Nick's Birthday Trip to Disneyland

[@ThatTracksPodcast]

So sorry about the video/audio issues with this one! It appears that after minute 27, the video cannot keep up with the audio. This is why I (Nick) leave the editing and tech to Tim. Haha! I appreciate you all! Thank you so much for the birthday wishes and the kind words.

[@kathymitchell273]

Nick- you are literally like a breath of fresh air on social media, where clearly so much of what is seen is "not real." Thanks.

[@halz1114]

I just went to Disney World and had to go to the hospital the moment we got to The Boardwalk due to multiple factors, anxiety included. I found myself apologizing the entire time because I felt bad they had to “deal” with me. Everyone was so so supportive and got me the help I need. The Boardwalk staff and a woman that has kept in touch with my husband checking on me were incredible. Thank you for being vulnerable and helping others like me know they are not alone! ❤❤❤

[@kimh659]

Thank you for talking about this. Anxiety is so hard, it’s embarrassing. I feel so awful about it. You make it less scary when others share.

[@kristymcgurrin10822]

Thank you Nick for talking about your anxiety. My husband has bad anxiety and listening to you talk about it helps. Keep being you.

[@TeamRay0421]

I've always had anxiety when traveling far from home. I'm also a widow and have separation anxiety from my late husband, especially when traveling. You're not alone Nick. Thank you for using your platform to encourage others who may struggle to express it.

[@torisalefski1547]

Thank you so much Nick for sharing about your mental health. As someone who also struggles with anxiety with crowds and just being overstimulated I thank you for sharing. As a teacher I thank you so much for sharing your story for all the kiddos to hear it's okay not being 100% okay. ♥

[@mdwfmom]

Proud of you for such a vulnerable share that helps us all normalize mental health management.

[@xdanniex92x]

Lamplight Lounge burgers are UNMATCHED. they are so so good.

[@hollymorano5279]

Happy Birthday, Nick!! 🎉🎂 So sorry about your anxiety on this trip. Thank you for sharing with us. I know that’s not easy. It’s much appreciated and so are you. Thank you for all you do and share with us. You are the best!! 😊

[@rachelreynolds0430]

Thanks Nick . You help many of us feel more seen and understood

[@caitscozycorner]

Thank you for sharing this because it really does make someone feel less alone when they do have a panic attack in the parks. Last summer it was scorching hot, I'd only had coffee for breakfast, little water, and the crowds were fierce. It caught up to me on our first ride of the day (haunted mansion) when the CMs had us get as close as humanly possible to each other in the stretching room - it hit immediately and the entire ride I felt like I was going to pass out. I was embarrassed and felt like I was ruining the family vacation - but once I came down from it and realized I wasn't, it was so nice to find quiet, cool places to sit and decompress while my family went on some rides. After a few hours, some water and lunch, and time to come down from the panic attack, I was able to have a better rest of the day. Anxiety is hard, pal. Great job making it through.

[@keliclarke7992]

Nick, you are incredible! Thank you for making us all feel normal in our feelings!!!

[@JessiCrisp]

As someone who’s had a panic attack at Disneyland before my heart plummeted hearing you talk about. Very very real experience and so sorry you went through that. Sending hugs and calming vibes 🤗

[@deemarquez5340]

Nick thank you so much for being so real. Anxiety is no joke. A panic attack is tough & being vulnerable is 😢. I completely understand. You’re sharing makes us who have anxiety feel inclusive to these normal mental health situations. Mine comes and goes with what you said exhaustion pushing yourself with caffeine and then a headache is like a snowball to the episode. Thank you for helping with guilt and feeling loved & seen!

[@juliajones2283]

Thank you for being so open and honest about yourself and panic attacks and anxiety. I know lots of people just don’t understand at all. Belated Happy birthday Nick. 🎂🎉

[@LISAZUIDEMA]

As an adult who got diagnosed with autism a year ago and struggles with panic and anxiety attacks, I appreciate you talking about the safe places, how helpful the cast members were to you. It's such an important thing to talk about. I have 3 safe places at each park and the Springs. It's nice to know we're not alone.

[@PoodleandTheCoodles]

Thank you so much for being so open again, as I’ve said to you before, you help way more people than you even realise every time you speak about these things. Much love to you! ❤

[@CJ-hh3gx]

Thanks you for being secure enough in yourself to share your struggles with us. I appreciate you and people like you willing to normalize talking about how they are feeling in the day to day. It was not something prized by family growing up so it helps me everyday to feel more comfortable as I learn to open up.

