‘We go to Disney parks every year – we dread to work out how much we’ve spent’

A Disney-obsessed couple have spent thousands on toys and trips to the famous theme parks – and even got engaged on one of the scariest rides before taking their honeymoon there too.

Letitia Hamilton, 31, and husband Nick Hamilton, 29, both collect Disney memorabilia like backpacks, toys, games and costumes which can cost a bomb (as anyone who has travelled to the iconic parks knows). The couple, both from Strathaven, in Scotland, got together in 2016 and splash the cash visiting Disney parks around three times a year.

They got engaged on the Tower of Terror at Disneyland Paris and had their honeymoon in Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Luckily for the duo, as they both worked in East Kilbride’s Disney store they were allowed free entry into the parks as an employee perk – and they couldn’t have been more excited to use the benefit.

READ MORE: 'We sold our home to live next to Walt Disney World – now we go every single day'

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The husband and wife pair say they've lost count on how much cash they've spent on merchandise and trips to the parks – but they say it’s definitely in the thousands. But, they're happy with their spending as it's all about their passion.

Letitia and Nick never plan to calm down with their Disney spending – and are planning their biggest trip yet, to Disneyland in Tokyo. The Japanese park boasts rides and characters not available in Europe or the Unites States.

"The very first time I went was when Nick and I got together in 2016," said Letitia. "When I walked in, it felt like home. You walk through those gates and everything is just good. It doesn't feel like you're in the real world.

"I would dread to work out exactly how much money we have spent on Disney, but it definitely is quite a lot by this point. We went on our honeymoon to Florida last year and probably spent around £4k each just on that trip alone, but that was a very special occasion.

"A Paris trip might end up costing between £800 and £1k each but it could be done cheaper if you are on a budget. We also love to bring the passion home by collecting lots of artwork and merch from the parks to have around our house. For us it is worth it because we get the same buzz out of it every single time we go. I think Tokyo Disneyland will hopefully be next."

Despite being given the name 'Disney adults" – which refers to grown-ups who are obsessed with Disney – the couple insist that the parks are for everyone and say it’s no different than being a football fanatic. They say that the films, rides and shops are all part of making them feel like excited little children again.

"The parks are for everyone, it doesn’t matter what age you are because no matter what, you get to be a big kid when you get there," said Letitia. I get called a ‘Disney adult’ all the time by people taking the mickey out of us.

"It isn’t very nice, I wouldn’t make fun of people who devote their full life to football and revolve all their spare time around it. My love for Disney is the same thing but football obsessions are just more normalised. I think anyone should be free to enjoy whatever they want as long as it is in a healthy way and not hurting others."

But, they're not the only adults obsessed with all things Disney. Jessica Pruitt, 41, and husband, Wes, 54, from the United States, sold their house when their children left home and moved near to Walt Disney World in Florida. They say the theme parks are their 'church' and visit almost every day before or after work.

The Disney fan apparently became immersed in the "magic of it" after her first trip to the theme parks and the pair went twice a year from then on. However, they chose to move their entire lives closer to their favourite place on Earth so they could visit as much as possible.

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