A Childless Millennial’s Guide to Disney
Are you a childless millennial? Enjoy visiting Walt Disney World without kids? Love to line up in front of parents for Mickey Mouse pretzels? We have the perfect guide for you. In this post, we’ll cover the things that childless couples and millennials are allowed to do at Walt Disney World!
This follows a viral Facebook post in which one brave mother had the fortitude to stand up to (well, via social media long after the fact) the scourge to humanity that is adults without kids visiting the Disney. This Facebook post has made the rounds before, but it blew up after an editorial proclaiming that childless millennials going to Walt Disney World is weird. For some reason, this elicited an internet firestorm from clueless millennials who don’t realize they should only be obsessed with age-appropriate things like Applebee’s, bingo, and conspiracy theories.
Frankly, I’m glad someone finally had the courage to confront us nefarious millennials. Per “news” articles written by Boomers, we millennials are responsible for killing an eye-popping number of purported American national treasures: restaurant chains, cable television, doorbells, cereal, handshakes, the housing market, domestic beer, Hooters, diamonds, golf, Harley Davidson, dating, consumerism, gyms, mayonnaise, and so much more. It’d be a shame if Disney joined our lengthy list of victims…
Of course, I don’t actually blame millennials for these casualties, just as I don’t blame the Lost Generation for killing the horse-drawn carriage industry or Baby Boomers for creating the concept of a participation award. I do think this scapegoating of millennials is really odd and, in many cases, misplaced projection for systemic changes set in motion by earlier generations.
With that said, here’s our exhaustive and comprehensive list of things childless millennials are allowed to do at Walt Disney World…
1. Anything Anyone Else Does – That’s it. That’s the list. (You can also feel free to print out this post so you have it handy when visiting Walt Disney World, though.)
You might want to avoid things like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, but pretty much everything else is fair game. I don’t think we need a long-winded diatribe, feel-good Walt Disney quote, or pointed “clap-back” here. That would be preaching to the choir; if you’re reading this, you already know that the magic of Disney transcends age, and there are different layers to the parks that appeal to different ages, demographics, and interests.
We could dissect the meticulous level of Imagineered detail goes into the parks, much of which is over the heads of children. We could list the world-class dining, bars, and entertainment aimed squarely at an older demographic. We could showcase resorts, spas, golf, recreation, etc., that is not for kids. All of that might be reassuring, but it’s unnecessary. If you’re an adult fan of Disney who doesn’t have kids, there’s presumably a reason for that, and you don’t need to be told again what that is.
On the off chance that you’re finding this blog post as a childless millennial who was inadvertently turned on to Disney as a result of this whole media kerfuffle and started reading this in a sincere attempt to plan a trip and find things that might appeal specifically to you, our apologies. (At least there were some positive unintended consequences of the controversy!)
We’d recommend consulting our Walt Disney World for Adults or Honeymoon Tips for Walt Disney World posts. (The latter is a good resource even if you’re not honeymooning at WDW.) Or just our regular Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide, because that’s pretty much universally applicable. Most experiences in the Disney parks are designed for a range of ages; even seemingly kid-oriented things like Fantasyland dark rides can be appreciated by adults for their whimsy, charm, and (potentially) nostalgia.
Finally, a bit of sincere commentary. Millennials are not without blame. We are at least partially responsible for the proliferation of clickbait ‘millennials are killing’ content like this. (Finally, something we’re aiding instead of killing!) Boomers are also partially responsible, as they seek a convenient boogeyman to blame for perceived societal issues, changing times, and the march of progress.
Articles like that one aren’t going anywhere any time soon. However, every click or share on social media–even ones that are ‘hate-clicks’ or voicing disagreement–helps guarantee that another such article will be written. This is an art Howard Stern mastered in the 90s, but apparently we haven’t learned anything since. (In fairness, most millennials probably weren’t of age then.)
