Franklin Couple’s Home Reflects Love of All Things Disney

#DisneyAdults. It is a real thing. Adults who are devoted fans of The Walt Disney Company are affectionately labeled Disney Adults.

Bryne and Teresa Pursifull are assuredly Disney Adults. Yes, they wear Disney apparel almost daily. Yes, their bright-orange Jeep has Cinderella’s castle on the spare-tire cover. Yes, they visit Walt Disney World four or five times each year – but the real proof is in their Franklin home.

Stepping across the threshold, a person might expect to hear “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” playing in the background, while absorbing the vast collection of Disney memorabilia and merchandise. While your sense of sound may not be taking in music, your sense of smell will appreciate the fragrance in the home’s atomizer. Teresa explained that each resort hotel, attraction and gift shop uses fragrances to relax, soothe and entice the visitors.

The Pursifulls’ Disney passion began when they honeymooned at Walt Disney World in 1986. They had grown up watching “The Wonderful World of Disney” on television every Sunday night. Those were the years when a marketable Disney surfaced and rocketed as Walt Disney World opened in 1971.

When their first daughter, Lauren (Rynerson), was born, they decided to decorate the nursery with a Disney theme. Bryne said the nursery was the beginning of their Disney furbishing, and “things just went full-bloom” from there. They still have the nursery lamp in a guest bedroom. They have moved from that first home where the nursery blossomed their affection for Disney-themed decor, and their current home of 21 years holds not only art and collectibles, but also memories of their family vacations and special milestones captured in photographs on the walls.

Every wall, tabletop and surface has a connection to Disney. The couple has acquired much of their collection on visits to what has become known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” The dining room walls hold lighted, modern glass display cases. Inside you are sure to find your favorite animated characters through hundreds of figurines, planters, snow globes, cookie jars, cake stands, clocks and more. These are Teresa’s favorite to collect, while Bryne seeks out new artwork for the walls. One of their favorite pieces is a Norman Rockwell-inspired figurine of Mickey Mouse sketching Walt Disney.

Step into the pristine kitchen and you will find each bulkhead hosts a favorite movie theme. Dish towels, salt and pepper shakers, and even cocktail ice cube molds are highlights in the kitchen. Step outside to the backyard and pool area, and you notice a Mickey Mouse birdbath, lanterns, and iron welcome sign. Mickey pool chairs sit beside the in-ground swimming pool. If you look carefully you will discover two places where Minnie and Mickey silhouettes stand beside a mouse hole. (Hint: one is outdoors and the other near the kitchen.)

Bryne and Teresa have decorated the three upstairs bedrooms in, of course, Disney furnishings. These bedrooms will surely be favorite sleepover spots for their three grandchildren. Animal Kingdom is the theme of an upstairs bedroom, complete with “The Lion King” artwork, animal print blankets and stuffed animals. Another bedroom has a large “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” mural. Disney stuffies line the shelves of the headboards in the rooms. Inside an upstairs bedroom closet are toys, every one of them a Disney theme: Cinderella’s castle and princess dolls, as well as Disney versions of games such as Monopoly, Jenga and Sorry.

Need to wash your hands? Step inside the bathroom – you guessed it, also Disney themed. Push down on the soap dispenser, and out comes foam in the shape of the famous mouse’s ears!

The couple have an “in” when it comes to the affordability of visiting the theme parks as often as they do. When their youngest daughter, Morgan (Hooks), attended the Disney College Program, a paid work program offered to college students, she fulfilled her internship and ended up moving to Orlando. Her husband is a recreational manager for The Walt Disney Company. With lodging and passes to the parks, they can visit often. They estimate they have been to Walt Disney World at least 50 times.

Epcot is easily their favorite theme park because they like the special festivals and fairs it offers. Teresa attended the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot in September with a friend. While Epcot is their favorite because of its attractions and food offerings, they have favorite features about each park. The classic characters including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto are their favorites, and visible throughout their home.

Their home is a true reflection of their passion and love for all things Disney. As Bryne said, “we had a dream and turned that dream into memories.”