Often times, people ask me about my Disney obsession. “Aren’t you too old?” “Where did it come from?” “Why do you like Disney so much?” I’m used to people asking questions.
With that being said, I think that it can be helpful to shed some light on the (sometimes irrational) obsessions that people tend to have when it comes to Disney. While I feel that everyone should be a fan, I realize that a lot of people really do not understand the hype. It’s cool! That’s what I am here for. My job today is to let you in on the secret. It is, also, for me to come clean about my Disney obsession.
Here… The Disney Obsession All Began!
Though I was on the verge of tears, I was happy to be watching Aladdin with my big brother! I couldn’t find the other picture of us watching with smiles. (Gotta love these 90s vibes in this picture.)
Making the face that says, “I’m not in the mood for pictures.” However, I was enjoying a book on my matching half of our bunk bed Winnie the Pooh sheets.
When I was a child, my parents began fostering and nurturing my love for Disney. Aladdin was my favorite movie as a tiny tot. I’m sure that I wore the VHS out. PLUS, I loved Disney princesses, especially Cinderella and Snow White.
Another Disney movie that I REALLY loved was the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Esmeralda was my favorite character for a long time. She was beautiful and kind, and I LOVE(D) her name. Anyway, my mom bought me Esmeralda sheets, and my brother got Quasimodo sheets. (Again, the 90s were a great time to be alive LOL.)
Mulan was another favorite. I was three or four when it came out, and I even remember having a Mulan themed birthday party. We had the Hercules plates. (Look them up!) My brother and I had so much DISNEY around us. It was too hard not to become Disney obsessed.
Time Goes On… Even For Those With a Disney Obsession!
As I got older, I began to venture into Nickelodeon cartoons, but my Disney love never faded. I was a huge fan of Disney Channel, and I loved being able to catch the original Disney movies. As I grew, it seemed that Disney grew along with me. It remained relatable.
The shows and movies evolved, the storylines evolved, and the princesses became more diverse. I could understand the messages of the movies, and shows, and that made them all-the-more appealing.
Furthermore, some of the quality time that I cherish the most with my cousins and parents were over Disney movies. When I used to go to my aunt’s and cousins’ house, my cousin, Kendria, and I would watch Disney channel all day and play with toys.
Fond Disney Memory: When Toy Story 2 hit the theatres, I remember my mama taking my brother and me to watch it. We enjoyed it so much that we movie hopped to watch it again the second time. While this may not sound so obsessed, the memories will forever stick with me. When I watch those shows and movies now, it brings me back to my happy childhood, and it makes me feel great.
Even The Disney Obsessed Take a Break!
While Disney stuck with me throughout my teenage years, my love faded during my time in college. Once I graduated high school, it was all about class, work, and reality television. It took the highly anticipated Finding Dory to come out to reignite the spark and passion that I have. It brought me back to my childhood, and it reminded me of my happy memories. I went to watch with my mother, little cousins, and niece. Sharing this moment with an older generation and a younger generation made me appreciate this so much more.
Then, Moana came out and stole my heart. To this day, I can watch this movie over and over, and never get tired of watching it. Side Note: I happened to share the love with one of the cousins that I mentioned earlier (with my aunt’s house). She’s always been my Disney twin because we shared this Disney obsession and love. We got the brilliant idea to go to Disney World, and it happened. Read about our journey here.
AmberLynn Takes Disney!
March 2018: Posing outside of the Disney Store at the Tanger Outlets in San Marcos, Texas. Yes, shopping makes me happy!
Like I mentioned before, my cousin and I were gifted with the opportunity to visit Disney World. We spent a week in Orlando last May (2017) and had the time of our lives. (I’ll post a few photos below.) Anyway, the trip gave me the inspiration to tell others why they should visit and how to make the best of your experience.
The trip quadrupled my obsession, and there has been no turning back. I often find myself watching Disney Youtubers, I am always watching a movie from my childhood (or even adulthood… i.e. Finding Dory, Frozen, Tangled, and Moana.) I signed up with Movies Anywhere (formerly with Disney Movies Anywhere), and buy digital copies of my favorite movies.
