This week concludes my “Best of Times” series with my favorite photos from trips taken in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Any further submissions for this would require more Walt Disney World vacations. I’m definitely ready for that to happen. Sadly, my budget isn’t.
“Wildlife” is the theme over at Focused on the Magic‘s “Almost Wordless Wednesday” blog hop so I did my best to fit in there as I made my picks. This has caused me to embarrass myself again this week with yet another unflattering photo of myself. See me in my triceratops doing my best Nixon impression? Oh boy. Thanks, Deb. ;o)
I loaded my family onto the first charter bus to ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. The Social Media Moms Celebration was finally underway. I scanned the bus for familiar faces but I was unable to match any real people to the tiny avatars I’d come to know. My family busily filled out their release forms.
I was happy that families and bloggers were riding together. I’d been nervous about leaving the kids, but excited too. Normally, I’m never away from them. So while I was eager to do something with adults, for myself…I was nervous about letting go. The planned family activities eased most of my concern.
We arrived at the Sports Complex and were directed to our separate destinations. Bloggers and press to the Milk House…families out to the field. I hated that it was cold and worried the kids weren’t dressed warmly enough.
With confidence (that I don’t actually have) and a big smile, I walked into the venue and looked for a seat. I knew no one and had only recently began to get acquainted with a few bloggers on twitter. With blind luck, I chose a seat next to Lorie. She’s a mother and loves Disney too, so we hit it off.
The presentation began with the introduction of our first speaker. President of Walt Disney World Resort, Meg Crofton stepped up to the podium. She reported the most recent changes at the parks and announced the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade as part of Summer Nightastic! Even with spring and fall trips already in the works for me…I’m now tempted to plan a summer trip as well.
Meg then turned the podium over to Al Weiss. Al serves as president of worldwide operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. He gave us details about the Fantasyland expansion, enhancements for Castaway Cay, plus new sailings and fleet expansion for the Disney Cruise Line.
Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises was next to speak. He seemed excited to tell us about the relaunch of ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex. The new complex would immerse guest athletes, coaches and fans in the experience by connecting them with signature elements from their favorite ESPN programs.
The entire presentation was interesting although I’d already heard about most of the park and cruise line updates via the Internet. The visuals were stunning and the speakers engaging. All in all, I felt privileged, if not out of place, to be present. I enjoyed it tremendously, but I was glad when it was over. It was time to move on to our party and I was ready to get back to my kids!
Because of the cool temperatures, the tailgate was moved indoors to the Jostens Center. It’s an enormous facility and it housed all of us easily. The food was served buffet style and was typical tailgate fare. My family enjoyed the dinner, the characters and the dancing, but my little ones, especially my baby girl were getting droopy. We left before the party was over but we were tired and I needed to get up early the next morning to have breakfast with Guy Kawasaki!!
I can move in already!! My garden view room is in a prime location. The resort monorail, buses, laundry room and parking lot are just a short stroll away. Getting to the Ticket and Transportation Center is a cinch and I’m as close as you can get to the Great Ceremonial House. Even the conference hospitality suite is right next door. I’m close to everything and I have celebrity neighbors to boot! I’m living in a perfect World.
As my oldest son walked past the hospitality suite, he overheard something astounding. I bolted over to check-in, hoping to confirm…some kind of dream FASTPASS??!??
I step inside and I see SWAG everywhere! One of the little black bags is mine!! Earl located my envelope and explained my information packet…itinerary, credentials, press kit, voucher, gift card, coupons…oh my!! Again, I’m getting excited about the conference ahead.
With each new little tidbit I become more and more eager. I’m watching and listening intently. Then Earl confirms what my son overheard. I’ve been granted a Media Event FASTPASS Exchange Card…good for instant FASTPASSes for my entire family…as many as we need…all week! The best park perk anyone could ask for EVER!! Seriously…ever.
I’m in disbelief, but I know it’s really happening…and it’s happening to me! I’m super-charged about my instant FASTPASS card, the bag o’ SWAG, my fantasy resort and the upcoming conference events. I point out some social media celebrities (@amandatinney, @NDM_1 and Leanne!!) to my family and it clicks suddenly for my oldest son. “This is your MLG!” he exclaimed. I smiled. I’m touched that he gets it…happy that he found a way to understand what this all means to me.
I send my family off to check-in at Kona Cafe. We have no dining reservations and I expect a bit of a wait for a table. I have one more thing to tend to first. I make a quick stop at Trader Jack’s. I’m hoping a couple of small purchases will buy me more time to eat my breakfast. I pick up Stitch’s pink cousin plush for my daughter and Disney World die-cast vehicles for my 3 year-old son. I really want the vehicles for myself!
I smile all the way to Kona Cafe where my party is waiting for me. We’re seated immediately in a familiar spot. I’ve eaten at the exact same table twice before. It’s a good location for people watching, right behind the podium.
I remember to order Tonga Toast. I’ve read about it but have never tried it before. As a hard-core Disney World fan, I felt it was probably something I should experience at least once. I was not disappointed at all. It was delicious! Actually, it’s was so good I’ve decided I’m going to try and make it at home sometime.
We’re fed, moved in and have time to kill before we have to be at the media presentation. We’re at a monorail resort so the Magic Kingdom is the logical choice. And what a great place to kill a little time. We hop on board the monorail and only moments later we’re at the Magic Kingdom.
I’m so happy to see that castle again! The blue skies and sunshine rejuvenate me. We set out to test drive the FASTPASS card. We chose Peter Pan first. It’s a good ride in general…but add small children to the formula and it’s a great ride. Now a dash of “instant FASTPASS” and it’s the best dark ride ever. The kids really like this one, but we often skip it due to the long line for it.
Afterward, we stop to enjoy a little music in the sunshine! Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down…
We putzed around the park and had a blast but it was time to get back to the resort. Surprisingly, we were able to experience several attractions in our short visit. We were happy. We exited through Tomorrowland and as we walked across the bridge, I noticed filming in the Castle rose garden. I didn’t recognize anyone, but I could tell that the yummy guy with the black hair and gray shirt was a television star of some sort. I took a whole slew of photos of him just in case. ;o)
