Gary Buchanan: The Ultimate Disney Cast Member #DisneySMMoms

"It doesn't matter where you take things from, 
it matters where you take them to." - Jean Luc Godard 
(one of Gary Buchanan's favorite quote)

If you've ever been to any of the Disney Parks, you've probably been touched by a Cast Member. A Cast Member is what employees who work at Disney are called. They add the pixie dust to your Disney vacations. The people who work hard everyday to make sure that your experience at Disney is the very best it can be. They are always smiling, engaging with you (or your children), and usually asking if they can be of help in any way.

We have had an exceptional experience with an incredible Cast Member in particular. We met Gary Buchanan, Disney Parks Social Media Managing Editor, a few years ago in Florida at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. He was leading a conference breakout session called "Fire and Ice" about the Disney Parks Blog with the Disney Parks Social Media Director, Thomas Smith. Over the past few years, he has wowed us with his creativity and made us laugh with his cute and quirky videos. He's super smart, unique, and not afraid to take risks. He has been an inspiration and a mentor to hundreds of Disney employees, Disney Moms Panel members, and Disney Social Media Moms. Everyone who meets him feels happier, and when he leaves you are left feeling that you just met someone really special - Gary is the real deal!

This week, we learned that his time at Disney is coming to an end which makes us very sad. We will miss learning from him and just being in his presence at various Disney events. Gary made our Disney experience as a whole even more magical and we truly appreciate him! We gathered a few of our favorite "Gary" quotes about creativity and paired them up with photos from some of our favorite moments of him!

Good luck on your new adventure Gary! You are a character all your own. We look forward to seeing the magic you create in your next role. Thanks for the memories!

Some Thoughts on Creativity from Gary:

"Date an idea, don't marry it."

"Creativity is coloring outside of the lines."

"Have fun and play with no rules."

"Through play you go from Ha-ha moment to Ah-ha moment."

"You can build on an idea that's been done before and you make it your own."

"Keep your foot on the gas pedal!"

(Gary's favorite Disney quote:)

"If you are coasting, it means your are going downhill" - Walt Disney

Photo Fun at Disney California Adventure and #DisneySMMoms

Professional photographer Tracey Clark (and first born Disney Sister) is always saying, it's not about how fancy the camera you are using is, it's about learning how to get the best results with what you've got. AMEN Sister! We don't know about you, but it we've always got our iPhones in our hands (or back pockets) at the Disney Parks ready to shoot at moments notice. Doesn't everybody?

We're celebrating the Disney Social Media On The Road Events this summer and sharing some of our favorite photos taken at Disney California Adventure. Since the update of Buena Vista Street and Cars Land this park creates one heck of a backdrop to shoot amazing images. Like SERIOUS Magic, don't you agree?

The Iconic Shot

When you think of Disney California Adventure Park the attraction that comes to mind is the iconic Mickey's Fun Wheel. It's big, bright, and has that loveable mouse face on it. Add in the reflection in the water and you've got one magical shot. Say cheese! (See what we did there?)

On A Ride

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is the perfect attraction for all ages. Take in glorious wilderness sights and embark on exciting adventures along the pathway to capture great photos of your family. Although you may have to look up (way up) to find them!

Sweet Treat

Nothing could be sweeter than enjoying a sweet treat at any of the Disney Parks. No matter what delicious snack you choose, (Churro!) (Dole Whip!) we bet it will be easier to capture more smiles from the family. Cruising down Buena Vista Street with a lollipop in hand - Life is GOOD!

Timeless

The beauty about shooting black and white at the Parks is the vintage feel that it creates. This shot looks like it could have been taken 50 years ago, but actually it was taken on our last trip to Disney California Adventure. You'd also never known that it wasn't shot on film, instead it with an iPhone edited in Instagram. The best part is that you can shoot in color and edit your photos into black and white later.

Night Shots

Sure you can get your kicks at Route 66 during the day, but at night this park lights up with style! Cars Land is a visual wonderland, to take in while the neon signs glow and the vivid colors light up the night sky. It's incredible to see in person and is stunning to photograph.

To see more awesome Disney images & get a few tips, make sure to check out

Photo Fun at Disneyland.

GIVEAWAY! 

You could win a copy of Tracey's book, Elevate the Everyday, click HERE for your chance to win.

She will be sharing her passion for photography at the Disney Social Media Moms On the Road Celebration in Phoenix later this month. (YAY!) We'll all be there in Arizona together! All for one, and one for all. Plus we couldn't miss out on Disney Magic!

Will we see you there? Leave a comment letting us know! HOLLA!

DisneySMMoms Is Taking The Magic On The Road! #DisneyOTR

Less than a month ago we were at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. It was glorious, inspiring, and filled with once in a lifetime memories that will last forever! The event is very small (no more than 200 bloggers) and by invite only, so it can leave a lot of bloggers who don't get the chance to attend feeling disappointed and left out.

