Blogging Conference | The Angel Forever

Category Archives Blogging Conference

Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons Platinum Soiree

Posted on March 27, 2011 6:00 am by TheAngelForever

Almost ten years ago, TechyDad and I were married. At the time, my soon to be husband had never been to Walt Disney World.

It’s okay to gasp since I know I did.

When we were planning our honeymoon, we wanted to do something different. I am not a beach person. Over time, I convinced TechyDad that we should do a Walt Disney World honeymoon. We stayed the the Beach Club Resort, added on the Deluxe Dining Plan, made some advanced dining reservations (ADRs in Disney lingo), planned to see Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, and did several behind the scene tours. At our table, during our reception, we even had two special guests.

Fast forward to the first event at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. We were all invited to be guests at the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons Platinum Soiree. When we arrived, we were given Minnie Bride Ears or Mickey Top Hats. TechyDad and I almost bough similar ones on our honeymoon, but never did. Now, I had my own Mickey ears.

When we walked toward Franck’s, near the Wedding Pavilion, we were greeted by Franck and Edna. Yes, these characters were brought to life (Father of the Bride and Incredibles anyone?!) and came over to as many people as they could to welcome us to the event.

Franck and Edna explained that we should go make ourselves a candy box to take as our gift. Who are we to say no?! It was like Candy Land (which actually has a Disney version) was placed on a magical table before our eyes.

After this, we went into Franck’s to see all of the amazing wedding cake and setting displays. The photos do not do the creations justice.

Then it was time to head into the wedding Pavilion. On the way into the building, that I had always longed to see from the monorail, we were able to see the new Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Alfred Angelo Gowns that are inspired by the Disney Princesses.

Once inside, we made sure to take some photos of us wearing our ears. Christina from Cutestkidever and I are sporting our ears together. Sitting with us were Debra from AFrugalFriend and Cathi from Planes, Trains & Taxi Cabs.

Soon it was time to sit back and learn about the new happenings with the Disney Parks. We would also be the first people to see the Cinderella inspired dress, hear from Carley Roney from The Knot and The Bump, meet David Tutera from My Fair Wedding, and witness an amazing Disney style wedding.

It was just the beginning of a magical evening. Many more photos to come soon care of the amazing photographers at Disney who captured the beauty of the evening.

Disclosure: Although we paid for our own trip to Disney World, we were given an incredible deal thanks to Disney. The sweet conference fee included 3 nights at the Grand Floridian, several meals for the entire family, 7 day park hoppers for everyone, conference/meals for me and some other items to take home. Also note that Disney never asked us to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan it is my pleasure to share my experiences from the event.

Categories:
Blogging Conference bloggy friends Disney DisneySMMoms fun looking back photos

Our Adventure Begins at the Grand Floridian

Posted on March 26, 2011 9:03 am by TheAngelForever

Last Thursday morning, we got up before the sun came out, dropped our car off, and went to the airport. The boys and I were heading to Walt Disney World for the 2011 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Southwest had us boarding the plane and ready to take off within 15 minutes. We loved that the Albany airport seems to be testing a new front and back loading system. It was a very painless experience that more cities should try. Before we knew it, the sun was shining and we were up in the air.

NHL and I sat together, while JSL sat with TechyDad. It was a quick flight and soon we could feel the sun and warmth of Florida welcoming us. Thanks to the Magical Express, we were able to gather the boys and a few small bags to head right to the Grand Floridian. As we got off of the bus, we knew it was going to be an amazing adventure ahead of us. We pulled up just in time to see this:

Yes, that is a bride heading to her Disney fairytale wedding in the Cinderella coach. Ah, only at Disney World will you just bump into things like this. We continued into the lobby for check in. We did the online check-in for the first time and it was amazing. The Luck of the Irish for St. Patrick’s Day was with us since our room was ready at 11:30. Rather than go right there, we went to the hospitality area in the convention center to officially check into DisneySMMoms 2011!

