Adding Pixie Dust to Social Media at Walt Disney World

Followers on twitter, facebook, or even readers here of my posts on Solo-parenting tips and First-timer tips have probably heard of the upcoming Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World. Having dipped its toes into the ocean of social media and mom bloggers for a while now with Magical Mom Blogger trips and cruises, Disney has now decided to venture into the world of social media conferences.

Walt Disney World will play host to over 100 mom (and dad) bloggers on February 10-12, 2010. Lucky attendees will be treated to what Disney does best – celebrate! Even the name reveals it is not just another blogging conference – celebration is right in the title. And as if simply being on Walt Disney World property for the event was not enough, Disney went the step further to host guests at one of its Deluxe properties, the Polynesian Resort, add in amazing social media speakers who are the top in their field, AND allow attendees to bring family members as part of the conference fee. The value for this event is just mind-boggling since staying at the Polynesian for even one night is close to the cost for the entire 3-night event (including up to 3 guests) with park tickets, some meals and who knows what other surprises Disney has in store. When I first saw the event invitation, I knew I would do whatever it took to be able to attend. This is simply a once-in-a-lifetime event (which I hope happens more than once as I’m sure this is only the beginning of Disney’s social media conference hosting!). I’ve come to the astute conclusion that this taking part in once-in-a-lifetime events thing is a good habit to have. That’s a good plan, right?

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is one of the few Disney resorts I have not stayed in. As a Disney Reservations Center agent a few years back, we did tour almost every resort and villa, including the Princess suites and the King Kamehameha Club concierge lounge at the Polynesian, so I know how beautiful the rooms and amenities are. I’m excited that my family will get to experience the rooms and staying in the resort along with me this time and can’t wait for the photo opportunities. I have to wonder if residing at the Polynesian will cause my children to have a new favorite resort (which, like my favorites, change frequently!).

Part of the activities during Disney’s Social Media Moms Celebration will be touring the about-to-be re-branded ESPN Wide World of Sports. During WDW Moms Panel training, we were lucky enough to tour the facility and see some of the high-tech changes taking place. I can’t wait to see the progress that’s been made and be able to share the excitement with all of you.

Another opportunity at the event will be taking part in the Disney Parks’ Celebration of Volunteerism taking place at Epcot. Spotlighting Disney’s focus on volunteerism promoted by the Give a Day Get a Disney Day campaign, I’m not sure of the details of this Epcot event, but I can’t wait to find out!

As for the rest of the celebration, I’m sure I’ll be tweeting as it happens and I’ll try to blog as I can during the event. What’s so wonderful about conferences like this and the help of social media tools like twitter and facebook, is that most of the attendees have already ‘met’ online and know at least a little bit about each other before meeting in person. The connections being made and friendships that will blossom are perhaps greater than any registration cost could cover. As a relatively new blogger (coming up on my 1 year blogiversary!), I’m looking forward to the speakers and meeting fellow bloggers just as much as Disney’s pixie dusting of events. Since I’m also a representative of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, I’m thrilled to be meeting up with some of my other Disney Moms while there as well! This really is the perfect combination of all the things I love right now – Disney, blogging and social media, meeting new friends, and getting to share it all with my family! Thank you (yet again!) to Disney and the other event organizers: 5 Minutes for Mom, Mom Select, Mom Bloggers Club and Resourceful Mommy Media for making what is sure to be an affair to remember. I can’t wait for the rest of the blogging world to see what Disney has to offer!

Disclaimer: I am a panelist on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, but am attending the Social Media Moms Celebration through my own means. Walt Disney World has offered this conference to all attendees at a special rate which will cover our resort accomodations, park tickets and some meals and I am not receiving any special treatment other than the amazing event itinerary all attendees will experience,  as a result of my WDW Moms panelist position. Opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own and not that of the Walt Disney Company.