Expect plenty more articles like that ‘childless millennials are weird for liking Disney’ one, because we took the bait even harder this time, despite it being like the 23rd mainstream article this year that trotted out the exact same tired trope. What should be inducing a yawn at this point is instead prompting an impassioned response.
I’m cognizant of the fact that this post also only helps further fan the flames, which is why I don’t normally weigh in on pointless topics like this. There’s no winning this ‘argument’, but you cannot lose if you do not play.
In at least partially keeping with this mentality, I deliberately did not link to the viral Facebook post or article that inspired this blog post. You’ve undoubtedly read articles like it before or heard similar sentiment from friends. You don’t need to read it. You already know what it says.
Perhaps naively, I’m mostly hopeful that this blog post sparks introspection. We don’t have to take the bait every single time. I used to have an office colleague who asked (disingenuously) why I visited Walt Disney World so much, and poked fun at me for “going to play with Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse again this weekend.” Finally, I didn’t respond with a persuasive argument–I gave a terse, “[expletive] yeah, and I’m going to have a [expletive] good time chilling with my homies” before walking away. That pretty much put an end to that.
Personally, I’ve lost the compulsion to engage in conversations like this. Maybe I’m getting old, but I don’t have the energy or patience for any commentary or discussions I perceive as being in bad faith, or for the sake of inducing an argument. Not everyone has to approve of our interests or hobbies. You don’t have to offer a justification for what you like, or bring others around to your line of thinking. Disney fans shouldn’t be a cult that feels compelled to indoctrinate the uninitiated. If you still find yourself tempted to engage with every trolling post or comment like this, just remember that every adult without kids who you do convince is one more person in front of you in line.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
What do you think about this whole ‘childless adults doing Disney is weird’ thing? Think we should just ignore it, or try to “beat” the stereotype? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I am not a boomer. I am not a millennial. And I have only been to WDW as an adult. As an adult, I have to admit that WDW is (expletive) awesome! Is it my absolute favorite vacation spot? No. But, if you knew me, you wouldn’t expect it to be. In fact, you probably wouldn’t expect me to have any interest in anything Mickey Mouse related. And you would definitely be shocked to learn that not only do I follow a Disney blog, but here I am posting on one!?!??
Indeed, I love WDW! And why not? The Disney people have set out to perfect the American vacation and, sixty-four years after opening their first park, they’re getting pretty good at it. A Disney vacation provides leisure and recreation in abundance. And what sets WDW apart in my opinion is the shear number of quality vacation activities they make available in one location and the ease with which you can access those options.
I could go on and on talking about all of the things that Disney does well. And it is because of that depth and scope of WDW’s offerings that I am never surprised to see adults in the parks without kids. I enjoy being there. Why shouldn’t they? In fact, the only times that I don’t enjoy WDW are those times when I’m pulling my hair out because my kids are being complete jerks. And perhaps that explains the comments from some who are all too quick to notice the childless park guests. Perhaps the stroller pushers recognize the care free way that the stroller-less are enjoying themselves and they are overcome with jealous rage (I know I am). Or (more likely) they don’t truly enjoy Disney themselves and they can’t understand why anyone would go to Disney if they didn’t have to. And then they do what people do when they don’t understand something. They criticize, ridicule, and marginalize it. I guess it makes them feel better.
With that said, I’m going to and get back to planning my next Disney vacation. And, this time, perhaps I’ll leave the kids at home.
We are on the tailend of the “boomers” and are retired and have been going to Disney for 36 years, I am so dense that the idiot who was making fun of us for going to Disney “Again “ got the full spiel from me on “Mousing Out” and how the “Magic is still alive” what wonderful fun and excitement just going into the Magic Kingdom brings us! I hope that he can justify the cost of going to Disney over losing the same amount and more on Las Vegas.
Our last trip was a 4 generational trip. We took my parents, grandmother, and our kids. My first trip was my grandparents taking me when I was a child so to be able to take her now that we are grown was awesome. It was also neat to get to see the interactions between her and my kids. But one thing for sure once you have a true love of Disney, you will always have a love for Disney no matter the age. The experiences are different with every trip doesn’t matter with or without kids. Disney is meant to be enjoyed by all.
