MagicMeets 2007
We are roughly 10 weeks away from an annual event that has become so popular that it now requires a year or more to plan. I’m talking about MagicMeets, which this year happens on the weekend of July 14.
What began four years ago as just a small get-together of Disney fans has taken off to become one of the hottest tickets of the year. And just how hot is it? Last year, the event registration sold out in a few months. But when Fred Block, founder and senior event coordinator opened up registration for this year’s event, he was stunned to find it sold out in just over a week.
What’s amazing about this is that for 2007, the attendance ceiling was raised by more than 40 percent, from 2006’s 350 headcount to 500. Yet it took far less time to sell out this year than last year. It seemed that word has traveled fast about this event, and the word is “Outstanding!”
Interestingly, MagicMeets 2007 falls on the same weekend as the National Fantasy Fan Club’s (NFFC) Disneyland Convention, and this caused a dilemma for those who wanted to do both. In speaking with many who had to make a decision, I would say that a slight majority opted for MagicMeets. Perhaps that is yet another reason there was a rush to grab tickets for MagicMeets 2007. There is now a waiting list for those hopeful to be called if and when a cancellation occurs.
So what is it about MagicMeets that makes it so appealing? I’ll give it my best shot and try to explain this phenomenon.
MagicMeets and Mousefest
MagicMeets has a lot in common with Mousefest. Imagine taking Mousefest and rolling it up into one day but at the same time removing it from Walt Disney World. My guess is that you’re thinking that if you take the Walt Disney World environment out of the equation, then the Disney magic goes along with it. Nope. Fred Block has proven that theory to be wrong.
There are some key similarities between Mousefest and MagicMeets.
Why do people attend Mousefest? That’s an easy one. A huge reason why people flock to Mousefest is because Mousefest draws their friends, Disney authors, Disney webmasters, and Disney podcasters. It’s that one time of year in which they are guaranteed to see many who frequent the Disney online community.
The fact that it takes place in Walt Disney World plays a part in this, but may I suggest that it is the people more than the venue that makes Mousefest what it is today? I’ll admit that the location is a key component, as is the time of year, Christmas decorations and all that jazz; but the most important component here is the people. That’s my theory and I’m sticking with it.
Having said that, let’s use MagicMeets to support this theory. At MagicMeets, there are no Expedition Everest Meets or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party gathering. Heck, there isn’t even a Dole Whip meet—although I may be proven wrong regarding that last one.
So after you remove those components, what we have left is the most important component: People.
At last year’s MagicMeets (called DisMeets back then) I talked about those who “get it”—those people who understand what Disney magic is all about. When you gather hundreds of those who have that Disney mindset, something special happens. Fred Block had this figured it out four years ago.
Lou Mongello, author of The Walt Disney World Trivia Book, Volume 2: More Secrets, History & Fun Facts behind the Magic (The Intrepid Traveler: 2006. ISBN: 1887140638) and host of the WDWRADIO podcast, has been there from the start. “I never would have imagined four years ago what the MagicMeets would come to mean for me, as it has grown to be one of the highlights of my year,” Mongello says. “It is an event which has given me the blessing of great friends, the chance to make new ones, and an opportunity to share our mutual love for a simple pleasure—Disney.”
Mongello’s words are certainly echoed by virtually everyone who has attended one of Fred Block’s events.
Mongello knows that Block is responsible for how he feels about this annual event. He says, “2006 was a sign of things to come—a meet that remains friendly, intimate and most of all, fun! It is truly a community of fans that is more like a family, led by our patriarch Fred Block, whom I am happy and proud to call my friend. “
What Mongello doesn’t mention is that he himself has played a huge part in the success of MagicMeets, as his participation has served as validation as to how special this event has become.
Another person who makes an annual trek to the MagicMeets is Deb Wills, founder of AllearsNet and co-author of PassPorter’s Walt Disney World for Your Special Needs: The Take-Along Travel Guide and Planner! (by Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma, Passporter Travel Press: 2005. ISBN 1-58771-018-8).
When asked about MagicMeets her words say it all. She says, “MagicMeets has become the Disney highlight of my summer! The 2007 meet will be my third event and promises to be even better than the first two years. Organizer Fred Block pulls out all the stops to make the day as magical, entertaining and yes, even educational, for all attendees. His never-ending enthusiasm is palpable throughout the event and you can’t help but enjoy yourself! From the ballroom decorations to the speaker topics to the buzz of the attendees, it’s awesome from start to finish.”
“Where else can you spend a day with 500 folks who share your passion for all things Disney and get to hear great speakers (website luminaries and authors) talk about what they know best, Disney?” Wills said.
Are you getting a sense as to how much this event has moved people?
Dr. Steve Barrett, author of the soon-to-be-published Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best-Kept Secrets (The Intrepid Traveler; 2007. ISBN-10: 1887140719) attended his first meet last year and came away with some strong impressions.
“A time to reconnect with Disney friends and meet new ones, a special day for celebrating all things Disney,” Barrett said.
Barrett touches upon a bit of Disney Magic philosophy. I personally think that he puts it best when he says, “MagicMeets embodies one of Walt’s ideas for his parks: they will be magical places that transport guests away from their ‘real’ worlds for a few precious moments of pure, innocent fun. That’s what I experience at MagicMeets!”
Last year was my first taste this event and I echo the thoughts and sentiments of these three people. One thing that was hard to ignore last year was Disney magic, in the air and I could hardly wait to secure my spot for this year’s event.
Things at the event are a bit different this year. Last year the event was held in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This year Block has moved the event to a much larger Pennsylvania venue, in Harrisburg, with a ballroom that accommodates 150 more people than last year’s event.
In addition to event speakers Mongello, Wills, and Barrett, there are several more speakers and staff who will be working hard to make this event a memorable and enjoyable one for those lucky to have snatched up one of those tickets. You can get all the details at their Web site at Magicmeets.com.
The bad news is that this year’s event is sold out, but the good news is that you have a head start in planning for 2008’s event.
And even though the 2007 MagicMeets is still two months away, something tells me that Fred Block is already planning for 2008. Block and his crew never stop planning, and that’s why at the end of MagicMeets all the attendees will…
…Remember the Magic!
Next Time
It seems everyone has their own take on the Disney Dining Plan. I do too and we’ll talk about it next time.
Class dismissed.
