Am I addicted to Disney?

[LucasMK]

Hello everyone,
I was wondering if any of you has similar symptoms of what looks like addiction to Disney. I do not live anywhere close to Orlando, but I constantly want to go back to Disney World. I just returned from my recent trip to Disney World in October (I wanted to see their way of celebrating Halloween). The trip was excellent - I went alone and had wonderful time. I spent there 9 days and easily could stay there longer. On my last day, I almost cried leaving Magic Kingdom. After my plane landed I already wanted to go back while I was still on my way from the airport to my home. I can't even describe what the next few days looked like - sort of like I was undergoing mood swings or depression . Then, I saw pictures of Cinderella Castle dressed up for Christmas. I saw the castle covered with lights when I was there in October, but could not figure out what it was for (they didn't light up the castle back then yet). So when I finally saw it online I thought I've got to see that myself. I love Christmas decorations around Disney World (I spent there 9 days last December ). So what happens? Without hesitation, I booked my weekend stay at Disney World for December. I'll be there for only 72 hours , but I am planning to see a lot - the lights, Christmas party, do a lot of park hopping (oh, did I mention that when I'm there, I only sleep for about 4-5 hours per day, the rest of the time I'm in the parks ). Some of the cast members recognize me when I do Pirates or Haunted Mansion 15 times in a day . Many times I am the last guest of the day on some rides - and I get to have the whole ride vehicle to myself . I just love that place. Anyway, I'm going in December and couldn't be any happier. I am going alone as usual and I'm getting more and more excited every day. Does anyone of you have similar experiences? Do you also want to go back to Disney after your trip? Some people around me cannot believe how passionate I am about Disney theme parks. Did I cross the limits of Disney fan sanity? Is my Disney obsession normal/common among others?
See you in Disney World in December
LucasMK

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I don't see where any of what you say is a problem.

 

[selmuir]

Well yeah everyone feels that way when they come back from disney i mean cmon its DISNEY
Anyway could you share your experiance whats its like going solo

~ selmuir

 

[stemikger]

Although, I don't go solo, I am just as obsessed. I try to get down there once a year for 10 days and within a few weeks of getting back, I start thinking about planning my next trip.

My friends and relatives think it's a little overboard, but they all ask me for advice when they plan their trips, so they get the benefit of all my Disney knowledge.

I love it and never made excuses for going every year. Most people don't have a favoriate place or get excited about vacations, so consider yourself lucky.

 

[spiceycat]

why do you think I joined DVC - Disney Vacation Club.

a single person does not have the excuse of kids (although my niece and nephew definitely help me use my points)

which is why lots of people say they brought DVC.

if you love WDW you should consider looking at DVC - then you only have to worry about your transportation and meals. DVC members get a $100 off the annual pass. Which brings it to the same price for 7 days with park hopper and no expiry.

 

[Dizmom0923]

I know exactly how you feel. I am the same way. I really go into deep Disney depression when I leave....then I start trying to figure out when I will be able to go again. I usually go 2 times a year but because of life I haven't been since last November. I will be home again in 2 months.

 

[1981minnie1981]

I would live there if i could lol. I love it there, and as soon as i come home im pretty much booking my next trip. Im heading there in 7 days for 2 weeks, and then heading back in january for another 10 days for my birthday...man, im starting to sound a little mouse obsessed arent i? lol

 

[LucasMK]

I think going solo to Disney World is very unique in itself. I absolutely love it. A lot of times cast members cannot believe when they ask "How many?" and I say "One". I like the looks on their faces when I say that. Of course Disney World was built with the family in mind, but I am a proof that a single person can have lots of fun there too, to the point where you don't want to go back home. I have my own schedule and do not have to wait for anyone else, go to places I don't want to at a particular time. I usually start early in the morning (around 10) and stay as long as possible. During extra magic hours sometimes I just walk or sit on empty Main Street till 1 am (the longest so far for me was 1:30AM when the park closed at midnight - of course no attractions anymore past 12 - just enjoying the atmosphere in mostly empty park). I'm going to bed around 3am every night . I sleep for a few hours and then I'm ready for another 15 hours of magic or so
Solo meals at table service restaurants are also fun (even though on rare occasions I get strange looks from some people around me). On my last trip in October I had a whole booth at Garden Grill for myself. At one point, Chip and Dale sat next to me for a couple of minutes and we just talked (tried to talk with some help of the server who took pictures for me). I always schedule at least one table service restaurant meal for myself per day of my stay - it's really fun. Do not be intimidated by the fact that you are alone - many servers are willing to start conversations with you just because you are alone.
On my last trip I saw Illuminations four times (I could watch it every day actually) just because I do a lot of park hopping - I don't think it would work that well if I went to WDW with a larger group. Of course, there are disadvantages too. You pretty much have to ask a stranger to take a picture for you if you want to be in the picture (that's another story because I usually take about 300-400 pictures per trip and I appear maybe on 30 of those .
My next short trip is solo as well, and I am very excited about that. I can't wait to see the castle with the lights on. I was wondering if the castle lighting ceremony is held each day, and if the castle is lit throughout the evening or just during the ceremony. Any comments will be appreciated.
Thanks,
LucasMK

