Disney Social Media Moms Conference: Day 1

I picked the kids up from school last Tuesday right before lunch and we began our journey which started off rocky. First we had problems getting our rental car that I had already reserved from Avis. Total #FAIL in both customer service and attitude so we went down the street to Hertz Rental Car and I will definitely be doing my business with Rich Schaale at the Murfreesboro, TN Hertz from this point forward. Not only did they treat us with respect, but it was CHEAPER by almost $100!!!

So we drove all night and finally arrived at Disney at about 4 in the morning. After sleeping 3 hours our day began! We had a scrumptious breakfast at Kona Cafe. The Tonga Toast was to die for and we settled into our room at the Polynesian and let me tell you was it beautiful! We unpacked and got ready to hit the parks before the event that night and I went through my gift bag. A his and hers watch, long sleeved t-shirt, and an adorable mickey head laptop bag are just a few of the goodies I received. Like I have said before Disney sure knows how to spoil you.

After freshening up from a day at Magic Kingdom we piled on a bus to head to the newly rebranded ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex. It was the first time in all my Disney trips that we had been there and boy was I impressed! Not only did they have sports areas set out for the kids, but Big Daddy was in awe of all of the new jumbotrons they had installed. The kids ran and played till they turned into icicles. YES, it was that cold. They had warm jackets on, but I forgot mine. Here is a little more information about the relaunch:

The ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex is the leading Multi-Sport Venue In The Nation. It aims to create immersive and entertaining sports experiences for athletes, coaches, and fans by incorporating signature elements of ESPN in ways that will connect them with their favorite ESPN programs, personalities, and elements. Guests will discover a new welcome center, a digital center where video captured by 56 high-def robotic AND handheld camera across the 220-acre sports campus is edited for display on 40 videoscreens and 2 “jumbotrons” throughout the complex as part pf a veritable Wide World of SportsCenter, and the new ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill.

From there we separated for a bit. Big Daddy and the kids continued to play while I went inside the Milk House for a media presentation. Disney sure does know how entice! I learned about many new and exciting things they have in the pipeline and will be sharing them over the next few weeks so keep checking in for the latest in Disney news.

Then we all headed to dinner with a fun tailgating theme and the Dance Party begun! The kids were at the table all of 5.7 seconds before they headed to the stage to dance. At one point the DJ was playing a “freeze” game and you had to “act like your mom” when he said freeze. You should have seen all the kids acting like they were on the phone, or a computer, or pointing with a stern look on their face. TOO CUTE! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip and Dale, and a few other characters came out to mingle with us. They were all dressed up in their sports gear. I was able to catch up and mingle with a few bloggers, but this event was truly taken over by the kids. I wish my pictures would have been clearer, but they even did the Cha Cha slide.

We left around 9 after the fabulous High School Musical Kids from Disney’s Hollywood Studios gave a jam packed performance. All in all it was a great first day both for my family and for experiencing what Disney truly is. Magical.

***Although I paid for my trip I received what would be called a sweetheart deal from Disney and my price was discounted. I also received some complimentary items to enhance the Disney experience.***