Over The Top Mommy

Disney

My Advice For Anyone Who Has the Dream of Being Invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! #DisneySMMC

itll-happen-for-you-too

I was so honored to receive my first invitation this year to the 2015 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! Since I’m a first-timer, I have no idea of what exactly to expect, I just know that it’s going to be magical and I fully intend to take in everything about this once in a lifetime experience!

THE-emailMy love for Disney runs deep and I’m very active on social medias in the Disney community, but I wasn’t one of “the invited” last year. Although it was disappointing for me not to be invited last year, I knew that there probably just wasn’t enough pixie dust for everyone to be invited and thought perhaps it just wasn’t my time last year.

we-all-get-different-perks-frameI want to share a a little bit about my own experience for those are hoping to be invited to the event in the future. I’ve had several people actually ask me what they need to do or how to get invited. I’m only sharing from my own experience and I don’t have “the formula” or “the secret” for how to get invited, but if what I share can help someone else, then I hope it will. Some of the things I’m going to share are actually pretty basic.

chearingOne of the biggest, most important things to do is to support others online in a positive way. Be happy for them! Congratulate them! Comment on their photos, tweets, and Facebook statuses! I can’t tell you to be genuinely happy for others if you’re not, but this is something I do. Honestly, it’s not something you can fake. If you have it in your character than do it! Those are the kinds of people that Disney wants at their events anyway. I might also add that it is the way you conduct yourself when you DON’T get something you’re hoping for that will show your true character!

conduct-yourselfThey’re watching you right now. As much as those who are being pixie-dusted with invites are in the spotlight, so are those who are right there supporting them. Make a good impression online and they will remember it for the future. (By the way, I don’t know exactly who “they” are, I’m just referring to the people you want to notice you!)

pixie-dustI’ve learned  that pixie dust tends to fly in several different waves. What that means for you is that there is still a chance! I have seen initial rounds of invitations sent and then another wave of invitations go out later that night or the next morning. Then, I’ve seen even later rounds of invites go out. Remember, there will be people who will unable to attend, for whatever reason, and sadly will have to decline their invitation. Hold out hope. It can still happen for you. If it doesn’t this year, there’s always next year.

hold-out-hopeThere are a couple of things you can do to become more active, and hopefully noticed by the right people. Have you considered signing up with MomSelect? You can register as “a mom” or “a mom blogger” and there are often wonderful opportunities to do such things as throw a Disney Side at Home Celebration, which you may have seen happening online. There are also other fun opportunities too, but if you haven’t registered yourself yet, you’ll want to do so right now!

disney-side-at-home-celebrationsAnother suggestion would be to stay active on as many of the social media channels as possible! If you are only on Facebook, consider putting yourself out there more on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google +, etc. Personally, my most favorite social medias are Twitter and Instagram. There is also a great group to join on Facebook called Disney Social Media Moms: Alumni & Hopefuls. Request to join and get to know a bunch of the other Disney Moms (and Dads). I’ve made a ton of friends this way.

keep-calm-framedMy last suggestion is to do something I did last year. It’s the most fun thing, too! If you didn’t (or don’t) receive an invitation to this year’s Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, then you can actually register to be invited to one of this summer’s Disney Social Media Moms “On-the-Road” Celebrations! It’s a one-day conference where you get to connect with a ton of other Disney Moms, as well as the Disney Team! This is what I did last year and it was SO much fun! I’m actually hoping to go again this summer too.

?????As soon as the site opens up to register for the interest list, you’ll start seeing people post about it online. Then, you too can go register and then wait…and hopefully YOU’LL get an invite to join one of the locations! I attended the one in Phoenix, Arizona last year and it was a wonderful experience.  I even got to meet Grumpy Cat at the conference last year! It’s a very magical experience and something a Disney Social Media Mom (or Dad) should strive to attend.

