Tag Archives: Neurotic Disney Mom

Which Way To Wonderland?

I stare out the window of the minivan and watch as the I-4 signs indicate we are getting closer to Walt Disney World.  Normally, this is a trek that makes me really happy, but tonight it is quite the opposite.  “I’m a little bit nervous, and I sort of don’t want to go,” I confess to Jackie, my fellow NDM and escort for the evening.  “Why?  We are going to have so much fun,” Jackie assures me, “It’s a social media event.  That is what you are all about. There is no way that we aren’t going to have the best time ever!”  “It’s been so long, Jackie,” I lament. “I am really out of the loop since inner mouse went on hiatus and I started working.  Maybe I’m a ‘has been’ at this point.  I don’t even really know how I should handle myself at this thing.  I just feel incredibly awkward.”

Posted in Disney Company, Events, Lifestyle, Relationships, True Confessions of a Neurotic Disney Mom | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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FOR THE LOVE OF MICKEY

Photo Credit: Jeff Beckley

I can not imagine my world without Mickey Mouse. He has been a part of my life since the age of 3 when I first lay eyes on him while in Walt Disney World for the first time, and I am privileged to have been able to pass the love for this amazing pop culture icon down to my 2 little boys.

Mickey is a part of our every day lives in many ways. I must admit I have logged an awful lot of time on the telephone with Mr. Mouse. If my husband could take a look at my imaginary phone bill he would probably be alarmed that I might be being unfaithful to him with old Mickey! How many of you have said “If you don’t stop that right now, I am calling Mickey!” If you have never used this threat than you are a better Neurotic Disney Mom than I, because when my boys are getting a little out of hand I have been known to throw this statement out at them. If they don’t stop what ever naughtiness they are into at the mere mention of these words, then the phone gets picked up, some random numbers get punched, and I have a conversation with Mickey about how naughty children are not by any means allowed at his home. The conversation is always ended with “Yes Mickey, thank you, I will tell them what they have to do to redeem themselves.” My almost 5 year old looks so forward to his trips to Walt Disney World every summer, so whatever Mickey says, goes! If Mickey is not happy with his behavior then you better believe it is getting turned right around! At least for a couple minutes…

Posted in Children, Disney Company, Disney Driven Life, Lifestyle, Parents, Psychology, True Confessions of a Neurotic Disney Mom | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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PACKING DISNEY STYLE

Photo Credit: Molly Beckley

This Neurotic Disney Family is currently 10 days away from their much awaited vacation to Walt Disney World. The kids and I are completely brimming with excitement and yesterday the husband even quipped, “We’re 11 days away. I’m actually pretty excited.” Swoon! What music to a Neurotic Disney Mom’s ears! I have reached the end of my months of planning the annual journey to my homeland, and I am currently in the final stage. Packing. This is the 4th time I as an adult have packed for a weeklong vacation to Walt Disney World. The first time it was just me and my husband on our honeymoon. The last two times it was for my family of 4. The new addition of our little princess came in January so this is the first time I will be packing for a family of five, including three children under the age of 5, two of whom are still in diapers, and one on a baby food diet. This can be quite an overwhelming task unless you attack it with complete organization and the realization that you might not sleep much the night before you leave. This doesn’t bother me much as I know I can catch a nap while sitting in The Hall of Presidents. So here are a couple tricks of the trade I have picked up over the years that help packing go a bit smoother!

Posted in Advice, Children, Disney Driven Life, Home Photos, Lifestyle, Parents, Planning, Travel Tips, True Confessions of a Neurotic Disney Mom, Vacation | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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A 5-YEAR-OLD’S MUST-DOs

Photo Credit: Molly Beckley

My three previous trips to Walt Disney World as an adult have been planned completely by myself with the exception of my foodie husband usually picking out the places in which we will dine. For this year’s trip, I got the added bonus of my son being old enough to have a lot to say about what he wants to do in Walt Disney World this year!

Here is your Disney Dozen for the things my almost 5-year-old Neurotic Disney Kid, must do on his trip to Walt Disney World this year, in his own words.

Posted in Advice, Children, Disney Driven Life, Kids' Viewpoint, Lifestyle, Parents, Travel Tips, Vacation | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOTEL ROOM AS ORGANIZED AS THE REST OF YOUR VACATION PART 2

Photo Credit: Dennis Brown

Here is the second half of your Disney Dozen for how to keep your hotel room as organized as the rest of your vacation!

#7.  A place for shoes! If your family is like mine, they will saunter into the hotel room mid-afternoon ready for a nap and kick their shoes off to only Mickey knows where. Then, when we are ready to hit the parks in a couple of hours, no one will be able to find them, and they’ll probably blame it on their dear old NDM. Have a designated spot for shoes! For us it is the area underneath the vanity, but it can be anywhere that is convenient and out of the way for you!

