Thursday, May 12, 2016

A day of informative and inspirational speakers at the Disney Media Mom Conference. What is coming soon from Disney? #DisneySMMC








Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

I was invited to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration conference. I paid a conference
fee to attend. I received a discounted rate for my stay. All opinions are my own. I have not been compensated or asked to post about Disney.   

Imagine a conference filled with new information inspiring speakers and fun facts and tips for you and your business. That is what the Disney Media Moms Conference day was in a nutshell. From entertainment to amazing food, Disney went all out to show us what they have to offer.  So who were these guests that would tell us about what Disney has upcoming, and who would be giving us advice to better ourselves and our blogs. 
Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

The lineup of the speakers was impressive. But Disney did not want us to start off listening to the speakers, oh no we were off to have some fun first! (Isn’t that what Disney is known for?) First up was an amazing breakfast sponsored by Alamo. After breakfast it was time to visit, Star Wars Launch Bay . This is a relatively new place in Disney’s Hollywood Studios where you can see some cool Star Wars items, and stock up on some cool souvenirs. You can meet some of your favorite Star Wars characters, this is must for that Star Wars fan in your home, be sure to check it out.



Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

I got to meet up with the evil Kylo Ren, and boy was he intimidating! He even talked to you, asking who’s side you were on… Whatever side you want me to be you want me to be!! Quite a cool character if you ask me. But scary! 
Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

After Kylo I headed off to meet Chewbacca, and what a difference, he hugged me and seemed so sweet. These characters really had the Disney magic, with each it felt like I met the on screen character in person. 
Now it was time for the conference to begin, starting with our fun hosts Leanne O'Regan from Disney's Social Media Office and Comedian Mark Daniel. Our hosts kept us laughing and were great.

The first speaker was none other than George A. Kalogridis, President, Walt Disney World Resort. It is pretty impressive when the President of Walt Disney World comes out to greet us and begins the conference day. That to me is really cool, he is such an important person in the Disney business family, and he gave time from his busy schedule to greet us. You can’t help but feel appreciated when something like this happens.
 Theron Skees, from Walt Disney Imagineering, shared the new and exciting additions to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Including the new Rivers of Light Show. This new show features lantern barges, and 15 foot illuminated parchment animals. Theron was so very excited about these new additions and he made me even more excited for this. His enthusiasm was infectious!

Mark Renfrow, from Walt Disney Creative Entertainment spoke about the fun new things coming to Disney Springs. The sections of Disney Springs, are sectioned as neighborhoods. 
Phoo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

There is so much in store! I love the theming, the old world Florida look is such a cool idea. Did you know the designers used bricks that were 100 years old and repurposed them for Disney Springs? 
Nancy Kanter, from the Disney Channel shared a few clips of upcoming Disney Channel kids shows. These were unannounced shows that are still in production so I cannot share anything about them, but as soon as I can I will share with you all. We did get to see a clip of Disney’s newest princess, Princess Elena of Avalor, this brave Latina princess is coming to the Disney Channel soon. There will also be a meet and greet in Disney parks starting in August. 
Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

Suzanne Todd, Producer, of “Alice Through the Looking Glass” gave us a look into the new movie. It is amazing how much is special effects. We got to see a scene as it was filmed, before the special effects are added. It was neat, you may not appreciate all that goes into making of a film. It may seem like they just film and add a special effect here and there but a good deal of the film is digitally added after production. 

These clips were for our eyes only so sorry no spoilers. Perhaps these will make it to the extras on the DVD? One never knows? Suzanne, seemed to love her job so very much, she even came out with stylish “Alice” heals, I would love a pair! I hope we get to interview her as a part of the Red Carpet trip for Alice Through the Looking Glass, I would love to hear more about her time on the set. She is an inspirational working mom that really can do it all. Just as I try to do.  
Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

Another busy working mom is Lindsey Collins, Producer, of “Finding Dory” she shared the first 30+ minutes of Finding Dory with us. What a surprise this was!  I can’t tell you about it, but I can say a lot of hard work went into this film and it took years for this project to come together. But I can say that I loved what I saw, it was Adoryble! See what I did there? 
Photo credit: Preston Mack/Disney

Erin Glover and Jennifer Fickley-Baker, from the Disney Parks Blog shared some of the great things about the Disney blog. Have you visited the Disney blog recently? This is where you can find the most up to date information about Disney, what is new, what is coming up and much more. Check back often you just may have the chance to sign up for a Disney meet up, this is when the Disney Parks Blog gives the fans a chance to do something cool, be it a movie screening, or another special event you just never know? 
Charisma Star, Maker, You Tube Star with over 700,000 followers and many many popular videos with millions of views. This spunky girl makes amazing makeup how to videos. Charisma Star was very inspiring, she told a story of how she was so very low in her life, thinking nothing good could ever come of it and she was giving up. But things slowly started to change in her life, she always loved makeup and her friends encouraged her to start a You Tube channel. Then Disney came and she did Disney character makeup how to’s and life started to get better, she realized she is a great person. This is something we all have to realize, we are all special in our own ways, we are gifts, and we should love ourselves. 
My biggest take away from the day was to believe in yourself, and dream big work towards your dreams and they may just come true. As an entrepreneur, these speakers made me feel like I could do anything and build my business to the highest of heights. But don't forget to do good for others, that is what makes life worthwhile.  After this wonderful day, the day was not finished yet! We had a special event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, a special dinner just for us.


Photo credits: Preston Mack/Disney

This was not a swimming opportunity, I was thankful I am not ready for swimsuit season yet ha ha. But after seeing this water park I cannot wait to bring the family back it seems like such a fun place to be. 
We had great food, plenty of dessert options and lots of games and even a private fireworks show just for us! A perfect ending to a perfect day! 
Be sure to check back soon I have so much more to share! 









Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions . No monitory compensation was received. I was not required to write a positive review. Your experience may differ. The opinions I have expressed are my own I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising .



5 comments:

Christine J. said...

It is so amazing that you were able to meet the Star Wars characters as well as the President of Walt Disney World Resorts! It looks like you had a great time!

Allie D. said...

I love Disney! It is so great you were able to see all those different people!

Unknown said...

oh my goodness, that looks like an amazing event to attend! So much fun! And seriously that Rivers of Light Show sounds amazing. That is a ride I would probably want to go on over and over and over again!

Ann B said...

Oh wow! This looks like a fantastic event. How fun that you got to see some of the Star Wars characters. Jealous!

Ellen said...

Wow that looks like such a fun time! I think that Disney’s Animal Kingdom sounds amazing!

Post a Comment

Disclosure: The reviews and or opinions on this blog are my own opinions, . No compensation was received. All opinions are my own. This is a unofficial fan site that is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or Disney theme parks.