Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- Dear Judgy Mothers on My Website… - June 15, 2013
- 10 Skills Every Mother Should Possess - June 10, 2013
- Perfection (Or pretty close) - June 3, 2013
I spent the first three years of my blogging career not getting invited to a single exclusive event. I’d read about amazing opportunities other bloggers were privy to and wonder: why not me? Why didn’t I get the trips and the dinners and the swag? Why wasn’t I on anyone’s radar? Why was I stuck reading about everything thing at home instead of actually experiencing them? It wasn’t fair.
Because of this, I’m hesitant to discuss the last several days my family and I spent at Disney World as part of Disney Social Media Moms. I was beyond lucky to be invited to the conference and am very aware that every mom in social media couldn’t be included. I know it’s hard to read about these things and not be a part of them. Trust me, I know. I almost want to tell you that it wasn’t all that great and you didn’t miss a thing… but I can’t. The whole experience was actually kind of (forgive me for going there) magical.
First, there was the actual conference part. I confess to feeling like I usually don’t learn all that much from blogging conferences. It’s not that I think I know everything, but I often feel like I know as much as the chosen speakers. This was not the case at this conference. The speakers spoke on starting a business, staying motivated and customer service. I soaked up everything they had to say, especially wanting to kidnap Chris Brogan and Peter Shankman so I could pick their brains for a few hours. They are pioneers in this industry and their talks were inspiring and motivational and exactly what I needed to hear.
And then, there was the other stuff. I expected to have fun watching the kids have fun, but not really have much myself. Wrong again. The private parties at the Disney Yacht Club Hotel, Dinoland and The Art of Animation Resort were an absolute blast and we were spoiled rotten. The parks, every one of them, were so much better than I even remember. “It’s a Small World” holds a special place in my heart, but “Toy Mania” topped my ride list this year. I actually went on a roller coaster, twice, with the boys and didn’t even dry heave. It was truly monumental. I’m a sucker for fireworks and the evening events at Magic Kingdom were the perfect finale. Am I annoying you yet? Apologies.
Of course, we had moments of horrific meltdowns and scene causing tantrums and let’s not forget that 16 hour drive, but the trip really was a great success. Most of all, it was wonderful for the kids to really benefit from my blogging for a change. The line between work and fun is more blurred than ever and I love that.
Disney likes to say that they are in the “memory making” business and they simply excel at it. I’m going to have a hard time topping this one…
.
.
We can’t wait to go back.
(Next time, however, we’ll consider flying.)
.
Participants in the Disney Social Media Moms Conference paid a conference fee which included hotel accommodations, park tickets, meals, admission to private parties, and more. We were not required or asked to write about the conference.
{ 77 comments… read them below or add one }
It really was a magical experience! I’m glad I got to bump into you a few times and see your adorable kiddos in person. My only regret was that my family couldn’t attend with me, but I still managed to have a blast. It was truly a fantastic conference.
Kelly {the Centsible Life} recently posted..eBayMom Party this afternoon
Wow. I just…wow. It looks/sounds like you had an amazing time and it’s something the kids will remember and treasure forever (even the 16 hour ride (the hell were you thinking?!)).
Arnebya recently posted..Listening
I have to admit that I do feel a bit of envy (although timing would have been horrible for me anyway). It’s nice to be asked to the party even if you can’t attend.
But there you go in your first paragraph all full of humility and that envies settles right back down. Disney is always magical!
Fadra recently posted..Go Big or Go Home
Wow colour me jealous! It looks like a fantastic time. So glad you got to enjoy it too.
Jenn recently posted..We got shat on.
I am honestly glad you had a good time.
But I also can’t help but wish that maybe next time, it will be and my family. Yeah, Disney. :-)
Jen recently posted..Dealing with a “Bully”
it’s cheaper to drive 16 hours than to fly, rent a car, have kids go through spaz attacks in the airport, the TSA Experience where your children are separated from you for a patdown of their own (do you have the pedophile list memorized?), and oh yes, pay for ALL their clothes and their stuffed animal and or blanket to come with too. because luggage ain’t free y’all.
We flew to Disney and my kids were with me the whole time, no individual pat downs etc. The airport employees, security are were all about keeping us together. No airport melt downs on my end. Kids will be kids, I guess we were extremely lucky for our kids to behave…
Maybe a little cheaper, but not much if you do it right!
1) If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, take Magical Express (it’s free). You don’t even have to collect your bags—they do that, too.
