On Butterflies, Disney Love and Fire Works!

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!