Food Blog Forum at Disney World – Orlando, Florida

It was great to see old friends, meet new ones, and to chat with and listen to people who inspire you to go back home and work better and smarter.  There was an introduction on unlocking your creativity from the Creativ Inc. Director at Disney, Victoria Finn.  Other sessions included storytelling with food photography and styling, monetizing your blog, how to use Pinterest to increase traffic, and battling blogger burnout along with roundtable discussions.  Disney really knows how to put on a show and throw a great party.  I guess that’s no surprise.  Every aspect of the conference was impressive from our first evening’s Welcome Reception at the brand new Four Seasons Resort Orlando to our beautiful accommodations at one of the park’s finest properties, The Grand Floridian.

Spicy Tuna Tartare from The Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios

“Power Salad ” from Sunshine Seasons in Epcot

Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops with Seasonal Vegetables and Mushrooms – Be Our Guest Restaurant

Braised Pork Belly with Goat Cheese Polenta and Country Applesauce – California Grill

Florida Strawberry-Orange Cake with Champagne Sorbet – Disney’s Contemporary Resort Bakery

Chocolate Pudding Cake with Chocolate-Hazelnut Sauce & Mint Cream – Disney’s Contemporary Resort Bakery

The Contemporary Resort provided our event and meeting space and our spectacular lunch with chefs from around the resort preparing their signature dishes at the California Grill.  And of course, I have to mention the amazing Fast Passes that lived in our cute little interactive Mickey bracelets that sped up wait times for the rides and attractions.  Yes, thank you to Disney for making my one free day at the parks a most enjoyable one. 🙂

I’m off to see the world!

Visiting the pubs in England

No visit to England would be complete without having a pint (or two)

The thatched roof cottages in England are charming

So are the topiary characters, especially Elliott the dragon

While I know Mickey is in charge of a lot of things at Disney, he can’t control the weather.  Sunny Florida was not very sunny the first two days I was there.  I arrived late on Friday and we were in meetings all day Saturday, so it wasn’t too bad for me, but I know there were plenty of attendees with children who traipsed through the parks with their ponchos and umbrellas those days.  Thankfully, for all of us, at the conclusion of the conference on Sunday, there was Florida sunshine and warm temperatures present to enjoy our day in the parks.