The Disney Crying Scale

To All The Not-Invited Disney Social Media Moms

March 6, 2013COMtnMom

Ugly confession time.  I frivolously, foolishly, naively, and perhaps a bit arrogantly let myself get my hopes up for receiving an invitation to the famous Disney Social Media Moms blogging conference coming this May 2013.

Well, the email invites went out yesterday.  I watched the flurry of excitement on Twitter, via the #DisneySMMoms hashtag, but my inbox remained empty.  It hit me kinda hard… I’d say I reached about a Level 3 on the Disney Crying Scale.   I even left work early to go home and lick my wounds.

The Disney Crying Scale
Graphic borrowed from Morgan Crutchfield

(Ok, so I came close to Level 4…)

Recently feeling a bit stretched thin, and coming dangerously close to Blogger Burnout, my knee-jerk reaction to this turn of events was this: Fine. I can quit blogging now.

Cause here’s another ugly confession: The dream of being Disney’s special guest, along with my family, for an event like the Disney Social Media Moms conference has been for me not just a primary blogging goal of mine… but literally my motivation for blogging AT ALL.  Sound crazy?  Well, it’s true.

So after a good nights rest, and my morning latte – I’m happy to say I’m now feeling a bit differently about it all.  Here are some of the important conclusions I’ve reached, and lessons that ironically NOT-attending Disney Social Media Moms has taught me:

  • I blog for me.  I enjoy it.  It’s exciting.  And you never, ever know what new doors of opportunity it’s going to open, just around the corner.  This is just a little bump in the road, but I’m going to continue my journey.
  • There are hundreds of thousands of bloggers, showcasing witty talented writing, gorgeous eye-catching graphics, breathtaking photos; and heart stopping, influential, at times life changing stories.  Not being one of the extremely rare 100 or so to be plucked from this fantastic group does not in any way diminish the awesomeness of our blogs!

This means you guys.  Your sites which you’ve built up with love, sweat, creativity, and tears.

Our blogs are amazing displays of what we *ordinary*, every day women (and men) have to offer.  And not being invited to a Disney blogging conference should not make any of us feel like what we’ve accomplished isn’t great.  Because it still is.

So here’s to you!  I’ll keep reading, learning from, being inspired by, and enjoying your blogs.  Disney may not have noticed you (yet!)… but I have.  🙂

*o*     *o*     *o*

Please let me a quick comment on where to find you and your lovely blog!

 

Comments (75)

  • Steve Burns

    March 6, 2013 at 3:49 pm

    Glad to hear you aren’t giving up on blogging! Because I always enjoy reading what you have to write. And I think your blog is just as good as any of those “invited” blogs. 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 3:09 am

      Aww shucks, Steve. You’re very kind! I had to amend my post and add “men” bloggers, too… because your site is one of my favorites, and your photographs definitely came to mind when I mentioned that bit about “breathtaking photos…”!

      Thanks so much for your comment. 🙂

  • Dee

    March 6, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    Thank you Tami, for sharing your heart a bit hear…and for eloquently articulating what so many of us feel right now! This is one of the best posts I’ve ever read. Keep on blogging for you, girl, and enjoy those special opportunities manifest that you never saw coming!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 3:12 am

      Whew! I was reeling just a bit after I read your comment!

      You are a real tender heart, Dee… I thoroughly enjoy being Disney and Twitter pals, and your words mean a lot to me! And I wish the same happy blogging thoughts right back at ya, girl. 😉

  • Mary @Capturing Magical Memories

    March 6, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    Great post Tami! I think you spoke to a lot of people today. I know I am one of the ‘lucky’ ones. The key word is ‘lucky’ – there are so many great blogs to choose one. I see it as I happen to be at the right place at the right time. Not that I deserved it or even earned it. It is a blessing.

    I honestly thought you would be joining me and was so sad to see it when you weren’t.

    Don’t you dare give up on blogging. I have seen you blog grow so much in this past year and it really is an original now. Don’t stop being the original I know and love!!

