Life shouldn't always be taken seriously.

I mean it.

Like when's the last time you danced in the middle of the store when your song came on? Or tickled someone just because it's fun? Or decided to take a 3-hour road trip because a Harry Potter Shop opened close enough for you to visit?

The Magic of Being Your Authentic Self

There's something beautifully liberating about giving yourself permission to experience childlike wonder at any age. Society has these unwritten rules about "growing up" and "acting your age," but honestly? The best people I know are the ones who've held onto that spark of magic and imagination throughout adulthood.

Here's my truth: I'm in my late 30s, and I am unapologetically, wholeheartedly in love with Disney. And Harry Potter. And How to Train Your Dragon. And pretty much anything that transports me to worlds where dragons soar and magic is real.

Disney Adult? Proud of it.

With Epic Universe opening this year down in Orlando, I thought I'd talk about the fandom forecast: Disney with a chance of Harry Potter and the Isle of Berk! (Yes, I just made a weather pun about theme parks, and no, I'm not sorry.)

The Authentic Fandom Journey

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a massive Disney fan. Way back in the day, I used to post my fandom stuff all over my IG. (Gosh, I miss the good ole days!) That was the whole point of having a page to talk books, travel, and Disney, with a little Brittney's inspiration in nature sprinkled in.

Living in the Midwest, where half the year it's snowing and disgustingly grey, makes it challenging. (I suffer from intense seasonal depression—I'm just a plant who needs sunshine, water, and fresh air, which feels impossible for 2/3 of my year.) I've often felt pressure to keep up with the newest land or theme park news and trip discounts like some of my favorite content creators and fellow travel advisors down in Orlando.

Yet that Midwest perspective is actually what's made me unique. I wear something Disney every single day—whether it's a Disneybound outfit, a piece of Disney jewelry, or a light look related to a fandom. Books and immersive worlds do something for me that little else in life does.

The Comparison Trap: Creating in the Disney Space

Still, I fell into that trap so many of us do—feeling like I needed more stuff and to see more things in order to keep up with other Disney peeps. All of that "keeping up with the Joneses" does two harmful things: it drains your bank account, and it leaves you utterly exhausted.

Truth is, I'm not a "loads of stuff" or even "new stuff" kind of girl. I'm a thrifted, "I like it as I see it" person who isn't trendy and is actually kind of simple. Like, simple simple. I'm not trying to be the funniest or quirkiest creator. I'm not doing massive Disney hauls every month. I'm just... Brittney. A good person who likes these magical things and enjoys them when she can. Kind of an introvert, but super friendly, loyal, and kind—like the Hufflepuff I am.

When the Magic Faded: Total Burnout

So what happened? I kind of... quit.

I stopped posting my fandom things, my family things, and fell into posting more about just my travel business. I tumbled into a creativity-crushing rut. It's incredibly hard to be consistent when you don't have anything to say or when real life gets in the way.

Honestly, though, defeat was a big part of this juncture in my journey. I'm a perfectionist, and I just didn't have anything to say when my creativity got squashed by thoughts like: "I'm too old" and "I'm not as cool as this 20-something who's going to all these Disney events and seems to be in the parks every single day when I'm not."

When I'm at Disney, I'm the mom running around, having fun with her kid, riding attractions and enjoying delicious Disney food—not someone carrying different outfits or staging the perfect Instagram shot. My husband? Definitely not a professional photographer. He's a lovable squirrel who lives in the moment. He's about PLAYING in the moment, NOT taking the perfect photo or video for my social media.

The Fandom Forecast: Sunny Days Ahead

The other day I was having a little journaling moment when I realized that honestly, all of my loves go together perfectly. I read mostly fantasy and immersive fictional stories that transport me to places and situations very different from my everyday reality—and these stories keep me going.

When I vacation, I love going to theme parks or new destinations because it's about that physical transportation to someplace magical. It's getting to experience an art, a culture, or a world that I wouldn't normally be privy to—exactly like in my beloved Disney stories.

That's why I fell into travel and became a Travel Advisor for Disney and beyond in the first place! I get to sell Disney vacations and whimsical destinations to people seeking the same kind of escapism-based vacations that I cherish. I might not live in the Disney bubble all the time (it's far and expensive), but we do go to Disneyland or Disney World or on a Disney Cruise every year—most years, a combination!

In 2023, we went to Disneyland TWICE and STILL went to Disney World. In 2024, we visited Disneyland and sailed on a Disney Cruise on the Magic, and now we're getting ready to embark on our next Disney adventure. I just LOVE IT!

Disney at "My Age"? Absolutely!

I keep going back and forth on the Disney front. Is this something I truly want to do? I have fears:
What if I can't attract non-Disney lovers to my travel business?
I don't go to Disney ALL the time
I don't have annual passes
I don't want a closet bursting with Disney attire or a house overflowing with merchandise
These are all things that society has told me define a "real" Disney adult or someone who does cosplays and Disneybounds. But honestly? It doesn't have to look that way at all. Through all my transitions over the years, I always circle back to the escapism that all of this brings me.
Then there's the age question. Tell me, what is it that someone "my age" should be doing? People always have something or someone to talk about. It's annoying and cruel, and I honestly don't understand it. Still, it's something that plagues me regularly—how I will be judged and perceived.
I don't have professional lighting equipment. I don't have the picture-perfect house to feature in posts. I don't even have a fancy digital camera—just my phone, my snap camera for vintage photos I love, and limited time. But you know what? Here we are.

So What's the Fandom Forecast, Really?

Sunny with a high likelihood of resurgence.

Disney is part of me. These books, quotes, and stories help me feel alive each time I consume them. The original Harry Potter world and the many realms and stories I read leave quotes written on my soul. They aren't just things I like—they're part of who I am.

In a world of endless adult responsibilities and choices, I choose to do what brings me joy. So for those who have asked—yes, my bookish Disney-lite content is coming back with a little "I'm getting older and that's beautiful too" flair. Because why not?

In a world full of pain and seriousness, always choose joy. Always choose magic. Always choose to be authentically, wonderfully you—whether you're 5, 35, or 95.

And if that means being a Disney-loving adult who sometimes wears Mickey ears to the grocery store? Own it.

After all, that Disney magic led me to find my dream career as a Travel Advisor specializing in magical destinations. Now I get to help others create memories that will last a lifetime, all because I embraced my inner child and followed my passion.

Walt Disney himself said it best: "That's the real trouble with the world. Too many people grow up."

So here's to staying young at heart, embracing our fandoms at any age, and creating a life filled with pixie dust—even when society tells us we should have outgrown it by now.

XOXO, Brittney

Are you looking to plan your own magical Disney vacation? As a specialized Disney Travel Advisor, I can help you create the perfect escape to Disney parks, resorts, or cruises. Contact me today to start planning your next adventure!