StLDisFan
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2014
- Messages
- 189
Occasional looker on the boards, but first time poster!
I don't know if this is as much a general message/post to the boards as it is to Pete and the Dis Team directly, but I came here today to say, Thank You. Growing up I went to both WDW (a few times) and DLR with the family, had a large collection of Disney movies in those classic VHS cases and watched the Disney Channel every day. Needless to say I was a pretty big fan of The Mouse when I was growing up. But eventually, as I got older, I grew out of my belief in 'the magic'; but it wasn't until after college and a few 'struggles' I had in my daily life that I began searching for that youthful happiness I so dearly missed and it was quickly found right where I left it... with Disney.
I searched through YouTube clips, blogs and various websites, anything to get that Disney fix. I planned out future trips and constantly thought about those one day... dreams. A few years back, I was finally able to make my dreams come true as I made my first (solo) trip back to WDW. It was fantastic and emotional and awkward and wonderful and just about every emotion I am capable of. But it was because of a few websites, blogs and forums (yours especially, Pete) that I received just enough courage to click that purchase button and make that trip in the first place. This was such a big deal for me, because my trip back in 2012 meant admitting to falling in love all over again with Disney.
What came next then may confuse you because unfortunately it has been a love affair that I have continued to try fighting ever since. You know that example of the sports jock who really just wanted to be a ballet dancer but was too afraid to do it because he didn't want to be judged? Okay terrible example, but I often feel like that when it comes to Disney. My family and friends don't have a clue about this side of who I am and I think it would be quite a shock and met with much disbelief and ridicule since this is a side they could probably never imagine me having. My hope is that one day I can be as open with them about this as I am with you all and to have the courage to face whatever their thoughts and feelings may be with a defiant pride that comes with being a true Disney fan.
However, earlier this week, Pete and the rest of the Dis Team helped me to realize something that I am finally able to fully accept and embrace... I AM A DISNEY FAN IN LOVE WITH ALL THINGS DISNEY and more importantly THAT'S OKAY! It finally sank in this week that people, especially guys my age and older (just by a few years, Pete =P ), are life-long Disney fans and they aren't ashamed of it! This was a fact that I tried so hard to ignore or to accept because it meant that I would then be open to the judgment of others. But the fact that there has been over 8 years of podcasts, several more years with the DisBoards, numerous members added and countless lives changed for the better was inspiration enough for me to finally admit that this is a part of who I am and who I like being and that I am most certainly not alone in this passion.
I am a Disney fan. I love the parks, the movies, and every Disney detail in between. I simply no longer wanted to hide who I am or feel ashamed of this large part of my life and I owe a huge amount of debt and gratitude and thanks to Pete and the Dis Team/Board. Thank you for making all of this happen and for contributing to the inspiration and the encouragement and the love and support that you have unknowingly shown me these past few years. Thank you for helping me find the courage to embrace this side of who I am. Thank you for all of the news, insights, rants, laughs, tears and all-around joy that you have given me. I am no longer ashamed to say that I believe in the Disney magic, and you and the rest of the Dis Team have played a large role in that. For all that you guys do, Thank you!
- Brian
I don't know if this is as much a general message/post to the boards as it is to Pete and the Dis Team directly, but I came here today to say, Thank You. Growing up I went to both WDW (a few times) and DLR with the family, had a large collection of Disney movies in those classic VHS cases and watched the Disney Channel every day. Needless to say I was a pretty big fan of The Mouse when I was growing up. But eventually, as I got older, I grew out of my belief in 'the magic'; but it wasn't until after college and a few 'struggles' I had in my daily life that I began searching for that youthful happiness I so dearly missed and it was quickly found right where I left it... with Disney.
I searched through YouTube clips, blogs and various websites, anything to get that Disney fix. I planned out future trips and constantly thought about those one day... dreams. A few years back, I was finally able to make my dreams come true as I made my first (solo) trip back to WDW. It was fantastic and emotional and awkward and wonderful and just about every emotion I am capable of. But it was because of a few websites, blogs and forums (yours especially, Pete) that I received just enough courage to click that purchase button and make that trip in the first place. This was such a big deal for me, because my trip back in 2012 meant admitting to falling in love all over again with Disney.
What came next then may confuse you because unfortunately it has been a love affair that I have continued to try fighting ever since. You know that example of the sports jock who really just wanted to be a ballet dancer but was too afraid to do it because he didn't want to be judged? Okay terrible example, but I often feel like that when it comes to Disney. My family and friends don't have a clue about this side of who I am and I think it would be quite a shock and met with much disbelief and ridicule since this is a side they could probably never imagine me having. My hope is that one day I can be as open with them about this as I am with you all and to have the courage to face whatever their thoughts and feelings may be with a defiant pride that comes with being a true Disney fan.
However, earlier this week, Pete and the rest of the Dis Team helped me to realize something that I am finally able to fully accept and embrace... I AM A DISNEY FAN IN LOVE WITH ALL THINGS DISNEY and more importantly THAT'S OKAY! It finally sank in this week that people, especially guys my age and older (just by a few years, Pete =P ), are life-long Disney fans and they aren't ashamed of it! This was a fact that I tried so hard to ignore or to accept because it meant that I would then be open to the judgment of others. But the fact that there has been over 8 years of podcasts, several more years with the DisBoards, numerous members added and countless lives changed for the better was inspiration enough for me to finally admit that this is a part of who I am and who I like being and that I am most certainly not alone in this passion.
I am a Disney fan. I love the parks, the movies, and every Disney detail in between. I simply no longer wanted to hide who I am or feel ashamed of this large part of my life and I owe a huge amount of debt and gratitude and thanks to Pete and the Dis Team/Board. Thank you for making all of this happen and for contributing to the inspiration and the encouragement and the love and support that you have unknowingly shown me these past few years. Thank you for helping me find the courage to embrace this side of who I am. Thank you for all of the news, insights, rants, laughs, tears and all-around joy that you have given me. I am no longer ashamed to say that I believe in the Disney magic, and you and the rest of the Dis Team have played a large role in that. For all that you guys do, Thank you!
- Brian
to the boards! Great post!! I look forward to seeing you hiding out here more often. 