I am childless Gen Xer whose husband has convinced her that repeated to Disney World are the bets way or us to vacation. It isn’t the nostalgia or the ease of travel (as Canadians, our families could never afford the time or money).
What did bring us again and again is the security of the “Disney Bubble.” DH is a cop with mild PTSD and he says it the only place where he has felt safe enough to turn off his “cop brain” and not look for threats. He can see the high security peaking from the background and the crowd control design that is in place and feel secure enough to leave his worries behind like literally nowhere else in the world
Secure (and happy) that’s exactly how we felt when we used to go with one of our kids who is handicapped.
I think people (regardless of generation) should be able to enjoy what they want to enjoy, period. Some folks will never fully understand the appeal of going to WDW as an adult (or a person of any age) and we don’t need to let them ruin our fun. We even got criticism from others when we took our 2- and 4-year olds to WDW to the first time — people said “why are you spending all that money on something they’re not even going to remember?”
That said, I still have a bitter taste in my mouth from a man in his 20s who was constantly using his legs/feet to nudge a bunch of kids (who were half his height) out of his way to get in front of them to video the entire Boo-To-You parade last year. We thought he was part of the family next to us, but after talking to them later he was a complete stranger to them, as well! We were all so miffed by our kids’ experience being diminished through his selfishness/obliviousness. That was almost certainly the only time in our kids’ lives they were going to experience that parade. It would have been nice (and had no negative impact) for him to just let them stand/sit in front of him; his camera was always held over the height of their heads anyway.
I know not all kids are little angels, and lots of parents get away with annoying behavior too — it’s never fun to get a great spot behind someone who then sits their kids on their shoulders just as a nighttime spectacular starts. But I am a firm believer that adults should try and be mindful and deferential to the experiences of children in Disney Parks. You have your whole adulthood as a grown-up to enjoy the parks but many (if not most) kids only get one chance to enjoy them with the hearts of children. Being delighted at seeing little kids experience delight is part of the magic!
Yes, I’ve been going since 1956 at age 5. My happy place. It still brings back that feeling. As an adult and an engineer I really enjoy the technology and that becomes really fascinating. Its a real treat when a ride breaks down and you have to be evacuated “back-stage”. I love seeing some of the internal details.
But I have no need to convince someone, who doesn’t share our passion, that they need to try it out. Don’t! Just stay home! That’s one less person in line in front of me 🙂
To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past…and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America…with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.- Walt Disney
Tom,
I will be 70 years old in August. My youngest child is 33. He has been going to Disney since he was 3 months old. I have gone to Disney with m,y kids and grandkids. When my son was married, he and his wife and I went. When my parents were in their 60’s, they went with us. Now my youngest and I go annually for his birthday. When children are younger, they become impatient with waiting, As a parent, you want to do whatever it takes to keep your child from getting cranky. But a wise parent tells the child that he has to wait like everyone else and these people ahead of us were here first.l That child will learn to be more patient as an adult.
tom.
You darn millenials learned well I’m the generation before you I have been going to disney since it opened turning 50 in January and guess where I’m spending it that’s right disney world it is my favorite place to let my hair down( what little I have left) and have a good time. Out in the real world we have to act like overly responsible adults and its a good place that we can act and have fun quit being our serious adults and transforms us back into kids again. I can’t wait to go to galaxy edge and see it personally I was about 8 years old when a new hope came out my parents ended up buying me star wars game for Christmas and at my age 41 years later I still remember it. Sorry just ranting you millenials continue having a good time I’m going to also
Ok. Let’s just discuss the elephant in the room. The real group of people that needs to be banned are the Disney Bloggers. Always blocking my shots with their beautiful, expensive camera’s, getting tickets to opening night sold out events to give reviews to aid the common man, and last, but not least, making me feel guilty for actually enjoying my meal at Tony’s Town Square. And I just can’t take the judgement when one of them sees me using a snack credit on a bottle of water. They are the real problem here.
