The Walt Disney Company called upon a galaxy of social media “All Stars” to launch DisneySide, a new hash tag and publicity campaign for Disney guests. The launch was described as, “a first-of-its-kind event that brings together some of the most creative people on the internet to share new work inspired by the magic that happens when you step into a Disney Park.”
The roster of participants included artists, filmmakers, and personalities, as well as two well-known four-legged stars. Collectively, their work has been viewed more than two billion times, with thirty million fans following every online posting.
The event kicked off in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, as the two-dozen-odd personalities gathered to lead the crowd in what was billed as the world’s largest “selfie.” Disney characters joined in the fun, and everyone was given a set of Disney character ears to bring out their Disney Side.
A lively show followed at the Fantasyland Theater. Hosted by television personality Cameron Mathison. The show opened and closed with musical performances by Tiffany Alvord and Mike Tompkins respectively. Each also debuted a new video, Alvord’s it’s a small world and Tompkin’s version of When You Wish Upon a Star. In addition, there was a live musical performance of You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Reality Changers Jorge Narvaez and his daughter Alexa.
Biggest crowd pleaser was Grumpy Cat, who showed her Disney Side with a tour of Disneyland, complete with memorable encounters with the original Grumpy and Mickey’s pal Pluto. Equal time was given dog lovers as Trotter Pup, with owner Sonya Yu, shared their Disney Side as well.
Among the artists on hand were Bekka Palmer, Dirk Dallas, Erin Loechner, Kyle Kuiper, Lauren Randolph, Rachel Faucett and Mary Doodles. Works by filmmakers Ian Padgham, and Joe Penna (Mystery Guitar Man) were shown, along with humorous sketches by online comics Stewart Reynolds (Brittlestar), Mark Malkoff and Rob Johnston. Parenting skills were displayed in the work of Allana Harkin (Eating Over the Sink), Charlie Capen (How To Be a Dad), Matthew Clarke (Conversations With My 2-Year-Old), Josh Darnit and Evancredible, and Mindy McKnight (Cute Girls Hairstyles). The Ridiculously Photogenic Guy Zeddie Little rounded out the group.
The show culminated with the announcement that DisneySide was officially launched. Immediately following, all of the All Stars were available to greet their fans in an area set up in front of it’s a small world. The longest line was for Grumpy Cat, although all the online personalities were kept busy greeting their previously anonymous public. For most, this part of the event involved a lot of selfies, a fitting ending for an event dedicated to the social media.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXGRsMJ_r4A
Opening Ceremony
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InscOTtmoS8
Interviews with the All Stars
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