When I was a kid I grew up in Florida. This meant I went to Disney World A LOT. When these moments in my life were happening, little did I know how strongly I’d cling to them in the many years to come.

Going through an emotionally abusive situation with my father always wore me out so I immediately turned to Disney. Watching movies, playing with stuffed animals, playing dress up, and so much more kept me safe within my own haven.

My favorite movie has always been “The Little Mermaid.” The idea that this girl had a dream, and that no matter the troubles she went through, she ultimately accomplished it. Also, she was a mermaid so that made me love Ariel a million times more.

Sometimes people say that Disney is just for children, and I agree. I am still a child. At some level, aren’t we all still children? I still get butterflies when Pinocchio turns into a real boy and when the glass slipper fits on Cinderella’s tiny foot. Disney is certainly for everyone!

Sometimes when I was in a particularly rough spot, I would just sing Disney music until I lost my voice. I would drown out anything that was bothering me with words of flying a kite or whistling while I worked! My coping mechanism quickly became an everyday habit, and now I can’t make it more than an hour without humming a Disney tune.

Disney saved me when I needed it most, and it continues to amaze me more and more each day when my love for it grows. I’ll never stop loving Disney, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop being a kid, it’s simply too much fun!