Our Best Disney Moments of 2014 #DisneySide

Happy Throwback Thursday everyone!
First of all just let us say, how is it FEBRUARY already??? 2015 is flying by!

The beginning of every year for us has always been a time of looking back on the previous year and wishing it a fond farewell. On the other hand it's about looking ahead to the upcoming year with great hopes, dreams and goals. We have so many fond Disney memories of 2014, we wanted to revisit them one more time. Come along for the great rewind!

Oh 2014! What a year!

It had it's highs. It had it's lows. All years do. It also had it's share of Disney magic! We sure showed our #DisneySide all year long, but then again we wouldn't want it any other way!

1. Disney Play Date

We had the pleasure of joining with Big Picture Classes on a wonderful afternoon of photography and play at Disneyland Park. You can see the video of all the fun that was had by clicking this link, DISNEY PLAY DATE.

2. Disney Side Party

Last year we threw our first DISNEY SIDE TEA PARTY for our mom's Birthday! We played games, had a hidden mickey hunt, danced, sang, and sipped on tea. It was great fun and definitely a highlight. Check out these crafty ideas to inspire your own Disney Side Party.

3. Saving Mr. Banks Food Styling Lesson

If you saw Saving Mr. Banks, then you know what an awesome movie it was. It went back in time to when Walt Disney was in his prime. Everything about the film took the viewers back in time, including the food. We got a lesson in food preparation from Chef Chris Oliver at Hollywood Food Styling. Our experience was both informative and delicious, and of course we managed to create a few hidden mickeys along the way. It was a day our taste buds will never forget.

4. Disney Social Media Moms Conference

In 2014 year the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was held on our own home turf, at the Disneyland Resort. What a thrill to experience the magic at the Park where it all began. We met new friends and reunited with old friends. We shared family memories to last a lifetime and learned a lot more about what Disney had in store for the year and beyond. It was unforgettable and belongs on this list of Disney highlights!

5. runDisney 'Fun Run'

Want to know what's it's like to run through the Disneyland Resort before the Parks open in a runDisney Race? We did too, so we did our first ever runDisney Event at DisneySMMoms. It wasn't quite a race, but it was definitely a 'Fun Run' and it was probably the biggest accomplishment of our year! Check out the video in our post.

6. Interviewing Josh Gad

Do you want to interview a snowman? How about the man behind the voice of the most famous snowman of all? Meeting and interviewing Josh Gad was definitely a highlight of our year. From sharing fashion tips to talking about our family summer plans, he had us laughing out loud.

8. Rockin' our #DisneySide 24 Hour Party

Truth be told we did not make it the entire 24 hours. We never have. But sharing even just a few hours of Disney magic with each other, our mom, and thousands of other Disney fans really helped to bring out our #DisneySide even more this summer. 

9. Summer Family Staycation at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

Not only do we love to do Disney things for work, but we also enjoy doing Disney Vacations for relaxation too. This summer we spent some time at the Disneyland Resort for a few days. We soaked up the So Cal sun while staying at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. We lounged by the pool, sipped on virgin pina-coladas, and explored every area of the glorious Hotel. What a highlight! 

10. DisneySMMoms On The Road

When Disney takes it's show on the road, you can bet we follow! We are family and as a family, we support each other. Flying to the #DisneySMMoms on the Road Event in Phoenix was so fun. But what made it even more magical was hearing our Disney Sister, Tracey Clark speak on photography and spend time with some other really fabulous women!

11. Tour of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library

Check this one off the Disney bucket list. Getting a personal tour of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library was a highlight for sure. Hearing behind-the-scene stories about Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent, and all of the other Disney Classics really was special indeed.

12. ReImagine Conference

Last but definitely not least of our 2014 highlights was meeting Noah Elias (famous Disney Artist) this year during summer Disney side party. And then to attending his Reimagine Conference truly has changed our whole perspective. With speakers like Disney Legend, Tony Baxter, how could it not?


Now you tell us, how "Disney" did you get in 2014?

RunDisney and New Balance Host Fun Run for Attendees at #DisneySMMoms

Extra! Extra!
Read all about it!

Disney Sisters ran their first runDisney event at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration
and did so well they landed right on the cover of ESPN Magazine!

Ok well maybe not, (we actually were pretty close to last place) but at least the first part is true.
You guys - We ran our first runDisney race!

