Diagnosing Disney Addiction

As any therapist will tell you, you can only go so far in therapy until you are willing to acknowledge the problem and accept responsibility for your role in it.  Well, when it comes to Disney addiction, there’s only one primary diagnosis…neurotic Disney person.  A neurotic Disney person is one who has “a passionate (and sometimes irrational) love for the Disney brand with a particular focus on the Disney parks.”  Symptoms include, but are not limited to living a Disney Driven Life.  “This includes activities like watching Disney movies, listening to Disney music and podcasts, discussing Disney topics with family and friends on a regular basis, participating in Disney communities online and enjoying every minute of it.  But the paramount event in the life of a Disney Driven person is planning and anticipating a Disney vacation.” 

You can imagine my delight when I finally learned that there was a name for my condition!  I first learned about it while listening to Be Our Guest Podcast Episode 265, when JL Knopp, founder of TheDisneyDrivenLife.com was the guest.  As I listened to JL talking about her obsession with Disney,  her Disney driven life principles, and the “sacred seven,”  I knew I had just found a kindred spirit.  Then when I learned that I could stand up and be counted as a Neurotic Disney Mom, I knew I had to do it!

So, without further ado, I would like to announce, “Hello, my name is Mendy and I am Neurotic Disney mom #375.”  Wow, that feels great!!! 

If you would like to join me in the ranks of neurotic Disney people, visit www.thedisneydrivenlife.com and be counted.  Remember, the first step to proper treatment (not to mention fun) is to admit you have a problem, then have a great time doing something about it!

Making Memories

Since my birthday, I've been reminded how important our memories are to us and that making memories is an integral part of our relationships with those we care about.  Why my birthday you ask?  Well, a few reasons actually.  One, I tend to get a little introspective around my birthday, and since it is so close to the New Year, it compliments my goal setting and resolution making!  Two, this year I had a wonderful birthday get together with some great friends who made me laugh so much and really helped me to create some great birthday memories.  And thirdly, my Pa Pa, who was 99 years old, passed away on the evening of my birthday.  Yes it was very hard, but it really got me thinking about how many amazing memories he must have had.  Memories of life experiences, places he had seen, inventions and improvements in technology, and memories he had created with his family. 

So many times, our days and nights are filled with scheduled things.  Our lives tend to rush past us.  And so for me, a huge part of our yearly Disney trip is all about making memories with my family.  Then, when we come home, the race is on to preserve those memories.  Whether it be in scrapbooks, photo albums, or DVD slideshows, those memories have to be saved and relived for years to come. 

Our honeymoon at Disney. 

The first time we took Payton and he spent the majority of the trip on his Daddy's shoulders. 

Payton's 5th birthday at Hollywood Studios getting birthday wishes from all the characters in the Stars and Motor Cars parade. 

Waiting, and waiting, and waiting for buses at Caribbean Beach resort.  Meeting new friends in a treehouse. 

All of these memories and so many more.  But I've often found myself wondering, am I too busy trying to get that perfect photograph or the best video angle that I miss what's really going on around me?  I miss the memory in the making?  Sometimes I think that's true.  For example, we attended our first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this year and had a blast!  It was nearing time for Hallowishes, the amazing fireworks show, and we had found a great viewing spot with seating and everything!  So we got ourselves situated and I pulled out both the camera and the mini video recorder.   So here I am, getting everything set up and the show starts.  I'm clicking away, checking my settings, trying to keep the video stable, AND still trying to watch.  It wasn't working.  In the end, I think I only really watched a small fraction of the fireworks, and even that little bit told me it was the best one I'd ever seen at Disney.  And yet, I missed the moment.  I missed looking at my son's face to see his amazement.  I missed sharing a glance with my husband that said, "I'm so glad we are doing this as a family."  I missed the moment.  The video is good, the pictures are OK, but neither will ever truly represent the beauty of that fireworks show.  The beauty of that moment, of being so caught up in the magic that I set the camera aside.