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I hope my suggestions are helpful ones. I still can’t contain my excitement about attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration this year in Florida and can’t believe I’m going to Disney World! I hope you’ll follow along online! Look for the #DisneySMMC hashtag! ChEARs!

were-going-to-disney-world

 

 

I’m Going to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! (We’ve Got a First-Timer Here!)

im-goingYesterday was the most “magical” Friday ever! I had absolutely no idea that invitations for the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration were even going out yet.  I suppose if I hadn’t been at work, teaching 29 little busy bees all day and had been online, I may have seen the tweet that practically broke Twitter…in a good way, of course!

magical-fridayI’m kind of glad I didn’t see it though because I would’ve become an instant ball of nerves afterwards, checking my email obsessively! Instead, I finished up an exhausting day of teaching without knowing a thing, dismissed the students, and found THIS on my email front page!

omgoodnessI think my heart skipped a beat and I honestly stood there, wanting to take in the moment before daring to click it! Something from “Walt Disney World Special Events”? WHOA! So, that whole “moment” I was taking before clicking it lasted about as long as it took for me to snap this picture! I swear I heard a drumroll in my head as I clicked it and BAM!

THE-emailThere I was, jumping up and down in my classroom, all by myself! I didn’t want to post about it online until I could tell the rest of my family, but I also didn’t want any part of the Disney Team to think me ungrateful if I didn’t, especially since Twitter was going crazy with the new #DisneySMMC hashtag! However, my husband and daughter were unreachable at the moment…yep, they were on a trip with my daughter’s school and actually down in the mines, learning about The Gold Rush! What are the chances? I had to wait about 2 hours after reading my magical email to tell them! Talk about suspense! Everything worked out in the end but that sure seemed like the longest 2 hours of my life!

were-going-to-disney-worldI am so grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to see what’s in store for us in May!

Have YOU Hung Out With Farley the Fiddler at Disneyland Yet?

Farley-the-fiddler-stickersHave you gotten to hang out with Farley yet at Disneyland? Although I don’t consider myself a total Disney expert, I do think that if you are a big lover of Disneyland, there are certain names that should ring a bell, like “Farley“!  If you haven’t heard of him, he’s also know as “Farley the Fiddler“! I’d seen Farley perform several times before on the porches over in Frontierland, near The Golden Horseshoe but had never talked to him. (He was always busy singing) However, I did get to hang out with him during Disney’s Rock Your Disney Side 24-hour event.

fiddlingAs I sat in a rocking chair relaxing inside of Miss Chris’ Cabin while Emi was coloring,  in walked Farley! That’s when I learned that his stomping grounds had been moved over there to the Big Thunder Ranch area.  He was so much fun! He sang, he fiddled, and he told jokes…LOTS of jokes! The kids LOVED him. (OK the moms did too) He even let Emi try to play his fiddle. She definitely needs some more lessons. It was a fun way to break up a long day in the parks and get away from the crowds.

knock-knockWe recently ran into Farley again on another Disneyland trip. This time Emi was with her friend Gabby. Farley seemed to have some new jokes this time! The girls were loving it! I swear the girls could’ve easily spent a couple hours hanging out with him that afternoon. (Hmm, maybe we should’ve left him in charge and gone shopping for a while?)

cheese-with-FarleyFarley shared a little bit of Disneyland history with us during our chat. When you get to hear things from actual cast members who have been part of the magic for so long, it’s really a priceless experience.

Hidden MickeyCan you spot the Hidden Mickey?

He had us step outside the cabin, pointed out the giant mound of old horseshoes out there, and encouraged us to look for the Hidden Mickey in the pile. I don’t own one of those Hidden Mickey books because I like to be surprised when I learn about a new Hidden Mickey. I feel like it’s more special that way. Now I’m just excited I know about ANOTHER Hidden Mickey!

selfie with FarleyFarley is really a fun guy to hang out with! The kids loved him, he was totally on board to take a selfie with me, and the guy tells great knock knock jokes! Oh, and don’t let me forget one more important part…he gives out stickers! No wonder he’s such a hit! I think he’s one of Disneyland’s hidden gems!

hanging-with-farleyHave YOU gotten to meet Farley the Fiddler yet? He has his own Facebook page, so go check him out!

