Automate a batch conversion of Word docs to PDF - Acrobat Pro 9

Question from the Acrobat Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/adobeacrobat/posts/10150378414912319
 
I want to automate a batch conversion of Word docs to PDF. Most solutions say "choose Microsoft Office, or Word Doc" from the document source options. Thing is, nowhere in my Acrobat Pro 9 does it give me the option to open any type of Microsoft document. Do I need a plugin or something?? I'm on Mac OSX Snow Leopard. I'd be so grateful if you can point me in the right direction!