Happy Number 5 to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road” | And Me!

 

A blog and a dream.  That’s how it started for me in 2011.  I am celebrating 5 years with Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road,” and I pinch myself… Mind you, DIStherapy did not start as a “Disney” blog.  It was to be a roundup of my life’s loves. My time with the DISability community. What I have learned as the wife of a restaurateur (DISsert). Challenges running as a Baby Boomer (Boomer DISh). And of course, my half-century relationship with the DISney brand.  I wrote and shared as therapy.  My own.

Mind you, I am no Silly Symphonies delicate flower, but a series of unexpected personal tragedies had pulled the proverbial magic carpet from beneath me.  My midlife crisis came not only with an empty nest, but with crushing financial consequences and a son on medical leave from college.  Writing helped.  A bit. Enter an invite to the very first round of the “On-The-Road” series in 2012.  Yup, magic just when you need it.

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road”

2012: (Long Island)

They’re real!  All those Twitter handles I had collected came with beautiful faces and warm hugs.  Social media mentors, such as Maria Bailey, made us feel as though anything is possible as long as you believe.  I (start to) believe!

Top 5 Takeaways From the 2012 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road”

2013:  (New York City)

Tools of the trade.  So that’s how this is supposed to work?!  (I find myself saying that on a regular basis.)  We are introduced to apps that can supplement our storytelling.  Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.  I tinker with Disney Story, which is a stepping stone to what Victoria Lim (Managing Editor of Walt Disney World Public Relations) will introduce us to in following years; Videolicious and Magisto downloaded!

My Disney Story~ “On-The-Road”

2014:  (Philadelphia)

Why are our Disney Parks memories so enduring?  Emotions make memories.  When it comes to Disney Parks and “On-The-Road”, JOY comes to mind.

Emotions Run High at Disney Parks and Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road”

2015:  (New York City)

You ain’t never seen a conference like this!  Held on the stage of Broadway’s Aladdin, the New Amsterdam Theatre was the perfect backdrop to the previews of the annual “What’s New” at Disney Parks.  (I was so inspired by what I saw, I booked my trip to Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration the next day!)

I was struck by the power of the past 60 years.  Walt, just look at the empire you have created!!

 

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road” Lights Up the Great White Way

2016:  New York City

Follow along!  I’m merely the Pixie Dust vehicle!!

And yes, through the past five years I do find myself writing about Disney more and more.  Thanks to Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road” I have found my happy.  In many ways, I think Disney saved my family. Disney Parks and runDisney transported us through some very dark days.  I am more grateful than I can fully explain.  No, I have never been invited to the “big” conference. And I have fallen short of that spot on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. But if I have learned anything at all, I hope that what I share on DIStherapy inspires happily ever after in others.  Five years and counting…

**  I received magical invitations to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration “On-The-Road” events and was admitted free of charge.  This magical re-creation comes purely from the heart!