 

 

 

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas at Disneyland Resort!

It's a Small World at Christmas timeIt’s only November 2nd and Christmas is popping up already, all around Disneyland Resort with a heavy emphasis over in Toontown! Yep! I really couldn’t be happier about it, either!

firehouse in ToontownWe ventured into Toontown this morning to ride Gadget’s Go Coaster and I immediately noticed the decorations on the firehouse! As I looked around, I could see that there were beautiful garlands hanging on the boughs of the buildings and houses in Toontown!

city hall 1

I loved the patriotic decorations hanging on Toontown City Hall. I was lucky enough to catch Pluto peeking out of the door when I was standing there! He gave me a big hug and then stopped to take a selfie with me before continuing on his way!

city hall

selfie with Pluto

I think my most favorite parts in Toontown were the decorations on Mickey and Minnie’s houses! They’re so lucky that they each get their own Christmas tree in their front yard!

Mickey's houseMickey’s house is all ready for the holidays! 

Minnie's House 2How adorable is Minnie’s house? The CM told us that Minnie was up late last night working on that heart-shaped wreath!

Disneyland Resort is most definitely “My Happy Place” but with Christmas decorations slowly appearing all around the parks, it Just Got Happier! I can’t wait to go back soon and see it when everything is decorated for Christmas!

Do YOU have a favorite part about Christmas time at Disneyland Resort?

Sleeping Beauty is Out of the Disney Vault! Grab This Diamond Edition While You Can! Fun Activities and a Giveaway for Your Own Copy Too!

 

emi auroraIt’s no surprise that we are BIG Disney lovers in our home! Emi has always loved Sleeping Beauty and used to dress up like her a lot, even when we’d visit Disneyland. She even had one of the reversible blue/pink dresses that came from Disneyland Paris. For Emi’s 3rd birthday, we even hired “Sleeping Beauty” to come to Emi’s party to entertain the kids. I swear she was the real one, too! (She came from Dream Come True Entertainment)

aurora 2We just love “Sleeping Beauty” and we love this classic Disney movie!

SleepingBeautyDiamondEdBlurayCombo

Today is such an extra happy day! It’s the day that Sleeping Beauty is finally releasing from the Disney Vault! Disney’s ultimate princess fairytale classic “Sleeping Beauty” will be available for the first time on Diamond Edition Blu-ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere! Creating the ultimate at-home viewing experience, Disney’s 2-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray Superset (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) contains digitally restored picture and sound, a digital copy of the film, and a variety of magical new bonus features!Additional all-new bonus features include never-before-seen deleted scenes “The Fair” (with Deleted Character The Vulture,) “The Curse is Fulfilled” and “Arrival Of Maleficent,” plus the Beauty-Oke sing-along to “Once Upon A Dream.” The Blu-ray Superset also includes classic DVD bonus features and more!

In honor of this grand occasion of “Sleeping Beauty’ being released from the Disney Vault, I’m also attaching a link to download some fun printables and activities that go along with the movie. They’re perfect for both boys and girls. I think we might even have a movie party at our house with our new DVD! Check them out just by clicking on the image!

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Finally, I’m giving away one copy of “Sleeping Beauty: Diamond Edition” to one of my readers. Just enter below in the Rafflecopter. How exciting is that? Good luck everyone!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Adults Aren’t Too Old to Wear a Costume to Disneyland! We’re Big Kids Too!

I sometimes wish I was a kid again so that I could dress up in a costume any time I visited the Disney Parks. There are only a couple of occasions during the year when adults are permitted to dress up in a full costume to enter a Disney Park and Disney’s 24-hour event was one of the most recent ones. It was extra fun to people watch at the “Rock Your Disney Side” event.  Let me  share a few of my favorites with you.

I know he’s not a Disney character but I must start by saying that both Emi and I were pretty enamored to see this guy in the parks…..

Santa in the parksSanta likes photography too! 

