Hi there!
And welcome ❤️ However you found yourself to be here, I am grateful that you are!
My name is Dyan; Diane, with a Y – NOT Dylan 😉 I am a Gen-X, glass almost always full, heart on my sleeve, optimist. I am also an Auntie, a teacher, a photographer, a travel planner, and a dog momma. My passions are travel and Disney: put them together and I start to glitter (jk, mostly!). When I decide to travel somewhere, the first step is always research. And typically what I find is either an oversaturated Disney family blog/vlog market or 20somethings selfie-ing their way through a destination – usually in 15 second clips with daily “‘fit checks” that don’t give me super meaningful content. I do say this with respect, as I am acutely aware of what it feels like to put your voice into the world – these creators are successful because they have an audience who find value in what they share! But as a 50 year old woman, I don’t see a lot of me reflected in how I travel or what I feel my fellow Gen-X women need to see in order to make their own best travel decisions! So here we go!
First and foremost, you should know that I started this blog with the intent of a longer form. I am well aware that our collective attention spans have grown shorter and shorter… However, that’s not me. And although I will not be writing novels (that’s not me either), I wanted to have a space where I could elaborate and expand upon ideas, rather than squish them into 10 second Instagram videos or fleeting stories that disappear in 24 hours. This blog is for you if you are a travel voyeur who is curious to see the world through my eyes, a Disney fan (newbie to Mousejunkie!), or a (middle age, let’s own it!!) woman who travels solo or with friends. There will be nuggets of information for all, I hope, but let’s start there, shall we?
The list of things that bring me joy is long, but top of that list are my mini-goldendoodle Coco, my home, and my people. I am an introverted extrovert – one who can turn it on when needed, but really I love being home on my couch snuggling with my dog! I love the change of seasons – but a crisp, sunshiney, fall New England day is my favorite. I am enchanted by nature, but loathe bugs, pollen, and wind. I am fascinated by the night sky (and astrophotography!), but I love sleep more. I prefer sunsets to sunrise because, well… sleep. I am an unapologetic walking contradiction for a lot of things; it’s the Aquarian in me. My super powers include: speaking French, parallel parking, and making a great margarita!
By profession, I am a high school French teacher. I became an educator for the simplest of reasons – because I was meant to do it – it is in my nature to be of service and to help others. When I was in elementary school, I used to take books home over the summer to teach my dolls – it didn’t *quite* prepare me for the reality of teaching in the 21st century, but here we are, a veteran teacher of 21 years – surviving and mostly thriving, with a side eye glancing towards retirement. My main inspiration to teach came from learning a language myself and studying abroad in Paris – it’s there that my love of travel was ignited, and it led me to wanting to show kids that there is a world bigger than just the town in which they are growing up. If my students learn a little French while gaining an appreciation and having compassion for cultures and humans around the world, then I have succeeded.
Another thing you should know about me is that I love Disney. I don’t think I am the craziest fan, but my family (and Disney themed office) might encourage you to believe otherwise… I love the history, the creativity, the hidden Mickeys, and the magic of it all. I love the “Disney bubble” and it is one of my top five happy places. My circles all know that I am the friend to come to when planning a Disney trip, so I made it official in 2022 and became a travel advisor for Mousekeplanner, where I plan trips to all Disney properties, and beyond. It allows me to satisfy my inner “Dis-nerd”, while sharing tips on how to have a successful and stress free trip – be it in Florida, California, or Disneyland Paris. I sincerely want everyone to have an experience that will give them just a peek at why Disney brings me so much joy. That was my inspiration for starting this blog, so that I could share my knowledge, while also creating an outlet for all things that bring me happiness 🙂
I have had many chapters in this beautiful life so far – youth, college, TGIF flair wearing waitress and bottle flipping bartender, student travel consultant, French teacher (middle school and high school), runner / fundraiser / marathoner, Lefty and Lefty 2.0 (iykyk), photographer, traveler, home owner, and dog momma convert. I have learned a lot throughout and still have so much more to learn. When I turned 50 a few months ago, I knew that I could either bemoan getting “older” or I could embrace where the universe was steering me – guess which one I chose 🙃
Years ago, when I was freaked out that I was doing life all wrong and thought that it was solely about finding a partner and having children (both of which I have realized are not the sum total of a life well lived!) I read a quote that truly resonated with me:
“Your journey has molded you for the greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you’ve lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time.”
~ Asha Tyson
This blog marks a new chapter for me: one in which I recognize that I have something to offer the world – travel stories, Disney tips and guides, photography, joy, and more. I have faith that by putting myself out there, you will join me on this journey. I invite you to subscribe and to follow along – hopefully, I can make you smile, dream big about your own adventures, and provide some solid travel advice. But mostly, I would love for you to reflect on your own sources of joy and the positive impacts that you have on the world around YOU!
In the words of Peter Pan, “Here we gooooooo!”
Xo Dyan ✨