Additionally, I have brought my Disney obsession into my classroom. I have been buying Disney books and goodies from ShopDisney.com. When we return back to school in August, my entire classroom will be Disney-themed. I’m so excited! I will even have a Disney-dedicated bookshelf because I have so many Disney books.
What Does All of This Amount To?
I’ve shared some of my history with Disney, but I haven’t really answered why I’m so obsessed. While I’ve briefly touched on some of the reasons, I will outline them here. If you skipped until the end, this is the part where the question will be answered briefly. I am obsessed with and in love with Dinsey because of the memories that are created. Disney was a major part of my childhood, and it still remains a major source of happiness in my adulthood. Disney relates to everyone of ALL ages, and that’s what I love most. There are life lessons that can be learned in EVERY Disney book, episode, movie, etc. No matter what joy or difficulty you may be facing, there’s a Disney quote or movie for it that you can relate to.
Additionally, I admire Walt Disney and his vision. I love that despite opposition, he believed in his dream enough to pursue it and make it happen. Often times, I shy away from pursuing my dreams, and instead, I find myself doing what’s comfortable. The more I read into Disney and the vision (and visionary) behind it, it gives me more courage. It pushes me a little further, and it makes me want to step out of my comfort zone and to do what makes my heart happy. For that, I thank you, Walt Disney. Thank you for giving me something that has come to be a huge part of my life.
Now Talk to Me!
What is something that you are obsessed with and have no shame of? Why? Are you a huge Disney fan? Let me know in the comments below. Of course, any love that you can share by sharing this post would be appreciated. Until next time…
Having some fun shopping at the Dollar Store before our trips to the various Disney Parks. TIP: It is okay to get snacks and supplies outside of the park. It can save you a lot of money.
Day 2: Hollywood Studios – Minnie and I noticed that we were matching and proceeded to compliment one another. She’s awesome!
Day 3 – Epcot: With my Disney twin, travel partner, and cousin, Kendria. We decided to pose with Belle and the Beast (aka Adam) after posing with Princess Aurora.
The day that I waited for. I was THRILLED to post with the statue of Walt and Mickey in front of Cinderella’s castle.
Cinderella’s Castle… I am convinced that this castle was made for me. Thus, it should be called Amber’s Castle… No? It was just a thought.
I am also a HUGE! Disney fan. My husband and I are annual passholders, and we have the best time when we go!
I have been wanting to become a passholder for a while. To me, it is worth it, especially because I loved my experience. The flights from Houston can be really good. I think I will go ahead and look more into it. Especially since I’ve been budgeting for travel more, and would love to experience the different festivals done throughout the year.
Honestly…. I could not relate more!!! 😀 If the fact that I have started to collect the original 7 Dwarfs from Snowhite (soft toys from DisneyStore – oh, the day I first visited Disney Store!!!) at the age of 19 and finished when I was 26 is not a sign of obsession… well then… I don’t know what is! Also, I do consider Disneyland to be the happiest place in the world and I wanna live there. I also watch all the films today (aged 30) because it makes me feel good. I do love the new ones immensly. And I do buy the DVDs of my favs still. And Walt Disney has been my biggest inspiration of all. So. I guess I can relate 😀
This has made my heart happy. I’m always happy to come across a fellow Disney enthusiast. I have started collecting Disney books (I’m such a book nerd), and I feel more and more excited everytime I get more in. Then again, I’m a reading and writing teacher, so I get things that I think will entice my students. Plus, I try to share a little Disney magic with everyone that I can. 🙂
Disney is definitely magical. My husband and I are debating now on whether or not to take our girls this year since we went on a Disney cruise last year.
I’ve not been on the cruises yet, but my sisters have been trying to plan a family trip on one for a while. I might cave in and take them up on the offer.
We live an hour away from Disney and never go. What makes it hard is I’m a special needs mom with a chronic condition & my husband refuses to go! He’d rather go fishing.
Understandable. Some people would prefer to do what they love. 🙂
My Disney obsession started with The Little Mermaid. We didn’t go to Disney World much, but I watched all the movies over and over again. Now I have a 3 yr old who is enthralled by Disney princesses and we go as often as we are able.
