Disney Obsession help

[FLkid]

Okay so a little back story,

Had only been to the world at 2 years old, 12 years old and spent half a day at around 16 years old. Had only been to Magic Kingdom all of those times. (Florida resident my entire life, I live roughly 3 1/2 hours away)

First trip to all the parks in October 2013, Completely bitten by the Disney bug


Returned in December of 2013 (stayed onsite this time, 5 days, pop century, loved it)

ANOTHER trip the first week of this month, 8 days, Saratoga Springs (booked pop, got upgraded) birthday button, free cupcakes, lots of singing, AMAZING time.


Every time I get back I spend the first few days not thinking about Disney at all, I don't even really share much detail about my trip when people ask. I get the same statements "bet you're done with Disney for a while now" "I'm sure you've gotten that out of your system"


Well here I am... one week after my return from the world LOOKING AT HOTELS AND CROWD CALENDARS IN APRIL . What is wrong with me?! I've been saving every penny from every paycheck for the past few months that doesn't have to go to bills just to save for each of these trips.


I've skipped many social things that cost money because I know those few hours out with people are nothing compared to my time spent at Disney World!


I feel ridiculous! I get wise cracks all the time from friends and coworkers about how I'm like a 26 year old child and that I need therapy for this newly found obsession.


I can't help it, I can't even really explain it. It's not even the rides or the shows. I'm such a history geek and the world is filled with so many layers between Walt and where each and every little thing came from. I listen to WDW radio, I read the books, I watch the documentaries, I wear the jewelry to work (awesome little jeweled Ear Hat necklace and ring ) Being in the world just ties it all together, I love sitting and people watching, Eating the food, Talking to CM's, The old couples on the Disney Bus's that always ask where I'm from and how long I've been coming to Disney.

I get on this board and see all the talk about MB's and FP's and all of that and I understand it from a family trip's point of view, But I'm just in love with being at Disney world and very lucky to live so close.



I guess I wanted to get some advice from people on here because I know what friends and family will tell me. If I don't go the end of April, It will be October before I can go again. I would be going by myself in April, Which I'm completely fine with since I spent the first few days in December at Disney by myself and had a blast. It would probably only be a few nights, I've even considered going up for a day or two. I picked the last few days in April because it seems to be the days with the lowest expected crowds?


I feel like on one hand I'm being crazy spending all my money on these trips, On the other I feel like I'm young, don't have kids or serious financial responsibilities and should do what makes me happy.


sorry for the rambling, Just wanted to get this out

 

[KnightRail]

Why not considering working there? I'm 25, and I live about 2 hrs away from WDW. Granted my parents have been taking me since I was 6months....and even after I worked there for 3 years during college (yup, former CM here) I'm still OBSESSED! Actually may be going tomorrow just because I have a day off.

I was actually just talking to a coworker today who had lived in Florida all his life and literally asked me "what do they have at Disney? I hear about it sometimes...do they have rides or anything?" I couldn't believe my ears
--don't feel bad about letting your Disney side bloom late...important point is it did bloom!

If you have any questions about ANYTHING lemme know!! Always willing to help a fellow fanatic

 

[Networth]

Look on the bright side, you could have much worse more destructive obsessions. On real note everyone has that "thing" they love is yours is WDW and its not causing you or others physical, emotional, or financial strain than enjoy yourself. You only live once.

 

[courtneeey]

You're not crazy at all! I'm almost 21 and I save every extra penny I have for my Disney trips too! Sadly I live in New York, so I can't get there quite as often as you. But trust me, I would if I could! Haha there's no shame in enjoying what you love

 

[tcherjen]

Disney obessed too.. Have been going since I was a very small child. Both dh and I are Disney kids. Are kids love it too.

 

[ArwenMarie]

As long as you are paying cash and not going into credit card debt (and saving some money as well), don't worry about it and enjoy. As a PP poster said, there are much worse "addictions" to have. People blow money on all kinds of things that I don't understand, everyone has their thing, know what I mean?

 

[ashleymrush]

I'm the same way! My husband thinks I'm absolutely crazy and doesn't get it. I've inherited the obsession from my mother so I always have someone to talk about WDW with. I'm a teacher and chaperone the Disney Senior trip every year. If I didn't have that trip I don't know what I would do. Most years it is the only way I can get my fix. This year there is no senior trip (not enough interest! ) but luckily we are taking our kids for the first time so all is right with the world. I say go and have fun. You won't always be able to go so easily. Enjoy and know you aren't alone!