[@shereewordell2433]

So encouraging for me to realize I’m not alone with all my anxiety attacks, thanks a lot for your video!

[@chitchatpaddiwack5638]

Thank you so much for sharing, Nick. I’m 62, Disneyland veteran, and I still get panic attacks. This will be calming for others who suffer from them like we do. You’re a love bug.

[@paigejohnson7644]

Thank you for sharing your story. Nick. As the person that has severe anxiety and is medicated for it, I appreciate hearing a story like this. It makes me feel like I'm not alone. I battled with anxiety attacks for years before I finally had a really serious panic attack while driving home from Florida and the next day I ended up in the hospital. Getting medicated for that really helped a lot. And it helped me see that these issues were serious and I wasn't just overreacting. So I'm so glad that you're able to be so honest and share your experience because vacations are supposed to be happy and relaxing and for me it does cause me to have panic attacks especially in big groups of people. That's not going to stop me from going on vacation, but it's good to know that other people feel the same way.

[@annamarie83]

Had my first panic attack at 17, 40 now and still fighting the good fight. I appreciate you being so honest, it’s brave and allows us to realise we are not alone. Thanks for being a great host Nick, you and Tim are a fantastic duo 😊

[@danaserra3986]

I appreciate the honesty and can absolutely relate. Spent Valentines at Disney Springs, chipped a tooth (that I was supposed to have dental work on when I got back home) at lunch , and my anxiety spiraled after that. Felt bad for my husband having to deal with my freak out. Went back to the resort to compose myself and went back to the Boathouse for a wonderful dinner.

[@Shasync]

Love that you share about anxiety and panic. I deal with it and it makes traveling hard but I try and tell myself I want to go new places.

[@blainetinloy6797]

Nick thank you for bringing light to this. I struggled since lock down. I have no shame admitting I need meds. You are amazing

[@s.a.m.c.]

Hi Nick! I too suffer from anxiety, even at the parks and I have panic attacks. What I have noticed lately is talking myself down and naming my fears and emotions I’m experiencing at the time. Saying them out loud seems so scary, but once I do, I feel like my anxiety is alleviated a lot! I am the oldest of my family and also felt like I took care of others before myself, so giving myself space to acknowledge and feel my feelings has helped so much the past year. Thanks for sharing with us! Love this podcast!

[@TravelingBlind]

I need a whole Nick KZbin channel! Or at least more pictures from your adventures!

[@smorin1487]

Thanks for sharing this Nick! My husband and I definitely struggle with mental health issues and hearing your experiences makes me feel less alone! I appreciate you sharing in this space and keeping it real! You and Tim are my favorite and I hope to get to meet you both in person someday! Cheers and happy birthday!

[@leahayers4403]

Thank you for sharing a very personal experience for you Nick and I’m absolutely sure you have helped a lot of people!

[@LindaLearn]

Happy Birthday, Nick!

[@amycureton2941]

Nick, thank you for sharing your experiences with anxiety. My daughter also deals with it and your explanation helps me to understand her better.

[@amandanicole2715]

Happy belated birthday Nick! You wear your heart on your sleeve and I appreciate that ♥️

[@annettefid]

Thank you for being so vulnerable and talking about your mental health, it really helps a lot of people more than you know! And happy belated birthday! 🎈

[@lydialix59]

I so appreciate you sharing this! I am a therapist and someone who struggles with anxiety every day. As a professional, I am grateful you are sharing your experience. As someone who has anxiety, I thank you for normalizing this. I was feeling anxious last night and this morning for unknown reasons and this really helped me!

[@juanesebuitrago4040]

Nick, I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I have also had panic attacks and it is not a good experience. Thank you for sharing. I am about to move to Central Florida from Mississippi! My sister and I will be moving to Ocala June 1. I’m 62 and have wanted to move to Florida for 40 years! I’m so excited!!

