Disney Social Media Moms: Day 3 ”Breakfast with the Chef and Epcot” #DisneySMMoms

Today all of us bloggers were separated into three groups depending on what we wanted to do.  One choice involved the Africa Trek experience but due to my being pregnant that wasn’t an option, the other was a scavenger hunt experience for kids around 8 years old (my kids were too young) and the third was breakfast and discussion with a chef and a sommelier from Disney.  Now I am not a foodie but I am fascinated with food at Disney!  There are just so many options and restaurants; I am amazed with how everything seems handled so smoothly.

We first heard both of their backgrounds and how they have moved throughout Disney World positions.  I have only been to Disney a few times and haven’t purchased a Disney Dining Plan yet but it was interesting to learn that the chefs don’t simply put a dollar amount on the meal but rather work creativity to stay within a budget for the dining plan.  I liked hearing how the chefs love a challenge and will also work with those with allergies or restrictions (restaurants even have special allergen chefs who will come out and talk to you at your table.)  The Chef also explained about the ordering system and how Disney does order in bulk for some items but also they have separate systems for certain products, including ordering items worldwide.  We also learned how Disney is trying to help out parents by offering healthier sides for kids.  For example, instead of the typical fries and dessert the main sides are carrots and grapes which of course you can substitute for fries and pudding.  So moms are not the bad guys when they say the meal came with carrots and grapes!

Since I have only been to Disney a few times I haven’t really noticed but Disney is also all about consistency.  So everytime you order a dish it will taste the same no matter what chef makes it.  I think that is great because there is nothing worse than having your heart set on a particular dish and having it taste different than you remembered.  Overall, the discussion was great and informative.

Next was a media event with the Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living.  Thousands of kids wrote essays on healthy living and eating new foods, and winners of the TRYathalon (kids excited about living healthy lives by trying new things and foods.)  Oh and there were even Disney celebrities: Jennifer Stone from The Wizards of Waverly Place, Alyson Stoner from Phineas and Ferb and Daniel Curtis from Zeke and Luther.  Unfortunately I missed the discussion but luckily I heard from a lot of bloggers how great it was.  Luckily our table at dinner was right next to all these stars so I at least got a peak at them (my 13 year old sister was star struck!)

Dinner tonight was at Epcot and instead of a buffet we were given plates full of healthy foods – roasted chicken, multi-grain bread, tomato water, white fish, polenta stamped with Mickey Mouse, and more!  I tried it all and ate most of it, but my boys were not fans, but I know them trying new foods is not going to happen overnight.  Tonight’s event was more so about the winners of the TRYathalon and full of energy, but didn’t have much for kids so it was nice when we then moved to a private viewing area for the Epcot IllumiNations.  There we were treated to yummy healthy desserts although there really wasn’t any seating.  We watched the show and my boys “Ohhhed” and “Ahhhed” over the fireworks.

Tonight was also the end of the Disney Social Media Moms Conference.  It was a great experience and I am so fortunate to have attended it for the second year in a row.  Disney definitely knows how to do it right and is truly a magical place.  I learned so much, met some great bloggers, connected with friends, and got to share Disney with my family.  Since my boys are young I know Disney World will be in our future, just as Disney is every morning on our television!

Mom and More Disclosure:  I received discounted hotel accommodations, theme park passes, meals, conference sessions, and some goodies in exchange for my honest opinion.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.