 

[LucasMK]

Minnie Mouse 1981 - I just noticed - you will be at Disney World at the same time as me, what are your plans?
LucasMK

 

[spiceycat]

My next short trip is solo as well, and I am very excited about that. I can't wait to see the castle with the lights on. I was wondering if the castle lighting ceremony is held each day, and if the castle is lit throughout the evening or just during the ceremony. Any comments will be appreciated.
Thanks,
LucasMK

the castle lighting is held each day at either 6:45 or 5:45 pm - don't remember.

once the castle is lite - it stays lite until the park closes - may stay lite then -- not sure.

you should see this lady's picture. pretty wonderful

http://www.mousesteps.com/

and these
http://www.mousesteps.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=58&Itemid=100

 

[mystic_path]

Dontcha worry about a thing LucasMK we all feel for you. For all of us who have to travel distances because we dont get to go as often, have serious withdrawl afterwards. I am so happy this site exists because other wise there should be Disney rehabilitation clinics. Just try not to think about OH NO I WISH I WERE THERE, think Hey I am going back, lets start the planning

 

[stemikger]

LucasMK. I give you a lot of credit for being able to travel solo.

I can do a lot of things alone, but I don't think I can do Disney solo. Not sure why, but I can't see myself there alone.

Again, I give you a lot of credit.

 

[NH_Bubba]

Every time I start to feel down I just close my eyes and I'm back in my laughing place! Maybe that's why I keep walking into walls!

If I'm not at the Diz, I'm Planning a trip if I'm not planning a trip I'm thinking of my next trip. Oh well maybe it is an obsession after all.

 

[tednvon]

Hi, I wish you all the dream we have of living 3 months just south of Disney in Indian Ridge home rental for 3 months in the winter. I have an AP and spouse works a day or two at Disney. We go over to the parks 3-4 evenings a week for the shows, the rides, dinner and fireworks. I love to go solo if Von is working or she has other plans. Also just love to people watch.

I work a day or two a Mystic Dunes, a great local golf course, so we have Disney, golf, and warmth. We did Disney many many times since 1973 with kids and and then grandkids and always dreamed of spending the winters near Disney and working there.

Again we are living the dream 3 months which works well for us now with family still close and in Iowa. May stretch it to 5-6 months some day.

Just want to tell you that it can happen and retirement comes much faster than you think...

And no...I have not changed in my excitement about Disney and the fun of wandering the parks...I still can't wait to get there when we head for the entrance!!!

All the best...Ted

 

[stemikger]

Originally posted by Tednvon
Hi, I wish you all the dream we have of living 3 months just south of Disney in Indian Ridge home rental for 3 months in the winter. I have an AP and spouse works a day or two at Disney. We go over to the parks 3-4 evenings a week for the shows, the rides, dinner and fireworks. I love to go solo if Von is working or she has other plans. Also just love to people watch.

I work a day or two a Mystic Dunes, a great local golf course, so we have Disney, golf, and warmth. We did Disney many many times since 1973 with kids and and then grandkids and always dreamed of spending the winters near Disney and working there.

Again we are living the dream 3 months which works well for us now with family still close and in Iowa. May stretch it to 5-6 months some day.

Just want to tell you that it can happen and retirement comes much faster than you think...

And no...I have not changed in my excitement about Disney and the fun of wandering the parks...I still can't wait to get there when we head for the entrance!!!

All the best...Ted

Now that is what I call my dream retirement. Congratulations on making it a reality.

 

[englishrose47]

Every time I start to feel down I just close my eyes and I'm back in my laughing place! Maybe that's why I keep walking into walls!

If I'm not at the Diz, I'm Planning a trip if I'm not planning a trip I'm thinking of my next trip. Oh well maybe it is an obsession after all.

My GD went for a shot and didn't winch! When I asked her about that she said "I closed my eyes and put myself in MY Happy Place" which of course was Disney!! I am going solo for the first time in Feb and can't wait ! I have set up several Dis Meets including a GG, P&PP and joining others for meals. All stuff I couldn't do with the family. Cost for 1 thing and they would not want to take time out fot meets!! I/ve done a pretrippie already have all my ADRs Trips paid for! And I'm thinking about my next trip!!