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!
We have 6 kids, yet we’ve been to Disney World without them and it was amazing. Just think, enjoying Disney without having kids complain, need bathroom breaks and food every thirty minutes. What a novelty. We got 10 times as much done being just the two of us and we deserved every minute we were there. It’s that woman who wrote the horrible rant that’s killing the fun for everyone else.
I am 65 and made my first trip to Disneyland when my daughters were in high school. I had dreamed of riding the teacups since first seeing them on TV when Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color came on TV every Sunday night when I was a child. I became a fanatic. All true Disney fans know what Walt built Disneyland. It was so that parents could join their children on the rides and activities instead of just watching them from a park bench. The parks belong to everyone, not just children. If I got in line before you did, then wait your turn.
Thank you for this. I am even worse than the childless millennial, I am a single, childless millennial. I absolutely LOVE Disney movies, Disney World, everything Disney. My parents took me to WDW when I was around 10 and I had a blast. I then went after I graduated high school and again when I was 25. I actually had the most fun when I was 25 because I figured out how to plan the trip and make the most out of it. This year I was planning my first trip to Europe (went with my sister and parents, we do a couple family vacations a year to meet up) and planned our time in France around the 2 days we wanted to spend at Disneyland Paris! Because we were so close, we had to go at least once. There is nothing like Disney
I think this is my favorite post of yours ever! I have been going to Disney World since it was just the Magic Kingdom. We (my husband is at the tail-end of Boomers and I am Gen X-and for the record I think these labels are weird) spent our honeymoon at Disney World. We brought our son for his high school graduation (so “maybe” our only child trip). And 3 years ago we spent our 20th anniversary there. When I retire in 3 years we are going back. LOVE Disney. And “chilling with my homies” is awesome!!!
“Anything else anyone else does” — I’m a childless Gen-Xer (way older than you Millenials LOL!) and thought this article was great!
The original ‘viral’ post was completely ridiculous — there was nothing that lady complained about that was anyone’s fault but hers. How does someone else getting a pretzel prevent you from getting one for your kid? And what possible difference could it make what said pretzel buyer was wearing?!? What if it had been another child that had just gotten the pretzel — then would it have been that kid’s parent’s fault that your child was upset?
Take ownership of your own lack of planning!
Also, as I have seen pointed out MANY places, if the original lady had a toddler at Disney, aren’t the odds pretty strong that she herself is a Millenial? So she’s really just upset with her own life choices? Ugh, whatever.
Thanks for a great response to a ridiculously entitled whiny lady!
I love Disney and go with my 23 year old son, but when he was a baby thru growing up to be 23 we went to disney often since we live in Florida. Still love it and if I am not “allowed” to go or shop, or eat in front of people who have children, sorry. Then people who have children should not be going to lounges like Top of the World, where the adults just want to hang out or Trader Joes. I usually go to the quiet pools when at deluxe resorts since the main pool does have a bunch of kids in it which don’t pay attention to the fact there are others around them. I totally understand though since I have a son who was once like them. Disney makes you feel like a kid again and that is the main point of going when you have grown kids with or without them. You feel young like you once did and they the same. I am respectful to all when at Disney whether you have kids or not. Funny article though. Thanks Tom
I’m an “older millennial” like you guys – in fact from following you over the years, I’ve deduced that we’re exactly the same age. Ha. For me, one of the greatest and most unique features of Walt Disney World is that it can be enjoyed at all ages and stages of life. I loved going to the parks as a child, a teenager, a childless adult, and now as an adult with children. I hope to someday enjoy it as a grandparent and retiree. It’s a different experience at each stage of life, but so far I’ve had a wonderful time at each stage – even the ones that – gasp – didn’t include anyone in my group being a child. Even though I love going with my kids, my sister and I will be taking a childless trip next year to enjoy the universal parks, Galaxy’s Edge, and world showcase. We’ll fill an entire weekend doing things that I do not do when I’m at the parks with my 2 and 5 year olds. We’ve traveled internationally and domestically with our families, so if we want to do a quick weekend adventure without kids or husbands, Disney is a fun, nostalgic, and easy place for us to meet up and enjoy ourselves.
YES!