2) Fly SouthWest. Still no luggage fees for your first two checked bags. And low fares.
Sixteen hours is a long drive—and would probably require a motel stay and many meals. In my case I have to fly (I’m on the West Coast), but I still would much rather fly in the scenario you presented
One day…maybe that will be me…sigh….! :)
Looks like an amazing time! You don’t need to apologize for getting invited to something like that– you paid your dues, are an amazing blogger & mom and deserve the opportunities you’re getting. Soak it up girl! Can’t wait to take my kids to Disney in a few years!
Heather recently posted..{Link Up} May Day Follower Fest
You have worked hard to be where you are Jill. I’m glad you got to have this magical experience with your family.
Missy recently posted..I am weak but He is strong
Yeah I officially hate you know! j/k Glad you had a magical experience! Your pics are gorgeous! ;)
Motherhood on the Rocks recently posted..LINK UP WITH LINK’N BLOGS!
Brag away!! You deserve it!!! As a single mom of three I bragged about bringing my kids to disney last summer!! It was amazing!
Just there last month as a family trip. I can’t say I was as spoiled. But the magic? Yep. That place is damn amazing. Something about the kids, the characters, the music, lights, fireworks, damn they know how to pull at every emotion and make it amazing.
Thanks for sharing. Loved the pictures, and the story <3 And congrats on being able to go!
JCat McGack recently posted..Confetti Kids for the summer
I am terribly jealous of every single one who attended. Not because of the conference part (though that would be nice; I’ve started to accept I’m not going to be asked to do those things) but the Disney part. We went in January with my in laws and despite the in laws part it was as you said magical. So truly magical. Reading everyone’s tweets/pictures has me pining to go back again. I loved it. Perhaps even more than my children.
Marta recently posted..Biopsy.
what an amazing experience jill. im so glad you were a part of it. your kids look out-of-this-world happy and i couldnt be any happier for you and your family. xoxo
april recently posted..New Baby, New Baby Smell
I am personally glad that you were recognized, and that you were able to enjoy time with your kids and great conference for yourself. Its important to be recognized for what we do. I am so glad you were given the recognition, and even more glad that you are humble, I would like to recognize that in you, for you. Im now a true reader as just this one post, helps e to understand your values as a human being, and although My parenting has turned into grand parenting, I will for once actually reccoment a blog for my daughter to read, shes a beautiful person too!
~Namaste
As the designated long distance driver and part time child watcher, I agree that it was beyond wonderful. I loved every minute of it (ok, there were some minutes not to love but that wasn’t due to Disney World)!
I am experiencing a little blog envy at the moment.
Lisa recently posted..April Showers
I am thrilled for you! Enjoy your success and all its perks without apologies. I live in Orlando so I know how magical Disney truly is. I will be in DC this weekend but thankfully without the 16 hour drive.
Autherine recently posted..From Chrysalis to Butterfly – the Wonders of Nature
LOL I can’t hate you for posting this…because how can you hate someone who obviously isn’t in their right mind. I spent 10 days in Disney this past November and all I can say is Disney sucks. Honestly..magical?? what drugs were you on because I wish I had had them with me on our trip. I’m not saying the trip was hellish because our three kids were ill behaved (they weren’t) or because we had to budget (we didn’t) or even because the flight was horrible (business class and quite the contrary). It was hellish because the crowds were ridiculous to the point of making me want to shoot someone, and not just on the weekends. The characters don’t just wander around anymore, you have to line up to meet them, get autographs and take pics (which just annihilates the thrill you used to get by turning a corner and seeing Minnie standing there). Finally , it’s just a horrible example of the disgusting gluttony, greed and plasticism that is the image of the USA. I hated every moment in the parks, but relished the time I had with my kids at the fabulous house we had rented. Goes to show the depth of so many people thinking that “magical” time with your kids requires thousands of dollars spent and a pair of crummy plastic ears. To each their own I suppose.
You would’ve possibly had a better time had you:
Either planned out your strategy or resigned yourself to the waits (and just not obsessed over them). November is generally a fairly slow time to be at Disney—and I’ve had successful, delightful visits doing everything I wanted at the Magic Kingdom on July 4th.
The wait part is about accepting it. Also, while you will have to wait for autographs, the lines aren’t generally THAT long. And yes, we’ve found characters roaming who posed for pictures etc, with us at many parks. And again, during a much busier time.
While you enjoyed your rental house—staying off property can also add to the stress of the visit. You need to drive everywhere, you have to pay for parking AND you’ll be in much farther away lots.
