I think we were the last family on the busses to MK that morning and I was in a bit of a panic that we would miss the entire procession. We made it to the roped off area on time to watch Merida ride in on her stunning black horse, Angus. I was able to snap off a couple of fantastic photos of her and that lovely hair of hers.

We absolutely were not close enough to see the princesses very well and my daughters couldn’t see at all due to the crowds, but we could hear everything perfectly.

I love that there is now a spunky red headed princess among the other inducted princesses at Disney. Now, I truly have someone to emulate, being a fellow red myself. 

In attendance was Gaby Dougals, a two time gold medalist at the olympics and who better to introduce Merida. Merida’s mother, Elinor , came out to crown the gorgeous red head with her flowing lock of hair and can I just add that I REALLY want red curly hair like that. I’m not kidding.

Merida exemplifies everything that I want to teach my daughters, loyalty, bravery, following your dreams and your heart. I don’t want my daughter’s to ever turn me into a bear, but I do understand that they need to find their own path in life as well. It may not always jive with what I want for them, but I also need to learn to let go and let them realize their own dreams and let them walk {or run or gallop} the path they choose.

I will always be there to pick them up when they stumble, like Merida’s mom was when she stumbled. The important lesson with Merida is that she is a princess even when she thought she didn’t want to be. My daughters are princesses to me and even though they won’t ever rule a country, they will be the princess of their lives and hopefully their children's some day as well.

We finished waving good day to all 11 princesses and enjoyed a bit of time at MK.

We scooted back to the hotel to get ready for a super duper surprise at Downown Disney. We were all able to view a sneak peak of Disney’s Monsters University before its release that afternoon. All my children were barely containable as we were waiting for the film to begin.

I was a bit misty as Monters Inc used to be my son’s favorite movie. When he was two year old and couldn’t speak a word, he would somehow muster up the strength to mumble out Monster’s Inc. No one had a clue what he was uttering except my husband and I. But out little boy whose brain was all a jumble with major sensory issues would sit and watch Monsters Inc and be completely mesmerized from beginning to end. This movie will forever hold a special place in my heart and here, 9 years later, is the prequel and I was overjoyed to be a part of this audience.

All I can say about Monsters University is when it is released on June 21… GO, Run to the theatres . . .GO NOW. It is outstanding! We will be back in line that day and so should you! Disney knocked it out of the park again.

That evening we had a TRYit! Eat and Tweet dinner with the DSMM attendees at Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course. Disney Radio was there for the dinner event as well. My kids love Radio Disney as there have been a couple events at the malls near us that they have hosted and they are always so lively and fun.

More Disney TRYit! foods to sample and marvel at. More deliciousness I say! My nephew was wonderful at all these meals and tried everything! He loves everything! He ate everything! My own kids are quite particular and two suffer from severe SPD, so getting them to TRYit! was a bit of a battle. I was able to get my daughter to sample a couple of news food items, but my son would not. But at least he didn’t throw a raging fit when I asked him, which is a win for me.

I couldn’t get the kiddos away from the foam blocks all night. They were busy all night long building and constructing contraptions and mini towns. They were not the least bit interested in miniature golfing so we didn't get to sample the course at Fantasia Gardens as they were enjoying the building blocks so much.
"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right." - Walt Disney

disclosure: I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Conference with my family and received discounted rates and tickets to various events and attractions. All my magical opinions are my own.

I spend a great deal of time with my children since I homeschool and I don't get time off from them unless they are at consortium or co-op and that will not change over the summer. But what does change is I get to change my role from teacher back to mom. During the summer months I get to spend loads of time with my children simply having fun.

We will be going to matinee movies, museums, parks, swimming pools, watching favorite movies on rainy days {or 'too hot' days}. I think I am looking forward to the summer as much as my children. However, we still need to finish strong. That is our motto here at home. Finish Strong. I think I say it everyday when eyes start to get glassed over. Finish Strong.

As I wrap up the school year, I begin to ponder on next school year. I'm already writing notes for curriculum. I've started a list of must read books for each child for literature. I will be making final decisions and book purchases soon. I want to finish all these syllibi soon as I really want to focus on summer.

In the summer, the classroom is turned back into a playroom/media room and my home is actually clean and tidy because I have time. Time to clean. Time to look. Time to listen. Time to hear. Time to play. Time to finish strong.

The question is: how do they do that?

They Go To Disney!

