by Guest Bloggers Vic and Janis Williams
VIC & JANIS WILLIAMS
We had two fun AllEars® Facebook Fan Gatherings at WDW May 2nd and 6th, 2010. As far as I know, these were the first ever organized, so that those who post on the AllEars Facebook Page could meet and put a person to the names they see making comments.
I have been thinking about this for some time due to the explosive growth of AllEars Facebook, and decided to try having a gathering of fans while we were at WDW recently because there were a lot of folks who were going and wanted to meet others. After much discussion with those who were interested, we decided on 2 gatherings to try to accommodate everyone’s schedule. I ran this idea by Deb Wills and was very happy that she was all for it. She graciously donated AllEars lanyards and buttons for everyone who attended. Also she provided shirts and hats to give away as door prizes.
First Gathering in Epcot – Monday May 2nd. at 11:30 AM
The first gathering in Japan at the Tori Gate was lightly attended. I attribute this to the torrid weather that day. High 90’s and the heat index was over 100, very humid to say the least.
Sue Van Vleet was the first to arrive and then along came Helen Norlund and family. Everyone got an AllEars lanyard and button. We all had a great time meeting and discussing all things Disney, the wonderful AllEars site and our individual interests. The big topic was the early summer weather. After a while I gave away shirts and hats as door prizes. We all wished each other well, and a continued magical vacation.
Second Gathering at Magic Kingdom – Thursday May 6th at 11:30 AM
As I rode into MK for this 2nd gathering, it was very hot and humid again, plus I felt the park was extremely crowded. I thought to myself, hope this isn’t another washout. As it turned out, I feel it was a magical success.
The gathering was in Adventureland, across from the Aloha Isle Dole Whip stand. We got a place in the shaded seating area. I set up my ECV with an AllEars shirt so people could see us. It was very crowded in that area. Soon, folks started arriving. Everyone again got a AllEars lanyard and button. As people arrived, we handed out tickets for the door prize drawings.
Everyone who attended had a great time meeting each other. I was humbled when one of Paulette’s children wanted me to sign a character autograph book. The highlight was the Mickey haircuts of Lisa’s 2 boys when they arrived.
Everyone again had a wonderful time meeting and discussing Disney, AllEars and other interests. Everyone said they would keep in contact on AllEars Facebook Page. I didn’t count but Helen did and 27 people showed for the gathering. That made me feel great.
Even though these gatherings were unofficial because the AllEars team members were out of town and could not be there, they were a lot of fun. I hope this type of thing can happen with others and I hope to do it again in the future. AllEars and AllEars Facebook Page are the best thing going when it comes to sharing information or just chatting about all things Disney.
Most importantly, I would like to thank Deb Wills for supporting this effort and providing some mementos of the first ever gatherings.
Visit the AllEars Facebook page!
My wife Janis and I live in Wilmington, Delaware, are both retired, have been going to Disney 2 to 4 times every year for the past 15 years after our daughter started working there. We are DVC (Boardwalk 12 years), been on 4 Disney Cruises and are Annual Pass Holders . We love taking our children & grandchildren almost every summer. We both have physical handicaps, use ECV’s but don’t let that stop us from enjoying the magic . I also am an avid planner and enjoy helping others with info, tips and suggestions for WDW.
Vic & Janis–So good to meet both of you and to finally get the opportunity to put a face with the names I read about so often. Thank you so much for taking the bull by the horns and getting this organized. I do hope that others will do the same and we can one day have many more “mini meets” where the All Ears family can meet and greet each other. Loved attending both meets with our family. Thanks again for organizing and taking such great pictures, helping me to remember again not only a fun time we had, but the great people I met as well. Looking forward to many more……..Helen
This is wonderful! I would love to go to a fan meet. We will be there in November so hopefully one will be planned then! I need a button! LOL
Will be there in Aug….Hopefully something will be going on then….I love allears,,,you guys rock,,,all the information alone I always let people know about this wonderful site..Thanks for everything you all do for us
Yea, Vic and friends, great report!
I hope we can have a gathering in mid September, as I can think of at least 5 groups going then, maybe more.
We are also going to be there in December! Yay
Vic is the greatest! When we were planning our WDW vacation last summer and using the All Ears Facebook page to ask questions, he was always helpful!
Great summary Vic! I always love your comments & appreciate your help. Hope you will plan one for Oct! Also can you purchase the AllEars lanyards?
Hello – this is sooooooooooo exciting – we are going to WDW in December hopefully you will have an AllEars Gathering while we are there – I’ve been a fan of your site for years and I am so happy that I found you – your info is extremely helpful – even going as often as we do – i am always reading and learning from your site…KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK…Love Ya!!!!
DEB: We are planning some December meets, to keep updated visit: http://allears.net/btp/teammeets.htm