Meet the UK's "biggest Disney fan" who cooks Disney-themed food, listens to the film soundtracks on repeat and even had a Mickey Mouse wedding cake. Kathryn Chung, 32, has been crowned Disney's biggest fan at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, US, by Strictly Star Janette Manrara - following 10 days of intense challenges.
Kathryn was one of 10 hopeful Disney obsessives from the UK who took part in the competition which took place across Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, US, and aboard Disney Cruise Line. Kathryn and her competitors had to take on a series of challenges around the world including answering riddles through a magical maze, matching Disney-inspired food on the cruise to films and defeating 'spiderbots'.
While she has watched over 100 Disney films, her favourite is Tangled. The superfan has visited Disney parks across the world - in Paris, Florida, Hong Kong, and California - over 12 times.
Kathryn first fell in love with Disney when she visited the Orlando park in 1996 and became "captivated" when she was just five years old. Since her first visit, she's included the "Disney magic" into all aspects of her life - recreating Disney park recipes, listening to Disney music and even incorporating the films into her wedding.
Kathryn, an architect, from Hackney, East London, said: "I am still lost for words to have been crowned the winner. It blows my mind. I didn't expect it at all as all the other contestants were really good. When Janette said my name, it took my breath away.
"I was emotional as it was because it was the last day of an amazing trip, where I met so many amazing people. All the fireworks and meeting the president of Disney made it even more special. It was a once in a lifetime experience."
Kathryn and her competitors had to take on a series of challenges around the world including answering riddles through a magical maze, matching Disney inspired food on the cruise to films and defeating 'spiderbots'. After 10 days of fierce competition, Kathryn was crowned.
She won a once-in-a-lifetime stay in the Cinderella suite - which is found through a secret doorway inside Cinderella Castle. She continued: "The stay in Cinderella's Castle was unreal. I can't describe it with words.
"I've wanted to stay in there for so long but I never thought I'd have the chance because it's so exclusive - you have to be invited or win it as a prize. To just be there and see it all first hand was truly magical. All the details and even the bedding was just phenomenal."
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Kathryn has been obsessed with Disney for "as long as she can remember" after visiting Disneyworld when she was just five years old. She said: "My love for Disney started when we visited Disneyworld on our first ever family holiday.
"The park encapsulated me straight away. It was so beautiful, I remember being captivated by the characters, the music and even the architecture. It was so magical it took my breath away.
"Since then, my parents took us every four or five years to a Disney park. My love for Disney just grew and grew. I surround myself with the films and the music, but the parks are what started the love. The feeling of hope and happiness you get there gives everyone a chance to dream and hope."
Kathryn's crowning moment was sprinkled with "extra Disney magic", as it took place in the exact spot her husband, Richard, proposed in 2019. The couple are now looking forward to bringing their first child - due in summer this year - back to experience "the place where dreams come true".
Kathryn - whose favourite films are Tangled and Princess and the Frog - said: "For me Disney is all about that emotional feeling you get. Everything they do through their storytelling is so special.
"They're always there if you ever need a little pick-me-up. Having a bit of Disney will always make your day better. I've incorporated Disney into my life. At my wedding we had hidden Mickeys everywhere, and also one in the wedding cake.
"I had transferable prints of the castle on the bottom of my shoes. Our music was instrumental Disney music, and our table settings were named after the fairytale books as well.
"I listen to Disney music every day - it's the soundtrack to my life. I don't even know what current music is anymore. We try to recreate the Disney park food as well, like the popcorn or the cheeseburger from Animal Kingdom. When we can't get to the parks we try and bring the park to us."
