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

Disney Parks Blog Shares Story Telling Magic

"We like to tell stories so good they're contagious!" -Thomas Smith

We've been reading and loving the Disney Parks Blog since it began in September 2009. As the one and only official blog for all of the Disney Parks they naturally have all of the latest and greatest Disney News the moment it breaks. But they also have a unique almost magical way of telling stories. When we heard that we would be given the chance to meet Disney Parks Social Media Director, Thomas Smith and Gary Buchanan, Social Media Managing Editor in the #DisneySMMoms Breakout Session called "Fire and Ice" we were intrigued and ecstatic. It was an honor to meet these two Heroes. Let us assure you, they definitely lived up to the hype. They were silly and serious, business but approachable and caring. These gentlemen both exemplify what a Disney Cast Member should be!

They put on a show, taught us a little of what they know and it was awesome!

Photo courtesy of our friend Josh Hallett 
Thomas Smith and Gary Buchanan

We learned the Disney Parks Blog works like a well-oiled machine.
 They have a large crew, a "posse" of 70 writers. Did you know Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Tom Staggs is an author on the blog? Several posts go out each day.
Seeing their editorial calendar made us melt.

What drives Disney Social Media Program?

Curiosity = Ideas

Ideas on Story Telling shared by Tom:

*Explore, experiment and try new things.

*Ask yourself questions like: What if? and Why not?

*Share your experiences!
Experiences that are anticipated before they happen, talked about while they're happening and afterwords.

*Bloggers should be like trusted guides that let you experience their story through a journey.

*Always remember: "Creativity Lights The Way!"

Thoughts on Creativity from Gary:

*Gary shared his all time favorite quote:
"It doesn't matter where you take things from, it matters where you take them to."-Jean Luc Godard

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

*Gary suggests to "date an idea, don't marry an idea."

*And he shared his favorite Walt Disney quote:
"If you are coasting, it means your are going downhill"-Walt Disney

*Keep your foot on the gas pedal!

*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.


Here's our tweet stream during the session.
There were so many great ideas, and quotes. We wanted to share their brilliance.

Photo courtesy of our friend Josh Hallett

Photo courtesy of our friend Josh Hallett 


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Full Disclosure: We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. Walt Disney World offered a special 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.