Santa COther than his Christmas EARs, he wasn’t dressed up in a costume. I KNEW Santa was real! AND he likes Disneyland!

Almost right away, we came across one of our favorite princesses. We didn’t want to bother her because she looked to be deep in thought!

Aurora Feeding the DucksAurora likes to feed the ducks! She was carrying her basket with some bread in it and sitting in front of the Rivers of America, most likely daydreaming about a certain prince! 

Funny how a couple of hours later, we ran into Aurora again…this time with friends!

aurora with the girls

 

aurora with the girls

aurora and more with the girls

Spending some quality time in the parks with girlfriends is the best way to do it! Aurora was wearing what looked to be the prettiest gown from the closet! 

Next, we ran into a very familiar mermaid! It looks like she chose legs for the occasion in lieu of her usual tail!

Ariel and ErikI loved seeing Ariel and Eric in their more casual outfits! I wonder if he was texting Ariel’s dad to ask permission to hang out with her in the parks? 

There’s nothing that makes my heart more happy than seeing these two together!

jessie

They were WAY cute together! AND her name really IS Jessie!

leiaIt looks like Princess Leia enjoys a Dole Whip as much as the rest of us do!  Nice mani!

It was funny to see Alice and The Queen at this spot. I guess that must be their favorite bathroom too!

AliceI was fangirling on Alice’s handbag! She never carries it in her movie!  And this lace version of her dress? Love! The girl’s got a great sense of fashion! 

Alice and QueenWHO knew these two were actually friendly in real life? 

Doc McStuffins 1Doc McStuffins is even cuter in person than on Disney Junior! I loved her Big Book of Boo Boos and Lambie! She diagnosed me with “Disneylanditis“! I don’t think that’s a bad thing though!

M1I always wondered how Maleficent looked so great and now I know! She works out whenever she’s in the parks! 

Witnessing an engagement in front of the castle is ALWAYS special! This one landed on Belle’s birthday! (I totally teared up)

Belle and Beast getting engaged I was so happy that Belle and Beast let us all witness their special engagement in front of the castle! 

Belle can't believe itOh Belle, we’re all so excited for you, too! 

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Beast and Belle hugging Disney Magic happened that day for sure! 

I’m not sure where the Seven Dwarfs were but Snow was really wrapped up in her cell phone convo!

Snow White on her cellI think she loves her cell phone as much as I do! (except I’m really more of a texter) 

Snow 2

Snow 3 Seriously, it looks like whatever the gossip, it’s pretty good! Hey Snow, I want your shoes! 

I saved my most favorite pics for last. These two ladies were both so beautiful and I adored their costumes and hair! They honestly looked like they were having the best time ever! Emi asked me if they were going to get in trouble for riding the Tea Cups? She thought they were the official in-park characters!

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sleeping beautySo beautiful! 

Rapunzel's hair! Rapunzel’s hair! I want it! 

selfie in a tea cup Now these are my kind of girls! Selfie in a teacup?!!! 

I had the best time writing this post. I love all of the creativity that these guests put into their costumes and outfits and I love how they’re wearing their costumes with such confidence. Most of all I love the fact that you’re never too old to dress up and have fun at Disneyland!

Have YOU ever dressed up as your favorite Disney character? If so, which one?

“You’re Free Now, Genie!” RIP Robin Williams

The world lost an incredible man yesterday, Mr. Robin Williams. I’m still in shock today and my heart hurts for the loss of this amazing actor, but it mostly hurts for his family. I cannot imagine what they’re going through. He truly must’ve been in so much pain and so tired to do something like that.