(BTW…this is obviously sarcasm. I follow easywdw so…….)
So…although technically not a Millennial (1979 – heyo!) I suppose I am counted as part of the scourge upon Disney parks – ah, well. More’s the pity for struggling moms such as the one who made the post lol!
Maybe this was what it was all about! A few years ago in line for a ride a young father and his 4 or 5 year old son was behind me. Every time I took a step his son stepped on the back of my heel, I would turn around and look at them, the father always had a big smile on his face obviously enjoying this. I can’t imagine teaching your young impressionable son to behave this way. Finally after I don’t know how many times 10 or more the father started yelling at me, why do you keep looking at me, turning this completely around like I was doing something wrong! Like he didn’t know what was happening. I regret not finding someone to report him to. This was the only time anything like this happened in Disney.
I took my kids when they were young and now that I am remarried we took my youngest a few times (when he was 15-16) but now none want to go with us. And now we can afford to go more often, so we are. We have a lot of fun and normally don’t really tell anyone about it as I don’t need the judgy comments. It is our escape from reality. Also, not millenials, but whatever generation is early 50 year olds.
These articles amuse me. Haha. I’ve been to Disney once in my life and that was with my 4 year old child. I paid an awful lot of attention to her, helped her have fun, find food, navigate the park etc. But you know what I didn’t pay attention to? Anyone around me. I do not care who else is there. Not one bit. Go freakin have fun or get out of the park. worthless whiners. (the people complaining about the childless millenials, not you Tom) Anyway, I’ll probably go back with my child and again, I won’t care about anyone else that is there besides me and my family.
I very much appreciate your brand of sarcasm. Well played.
I see a market for Disney articles styled after the Onion….spin off!
Hey I am an empty nester boomer! I get asked all the time why DH and I still go to Disney. So next time someone asks are you really going to Disney again, I’m going to say [expletive] yeah, and I’m going to have a [expletive] good time chilling with my home boy
I’ve been to Disney as a child, a teenager, and a married adult, and had a totally different experience each time. Because that’s the beauty of Disney, it has so many different things that appeal to so many varieties of ages. I’m also a huge supporter of “kids” movies because why shouldn’t I enjoy something wholesome and simple? So much entertainment nowadays is full of violence and language and so sorry that my adult self doesn’t always enjoy that. Honestly the people who say “childless millennials” going to Disney is weird have never been and never experienced it themselves. And thank goodness they don’t know what they’re missing because the lines are out of control anyway. I won’t try and convince them!
I am a childless millennial who wants to go to Disney World, and I think I have an idea to make everyone happy. 1 day a month for people without kids 🙂
Consider yourself fortunate for being included in the conversation at all!
Signed a GenXer (Who has high hopes in Millennials, Gen Z’s and Gen Alphas)
Love the post. My girlfriend and I are millennials and went to WDW a few times (and before that to Disneyland Paris a crazy amount of times)… it has always been our best vacation!
We have a 5 month old daughter now, and we have already planned to get my parents coming from France to watch her so we can go back to WDW in 2021 for my 30th birthday! Lot of people telling us that we are horrible wanting to go without her.. just think we will need that break and will have plenty of time to take her there when she will be a bit older (cause believe me, we will go to Disney as long as our founds permit it!)
This is basically the only correct response to that ridiculous post! I wrote a blog post about two years ago called “Quit your judging, I’m going back to Disney”… but obviously things haven’t changed at all since then and people still feel the need to judge others based on something totally innocent that makes them happy.
Love this!! My husband and are millenials and we are about to go on our 15th trip to WDW in 2 years. We both grew up going to Disneyland regularly and moved to the south and now spend most of our vacations in Orlando. But we also go other places/countries, shocker!! I am now pregnant with our first and this upcoming trip will probably be our last for at least a year. Then we will take our infant back and be hated all over again because there is apparently a small window of time where it is acceptable to go to disney in ones life haha. Such a well written article Tom, thank you!