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MY DISNEY HOME OFFICE

People that know me know I have shopped for Disney items to place in my home.  Of course I am a big Disney fan, but my love for Mickey Mouse is even bigger.  I wanted to take the time to show how I’ve decorated my home office to reflect my love for “The Mouse.”  I spend a great deal of time at my desk typing notes, making phone calls, or just getting ready for the next work day.  I love the fact I can just look around and see my “collections” that remind me of Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney World.

I enjoy Disney shopping for things I can specially use in my home office as well as work.  I have several Disney sticky pads, notebooks, and Kooky pens.

 

Copyright: E. Hughley

Posted in Collections, Interior Design, Shopping, Vinylmation | Also tagged , , ,
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HOW TO KEEP YOUR HOTEL ROOM AS ORGANIZED AS THE REST OF YOUR VACATION PART 1

 

Photo Credit: Jean Caldora

One of the most important things to remember while planning a Walt Disney World vacation with little ones, is that you must stay organized! If organization is not a priority to you then it is very easy for chaos to ensue and for everything to fall to pieces. If you are a NDM then being organized should come as second nature to you. You plan out your trip down to when you will use the bathroom. You create detailed packing lists and find great joy in checking off each item as it gets stowed away in your Walt Disney World luggage. Then you arrive at your resort, and unpack everything while your NDH takes the NDKs down to the pool. You put everything in it’s exact spot. Then your Neurotic Disney Family bursts back into the room and in 3 seconds flat everything is laying all over the floor. But have no fear! This does not need to happen! Here is the first half of your Disney Dozen for keeping your hotel room as organized, neat, and tidy as the rest of your trip!

Posted in Advice, Children, Disney Driven Life, Lifestyle, Organization and Plannning, Parents, Planning, Resorts, Travel Tips, Vacation | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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MY NEUROTIC DISNEY KID

 

Photo Credit: Molly Beckley

Not only am I am Neurotic Disney Mom, but I have a Neurotic Disney Kid. My son Jake is 4 years old. He will be 5 on August 29th. On August 5th he will be embarking on his 3rd trip to Walt Disney World. Last year we created a chain link count down complete with a plethora of Disney characters on the chains to count down our trip to WDW. Every day he would wake up, and promptly come jump on me, asking me to help him take down another piece of our chain. And then every hour on the hour he would ask “How many days again Mommy?”. This year we decided not to do a count down. What I really wanted to do was surprise him with our trip this year but since he has been going to WDW for the past 2 years every summer, he just kind of assumed we were going. Since he’s only 4 and doesn’t really have a concept of dates, I figure that I can still surprise him the morning of our trip.

Posted in Children, Disney Company, Disney Driven Life, Imagineering, Lifestyle, Parents, True Confessions of a Neurotic Disney Mom | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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DISNEY DRIVEN PARTIES

 

Photo Credit: Molly Beckley

I don’t know about you, but throwing parties for my children plays a big part in my Disney Driven Life. During the planning processes of these parties, my Neurotic Disney Mom tendencies come out big time. “What’s that you say? You don’t want a Disney related party theme this year. DS2? How dare you?!” I won’t get into the substance of the story of when my sweet little middle guy wanted a party with a character from the channel we do not name…

Posted in Children, Home Photos, Lifestyle | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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NDPS IN ACTION

Photo Credit: Casey Kolb, NDM 309

In this photo, one of our very own bloggers, Casey Kolb (NDM 309) shows her support for inner mouse by sporting an awesome t-shirt! The shirts are so cool, and they’re a great way to be a Neurotic Disney Person in action! If you’d like to buy one, click here!

Posted in Community, Lifestyle, NDP Community, NDPs in Action | Also tagged , , , , ,
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NDPS IN ACTION

In this adorable video, Sandy Chang’s (NDM 223) youngest children, Violet (age 2) and Carter (age 5) reenact a scene as Hannah and Sid from Toy Story.  As Sandy says, “We love all things Disney, and my kids incorporate Disney into their play on most days.”  These kids are definitely living the Disney Driven Life!

Do you have a photo or video of you or a fellow NDP leading a Disney Driven Life?  Send it to us at ddlposts@thedisneydrivenlife.com, and you could be featured in the NDPs in Action column!  Be sure to include your name and NDP number in the email, so we can give you proper credit!