I lived in the Orlando area for 13 yrs, half of those were spent working for the Mouse. Late 80’s into the 90’s. From that time on, I’ve been in love with the parks and would go to them – By. My. Self! Now that I live 3.5 hours away, I STILL enjoy going by myself! My husband and I have enjoyed the parks many times – shudder! – By ourselves!
Being a boomer with 12 grand kids, I enjoy having a choice of how I enjoy the parks. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this whole millennial blame game will stop…Because guess what! We are the parents of said “millennials” and instilled in them all the wonderful things they are!
So, when you see me walking around, alone, dear millennial, I’ll be happy to take your picture and will enjoy sharing a secret smile with you that only childless park goers have. You know the one…That fabulous inner feeling that just can’t help but make it to your face…The knowledge that everyone in your party is tall enough to ride all the rides!!
I’m older than baby boomers (war baby) and have been going to WDW about once or twice a year since the early 1970s. Some with children, others without (by now most have been without). I fully understand the attraction for young people and wish WDW would have existed when I was their age. All we had was Palisades Park and Coney Island. As fascinating as they were, they were no Disney World.
If you’re a millennial and hear WDW calling your name, by all means go for it. you’ll never regret it. I don’t have the energy or desire to travel the world anymore, but I do have three Disney trips planned. Go figure.
I’ve been going to Disneyland and Disney World since I was a little kid, and continued to go with my Mom after I was an adult. It was a lot of fun! Now that I have kids, we (Mom, my husband and I) took them to Disney World for the first time in February. It was both awesome to see my four year old look around with wonder in her eyes, and stressful because hey, kids are kids. One night, my husband (who used to be anti theme parks) said he loved it at Disney World but wanted to go next time without the kids! It’s ignorant to say that something is “just” for kids, or ridicule childless people who enjoy Disney. My mom is 72, and she prefers going to Disney World over all the stereotypical senior destinations.
This should be what is going viral on FB:
“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.”
Not just about Disney but about every cotton-picken “you hurt my feelings by not agreeing with me” issue floating around on social media.
Thank you.
THIS!!! 🙂
Similar to yourselves, we are a childless Millennial couple. We are made fun of by some friends and family plus as an executive in the professional world, some of my clients will joke about it also. Luckily it is only few people who think I am crazy visiting WDW or DL semiannually instead of going to Vegas, some Caribbean island, Europe or some city. I do not take it personally nor get defensive. I laughed at the crazy woman’s Tweet and the funny responses. I also didnt take offense to that silly troll-like NYP article nor the insults on Millennials.
I think it’s great when childless or childfree couples get to enjoy Disney World. It’s created to be a place everyone can enjoy of any age!
My only gripe–and this isn’t common, thankfully–is when some childless/childfree people try to make Disney into Vegas. In my opinion, if you’re going to Disney for the purpose of nightlife and drinking and getting smashed, then you’re going to the wrong place. That’s when people SHOULD consider something like Vegas over Disney.
If, however, you’re going to enjoy the magic that is Disney World, then I think that’s absolutely wonderful. You’re never too old for magic and make believe 🙂
Disney is for everyone who is prepared to go and have a good time in a way that’s appropriate for all ages visiting. If I get comments like “isn’t it just for kids”, “don’t you want to go somewhere else”, I usually say when you’re paying for my vacation you can choose where I go!
I was quite surprised by your remarks about baby boomers. The woman who said the original thing didn’t seem to mention millennials, just childless people visiting Disney. The “journalist” who expanded on the story IS a millennial. You seem to be saying that this is yet another example of vitriol against millennials, by baby boomers who can’t cope with changing times and need someone to blame! Wow. Is this really a thing? I’m 60 so technically a baby boomer and that’s a big label I’ve apparently just acquired!
She did say millennials, she said ‘yet these immature millennials throw away their money on useless crap’, this was towards the beginning of her rant, insinuating that the remainder of it was about the same type of people. This is a tending narrative right now concerning a slew of topics, I think that’s all Tom was getting at.
“You seem to be saying that this is yet another example of vitriol against millennials, by baby boomers who can’t cope with changing times and need someone to blame! Wow. Is this really a thing? I’m 60 so technically a baby boomer and that’s a big label I’ve apparently just acquired!”