[@traceyhill7784]

Awww thanks for sharing Nick - I feel really sad that this happened to you and of course your friend supporting you on this long awaited trip. I suffered a short period of anxiety for the first time last year - nothing to compare and it was specifically related to a health scare, however I felt really awful for a few weeks and I know it distressed not only me but my family and friends too as it was so unexpected for me at this time. I found things like the calm app, using breathing and meditation methods worked really well for me - interestingly keeping busy also helped at times. You bring such a breath of fresh air with your openness and honesty about this subject and thanks for allowing others to share their experiences as this does help many to raise that awareness.

[@brantlie_boone]

Nick, really appreciate you speaking up about anxiety. I deal with it too. It rears its head at the least expected times and sometimes with no warnings. I hate when it happens, especially on trips that you know you’re going to love. I recently went on my first cruise, a Disney one! The first night I had a panic attack. Luckily, i was able to enjoy the rest of the cruise though. Glad you still had a great time out here in California!

[@josephannemariecaristi6711]

I'm so sorry you had to suffer through that anxiety and panic attack! As someone who also suffers from panic attacks, I can tell you that there is SO much help out there with ideas of things to do that actually work for anxiety. You have to find what works for you. My anxiety has gotten a lot better through trying some of these things. Never give up and KEEP MOVING FORWARD!

[@gadbearr]

Nick, I totally understand the panic attacks. Thanks for sharing this. You help normalize it for all of us. Anxiety catches us all off guard sometimes. I practice my calming breaths and it really helps. Take care TPD/TBD ❤

[@denisebianca231]

I really appreciate you Sharing with us!! It’s very important!!

[@maryseibert3747]

Love you nick you are very brave for talking about your anxiety I have it also

[@kristinakrzepek3628]

Happy Birthday Nick!!!!! 🎉🎁

[@lisarhodes6741]

Happy Birthday Nick!!!

[@brittanyarredondo23]

Your story of anxiety resonates with so many, including me. I went to MNSSHP in 2018 on my very first WDW trip and had a panic attack halfway through the parade due to external issues. I couldn't fully enjoy the event and it always makes me sad that I missed out and sorry that I made my husband miss out too, though he's never said anything to make me feel that way. It's hard not to feel that way.

[@LydRitz]

This is so helpful! Nick, you do so well explaining your thoughts and feelings around topics like mental health. Sometimes it’s hard to articulate these things, and just hearing you talk about separation anxiety, I realized that’s exactly what happens to my mom! She’s always just called it “homesick” but it is definitely more so separation anxiety because she even has it when she’s travelling in our province, or when my dad travels and she’s at home. I’m going to mention this to her because it will be great for her to reflect on it and see if this is a more accurate term for what she experiences. Thanks!

[@andreagreco4203]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICK!!!!!🎉🎈🎂

[@amy_soucy]

Nick, I also live with anxiety. Mine manifests differently as far as I can tell from listening to your story, but I definitely sympathize with you. I'm sorry you are living with it. You are such a sweet guy and we support you sharing your health with us. It does help people both living with it or people who know somebody who does. Caffeine does affect me and I have cut it out. When I accidently get caffinated I always have a rough time with it. Disneyland feels a bit more quaint and established to me. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!

[@gingaorangecat6960]

Thank you so much for your honesty. I am from Canada and looked forward to going to Orlando for months and had a major panic attack at target. Sometimes it just happens.

[@ourgreatadventure6009]

Thank you for sharing! I had a panic attack in the Magic Kingdom, the second night they showed Enchantment. I was surrounded by people and it finally got, like 20 minutes before the show started, to where I couldn't see anything but people shoved against me and it just happened. Not my finest moment at all. But was so thankful for my friends that I was with who had waited for 2 hours with me that they were able to see what was going on and help me get out of there.

[@FunnyTrophy-sj2in]

Happy birthday nick

[@adventurouslifeofmindy]

I relate to the beginning of this podcast. Anytime I travel without my family my anxiety is always really high. I’m flying this weekend and I’m already getting anxious

[@lisahackett9418]

So sorry that your anxiety spoiled your trip, that you were so looking forward to. I don’t have instagram but love watching you and getting to know you so much that I’m considering it. Happy belated Birthday 🎂. Stay strong Nick, stay positive.