    And my fingers are already crossed for you next year.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 3:17 am

      Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Mary. I feel like I just had a mentor give me a pep talk – that’s awesome! I really, really appreciate what you said.

      I LOVED meeting you at Disney On the Road in Houston. That is one of my best blogging memories. I was so grateful for your kindness, friendliness, and looking out for me that day!! The creativity you share via your site (and business!) are so wonderful, and are also very original… I’m proud to have a friend attending the conference, and can’t wait to hear all about it from you!

  • Amy, Using Our Words

    March 6, 2013 at 4:11 pm

    So well put. I found myself a bit down in the dumps yesterday too. I thought that since I work for Disney (ok, Disney Baby, but still) that I might just make the list. But I didn’t. I’m just glad we both miraculously ended up on the Coca-Cola trip so we got to meet and I got to know about *your* awesomeness. There’s always next year…

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 3:22 am

      Omygosh, my writing hero just told me my post was “well put”. THAT put a BIG smile on my face!! Ahhh… basking just a little bit in receiving praise from such a gifted writer like you, Amy! 🙂

      That was a bit of a Coca-Cola “miracle”, wasn’t it?? HA! Loved meeting you, so much. And love reading pretty much anything you write, ever since. Hope our paths cross again, my friend! (It doesn’t even have to be at Disney. Honest, it doesn’t!)

  • kimberly/tippytoes

    March 6, 2013 at 4:18 pm

    I love this post and can relate. Thanks for writing it.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 3:24 am

      You are so welcome. I’m feeling quite comforted today by hearing from fellow bloggers who feel the same way!

      Thanks for swinging by… and it was so nice to meet you at #CCLP 🙂

  • Kia Morgan Smith

    March 6, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    What people don’t realize is that Disney does several rounds of invites. (At least last year they did) Some people can’t make it for whatever reasons so they opt out. It’s not over. I had friends last year who were invited later after the initial emails were sent. Keep your head up. Keep smiling and always stay encouraged. You just never, ever know. 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 3:27 am

      Kia! You are very sweet – thanks for your little ray of encouragement. 🙂 But at this point, I think I’m gonna move on and give myself a tiny bit of emotional closure – lol.

      I’ve really enjoyed discovering other great mom blogs through this past few weeks (of Twitter #DisneySMMoms stalking)… and yours is one of them! GREAT site.

      Appreciate your insight & comment!

  • Colleen – @AMadisonMom

    March 6, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    Awesome post. I would SO love to go to DSMMoms conference. What a dream that would be. I happy the bloggy moms that were invited. Each year it seems more and more moms I know are going. It’s getting closer to me. 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 3:28 am

      I love this! And you are really right, I never thought of it that way . That is the case with me, too… I actually have some friends who were invited this year. I like the way you think! 😉

      Thanks for your comment, Colleen!

  • Janice Brady

    March 6, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Thank you so much for this post! I think I may have passed a level 4 last night. I went from overwhelmingly disappointed – to angry – to jealous – back to overwhelming disappointment! A good friend said to me yesterday “do not let Disney define who you are!” Thank you again – great heartwarming post!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 8:29 pm

      Janice, this is one of my favorite comments… you made me laugh out loud. So honest! And so true 🙂

  • Rebecca

    March 6, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    I can’t say enough how much I agree! I am very new on this and didn’t expect an invite, but I have felt this way over lots of other things. And you’re so right: we do it for us, and for anyone who enjoys reading it (and there are plenty!), and that’s the important part! I love getting to read all these different perspectives and experiences, and I learn a ton from them!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 8:32 pm

      I agree, Rebecca – well said! I’m still new, too… and I definitely feel like I learn more from other social media moms, than from any other source.

      And of all the “thrills” that blogging brings, it’s funny how having people read and enjoy what you’ve written is one of the biggest ones!

