A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration – Land and Sea. It was one of the most amazing trips we’ve ever taken as a family. We experienced a few days on land – in Orlando’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom and at sea — A cruise to The Bahamas and Castaway Cay aboard Disney Cruise Line The Disney Dream. An adventure like no other and I’ll be telling you all about it here in the next few weeks.
First, let me tell you a bit about The Disney Social Media Moms Celebration…
Every year, a select group of social media influencers are invited to experience the “The Most Magical Social Media Conference of the Year.” This year was my first year to receive the invite and I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be part of the 2018 celebration.
The conference is not only fun but also educational. Throughout the week, we were treated to some very useful information from industry professionals. This information is gold! It included social media trends, photography and video tips, content inspiration and advice on how to grow my brand.
The best part about these sessions is that we also get a sneak peek at upcoming events, grand openings at Disney Parks, Disney Studios, Pixar and Disney Cruise Line. We also learn about philanthropic initiatives, and new book releases. I have so much to tell you!
Ok. Since this is a food blog, I have decided that I will be telling you my experience at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration through a series of meals and snack ideas inspired by this trip. Inspiration was everywhere and I have a few tasty surprises to share with you.
The first morning of our Disney adventure is my most memorable one. We were still on West Coast time and we were scheduled to be shuttled to Animal Kingdom at 6:30am (that’s 3:30am West Coast time!) and visit Pandora-The World of Avatar. Our excitement woke us up on time and by the time the sun began to rise, we were already making our way towards an early breakfast at Satu’li Canteen, one of the restaurants located in Pandora.
Because it was still dark, Pandora’s glow was captivating and enchanting. The multiple colors at night and during the day give the illusion of two different planets. I loved both but Pandora at night took my breath away.
Satu’li Canteen is beautiful. The theme is military dining hall taken over by the Na’vi. Long vines, wicker, woven textiles, art and handmade tools adorn the restaurant. Giving you a sense of being in Na’vi territory.
Our breakfast was buffet style with exotic fruits and Na’vi blue pastries to go along with the theme. The restaurant serves a variety of bowls inspired by Pandora’s bounty. The meals are wholesome and made up of grains, vegetables and proteins.
Pandora-The World of Avatar is also home to Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey. Two of the most sought after rides at Animal Kingdom. Avatar Flight of Passage takes you on a 3D ride atop a mountain banshee. The journey begins on an expedition hike through the labs where the rider gets paired with an avatar. You’ll get to experience Pandora through a mountain banshee’s view. The ride is not only 3D, it also gives the illusion of being one with the mountain banshee. You’ll feel his breathing pattern and the air from the flap of its wings and sudden dives into the Valley of Mo’ara. Don’t be surprised if you feel cool mist from water falls. It’s an experience you will never forget.
Riders over 44-inches in height can experience The Flight of Passage. It is a thrill ride and my 9-year old son absolutely loved it. This is the most popular ride at Animal Kingdom. Plan ahead, get there early and reserve your fast pass.
If you are more into slow-moving rides. The Na’vi River Journey is for you. We enjoyed the calm and beauty of Pandora as we floated gently through the Valley of Mo’Ara, enjoying the sounds and glow of the rainforest. You’ll experience familiar Avatar creatures and songs. This is a very popular ride as well. A fast-pass is a must.
If you visit Animal Kingdom, you must visit Pandora – World of Avatar and enjoy a meal at Satu’li Canteen. It was one of the highlights of our visit and we will be sure to be back very soon.
Because we loved our welcome breakfast at twilight, I decided to create a meal the Na’vi would enjoy. I used beautiful, exotic fruits, seeds and other healthy ingredients. The Na’vi diet is strictly plant-based so I kept the ingredients strictly vegan and healthy. You can customize the toppings with seasonal fresh fruit or your favorite dried fruit, nuts and seeds. I was able to find star fruit, dragon fruit and fresh chamomile at my local market. It made the bowl look exotic and literally out of this world. The spirulina powder gave it that beautiful greenish-blue color that almost looks alien-like. The flavor is light, juicy and sweet from the frozen banana included in the blend. No added sugar! It’s a great breakfast, dessert or snack treat and the kids will love it.
To learn more about the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, follow along on social media with the hashtag #DisneySMMC. You will be able to see other attendees experience and point of view during the celebration.
Thank you Disney Social Media Moms for the wonderful invitation and educational sessions. It was a truly magical experience for my family and I.
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut or almond milk
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 banana, sliced and frozen
- 3/4 cup frozen pineapple pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons spirulina powder
- chia seeds
- star fruit, sliced
- dragon fruit
- kiwiberries
- dried cranberries
- mint leaves
- fresh chamomile
Instructions
- Combine milk, avocado, banana, pineapple and spirulina in a blender container. Blend until smooth. Pour in bowls or serving cups, decorate with toppings.
Pandora photography by Disney, Photographer: Alex Mirabal
