Disney Social Media Moms Celebration: Intro

I'm a realist at heart, but it is hard not to get caught up in all the--dare I say it, magic---twinkling around Disney World.  I know that word "magic" is overused, but Walt Disney World is truly a magical place, where everyone is generally relaxed and happy, the staff is friendly and extremely accommodating, and there is so much to marvel at.

When reflecting upon the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration that I was so fortunate to be able to attend, I think that it was also pretty magical.  Being in a room with over 200 other bloggers and social media enthusiasts, I was amazed at the energy and camaraderie amongst this group of moms (and a few dads sprinkled in too).

You literally could walk up to anyone, start up a conversation, and feel comfortable, included and listened to, even for an introvert like myself.  Plus the incredible work and talent of all the women who organized the event, including Amy of Resourceful Mommy, Jennifer of Mom Bloggers Club, Susan and Janice of 5 Minutes for Mom, Maria Bailey of Mom Select, and especially Laura and Leanne, part of the Disney Social Media team, all of whose efforts really blew me away.

 Duffy, the Disney Bear (he really helped get Soren through some rough nights)

Disney really knows how to host guests and create an atmosphere of, well, magic (there's that word again).  You'll be hearing more about the details over this and the next few posts.

Soren, Chris and I arrived Thursday around lunchtime, and were luckily able to check in right away to the hotel--the gorgeous Grand Floridian, Disney's flagship 5-star hotel.

When I first found out about the conference back in December (follow their official page on Twitter so you can find the dates and registration info for next year), I nearly passed out when I found it was at The Grand Floridian.

I have always wanted to stay there, but it's way out of our price range ($400+ a night).  The hotel did not disappoint, with its classical Victorian architecture, beautifully manicured gardens, and heated pools.

Live music in the lobby each evening, via grand piano or a jazz band

One other perk about The Grand Floridian is that the monorail to Magic Kingdom picked guests up at the second floor (entrance under the chandelier above).  This was really convenient for us and our stroller, to be able to roll onto it and get off, just one stop away.

Though it was sunny and in the mid-80s each day, it was nice to swim in a heated pool.

Enjoying the Florida air on the balcony (it actually snowed here in PA this morning)

(above photos: the views from our balcony)

Soren liked the beach balls at the main pool, but much preferred the beach pool and its sloping entrance, nearby sandy beach, and the spray playground.

The cabana to the right above serves as a hub for kids activities, like bingo, chalk drawings, a DJ dance party, and even Wi games.  Soren was a little young to participate, but he enjoyed just running through the fountains.

And the beach just beyond the pool was an additional treat for my little digging addict.

We could have spent our entire vacation just at the hotel.

Our room was spacious and inviting,

and filled with little Disney touches like the towel art, in this case a princess purse

and fancy toiletries from H2O.

After arriving and settling it, we hit the pool before the conference started that evening.  I'll be writing a post just about the dinner and events surrounding the 20th anniversary of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Wedding pavillion soon, as this one is already quite long.  Stay tuned!
Disclosure: I paid a fee to attend the conference. Hotel accommodations during the conference were included in the fee, as were Park tickets,  selected meals and freebies in our conference totes.  All opinions are my own.