  • Susan

    March 6, 2013 at 4:35 pm

    Tammy I feel so honored and lucky that I was able to meet you and connect last summer during the camping trip. I enjoy reading your blog so I’m glad you aren’t giving it up. You are so honest and brave. And you on it. Even though I have felt the way you shared over not getting invites to different blogging opportunities, I would never ever share it with everyone. You are one of the best out there!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 8:35 pm

      Susan, you are too kind. I’m glowing a little from your comment… I’ll be re-reading it every time I have the Blogging Blues!!

      I loved meeting you and your wonderful family, too. You swim in a bigger blogger pond over there in the Denver-area 😉 but your site is so refreshing and unique – I love it.

      Thanks so much for this comment, it really means a lot to me!

  • Jen

    March 6, 2013 at 4:41 pm

    Oh, no…I just found your blog a few months ago so I am glad that you have decided to keep blogging. It is so hard when we have goals set and sometimes reaching them is out of our control. I feel that way too when I look around but, like you, I have decided that I am blogging because I love it and if it helps someone out along the way, I am glad.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 8:37 pm

      You are so right, Jen – trying to set goals that are frankly out of our control is VERY hard. An exercise in frustration! It’s difficult to balance allowing yourself to dream, with not being unrealistically hopeful – lol 😉

    2. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 8:39 pm

      And also… you have a fantastic site!! So glad you found me, so I could find you 🙂 Welcome to Colorado, and I hope our paths cross sometime!

  • Heidi

    March 6, 2013 at 4:59 pm

    What a well-written and thoughtful post! Thanks for sharing from your heart. You know, I try so hard not to get my hopes up regarding these Disney-related things; but, in the end, I realize that I did have my hopes up, only to have them dashed. Yesterday was a really bad day for me (as it was the 3-year anniversary of my best friend’s death) and when I saw the notes were going out, I got kinda excited – that would have been such a light in my seemingly dark day.

    But, what you said is so true – we blog for ourselves and it’s a way to share our hearts with others – and we need to keep doing what we are doing, regardless of who notices. 🙂

    I, for one, really enjoy your blog. Who knows? Maybe something even bigger is in store for you! (or me!)

    Stop by and visit me at Heidi’s Head.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:09 pm

      Oh, thank you Heidi. When it comes to anything Disney… I think it’s hard (impossible?) for us not to get our hopes up, on some level.

      You are so right – it’s definitely the “heart sharing” aspect that I find especially endearing, when I read others blogs…

  • Mel @ The Disney Lifestyle Blog

    March 6, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    Great post. I agree with Dee, one of your best. (Yes, I read regularly, even though I should post comments more often.) Once the first wave of invitees register or decline, additional invites will likely be sent, so you never know.

    It is always hard to want something so much only to find out it isn’t going to happen. These are the moments we learn the most about ourselves. I think this time of year is a catalyst to help us define our own brands and remap our own paths. Keep it up, you have done an amazing job in the past year!!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:11 pm

      Thank you, Melanie! You’ve given me such great advice in the past, I don’t know if you even realize you are a writing mentor to me. 🙂

      Great food for thought – appreciate your comment.

  • Cher

    March 6, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    Its like a watched pot never boils meaning blog for yourself and good things will come 🙂 Love the little Mickey’s!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:12 pm

      Oh, my… truer words ne’r spoken, Cher! That’s exactly how I’ve been with my email inbox lately, and you are so right. I’m ready for a break from that approach… 😉

  • Teresa @CATravelGirls

    March 6, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    We have to keep our spirits up. More spaces will open up as people who were invited cannot attend. We might just have to wait for Round 2 of Pixie Dust. Thinking maybe we should start a #WeRockItSMMoms hashtag for those of us not invited.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:13 pm

      Ohhh… I like this idea! (Both the Round 2 pick-up, and the funky custom hashtag…)

      You have a very cool site, Teresa – thanks for your comment, so I could find you! New fan.

