Hey Disney, Why Don't You Like Me?

Alternatively titled: Whining. Lots of it.
 
Here’s the deal. Disney Cruise Line had a press event in NYC today to unveil its new itineraries, and I wasn’t invited. Which, speaking as someone who does PR and social media strategy for a living, is weird. I live in NYC, I’ve blogged about Disney Cruise Line before, I’ve even expressed interest in learning more about cruising with Disney. And while I’d like to think that it’s because some intern didn’t do her research when putting the media list together, I can’t help but suspect that it’s because some of the content on my site does not fit with Disney’s shiny, happy, image. And you know what? Too bad.

Believe it or not, I sometimes mince my words here too. I’ve attended open-invitation Disney special events, press screenings for Disney films (not because I was invited by Disney – because I used to work in the movie biz), Radio Disney hoopla moments, etc – and when they’re really bad, I often choose not to write about them. Because although my commentary is sometimes tough, it’s never meant to be mean. And my mom taught me that if you can’t say something nice, say nothing.


Here’s the other thing, Disney – if I didn’t like your brand, I wouldn’t have this blog. Yeah, some of us Disney bloggers gripe and complain and bemoan some of the “improvements” the parks have made at the expense of the attractions we grew up with and the quality we’ve come to expect. We’re not trying to take you down. We criticize because we care, dammit. And there are a lot of Disney fans and bloggers out there who are DYING to talk to you. So why won’t @DisneyParks engage with its 107,000 followers? Seriously, what are they afraid of?

I’ll never promise to deliver a glowingly positive blog post. But I can promise to give an honest review. And one of these days, I hope Disney will want to hear it.
 
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Related Links:
* Come Aboard the Disney Dream
* Your Disney Dream is Making Me Sad