Can a Disney Obsession Be Unhealthy??

[TheHundredth]

OK. Didn't know where else to put this. But I need help

I have a fervent obsession with The World.

It's my favorite place on earth. I dream about it, think aboout it, want to be there, 24/7.

I even keep the DIS up on my ipod and carry whatever current issue of a travel guide I have with me to read about it when I'm out and about with the family.

But I fear it may be a little unhealthy to love something so much. Is too much of a good thing really a good thing in this situation?

 

[Gorechick]

My DH thinks so! I'm in the same situation where it's really the only thing, next to my family of course, that really makes me happy. Work stinks, I have a few friends, I scrapbook, and shop but Disney is what I enjoy most.

 

[zeferjen]

For me, I've been going through tough time lately. Obsessing about Disney is allowing me to keep my mind off my worries. I know it's a coping mechanism, but more healthy than others.

I guess it would only be a problem of if it affects your relationship with the people you love.

 

[goofyernmost]

OK. Didn't know where else to put this. But I need help

I have a fervent obsession with The World.

It's my favorite place on earth. I dream about it, think aboout it, want to be there, 24/7.

I even keep the DIS up on my ipod and carry whatever current issue of a travel guide I have with me to read about it when I'm out and about with the family.

But I fear it may be a little unhealthy to love something so much. Is too much of a good thing really a good thing in this situation?

Although it is without a doubt one of the less harmful obsessions one could have...Yes...it still can be bad.

It can be bad if it subsets every thing else in your life. If you don't socialize because you want to be on line at DIS or others. If you don't go anywhere unless it has a Disney Theme Park at the end...not so good.

That said, many of us use Disney as an escape. If our regular life is lacking in some way, we lose ourselves in the fantasy of sunshine and flowers and no cares that Disney is there to create. If we are lonely we use it to fill the gaps that exists in our own existence. Mickey and the gang become friends that are always there to keep us company.

My grown children, although Disney fans themselves, get concerned that I am on multiple Disney boards and I use it to fill some of my evenings. When they express concern I ask if they would be happier if I filled my time in a bar. That usually quiets them down.

So I guess in answer to your question. It is possible to become too obsessed with Disney to the degree that it becomes all of one's life instead of just an important part of it. If that happens, it may be a problem. If you just use it as mental recreation to fill otherwise empty time...there are far worse things one could do.

 

[TheHundredth]

My DH thinks so! I'm in the same situation where it's really the only thing, next to my family of course, that really makes me happy. Work stinks, I have a few friends, I scrapbook, and shop but Disney is what I enjoy most.

EXACTLY, my life feels average, and I do suffer from clinical depression, but disney is the one place on earth I feel HAPPY. But only when I'm with my family.

I'm uber excited for my trip in june though. I'm getting to be a guide not only for my family but for my father's friend's family that has never been before! So maybe my obsessions will become a useful tool!

 

[jlevis]

Monday I start radiation therapy for my 3rd bout of cancer. That is unhealthy!!! I will beat it again then head for the World. That is healing. Planning is underway, 2 weeks booked and while I'm getting treatment I'll think about ADR's.

Let me add, after the fact, that being at Disney with my wife and sons and their families is part of the reason I have the will to live, to beat the cancer. Obsessed? Yeah, I guess I am but I can close my eyes and see my grandson with a huge grin as his dad gets soaked on Slash Mountain. Disney is many things to many people. For some it is rides and a good time. For others it brings back happy memories of their childhood. For me it is a place to create memories for my grandchildren while healing my spirit.

 

[dtstampz]

Another obsessed Disney fan here! My dh keeps shaking his head over it, and doesn't understand. I think he doesn't need to understand WHY, instead just recognized that it makes me happy. As long as I'm not draining our savings account to spend on Disney trips, it's a good thing.
Thinking of my next Disney trip keeps me cheerful on a gloomy winter day. I have the "I'm Celebrating" button pinned to the visor in my car, and it makes me smile when I see it. I can handle cranky folks I encounter at my jobs. In fact, I recently got up the courage to apply for a second part time job (to earn $ for Disney!), and now I have a new job that I really enjoy! I've met some new people, and I'm learning new things as well. Knowing I'm earning $ for Disney keeps me cheerful and upbeat, and that I think carries over to other parts of my life.

 

[Orangeandwild]

Monday I start radiation therapy for my 3rd bout of cancer. That is unhealthy!!! I will beat it again then head for the World. That is healing. Planning is underway, 2 weeks booked and while I'm getting treatment I'll think about ADR's.

I want to wish you all the luck in the world with your radiation therapy and Disney is sure a great thing to think about and use as a goal for healing from anything.

Thinking of an upcoming Disney trip has got me through a lot of medical problems and life's issues always.

Disney is a big part of my life, I admit I am very obsessed but it is not the only part of my life there is much more I care about and do. Disney travel is a real hobby and unless we have a trip scheduled in the future I am not a happy camper. Nothing wrong with having a real hobby like all of us here do..

 

[pepe of ohio]

Wife and I have been WDW goer's since 1977, and with 45 trips done, it's still our number one obsession....it's our Happy Place...always will be....

We've been to quite a few places throughout our lives but nothing gives us the total enjoyment, relaxation and stress free vacation like WDW.....we could go and not even step foot in the parks.....