  • Deb @ Focused on the Magic

    March 6, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    Great post Tami! Thanks for so eloquently articulating how a few (maybe more than a few;) of us feel today. Keep up the Disney spirit and give yourself a big {{HUG}} We love you!!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:16 pm

      Awwww…. **sniff**… [Disney Cry Level 1] …. thank you!! 😉

      Your beautiful sight is always balm to my missing-Disney soul, Deb! Love hanging out with you and your friendly group every Wednesday, for your awesome photo hop. Thanks for all the work you do on your blog – it helps to keep ALL of our Disney spirits up!

  • Deanna @mommyGAGA

    March 6, 2013 at 9:03 pm

    Blog for YOU. The rest will fall into place 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:18 pm

      HA! Exactly 😉 Thanks, Deanna…

      I really am thrilled for you to be taking your beautiful family to WDW for the first time this May. Enjoy! Your trip and arrangements will maybe be all made for you – but please email me if you have any questions – there are not many things I love talking about more than Disney 🙂

  • Sherry

    March 6, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    Tami, Amen, sista! Preach to the choir-we are all in this to have our POV heard. While it would be amazingly wonderful to score the coveted invite to Disney SMM Conference, continue to do what you do. The sun has come out tomorrow and a new perspective and new opportunities are out there (I almost sound like Ellie there). Who knows? Maybe we should take the #DisneyGalPals to a new level? LOL (hugs)

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:20 pm

      You said it, Sherry. I like our little, personal Disney hashtag group we’ve formed. Who knows what tomorrow shall bring for us… “Adventure is out there!” 😉

      Thanks for swinging by, and for your thoughtful words of encouragement!

  • Cheryl

    March 6, 2013 at 11:52 pm

    Sorry to hear of your disappointment. 🙁 I’m sure your enthusiasm for the program won’t go unnoticed.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:22 pm

      That’s nice of you Cheryl, thank you. I’m recovering well, and it’s been fun seeking solace with other bloggers this week, who are wrestling with the same turn of events… 😉

      You have a lovely site – thanks for your comment, so I could be a new follower!

  • DisneyBabies Jenn

    March 7, 2013 at 12:39 am

    I’ve felt that way in the past, but for some reason this year it didn’t even phase me – I think I’ve got a year or so on you, so maybe that’s just part of it? I would love to be acknowledged/recognized by Disney, but it seems I’m missing the boat on that! So, I keep blogging for me and anyone who feels like reading, even if it isn’t the “Big gals.” Keep on keeping on! Hope you won’t reach level 3 again anytime soon!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 10:25 pm

      Thanks, Jenn. It’s knowing of awesome Disney bloggers like you (who aren’t invited either!) that made me realize it’s not a negative reflection on us. We’re in very good company – there’s so many wonderful blogs out there.

      Nope. No more level 3 crying, I’m done. 😉 (Although I just got a “See ya real soon” postcard in the mail from Mickey, that kinda worked me over a little…. ha!)

  • Elle

    March 7, 2013 at 3:48 am

    You really hit it spot on. Nicely written and a great way to put the whole thing in perspective. I was definitely wishing but I was 99.9% sure I wouldn’t get one. I was disappointed too.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 11:05 pm

      Thanks, Elle. It all comes down to perspective, does it not? Seriously, just crunching the numbers in my head a little really did help. We can’t ALL go… or could we?!?!? 😀

  • Cheryl @ Kids On A Plane

    March 7, 2013 at 5:02 am

    Love this post Tami. I love your blog too. Your humour, your posts, everything. Keep on keepin’ on and they will notice!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 11:07 pm

      Cheryl, you’re awesome. Thank you so much!

      (I do think I could stand to jazz up my graphics… I really love yours)

  • Suzanne

    March 7, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    Wonderfully honest! I loved this! So glad you’ll keep blogging…for you (and us! Lol). Have you ever been to disney? I’m thinking you should send them a thank you note for not inviting you… lol!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 7, 2013 at 11:09 pm

      Hahahaha!