The magic was just starting as we were handing our Park Hoppers, papers, agendas, and other goodies. Once we were finished there, we walked over to find our room. The grounds of the Grand Floridian are beyond gorgeous and the rooms amazing. These are just a few photos of our first glances at the place we would call home for three nights.

Since we had a few hours before the first event of the evening, we packed the boys up, put on sun lotion, and went to the Magic Kingdom. For the third time, we rented a double stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals – which was a lifesaver many times.

When we were waiting for the monorail, someone recognized me. It was Kim Moldofsky from Hormone-Colored Days and Mom Impact.

After exiting the monorail, we went into the Magic Kingdom. It never gets old listening to your children gasp and chatter away when they see the Castle for the first time on a visit.

We were all hungry, so we stopped for lunch, then we did a few rides

Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the room. The boys relaxed for a bit, while I went to the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons Platinum Soiree. More coming very soon!

Categories:
Blogging Conference bloggy friends Disney DisneySMMoms

Saying Goodbye to Disney For Now

Posted on March 25, 2011 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Magical family memories are what you dream of when traveling to Walt Disney World and it is a simple item to fulfill.

On this trip alone we have done many new and old favorites which include:

Bouncing with Tigger when getting a photo taken
Searching for the hidden Mickey’s that lurk in all different places
Eating with Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Alice, Cinderella at Akershus
Taking the entire family on Kali River Rapids together since the little guy was tall enough
Eating at Boma still soaked 3 hours after the previously mentioned ride
Meeting the amazing people behind Cake Wrecks
Watching Captain EO and traveling back to 1986 with my boys
Traveling around the world and back to complete a passport
Trying Kim Possible
Catching a glimpse of the Main Street Electric Parade before heading back to the resort after 12 hours
Eating pizza at 9:30 and laughing that we are having dinner so late

The boys and I have had yet another fantastic experience, filled with memories that will last a life time.Of course, the hardest part of a vacation is packing up to head home and going back to reality. By the time you read this we will be home, in the cold temperatuers, possible facing more snow. Right now, I am still hear and heading off for our last magical day at Disney.

My question for you today:

What is the hardest part of going back home after a vacation, and how do you help to ease back into things? One other thing –> Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!

_____________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha #144

Categories:
Blogging Conference Disney DisneySMMoms fun jl jsl nhl photos vacation

Thank You Disney Social Media Moms Celebration

Posted on March 21, 2011 10:52 pm by TheAngelForever

The weekend has come and gone and the 2011 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration is now over. As I sit here at Walt Disney World with my family, it is hard to wrap my brain around everything that has taken place. Over the next few weeks, or longer, I will share items with you.

The speakers taught me a wealth of information that will help me with my blogging, freelance writing, and life in general. I also met so many amazing people over the weekend and wish I had time to see even more of my social media friends that were at Disney. I only wish I had taken some more photos of everyone there. Here is a special one from after Illuminations Saturday evening.

A special thank you to Leanne, Laura, and the rest of the Disney Social Media Moms team that helped to make this magical event a reality. It was a pleasure being a part of this experience and getting time to meet both of you. Thank you for the photo during the Disney Junior Party, it meant so much to me.

There is so much to share, but for now I will spend time with my family and enjoy time here in beautiful Florida.

Categories:
Blogging Conference bloggy friends Disney DisneySMMoms photos

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration 2011

Posted on February 17, 2011 7:52 am by TheAngelForever

A little over a year ago, I traveled to Disney World to take part in my first blogging conference. For some reason I was not nervous. Unlike my trip to BlogHer, a few months later in NYC, I was at ease going to a location that I knew and loved. What could be more magical than going to meet new people, learn new things, and play with my family at Disney World? The answer, being able to go again in 2011.

Yes, in a few weeks I will be heading back to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Walt Disney World. I feel so lucky to be able to go and experience the magic of this conference. The best part for me is not having to worry about my family. While I am taking part in the events for conference attendees, I know that my husband and boys will be having an adventure in one of the Disney parks.