Disney World is amazing. I am trying to make it to all of the Disney parks around the world within the next 3 years. I literally just watched the Little Mermaid over again the other day while on a field trip with my students. I share Disney with everyone that I can. The Little Mermaid never gets old.
YESSSS! The fun part is now that I have a son, I’m sharing my Disney obsession on to him and creating even more memories! It’s fun to see what he likes and watch them again for the first time through his eyes. In fact, as I write this he is watching Robin Hood. That’s the first time I thought a cartoon was attractive LOL!
Robin Hood is most definitely in my top 10 of Disney movies. I used to always watch it with my brother. It’s definitely a wonderful experience to see Disney through the eyes of the little ones. My niece’s mom is obsessed with Minnie Mouse, and I am obsessed with Disney, so by default, my 2-year-old niece LOVES Minnie and Disney. Currently, her favorite movie is Moana, and it is THE CUTEST thing watching her sing/babble along. 🙂
I’ve only been to Disney once and can’t wait to bring my girls! My obsession is anything S’mores … I freaking love them. I know it’s food but seriously I LOVE them 🙂 lol! Friends will tag me in any s’more recipe out there and I always seem to get a smore related gift 🙂
S’mores are AMAZING! I totally can see the love for them. It’s nice when people recognize what you love and gift accordingly 🙂
I don’t think you can ever be too old to love Disney! I still love watching the movies! I haven’t been to the park in a few years, but I had such an amazing time last time!
The parks are amazing. The only magic that I missed out on was the Animal Kingdom, and I am looking forward to visiting later this year.
IMO, you’re never too old for Disney! Personally the classics like Sword in the Stone, the Aristocats, and Sleeping Beauty will always be my favorite!
I can’t get enough of the classics. They’re the best things about Disney to me. I never realized how old they were until a few years ago. It blew my mind that some of my favorite movies were created during my grandmother’s youth.
I haven’t been to Disney world since I was really young, but this definitely takes me back. What a fun trip!
It definitely is! Thank you!
I am also addicted to Disney. This post makes me miss it even more. I love your pictures!
Thank you so much! I don’t understand how people don’t love Disney.
These photos are adorable. Can’t wait to take my son in a few years.
Thank you! We were often some of the oldest “kids” (sometimes the youngest lol) on the rides. We had a wonderful time, and your family will, too. So much has changed in one year.
I’m also obsessed with Disney! Mostly the parks! It’s just so magical to be there!
It really is. I’m currently planning two upcoming trips, and I am super excited!
We are a Disney family as well! We have all of the movies and have been to most of the parks.
Somehow no matter how much time goes by Disney is always in our roots
Exactly! Disney is timeless, and that’s what I love most about it.
Yes!! I love Disney so much! One of the things I look forward to most is bringing my kids there one day to share in on the obsession. 🙂
Same! It will be an amazing experience.
I think it’s amazing to love something like you do! My fondest memories of Disney actually came from a book at my Grandma’s. I loved those princess tales!
Awww Disney is the best! It always brings me so much joy
We were a Disney family too when my children were younger. Sadly we could never afford to go to the US but Disneyland Oaris was amazing every year we went
I’ve been wanting to visit Disneyland Paris. It’s my goal to visit next year.
Ah so fun, I love Disney!!! I just went to Disney World for the first time not long ago and I already want to go back. I love it 🙂
Same! I went last year and could not stop obsessing. The goal is for me to go to both Disneyland and back to Disney World within the next year. I’m planning and working on both.
We went to Disney a couple of years ago and loved it. We are planning to go back soon and hopefully celebrate my daughter’s birthday there.
That would be such a magical experience. Enjoy!
We have spent our share of time at Disney parks and love them all! I’m becoming a bit obsessed with photography which works right into our Disney trips!
The scenery is perfect for photography.
I mean, what ISNT to love about Disney?! I too ventured into Nickelodeon cartoons as a kid but I have always been a Disney girl at heart- I can recite almost every movie, I’m sure!
Same! I love Nickelodeon, don’t get me wrong, but Disney has and will always have my heart.