Facing My Disney Doubts
When I first announced I was attending the Disney Social Media Moms On-the-Road Celebration, I did so with excitement but also plenty of hesitation.
My kids are grown now, and unlike many Disney moms, I didn’t grow up immersed in animated movies or theme park visits.
My childhood looked very different.
My parents believed children should be “seen and not heard,” and they certainly didn’t allow the whimsy of Disney into our home.
Instead, I read Shakespeare at two years old and devoured Nancy Drew books by the time I was five.
Disney, for me, was a door I never got to walk through.
That changed years later when I watched Beauty and the Beast with my daughters.
It was our first Disney movie together, and it remains my favorite to this day.
Still, I couldn’t help but wonder - how could someone with such a late start in the Disney world possibly fit into an event full of seasoned fans and bloggers?
The questions swirled:
Would I be out of place?
Would my lack of Disney experience stand out?
I reminded myself that every journey begins somewhere, and perhaps this was my chance to finally step into the magic I had missed.
Anxious but Determined
The night before the event, sleep completely eluded me.
I tossed and turned, running through endless scenarios in my head.
What if I wore the wrong dress?
What if everyone else had perfectly themed outfits and I stood out for all the wrong reasons?
I even questioned whether wearing my Minnie Mouse ears was a bold choice or a mistake.
But there was more to my anxiety than just first-day jitters.
This trip marked the first time I had left home overnight since my husband Jerry had passed away.
Even though I arranged for someone to care for the animals, my heart ached at the thought of leaving them behind.
Much like a parent worries over children, I fretted over every little detail.
Morning came, and with it, a small blessing.
As we drove toward the venue, another blogger spotted my Minnie ears through the windshield.
She noticed we looked lost, pulled over, and kindly guided us to the right spot.
That gesture of community - one Disney mom helping another - calmed my nerves.
By the time I reached the door, my feet were already aching in my heels, but my heart felt lighter.
I realized I wasn’t alone in this journey, and maybe, just maybe, I would find my place here after all.
Inside the Celebration
Walking through the doors of the Disney Social Media Moms Playdate felt like entering another world.
The conference room was transformed into a Disney dreamland - colorful balloons shaped like Mickey Mouse heads floated around the room, Disney-themed décor filled every corner, and whimsical props begged us to step into the magic.
I didn’t hesitate.
Within minutes, I was wearing oversized Mickey Mouse gloves and even tried on Maleficent’s iconic horns.
For someone who had grown up denied this kind of play, it was liberating to let go and just have fun.
Smiles surrounded me, and I quickly reconnected with a blogger I had met the night before in Chicago.
That sense of familiarity helped ground me in the moment.
Suddenly, I wasn’t the outsider I had feared I might be - I was part of a community.
Breakfast was served soon after, though I faced some challenges due to food allergies.
The main offerings included quiche and fried potatoes with onions - both off-limits for me.
Thankfully, a Mickey-shaped rice crispy treat was safe, and honestly, it was exactly the kind of whimsical snack I needed.
As I looked around, I realized that the food didn’t matter.
What mattered was the atmosphere - the energy, the excitement, the laughter.
For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
Learning, Laughing, and Inspiration
After breakfast, the day shifted into learning mode, and I couldn’t have been more inspired.
The lineup of speakers was impressive, but one stood out above the rest - Ramon Ray, affectionately known as #RamonWOW.
His presentation was bursting with energy.
He didn’t just talk; he performed, captivating the audience with every movement and word.
His message resonated with me deeply.
He reminded us that our voices matter, that energy and passion fuel connection, and that even in a saturated blogging world, authenticity always shines through.
As someone still finding her footing in the Disney space, I needed that reminder.
Later, I connected with another blogger, Debbie, and together we had the chance to snap a photo with Ramon.
It wasn’t just about the picture, though - it was about the memory of being inspired alongside new friends.
That moment made me realize that this event wasn’t just about Disney.
It was about growth, community, and the courage to embrace new opportunities.
Meeting Mickey Mouse
The real highlight of the Disney Social Media Moms Playdate came when Mickey Mouse himself entered the room.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted - grown adults lit up like children on Christmas morning.
There was laughter, cheering, and a rush to line up for hugs and photos.
When my turn came, I couldn’t help but smile ear to ear.
Wrapping my arms around Mickey, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy.
For just a moment, I was that little girl who had never been allowed to be a child.
I wasn’t worried about fitting in or being judged. I was simply happy.
What amazed me most was the way everyone else reacted.
No one was embarrassed or self-conscious.
Instead, we were united by this simple, magical moment. Mickey Mouse wasn’t just a character - he was a symbol of joy, nostalgia, and childlike wonder that transcended age.
As I walked away clutching my photo, I realized that sometimes the most profound moments in life are also the simplest.
Hugging and dancing with Mickey reminded me that it’s okay to let go, to play, and to embrace magic whenever it shows up.
Carrying the Magic Home
At the end of the day, I left the Disney Social Media Moms Playdate carrying more than just goodie bags and balloons (though yes, I took home a Mickey-shaped balloon).
I carried home memories, inspiration, and a heart full of gratitude.
For a few precious hours, I was able to step outside of my everyday life and rediscover joy.
I wasn’t just a blogger, a widow, or someone managing the responsibilities of a homestead.
I was a kid again - laughing, playing dress-up, and soaking in every bit of pixie dust I could find.
The event reminded me of something important: magic isn’t limited to childhood.
It’s available to us whenever we allow ourselves to live fully in the moment.
Whether through learning from an energetic speaker, finding community among strangers, or hugging an iconic mouse, we can all find moments that make life brighter.
Walking away, I promised myself I wouldn’t doubt my place again.
Disney magic is for everyone.
And in that Chicago ballroom, I finally claimed a little piece of it for myself.
✨ Final Reflection:
The Disney Social Media Moms Playdate in Chicago taught me that even if you come from a nontraditional background, the magic of Disney will still find you.
It’s about more than movies and theme parks - it’s about connection, inspiration, and the courage to live, laugh, and learn.