Disney Social Media Moms “On-the-Road” Austin!

My love of Walt Disney started early. My mother raised me on re-runs of classic The Mickey Mouse Club episodes. When the Mouseketeers on the show would introduce themselves during the show opening, I’d always throw my name in at the end. “Hi! I’m Shannon,” I’d proudly say – pretending to wear my Mickey ears!

So you can guess then, just what kind of a thrill it was when I arrived in Austin, TX for Disney Social Media Moms “On-the-Road” – and was gifted my very own monogrammed Mickey Mouse Ear Hat! I’d only been at the conference for 30 seconds… and already a dream come true!

You might be wondering how the rest of this mini-conference could possibly match that magical beginning, but it did!

(The photo below is my favorite Disney Dad (@ADaddyBlog), and I (@MilkandCuddles) modeling our new Mickey Mouse Ear Hats. )

The Conference was hosted at the beautiful Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel (@StephenFHotel), and they had a lovely breakfast buffet ready for all the attendees as they arrived for registration. The opening remarks and attendee welcome, was given by Leanne J. O’Regan (@leannej) who instantly got everyone excited about all the new things that will be happening at Disney Parks this year!

Leanne and Jamie Langdon (@Jamielangdon) gave everyone goosebumps as they played some videos previewing some of the special events happening at Disney Parks this year. Some highlights will include: the Diamond Celebration at Disneyland, commemorating their 60th Anniversary, new additions to the Downtown Disney area, a special focus on Grandparents & preschoolers enjoying Disney Parks, and a “Hocus Pocus” theme at this year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! They are also starting the 2015/2016 Disney Parks Mom Panel Search shortly!

If you are heading to a Disney Park this year – you are in for some wonderful surprises!

The rest of Disney Social Media Moms “On-the-Road” was full of tips, tricks and inspiration from a variety of speakers. Each talk focused on a different skill or idea. Here are a few of the highlights …

Jenn Fickley-Baker (@DisneyParksJenn) – spoke about how her team uses brainstorming as a way of opening up alternative areas in their thinking. Once they have exhausted all the “logical” answers to a question, their brains are forced to become more creative!

Victoria Lim (@VictoriaLim) – I could have listened to her tips on creating video for hours. She was so full of energy and fun – and she suggested some great editing apps!

Kathy Cano-Murillo (@CraftyChica)- spoke along with her daughter, Maya Cano-Murillo (@MayaInTheMoment). They gave us their inter generational perspective on the business of blogging and video. I loved Kathy’s sweet exuberance and pride in her daughter’s accomplishments, and Maya’s can do attitude!

Alex Ruiz (@ruizalex) – Alex reminded us that it’s our job as online influencers to bring our creativity to the table. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the platforms available – but its important to meet our audience where they are! He also shared some of the out of the box thinking his team uses on social campaigns. Cool stuff!

Lisa Erspamer (@LisaErspamer) – is a former OWN network executive and co-executive producer at the Oprah Winfrey show. She spoke about how she took a challenging time in her life, and made it into something beautiful. She challenged us all to take creative risks in life!

I’m so thankful to have been included in the Disney Social Media Moms “On-the-Road” experience! As I left the conference room I could almost hear the strains of a familiar melody…

“Now it’s time to say good-bye to all our company! M- I- C…

See you real soon!

K- E- Y…

Why? Because we like you!

M- O – U – S – E!”

*Taking off my Mickey Mouse Ear Hat, till next time*