Little more than a decade ago, a newborn baby laughed for the first time. As is common with newborn laughs, a pixie was born. This particular pixie, however, sprouted a curious pair of black mouse ears on its head . . . or at least this is what I imagine happened when I visualize the impression this month’s Neurotic Disney Person made when she entered the world. Meet Katie V., Neurotic Disney Kid #49.
Katie’s fascination with Disney began at an age that few can boast. She was all of two years old when she became addicted to Bear in the Big Blue House, a popular preschooler show on the Disney Channel. Her obsession with the big, furry grizzly and other familiar Playhouse Disney superstars were Katie’s first connection (and, consequently, her springboard) into a Disney-esque childhood.
Her whimsical childhood has not been without trials though. Among the difficulties she’s endured is her family’s varied levels of interest in Disney. While Katie and her mom are absolutely fanatical about the Disney brand, her father, brother, and sister only show a mild interest in it. This is a disappointment to Katie who longs to see the enthusiasm she holds mirrored in her siblings and dad, but she continues to press on by constantly engaging them in Disney-centric conversation.
To keep her little lamp burning, Katie makes her own Disney magic at home. Alongside her mom, she has created a tribute to Disney where numerous memorabilia, collectables, and other keepsakes line the shelves of a cheerful bookcase. Affectionately dubbed as the “Mickey Shrine,” Katie pays homage by spending time looking at it on a daily basis. This helps keep her spirits high and her attitude positive, yet this is not the only way that Katie’s Disney sensibilities express themselves.
Katie collects Disney “plushies” and is the proud owner of various mouse ear beanies. As a sharp little homeschooler, she blogs for The Disney Driven Life as well as for DVC Mom. On a weekly basis she listens to the WDW Radio Show and Be Our Guest Podcast, but the highlight of her week is tuning into the live inner mouse vidcast on Tuesday nights. It was this very habit that led her to the honorable title she earned this month.
On a recent episode of inner mouse, the cast asked its listeners to submit their own creative Disney ghost stories to be read in an upcoming broadcast. Being the devout inner mouser that she is, Katie channeled her Disney spirit to concoct a heroic tale about a struggle between the Disney royals and the Disney villains and sent it in to the show.
A few entries were selected to be read on the air. Katie’s was among them. So as the audience listened intently, the words that she had carefully penned were shared across the sound waves.
After all the entries had been given their due attention, Team inner mouse asked its audience to participate in naming a winner by putting the submissions to a vote. Breathlessly, Katie awaited the results.
Within seconds the votes came rolling in. “Katie”, said one. “Katie,” said another. “Absolutely Katie,” yet another responded. Post after post popped up in the interactive chat room, naming Katie as the favored author with very few disputing that notion. After some time, the hosts of the show replied, “OK. We’re calling it. It is very apparent that Katie has the vast majority of votes, so she is the winner of our creative writing ghost story contest! Congratulations! The prize for your outstanding submission is the title of Neurotic Disney Person for the month of November!”
Katie’s excitement could not be contained as she furiously filled the chat room with posts like “Oh my!” and “I don’t believe it!” Others chimed in to congratulate Katie on her accomplishment. Everyone present that evening experienced something special as they shared a unique milestone in the life of this budding NDP.
Katie, you astound us with the extensive imagination that you have harnessed at such a young age. Your talent is something that will certainly lead you down a path of greatness like it did for people such as Walt Disney, himself. To say that you amaze us would not fully capture the high regard in which we hold you. Your future is very bright, and we know that their are big things in store for you down the road. In the meantime, we hope that you will be content with knowing that you are our Neurotic Disney Person for the month of November.
*The NDP of the Month will receive a free premium subscription to TouringPlans.com for comprehensive assistance in vacation planning . If you or someone you know does something noteworthy within the Disney fan community, we hope you will take time to nominate him or her by contacting NDM#1 (putting NDP of the Month in the subject line) for consideration.*
JeniLynn was born and raised in South Florida. Being so close to Walt Disney World, she grew up regularly visiting the Mouse and developed a fascination with the creativity of Disney Parks. Noticing that her happiest moments seemed to always take place in Walt Disney World, JeniLynn began trying to recreate the magic of Disney in her everyday life beginning in her pre-teen years. Adulthood, sixteen years of marriage, and three children later, JeniLynn continues to lead a Disney Driven Life and diligently works to pass her love for Disney on to her husband and children. She has blogged for Touring Plans and been a contributing writer for The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, and she currently co-hosts Orlando Attractions Magazine: The Show; however, her primary focus has always been with the community that has grown around her own site, The Disney Driven Life. Through these venues JeniLynn strives to help other Disney fans stay connected to the brand that has served as a keystone in her family’s life.
Congrats to Katie! As a Mom of a young DD-11, I would be so proud of her and her ambition to be creative.