I Have an Unhealthy Obsession with Disney

One of the things that I love about living in the U.S., and especially in Reno, is how accessible Disney is. It’s only a two-hour flight or a six-hour drive, so I could literally go every day.

When I was little, I didn’t even think about going to Disney. I was just a little kid from a small city in Peru, living day by day. But when I first came here with a work and travel visa, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. GO. TO. DISNEY.

I always loved my grandma’s pictures from Disney, and I was so amazed by all the things you could do there.

The first time I went to Disney was amazing. I was eating my lunch and told one of my friends that I was going to DW (Disney World), and she responded with, “Oh my god, me too!” Turns out we were both going on the same day.

This was back in 2021, and we still talk to this day. I was going with my sister, and she was going with her mom, and we just ended up bonding over rides and turkey legs.

That day, I finally understood what a roller coaster was, and I just knew I wanted to do it again, and again, and again. Since then, I’ve been to Disney probably more than 10 times, and I always try to bring people I love with me.

The first time I got on a roller coaster, my heart was pounding. My brain was telling me not to do it, but I really wanted to. In the end, it became one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life.

I not only love Disney but also Universal. Also, on some occasions, I have said that Universal can even be better than Disney. The Harry Potter rides, like "Hagrid's motorcycle ride” or some of the rides in the new Epic Universe, can get to be that… EPIC. Both these parks bring something to me that I never thought I needed. They make me happy in a way I can’t comprehend. I have always liked Disney movies, but going to any of the Disney Parks just heals my inner child. 

Seeing the shows, the games, my childhood memories just come to life, and it is something I never thought I could have, but I’m glad I do. 

Danna Iguchi is an international student from Peru studying at at Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, Nevada.