Mrs Doubtfire “She” rocked our world! (photo credit: @pj_campbell)

I grew up watching Robin Williams and truly admired his talents as an actor. He could take on pretty much about any role. Since I’m a huge Disney lover, his death infiltrates into my Disney Side as well, as he was Peter Pan and Genie. Recently, Emi somehow watched “Mrs. Doubtfire” for the first time and was just enamored by her (him). Although the storyline of the movie is pretty harsh and sad, I think a majority of that goes over her head. She’s just in awe over Mrs. Doubtfire and so I’ve recently found myself watching this old classic quite a bit because it’s on our DVR! We were JUST at Target the other day, looking for movies for our road trip, when Emi pointed at the Jumanji cover and said, “Look it’s Mrs. Doubtfire!” We didn’t buy Jumanji on that shopping trip but now I wish we had. I am so happy that Emi knows who he is and appreciates Mr. Williams as an actor as much as I do.

dining in disneyHe starred in so many great kids’ movies. I can’t wait to watch more of them with Emi! (photo credit: @diningindisney)

This loss hits so close to home for me. I, too, lost a very close friend to suicide. It’s been 2 1/2 years now and I think about her all the time. I don’t talk about her loss as much as I think about it because people start to think there’s something wrong with me and that I “need help”.  Her death left a hole in my heart and it’s something that never really gets better for me. It feels like a wound that gets reopened every time I hear about another suicide.  I cried for her last night as I cried for Robin Williams.

I don’t think that people who don’t suffer from the kind of depression that can lead to suicide, can really understand how and why it happens. How could they? It irritates me when people say things like “Stop feeling sorry for yourself” or “You need to get over it.” to someone who’s suffering. I also believe that using words  like “selfish” or “cowardly” when talking about suicide, or to describe someone who committed suicide, also demonstrates a lack of understanding.

be kind

I feel so fortunate to be able to say that I don’t suffer from depression, because it seems like such a tough struggle that a person has to battle for their entire life. I know a TON of friends who do suffer from it though. Just because a person suffers from depression doesn’t necessarily mean they’re suicidal, but I feel that there are times that we, as human beings, could be more aware of when others might need help or are having a hard time. Perhaps giving someone words of encouragement, asking them if they want to talk or just being a good listener to another, would be something that we could all go out of our way to do. Most times, people who are suffering the most, will be the ones who are talking about it the least and that’s why we need to keep an eye out for each other. If you see someone is suffering, do something. Be proactive. Even turn to available resources where you can find help for someone. Do what you can to take care of others, even if it’s just something small.

suicide prevention hotline I can’t tell you HOW many times I’ve tried to go back to the time before my friend’s death to question what I could’ve done to help or how I could have helped her know that she, too, was worth something and loved by so many of us here, including her own family. I spoke at her service, I told her that she was beautiful, she was loved, she was GOOD ENOUGH! I just wish I could’ve told her that more often before it was too late.

genieRobin William’s death is so heartbreaking. I only hope he’s at peace now.

He will be truly missed by his fans. RIP Mr. Williams!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the quote I live by. I find that as I get older, I even try to do it more.

Help Me Find This Couple from Disney’s 24-Hour Event! They Got Engaged! #RockYourDisneySide

I was just going through my pictures from Disney’s Rock Your Disney Side 24-hour event back in May, when I came across some that I totally forgot about.  As Emi and I were walking around that day, I had my camera out and ready to snap pics. Just as we approached Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, there were a bunch of people standing around and I witnessed the end of an engagement! This adorable couple, dressed as Belle and Beast, was in the center of the crowd. I knew something special was happening so I started snapping pics. Emi totally missed it but I got a few. They seemed very shy and although the PhotoPass people took some pics, I think it was just really quick and then they were done. I never got to chase after them to tell them I caught a few of the pics because I felt like I’d be interrupting their moment. I know that no one else caught these other pictures of them though and looking at them again, I see that it was “Belle’s” birthday! (her name is Yela) I’m guessing he arranged Photopass to snap a castle pic for them, letting her believe it was just for her birthday and then broke out a ring! That’s my best guess, but I’m a total fantasizer! I believe in fairytales! Regardless of the real details, I know that they’d want these pictures, because I know I would if it were me, so I’m determined to find them, so I can give them the pictures! I was tearing up adding these to this post. I think you’ll tear up too! Just look….