Search “millennials are killing…” and let Google autocomplete do the rest for you. There are even some lists with 100+ examples and links to the articles.
This is hardly an isolated thing.
The original Facebook post was from a horribly entitled woman, and the subsequent article was by someone who apparently doesn’t want people to have fun after a certain arbitrary age. It’s annoying that these people and their closed-minded opinions exist, but as a millennial Disney-goer (not even a couple, I go entirely alone) I will continue to do as I please and enjoy it immensely. I’m glad you and Sarah exist and continue to post your childless escapades- you both have more than enough childlike wonder without needing any actual children.
And might I add, their childless trips and passion has helped me plan the most wonderful trips for my children!
“…and the subsequent article was by someone who apparently doesn’t want people to have fun after a certain arbitrary age.”
Ugh, seriously. What is it about some people who think you hit an age and some switch flips and you just like adult things, and everything that’s deemed too ‘childish’ (by whom?!) you’re supposed to leave behind. Screw that.
Good response. The clickbait article saying ‘there’s a grain of truth’, was just that, clickbait. WDW is a cohesive collection of experiences that allows anyone from 2 to 90+ to have almost any imaginable holiday.
It is one of my favorite places because of what I can do as a couple, and what I’ll be able to do when I do have kids.
This is perfect! We fit into that “childless millennial couple” until recently, as our daughter is a one year old. We took her at six months and let’s be honest, that trip wasn’t FOR her. We go on yearly Disney vacations, and used to get teased a lot but Disney has become very mainstream, probably due to social media. I grew up going to Disneyland but all the merchandise and ride changes were a surprise when you went there. Now there’s so many accounts that report every single change and gets people excited to see or experience it.
In 2008 a group of my friends went on our first solo adult trip to Disneyland with no family, and people thought we were crazy. Young adults in Disneyland when you could go to Mexico or Hawaii? The parks were also not as crowded. AND NOW people who teased us for going on a Disney vacation as adult friends have trips with coordinating outfits and Minnie ears and loungefly backpacks… it’s now cool or pop culture to go to Disney and instagram the latest new thing.
Totally thought of you guys when I saw the article and mom rant! I was hoping you would post something to set the record straight. I have 3 kids and (secretly) long to go to Disney without them
This article deserves a Pultizer!!! 😉 As a fellow childless couple, I very much appreciate the perspective you offer in your blog about the happiest place on Earth! Loathing the (potential) day I may have to share to with a child. (haha) Thanks for the great commentary, Tom!
Also, my husband has told my kids a hundred times that he can’t wait to be able to go to Disney without kids . I haven’t told him yet, but we’ll just be adding grandkids to the party…
Exactly. My grandparent goals…to be able to take grandkids to WDW, on Disney cruises and even do runDisney together! I just have to stay in shape for the next 30 or so years! Incentive!
Well, I’m a Gen Xer who liked going to Disney pre-kid (although it is pretty awesome seeing it through his eyes now) but the kid gives me an excuse to go more often than my husband would otherwise agree to!
One day your kind will be free to visit Disney however you wish. Keep fighting. I won’t be fighting with you, because it doesn’t effect me, but you do you…
There are a lot of things at Disney that annoys certain parties, but it is what it is and usually there can be good reason for some things. But really, there are a few things that adults/teens (with or without kids) do that really IS unacceptable and not okay under any circumstances at Disney. Dropping f-bombs and vulgar language in line for Winnie the Pooh, or really anywhere in Disney where children are present, is unacceptable. (And from that woman’s post, I wouldn’t be shocked to find out that she was guilty of this offense.) The second is drunkenness, especially in large groups, that leads to inappropriate behavior and language. Those 2 things really could ‘ruin’ Disney if it multiplied and went unchecked. Standing in line for a pretzel sans kids, or using a double stroller, not so much.
Our “kids” are childless married couples in their late 30’s and 40’s. We are in our late 60’s. We all love WDW and are annual pass holders. Some people don’t get Disney. They are just not into it. So be it. We all love it.
Anyone who takes the time to go on a tirade against another segment of the population is intolerant, narrow-minded and has nothing to say worth hearing. Go and enjoy your life. Walt knew what he was doing creating Disneyland and WDW. And I can say, G-d rest his beautiful soul.