Where to start? I had a magical once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World with a group of mom bloggers! I could never capture how cool it was! So, let’s take this in little bites, shall we? I’m going to spend the next few days digesting the trip for you.
Today’s edition? The Magical Moms!
Asa and I left home at the crack of dawn on Friday morning. We had an uneventful flight to Orlando and as I made my way down to level 3 of the airport, I knew I was getting close to Disney’s Magical Express because the employees were now dressed dressed in costumes (as opposed to uniforms). Sure enough, a friendly cast member looks at my papers then sends me over to the red carpet to board the Magical Express.
And when I get aboard (after 2 more cast members coo at my son and sweep my stroller away), who is sitting all by her lonesome just waiting for a seat mate? Andrea from Mommy Snacks! She’s more adorable than you can even imagine–all smiles and a sunny personality to match. She, of course, dazzled me with her blog stats and mad bloggy skillz.
We got to our hotel, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and grabbed a yummy lunch. We also found Christine of From Dates to Diapers, who is not only a bloggy maven, but a sweet down to earth mama who loves her kids more than anything. We all headed in different directions…but soon convened when we met Marsha from Sweat Pants Mom (a chic, smart mama) in the lobby. It’s kinda easy to spot the mom bloggers when you’re sitting by yourself with a laptop open to Tweet Deck at Disney World!
Finally, we all met up with Leanne and Laura, social media gurus for Disney Parks…and all around fantastic women! They herded us to a private gazebo for a cheese and champagne reception.
This is where I got to meet two other women I was insanely jealous of: Amber and Margret of the Disney Moms Panel. These women beat out a ton of other Disney fans to be a part of the exclusive Mom’s Panel. They answer questions online about YOUR Disney vacation. And they seriously know EVERYTHING about Disney World. I want to be them when I grow up.
Finally, we got to the parks! Epcot, in fact. And Laura, our friendly neighborhood FASTPASS distributor gave us fast passes for the Soarin‘ attraction.
On the walk over, I got to mingle with the rest of the bloggers: Beth from I Should Be Folding Laundry (she is warm, funny and a fabu photographer! Just wait till you see some of the pics she took of Asa!), Lindsey from Suburban Turmoil (who is just beautiful, by the way), Megan at Velveteen Mind (a glowing preggo plus delightfully articulate and insightful), Emily from Mommin It Up (equal parts quiet & hilarious, plus a Disney fan like me!), Dawn from Mom To My Six Pack (a newly published author!) and of course, our fabulous host, Maria Bailey. (Can I just tell you how her passion for moms is contagious? She’s paying for Moms Nite Out out of her own pocket just because she wants to honor mothers!)
Let’s see…what next? Oh, nothing really…just a DIVINE dinner in France at Epcot. I didn’t get a picture (*gasp*) but if I remember correctly it was a yummy fish with lemon sauce and capers. (Wow, how descriptive.) This is when Asa got to meet his new baby friend, Lisa from Crazy Adventures 7 month old son. They were the cutest things ever! (I seriously cannot find a picture of them together, but I will soon!) LOOK AT THESE PICS from Lisa! I am crying I’m laughing so hard!
Then to further make my dreams come true, we had dessert at a private viewing area for Epcot’s Illuminations. Like VIP private. After the last firework, a sleeping Asa and I headed back to our room where I saw these…
Mickey had been in my room and left me a boatload of presents! Really I’m almost embarrassed to list them for you. But I will anyway: a photo album, a blanket with my name embroidered on it, an autograph book, a celebration banner, three balloons, a popcorn bowl, seven chocolate covered Mickey Mouse shaped rice krispie treats, a giant Mickey Mouse doll, a gift box, a hidden Mickeys book and some Mickey Mouse gloves. Magical, I tell you!
And that was just day 1! It tuckered our little pirate out.
OK, I can feel the rambling gene taking over. Come back tomorrow for day 2: DisneyWorld Hotels & Resorts…I ‘m going to give you some secret info and some insider tips!