Beast proposing to BelleBeast and Belle engaged! Beast and Belle 1 Beast and Belle 2Beast and Belle hugging

Belle can't believe itThis one chokes me up BIG TIME! I think the shock and excitement just settled in here! 

Blushing BelleBlushing Belle 2Belle and Beast walking awayLook at her backpack! I love her backpack! It’s him! 

Belle and Beast goneAs I stood there in shock, they just walked away. I was too frozen to bother them in the middle of their moment! 

So… I’m going to rely on social media to help me find Belle and Beast…because I know how powerful social media can be!  I also know that if I had gotten engaged like this, I’d want these pictures for my own keepsakes. Sorry guys but I think this guy just set the bar really high!

Do you know them? If not, please help spread the word!

Now let’s sing it….”Tale as old as time...”

Getting Ready to Go ON THE ROAD for the Disney Social Media Moms Conference!

The day I got an email in my inbox inviting me to attend the Disney Social Media Moms on the Road Conference in Arizona was a Magical One!

OTR invite

I’d connected with so many other Disney-loving moms online who are also in the social media world and this was finally going to be my chance to connect with many of them in person! I was also excited about the location of the conference, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort! The property looked like it had so much to offer when I checked out the website. Emi was excited for the pools and Sonoran Splash, which are the watersides. I just couldn’t wait for all of it!

As the conference date neared, I started to plan out which necessities I’d need. I made a list of road trip necessities, in-room necessities, and conference necessities! Since Emi was going to be traveling with me to Arizona, although she wouldn’t be attending the actual conference, I wanted to get some extra special things for our trip to maximize our dual Disney Side.

First of all, let’s talk EARS! I love wearing ears. I wear ears when I’m in the parks. I sometimes wear ears when I’m teaching. I wear ears when I’m cleaning the house, unless I’m already wearing a tiara to clean! I will find any excuse to wear ears. Emi and I both already have black and red ears but I was in search of new ones for this special occasion.  I came across an adorable local (to me) shop on Facebook called Popsikle Shop. She makes custom ears, so I decided to order a pair for both emi and I, matching of course!

popsikleNext we went shopping for warm weather necessities. Wait, I didn’t mean warm weather, I meant HOT weather! (Have you ever been to Arizona at the end of June?) Emi wanted to find some items that were matching and Disney-ish. We really lucked at Walmart! Their Juniors section had a ton of really cute bathing suits and swim shorts. Hot pink with white polka dots was VERY “Minnie”

twinsSo adorable, don’t you agree?

visorsDo you like our hot pink visors, too? 

matching dressesWe also found matching polka dotted coverups at Walmart that we wore as sundresses!

Walmart had everything we needed for our trip. We found sunglasses, water shoes, some other summer clothes, sunblock, and even snacks for the road trip! Not only did they have everything we needed, but it was also very affordable!

shirts

We also packed the personalized t-shirts we had made for Disney24 to wear in the room as part of our pajamas. I think this was the first trip we’d gone on where we had almost exact matching wardrobes. It was pretty cute!

I knew I needed to find something special to bring to this conference and hand out with my business cards. I racked my brain for something that I could make, but I truly had no extra time to really make anything by hand. Then I came across a post from a friend of mine, Xenia, who had recently hosted a Disney Junior Familia Party. It was on that post that I discovered alfajores! I KNEW immediately that they where what I needed to bring to the conference. Melo made me some AMAZING Mickey-shaped alfajores in both pink and white animal-cookie flavor and churro flavor! She was sweet enough to wrap them individually for me to pass out to friends. Needless to say, they were a hit!

mickey alfajore

eat alfajores stickerEmi and I picked out a road trippin’ buddy to take with us.  It only seemed appropriate that we chose Minnie Mouse. She sure loved to take pictures with us on our trip.

holding minnieWe even went to Michael’s to buy some chalk paint pens and the night before we left, we wrote on our car windows! We had to be the most prepared car driving through the desert! Emi even wrote “Honk if you love Disney” on my rear window!

chalk painted windwownI  DO think it’s weird that not one person honked though!

Oh well, more Disney for us, right?