Lastly, the “crass materialism” comment. A) EVERY company is that way—it’s called capitalism. B) if you do see things that way (and trust me, I get the argument and am a green person), why would you then choose WDW for a vacation? While I adore it there, I do get that plenty of people don’t.
Looks like an amazing time and you deserve it!! Love the pics thanks for sharing
I don’t like you anymore. :)
Boingerhead recently posted..momalom: age
I am so happy you had such a magical time! We go often and love Disney but I am a little envious of getting to see so many wonderful people in that magical setting. I always wish we were there with people. And…the speakers…oh the speakers!
My kids are jealous of meeting Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. We have tried 4 times and had no luck catching them in the parks. They are 2 of just a few autographs they don’t have.
I am hopeful for someday at this conference :)
Again, so glad you had such a great time. The pics are awesome!
Brittany recently posted..5 Easy Ways to Go a Little Greener
It really was amazing, and something we need could have given the kids ourselves. It was wonderful to finally meet you!
Becca – Our Crazy Boys recently posted..Disney World – Day Two!
Jealous…..but happy for you! Thanks for sharing.
Michelle recently posted..Minced Crawfish
Totally thrilled for you! I want to take my kids to Disney one day but I am torn on when we should take them. Ages 8,6,4 and 10mo. Bringing a stroller to Disney sounds like hell but I don’t want my oldest to be too old when we decide to go. Advice anyone?
How exciting! We took the kids to Disney for the first time (first time for me too!) over Passover break last month. We have a 16 year old son and three daughters ages 9, 7 and 4. Actually, we flew down on our 4 year old’s birthday. Happy birthday to her!! Every single one of them had a good time. We were pleasantly surprised at how much our 4 year old enjoyed herself. Seeing your photos makes me miss it and I hope that we get to go back!
How cool! That last photo of your son with Mickey is the sweetest :)
xlmic recently posted..101 minutes of fun…
It looks like y’all had an amazing time! I am jealous, but we’re planning on taking our boys next year. I will be riding ALL of the roller coasters with them!! I can’t wait!
Amanda recently posted..They Have A New Goal
It was so great to see you. You were the conference participant I ran into the most, which was funny, since we live so close to each and never see each other. It really was magical!
jodifur recently posted..Finding My Why
Good for you for enjoying Disney. I am a native Floridian, been there more times than I can remember, and these days we natives won’t go unless the passes are free because we know someone who works there…lol… It’s easy to be cynical about it, we certainly are that way on occasion around here, but it is a pretty wonderful place though. There’s so much to see and do – hardly possible in one week-long visit. If you hit it at the off-season, crowds are more minimal and it’s much easier to get around and enjoy. I will suggest you return (without children) for the lovely season of September through November for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Roam the park with a bunch of other lit fools and sample DELICIOUS (albeit overpriced) goodies from around the world. Instant weight-gain via divine pastries and cakes can be found at the French bakery, ooh-la-feaking-la!! ;o)
I am SO thrilled you got to go! You work so hard at your blog. You deserve a break! It looks like a super fun time. I vote for flying for sure. I hate driving… : ) I hate flying too but driving just stresses me out to the max.
Happy Tuesday night! Love, Becky
Life with Kaishon recently posted..Making a Difference {Miss Joan} Doylestown Hospital Volunteer
Yeah, okay, a little jealous. BUT. Your good fortune has given all of us little bloggers something to hope for! Maybe someday we, too, can have grown-up blogs that people actually read, and we’ll get invited to Disney! That would be suh-weeeeeeeet.
Kathy V. recently posted..Queasing My Way Through Egypt
I saw a lot of great faces in my various feeds at that conference – looked amazing! So glad you had a great time! Definitely fly next time. ;)
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..5 Things I Know I Do Well as a Parent {Listable Life}
Maybe by the time my little guy is old enough to really enjoy it, I will be on the exclusive list too! Dream big, right!?! It looks like you had a great time. I’m so happy that you all survived the drive! You are brave!!
Cassie recently posted..My Mockingjay
Your pics are so cute – especially the Mickey Mouse one.
Glad you and your family had such a wonderful time – you deserve it! The drive sounds brutal. We drove from Jersey to Disney with our then 3 year old who only melted down once, but when he did, he pelted every toy in the back seat at us. Why didn’t we take a portable DVD player with us? lol
Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom recently posted..Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom: The Soundtrack To Your Life. No, really.