      Ok, so I’m prepared to try and take the high road on not being invited to #DisneySMMoms. But I don’t think I’m a big enough person to THANK them for not inviting me… not just yet anyways! You’re too funny 😉

  • Krissy @ Shiawase Life

    March 12, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    Keep blogging, girl 🙂 We love it!!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 14, 2013 at 4:27 pm

      Thanks, Krissy! I just swung by your GORGEOUS blog, and I love it very much. I’m going to spend some time on there and hopefully all your runDisney speak will inspire me… ha! 🙂

  • Morgan Crutchfield

    March 12, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    I’m so glad you came to the decision not to let this one decision stop you. While it’s true that the conference is a great experience for those able to attend, it doesn’t decide your readership, it doesn’t endear you to your readers, and it doesn’t determine the worth of you. Your voice will remain strong whether you go to the conference or not. So take it down to a “level one” and keep dreaming. -M

    1. COMtnMom

      March 14, 2013 at 4:30 pm

      Morgan, thank you for finding your way to this post… and for not minding me featuring your fantastic “Disney Crying Scale” image. SHE CREATED IT, PEOPLE! The hilarious, creative Master Mind behind it all!

      And a lovely sentiment, as well. Thank you very much for your words. 🙂

  • Dani

    March 12, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    I just found your blog thanks to @DVCMorgan. I am an Orlando native, I work on Disney property and I had no flipping clue about the Disney SM Conference, but my day job keeps me so busy that I have to fight to carve out time for blogging.
    The world of blogging, especially Disney blogging, is fierce and can be very intimidating. I am very glad I found your blog. You’ve made a believer out of me. Just keep swimming!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 14, 2013 at 4:31 pm

      Thank you, Dani! Really appreciate your comment, and I’m headed over to check out your blog right now. I love “INSIDER” scoop from Florida, the heart of the magic! 😉

  • Jackie @ MomJovi

    March 12, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    Love this post and your honesty. I was also disappointed and frustrated for not geting an invite, too — it just seems like all the same bloggers get invited to the same events. I live in Orlando and have season tickets. Our family is at Disney almost every weekend — on our own dime — and I write about our experiences. So even though I’ve jumped through ALL the hoops with Disney, why don’t I get invited to any Disney events?? Whine, whine.

    But like you, I only need to take a step back and remember WHY I blog. I don’t blog about Disney to go to cool events (although that’d be a nice perk). I do it so my daughter will someday see all the fun things we did. I do it because at this point, yeah, I’m an expert and if I can help another family out, I’m glad to. Just last week, I got THE nicest email from someone I’ve never met and will never meet thanking me for helping to make his 5-year-old’s first trip to WDW so magical.

    I haven’t read your blog … yet, I’m glad to find it! … but I can guarantee you’ve done something similar for another family. And that’s reason enough for us to keep going.

    Looking forward to reading more from you and maybe, just maybe, we’ll finally find ourselves with the Golden Ticket at the same event some time!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 14, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      I love this story of you helping a family make their 5 yr old’s Disney trip special! And you are so right, on all counts. Thanks for your lovely comment.

      Ok, we have since bonded on Twitter (and when I read your hilarious “Ellie” active wear review, it really clinched the deal!) … so happy to have “met” you Jackie!

  • Steve

    March 12, 2013 at 6:01 pm

    Apparently I missed this post somewhere in the crazy of my last week, but I have to say that I’m kind of sad you didn’t get invited. I loved reading about your experiences at the World of Coke gathering, and I was kind of looking forward to hearing about the Disney get together from a site I read all the time instead of one that I have to go and find. Here’s hoping that next year is different, and any time you and your family want to come up my way, you’d definitely be our special Guests (and the ride from the airport is remarkably similar to Mr. Toads Wild Ride anyways).

