But I am far from crazy. The Disney community just doesn't compare to anything else out there. Something about being a true Disney fan makes people great. You feel an immediate connection to them. Even after only talking for a few minutes, you feel like you've known them your whole life.
I have been listening to a wonderful Disney podcast for almost a year and a half now. It's called the Be Our Guest Podcast. The hosts are Mike, Debbie, Rikki and Pam. After listening to the first show I came across, I KNEW I had to listen to the rest of the podcasts. I also KNEW that I had to connect myself to this community and meet these people in person.
I started calling in to the live shows, checking out the forums and chatting with everyone on Facebook and Twitter. These people have shown me such love and support over the past year. It's amazing. These aren't just friends. Their family.
I was able to meet my first round of BOGP listeners in February when I went down for the Princess Half Marathon. Yes, I went down "solo" to run the race, but I also had so many wonderful listeners to meet up with!
We had a small meet at Cap't Cook's quick service restaurant at the Polynesian. It was a decent turn out, even with the busy race weekend! We had about 10 people show up. I am so thankful for those who took time out of their trip to meet me and other listeners of the show. :)
I also had the privileged of meeting more during the 5k race. Some of those, I actually got to start the Princess Half Marathon with! This was just the beginning of meeting the rest of my 'family'. :)
In May, myself and the lovely Theresa put together a meet-up in Indianapolis, Indiana. This was an even more incredibly turn out! We had almost 20 people! And the most wonderful thing of all was that we raised $250 for Give Kids the World Village. Just goes to show you how supportive and amazing these folks really are.
In July, I took a road-trip by myself to meet several more listeners and, of course, Mike Ralhmann himself! The guy who really has changed my life. I drove all the way out to St. Louis, Missouri for a fun weekend at the St. Louis Zoo, dinner and a performance of Mary Poppins at the Muny. I had an absolute blast! I am so glad this trip was possible for me. I will never forget this weekend! Many more friendships were made. Plus, I was able to see a few more familiar faces. We raised more money for Give Kids the World. Again, amazing community.
Even on my Walt Disney World vacation in August, I met up with yet even more BOGP listeners. Also getting to see some that I've already met in February. They made my trip so memorable! I can't thank them enough for their company and friendship.
I'm not crazy. Everyone else who is a part of these podcast families gets it. I can't explain it. You just have to experience it for yourself. :)
I absolutely cannot wait until October! Yet again, I will be meeting even more listeners of the show. This time, I will have met all of the hosts of the Be Our Guest Podcast. Finally! I actually didn't think I would even meet any of them for several more years. This year has obviously been incredible and I am so forever humbled and grateful to be a part of this amazing, wonderful family.
<3
