Anyone who has met me will probably tell you I am a huge Disney Fan! I have been to Walt Disney World® at least a hundred times. My son, who is 5 years old, has been at least 10 times. So, when I was asked to represent Southwest Airlines and speak about our great Company at the Disney Resort Showcase, I answered with a resounding, “It’s on!”
My goal for the event was to let the world know why flying Southwest Airlines for a family vacation to Disney World is the best way to go. Radio stations flew in from all over the map. At first I was nervous, but I quickly realized that it's pretty easy to talk about something you know and LUV!
We started our media adventure at the Magic Kingdom, we arrived before anyone else was let into the park - entering through a "Cast Member Only" door, or "backstage," in Disney lingo. Disney created a Southwest Lounge right inside the Tomorrowland Terrace. The Southwest Lounge was a place for the media to relax and grab some coffee or a bite to eat before their next broadcast or interview - the set up was complete with comfortable seating, refreshments, and people buzzing about the park. Every day, a different Disney park and a new Southwest Lounge - Disney helped us bring our Southwest hospitality from the air to the ground.
Our Disney accommodations were amazing. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and it is truly breathtaking. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is a large deluxe resort with several Savannah areas where you can observe giraffe, zebra, and kudu right outside your window. Thank you, Disney! Each evening there was a different reception to showcase some awesome Disney magic! Thursday night Disney launched its new ride at The Star Tours Galactic Premiere Party! I am a huge Star Wars fan and the New Star Tours ride opened last weekend! You have to check it out.
Just like Southwest, Disney is a Family and we love our reunions together - where we have a chance to celebrate our two brands. The entire experience was a lifetime opportunity and a dream come true for me. This was not like any other trip I have been on. I was actually working – networking with media folks, discussing topics with Disney Cast members, learning how Public Relations and Marketing really help us as an airline, and doing it in the most magnificent place on Earth: Disney World!