Now for some of you, this may sound like not a very major accomplishment. (It was only 2 miles - not quite a full marathon. Heh.) But for us, it might have well been a 25 mile run. It was THAT big of a deal to us! Let's start by saying, we are NOT runners. The name of fun run didn't quite make sense to us because, we thought what could possibly be fun about running? LOL.

We have a Disney bucket list of all things. (Most Disney fans do.) With the popularity of runDisney growing with every race, we have added a runDisney race to that list. To be able to cross off anything from your bucket list feels very gratifying! So when the opportunity arose to participate in the fun run while at #DisneySMMoms we hesitated, then we held our breath and signed up. (And doubted ourselves all along the way.) There were friends along the way that made it easier, like the private Facebook group for the participants. (Thanks to Kuleen of The Disney Kids.com!) What a wonderful support system! Also before the start of the race, New Balance was on hand helping us to prepare by teaching us proper running form/techniques.

But even still pushing ourselves to do something so out of our comfort zone was scary. Right after we signed up, we started training and preparing for the run. Working hard to get in better shape made crossing the finish line that much more rewarding. (Not to mention the large amount of other runners, friends and family cheering us on at the finish line in a closed to the public Cars Land.) Whoa! We still can't believe WE DID IT!!! Our families were proud of us, but even more important - we were proud of ourselves! This was such an incredible experience, we cannot put into words the magic that we felt. It was definitely the highlight of the conference.

For those of you who question if you should do a runDisney race. We have compiled a little video that we think may answer that question for you. (FYI - the correct answer is YES!!!)

Want to see what's it's like to run through the Disneyland Resort before the Parks open in a runDisney Race? This magical video will take you from the starting line at Downtown Disney into Disneyland Park and finally through Disney California Adventure to get to the finish line in Cars Land! Watch this once in a lifetime experience from our perspective (sorry it's shaky - we were jogging) as part of the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration! 

For more information or to sign up for your next runDisney Race: 

You can follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube! 

See ya at the finish line!!!

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.

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

New Balance 2014 runDisney Shoes Up Close #DisneySMMoms

If we learned anything from Cinderella it was that, "One Shoe Can Change Your Life." The same goes for a good pair of running shoes! When we first heard about the Limited Edition 2014 New Balance runDisney shoes we couldn't stop drooling! Recently while attending the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration we got a chance to see them up close and personal. We are so excited to share the photos with you! They are MAGIC - the perfect combination for the Disney fan who likes to run, jog or walk. Whether you have just started your 'Couch to 5K' training or are a marathon runner, New Balance has an excellent selection of shoes for any level athlete.

Here are the 4 shoes to choose from: (pictured left to right on photo above)

Minnie Mouse 860 V4, Cinderella 890 V4, Sorcerer Mickey 860 V4, Goofy 890 V4

Want to make them yours? The new shoes will be available ONLY at runDisney Expos,

Prices range from $72 to $125 depending on the model and design of the shoe, 

and all guests attending the Expo may purchase them.

Sorcerer Mickey 860 V4

Minnie Mouse 860 V4

Cinderella 890 V4

Goofy 890 V4

Aren't those just the coolest running shoes EVER? While we weren't able to purchase them at DisneySMMoms, it sure was fun getting a closer look. We did however get a very special surprise. For those attendees that signed up for the runDisney Fun Run, (more on that to come) we got to try on and pick out our own pair of running shoes. (not the limited editions) I have to say we did feel a bit like Cinderella with the whole glass slipper thing, it was pretty surreal. Though we had our choice of two, (and it was really difficult) we picked out these purple beauties! (Women's Running 890V4) You can purchase them online for $109.99, HERE.

Here's a list of the upcoming runDisney Events this year: (and where you can get the runDisney shoes)

Expedition Everest Challenge

May 3, 2014

Walt Disney World, Florida

*********

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend

August 28-31, 2014

Disneyland Resort, California

For more info on future runDisney races,
see Events on runDisney.com and make sure to check out the official runDisney Blog.

Top photo credit: 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. Special thanks to New Balance for the shoes and runDisney for the once in a lifetime chance to run through the Disneyland Resort.

