Post-trip depression not going away

[PinkPixel]

Hi all, I'm new here and happy to meet other Disney fans.

I am still experiencing post-trip depression, and our one trip to Disney World was almost half a year ago. I've read all the tips for dealing with post-trip depression (listen to Disney music, watch movies, make Disney recipes, watch Youtube videos, etc), but nothing seems to help. My husband is not willing to go on another trip, at least not for a long time, especially since we spent a large amount of money on our trip. So the #1 trick - plan the next trip - is not something that I can do.

Maybe I'm analyzing it too much, but I'm trying to figure out what this all means. What void is there in my life that makes we want to be in Disney World so badly? Is it the lack of innocence and sweetness in this world? Is it the quality time together with family? Is it the fact that Disney World seems to be the way our world should be, but isn't? I honestly had some of the best days of my life on our trip, being with my husband and two kids in such a wonderful place. I'm not sure how to recreate that feeling in everyday life.

To the rest of my family, it was a great trip, but just that. No one else in my circle is a Disney fan, so I feel pretty alone. They likely think I've lost my mind, and I think I'm starting to bug them by talking about it so much. I feel like I don't really fit into the world anymore. I'm glad to share all of this with people who can relate. Does anyone feel the same way, that calling it "post-Disney blues" downplays the severity of this feeling? What else has helped you, outside of the usual suggestions?

Thanks!

Make your own profile on Disney+ and watch the in-house documentaries like “The Imagineering Story” and stuff to learn more about the parks. You’re a fan, you had fun. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’ve been many times from childhood and now with my own kids and that feeling never really seems to get better after leaving initially even many trips in. The lead up and vacation is fun, but you still want to go back, even when things go awry. Just is what it is!

 

[DisneyVibesNYC]

Hi all, I'm new here and happy to meet other Disney fans.

I am still experiencing post-trip depression, and our one trip to Disney World was almost half a year ago. I've read all the tips for dealing with post-trip depression (listen to Disney music, watch movies, make Disney recipes, watch Youtube videos, etc), but nothing seems to help. My husband is not willing to go on another trip, at least not for a long time, especially since we spent a large amount of money on our trip. So the #1 trick - plan the next trip - is not something that I can do.

Maybe I'm analyzing it too much, but I'm trying to figure out what this all means. What void is there in my life that makes we want to be in Disney World so badly? Is it the lack of innocence and sweetness in this world? Is it the quality time together with family? Is it the fact that Disney World seems to be the way our world should be, but isn't? I honestly had some of the best days of my life on our trip, being with my husband and two kids in such a wonderful place. I'm not sure how to recreate that feeling in everyday life.

To the rest of my family, it was a great trip, but just that. No one else in my circle is a Disney fan, so I feel pretty alone. They likely think I've lost my mind, and I think I'm starting to bug them by talking about it so much. I feel like I don't really fit into the world anymore. I'm glad to share all of this with people who can relate. Does anyone feel the same way, that calling it "post-Disney blues" downplays the severity of this feeling? What else has helped you, outside of the usual suggestions?

Thanks!

I find it helps to watch Disney videos by vloggers on Youtube!

 

[DisneyHaru]

While my family like Disney related things, I feel like my level of love is far beyond theirs, so I can relate. I'm one of those that has to hold back the tears when I see Cinderella's castle, and once the music starts playing for the fireworks, forget it, I'm a mess. I just love the escape of it all, and being with my family, not having to worry about work or school and just living in the moment.
Maybe planning some game nights or movie nights, or a short getaway close by would help.

 

[DLgal]

You've come to the right place! All of us here feel the same way about Disney parks, so you are DEFINITELY not alone. Online fan communities exist for a reason.

That said, if you are feeling THAT depressed, still, you may need to figure out what about your life is so unfulfilling. There is post Disney blues, sure, but you sound a little beyond that harmless feeling. So, I encourage you to examine what else is going on that is causing you to dwell so much on the escape you had at WDW. And trust me, I get it. I live 15 minutes from Disneyland and have gone over 500 times, and during the pandemic, being shut out for 14 months was hard, BUT I was still happy being at home with my family and going nowhere.