We always have a trip coming, really don't obsessively plan much but just know we're gong to have a greaf time and when we step off the train in the Flroida sun and make our way to WDW, all the problems and stress of eveyday like is left behind....I know how others feel liking WDW, but like I said, we've gone other places and never got have the enjoment there as we do at Disney..

 

[GeneralTso]

Yes.

There's the lighthearted "oh I just LOVE Disney" contingency, cuz well, it's fun there.

Then I read some stuff on this board. It's a coping mechanism for some, but for others, it's end of the spectrum obsession I think. When your family is telling you to basically "get a life" I think it's time to pay attention

 

[goofy's_gurl]

There is a yes and a no to that question. No it can't be unhealthy because you have a sacred place to go when things get too much. A place where you can spend quality time with family and friends without having the stresses of everyday life. But also it can be unhealthy, especially if you are going three or more times a year and cannot afford it. You are having problems with your significant other because of your obsession. So there should be a warning label on Disney stating: Enter at your own risk!

 

[5forDis]

Jlevis-I loved reading your response!!!! Healing thoughts are sent your way! I wish my kids had a grandfather like you

 

[windi622]

Monday I start radiation therapy for my 3rd bout of cancer. That is unhealthy!!! I will beat it again then head for the World. That is healing. Planning is underway, 2 weeks booked and while I'm getting treatment I'll think about ADR's.

Your fight is inspiring. May this bout end in the same way that your previous 2 have...with a win for you With that said, the power of prayer is amazing, and I will pray that this fight be an easy one for you.

My love for Disney may border obsession, but like others said, it's a nice escape. When I'm having a bad day, or dealing with some challenging things, it's my happy place. For me, it's additionally special because it's something that I've shared with my family growing up, and now we share with my DH as well. So it's magical memories of trips past, and looking forward to more in the future. A place that we all enjoy, and get to share with each other. Now, we have just over a week until we will be there again.

 

[CanadianPaco]

My love for Disney may border obsession, but like others said, it's a nice escape. When I'm having a bad day, or dealing with some challenging things, it's my happy place.

That's how I feel. I have my Disney pics as my screen saver and it's a wonderful way to watch the memories! There is so much hum-drum and blah in life. Why not have something as wonderful as Disney to brighten up your day!

 

[Rhongepooh]

Add me to the list. My daughters and mother told me that I went over that line of being a sane person when the I dropped the last guy I was dating because he chose to see "Thor" instead of "Pirates of the Carribean on Stranger Tides". I no longer date anyone who hasn't been to Disney.

 

[DIS GURU]

OK. Didn't know where else to put this. But I need help

I have a fervent obsession with The World.

It's my favorite place on earth. I dream about it, think aboout it, want to be there, 24/7.

I even keep the DIS up on my ipod and carry whatever current issue of a travel guide I have with me to read about it when I'm out and about with the family.

But I fear it may be a little unhealthy to love something so much. Is too much of a good thing really a good thing in this situation?

No!
Be glad of your obsession.
I think the same way all the time and thats why I post on here.
Always be a Disney goer


DIS GURU

 

[goofyernmost]

Add me to the list. My daughters and mother told me that I went over that line of being a sane person when the I dropped the last guy I was dating because he chose to see "Thor" instead of "Pirates of the Carribean on Stranger Tides". I no longer date anyone who hasn't been to Disney.

I know that people will comment negatively on what you just said, but the truth is that if you are with someone that "doesn't want to go there" and just whines all the while they are there...who needs it.

I have talked with many women and eventually the conversation gets to hobbies or thing you like to do. If when I mention that I go to WDW usually, at least once a year, and they look at me like I have three heads...all I can think is NEXT? It may seem wrong but I would rather be alone then with someone that cannot understand what I enjoy. I'm not just talking about Disney here...I'm talking about any interest that one might have. There are no guarantee's that once you "get together" they will see and appreciate what you like.

It may be something that is more prevalent as one gets older. At that time the desire for companionship is just that...companionship. Someone to share your life with and not just in the, you know, physical way.

 

[larryz]

But I fear it may be a little unhealthy to love something so much. Is too much of a good thing really a good thing in this situation?

If you let it interfere with your normal life, then I'd say yes, it could be unhealthy.

Everyone needs outside interests, though, and if Disney is yours, you're entitled to it.

But don't let it get in the way of your personal relationships, job, or finances (other than an occasional trip), and don't let it jeopardize your health (say, by sitting in front of your computer for 12 hours a day reading the DISBoards...)

 

[larryz]

I no longer date anyone who hasn't been to Disney.

Not a bad selection criteria. One partner loving Disney and the other hating it will result in unnecessary friction. Marriage is hard enough without having to deal with periodic bickering over the choice of vacation destinations...

 

[ladynmom94]

Hi, my name is Tracy, and I'm a disneyholic! First let me say too much of anything can be bad for you. For me Disney planning is an escape from the boredom of "everyday" life A hobby that I greatly enjoy. Work done, homework done, family fed, kids asleep, time for Disney. Like the other posters have said, i think as long as it doesn't get in the way of daily functions it's fine. Everyone has their "thing" just so happens a lot of people don't understand ours