9 Disney Apps You Should Have: Exploring the Magic of Mobile #DisneyApps

While we were checking in for Disney Social Media Moms upon arrival at the Disneyland Hotel, there were booths set up along the conference floor. We were interested in seeing all of them, but our kids made a beeline for one in particular - the Disney Interactive booth! There were iPads fully loaded with some of our favorite apps, and with new ones that we don't have yet. It sure came in handy while we spent a few hours walking from booth to booth hearing from some of the conference sponsors. The kids stayed busy, happy and mesmerized by the awesome Disney mobile games. They chilled out with Frozen Apps and embraced their inner artist with the Doc Mcstuffins App. We already have some of these Disney Apps on our iPhones and iPads, but have since downloaded even more and our kids couldn't be happier. Especially with Spring Break, they have been enjoying even more screen time then usual.

Here's a list including nine Disney Apps that you, (and you kids) will want to have!

Which are your favorite?

Disneynature Explore - Free

Now available for free on the Apple App Store, the app features five animal adventures— brown bear, monarch butterfly, chimpanzee, African lion and loggerhead sea turtle—each with four unique challenges.
Download DISNEYNATURE EXPLORE APP.

Doc McStuffins: Paint and Play - $4.99

Let your imagination and creativity take over as you paint everything in Doc McStuffins's check-up room—even Doc and Lambie—and then watch it all come to life in 3D! And when Lambie and Marvin get boo-boos, you can help Doc fix them so they're ready to play again.

Download DOC MCSTUFFINS APP.

Frozen: Storybook Deluxe - $6.99

• Experience two sides of the new Frozen film story with Anna and Elsa –
two sisters with very different points of view!

• Interactive play: create your own “ice craft” snow globes, and re-create
Frozen scenes with frosty drawing tools.

• Flip your device to read, hear, and see the different perspectives from Anna and Elsa.

•Laugh out loud as your enjoy tappable animation, film quotes, and a few surprises.
Download FROZEN STORYBOOK DELUXE.

Disney Movies Anywhere

Stream your Disney, Pixar and Marvel digital movie collection at home or on-the-go, browse and buy from an extensive catalogue of titles, access exclusive content, get exciting rewards and MORE! Signup and connect your iTunes account today to get Disney*Pixar’s The Incredibles for free!
Download DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE APP.

Disney Animated - $9.99

Discover how Walt Disney Animation Studio films are brought to life. Dozens of top animators, artists, technicians, and designers contributed to making Disney Animated an unprecedented hands-on experience. Disney Animated, presented in English, captures the original storytelling of all Disney animated feature films, allowing you to browse never before seen concept art, visual effects and more. This App is only currently available for use on iPads.
Download DISNEY ANIMATED APP.

Disney Memories HD - Free

Create and share your own Disney Memories- an official app from Disney!

•Use this FREE app to decorate your photos with Disney magic

•Pose with some of your favorite Disney characters

•Add a Disney Parks themed filter, frame, or sticker 

•Easily share your photos with friends and family via email, Facebook, or Twitter

•Set themed alarm clocks and see your favorite Disney Pals come to life with audio and video greetings!
Download DISNEY MEMORIES APP.

Disneyland Explorer - Free

Take a spin around The Happiest App on Earth—An Official App from Disney!

• Discover the Magic as you swipe your way through Disneyland® Resort in California

• Explore over 130 attractions, characters, and entertainment

• Enjoy 16 classic attractions like never before with exciting activities

• Share exclusive digital postcards and your very own character drawings

• All this and more, still FREE!
Download DISNEYLAND EXPLORER APP.

Frozen: Free Fall - Free

Get ready for an epic puzzle matching adventure in the Kingdom of Arendelle, inspired by the newest Disney animated film, Frozen! Join Anna, Elsa, and more of your favorite characters on a journey to slide and match 195 icy puzzles for free!
Download FROZEN FREE FALL APP.

Disney Club Penguin

EXPLORE the island with friends in the Town, Puffle Park, Lighthouse, University & more

ADOPT up to 40 pet puffles including the dog and cat!* PLAY games to earn virtual coins PERSONALIZE a penguin with the latest clothes & items* CUSTOMIZE a unique igloo with furniture items* CHAT*around the island with friends on the Club Penguin app* LIKE friends’ igloos to let ‘em know they’re cool SHOP for styles, igloos & furniture in the Club Penguin app catalog* SPEND virtual coins to get new items & outfits* SYNC items & coins to use between the app & a clubpenguin.com account* WATCH the newest videos & get sneak peeks on the What’s New Blog.
Download CLUB PENGUIN APP.

(Images © Disney Interactive. / Photo courtesy of Josh Hallett of @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.

