Embarking on the enchanting journey to Disney World is an adventure that leaves our family brimming with unforgettable memories. Yet, amidst the magic and merriment, there’s a formidable foe that eagerly awaits our return – PDD, better known as Post Disney Depression.
Once upon a time, I would simply raise an eyebrow at those who claimed to suffer from this curious ailment. “Post Disney depression?” I’d muse, a hint of incredulity in my voice. It sounded almost whimsical, like something out of a fairy tale itself!
Little did I know, the jest was on me. As it turns out, the grip of Post Disney Depression is all too real, weaving its spell and casting a shadow in the wake of our enchanting escapades.
What is Post Disney Depression?
So what is Post Disney Depression?! Simply put it is that you miss Disney World, but I think that it is best described as that horrible feeling you get once you enter the Magical Express bus to head home from your resort.
Because that’s when it really begins. In fact, many people that I know have dubbed it the “tragical express” when you are on that solemn ride to the airport.
But it doesn’t end there at all! In the weeks, months and potentially years after you arrive home, the sinking (not so magical) feeling can last for some time.
Maybe because you just dropped all that money and had all that fun and now it’s time to go back to the daily grind.
Well, for whatever reason, I decided to write this article about Post Disney depression because it is something that we deal with every single time we get home from Disney.
What are the symptoms of Disney withdrawal?
When I start missing Disney after coming back home, it’s like going through stages in a story. At first, I really miss the fun and wish I could be back there, which is the “Enchanted Longing” stage. Then, I remember all the cool stuff and characters, and it feels good but also a little sad, like in the “Magical Nostalgia” part.
I notice that I’m not as creative as I was when I was in Disney – it’s like my imagination took a break, which is the “Imagination Lull.” When I talk to people, I can’t help bringing up Disney memories and stories, and that’s the “Joyful Recollection” part. But then, regular life feels kind of boring compared to Disney’s excitement, and that’s the “Everyday Monotony.”
I want to feel close to Disney again, so I watch movies, listen to music, and surround myself with Disney things, which is the “Character Cravings.” It’s a bit hard to get back into normal routines because I still want to hold on to the Disney magic, which is the “Reality Resistance.”
I also look for friends who understand how I feel about Disney, and we share our stories – that’s the “Social Sorcery” part. I keep thinking about when I can go to Disney next, and that’s the “Adventure Anticipation.” Even in my dreams, Disney comes up a lot, mixing with my regular thoughts in the “Dreamland Wanderings.”
Through all this, I realize I’m changing a bit. Remembering Disney stories makes me think about things in a new way, which is the “Temporary Transformation.” So, missing Disney is like going on a journey of feelings and thoughts, and it shows how much Disney means to me.
Top 5 Ways To Deal With Post-Disney Depression
1. Watching ResortTV1 Livestreams
Right out of the gate, this stands out to me as the best way that we found to overcome the post-Disney blues.
ResortTV1 streams live from one of the four parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom) every single Friday Night.
They also somehow get their hands on videos like the one below! Talk about bringing Disney magic home!
We actually talked about them as well as several other Disney Livestreamers in one of our recent articles. So make sure you check that out as well.
For example, Spokesmayne claims to go live every single day from one of the parks. If you are hardcore and really need your Disney fix every day, then he will help you get past that hump.
2. The DPark Radio App
I’m here to tell you, I recently found this wonderful music app called the DPark Radio App and I LOVE it! You can listen to music from the parks anywhere! You can download the app on your phone or you can go to dparkradio.com and listen online.
They also have live webcam’s on their website! Everything from Port Canaveral Florida where Disney Cruises depart to the Disney Springs balloon cam!
If this doesn’t at least help give you a little bit of a Disney fix, then nothing will.
3. Find A Disney Community
Since most people won’t understand what your problem is or why Post Disney depression is affecting you so much it’s very important to find people who do!
Personally, I have found some wonderful groups of people in online social communities. There are literally dozens of Disney Facebook groups, Instagrams and more out there, all you have to do is look around.
4. Make A Scrapbook Of Your Disney Trip
If it’s a rainy day back in New England after a Disney Trip, we have had to try to come up with plenty of inventive ways to get over post Disney depression.
Making a scrapbook of your Disney trip will help for sure.
If you’ve never scrapbooked before, then there really isn’t much to it and you can be as creative as you’d like.
5. Plan Your Next Disney Trip
I know, I know! You just got back!
The fact of the matter is if you have Post Disney depression and are anything like most of us who have dealt with it. Then you will be planning your next trip sooner or later and there’s no better time then when you are depressed about being back in the daily grind to get the ball rolling for your next trip!
Some things to think about as your planning.
- Should I take more family with us next time? (Grandparents, etc.)
- Do I want to try a new Disney Resort?
- Things you didn’t get to eat that you wanted to.
- Rides you didn’t get to ride that you wanted to.
- Should you join Disney Vacation Club?
Conclusion
I know it’s hard to deal with everyday life when you get home. It’s always been hard for us. After our last trip, my husband had the flu the day after we got home! Poor guy! Even though he was lucky to get the flu AFTER getting home. I can’t even imagine dealing with the post-Disney blues and having the flu at the same time!
So just remember our tips for dealing the post-Disney blues the next time you get them and it will make the world a whole lot more magical than it would be otherwise. I promise you.
One thing I should mention as a side note is that in my personal opinion, there is no better way to get past the post Disney blues than writing a blog on the topic and helping others with their Disney travel planning.
That’s what I did!
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