    1. COMtnMom

      March 14, 2013 at 4:46 pm

      Well, I’m glad you eventually found me in your crazy week, Steve – thanks! And thanks for your genuine, “kind of” empathy at my massive disappointment – lol 😉 Just kidding. I’m moving on quite nicely. Kind of you to say you enjoyed my Coca-Cola adventure recaps, I certainly enjoyed living them. Perhaps went to my head a little. Since I was cool enough for Coke, I thought just maybe…. ?? Ahh, someday.

      Also appreciate your Canadian Tourism invite, we may have to think about that. Something tells me any time spent with you and your family is bound to be a pretty adventurous/wild/fun time!

  • Linda

    March 18, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    Tami — It took such courage to speak so frankly about your disappointment — and it’s helped so many others to realize that they are not alone in the way they’re feeling right now. And I admire how you honestly re-evaluated why you blogged and realized that you are doing it for the best possible reason — you!!! (And the value you bring is another plus).

    And to tell you the truth — you are in VERY good company. I am so amazed at the high quality of blogger who did NOT get an invitation — some of the best out there.

    So thanks so much for sharing — and for the comfort that brought to others.

    1. COMtnMom

      March 20, 2013 at 7:19 pm

      Hi Linda! It’s really true, we ARE in very good company! I think that’s what made me realize I shouldn’t feel so down about not receiving that invite.

      Thanks for your sweet comment, I appreciate it.

  • Lin

    March 19, 2013 at 6:13 pm

    Ah, what a sweetly written post! We are just getting started over at http://www.disneymamas.com, and we have SO MUCH to learn! Reading your post gave me a smile, and reminds me that we don’t have to rush to be the biggest and best, because we are blogging about our love of Disney!

    I look forward to keeping up with you and your blog, and I know that you will accomplish your dream at the right time!

    1. COMtnMom

      March 20, 2013 at 7:17 pm

      Thanks for your comment and encouragement, Lin! I will definitely swing by and check out your site, sounds right up my alley. 🙂

  • Sarah McKenna

    March 20, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    Well if THIS doesn’t get you on their radar I don’t know what will!! 😉 I am a brand new blogger so I hadn’t heard of this before, but now I want an invite so badly that I can taste it! Haha. 🙂 Good luck to you! FINGERS CROSSED FOR NEXT YEAR! 🙂 – Sarah at Craft Quickies

    1. COMtnMom

      March 21, 2013 at 2:56 pm

      Sarah, I loved your comment and it made me laugh. I know EXACTLY what you are describing, because it’s EXACTLY how I reacted and felt about a year ago, as a new blogger, when I first heard about the #DisneySMMoms Conference!

      Thanks for stopping by! I’m going to check out your blog… 🙂

  • Samantha @ KreativeKaring

    April 6, 2013 at 11:23 pm

    Sorry you weren’t picked. I can relate to wanting to give up on blogging because you’re not seeing the results expected but the joy of it is exactly what I keep remembering every time I reach that limit or dissapointment. It doesn’t happen often, but I’ve felt it a few times. I’ll cross my fingers for you for next year.
    -Samantha

  • Michaelyn {MousekaTools}

    April 23, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    I know exactly how you feel as I felt the same way when all the invites had gone out and my inbox (and spam box) was empty! However, you had an actual reason to be disappointed….I just started blogging in January so I was just thinking crazy thoughts that I’d even have a shot at getting invited! I love Disney so much and have been hearing about this great conference for years now. I thought that I may as well start a blog and put out all of the Disney thoughts that roam through my head…..maybe after a while, I’d get a shot at being invited, too! I hope that someday we’ll both run into each other at this amazing conference! Until then, keep blogging! 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      April 23, 2013 at 9:23 pm

      HA! That pretty much sounds like my story, one year ago… funny! 🙂

      You hang in there too, and yes… let’s meet next year at the DisneySMMoms 2014, Michaelyn – sounds like an awesome plan. *o*

  • Mary Bertsch

    May 2, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    I loved your touching post. You do an awesome job of blogging. Keep up the great work.

