Taking up where I left off last Travel Tuesday, where I bragged cried about doing Disney without the kids, it was time for our first official Disney Social Media Moms Event.
My SassySis and I were on the move. Grabbing the monorail it was a straight shot to the Contemporary Hotel that we were now calling home. I had just enough time to freshen up and run back down to the Lobby to meet up with the other Disney Social Media Moms before the bus left for our event. Should I confess that I was a little bit nervous? Here I was about to meet so many fabulous women and get a behind the scenes peek at one of the most magical places on earth. It was getting hard to control the butterflies.
I strapped on my big girl sandals (because it was over the top hot) and dove in head first. I need not have worried. As I entered the crowd of women waiting for the bus I felt like I was going home. There were a few familiar faces from conferences past, a lot of “I know that face” known only from facebook and blog stalking, and even time to make some new introductions. Everyone was warm and welcoming, there was no shortage of hugs.
We all boarded our luxury coach buses and were off, eagerly anticipating the TryIt event at Epcot! TryIt is part of Disney’s Healthy Living Campaign to partner with parents to encourage children to try new foods. An amazing initiative. After a short drive, our group was ushered through a back gate and led to a pavilion inside Epcot which was all decked out for our arrival.
Blue up lights pointed at gorgeous chandeliers, the beautiful crowd circulated and the room buzzed with anticipation. I loved receiving more hugs from familiar faces as the busses unloaded, and we kicked off the night in style with champagne toasts and fabulous horderves. It was a special way to start an evening! I could use thousands of words to describe the excitement that poured from our hostess Leanne Jabukowski, Director of Social Media for Disney Parks, and special guest Chris Powell, Extreme Makeover Weight loss Edition, as they both inspired and motivated us.
I could use thousands more words in an attempt to capture the laughter and smiles as children met their Disney Hero’s and Mamas met their favourite characters, but I think it better to simply show you my photos and hope the pictures begin to tell the tale.
Following the amazing dinner, the photo taking, a little dancing, some incredible performances by both a band and an acrobatic duo, we had the opportunity to do something I have never done before.
We were treated to dessert and fireworks, Disney style!
Desserts of all kinds and some pretty over the top coffees were served under the stars while we were dazzled by the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks!
I might have asked my SassySis to pinch me.
This was just opening night. I was feeling grateful, blessed and a little bit giddy.
Big thanks to Disney Social Media Moms for making it all possible.
I can’t wait to tell you about day three!
Tools gives me butterflies and I hope to have Disney butterflies one day.
Those are some nice photos
Thank you! We had an amazing time!
Most tools scare me! Cute post!
Such an amazing experience! While Disney with your kids is a riot – I think spending the time with your sis gives you a VERY different appreciation for the place 🙂
Glad to see you ladies had a great time! It looked amazing 🙂
Soozle you are so right! A trip with my sister to Disney really gave me the opportunity to see the magic of the place with a different set of eyes! There is truly something for everyone!
The fireworks look amazing!
The fireworks shows are just not to be missed!
Power tools give me butterflies so I use hand tools most of the time. This trip looks like a lot of fun. I’d love to go there sometime.
Don’t really get butterflies from tools or anything other than heights, I do however get very anxious, to the point of shaking sometimes 😉
Yes some power tools I am nervous with the saws but ok with most of the other ones. This isnèt the good kind of butterflies
So jealous! I’d love to do that event!
Doesn’t hurt to dream!! Hope you get to go someday soon 🙂
I was going to comment on the pic of you and the Storm Trooper – loved your dress and you looked happy and nice. But where did that pic go?
Wow…the fireworks looks amazing. No matter how many times I’ve seen fireworks, I’m always impressed by them.
I honestley get Goosebumps every single time!
That’s awesome, I love fireworks! Looks like a fun time.
It was such an incredible treat to be able to share this experience with my sister. So carefree!! Feeling very blessed 🙂
This looks like an amazing event!
It was one of the best run events I have ever been to!
looks amazing – i would get butterflies too.
i can’t think of the last time i got butterflies.
The butterflies were like a gift themselves! So great to feel like a kid again 🙂
Cute dress — you look lovely Stephanie! What a fantastic welcoming!
Oh thanks so much!! (have to love the maxi dress!)