[@catherinetozzi8056]

Prayers for you Nick! I went thru the same anxiety, stress , when I was in my 40s, after many prayers, cutting out bad foods, I improved…..Never to return,,,,,,,no caffein definitely helped too, 🙏🏽❤️🌴

[@catherinetozzi8056]

ALSO. YOGA HELPED GREATLY.🙏🏽❤️

[@tonycourant9771]

Nick you’ve really grown on me dude. Sorry to hear about your panic attack that really sucks totally get it

[@zivagoldman2001]

Nick, hope you had a spectacular birthday! You are doing a great job tracking on your own! As good as Tim is, he had to get Jenn to help him! 😂🤣

[@artitude08]

Thanks for answering my question! I love both Luca and Elemental! I hope to meet both someday! Also appreciate your transparency with mental health, I've had pneumonia twice in a year and a half, plus chronic pain for 10 years. I've had panic attacks and those are scary for me. I appreciate you sharing and making me feel seen! I want to podcast too eventually 😊

[@glenshinn1396]

Hate that this happened to you. But very grateful you are able to talk about and normalize the experience Well done nick

[@ktgrandma2213]

You don’t have to be embarrassed but I get it. I have the same exact issues so I get it. I’m sure your friend was very supportive. Hugs to you

[@nancyvozella3841]

Happy Birthday Nick🎂

[@bethburnett9934]

Thank you Nick!

[@laurengreene4621]

When I was in high school I was diagnosed with GAD. For awhile I kind of just let it be and would deal with being anxious rather than use strategies to try and get in a better head space. My senior year of HS I had a band trip to WDW and Universal FL. I remember thinking I would be so excited for/on the trip that I would not get anxious and I could enjoy a few days anxiety free. Well that did not happen. I was an anxious mess the whole time (had a panic attack during fantasmic) i was lucky my bf at the time was supportive and even comforted me when he could see i was clearly not doing well (I I tried to mask it though to appear feeling normal). Finally, the last day of the trip came and we went to Universal. I remember walking into Universal with all of my friends and bf and had an epiphany that this anxiety would not just go away on its own. I needed to wake up every day and do all I could to get myself in a better headspace (breathing techniques, removing myself from anxious situations) to better my life. That moment propelled me to take my mental health seriously and do all I could for myself. Do I still get anxious? Yes. Even when I do all I can to prevent it? Yes. But I'm in a much better place now than I was in HS. Thank you so much for talking about ur experience! Mental health needs to be normalized more.

[@kwlundy]

Hey Nick! I'm part of the family from Minnesota on the studio tour with you. It was fun meeting you! We'll always remember meeting you and getting an extra visit to Studio B with Dawn. 🙂

[@cucug8324]

Nick, you’ve gotta try the birria grilled cheese at the Jolly Holiday next time you come back to Disneyland. And if you’re looking for a home style meal in a quick service then I definitely recommend the Plaza Inn. They have delicious fried chicken, pot roast, salmon dish and a couple of pasta dishes and it’s a cafeteria type of setting.

[@Gandalfs_Grey_Hat]

Happy belated birthday! I’m glad you had a wonderful trip.

[@melanieknight4503]

Hope you had an amazing birthday Nick and hope your trip wasn't spoilt in any way by the panic attack ❤❤❤

[@The_Alexandra_B]

Happy birthday, Nick! I’m so excited for Tiana’s to open! We have a trip planned for August and will be attending our very first MNSSHP. I get trip/separation anxiety too so I totally get it.

[@0312micky20001]

Happy birthday nick 🎉🎉🎉

[@marymort1296]

Thank you for sharing about your panic attack. I had never had one until driving to Disney with my then 7year old. My husband wasnt with me and I had been the only adult many times something just hit me.

[@catherinetozzi8056]

WOW, after reading mostly all the comments on here I realized how Common panic attacks are…….sort of a help too, just to realize how common it is ………..❤️🙏🏽

[@Alex-The-Librarian]

Hope you had a great birthday trip! 🎉 (Secret man crush on Nick)

[@Amy-yh8kf]

Happy Mother's Day to your wife! Hang in there, Nick🥰🥰

[@campaug]

Ayyy Michigan!! Parents picked an awesome state to live in.

[@mystikhrs476]

Hi Nick!! Happy Birthday!

[@bizburgess1947]

What is the best way to support another person who is having a panic attack?

