much larger pool featuring not only a large pyramid in its center, but also a very fun and non-threatening water slide with a spitting jaguar that even my 44″ tall 6 year old felt comfortable going down by himself.

While the convention center was not the grandest nor the newest of facilities on the Walt Disney World property, everything was VERY conveniently located and the furthest ballroom was less than a 10 minute walk from my room in the “Cabanas” (Building 9B). This made it nice if I had to go back to my room in the middle of the day to drop something off or freshen up.

The Coronado Springs resort also features two other restaurants: The Maya & The Pepper Market.

I have yet to eat at the Maya, which is the nicer of the two restaurants, however we have frequented The Pepper Market over the years. It looks exactly like you’d imagine as an open-air market, but one thing has changed in 2012. Though dinner you can still visit various stands and make your choice among them, breakfast and lunch have become all you can eat buffets (around $14.99 for breakfast and $16.99 for lunch). If you go for dinner, try the nachos or fajitas, both of which are plenty to share amongst two people and will cost you around $10.

Other fun free activities to make note of for the kids at Coronado Springs:
* Daily pool activities & games (with prizes!)
* Campfire every night at 7pm
* Disney movies shown outside under the stars at 9pm

We got a great rate with the conference that extended through our entire stay, but otherwise I still don’t think I’d pay the extra money for the moderate resorts. Also, when traveling with a conference, you’re eligible for discount theme park passes, including some “After 2″ and “After 4″ passes, so that you can enjoy the parks after you’ve been in your meetings all day

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Coronado Springs resort? How would you review the property?

Filed Under: Real Women, Travel, Travel Tips, Walt Disney World Tagged With: coronado springs, hotel, moderate, resort, review, Travel, walt disney world

Disney Art of Animation Resort Project Manager Interview

May 25, 2012 By sami

I’ve taken you in the lobby and out to the pool at the new Disney Art of Animation Resort, but now you can get a sneak peak inside the rooms as I interview Nicole, a project manager for the latest Walt Disney World Value Hotel.

She helps us discover the thinking behind the rooms, what differentiates it as a family suite and how they carried out the theme without making it too ‘kitchy’!