What I would suggest is find a friend to travel with you! Reach out to all your friends and extended family. There is bound to be SOMEONE who loves WDW as much as you do. If not, plan a solo trip! As a mom, you deserve time away to recharge, and your husband should support that. This is especially true if you are a stay at home mom, which I assume you are since your husband is calling the shots financially (which isn't really okay, but that's another discussion). You can go pretty cheap if you split hotel costs with someone or if you stay in a value resort solo. I've been doing either solo trips or friend trips without my husband and kids regularly for the last 17 years. It really helps bridge the gap between big family trips to WDW. I can usually get away with spending under $2000 for a week long trip, airfare included. It's even less when I go with my friend, as we split meals, the hotel, Uber fares, etc).

 

[anniemae]

You can still plan even if your next trip is far off. I love to research hotels, restaurants, things to do in Orlando etc. Maybe price out some trips and see what it will cost just to see if it's possible to sneak in a short trip. I also have Disney nights where we watch a Disney movie while eating dinner. It gets us all talking about Disney again. Also watch some Disney videos on YouTube with the family, again it gets everyone talking and reminiscing about the trip and planning for the next trip.

 

[Raqueladventure]

Hi all, I'm new here and happy to meet other Disney fans.

I am still experiencing post-trip depression, and our one trip to Disney World was almost half a year ago. I've read all the tips for dealing with post-trip depression (listen to Disney music, watch movies, make Disney recipes, watch Youtube videos, etc), but nothing seems to help. My husband is not willing to go on another trip, at least not for a long time, especially since we spent a large amount of money on our trip. So the #1 trick - plan the next trip - is not something that I can do.

Maybe I'm analyzing it too much, but I'm trying to figure out what this all means. What void is there in my life that makes we want to be in Disney World so badly? Is it the lack of innocence and sweetness in this world? Is it the quality time together with family? Is it the fact that Disney World seems to be the way our world should be, but isn't? I honestly had some of the best days of my life on our trip, being with my husband and two kids in such a wonderful place. I'm not sure how to recreate that feeling in everyday life.

To the rest of my family, it was a great trip, but just that. No one else in my circle is a Disney fan, so I feel pretty alone. They likely think I've lost my mind, and I think I'm starting to bug them by talking about it so much. I feel like I don't really fit into the world anymore. I'm glad to share all of this with people who can relate. Does anyone feel the same way, that calling it "post-Disney blues" downplays the severity of this feeling? What else has helped you, outside of the usual suggestions?

Thanks!

Hi,
You are going to have to find a way of bringing the magic to your home. Maybe make a calendar of how to make the magic going. Put on the calendar an alice in wonderland tea party for your friends in september, dress as Tinkerbell for Holloween, Buy disney china and use it for all major holidays in November and December such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. Have themed birthday parties. For winter, do a Frozen winter party. Once a month, have a disney movie night. One way to get over depression, is to give back. Maybe buy a few Mickey stuffed animals and donate it to child protective services to give to children in need or a homeless shelter. ANNNNND buy a disney piggy bank and drop money in there all the time so you can start saving for that next trip.

 

[Micca]

Make your own profile on Disney+ and watch the in-house documentaries like “The Imagineering Story” and stuff to learn more about the parks.

This is great for two reasons: 1) It's fascinating stuff, and 2) When you do have another family trip you can impress them with your deep knowledge

 

[Dan Murphy]

Any chance you could do a solo trip?

This has been my routine for over 20 years now. My whole family went in 1999 to celebrate my wife's remission from breast cancer. As I said earlier here, since then, I have been back probably close to 35 times, almost all solo, though meeting folks from here, so not really totally solo. I had one dad/daughter trip and 3 with my daughter and her 2 boys. And 1 trip where I met up with my son and his family there for a few days. My wife, Marie, has not been back since that first trip. Just not her thing. But fine for me to go enjoy myself.