 

[china mom]

We went to Disney a few times when we were little but I had no interest as a young adult. The, I met the man who I would eventually marry. His family could not afford to go when they were little kids but fell in love with it when they took a trip as young adults. They are Disney obsessed. We started taking trips as a couple as soon as we got serious and have been going back ever since. Well, guess what, now I am obsessed and have passed that along to my kids. We go to Disney every chance we get. We even flew in (from Maryland) just for a day at Blizzard Beach. I even recently became a Disney Travel Agent just so that I could get commissions from my trips - so far, I am my best client.

Just got back Jan 26 and am trying to figure out how I can get back down there by the end of Feb.

eventually "Disney Addiction" will be a condition listed in the DSM.

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

Dear OP there are many considerations and unknowns in your post. One caution I will make for you as an early retiree (unplanned retirement) you need an emergency fund and retirement savings. Once you have these established, then enjoy. Yes friends and family members who haven't been sprinkled with pixie dust, just don't and won't get it! They will simply roll their eyes or make silly comments. Thank goodness for the DIS boards where all of us Disney obsessed fans find a place where our obsession is not only considered normal, it is a place where many of us spend time in between trips as a way of battling the "I'm not in Disney Blues". Happy Planning!

 

[Jfsag123]

You are in good company here! If I lived close enough I would be there as much as possible. I only took one trip to WDW as a kid and went to DL twice (once as a kid, once on honeymoon), and just developed my obsession last year. An unexpected windfall prompted us to decide to try to take the kids to WDW and the whole family was hooked after! DH had never been, and was skeptical at first, but was asking when we'd be back before the end of the first day. Now we are planning to go back at least every two years, hopefully more often down the line as we become more established in our schedules and careers.

Even with us only trying to go back two years after our first trip, our families think we are crazy. If they knew how much time I actually spend thinking about it I'm sure they'd have me committed! But like a PP said, I figure there are worse things a person could be obsessed with. This obsession gave my family the most magical week we've ever had together and we look forward to many more in the future!

 

[china mom]

Just thinking... the OP walking into the Dis Boards and asking for help with a Disney obsession is like a person walking into a bar and asking for help with their alcoholism. We're not here to help but we will buy you another "drink".

 

[DisMom1981]

Okay so a little back story, Had only been to the world at 2 years old, 12 years old and spent half a day at around 16 years old. Had only been to Magic Kingdom all of those times. (Florida resident my entire life, I live roughly 3 1/2 hours away) First trip to all the parks in October 2013, Completely bitten by the Disney bug Returned in December of 2013 (stayed onsite this time, 5 days, pop century, loved it) ANOTHER trip the first week of this month, 8 days, Saratoga Springs (booked pop, got upgraded) birthday button, free cupcakes, lots of singing, AMAZING time. Every time I get back I spend the first few days not thinking about Disney at all, I don't even really share much detail about my trip when people ask. I get the same statements "bet you're done with Disney for a while now" "I'm sure you've gotten that out of your system" Well here I am... one week after my return from the world LOOKING AT HOTELS AND CROWD CALENDARS IN APRIL . What is wrong with me?! I've been saving every penny from every paycheck for the past few months that doesn't have to go to bills just to save for each of these trips. I've skipped many social things that cost money because I know those few hours out with people are nothing compared to my time spent at Disney World! I feel ridiculous! I get wise cracks all the time from friends and coworkers about how I'm like a 26 year old child and that I need therapy for this newly found obsession. I can't help it, I can't even really explain it. It's not even the rides or the shows. I'm such a history geek and the world is filled with so many layers between Walt and where each and every little thing came from. I listen to WDW radio, I read the books, I watch the documentaries, I wear the jewelry to work (awesome little jeweled Ear Hat necklace and ring ) Being in the world just ties it all together, I love sitting and people watching, Eating the food, Talking to CM's, The old couples on the Disney Bus's that always ask where I'm from and how long I've been coming to Disney. I get on this board and see all the talk about MB's and FP's and all of that and I understand it from a family trip's point of view, But I'm just in love with being at Disney world and very lucky to live so close. I guess I wanted to get some advice from people on here because I know what friends and family will tell me. If I don't go the end of April, It will be October before I can go again. I would be going by myself in April, Which I'm completely fine with since I spent the first few days in December at Disney by myself and had a blast. It would probably only be a few nights, I've even considered going up for a day or two. I picked the last few days in April because it seems to be the days with the lowest expected crowds? I feel like on one hand I'm being crazy spending all my money on these trips, On the other I feel like I'm young, don't have kids or serious financial responsibilities and should do what makes me happy. sorry for the rambling, Just wanted to get this out

