Disney


Well, it has been three weeks since my trip to the 2nd Disney Mom Bloggers Weekend and I am still smiling. For those of you that don't know, I along with nine other Mom bloggers were the guests of Disney during the second weekend of October. You can read a detailed account of the entire experience on my review blog but I did want to discuss the trip a little bit here.

All of the Moms attending this trip were African-American. We were invited because Disney wanted to hear about our perceptions of the parks and the company before and after we experienced it. Disney was interested in our pure unadulterated opinions. I truly appreciated their request for our candor and I also appreciated that they had top level executives meeting with us. It is a breath of fresh air to have a company like Disney recognize that there has been an absence of characters that reflect African - Americans and are taking steps to change that.

Personally I have always enjoyed the Disney brand and during my adult years it has been very clear that they are working on diversity. The trip solidified my admiration of their efforts. It is my hope that other companies follow in the footsteps of Disney and seek out diversity when they are promoting products and getting feedback from Mom bloggers in general.

Speaking of bloggers, we met with some people that were really not familiar with blogging and unclear about what bloggers do. I want to give a quick shout out to one of those individuals, Mark. Mark is an imagineer for Disney, one of the architects of the park attractions. He is in charge of a very special project that will be opening in January. His enthusiasm for Disney shines when speaking to him and he loves the experiences he has had over the last 20 years with company.

I want to give a special hello to Mark -he has never read a blog before and promised to comment on one of the Disney Mom's blogs. Here is a photo of Mark - he is great (and very handsome as several comments have noted). Mark, I will be looking for that comment!



Again, a big thank you to all of the folks at Disney that made this trip possible. I am truly honored to have been a part of the 2nd Disney Mom Bloggers Weekend.

Comments

T.Allen said…
I think it's great that they are looking to further diversify the look and feel of Disney attractions. Early introduction of differing ethnicities and cultures goes a long way toward acceptance later. Kudos to Disney-and I'm sure the African American Mom bloggers proved candid in their contributions!
Aracely said…
Ooh Girl! I bet the latinas are next. Hey Disney Holla at your girl! ;)
Vodka Mom said…
I can't wait to hear more about this trip! What a wonderful experience for all of you. Work, and some pleasure as well!!!
Maude Lynn said…
What an awesome experience!
Erin Tales said…
Just another reason I love Disney!

BTW, you've been buzzed at Ohana Mama!
http://www.ohanamamablog.com/2008/11/monday-mom-buzz-around-blogosphere.html
Michele said…
Seeing Mark's picture brings back great memories of the weekend. He was so energetic and passionate about his work; loved that!
It really is pretty awesome that Disney is trying to find ways to diversify. Kudos to them for seeking the advice of such intelligent, thoughtful, beautiful moms. All-too-often, our voices go unheard. That they've turned up the volume to hear what African-American moms think says a lot about Disney. Thanks for sharing your experience, Renee!
I will check the other blog and that Mark is a handsome fella :)
Anonymous said…
I came over to give you some exciting news...You won the Ultimate Flippin' Giveaway on my blog http://thedomesticdiva.org! Check your email and your tweets, can't wait to see your vlogs in the near future!!! Way to go! You Rock!!!
Lisa @ Serah's said…
That's terrific! I like the Disney brand as well but I have noticed the absence of African American characters as well. This addition should be great.
Erin said…
I love that Disney is trying to diversify and reach out to groups that aren't well-represented. I've never been a huge fan of Disney, but I do like how tolerant and progressive they can be.
Petula said…
That's absolutely fab! I'm glad you had a good time and it was productive.

BTW: Congrats on winning the flip video camera. You are really rocking and rolling. Maybe as I scroll down I'll see a post about that too.
Anonymous said…
I can't get over how far you have come in such a short time - you are like the blogging mom wonder woman!!! Congrats!!!
Anonymous said…
Hello from one Disney fan to another. Sounds like you had an informative and fun time!
Amazing_Grace said…
That is so nice for Disney to do that for you guys. :)
CaraBee said…
What a wonderful experience for you! I've always been a Disney fan, although I've never been to any of their parks. Someday.

That Mark is kinda cute! :)
Ah, memories. Now I'm smiling again. And ditto to Mark, I'll be looking for his name in the comment box!
Anonymous said…
That sounds totally fun--I'm jealous! :)
Barbara said…
Heeeelllloooo Mark, lol.
It's really great that Disney did that for you guys...and that you had a blast!
Unknown said…
If there is a 3rd...I would so love to go! I am so pleased to see that Disney is really trying to get with the diversity program. I was especially excited with the new Fairies line... Tinkerbell's new friends! My little lady is in LOVE with Iridessa! She donned her costume for Halloween and has 3 dolls! I'm glad they are stepping up to the plate to include ALL of their fans!
Honey Mommy said…
How fun! I would love to go to Disneyland! We have never taken our boys yet and I think they would love it. Actually, I have only been once and would love to go again too!
Such a great opportunity! I wish they had a dirth of redheaded people with opinions. :)
Alison said…
How wonderful that Disney sought out your opinions and is looking to add diversity. It sounds like an awesome trip!
Sounds like a great trip. I can't wait to take Junior to Disney. It's such a great place to visit in Feb or March when you need to kick the winter blahs. On an unrelated note, I can't believe you went to your 20th HS reunion. I thought you were in your early 20s. Good for you!
Anonymous said…
Can't wait to hear more about the Mocha characters!
Queenie Jeannie said…
WOW! What a wonderful thing to be involved in!! Congratulations!

Jeannie
Unknown said…
I remember endless days at Disney as a disgruntled teenager unhappily hanging with elementary-aged younger siblings. Like many engaged moms who like to consider themselves hip and averse to too much television, electronic stimulation, and "imagineering" that might limit kids' own imaginations, I've been pretty hard on Disney. Thanks for your in-depth review Renee. I'm definitely giving them another, and more thorough look. You've convinced me that a Disney vacation may well be in the offing!

Popular Posts