Finding Joy and Connection: Disney, Motherhood, and Mental Health

I am a certified Disney adult. I am obsessed with Disney Theme Parks, and it's only fitting that my daughter and Disneyland share a birthday.

As a child, my family regularly went to amusement parks. As a military child who moved around all of the time, I would say visiting amusement parks was one of the few consistent aspects of life (or, at least, my memories of life) for me as a child. I didn't start visiting Disney Theme Parks until I was older, I would say around middle school. The first park I visited was Disneyland, and I remember loving it. In high school, we started visiting Disney World annually. At the time Orlando was my "Hollywood." It, seemingly, was where everything I was obsessed with originated: Nickelodeon, The Backstreet Boys, *N Sync...etc. So, I have very fond memories of being in that area and have always felt a connection when being there.

Cut to now, I am 41 and trying to visit whenever I can. Honestly, I'd love to move there but understand that it just isn't the time...yet. There are memes and TikTok videos suggesting that Disney World is therapy for us Millennials, and I believe it; I feel at peace when I am there, calm, regulated, and happy. There is something soothing about walking down Mainstreet and taking in all of the smells and sounds while seeing that beautiful castle.

For me, it goes beyond the Disney Theme Parks - I love Disney/Pixar movies. Any chance I get, I am playing a Disney playlist or, excitedly, talking about the newest movie release. At work, I am always playing a movie or a Pixar Shorts to engage the children and to help them reflect on the themes and lessons that are featured in the movies. The movies are made with children in mind, but adults easily gain so much by truly focusing on the themes and topics that are featured in these movies.

There are so many memories from my life as an young mom that are wrapped in Disney films. I can't listen to the Frozen 2 soundtrack without fighting back tears (usually unsuccessfully) because it reminds me of special days in our lives. Every Moana song is seared into my brain, because my daughter was OBSESSED. We are not going to even start with all of my childhood memories watching and loving Disney movies - we would be here forever. Fun fact: A Goofy Movie is, hands down, my favorite Disney movie ever.

All of this to say, I am fully embracing being a Disney Adult. A few years ago, I decided I would lean into all of the things that brought me joy. And, so my daughter and I have visited WDW more and I am hoping to use my online presence to talk about Disney, visit Disney more often, connect with other Disney adults, and learn more. I'm not yet sure exactly what that looks like, but no matter what it will be joyful and magical!