Daily Times

A 21-year-old woman from Surrey has spent a whopping £15,000 on Disney memorabilia in just three years. Emily Simpson first fell in love with Disney as a toddler and spent her childhood watching the films including Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland.

Now, Emily’s bedroom at her parent’s home in Camberley, Surrey, is packed with over 5,000 items branded with her favourite Disney characters. Emily’s enormous collection includes clothing, handbags, bedding, crockery, stationary, jewellery and 1,000 cuddly toys.

The Disney-mad children’s play centre supervisor says, “My friends think I’m crazy for my Disney obsession but I can’t help it. I love everything about it. Nothing makes me happier than coming home every day and admiring my Disney-filled room.” Despite always having a passion for Disney, Emily only began collecting items in 2014 when she turned 18.

She says, “I’ve always loved everything Disney but the merchandise used to be quite difficult to find in the shops. That all started to change a few years ago and now, I find Disney themed clothes and accessories everywhere I go. Some high street shops like Primark even have their own Disney section. It’s great!”

Emily’s impressive collection boasts a Disney-themed pandora bracelet worth £1,000 and a £200 Disney polaroid camera.

Emily says, “I’ve worked full time since I finished school and I’m very good at saving for my Disney items. I’d say they’re worth every penny!”

Along with high street stores, Emily also searches the Internet for specific Disney pieces and receives Disney merchandise from family every Christmas and birthdays.

She says, “I’m very easy to buy for on special occasions. If I receive anything Disney themed I’m thrilled. For Christmas in 2015 my parents gave me a pug called Lilo named after a character in my favourite Disney film, Lilo and Stitch. I love dressing Lilo up in little Stitch costumes, she looks so cute.”

The Disney devotee also has large Disney themed tattoos covering her arm including a Beauty and the Beast rose and an image of the Disney castle costing £300.

Emily says, “I love my Disney tattoos and I can’t wait to get some more. I’d love to get Marie the cat from Aristocats next. Tattoos are a way of expressing yourself and I couldn’t think of anything more perfect to suit me.” This year Emily has visited Disney Land in Paris three times with her boyfriend, Jak Banks, 23, an assistant manager of a coffee shop. She says, “Jak isn’t bothered by my Disney addiction at all. He really enjoys coming to Disney Land with me. Every time I go, I always come back with more merchandise to add to my collection.

Published in Daily Times, July 30^th , 2017.