Earlier this year, my daughters and I returned from our sixth annual visit to Walt Disney World. Of course, we had a great time.
I’ve spent thousands of dollars on these trips over the years, and I will continue to spend it. Why?
For one unexpected reason: me.
I can be a kid again when I’m at a Disney Park. While I’m there, I’m able to forget the worries of the world, which are many. For a few days every year, I don’t have to think about cooking, cleaning, and the logistics of life. All I have to worry about is navigating an app and whether we’ll start our day at Epcot in Mexico or France.
We keep going back
In 2021, I was a military spouse solo-parenting my two daughters during the pandemic. My spouse was stationed on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean. And like everyone else in our country — and world — I was tired. Online learning, juggling isolation on my own, and missing my spouse were taking their toll. My daughters and I needed some fun.
“What’s more fun than the ‘Most Magical Place on Earth’?” I thought to myself. So I booked a spring break trip to Walt Disney World. That one trip became a tradition.
This year, coming off Tiana’s Bayou Adventure soaking wet and hair dripping, both girls turned to me at the same time and said, “That was awesome.” My oldest is now 19, and her sister is 16. They still want to come. Disney has become not just a tradition, but a part of our family fabric.
Disney Adults have their place
I hear and see a lot of people disgruntled about Disney. From politics to price increases, it seems every year you have to spend more for the same experience. I get it. There are so many places to travel, and with the cost of living increasing, it can be hard to justify returning to somewhere you’ve already been.
This is exactly why the rise of the Disney Adult makes complete sense to me. Life has gotten heavier, and not just for adults. Kids and teens are carrying more than ever. Expectations, pressure, the pace of it all. The to-do list is never done. Disney is one of the very few places designed entirely around joy. And when joy starts feeling scarce, people will pay for it. I know I happily do.
As a busy mom, the decreased mental load alone is worth it for me. And not having to drive on the trip also helps. All the planning is done upfront, dining reservations included. Add in the ability to connect with my daughters, dress up in cute Disney-themed attire, and make more memories I’ll never forget, and the price of the trip becomes completely irrelevant.
I cherish these magic moments
I know Disney gets eye rolls from some; I used to give them, too. But I’ve learned that joy doesn’t need justification. My girls and I will keep going back as long as they want to go with me, and I’ll keep showing up as the mom who believes in and happily participates in the magic.
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