[@rachelreynolds0430]

for me, it's most helpful when the person i'm with is patient and doesn't mind us stepping away from a crowd or something even if it changes the plan a little so that i can feel like i can breathe again

[@gadbearr]

When a person goes into the fight or flight syndrome of a panic attack it’s best to just move to a quiet place and do a few calming breaths to center yourself. Don’t push yourself. Just chill out for a while. The panic attacks always pass. Get some rest and avoid caffeine or other stimulants for a while.

[@Ashleyisblahh]

I have anxiety and panic attacks very often. My symptoms are usually physical more than mental. My heart rate spikes to 150-180, I shake uncontrollably, I can't breathe, and I feel like I am going to actually die due to my heart giving out. I have to carry around my beta blockers to help the physical symptoms and bring me back down. I always feel like I ran a marathon after they pass, and all I want to do is curl up in bed and pass out. I've always said I would not wish panic attacks on even the worst people. I can't have caffeine, especially coffee. I can tolerate an occasional soda. I 100% feel you and understand you. It's debilitating, especially when you want to have the best time on a once-in-a-lifetime trip but it's always on the back of your mind when/if your panic attack will happen.

[@angelamillay]

Happy birthday! I get sleep anxiety/insomnia and it can be debilitating. A little different but also similar at same time. A book that has been helpful for me is At last a life by Paul David, just is helping me change my relationship with anxiety! Best of luck!!

[@ericwickedsixsenko]

Happy bday

[@courtneymerson8980]

Magnesium has really helped as a night time vitamin to ease my anxiety naturally. Still same old me because it’s just a natural supplement but a lot less anxiety. I recommend all of my friends try magnesium!!

[@campaug]

Also, almost every single time I go to the parks I get back to the room and have breakdowns. It makes the next park day a little difficult. I love the parks and thrill rides and theming, but damn man sometimes you can only take so many hours of loud noises and flashing lights. It’s gotten waaayyy worse the older I’ve gotten.

[@gwensglittergang2]

To me, the difference between Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom is …at Disneyland you feel like you’re walking through Walt Disney backyard. You’re in a place that Walt Disney put his hand hand on every little thing. Every little building is placed a certain way according to his standard. At Magic Kingdom, it has a Slightly more corporate deal. It is so similar. It’s hard to know the difference unless you’ve done both a few times. Also, if you really have a deep appreciation for Walt Disney, that’s when you really see the difference.

[@fayevalentine5688]

This was a rough weekend for anyone with anxiety or auto immune disorders. The onslaught of xclass flares on our weakening 🧲 field.. oof! Buckle up ⚠️

[@stephaniecruise7174]

HIII... i have a question to ask, i am scared of flying. I am planning to go from orlando to john wayne for disneyland!!! which airline do you recommend... I DO NOT CARE ABOUT PRICE... please help meeee

[@jessf_2001]

I wish WDW small world would add the IP characters to the ride.

[@nrs318]

The audio and visual is out of sync and was really distracting. I did still watch all the way. So sorry about your anxiety, Nick. Thanks for sharing your trip details with us.

[@CraigOConnor5]

Is it my youtube or is the audio/visual out of sync?

[@jwpringle]

I’m seeing it too.

[@emmablanco378]

I thought it was just me, I tried to close out my app and restarted it but it’s not syncing correctly

[@CraigOConnor5]

@emmablanco378 yeah it gets worse as the video goes on I think. Thanks for letting me know. Hope alls good! 🙌🏼

[@juliajones2283]

Yes it is out of sync. I just listened with my EarPods in while preparing evening dinner so it didn’t matter to me.

[@CraigOConnor5]

@juliajones2283 I've listened to half, and that's how I'm going to listen to the second half later 😃 great episode!

[@kathysutler90]

Nick, do you have your own channel as well?

[@cyndibanfi8514]

You were not taking care of your body. Eating and drinking. There has been times during park visits that the feeding and drinking is off and anxiety hits. Very important our body receives what it needs. We now stay in villas with kitchens -

[@sama-taco]

Not a big fan of HDR vids messes w eyes

[@Kimo923]

Nick, you are amazing and I truly appreciate you sharing your Disneyland experience with anxiety. I’ve never felt so validated and reminding me to also not guilt trip myself for my own mental health. I got into RunDisney years ago as an outlet and a way to transform any internal negative energy into something that gave me joy. Doing my 8th Dopey in 2025 and loved watching and listening your journey finishing your first Dopey this year (ThatTracks/HappiestPodcast) Much love to you 🫶🫶🫶