Rising bright and early conference morning I was filled excitement to meet new and old blog friends and listen to the wonderful line up of speakers. I was happy that Rene Syler was the host of the Disney Social Media Moms conference this year as I had heard her speak back in 2011 and was very impressed with her. She was full of sass and got the conference off to a good start.

photo credit @hykuThe 2013 Disney Social Media Moms conference morning began with the Walt Disney World President, George Kalogridis, talking about the fun innovations, changes and transformations planned for the Disney Parks.

He informed us of the Monstrous Summer event with three parks being open for 24 hours on May 24, 2013. {can you imagine?} He also let us know there would be a new parade titled Festival of Fantasy Parade {can't wait to see this one}, more limited time magic events to come {what will they be?}, a My Disney Experience free mobile app and a Fast Past Plus that will double the amount of experiences one can enjoy{ie: reserve rides, shows, character greeting all before leaving home}.

Additionally, there will be an addition to Fantasyland with the opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride, which is under construction now {my kids kept taking a peek everytime we walked by it}. There will be another debut at Magic Kingdom in the form of an interactive adventure game; Pirates of the Caribbean: Treasure of the Seven Seas.

The most innovative addition{in my opinion} is the new Magic Band. I can't wait to use this because you have no idea how many times I misplace my room key and park tickets! The Magic Band will connect your room key, park tickets, fast pass, and photo pass. MagicBand will offer touch points for resort doors, at park entrances and for payments throughout parks for souvenirs and refreshments. The Magic Band will be available in a variety of colors and will be out by years end.

George Kalogridis stated, “It will change the way guests experience Disney. There’s something new to see just about every time our guests visit us!” This could not be more true!

Leanne Jakubowski, Director of Social Media at Walt Disney World Resort took the stage to welcome us all that lovely morning and to inform us there was more fun on the way for the day.

photo credit @hykuThe first speaker was Olympic medalist Shannon Miller and she impressed upon all of us the importance of following one’s dreams. She gave us a bit of a background on why and how she began her own business after she completed her round as a gymnastics and won gold medals at the Olympics. She communicated to all us moms how she as a first time mom struggled as well and why she felt that it was important to put one’s self out “there” to connect with other like minded moms.

photo credit @hykuThe next speaker was Jackie Huba. Her message was simple: "Focus on your 1%ers as 1%ers are cray." She compared a lot of her life to that of Lady Gaga and wanted to express to the attendees the importance of being true to one’s self. She made a point to let the attendees know about the importance of teaching our children not to bully.

photo credit @hykuphoto credit @hykuGary Buchanan came back on again and spoke with Ashley Eckstein, @HerUniverse of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and what a little adorable gal she is. She impressed upon all of us as well if you have an idea, follow through on it. She stated, "Get in a room with people who can help you realize those visions."

photo credit @hykuDuring lunch we learned about Disney Infinity from John Day, with a release date in August. This sounds A-MAZING and I know my kids can't wait!(I wanted to ask if it is compatible with Skylanders, but didn't want to offend anyone!)

photo credit @hykuWe also learned about the new Story app from Disney, which I still have not been able to utilize as I am an Android/PC type of gal. Basically it is an app that allows you add photos, videos, and text and you tell a story like a book with your personal media.

photo credit @hykuDisney Social Media Fire & Ice was presented with Gary Buchanan and Thomas Smith. Gary Buchanan is the Social Media and Managing Director and Thomas Smith is Disney Parks Social Media Director. Can I be honest here and say I really would love their job{s}. I’m not nearly qualified to even say those words, but what a fun job to have. There were excited  to share with us all the news regarding social media and how fast everything changes in social media and to stay on top of things. Disney is innovative in every way and they especially are in social media. It was inspiring to listen to these men banter back and forth about how exciting their jobs are and all the wonderful new perks that are coming to Disney parks. The excitement is infectious and carried through right to my heart, which was singing by the end of their presentation. Thomas expressed the importance of having an editorial document and/or calendar for your schedules and to write a series and add it to your calendar. Thomas stated, "Social is a shining object."

The next speaker, Marc Mero, a former WCW and WWE Wrestling Champion, had never heard of prior to the conference and was excited to hear the message he would have to tell a room full of social media bloggers. He came out full of energy and the room was ready to hear what he had to say. He began with a bit of a history of his life and where he started out as a child and he continued on to his struggles as a teenager and later as a young adult. His message was about choices and how he made numerous bad choices in his life. He also conveyed to us that he felt during his younger years he was a bully and how these actions can affect so many people in different ways. His presentation took a turn and really was quite sad as he continued to tell us about the further turmoil his life took. I was confused and wondered if DSMM had his full presentation prior to the conference. I felt his entire presentation, while wonderful in itself, perhaps may have been more beneficial to a completely different room of people.

photo credit @hykuThe closing key note speaker was hilarious! Dayna Steele, a rock radio Hall of Famer, roamed about the conference room making herself available. She broadcasted stories to us regarding how much fun she had as a radio personality and informed us about some of our favorite 80’s rock band personalities. She even was able to garner a couple of bucks from the DSMM attendees, simply by asking. Her point – ask if you need something.

