First, let’s talk about what the #DisneySMMC is. It’s an annual conference hosted by Disney and typically involves a visit to Disney World or another Disney park/resort. This particular year we were invited to spend 5 days in the park then embark on a 3 day Disney Cruise Line trip to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
During the event bloggers are treated to VIP access to certain shows, extra fast passes to rides and attractions and some meals. We are also given the opportunity to hear directly from Disney leaders and execs about upcoming projects involving the park, entertainment, and digital content. So as you can see, this is a coveted opportunity to learn from the very best. I’ve even seen some bloggers refer to it as getting “pixie dusted” because so few are given the chance to attend and it seems like luck for those who are chosen.
That being said, there was about 200 bloggers in attendance so quite a few people were pixie dusted. I know it might seem like a lot, but it’s really not that many when you consider there are millions of bloggers in the US alone. So what does it take to get in on this exclusive invite? I’m still not exactly sure but I’ll give you my best guess and some tips I think might help if you’re trying to get some pixie dust thrown your way.
Tips to Get An Invite to #DisneySMMC
1. Follow @DisneyMoms on Twitter
The DisneyMoms account is your first step to getting on the invite radar. Admittedly, I was not following this account when I got the invite so that pokes holes in my theory right away. But as soon as I started reading about this event I realized I needed to follow them to stay in the know. Follow them and interact with their posts regularly but don’t be annoying about it. There were some really gung-ho people on this trip and I just kept wanting to say, calm down. You made it. You don’t have to be so thirsty!
2. Follow all @Disney accounts and interact with them.
This is in line with #1 because Disney is really big on Twitter. In fact, all of the name badges for the attendees had their Twitter handle on them. Not Instagram or Facebook or Pinterest but Twitter. That should tell you something right there. Follow @WDWToday, @WaltDisneyWorld, and the Disney Parks Blog @DisneyParks just to get you started. Like, comment, retweet, repeat.
3. Join the #DisneySMMC Alumni & Hopefuls Facebook group
This is not an officially recognized group by Disney. However, there are thousands of bloggers in here who have first hand knowledge of the ins and outs of Disney parks, resorts and contacts. They are a great resource for information and making connections. I joined this group last summer when I was invited to the #DisneySMMC event at Disneyland. However, that is not a pre-requisite because many of my friends at that event did not get invited to the big Land and Sea event at Disney World.
4. Use the #DisneySMMC hashtag
A lot of people think you have to be a Disney blogger to attend this conference and I can attest that’s not true. I’m not a Disney blogger, but I have written about Disney movies and of course our trips to Disneyland. And when I do, I’ve used the #DisneySMMC hashtag. That makes your posts searchable by anyone on the Disney team who might be looking for potential attendees. Use it on all your social media platforms.
5. Don’t forget about Disneyland
My first experience with the #DisneySMMC hashtag was being invited to the smaller, yet just as interesting event at Disneyland. It was a one day conference where we heard from experts at Babble, and Instagram (Yes, Instagram!). We also spent a day in the park and were given fast passes to ride Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s a more intimate event and not as many bloggers are invited. However, it was still a great way to network with Disney staff and other bloggers.
6. Become a Disney brand fan
This seems obvious but I think it needs to be said. Get familiar with what Disney is all about at its core. Does your brand reflect similar values and themes? Get to know what’s happening in the parks and at Disney Studios. The Disney Parks Blog is a great resource for staying informed. They also have regular meet-ups with fans. Tom Smith who founded Disney Parks Blog was one of our fantastic speakers during the conference. He talked with us about the catered content on the Disney blog and how they provide up-to-date information about Disney that you’ll want to know about. Also attending the meet-ups could be a great way to meet some of the employees at Disney and start a conversation with them about #DisneySMMC.
7. Like Elsa says, Let It Go
While being a fan, don’t go crazy. Don’t DM and email these accounts and other bloggers constantly asking if you can go to the conference. FOMO is no joke but remember, you will either be picked or you won’t. Disney has some very talented social media mavens on their team and trust me they are well aware of who fits their brand and who doesn’t. Only they know the secret sauce that goes into selecting bloggers for this event so don’t waste your time stressing about it. Spend your energy writing about your favorite foods or rides at Disney and trust that the pixie dust will find you.
Make sure you follow me on Twitter @HeatherBrooker and Instagram to keep up with all my pretty pics and posts of my time at #DisneySMMC. I’ll be sharing all my tips and tricks for your next visit and what I learned from the experts!
