I have been a huge Disney fan ever since my first visit to Walt Disney World when I was 10 years old. My early collection started with my favorite characters, Figment and Mickey.

While in college, I thought about leaving my small town of Latrobe, PA (45 minutes east of Pittsburgh) and going to work for Disney. By the end of my senior year after one of many trips back to WDW, I was determined to do it.

I began my Disney career in 1999 and worked there for the next 7 years, learning much about the company and even more about the business behind the magic than you can imagine.

I would visit the park almost every day, amazed by the company and all it has to offer its Guests. I made up my mind then to visit the other parks around the world. I have stayed at over 15 different Disney resorts and have been to Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, Disneyland Paris, Disney Studios, and of course all the parks at Walt Disney World.

One of my favorite experiences is going on a Disney Cruise which I've done 6 times-and have plans for many more. My goal is to someday experience all of the Disney parks — I just need to get to Tokyo and Hong Kong. I've also been to many Disney events: TV tapings, premiers, grand openings of attractions, the Disney archives, Animation Studios, and even private events while parks were closed to the public.

Some of my most cherished collectibles are a Splash Mountain Brer Rabbit Attraction Sign, and an Animal Kingdom Tree of Life Big Fig (from my favorite park). The most unique item I own is a life-size wax statue of Walt Disney, which was once mentioned on The David Letterman Show. My garage looks like a Disney treasure chest and I've had to buy a storage shed to fit the rest of my collection-but I'm always looking for more!

I buy just about anything Disney I can find, as there is always someone looking for items besides myself. I have fun trading collectibles with other collectors or selling items so that I can bring people together with the items I get. It's a win-win situation when I buy items because the seller gets a fair price for their item, I get to keep items I like and the extras are traded or sold to other collectors to display and preserve for the future.  It makes me sad to see Disney items ignored. Even worse is when attraction signs and props thrown out with the trash — I want to rescue those items and help keep Disney history alive!

I love doing this and my passion for Disney will never end. I have met so many great people by doing this and wanted to take this chance to thank them as well. If you're looking to sell any Disney items, call me at 407-222-2650, email me at magic@disneyitemswanted.com, or follow the “Submit an Item” link above.