A big part of my family’s Walt Disney World trip was partaking in the Disney Social Media Moms Conference. The conference has been held for the past four years at Walt Disney World and brings together bloggers and other social media influencers from across the country. As part of the conference, influencers attend a special conference day with inspirational and informative presenters and learn about Disney products and initiatives through the four days worth of events. Conference goers and their families are provided three nights-worth of accomodations and the conference events for a discounted rate and any additional nights, meals and souvenirs are the responsibility of the attendees.

I feel incredibly blessed to have attend three out of the four conferences. This year was the first time I attended with my family and not my girlfriends and it was a trip I won’t soon forget! Come along with me as I take you to the conference below. (I’m saving all of my non-conference stuff for future posts.)

Thursday
We arrived at Disney’s Contemporary Resort early Thursday evening and joined up with conference goers at a special party held backstage at Epcot. The event kicked off the attendees’ introduction to Disney’s big new Try It campaign. Haven’t heard of it? Disney is leading the way when it comes to corporate-wide initiatives for healthy living for both its employees and its consumers. The Try It campaign encourages kids and adults to try new foods and activities and shows how small changes can make a big difference. (Learn more about Disney’s Try It campaign at Disney.com/tryit.)

At the event, kids and adults dined on yummy healthy foods, took photos with characters and saw prime examples of the fun of being active–including acrobats and a hip-hop Mickey Mouse. After the dinner festivities, attendees and family members were treated to a special dessert buffet and viewing of Illuminations, Epcot’s fireworks show.

Friday
On Friday, conference attendees enjoyed a day of learning about Disney and listening to motivational and educational speakers. The morning began with a breakfast sponsored by Hanes and their new colorful line of clothing. We learned about the new Story app (if you haven’t downloaded it yet, you should!), more on the Try It campaign, all about things going on in Walt Disney World and lots, lots more. The event was hosted by Rene Syler who did an incredible job keeping the action moving and providing her own insight and inspiration behind her life’s journey. We learned a lot that day and I had two favorite presentations that absolutely stood out above the rest.

• Disney’s Fire and Ice Presentation: Why is it called “Fire and Ice?” No real reason because it actually has nothing to do with either and everything to do with the incredible success behind the Disney Parks blog.
• Jackie Huba‘s look at the marketing success of Lady Gaga: I do marketing for a living, so this presentation was a slam dunk for me–the kind of stuff I geek out on. I learned a lot of valuable insight into Lady Gaga’s incredible (and quick) success and hope to implement some of the same principals in my own personal branding (and blog operation). If you are a marketing nerd like me or just want to learn more about how you can better market your blog or brand, I highly recommend Jackie’s book, Monster Loyalty. 

After the conference session, I rejoined my family and we headed over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a fun dance party complete with Mickey and Minnie, as well as the opportunity to see the incredibly talented artist Joe Kaminski creating Disney art right in front of our eyes.  

Saturday
Saturday morning, conference attendees and families were up early for a dessert buffet at Disney’s Contemporary Hotel followed by an opportunity to attend Merida’s royal coronation at Cinderella Castle. 

That evening, families attended another delicious Try It meal. This time, the venue was one of Walt Disney World’s minature golf course. (I had no idea there were minature golf courses at Walt Disney World! They really have EVERYTHING!) 

Sunday
What would the Disney Social Media Moms conference be without a celebration of moms on Mother’s Day? On Mother’s Day families attended a delicious breakfast garden party that I won’t soon forget.

I am extremely grateful, thrilled and honored to have been able to participate in the invitation only Disney Social Media Moms conference and learn more about everything Disney has to offer consumers and fans across a variety of product lines and experience the magic of Walt Disney World with my family. Next year’s conference is sure to be filled with lots of magic too. Check out my announcement about next year’s conference below!