Disney Haters

These days, I find myself in a situation that is quickly becoming more common than not – talking about the Mousetalgia podcast and my love for all things Disney. As many of you know, being a hardcore Disney fan is not as easy as it looks. For example, a couple of weeks ago, my boss discovered my love for Disneyland as I requested a couple of days off to head to down to Anaheim. In my request for vacation, my participation in Mousetalgia somehow slipped out and before I knew it, I found myself praying for the phone to ring, for the fax machine to go off, for even a small fire – just anything to happen that would put an end to the bombardment of questions and the bequizzled look on my bosses face. She just couldn’t understand how an adult could love Disneyland so much and I was foolish to think that she would just let it go. The very next day, she mentioned it again, and then again after that. And soon after that, she outed me to our other co-worker who proceeded to tell me how she hates Disneyland because that’s where grown men take children to barter away in an underground child-sex-slave ring. (And people think Disney fans are crazy – yikes.)

Like I said, being a Disney fan isn’t as easy as it looks.

Donning my “ears of honesty” I confess that I am often times selective about whom I share my Disney obsession with. I’ve found that people can be more than a little judgmental when it comes to the world of Disney-fandom and for those of you who are self proclaimed “Mouseologists” you know that an encounter with a non-Disney fan can quickly turn hostile. I know you know what I’m talking about – reactions ranging from anything from a raised eyebrow to a scoffing chuckle to an outright verbal slam of “Isn’t that for kids?” or my personal all-time favorite of, ” I hate Mickey Mouse” Whatever the content of the comment, constant negative remarks can start to wear on a fan after awhile. Hence, I’ve grown careful and often times a little bit quiet. But lately, I’ve become ashamed of my shame and really, just had enough of the Disney-haters in the world.

Why should I be ashamed that 90% of the artwork that adorns my walls is Disney related? Who cares that Mickey Mouse is on my measuring cups and Tinkerbell’s pixie print is sprinkled across my pajama bottoms? Yeah, I’ve got a ceramic Mr. Toad figurine on my desk and the Enchanted Tiki Room logo stamped on my coasters – so what? I’m not suggesting you wear your Mickey ears to work or tack your work name badge onto the end of your pin lanyard but what I am calling for is for fans worldwide to take a stand against the Disney-haters in this world. So down with the naysayer, the Mouse-basher and the joy-killer. Say it loud, say it proud – I LOVE MICKEY MOUSE!