I̢۪M IN THE PROCESS OF PLANNING MY FIFTH TRIP TO Disneyland this year, which would make it my thirtieth time, total. I went in January, May, July and August and I̢۪m trying to make a trip in time for the Halloween decorations, but if not, then definitely for the It̢۪s A Small World re-opening.

I̢۪m getting ahead of myself.

Hello, my name is Jessica and I̢۪m a Disneyland addict.

I spend a lot of time defending this second home to people who only see it as consumerism at its worse and a delusion for reality.

People think I̢۪m kidding when I talk about anything Disney in excited tones. I was raised as a Disney kid, though, and once I got a taste of the magic, I vowed never to grow up. It̢۪s my last grasp of imagination and wonder in a world that̢۪s vastly suit and tie.

You can be anyone at Disneyland. I usually go for princess, as I keep a crown in my car at all times for such purposes. I only wish the costumes were bigger because I would love to rock some Snow White gear.

A lot of what I am now links back to past experiences at Disneyland.

I began my obsession with pirates at age four when I met Captain Hook, who scared me at first with that giant hook oh his, but then put it behind his back and knelt down to shake my hand with his other.
Which means I beat the coolness factor by years, thanks to the recent success of the movie versions of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

I wrote a 10-page paper on the Haunted Mansion ride in the eighth grade. Ridiculous, I know, but it helped me develop a love for writing.

“Suburban Legendsâ€Â was a ska band that started playing at Downtown Disney seven years ago, which is where I was introduced to and fell in love with the genre. Ska was a catalyst that led me into big band and swing, which in turn spurned their own tangents.

The band also linked me to other fans that are now friends. Disney likes “Suburban Legendsâ€Â so much, they even played for Miley Cyrus’ birthday party that she had at Disneyland early this October.

Trust me, I fought the “High School Musicalâ€Â thing hard for a long time. Then, last year for my birthday, I was planning a trip to Disneyland and found that the High School Musical 2 premier was going to happen there the same day. Getting star-struck changed my mind.

Damn you, Zac Efron and your flowing hair.

Disneyland makes it snow in the winter. Puts details in every crevice to create an intimate atmosphere. Sets off fireworks to music. Cleans their bathrooms hourly. Plus, just try to keep a straight face during a parade. I dare you.

While this should have been the easiest thing to write, I̢۪ve never spent so many hours staring at blank words. I keep trying to go on rants about psychological or societal patterns to justify my obsession. Like how It̢۪s A Small World is currently closed because the average person is significantly heavier than in the ̢۪60s and the boats kept dragging and scraping the walls of the man-made canals.

No, it would sound like I̢۪m more making excuses than simply talking about it.

Which makes me realize, I don̢۪t need a reason. Disneyland just makes me happy. Plus, the churros are delicious.