It’s been 5 years since MouseMingle launched, on December 1, 2015.
As a single Disney fan myself, I want MouseMingle to be a place for people who love all things Disney, to find someone they can truly share their passion with – and not just their passion for Disney, but their passion for life. I want people to bring their own magic to their profile, and to their MouseMingle experience. I want MouseMingle to be a place where fans can find that special someone to share their lives with, along with all the fun that Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel brings to them.
In the past 5 years, I’ve gotten wonderful messages from people who have met their Mickey or Minnie, their Leia or Han, their Ellie or Carl, and their Peggy or Steve. I’ve teared-up looking at photos of couples who have met on MouseMingle, seeing how they are enjoying their lives while visiting Disney Parks, and just enjoying being with each other. I’ve had the honor and privilege of performing a wedding for one MouseMingle couple, and I’ve gotten incredible joy from seeing other MouseMingle couples’ photos and videos of the babies they’ve brought into their loving relationships.
On many occasions, as I review profiles and watch for the ‘Peg Leg Pete’ characters who try to cause trouble, I find myself choking up, seeing all the people from all over the world who have taken the time to create a profile – and to see those who have been on the site for a while, but keep coming back, looking for their Prince or Princess. It gives me hope that one day my own Princess will join the site and find my profile… or send me a wink back. That’s something I’ve learned from the many people who have made meaningful connections on MouseMingle – that it often just takes a wink to get things started.
I’m so sincerely thankful to all of you who are on the site, and who take the time to spread the word to other Disney fans. I’m sure you want the same thing I do… for people be happier in their lives, by helping them find someone who adds magic to their relationships.
Working on MouseMingle has been such an honor and an adventure. So was being a Disneyland Tour Guide. Both MouseMingle.com and Disneyland have been magical experiences for me, and have brought more meaning to my heart and my life than I can explain. For many people, music is one of those things that can bring meaning to their lives, and envelope you in a whole new world. It could be a single song that brings back old memories or helps you create new ones, or it could be music that immerses you in your surroundings (ahem, Disney Parks, ahem) – and when it comes to love and emotion, Disney music can be one of the most powerful soundtracks to your life.
In Southern California, there’s a well-known radio host (and program) that has been on the air for many, many years (and now the internet.) Karen Sharp is the sweet, loving voice of “Love Songs on the KOST” on KOST 103.5 FM, where she takes requests, shares caller’s memories, sends out messages of love, and even some marriage proposals. Over the years, Karen Sharp has been heard by hundreds-of-millions of people who treasure, crave, and love… love songs… and music meant to make people happy. And… Karen was also a Disneyland Tour Guide.
I was cruising facebook, and ran across a social post from Karen, asking people what they would quit their job to do… I’ve seen her questions before, but was never compelled to call in… but this time I had to call in and talk about leaving my safe, fancy job to start, and work on, MouseMingle – and just a couple of the delightful experiences I’ve had so far.
It was very nice to briefly chat with Karen, a Southern California legend, and help spread the word about the dating site for Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel fans.
I hope anyone who reads this will help MouseMingle continue to grow, and to help more people find their Mickey or Minnie, Leia or Han, Tiana or Naveen, or their Beauty or Beast.
Of the couples we know about who have gotten married after meeting on MouseMingle, most of them didn’t live close enough to each other to easily meet up for dinner or a movie without some planning. As is the way of online dating for some people… you never know where you’ll find your Mickey or Minnie. Which brings up an interested conundrum… how do you ‘date’ long distance?
Movie Phone Dates
For some, dinner and a movie is a good first (or second) date, as you get to talk over food, then enjoy a movie together (or vice-versa.) For others, a movie requires that you not talk, which means you don’t get to know each other through conversation. And when you’re just getting to know someone on MouseMingle, but they’re hours (or a plane ride) away, a “movie phone date” might be just the ticket! Assuming you’re both Disney+ subscribers, find a movie you’ve both seen, set a date, then call each other and sync up the time code (one of you deftly using the pause button) so you’re watching the movie at the same time. And, sitting at home, you can both talk over the movie (because you’ve both already seen it,) and you other moviegoers in the theater won’t be shushing you. It’s a fun and easy way to share a movie if you aren’t nearby – with the added benefit of getting to know someone new.
Video Call Dates
Google Duo is a video call mobile app (Android | Apple) that allows an iPhone user to do a video call with an Android user. Since Apple users can only use facetime with other Apple users, Google came up with a cross-platform tool that works for everyone… especially MouseMinglers. Once you get past the initial winks and messages, it’s time to make a phone call and get to know the person. But then what? If you’re too far apart in distance and can’t meet up on a whim after work, open Duo and call your Donald or Daisy and go grocery shopping ‘together’ or just run some errands. If one of you lives near a Disney Park, one of you might even share The Dapper Dans doing some barbershop singing, or watch a parade together. Yeah, you might need a portable battery pack if you’re going to spend several hours on a video call while in the Park, but it could be a lot of fun. Shucks, maybe you just find a bench and watch the sunset(s) together.
