Yes. I am aware that this happened about six months ago. We had some technical issues around here that prevented me from downloading the photos from our amazing family conference at the happiest place on earth. And let’s face it: I just can’t tell a story without photos. Even though we tweeted and instagrammed throughout the event last May, there’s a ton of more info I wanted to share and now that invitations have gone out for the 2017 events, I thought now was an appropriate time to do it.
Once again, attendees were booked to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts. I was excited to stay this time at The Beach Club, because last year we were hosted at the Yacht Club. We came a tad early, because I wanted to be in Disney on my birthday, so we booked the beautiful Royal Guest room at Port Orleans two nights pre-conference and we dined at the California Grill on my big day.
On day one, bloggers met up for the opening reception where we were able to mingle with familiar faces and meet new bloggers. Costumes for Rivers of Light were on display and bloggers took photo and video before we got ready for our dinner party at Animal Kingdom, which was held after hours so we had the entire park to ourselves which was absolutely amazing! During the dinner this amazing delicious food and fantastic entertainment. After dinner, we enjoyed an equally amazing dessert party and Everest – the big, scary roller coaster was opened for rides. Just. For. Us. I am not a big scary ride person but couldn’t pass up the opportunity and rode with my daughter. It was so much fun. Who knew?! After, we got to see the tree of life for the first time.
The next morning, all of us bloggers took a bus over to Hollywood Studios where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet and then we went over to Launch Bay for photo opps. I was so excited to have my photo taken with Chewbacca who makes the real “Chewy” sounds! Meanwhile our families got together separately for breakfast and arts and crafts.
Then it was time for the conference sessions to begin. We learned about the history of Disney Springs and the changes coming down the pike, the new Rivers of Light nighttime show in Animal Kingdom, the new Latina princess, Elena of Avalor and so much more. We were treated to performances again as well including Hocus Pocus.
The private dinner that night was held at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon was incredible between the delicious food to the live band that got the kids dancing/playing games to character meet and greets and even a private fireworks show.
It was not easy rising early the next morning for the fun run at Epcot, but it was so worthwhile. It was a sight to behold as the sun rose over the lake and the amazing structures in my favorite Disney park. After the run, we received our medals and posed for picture with Mickey and the gang.
Later that morning, we met for a private viewing along with a quick breakfast at AMC theater in Disney Springs. We were there to see Alice Through The Looking Glass, which our entire family enjoyed immensley. In the lobby, we were treated to a display featuring the actual costumes worn by the actors in the film. Yep – Johnny Depp’s body was in that suit!
The final event of the conference was the Mother’s Day breakfast held at the World Showcase pavillion in Epcot with more amazing performances, a touching video featuring the children in attendance, special meet and greets and a “Dream Big Disney Princess” art display featuring blogger squares designed by bloggers and our children.
The families attending the conference were gifted PhotoPass and boy did we use it. This year, our whole family was able to get on a few new rides together now that little Ryan has met some more height requirements. It was great to finally get some beautiful family ride photos. This one’s my favorite.
We had such an incredible time. A heartfelt thank you to the organizers for having us and for rolling out the red carpet for us and the many generous gifts, but we will treasure the memories most of all.
Sounds like you guys had a fabulous time! Disney is one of our favorite places and we are counting down until we go again!
This looks like a fabulous event. Can’t wait to talk my daughter to Disney when zhes 4 or 5.
This sounds like an amazing event indeed. It is nice to have experience at Disney with the family like this for sure. I would love to experience a social media event like this one some day. The show sounds amazing and the roller coaster I don’t think I would enjoy because they were never something I liked riding. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Confession: I have NEVER been to Disney World!! I would LOVE the opportunity to go one day, it’s on my buck list for sure. I am seriously the biggest Disney Nerd who has never been. I need to remedy that soon!!
Not sure if you can call yourself a Disney nerd if you have never been…kidding! ;p
I love WDW so much! We have been going at least once a year for the past few years. I’d love to see the other parks too but I have a feeling they won’t compare.
Better late than never with this I would say! I love seeing all your photos, everything is absolutely amazing.