Oh, I so badly wish I could get involved with Disney Social Media Moms! Put in a good word for me, will ya? ;) Sounds and looks like an incredible experience, truly. I love your pictures, Jill! xo
Loukia recently posted..Read The Label, Lick The Spoon
It was great to meet you in person even though it took me a half a day to realize you were YOU at our table! It was a great event!
Gurl whatEVAH. You have paid your dues and then some. I’m so glad you and the fam were able to have such an awesome experience at Disney World. Fabulous!
Rebeccah recently posted..How My Son Is Trying To Kill Me, or, Why Jenny Lawson Is My Hero
I LOVE these pictures. Awesome.
Mayor Gia recently posted..I Can’t Teach My Mom How to Drink Wine but I Can Teach Her How to Text
Sounds like it was a great experience all around. I love it when good learnings happen at the same time as fun. I was at a conference a few years ago and Chris Brogan spoke and I just thought he had some really amazing points and was really just an interesting person.
Yes, I do hate you a little (not really), mostly because I love Disney beyond words. I am confident that someday, hopefully soon, someone will invite me somewhere, because, hell, I’m fun to be around. I’m a sucker for fireworks, too. Especially the ones over Cinderella’s Castle. *Sigh* But the pictures are fantastic, and that’s as close as I can get right now, so it’s a-ok with me. Glad you had a good time. And I’d say fly next time. The flight is so short. It’s so worth it.
Stephanie recently posted..The Road
You deserve every second of fun you had. You’ve worked your ass off for it.
Susan recently posted..Nose Ring
Yeah, you cannot help getting swept up in the Magic there, now can you?? I’m so glad the kids and YOU had a great time, I’m sure you needed a break from signing all those books! :D
Elaine recently posted..The Puzzle
Very cool, Jill! Sounds like you had a total ‘magical’ experience and that is NEVER a bad thing ;)
xo
Vanessa
Vanessa Jubis recently posted..Boston: A view
I’m so glad you had fun at Disney!
Lynn from For Love or Funny recently posted..Tell me what this is…
What a fabulous trip, Jill! And very well-earned, I should say, with all your recent hard work on the book (not to mention the longer-haul work of the blog itself, of course). Glad you all had a great time.
Jen @ Mommy Tries recently posted..Ask and Ye Shall Receive?
Not being a social media mom, just a mom, it looks like you had a fantastic time. My favorite pic is the one at the end. I’m glad you were invited so I could read about it and see the pictures.
i’ve lived in south florida for over 10 years now… and we are so used to being able to hop in the car and go to Disney whenever we want. I haven’t been in a few years, and I can’t wait for my kids to get just a little bit older so I can take them there for the first time! :-) Glad you guys had a blast!
I don’t think you should feel guilty about blogging it at all. Not everyone can be invited. Its its nice to hear about the experiences and hopefully share some of the knowledge. Glad you had fun!
Corey Feldman recently posted..TMI Q&A – my battle with Anxiety, depression and ADHD
I wouldn’t feel guilty one iota! You put in your blog time, lots of hours of work, you earned it.
Looks like a blast!!!
Flannery recently posted..Springtime. And Art.
My kids keep asking me to take them to Disneyworld. Been to Disneyland more than a few times now, but that is an “easy” 40 miles trip south of us.
Sounds like it was fun.
Jack@TheJackB recently posted..A Blogger’s Guide To Writing a Five Minute Post
Jack, if you’re 40 miles from Disneyland, your kids will just have to forgive you for avoiding that circle of hell that is Orlando.
Signed,
Girl who went all the way to Tokyo Disneyland (I’m not making this up!) only to find that the droids on the Star Wars ride there speak Japanese. Go figure.
Julia’s Child / Sarah P. recently posted..Dear Muir Glen, I Need More From This Relationship
I had the pleasure of hearing Adam Shankman speak at a PRSA conference in 2008 on the future of social media and, let me tell you, every single prediction he made has been dead on. He’s brilliant!
I am glad you got to go, and that you had a great time. I promise not to be jealous until I have blogged for 2 years. at least
Sweety Darlin recently posted..Then we can be Lesbian lovers!
Maybe someday I’ll be invited to an event. I’m envious (in a good way) for all of the moms who got to go to Disney Social Media Moms! Everyone looked like they had a wonderful time. It looks like you had a blast well. :)
Desiree recently posted..Fabulous Freebie Wednesday – 05/02/2012
We just went there the week before you did, and the Toy Story ride really *is* pretty groovy. But my Disney enthusiasm was markedly more tempered after our two-day ticket to the parks set me back $688!