Ask for information.

Be willing to share.

This is something that I personally greatly struggle with because I simple do not want to be turned down or sound like a complete and utter fool for not being aware of something already, if I request something. I really feel like I should be able to figure something out on my own and sometimes I struggle along unnecessarily. I have put myself out there a couple of times early on in my blogging career and had my hand slapped. So now, I stay firmly in my spot. I think I need to rethink this spot where I keep myself. Why not put myself  out there, what is there to lose . . nothing. But I can gain more from opening my mouth more often. If Walt Disney had not opened his mouth and let everyone see and hear his dreams, I would not have been sitting where I was that afternoon.

The biggest take away from the speakers was to remain true to yourself. Be yourself. Be authentic. Be nice. Ask questions. Ask for advice. Be gracious. Be generous. Be genuine. Be willing to give. Be willing to listen. Realize your dreams. Live your dreams. Be your dreams. Smile. Laugh.

Dinner was A-MAZING that evening. We were treated to a red carpet dinner at Lights, Motors, Action, Extreme Stunt Show in Hollywood Studios.photo credit @hyku

photo credit @hykuDon’t hold grudges.

Treat everyone with kindness.

See problems as challenges.

Express gratitude for what they already have.

Dream big.

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Speak well of others.

Never make excuses.

Get absorbed into the present.

Avoid social comparison.

Choose friends wisely.

Never seek approval from others.

Take the time to listen.

Nurture social relationships.

Establish personal control.

Accept what cannot be changed.

Be authentic.

"Everyone neat and pretty? Then on with the show!" - Mickey MouseDo you seet he rose Minneie Mouse is holding? My daughters gave Mickey Mouse the roses and he gave them to Minnie! LOVE!!

disclosure: I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Conference with my family and received discounted rates and tickets to various events and attractions. All my magical opinions are my own.

What is it about wonderful characters and big hugs that make you smile? My kids were smiling all afternoon and I was elated. The kids took a quick dip in the pool and I headed to the welcome reception to listen to Leanne Jakubowski, Meg Crofton and Chris Powell.

Leanne Jakubowski, Director of Social Media for Disney Parks and Resorts kicked off our evening and made introductions. Meg Crofton, the president of Disney Parks relayed to us her thoughts on the wonder of social media and how it has transformed Disney's reach. Chris Powell spoke to all of us briefly on weight loss and the act of setting realtistic goals for ourselves. He also stated to not be so hard on ourselves as we go through our days.

We had dinner at Epcot World ShowPlace Events Pavilion and danced and partied with the #DisneyTryIt Family Celebration. We were treated to an evening of fun food, interactive games, activities and some more Disney characters.

TryIt! is part of Disney's Magic of Healthy Living that inspires all us parents to get our kids to "try" new food and activities. I saw gaggles of kids trying new foods and moving around to all the wonderful activities all evening.

After dinner we all celebrated the IllumiNations Dessert Party and had front row seats to glorious fireworks. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth was really wonderful. My children were so intrigued by the floating Earth. We headed back to the hotel and sat on our patio and enjoyed the  water parade and ended our first day.

disclosure: I attended the Disney Social Media Moms Conference with my family and received discounted rates and tickets to various events and attractions. All my magical opinions are my own.

{well, not all of us, my husband can't make it this time around and is insanely jealous}

I am even more elated that I am an attendee of the conference and will have the opportunity to interact with world class speakers and be truly inspired. I really do take away a wealth of information from this conference. I'm ready to see some dreams come true and really figure out what all those clues were about! I will mingle with old friends, while making new friends. Honestly, I can't wait to connect with as many fellow bloggers as possible.

I will be staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort during the conference and then moving on to Disney's Art of Animation. I chose this hotel based on all the recommendations from past conference attendees. I'm so elated (there's that word again) too see some sun and swim in pools with my kiddos.

Please follow me along while I am there, I will be posting on twitter, facebook and Instagram. Be sure to follow the hashtag #DisneySMMoms on twitter for all the wonderful information that the attendees will be soaking up. I'm bringing my laptop, my tablet, my phone and my camera, so keep an eye out for all the fun we will be having. We intend to stay after the conference to enjoy Florida weather and the parks.

Let the memories begin . . .