Between helping Marie as caretaker for her 90 year old uncle (can't leave her here to do that alone), along with COVID past few years, not in the cards to go back at this time. I am getting anxious though, haha.

 

[Beck1]

Thank you all so much, I'm really feeling the love! . I don't think I'm actually clinically depressed at all, I'm just struggling with the heartache of falling in love with a place that I cannot visit very often, and trying to figure out how to bring those wonderful feelings into every day life. I like the idea of unplugging from the news and media, as that definitely can bring one down. I look forward to making some new Disney friends in this place!

 

[yeahdisney]

With your husband knowledge, can you save for a Disney trip?

Sometimes I do a paid job, like maybe for you. You watch an extra kid and you get paid. That goes into a Disney jar. Ours is a broken Disney tigger mug. That money goes towards a meal for all of us. Or snacks for the kids.

Grandma got a Disney visa. And she only pays 3 bills a year with it- but she gives the Disney dollars to my kids and they buy snacks with it

I mow a extra lawn- I put that in vacation flight fund. Might be Disney.

If there is extra weekend money left over one month. We might take a bill and agree to stick it in the Disney food jar.

It would give you a smile and a dream.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

With your husband knowledge, can you save for a Disney trip?

Sometimes I do a paid job, like maybe for you. You watch an extra kid and you get paid. That goes into a Disney jar. Ours is a broken Disney tigger mug. That money goes towards a meal for all of us. Or snacks for the kids.

Grandma got a Disney visa. And she only pays 3 bills a year with it- but she gives the Disney dollars to my kids and they buy snacks with it

I mow a extra lawn- I put that in vacation flight fund. Might be Disney.

If there is extra weekend money left over one month. We might take a bill and agree to stick it in the Disney food jar.

It would give you a smile and a dream.

Even cutting back on things like take out pizza and coffee can help you save, when you think about it - just make your own and put the savings in the jar. And start to research ways you can make trips most affordable, like when to go, where to stay, what to bring. The Budget Board here is helpful for things like that. And books like The Unofficial Guide and websites like Mousesavers (sign up for the newsletter).

I also think that buying some Disney things helps keep the magic going. I used to always get a nice bracelet or earrings when there. (Now they’re a little harder to find.) We also use our Disney Rewards for something for the house, like a picture to hang on the wall, or mugs, etc. Some people buy Disney clothing or housewares, there are a lot of things around if you’re looking for them. Going to Disney on Ice is fun, too, between trips.

 

[pookybean]

You've been bit by the mouse! There is just something magical about the place

Im lucky that most of my kids love it too... and I dont have a husband to worry about! lol We tend to go about once a year even though we start to plan to travel elsewhere we just end back at disney.

Watching vloggers is a HUGE help when Im missing my favorite place and I like to have the lives on in the background while im working, its nice to look up every once in a while and imagine im somewhere else.

Start your own little savings and planning and im sure you will get back again soon... even if you have to leave that husband at home!

 

[FAITHOMAS]

Disney creates a fantasy land where everything goes perfectly, worries are nonexistent, carefree is the name of the game-a bubble. Then you come back to reality which is usually controlled chaos.
Disney is an escape- try to get help to sort out the real issues. God bless!

 

[PinkPixel]

I would also add, maybe try including a beach stay as part of your next hypothetical trip if you can swing it. My husband much prefers the beach, laidback time, so we always have a "Florida trip", not just Disney.

 

[Bellhop97]

Hi all, I'm new here and happy to meet other Disney fans.

I am still experiencing post-trip depression, and our one trip to Disney World was almost half a year ago. I've read all the tips for dealing with post-trip depression (listen to Disney music, watch movies, make Disney recipes, watch Youtube videos, etc), but nothing seems to help. My husband is not willing to go on another trip, at least not for a long time, especially since we spent a large amount of money on our trip. So the #1 trick - plan the next trip - is not something that I can do.