Favorite Disney Trivia
We’re all experts on at least one Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, or Marvel movie…or Disney music… or Disney character… or just Disney stuff in general. Write 10 of your own movie trivia questions – things you’ve noticed in the movie, or the words to the songs (that you know you sing loudly in the car,) or character traits you picked up on… even if you think the other person won’t know the answers… They’ll get to learn a lot more about your favorite movie, and they could become an expert themselves. You can do this over txt or email, and draw it out a bit, trading off each question. Then when you’re done, do the movie phone date where you both watch the movie on your own couch while you’ve got your earbuds in, and talking about all your favorite parts of the movie.
Collaborative photo album
Google Photos has a feature where you create an album, then give someone else access to put photos in the same album – and you get notified when the other person adds something. So, setup a shared album, then each of you add a photo every day of what you’re doing… or cooking… or the chores you’re doing… or things that inspire you… or screenshots of your favorite movies. Anything that sparks the same kind of fun and interaction you might have if you were together. This could give you the chance to see through the other person’s eyes. And, if it turns out you’ve found your Princess Leia or Han Solo, that album can be a photo story of your early dating.
When MouseMingle’s live stream starts, match your Disney+ screen to the time-code on the live stream and hit play. (If you join late, just fast-forward, and pause until the live stream time-code matches your time-code.)
In the chat window to the right of the live stream, share your favorite trivia about the movie; talk about your favorite scenes; point out hidden ‘easter eggs’, and chat with other fans in real-time!
When MouseMingle’s live stream starts, match your Disney+ screen to the time-code on the live stream and hit play. (If you join late, just fast-forward, and pause until the live stream time-code matches your time-code.)
In the chat window to the right of the live stream, share your favorite trivia about the movie; talk about your favorite scenes; point out hidden ‘easter eggs’, and chat with other fans in real-time!
Kristina and Joe were just meant to be… their paths wouldn’t have crossed if it wasn’t for MouseMingle. She, a Masters of Wine candidate and wine importer in New York; he, an actual Olympic Triathlete based out of Colorado; they connected through the site because a friend of Joe’s created a profile for him (his first and only online-dating experience), and Kristina was a lifelong Disney fan, so it made sense for her to join the site. Long distance Disney romances are simply magic.
Joe spent a lifetime working out, running, bicycling, and swimming, as triathletes do. He traveled the world going from one race to another, and he loved every minute of it. Sadly, before each of the three Olympic trials he trained for, he was hit with bad luck in the form of broken bones and other minor disasters which kept him from achieving his goal to compete in the Olympic Games. But he loved it and kept working at it. He was single much of the time as an athlete, as his schedule kept him extremely busy, and traveling around the globe. His love of Disney even extended to a nickname he got many years ago of “Tigger” because he always had so much energy.
Kristina spent many, many family trips at Walt Disney World, and especially at Fort Wilderness. She loved Disney since she was small, and has wonderful memories of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. She fell in love with wine and with teaching others about the many differences, and that gave her a career. But she always made time for Disney.
The first wink between the two was on December 2, 2015. The wink led to a message, and the message led to more messages, which eventually turned into a first date. The last first-date for both of them.
[su_pullquote align=”right”]”Hey, I saw him first!”[/su_pullquote]
After sending messages back and forth, and chatting on the phone, it turned out that Kristina and Joe were both going to be in Orlando for New Years, so they decided to meet up at Disney Springs, near Walt Disney World. Joe had a simple plan of going to see the new Star Wars: Force Awakens movie, but Kristina (rightfully) suggested that they go get dinner instead, to get to know each other better. They ended up choosing Morimoto’s, where Kristina showed her New York side and expertly ordered for them. In turn, Joe revealed he inner ‘Tigger’ and was as outgoing and friendly as always – and not just toward Kristina, but to a couple of senior ladies sitting near them who were trying to figure out a cocktail. As he chatted with them and they cheerfully chatted back, Kristina nicely intervened by saying “Hey, I saw him first!” Joe says that’s when he thought “She’s a keeper.”
They had a wonderful dinner and conversation, and decided to wander through Disney Springs while continuing to learn about each other. Joe knew Kristina was afraid of the water, but they somehow ended up at a dock and decided to take a boat to the Port Orleans Resort. He was his charming self, and tried to make Kristina feel safe while they cruised across the lake to the Riverside dock. They spent even more time talking and sharing stories, connecting, and feeling the magic. As they walked and talked, they found themselves at the French Quarter dock, waiting for the return boat to head back. It was there by the lake, a little before midnight on New Years, where they had their first kiss.
The first date was truly special, so a second date was planned soon after. Kristina had mentioned that she had been training to do a Disney Half Marathon, and Joe being an actual triathlete who ran a lot, suggested one of his favorite places to run in Florida… Clay Trail in Clermont, which features a nice view of the Magic Kingdom at the halfway point of the nine mile run. For Joe, nine miles was nothing… but it was still something for Kristina. But she held her own, and they had a great time together. So much so, that they planned yet another date.