I'm older and have kids and financial responsibilities (that come first obviously) and If I lived as close as you Id be living it up Disney as much as we could! The idea of going just adults is a dream that is too hard to bring to fruition when airfare is involved and only once a year trips are financially doable. I say- yolo ha!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[DisMom1981]

Just thinking... the OP walking into the Dis Boards and asking for help with a Disney obsession is like a person walking into a bar and asking for help with their alcoholism. We're not here to help but we will buy you another "drink".

Love this!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Rosanne]

First of all, I hope you had an FL AP for the trips. If not, and you plan on going again I would get one.

Second, if I were you I would not stay on property if I was only 3 1/2 hours away. Or... if I did, I would stay only one night and pack waters and snacks in my car. With the AP I'm pretty sure it includes parking.

When I was in my twenties I wasn't careful with my $$ and it has made a huge difference in where I am now vs. where I should be.

I think if you do the AP and make mostly day or overnight trips you can get your fix without significantly impacting your financial future. You can do more than one park in a day with the AP etc.

I have been feeling the pull in terms of the music and Disney and the feeling we get when we are driving and see our first palm trees and get the free OJ from the Florida Welcome Center. Just getting the heck out of Dodge is part of the draw, too.

So... I'm just thinking minimize the financial impact and enjoy!!!

 

[Jfsag123]

Just thinking... the OP walking into the Dis Boards and asking for help with a Disney obsession is like a person walking into a bar and asking for help with their alcoholism. We're not here to help but we will buy you another "drink".

So true! This place only makes it worse...

 

[fireman1]

Im 44, i leave tomorrow for my 11th trip with my very soon to be wife ( her first trip )
I would go everyday if i could. Btw. I live 726.5 miles away lol.

 

[FLchick415]

I'm going at the end of April too for my second solo trip! I also live in FL, 3 hours away, and I'm finally just gonna buck up and buy the Seasonal Pass. I've been [insert number here because I lost count!] times and I'll go back as often as my wallet will allow!

 

[Fommt2]

I would go every day if I could as well, the problem I have is that I live 4400 miles away :-(

 

[frozengurl]

We should totally start a new thread on this...
"Hi my name is Pam, and I'm a Disney addict!" (In unison) "hi Pam!"
Seriously... Idk how it happened!
I was born and raised in FL, so I remember Disney as a little girl. We went sporadically throughout the years... Mostly MK sometimes Epcot! Went to HS (then MGM) as a teen but never went to AK until my last trip this past October. I would have to say that it wasn't until I took my DD (2 at the time, now 6) that I truly got it! I truly experienced the magic and began to understand how amazing WDW truly is... It's a place to dream... And dream big! I got my DD's first haircut there at Harmony Barber Shop, best decision ever! But it was when I took her to meet Mickey and Minnie... I still tear up every time I think about it! She was totally in her happy place! We moved from FL almost 3 years ago now. However, I knew I had to get my second DD's 1st haircut at Harmony SO... We took a trip to Disney! I had tickets for me and my DH, but my oldest DD needed a ticket (my youngest was only 2) I didn't know how "ticket buying" worked at the time. So I went to the front desk of the resort explaining how important it was for us to get into the MK ASAP bc we didn't have an appointment at Harmony (you used to not be able to make one, I didn't know that had changed) So I aaked our resort CM where we could get a ticket for my DD that night so she's be ready for the morning. He said "hold on one moment"
Then... He came out with a free ticket for my DD... He said he wanted to make sure that our dream came true! Seriously, I cried right there and said "this really is the best place on earth!"
After that, I was hooked! It was my DH & I's 10 year anniversary this past Oct. I told him I wanted to do one of those real disney vacations that people that don't live in FL do. I wanted to stay at the Poly bc it was a dream of mine! We had the best vacation ever! I am now an APH, addicted to all things Disney, come to these boards every day, constantly thinking about my next trip(s)... And planning them!
Trust me... You are in good company!!!

 

[ShannonMB]

Just thinking... the OP walking into the Dis Boards and asking for help with a Disney obsession is like a person walking into a bar and asking for help with their alcoholism. We're not here to help but we will buy you another "drink".

Hahaha, isn't that the truth!!