My favorite Disney moments from 2011

December 31, 2011 in All Posts, d23, disney archives, disneyland resort by Babes in Disneyland

As 2011 comes to an end, it’s time to look back at the year that has been and look forward to what will come in 2012. For me, 2011 was an amazing year loaded with incredible “someone- please-pinch-me-now” Disney experiences. Here’s my top 10 favorite Disney experiences of 2011 in no particular order.

1. Disneyland Summer Soundsational Press Event

This year, the Disneyland Resort unveiled to amazing new attractions and a new parade and the press event to launch the attractions and show was nothing short of amazing. From getting to meet Disney Parks Chairman Tom Staggs to viewing the Mickey’s Soundsational Parade from high above Main Street, it was truly remarkable. Check out all of my Soundsational Summer coverage here.

2. Tour of the Disney Archives thanks to D23

Talk about crossing a major dream off my Disney bucket! While touring the Disney Archives I not only got to see original Snow White artwork but enjoy a private performance by Richard Sherman. I can’t lie, I cried a few times in sheer disbelief over what I was experiencing. It was a dream come true. Check out my posts on the Disney Archives.

3. Trick-or-treating at the Disney Studios

Thanks to Disney Interactive Studios, my boys got the opportunity to trick-or-treat while getting a tour of the Disney Studios. As fate would have it, our tour was led by Dean, a beloved friend of mine who is a Disneyland tour guide who I worked with “way back in the day.” I adore Disney Interactive; they are the amazing folks behind all of the great Disney smart phone apps, DisneyFamily.com, Familyfun.com, Babble.com, Club Penguin, Disney video games, and much, much more.

4. Walt Disney World Social Media Moms Conference and my first trip to Florida

In the spring, my friends, Suzanne Broughton and Marcy Massura, and I, attended the Walt Disney World Social Media Moms Conference. The trip marked my first trip to Walt Disney World and was the ultimate girls’ get away.

5. Brandon and Peter Pan in Fantasyland

If you have read my blog for a while, you know that Peter Pan has been a favorite around our home this year, my son Brandon had two amazing experiences with the boy who has never grown up. Meeting Peter Pan and playing hide-and-seek in Fantasyland and then interacting with him at Mickey’s Soundsational Parade were those Disney Parks’ moments that you just can’t experience anywhere else.

6. The D23 Expo

The D23 Expo is the ultimate Disney fan experience. Think of it as Comic Con for Disney lovers–and it’s not just for Disney Parks fans. It’s bigger…much bigger. The D23 Expo showcases the latest, greatest, past and future of all Disney business units from Disney Living to Marvel to Disney Animation to ABC and beyond. The next expo will be held in the summer of 2013. Click here for my coverage and incredible interviews with Disney stars!

7. Touring the Disney Animation Studios

This year, my favorite animated movie of the year was Winnie the Pooh and I was fortunate enough to participate in a media event for the film prior to the movie opening. The event was held at the Disney Animation Studios and was an incredible experience. I got to experience how Disney animated films get made. Check out my Winnie the Pooh coverage by clicking here. If you want to see what it looks like to LOVE what you do for a living, check out this video with legendary Disney animator Eric Goldberg.

8. Candlelight Procession with my parents and Aidan

This year, I was honored to have been an invited guest at Disneyland’s Candlelight Procession. I took my parents and my oldest son to the event and it was so great to be able to share the experience with them.

9. Watching Connor take some of his first steps in Disney California Adventure Park

Within days of my son Connor taking his first steps, we took him to the Disneyland Resort. Truth be told, Connor went from crawling to running within those few days. We took him to Redwood Creek Challenge Trail so that he could get his wiggles out on a padded surface. He had a blast!

10. Releasing my book!

The biggest event for me this year was releasing my book, Babes In Disneyland: The ultimate Disneyland Resort travel guide for families with young children.” The book was a labor of love and brings families all of the information they need to plan a Disneyland Resort trip. It is also the only Disneyland Resort guide written for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. I will be releasing a 2012 early next year. If you can’t wait until next year to get your copy, I have drastically reduced the price of both my book and its ebook download on Lulu. The book is also available full price at Amazon.com and is eligible for free super saver shipping.