Over the next year-and-a-half, Kristina and Joe spent a lot of time together. Their relationship grew and they were in love. During this time, Joe made a big life change and after more than 20 years as a professional athlete, he retired his Olympic plans and decided to move on to a new career as a flight attendant, as he loved all of his years of travel. At the same time, Kristina kicked-up her studying for the Master of Wine, and they began a life together. It was on August 20th, 2017, when they planned a trip to the Polynesian Resort where Joe proposed to Kristina.
Over the months, it was clear to each other that they were going to move forward in their relationship. They enjoyed their adventures in Florida, eating good food together and drinking great wine, and many road trips. And during that time, Kristina even pointed out some favorite rings on Etsy, which Joe made mental notes of, until he finally bought one as an engagement ring… which he showed to all of the women he worked with, to get their ‘professional’ opinions. He knew he had the right ring, and he knew the Polynesian Resort trip was the right date, but he was still nervous. Kristina isn’t a fan of having lots of lots of attention from random people at Disney, so Joe wanted to ask the big question somewhere more private. But, he also didn’t want her to cry and mess up her makeup before dinner… and he didn’t want to fumble and drop the ring somewhere in the dark. But his excuses – and time – were running out. As the weekend drew to a close, and they snuggled on a couch in the lobby of the Polynesian, enjoying their weekend together, Kristina gave Joe a card with their favorite Disney couple on it, Ellie and Carl. It was the perfect time for Joe to give Kristina something… so he took the ring box out of his pocket (which he’d been carrying around all weekend) and gave it to her. Joe says he honestly can’t even remember what he said, but Kristina burst into tears and said yes.
On February 4th, 2019 at Paradise Cove in Orlando, Florida, Kristina and Joe were married, to formally begin their happily ever after.
The beginning…
Check out more of their photos below.
Update: Kristina and Joe appeared on the Tamron Hall Show. Check out the video here…
I recently went to my Aunt’s annual Christmas party, that I’ve gone to for many years. This year, I got there a little late and most of the other party guests were already there, visiting and catching up, sharing stories from the past year, as most of these people are friends of my Aunt and Uncle and don’t usually see each other outside of this party. As I entered, I saw several of their friends gathered together where one friend, Daren, was telling a story. He saw me come in and immediately halted the discussion.
I’ve known Daren for 25+ years, as he’s a life-long friend of my Uncle. We’ve gotten together socially outside of the Christmas party, and he’s even helped a little with MouseMingle in the past, so he knows plenty about the site. He said he had to share this story with the group…
Daren told us that the previous week he had gone to his family’s annual Christmas party, and that evening, saw his autistic cousin around the house with a woman he didn’t know. He asked his aunt who the woman was, and she said it was his girlfriend. Daren had known his cousin for many years, and didn’t expect that his cousin would find someone, due to his disorder. He asked his aunt for more details, and she said they had met on a dating site for Disney fans. Daren’s ears instantly perked up, and he enthusiastically asked, “Was it MouseMingle.com?” His aunt said she didn’t know, so Daren urgently went through the house track down his cousin.
Sure enough, his cousin confirmed that they had met on MouseMingle. Daren told his cousin that he and I were friends, and the cousin excitedly asked, “So you know Dave Tavres?” Daren was initially surprised that his cousin knew my name, then found out that he had read about me launching the site.
Of course I love all things Disney, and I love people, and I love that people are making special connections through MouseMingle… but I don’t often hear about those connections… although I’d love to hear from more people. But, when people in my ‘close-outer circle’ end up having personal connections to the site – without being told, it’s pretty amazing to me. It made my night, and it once again reaffirmed that MouseMingle.com is a good thing that can help people with all kinds of backgrounds and experiences find their Mickey or Minnie. And, as we all know… “it’s a small world” after all.
Founder, MouseMingle
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It’s been 5 years since MouseMingle launched, on December 1, 2015.
In the past 5 years, I’ve gotten wonderful messages from people who have met their Mickey or Minnie, their Leia or Han, their Ellie or Carl, and their Peggy or Steve. I’ve teared-up looking at photos of couples who have met on MouseMingle, seeing how they are enjoying their lives while visiting Disney Parks, and just enjoying being with each other. I’ve had the honor and privilege of performing a wedding for one MouseMingle couple, and I’ve gotten incredible joy from seeing other MouseMingle couples’ photos and videos of the babies they’ve brought into their loving relationships.
Movie Phone Dates
Google Photos
I recently went to my Aunt’s annual Christmas party, that I’ve gone to for many years. This year, I got there a little late and most of the other party guests were already there, visiting and catching up, sharing stories from the past year, as most of these people are friends of my Aunt and Uncle and don’t usually see each other outside of this party. As I entered, I saw several of their friends gathered together where one friend, Daren, was telling a story. He saw me come in and immediately halted the discussion.
