10 Reasons 
Disney Social Media Moms “On The Road” Celebration: 
Chicago 2014 
Rocked!

A few months ago, I received what was possibly the most exciting invitation I had gotten since I started blogging: an invitation to the Disney Social Media Moms “On The Road” Celebration in Chicago. You could say I was a bit excited and completely honored! The event was awesome on so many levels, I couldn’t begin to cover it all. Instead, I list for you 10 reasons the #DSMMoms On The Road: Chicago rocked (in no specific order)! Click on specific topics to learn more.

1. New Friendships!
My very favorite thing (and believe me- it’s crazy hard to narrow it down to just one) was the new connections I made. Connections with fellow bloggers who share the love of all things Disney. We first connected through Tweets and a Facebook page dedicated to event hopefuls as soon as registrations were being accepted. Together, we discussed, hoped, and planned. We all quickly became friends and together, excitedly counted down to the event. Once we were all there in the same room, it all just fell into place and we were old friends finally together – IRL (aka In Real Life).

2. The Disney Social Media Team
Just as with other invitees, there was constant interaction with the BSM Media and Disney Social Media teams in the months prior to the event. It was exciting to finally shake the hands of the individuals who made this happen. Not only did they do a phenomenal job at creating a special, magical conference, but many shared with us their social media wisdom and some behind the “Disney social media” scenes information and tips (click on over for all the details). For a marketing minded person like me, it was super cool to hear how the top dogs make it all happen. I am grateful for their wisdom, generosity, and kindness. Thank you!!

3. What’s New In Disney Parks?
What’s new in Disney Parks? I know, I know! MyMagic+ Bands, the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, the Fantasyland Renovation/ Expansion is complete and I got all the juicy details! Want to hear? Click on over! 

4. Toby The Bear’s Disney Adventure
We all know that when Disney does something, they do it big. The story of Toby the Bear follows suit. Toby is the treasured stuffed friend to Brooklyn. Toby was given to Brooklyn by her father before he left for duty in the National Guard. A few years later, after Brooklyn’s father passed away, Toby was left behind on a family trip to Walt Disney World. With her father’s recorded voice inside, the bear held more meaning than ever. What Disney cast members did next is about a special as it gets. Read the full story on the Disney Parks Blog. 

5. The Event Sponsors & Speakers
Heweltt Packard was one of the event sponsors and boy did they win me over! As if Lori Lorenz’s presentation on HP’s TwoSmiles site and the multiple ways HP enables moms to get it all done wasn’t enough, they had a gift for each attendee. Along with a box of HP greeting cards for use at home, they printed one with a picture showing our #DisneySide. How cool is that!?!? Oh, but wait, it gets better. They also provided a stamped (Mickey stamped, of course) envelope so we could send the card to a grandparent and spread the Disney/ HP magic. Yeah, they kind of rock!

6. Huggies MomInspired Grant Program
Some of the best children’s products come from parents. Who better to see a parenting need and find a solution? Huggies MomInspired Grant Program gives means to ideas created by needs in families. At the conference, we were introduced to two MomInspired Grant recipients and learned about their products: Baby Elephant Ears and Padalily.  Have a great product idea? The submission period for the Huggies MomInspired Grant Program is now. Find out more and submit an application. 

7. @Ramon_DeLeon
Ramon can be described in multiple words, but the first that comes to my mind is “energetic passion”. Okay, so maybe that’s 2 words, but the man has both- and lots. Ramon was social media before there was social media. He’s the “pizza guy who gets it”. He packed a bunch of info into the time he was on stage and I thought he was such a great addition to the event, I should probably create a video selfie about it. Read more about his presentation here and find his website here . 

8. Princess Etch-A-Sketch
Princess Etch-A-Sketch should actually be renamed “QUEEN Etch-A-Sketch”. She pretty much blew us all out of the water with her talent. Think you are good with an Etch-A-Sketch? “Queen” Princess Etch-A-Sketch can rock an Etch-A-Sketch something crazy. So much so, that DISNEY CONTACTED HER (seriously now, imagine The Walt Disney Company calling you; “Hey, your work is awesome! Would you like to collaborate with us?”)!! Really, she’s that awesome. Before you view the images and video on her post, keep in mind that an Etch-A-Sketch creation is done with one continuous line. You mess up, you start over. Prepare to be amazed! Learn all about “Queen” Princess Etch-A-Sketch and her amazing creations here.

9. Everything Disney
So really, how can an event dedicated Disney not be awesome in itself?? From the tables to the food, to the SWAG, it all screamed Disney and I soaked up every bit of it. For a few hours, I was Disney and part of me may or may not have felt as though I was part of the Disney social media team! Back to that incredible team who made it all happen- THANK YOU!!

10. MICKEY MOUSE
A special guest, the guest of honor, had secretly flown in that morning from Orlando (not kidding) to visit with us. We had no idea until his presence was announced at the very end and cheers came from all! It was the absolute perfect way to end this magical event!

            

The Disney Social Media Moms “On-The-Road” conference was, in true Disney style, spectacular! My fingers, toes, arms, legs….everything is crossed in hopes I will someday again be invited to a Disney Moms social media event. I may even dare to dream about the full conference in Disneyland. If that dream comes true, you’ll be the first to know! Dream with me, will you??

Disclosure: I was invited to and attended the Disney On-The-Road Social Media Moms conference in Chicago. All opinions expressed above are my own and are in no way influenced by companies or brands mentioned within. Post and page may contain affiliate links and advertising. Thank you for clicking through them! It helps keep Parenting Beyond here for you