    1. COMtnMom

      May 7, 2013 at 3:32 pm

      You are so sweet, this comment meant a lot to me! Thanks Mary 🙂

  • Heather Lopez

    May 3, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    I am heading for my 2nd DSMM event next week and I have some tips that might help you:

    1.) Seek out people from Disney and introduce yourself. Don’t spew your stats and talk about how great your blog is. Just introduce yourself.

    2.) Follow @DisneySMMoms and use the #DisneySMMoms hashtag on Twitter and engage with them often.

    3.) Blog about Disney, but be real when you do. Unless your blog is totally Disney themed, then blog about your own experiences with Disney and do them as they come in your life. Don’t force it.

    4.) I know for a fact that they are actually looking to invite new people each year, so don’t give up.

    5.) Support the bloggers who do attend by RT’ing their content and commenting on their posts. Disney loves givers.

    Hope that helps 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      May 7, 2013 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks for the tips, Heather

  • Kuleen

    May 4, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    I’m one of the lucky ones that blogs Disney and got invited this year, and I still can’t believe it. I know I got the invite because I attended the Social Media Moms On the Road Show in Houston, and I made sure to introduce myself to the Disney folks. Follow @DisneySMMoms on Twitter and join in the conversations. Your great attitude will show and put you on the radar for next year. I really think getting chosen is a lot like going for the Moms Panel. It is a little bit of talent and a whole lot of Pixie dust.

    1. COMtnMom

      May 7, 2013 at 3:31 pm

      Hi Kuleen,

      I was at Houston Disney On the Road, too!! I’m so bummed that I didn’t have more time to socialize (and meet you!). Really enjoyed the event, but circumstances weren’t on my side. I stayed with a friend in Spring, drove into *SCARY* downtown Houston morning rush hour traffic alone that morning and had a hard time finding it. So unfortunately I arrived late. Then I had to leave early to catch my flight. Such a shame!

      Loved your comment, thanks for sharing your tips. Hope to cross paths with you in person (again – ha) someday! ENJOY DisneySMMoms!!!!

  • Disney Worldless Wednesday ~ Disney On The Road Show – Colorado Mountain Mom

    July 16, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    […] I’ve quite publicly pined away for receiving an invitation [thusfar unsuccessfully] to the coveted Disney Social Media Moms […]

  • Angela R

    February 4, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    Hi there, first time to your blog (found you on Twitter), and just thought I’d throw a little encouragement your way. 😉

    I’ve been blogging for five years and have never been invited to this Disney conference. But you know what? I have been invited to go to NYC and CA for other events (and NO travel fees *ahem!*). I also am blessed to make a near full-time wage from my site. I’m blessed to support two fabulous ladies who contribute to my site. I have readers that care about what I share and have a ton of fun doing it. I may not have been invited to this one event, but the truth is there are so many wonderful opportunities out there for bloggers who do what they love and passionately. And no, I am *not* a super huge blog or probably one you’ve ever heard of. I guess I share all this to encourage you that sometimes the best opportunities for a blogger may come unexpectedly. And others are ones you go and create for yourself.

    Here’s hoping for a successful and fun 2014!

    Oh and PS – am I the only one a little shocked people are excited about an “invite” that requires them to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket? IMHO, that’s an invite for a coupon or discount, not a VIP bloggers event. 😉

    1. COMtnMom

      February 11, 2014 at 2:14 pm

      Angela,

      You were so kind to leave this encouraging comment, that I have since emailed you and we’ve had some lovely blogging chats! Really appreciate your tips, and I hope we get to cross paths someday. 🙂

      Tami

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Prev Post

Disney Magic Kingdom Spring topiary

Disney Wordless Wednesday ~ Spring at Magic Kingdom

March 6, 2013

Next Post

Crested Butte chateaux

Crested Butte, Colorado ~ End of Ski Season Special

March 7, 2013
%d bloggers like this: