What Not Being Invited to Disney Social Media Moms Means
I was one of those. I probably hit refresh on my email about 200 times. I stalked the #DisneySMMC hashtag on twitter. I intently read every line of the Facebook Group. And after the 201 refresh button was pushed, the realization set in. I was not invited. A new mixture of emotions came over me as I took the weekend to reflect on what this means for me and my blog. Not being invited to Disney Social Media Moms may be the best thing that has happened to me. And here’s 5 reasons why:
1. Because the world would break if Disney allowed everyone to come
Let’s face it. The Disney fanatical fan-dom is impressively huge. If Disney gave an open invitation to such an event, think of all of the thousands of Disney moms that would attend (and let’s face it, create a blog just to be able to come). The invite would become Disney-ingenuine (yes, that’s my own word). The hype not as special, the magic not as real. The #DisneySMMC hashtag would be worn out, probably breaking the internet. The hotels overrun and the parks in selfie-overload, yes the world of Disney would be utter chaos. Disney has an organization, a thorough team and years of experience with this type of conference. They know what they’re doing.
Reading the #DisneySMMC is a dose of happiness. So much support & ❤️ for fellow bloggers!! Congrats everyone!
— Saving Said Simply (@savinsaidsimply) March 21, 2015
2. There’s no Mean Girls here
Ok, I may get some angry folks with this one, but the reality is that I have seen far too many bloggers that act like we are “still in high school.” The competitiveness, cattiness, greed, and ego all easily get in the way. We passive aggressively take out the blogger “leftovers” feeling on others, making sure the world knows how hurt we are that we weren’t a part of the “IN” crowd. But just for a moment, go search the #DisneySMMC hashtag. Read line after line. You won’t find a word of hate or disrespect. Not a sad emoji or an evil hashtag attachment. While the buzz and excitement from the attendees are real, so are the genuine comments from bloggers that were NOT invited. I found myself filled with love and excitement too, part of the cheer crowd. It’s so hard NOT to smile at those who got the email for the first time, big bloggers and small bloggers alike. Those bringing their families for their first ever Disney World experience. Or how the email came at the perfect time when t hey were questioning their blogging lives. The atmosphere was so grasping, I felt compelled to leave some love for all of my fellow blogging buddies. To be seen and recognized by Disney for your blogging work is like a medal in a race. An ultimate “you are doing a good job” pat on the back. I get that. So to shout the good news in all of social media land and receive love and praise back from bloggers you know and don’t know, it’s the ultimate support group. And nothing but love.
3. Crying is acceptable
It wouldn’t be human if I buried my disappointment in this post. After last year’s excitement of being invited to the 2014 blessed event, I thought for sure I was on the Disney radar. So when the emails came and went, the shock was inevitable. The second guessing and the nit picking of my blog was underway and I tried to determine where I went wrong from 2014 to 2015. And for a few hidden in the closet moments, I did let a few tears fall. But don’t let those tears or disappointment consume you. You are better and more awesome than that. Because we have #4 on the list.
4. There’s no motivation like Disney motivation
Disney recognizing the best social media moms in the country. It’s truly an honor. And not because they love Disney (though c’mon, who doesn’t?), but because the words they write, the people they inspire, the mark they leave on the world is palpable. I only hope to aspire to be as amazing. So there really is not motivation like Disney Social Media Moms motivation. It only makes me want to strive harder to improve my voice, my reach and my determination to be the best mom blogger I can be. To blog for ME and be absolutely unique, in the hopes that someone will see and recognize my blog as a diamond in the rough too (Thanks, Aladdin). So while it may be back to the drawing board for 2015, I’m am feeling more determined to be at the top of the invite list for next year. To be recognized by Disney as a force to be reckoned with in the social media world, I am typing with more fervor.
I’ve never felt so many emotions at once. Joy, humility and sadness that I cannot attend. #DisneySMMoms you made me smile! I’m hoping for next year! #feelinghumble #disneyloved A photo posted by Christie (@savingsaidsimply) on
5. There’s still hope.
Hope is an amazing emotion, even in the midst of the excitement such as Disney Social Media Moms. Inevitably, not everyone will be able to come. There will be a Group “B” set of emails sent out, maybe even a Group “C.” And the feeling is just as magical. And if you do not receive one of those emails for 2015, there’s even hope still. Disney SMMC On the Road Events occur throughout the year. So if you haven’t signed up for the Disney SMMC On The Road events, do that now. Right now. I’ll wait. So pixie dust may come your way even still. And if through all of other amazing Disney SMMC events are still not in your forecast, there’s hope for 2016. And 2017. And infinity and beyond. The point is to always hang on to your Disney hope.
So what does NOT being invited to Disney Social Media Moms REALLY mean?
Well, nothing really. You’re still an amazing blogger whether you get the golden ticket or not. Do not let this moment define you, or your blog or your passion. Do not let the dark cloud circle above your head until next year. Instead, join in the celebration and excitement and pure Disney joy for everyone that received a really special email. It’s fun just to search the hashtag and get a daily dose of “happy.” Focus on being the best social media mom out there, whether you have that “Disney” word attachment or not. I won’t let these few days in my life define my lifetime. But to hold onto that Disney dream…that’s something worth blogging about. We are all going to be ok.
Maybe 2016 will be our #DisneySMMC year. Are you still hoping?
Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more of my honest moments, Disney tips, and more.
ora lee gurr says
I won’t spiel off platitudes. You’re doing the right thing by saying you did your best and didn’t quite hit whatever piece of magic Disney was looking for this year. I’m glad you admit to disappointment and a few tears because it is important to share that it’s part of disappointment and it’s okay. I’m looking forward to reading about something bigger and better on your blog horizon.
Christie says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Ora! I always have to believe that something more amazing will come along. And if not, then at least I have more motivation to be a better blogger
Sarah @ 2paws Designs says
I’m so out of it that I didn’t realize it was even time for the Disney Social Media Moms pick again! It wasn’t until I saw a post on FB reminding people to frankly quit their b*tching. LOL So, definitely no pick for me either, but I’m a-ok with that. With the baby, I really have no interest this year. I can happily watch from afar. But next year? That would be great. Maybe we’ll both be on the list in 2016. 🙂
Christie says
That would be awesome to see you again, Sarah!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I highly doubt I will ever see an invite to this and I am ok with that. I would rather enjoy a whole week with my family sans any obligations anyways.
Christie says
I can understand that, Robin!
Terry says
Sorry you didn’t get invited… but there is always next year. I have never been to Disney so I guess I don’t know what I am missing.
Christie says
I’m not sorry at all! It was a good learning experience 🙂
Betsy says
I enjoyed watching all the support everyone gave each other online. Being invited doesnt mean that you are or are not any better than other bloggers who were invited. I’m excited to see everybodys blog posts.
Christie says
Thanks for the support, Betsy! I’m excited to follow along too!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is so true. Every aspect of this post is right on. Disney couldn’t make a park big enough for all the mommy bloggers who want to go to fit in it!
Christie says
I know, it would be insane-o!!
Amy D says
I have never been to Disney because we could never afford it! I would love to go some day soon with my family of 4!
Christie says
Hope your Disney dream comes true, Amy!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
I was invited, but I could care less, I had a very bad experience with Disney Reps in my local market and frankly they left a bad taste in my mouth, I have zero interest in paying my hard earned money for what will amount to a multi-day commercial.
A blog conference offers an array of brands and speakers, this is just the opportunity to discuss them, the hotel you stay at and their reps on your OWN dime….
I’m not drinking the Disney Kool Aid quite frankly.
As a child I never went to the parks, I spent summers traveling to a plethora of other places and filling my summers with camping trips, horseback riding lessons and other fun stuff, never asked to be taken there and I do not have children so I have no pressing need to be there.
If the invitation is transferable, you can certainly have mine! 🙂
Christie says
I’m sorry you had a bad Disney PR experience, Tracy! I appreciate the offer 🙂
Pam says
I’m happy for everyone that gets to go to this event. I know so many people love it.
Christie says
I always hear nothing but good things from the folks that go too, Pam!
Liz Mays says
I’m a big Disney fan too and this would be such a cool event. It’s a good thing you will have more chances to attend!
Christie says
You too, Liz! Maybe I’ll see you there one day
Jeanine says
This is amazing. You are amazing. Good for you. I look at all the posts and see all these things American bloggers get invited to an fall the perks, there isn’t many for us Canadians so I feel like I know what you mean. However, I still work my butt off and support others. I don’t have to be involved in everything or invited to things I’m doing what I love, meeting amazing people and simply, happy!
Christie says
Aww, thanks Jeanine! I definitely hope more perks open up for our Canadian bloggers too!
Theresa says
Well, you are ahead of me, because I don’t even know what the event is lol. Sorry you weren’t picked though. I know how disappointing it can be when an opportunity doesn’t pan out how you hoped. Best of luck to you next year!
Christie says
Oh, it’s ok, Theresa! It was good to learn and grow this year. NOT disappointed at all 🙂
Debbie Denny says
Great attitude. That is the way it should be. We can get bummed but I have come to the conclusion if I write about Disney… it is because I want to.
Christie says
AGREE! I wrote because I heart Disney too. Not because I have to
chrysa says
I truly love your amazing attitude. We all can have our moments of jealously or disappointment in this big world of blogging. It is life. Love that you have recognized it and have moved forward.
Christie says
Thanks, Chrysa! Hoping more bloggers feel the love vs. jealousy!
Danielle @ We Have It All says
I was not invited either 🙁 Great attitude about it all though!
Christie says
Thanks, Danielle!
Katy Rawson says
You have a wonderful attitude and there are many others who sorely need to follow you lead. I’ll bet you can make the most delicious lemonade from lemons. You are a good example. Good going.
Christie says
Haha, thanks for the lemonade reference, Katy! I appreciate the support
Marcie W. says
I love your attitude, honesty and your ability to congratulate others despite disappointment. Perhaps it is because I am a Las Vegas local and have lived just a 5hr drive from Disneyland my entire life, or perhaps it is because I have visited the park as both a child and a parent 15-20 times in my life, but I am not a Disney person, so this is one opportunity I am okay with skipping. I do wish you luck in next year’s selection process!
Christie says
Thank you, Marcie! I totally understand Disney SMMC is not for everyone!
Felicia says
Great post and great reminders. I was invited to the very first one and it was a blast. I was invited last year, but couldn’t venture all the way to the west coast. Maybe again soon!
Christie says
Wow, how cool Felicia! Would love to see what the 1st one was like. Did you do a post?
Veronica says
I guess this a big thing in the blog world. I would love to be invited but I am not really a “mom blogger” although I am a mom who blogs. Maybe next year you will get the golden ticket
Christie says
Veronica, not everyone is a mom blogger! There’s dad and not-mom bloggers that get invited too! Wishing you pixie dust too!
Emerald says
I really admire you for being genuine about your whole range of emotions. So often, we chastise ourselves for not having any emotion other than happiness and gratefulness and it’s unrealistic. Beautiful blog! 🙂 xx!
Christie says
Aww,t hanks so much for stopping by Emerald! I definitely am honest…a little too honest at times 🙂