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MAMAS DON’T LET YOUR BABIES GROW UP TO BE HANNAH MONTANA

Copyright: Disney

Those of you that have daughters may have noticed something – little girls are in quite a hurry to grow up. The very phrase “grown-up” or “big-girl” can motivate even the most stubborn little girl into action.  Once they’re potty trained and sleeping in their big girl bed, we stop wanting them to be bigger; but they keep on wanting to be more grown up.  It was when I volunteered to help out in my daughter’s first grade class that I noticed a problem. All the little six year old girls had lunch boxes, folders, pencils, t-shirts, etc. with characters on them.  You might be picturing Princesses, Fairies, Winnie the Pooh, Teddy Bears, and rainbows. That’s what I would have thought. Instead I saw Hannah Montana, Justin Beiber, iCarly, and, yes, Twilight. There is something very wrong with seeing a six year old wearing “I heart Vampires” on her chest. I don’t want to step on any toes, but are we letting these sweet little girls grow up a tad too fast?

Posted in Advice, Children, Lifestyle, Parents, Psychology | Also tagged , , , , , , , , ,
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DISNEY’S CARIBBEAN BEACH: PART 2 OF 3

You will recall in Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: Review Part 1, I gave a brief description of the Resort’s Custom House Lobby, “Nemo” theme, and room’s amenities. We had stayed at this resort in the past and had loved it for its themed rooms, exciting pool area and food selections. On this third stay at the Caribbean Beach, we checked in at the Lobby and were assigned to the Barbados area.

We used bell services for our luggage, then quickly found our room to be in order as we remembered it from year’s past. My son was delighted again to see that Nemo was still there in the room in various spots. It had been a year since our last stay at this Resort, and being older and wiser, he was able to spot the Hidden Mickey in the bedspread pattern. We unpacked all of our stuff and got comfortable for our five night stay.

Posted in Disney Reviews, Resorts | Also tagged , , , ,
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A MAGICAL KNOPPORTUNITY

Going to Walt Disney World isn’t just about riding the attractions. It’s also about seeing old friends and making new ones. It’s a place where friends meet everyday to share a magical journey.

On my most recent Disney family vacation we had the pleasure to spend our first day in the parks at the Magic Kingdom with JL Knopp, the creator and founder of the Neurotic Disney People, and her three amazing and beautiful children Margeaux, Miller, and Ellie. Although my son, Bret, and daughter, Haley, are much older than JL’s children, they all seemed to hit it off and had a great time touring the park. My wife, Michele, and JL also got along very well. It’s too bad JL’s husband, Joel, could not join us because he just started a new job and had to work.

Posted in Lifestyle, NDP Community, Relationships, Travel Reports | Also tagged , ,
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DISNEY ADDICT? COME SIT NEXT TO ME.

I was watching a film by a former Disney star, who has been fodder for tabloids lately, before going to bed last night.  She admitted to being obsessed with a classmate and said, “I spent 80% of my time talking about <a person> and the other 20% of the time hoping someone else brings her up.”

I realized that for the last few months, I have been not only hoping people will bring up Disney, but I prompt them, with what we call in special education, “non-verbal cues.”  Wearing Crocs into a preschool classroom is reasonable, but mine are black, and have Mickey heads for holes. I carry a wristlet, which I purchased on my last trip with much restraint in a sea of Dooney and Bourke bags, because it was more practical for everyday use, and I wanted to use it EVERYDAY.

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JL SPEAKS-FITTING IN THE DISNEY CROWD

Dear JL,

Hey there!  I just thought I’d write to you because you might understand my frame of mind right now.  Do you ever just want to give up completely on the Disney community thing?  I’ve tried to jump in at different forums and on twitter.  It is just so frustrating.  Then I see all the goings-on among people that have known each other forever on the Disney boards and twitter, and I think, “Why bother? I’m never going to fit in there.  They only RT things from friends or respond enthusiastically to the known people.  I’m never going to be able to compete with what’s already out there.”  I just want to give up.

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JL SPEAKS-RUDE GUESTS AT DISNEY

Dear JL,

I have just recently discovered your website after hearing you on WDW
Today.  I would like some advice from you if possible.

Let me start by saying that I’m a calm, stable man, and I don’t fly off the handle easily. In a word: Laid Back (well  that’s two words). I know that in a stressful situation calmer heads always prevail.

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A NDM IN HER NAKEDNESS

The idea of taking my trio of Mouse-centered kiddos to a Disney park as a single parent has me scared.  I have never attempted a magical expedition “child heavy” and husbandless.  My mommy senses warn me that this situation has the potential to be disastrous.

I am a Neurotic Disney Mom, and as such I tend to daydream while I walk through the fanciful streets of The Happiest Place on Earth.  What if I slip into my Disney coma and lose track of my most precious treasures?  What if while I’m looking to the left a monstrous Mousenapper snatches my little micelings from the right?  My mind races through an alarming number of possible scenarios.

Posted in Relationships, Travel Reports, True Confessions of a Neurotic Disney Mom | Also tagged , , , , ,
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THE PRINCESS AND THE BLOG

When I started teaching, I was 22 and I literally had to practice my “tough” faces in the mirror before school.  I’m now in my pre-40s and I don’t have to practice anymore.

