Have you ever been invited to something, and wonder “how am I supposed to concentrate on a conference while my family’s enjoying Disney World without me?” It’s not a regular occurrence in my daily life, so I’m fairly certain it’s not a regular occurrence in most of your lives. As luck would have it, it happened to me when I got the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration invitation.

I immediately thought “my family gets park time without me, and I’m supposed to concentrate on speakers during a conference day? Is Disney nuts?” I’m here to tell you the folks at Disney aren’t nuts, and they make a conference day like nobody’s business. Plus, they finish it off with a Mickey’s Beach Bash. Yeah, Disney knows what they’re doing for social media families.

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration: Conference Day

Focus on Pinterest

In just minutes, I gained more knowledge about Pinterest than all the years I’ve been using it. No joke. Using Pinterest for November Sunflower has been a struggle, but now? After learning insights into how to truly use it like a PRO from Eva Smith from Pinterest? I needed a reminding that UTILITY IS KING on Pinterest. The reminder to help readers achieve their future couldn’t have come at a better time.

Eva’s lessons showing how the best pinners make it happen on Pinterest is the impetus needed to become a top pinner! I’ve the education, now it’s time to implement it.

Good stuff happens at DisneySMMC

Every last conference attendee walked away with knowledge, whether from every speaker, or just one speaker. Dispersed between all the learning, we also had some fun times, too! Mickey showed up, Storm Troopers invaded our space, and sponsors like Alamo, Rayovac and Hanes gifted us with amazing treats!

It was quite a day from start, to finish. Sure, our families were out in the parks having a blast, but Disney Social Media Moms stepped it up and made sure all of us had a blast during our conference day! We even got to experience an amazing acapella version of “Let it Go.”

Frozen “Let it Go” is aca-awesome #DisneySMMC

A video posted by Staci (@novsunflower) on May 8, 2015 at 11:28am PDT

Meeting Olaf at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration

After the conference day ended, families spent time together meeting a few Disney characters. During check-in, we chose to have a little meet and greet with Olaf. We’re an Olaf loving family, and The Boy definitely wanted to give warm hugs to his favorite Frozen character.

However, before getting warm hugs, the kids met Storm Troopers. Do you see the awe on The Boy’s face as a Storm Trooper signs his autograph book? Moments like this made EVERYTHING we sacrificed to make this trip happen, worth it! Then the kids finally got the chance to give Olaf warm hugs! How did Disney top all of this excitement? A Mickey’s Beach Bash at the Beach & Yacht Club Resorts.

#DisneySMMC Mickey’s Beach Bash

After a full day of learning, getting autographs from Storm Troopers, and warm hugs from Olaf, it was time to Beach Bash with Mickey!

• Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald in flowered shirts hanging on the beach? Yes, please.
• Lots of food, and libations? Of course, bring it all on.
• Plenty of great music on the beach with a great view? Absolutely.
• Kids smiling while meeting new friends, and taking lots of photos with characters? BRING.IT.ON.
• Having a beach party on the beach right at the Beach & Yacht Club Resorts: PRICELESS.

The view of Disney’s Boardwalk across the water was thrilling to see as it turned from daytime into nighttime. My favorite part? Can you guess? If you know my love of eating, you’ll know the food is always the best part of an event.

I hit every last buffet item, and went back for lots more. While the kids played in the sand, met the characters, and enjoyed the music – Mama Sunflower watched them, chatted with her people, and ate like nobody’s business.

• Grass.Fed.BEEF. Need I say more?
• Yes, I do. PORK BELLY. Seriously, I was in total and utter bliss.

Food revolution at Disney

I’ve never thought of Disney as a place offering delicious, gourmet food. Disney, to me, was about quick meals that were fried, and tasted like fast food. Basically filled with oil, along with, no flavor. I was dead wrong. Disney has taken huge steps to bring gourmet foods made with fresh ingredients, to their restaurants. Who knew? I’m glad I was able to sample all of it. Who’s responsible for many of the healthier choices at Disney? Chef Gary.

Chef Gary talking food & beverage at Disney! Offering healthier choices at all the parks & hotels. #DisneySMMC A photo posted by Staci (@novsunflower) on May 8, 2015 at 4:40am PDT

The entire day, from the moment I woke up, until the moment I finally fell asleep, was filled with magic. Everything played through my head as I thought about the day….