Now granted, I'm not advocating for leaving your camera at home.  I'm an avid photographer and of course my favorite subject, other than my son,  is all things Disney.  But when the camera stops you from participating in the moment, in the creation of the memory, it's time to put it back in the bag and immerse yourself in the magic.   Because that's why we go to Disney, to bring magic into our lives and to create magical memories with the ones we love.

I can only hope that I will have the many years that my Pa Pa had time to enjoy during his long life.  What I can do though is ensure that I am fully participating in the memories that I create now!  My wish for all of you is that you find a way to be present in the moment...and keep "Makin' Memories." 

Sad Times

I apologize to all of you for the lack of blogs.  Due to a death in my family, I haven't been able to post anything new since the New Year.  For a while, I lost the magic.  However, just yesterday inspiration took hold and several new blog ideas were jotted down.  So I promise, new blog coming soon!!
Thank you for your patience & understanding!

Mendy

Well HELLO 2011!!

I read on Facebook yesterday where someone had made the following comment to the question, 'What are your New Year's resolutions?':  "I don't make any.  If I keep my expectations low, then I'm sure to meet them."  Honestly, that statement makes me so sad.  I think way too many people look at making resolutions as a chore.  That's not the purpose of a resolution at all.  Yes, you are resolving to do something, but it's an opportunity to set goals and to dream big!  For me, it’s like setting my goals for the year; making a game plan.  Do I meet every one of them?  Not usually.  But it gives me something to strive for. 

As you probably could guess, I have some Disney related resolutions for 2011.  The two easiest are that I will take a Disney Cruise in 2011, and I will attend Star Wars Weekend in 2011.  Those are the easiest because I’ve already booked the trips!  So that’s probably cheating a little bit, but I have to say, those are two resolutions I’m very excited about!

I resolve to ride the Jungle Cruise this year, and to get my guys onto the Carousel of Progress.  I resolve to explore more of the Animal Kingdom Lodge rather than just sleeping there.  I resolve to run another Disney 5K and begin training for a half-marathon in 2012.  (Not sure yet how I’m going to pull that off, but I’m sure going to try!)

A few more Disney resolutions I have for 2011 are to read more Disney related books this year on the history and making of the parks, to develop my blog series on how Disney enriches lives in mind, body and spirit, and to stand up and be counted (some of you already know what this means, for those who don’t, be prepared for a blog about it!).  I resolve to further expand my creativity in the spirit of Disney and most of all, to live by Walt’s quote of “If you can dream it, you can do it.”  I’m ready to let my dreams become catalysts to action in 2011. 

So what are your goals and dreams for 2011 (Disney or otherwise)?  Write them down, share them with a friend, and then resolve to take action to meet those goals.  Don't be afraid.  Dream big and know that others are on this journey with you.

Happy New Year everyone!  Thank you so much for joining me on this blogging journey.  I'm so looking forward to hearing more from you all this year.

"It's Kind of Fun..."

It’s kind of fun to do the impossible. – Walt Disney

What’s impossible for you?  What in your life feels like the impossible goal or dream?  Has anyone ever told you that something you want to accomplish is impossible?  I’ve been there, and I know so many people who have been there or who are there right now.  But who says anything is impossible?

Once upon a time…

A horse-less carriage was impossible.

Films with color and sound were impossible.

Putting a man in space or on the moon was impossible.

Instant access to friends and family via a world wide web was impossible.

Lifelike animatronics, four parks in one world, an international company based on a mouse…impossible. 

But it’s not.  Let me tell you my once upon a time.  I’ve never been the athletic type.  Reading books and studying hard has always been my speed.  I’ve wanted to be healthy and I’ve dreamed about being  more graceful and athletic, but for me, that was impossible.  Until this year.  I began running.  And I battled my way through it.  I felt like it would take forever before I could even run one full lap (1/4 mile) around the track.  Then one day, it happened.  One full lap.  Then two…three…four.  A full mile!  Then a mile and a half, then two.  Then the impossible happened, I ran a 5K race in the Magic Kingdom, and I will never be the same.  I came home and ran another 5K just a week later!  And I have to admit, Walt was right…”It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

So now I’m hoping to do another 5K or two this next year, then maybe a ½ marathon.  I also want to pay off all my debt, completely and totally (another “impossible”).  I want to write a book.  I want to start an amazing, uplifting company with my mom.  I want to visit Disneyland (both California and Paris).  “For nothing is impossible with God.”  Luke 1:37

What’s impossible or seems impossible for you?  Doing anything life-changing can be a frightening process.  Fear is what makes things impossible.  Challenge yourself to be fearless, and have faith that nothing is impossible…it’s actually kinda fun!