In fact, over the last snowstorm, we passed some time playing with costumes, and when I put on my old Snow White costume, spoke in a very soft voice, and watched my own kids quickly fall into line as they tried to impress the princess. In fact, there is much discussion of expanding my wardrobe to include the princess who reads (Belle), the princess who is tough (Mulan) and the princess who swims (Ariel) although I’d have to work on that voice.

Posted in Fitness, NDP Community, Organization and Plannning, Relationships | Also tagged , , , , , , , , ,
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NEUROTIC DISNEY MOMS 201-300

Maria F. in FL  (NDM#201)
Nicola M. in Scotland (NDM#202)
Kaylene J. in MA (NDM#203)
Tammy K. in IN (NDM#204)
Marci W. in NY (NDM#205)
Tina P. in IL (NDM#206)
Holly H. in CO (NDM#207)
Liz J. in SC (NDM#208)
Melissa M.H. in OH (NDM#209)
Jessica C. in GA (NDM#210)
Brandi M. in GA (NDM#211)
Lori C. in WA DC (NDM#212)
Debbie R. in CT (NDM#213)
Mary Jo C. in TN (NDM#214)
Annette S. in UK (NDM#215)
Samantha M. in SC (NDM#216)
Kelly S. in VA (NDM#217)
Amy K. in PA (NDM#218)
Susan D. in IL (NDM#219)
Christina M. in CA (NDM#220)
Ashley C. in WV (NDM#221)
Lisa R. in PA (NDM#222)
Sandy C. in Canada (NDM#223)
Karen C. in MA (NDM#224)
Terri S. in NJ (NDM#225)
Beth M. in LA (NDM#226)
Tara P. in London (NDM#227)
Melinda W. in IL (NDM#228)
Jan D. in MI (NDM#229)
Angela F. in NC (NDM#230)
Joy J. in NJ (NDM#231)
Dawn B. in IL (NDM#232)
Michelle F. in MA (NDM#233)
Karen W. in VA (NDM#234)
Julie T. in OH (NDM#235)
Julie A. in TX (NDM#236)
Sherri J. in WV (NDM#237)
Lisa R. in PA (NDM#238)
Amy F. in OH (NDM#239)
Kelly B. in GA (NDM#240)
Jennifer S. in PA (NDM#241)
Amy C. in OK (NDM#242)
Kathleen F. in MA (NDM#243)
Erin W. in FL (NDM#244)
Michelle P. in TX (NDM#245)
Holly F. in FL (NDM#246)
Julie B. in NJ (NDM#247)
Deanna B. in Canada (NDM#248)
Jenn T. in NE (NDM#249)
Amanda N. in NY (NDM#250)
Angie P. in UK (NDM#251)
Kristen K. in IL (NDM#252)
Jamie H. in IL (NDM#253)
Paula W. in ME (NDM#254)
Chris A. in MO (NDM#255)
Elizabeth P. in OK (NDM#256)
Melissa M. in NY (NDM#257)
Liz M. in MA (NDM#258)
Scarlett L. in FL (NDM#259)
Jennifer H. in VA (NDM#260)
Jen P. in NY (NDM#261)
Kelly C. in LA (NDM#262)
Stephanie C. in KS (NDM#263)
Stephanie W. in SC (NDM#264)
Denise D. in FL (NDM#265)
Jennifer M. in MD (NDM#266)
Rachel P. in TX (NDM#267)
Natalie H. in TN (NDM#268)
Diane P. in MD (NDM#269)
Stacey C. in NC (NDM#270)
Lynnette J. in CA (NDM#271)
Heather N. in AZ (NDM#272)
Meredith G. in SC (NDM#273)
Rita C. in CT (NDM#274)
Janine P. in England (NDM#275)
Tracie C. in MI (NDM#276)
Michele S. in NJ (NDM#277)
Sharla T. in TX (NDM#278)
Lottie F. in MI (NDM#279)
Luciana A. in Rio De Janeiro (NDM#280)
Cody Racheal D. in TX (NDM#281)
Elle G. in NY (NDM#282)
Jen L. in IL (NDM#283)
Vanessa B. in AR (NDM#284)
Ashley F. in IL (NDM#285)
Lori A. in FL (NDM#286)
Karen M. in MA (NDM#287)
Lisa M. in TX (NDM#288)
Josette S. in MD (NDM#289)
Darlene N. in NY (NDM#290)
Denise G. in NY (NDM#291)
Michelle M. in IN (NDM#292)
Lisa Q. in PA (NDM#293)
April B. in FL (NDM#294)
Julie H. in VA (NDM#295)
Coleen B. in FL (NDM#296)
Rachel J. in TX (NDM#297)
Lisa B. in NJ (NDM#298)
Amanda G. in IN (NDM#299)
Chantal E. in FL (NDM#300)

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