Still, a good time was had by all.
Julia’s Child / Sarah P. recently posted..Dear Muir Glen, I Need More From This Relationship
Funny, cause so often I feel like I want to strangle keynote speakers too. Glad they lined up some good ones and it looks like you had sooo much fun. No evidence of tantrums in sight!
Johanna recently posted..Friends I Haven’t Met
Looks/sounds like so much fun! I love the pic, with Jake, from Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Cute!
Bree @ The Mom with Moxie recently posted..Wanna watch a video, that makes you feel like you’re on acid?
Awesome giveaway! I can’t wait to take my kids to Disney.
CC Jen recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: My Little Avatar
You deserve to be pampered and go, show off about it! You’ve had a helluva year. Kids look exquisitely enthralled. Yay for all!
Dani recently posted..Three’s Company?
Hey, enjoy! We go every year and the kids LOVE it. This year, though, we had the craziest experience ever at Disney:
http://experiencedbadmom.com/2012/02/the-hawk-baby-ducklings-and-pool-of-death-disney-week/
It was definitely “memory making” as you put it!
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom recently posted..Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day 2012
Self proclaimed Disney-whore riiiight here. So wonderful to have such great memories with your family. We go to Disney every year, sometimes every other year depending on schedules and finances. It’s our “happy place”. I don’t see myself ever NOT wanting to go!
Looks like everyone had a blast :) And even got a little worn out!
Kimberly recently posted..The lies I tell myself
I’m glad you had fun. You deserve it! I wish I could say “someday I’ll get invited too…” but I never will.
And I’m okay with that. Most of the time.
Sigh.
Amber recently posted..A PSA For My Freelance Writing Friends.
It is basically one of my blogging goals to be invited to this conference at some point. Among a million other goals, but that’s one of them. So glad you had a great time!! :)
melissa recently posted..My budding artist
WOW!!! it sounds like you had an awesome time, the kids look like they had a good time too. I actually like to read about the conference my bloggy friends attend, I do wish that someday I will be able to attend one of them. Thanks for sharing
Shirley@motivatedmommyoftwo recently posted..{Recipes} Zucchini-Pineapple Quick Bread
You are inspiring us all. Why not make a dream come true!?!
T.Marie recently posted..Seeing is believing
Looks like such an amazing and -wait for it- magical time! Love!
Galit Breen recently posted..Bringing Home A Third Baby
That looks incredible(and I admit to being a wee bit jealous…) I hope to take the kids someday soon.
Also, damn girl – you have amazing legs! xo
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..Together Forever
This looked like an amazing conference – sounds like you had an incredible time. Your kiddos are so cute!!
Very jealous and I’ll be there at Xmas time!
That said, I’m not surprised you loved it there—something most people don’t realize is that not only are the parks super fun (I love theme parks and really enjoy how EXTRA themed Disney’s are), but the resort as a whole is amazing.
I say this as a former director level employee of a well known boutique chain. Disney really, really knows how to run their hotels and their system, particularly for one that services a ridiculous number of people is amazingly well planned. Their service is also truly, the best I’ve ever encountered and (depending on where you eat) their food is amazing.
It’s really my favorite vacation destination—and it wouldn’t be so if it were just about the parks. It’s the other things (nice restaurants, hotels, transportation, amenities) that make it such a complete pleasure to visit.
P.S. No, I don’t work for them—though I wish I did!
How awesome that you got this experience! Sounds like it was a blast for everyone in your family.
After driving to FL from MI 2 years ago, we have decided to fly too. Meltdowns on the highway and kids taking off their seatbelts, makes for stressful driving. Plus I don’t trust my hubby’s driving, so I drove all of it myself. in 2 days….
Regina recently posted..Why I Sell Tupperware
My granddaughter went when she was 11 and didn’t enjoy it at all. I think the problem was that she didn’t have a friend along. All she wanted to do was stay at the hotel and swim in the pool, lol
Glad you and the family had a good time, loved the pictures.
I went when I was 19 and had a pretty darn good time, my brother’s were 9 and 12 they had a great time in CA’s Disneyland back in 1961.
Congrats on getting invited to the event! It looks like you guys had a great time. And are you the slim lady in the picture? You’ve been working hard at more than just blogging. I am experiencing jealousy on many levels. :-)
Bohemian Hijabi recently posted..Floaties