Maybe I'm analyzing it too much, but I'm trying to figure out what this all means. What void is there in my life that makes we want to be in Disney World so badly? Is it the lack of innocence and sweetness in this world? Is it the quality time together with family? Is it the fact that Disney World seems to be the way our world should be, but isn't? I honestly had some of the best days of my life on our trip, being with my husband and two kids in such a wonderful place. I'm not sure how to recreate that feeling in everyday life.

To the rest of my family, it was a great trip, but just that. No one else in my circle is a Disney fan, so I feel pretty alone. They likely think I've lost my mind, and I think I'm starting to bug them by talking about it so much. I feel like I don't really fit into the world anymore. I'm glad to share all of this with people who can relate. Does anyone feel the same way, that calling it "post-Disney blues" downplays the severity of this feeling? What else has helped you, outside of the usual suggestions?

Thanks!

Remember it always could be worse, I worked at Disney, and used to go almost every year when I was younger. The last time I went to disney was in 2016, with no plans on going anytime soon in the near future, cause my husband hates disney

 

[tetera]

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[Mle8308]

Odd though it sounds, what helps me is reminding myself that I'm just homesick and grieving the loss of my magical place. I set an amount of time to feel sad and then deliberately think about other things going on in my life once my time limit is up, not doing that late in the day. Especially not when trying to go to sleep.

YouTube videos by 4K WDW are wonderful, IMO. No talky-talky at all, only the natural sounds as the person filming walks around. They're filmed from an angle at about eye level. You really feel like you are there! There are parades, park visits and resort tours. You can "tour" resorts where you'd love to stay but know you could never afford without winning the lottery.

Because a dream is a wish your heart makes. So, plan those dream trips and come here to mope and whine when you most need to. You can be sure we'll understand. One of the saddest sights at WDW for me is the sign saying, "See Ya Real Soon," as we drive away. Because I know Mickey won't; we won't return soon at all.

Agree 110% on 4K WDW, I love the vidoes for the same reasons. No silly comments throughout the entire video (some useful talking is fine, but some vloggers are just too annoying after a while). And it does make you feel like you are there. I find them strangely relaxing.

 

[VicarJT]

As others have said, welcome to the madness! You have gotten some great suggestions. Another would be to get the Disney Visa card and use it to buy things you already buy - groceries, gas and the like. Pay it off each month as you would normally pay for those things, and earn points for Disney gift cards. It’s a fun way to save, and you get to look at Mickey each time you go food shopping.

Also, if you have a friend that you think you could travel with, consider a “girls trip” for a few days - even if they aren’t “Disney People. I live in New England and would have little trouble convincing a friend to save up with me for a winter break together in 2024 or so. Sunshine, beautiful parks, drinks with little umbrellas in them. Adulting at Disney is a blast!

 

[disneydreamer1980]

We “keep the magic alive” by doing a “Disney night” once a month. We pick a Disney (or universal) movie, decorate the dining room to the theme of the movie and have all the dinner food snd movie snacks themed to the movie (ie tea party for Alice in Wonderland, Hawaiian food for Moana, Greek for Hercules, etc). The kids (even my older ones) absolutely love and look forward to it and gives everyone a chance to focus on Disney and be in a “Disney atmosphere” for a night. It’s also a great way to get the kids familiar with all the old not as popular Disney movies. I also watch lots of you tube vids on the parks and listen to ride music while I clean sometimes. But nothing beats planning (even if just in your head) fit the next trip!

 

[DeeBee3]

I think all of us deal with this feeling at some point. Many have giving you good tips. Watching those YouTubers are fun and we like to do it as a family. You just have to find one you like - there are just so many!

I think it's natural to feel the "loss" of a magical trip. I always feel "away from the real world" at Disney even if I'm sweating and walking 15 miles a day. I just focus on the fun we are having and it's a great break from reality. At home it's easy to be overloaded with so much going on, in your work life, personal life, even just stuff in the news. I totally disconnect from that at Disney so it's really missed when you get back home.

I hope you find a happy place at home via some of the above suggestions. I watch Mr. Morrow a lot because he tends to giggle and just enjoy stuff like a child. He makes me laugh.