The dedicated Disney Parks PR team knows that and wants to spread around more pixie dust to the rest of the blogosphere, so they created the Disney Social Media Moms On The Road Events! These are shorter than the original conference, but still jam packed with magic and inspiration! The great thing is that it gives a whole lot of bloggers to experience the magic and network with the people who put on the larger conference. It also is the perfect opportunity to hang with some other amazing bloggers, learn helpful blogging tips, get parenting advice, hear inspiring stories, share social media secrets, learn valuable life lessons, and enjoy some Disney magic. Sounds fantastic right???

Here are the dates and location for this year's Disney On-The-Road Lineup:

Chicago, IL – June 17th

The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus

2815 Jorie Blvd. | Oak Brook, IL 60523

Time: 7:30 am – 12:30pm

Philadelphia, PA – June 19th

Crowne Plaza Valley Forge

260 Mall Boulevard | King of Prussia, PA 19406

Time: 7:30 am – 12:30pm

Phoenix, AZ – June 25th

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

7575 E. Princess Drive | Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Time: 7:30 am – 12:30pm

This year we have a BIG surprise!!!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.....

Our very own Disney Sister, Tracey Clark will be one of the speakers at the Disney Social Media Moms On The Road Event in Phoenix, AZ on June 25th! We couldn't be more proud... or excited! We'll save what she is going to be presenting until the event. But we know one thing for sure - It's going to be one heck of a day! Have you filled out the interest form yet?

If you'd like to know more about how to register for the Disney Social Media Moms ON THE ROAD Events check out the official website, HERE. And MOST IMPORTANTLY click on THIS LINK and fill out the to let them know you are interested in attending a future event! QUICK invites have started going out today! Time is running out!

If you'd like to know more about Tracey, you can visit her personal blog HERE, learn more about HER BOOKS, or the international photography community she created at SHUTTER SISTERS.

Follow all the excitement on Twitter – #DisneyOTR and @DisneySMMoms.https://twitter.com/DisneySMMoms

Disneynature BEARS Movie - Why You Should Take Your Family To See It #MeetTheCubs

We had a really special experience at this year's Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. On Saturday morning we were treated (along with our families) to a private screening of Disneynature's Bears. It opened with a personal message to the Social Media Moms from Olivia Holt, who sings the movie's theme song, Carry On. This song is beautiful with a positive message, we haven't been able to get it out of our heads. We encourage you to 'Learn the Lyrics.' It will definitely make your heart sing.

The same people who made Chimpanzee, African Cats, Wings of Life, Oceans, and The Crimson Wing are at it again. This Friday, be inspired by Bears the newest film from Disneynature. Take your family to meet this furry family. You will instantly fall in love with Sky and her two cubs, Amber and Scout - we sure did! It follows them from the time they are born throughout the first year of their life. Inspired by a true life adventure and narrated by John C. Reilly aka Mr. Wreck It Ralph.

This is the story of what it takes to be a parent, a mother, a protector in the great outdoors. The struggle is real when you are a single mom - especially in the Alaskan Wilderness. We just kept thinking - and we think mothering as humans is hard! These bears lives seem like one struggle after the next. To quote Olivia Holt's song, "We will travel this life well-worn, no matter the cost, no matter how long. We will leave our footprints behind, and carry on..." This movie is incredibly touching and funny, and was really enjoyable for all of us. Everyone from the 6 year old, to our teenagers, to our husbands really liked the film. Without saying any spoilers, let's just say that it is appropriate for all ages. Bears is rated G.

Help Save Our National Parks & Wildlife

If you see Bears opening week (April 18-April 24, 2014) and Disneynature will make a donation to the National Park Foundation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to protect wildlife and wild places.

Disneynature Explore App

Download the free app, Disneynature Explore. See how you can win the nature vs screen time debate with this new App from Disneynature.

Disneynature Monkey Kingdom

Before the movie started, we saw a preview for a Disneynature movie that will be coming out next year called, Monkey Kingdom. This film will be swinging into theaters on Earth Day 2015, so make sure you keep an eye out for it.

Disneynature Bears Sweepstakes

Adventures By Disney is giving your family the chance to take your own incredible journey through Wyoming’s great “wide open,” including Yellowstone National Park! Discover more about the 7 Day/6 Night vacation and enter for your chance to win by clicking HERE.

Photo Credit(s): photos in top collage, courtesy of Josh Hallett @hyku.

Full Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. The Disneyland Resort offered a discounted rate for all attendees and their families. This is a once in a lifetime experience and we are grateful to Disney for allowing us to participate. We'll be sharing unique things seen and heard throughout the Celebration. Please keep in mind these our own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company. We also saw a special advanced screening of Disneynature's Bears.