Santa Mickey...

...slip some tickets under the tree

image from Photopass Photo Gallery CD

for me,
been a true fan all year;
Santa Mickey...and fly me to Orlando tonight!
Santa Mickey,
and how about some DVC too,
savannah view;
I've been an awful good girl.
Santa Mickey...a Magical Express ride tonight!
Think of all
the guidebooks I've read,
think of all the travel tips & joy I've spread.
I really do
miss Minnie & You
& Donald, & Goofy & Winnie the Pooh...be doo pe doo!
Santa Mickey
Don't forget to share
some good news
of a Cruise,
I don't mean in the car.
Santa Mickey...so fly me to Orlando tonight!

Holiday Memories have Arrived!

In this midst of the past crazy week (aka the week with no blog post), something wonderful arrived on my doorstep.  The photobook I had finally made, thanks to a really great coupon code, of our trip to Walt Disney World last December.  Yep, you read that right, December 2009.  What can I say, it took a little longer than expected to get a scrapbook/photobook put together.  Setting aside my obvious problem with procrastination, what I really wanted to share with you is how wonderful it was to be able relive those holiday memories from last year while getting into the holiday spirit this year.  It was such an amazing trip...our first during the Christmas season.  And although I can honestly say that it isn't my absolute favorite time of year to travel to Disney, it did spoil me just a little bit on how the holidays should be celebrated.  The best lights in town can't compare to the Osborne lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  And the White County Christmas Parade certainly doesn't have life size Gingerbread Men, marching Toy Soldiers, or Mickey Mouse!

So how do you have a Merry Christmas the "ordinary" way now that you've experienced the "Disney" way?








Well, you could attempt to drape your house in lights, much like Cinderella castle, and in the end, look like you belong to the Griswold family.  Or you could plan to set off fireworks outside around 10 pm on Christmas Eve, but you'd probably end up having a visit from your local law enforcement officers offering to let you spend Christmas downtown.

You could be part of a town wide effort to improve Christmas with all of your acquired Disney knowledge on how the Christmas holiday SHOULD be celebrated (and in the meantime suddenly find that all of your friends are too busy to take your phone calls).

All of these ideas are fine, but could definitely lead to some disappointments.  Many of us are prone to the "holiday blues" anyway, and sometimes that can be simply from expectations that are way too high to ever be met.  We go into the Christmas season thinking, I want to do this or that, and I want it to go this way or that way, and everything just has to be perfect!  But inevitably, something doesn't go just right, or something doesn't turn out as grand as we had hoped or planned, and without meaning to, we set our holidays up for failure.  Especially if we've had an amazing experience, such as a trip to Disney during the Christmas season, to compare our meager celebrations to.  So what should you do instead?  Enjoy reminiscing over those previous holiday memories, but recognize, nothing you do at home will be quite as grand as a Disney Christmas.  Keep things in perspective.  And if you just feel the need to experience a little holiday Magic, check out your favorite Disney websites and podcasts for the latest info on the Christmas happenings at Walt Disney World.  (Rikki has a great series on Christmas in the Parks going on her website  www.adisneyworldafterall.com and the Be Our Guest Podcast, WDW Today, & WDW Radio have all recently featured podcasts about the Disney holiday season...check them out!)

So be realistic about your holiday expectations, relive those special holiday memories, and finally, create a little magic of your own!  If you've just got to have some Disney in your Christmas celebrations, make it happen!  Trust me, I know what I'm talking about!

And if you'd like a full trip report from last December, with more pictures of our experiences with the Disney Christmas season, leave me a message in the comments and I'll see what I can do!