We had the good fortune of connecting with Vee Antonucci and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vee, what makes you happy? Why?
As cheesy and this might sound to some, Disney makes me happy. I grew up with Disney in my backyard- from a very small age, my parents began taking my siblings and I to the Disney parks in Anaheim and I’ve never looked back. During the pandemic, obviously it was hard to get that Disney fix while the Parks were closed, so I became immersed in this amazing social media community that includes so many amazing people that make me smile everyday. Getting through the pandemic was rough- personally I suffered a devastating loss and Disney and the Disney community have helped and continue to help me heal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started out taking photos of other things like food, my Disney fashion flatlays, cloud shots at the Disney parks- being notoriously shy, the idea of being in front of the camera always made me nervous! But as I started meeting people in the community, they gave me the confidence that just maybe I could get in front of the camera and not feel embarrassed. Looking back at my very first posts on social media to where I am now, I’m so proud of the Vee that has emerged.

Honestly- it hasn’t quite hit me that I get to do what I love the most- going to Disney- and create photos and videos and hang out with my friends all while collaborating with brands I’ve admired for so long. I’m so proud of the work that I’ve created for these brands and I feel like it truly shows in my photos. I am genuinely happy and excited to do what I do. Have things been challenging? Sure they have, but with those challenges come even greater rewards. I really can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well obviously the first place we’d go is Disneyland- that’s a no brainer. And first stop would be Batuu to grab my absolute favorite Black Caf. Might take a few days to see all my favorites stops and get my favorite eats. Hopefully they’ll fall in love with it as much as I have.

Next would be a visit to the Orange Circle. They have the best thrift shops and such a great variety of restaurants. My favorite place to stop for a drink and dinner is Haven Craft Kitchen so we’d definitely make a stop there. Then maybe a nightcap at another local spot- Bosscat Kitchen and Libations. They have the most delicious drink- the BossLady.

Last I would take them to a spot I recently discovered for myself- Stowaway tiki bar in Tustin. I love all things tiki and this local spot nails it on the head! They have the yummiest eats, including spam musubi and eggrolls. And the drinks are 10/10! Chefs kiss!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents definitely deserve a huge shoutout to the success I’ve found myself today. As I mentioned before, it is because of my parents that I am such a huge Disney fan. When I started my social media accounts, my parents didn’t quite understand the whole social media thing but they never questioned it. They rooted me on, loved my photos and just hyped me up every chance they got. Unfortunately I did lose my dad in the middle of my journey but I know he’s still proud and rooting for me. My hubby also deserves a huge shout out. Unlike myself, he did not grow up with Disney so getting him on board with it was tough haha. But no matter what, he encourages me and has been one of my biggest supporters.

I’d also like to take the time to shout out my Disney friends who’ve become my family. I am thankful for them every day: Winnie(@disneyland_ish) David Q (@qs_trips), Kyle & Melinda (@disneyparkduo), Casi (@ourmagicalreality), Kristen (@thehappiestclubonearth), Anne (@magicintoontown) and Nicole (@cocoandthecastle).

Instagram: https://instagram.com/stormtrooping_padawans?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Image Credits
Vee Antonucci

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.