"Give A Book, Get A Book" - Disney Junior Unveils New Program #DisneySMMoms

"There are few things more powerful than stories to connect children to the world and help them imagine what they can become." 
~ Kyle Zimmer
(President and CEO of First Book)

On Saturday we attended a private Disney Junior event.
We knew that it was going to be exciting, but we didn't know who was going to show up or what they were going to say.

Do you want the good news or the bad news first?

The Good News

We heard lots of exciting news at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration last weekend, but one of the things that made our mama hearts feel good was that, one million books will be donated to U.S. children in need with a new program starting on April 21st. Give a Book, Get a Book a nationwide campaign that Disney Junior and First Book launched to help put brand new books into the hands of children who so desperately need them!

The Bad News

We found out some pretty alarming news such as, in some low income communities, there are as few as one book for every three hundred children? Whaaat? Reading and books are something that my family takes for granted, I mean our mom works at a book store for goodness sakes. But even just having material to read is a luxury for so many children. Let's do something about this!

Genevieve Goings, Singer and Actress

Much to our surprise while at breakfast, Genevieve Goings walked up on stage. You may not know her by name, buy you most likely know her by face. Your children know her as the cutest conductor at Choo Choo Soul on Disney Junior. She's a singing, dancing, teaching dynamo (triple threat much) who adds a little flavor to our mornings. She's the spokesperson for Give A Book, Get A Book so look for her on the commercials telling about it! All aboard, All aboard!

Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide

She was eager to share the news with us, "With each and every one of our Disney Junior series, we let a child experience the magic and learning that comes with a story well told, and deepen the emotional connection and sense of wonder and adventure that have defined storytelling at the Disney company for generations." She continued, "The Give a Book, Get a Book program is a way for families to share stories and enter the world of giving in a simple yet effective way."

LeVar Burton, Actor, Advocate, & Reading Rainbow Legend

Coinciding with the program announcement, lifelong children's literacy advocate LeVar Burton, spoke about the importance of building literacy and of storytelling in the digital age. As soon as they played the theme song to Reading rainbow and LeVar came out, he may as well been George Clooney. The moms screamed with excitement! After all, LeVar read the stories of our childhood and his voice took us all back. He is a true literary icon and we all appreciated him being a part of the conference! One of our favorite quotes from him was when he said, "We have been sharing stories with each other since before the time of fire." Now THAT is a true testament to the power of storytelling!

Most of the younger generation (our kids) aren't very familiar with LeVar, so they also brought out some other very special guests. David Arquette, Tim Gunn, and Ariel Winter graced the stage, each holding a book in their hands. All three of these well known Disney Junior voice actors, participated in a storybook reading just for attendees and their families. 

David Arquette, Actor and Voice of Skully, Jake and the Never Land Pirates

Tim Gunn, Voice of Baileywick, Sofia the First

Ariel Winter, Actress and Voice of Sofia, Sofia the First

Here's how it works

Families can now take advantage of an all-new website, GiveaBookGetaBook.com, featuring tools and resources for parents and caregivers that promote the value of storytelling and offer interactive activities. Beginning April 21 in Disney Store locations and later this summer at other nationwide retailers, there are two ways to Give a Book, Get a Book. For a limited time, with the purchase of any specially-marked Disney Junior book or product, receipts or packaging will include a redemption code allowing kids and families to direct the donation of a book to First Book in the region of their choice and to access a free Disney Digital Book to share as a family. Additionally, Give a Book, Get a Book bookmarks with redemption codes will be distributed to visitors at participating public libraries and Radio Disney events throughout the summer. With the help of families across the United States, Disney and First Book will donate up to one million books through this program.

Also starting April 21, Disney Store locations will provide an enhanced interactive "Storytime Powered by Give a Book, Get a Book" featuring two new stories from Disney Junior favorites, "Sofia the First" and "Jake and the Never Land Pirates." In addition to the in-store readings, Disney Store locations will host special story time events at Boys & Girls Clubs of America in multiple markets across the U.S. Children at these events will be given a free book along with a redemption code bookmark.

It was a day of true wonder and surprises! But isn't that what reading is all about? Reading is cool, and it brings people together. Just remember that at the start of every adventure (on paper or on the road ahead) the story begins with you.

Amazing images courtesy of Josh Hallett, @hyku and used with permission. Thanks Josh!

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.