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!
Love this article! My husband and I are childless and went to disney for our honeymoon. Let me just say it was an awesome time! I know of so many people going for their honeymoon and loved it. Because who doesn’t love being a kid again?
Hi Tom – Would you mind if I shared a link to this article on my Facebook page and/or website? I think you’re a really good writer and I have clients/potential clients who’d benefit from reading this! Here’s the link to my Facebook page and you can see my website address below. https://www.facebook.com/JansMagicalTravel/
Hahahahahahaha thank you for this
signed, a childless millennial who loves terrorizing Disney parks
These posts are cracking me up. I do understand in the heat of the moment not being happy with the family who stood in front of you to see the parade. However, it is the happiest place on earth and you will probably be there again, many times, to get a better view of the parade. I love Disney with and without children.
We’re no longer childless millennials since we’re up to three kids, but our last Disney trip in 2010 was without children. Also my husband’s first trip. And after seeing all the people (at the time)our age and a bit older with kids in strollers who mainly looked miserable, he announced Disney World was most definitely not for children. We had planned on taking our oldest two to Disneyland at some point while living in Vegas since being an east coast girl I’ve always wanted to go, but adding a third we ended up not doing it because we had wanted our second to be able to be old enough to not break down if naps were missed, walk at least most of the time, and not need diapers. Which meant I was pregnant and didn’t want to go then or we had a newborn. Maybe he’ll get orders back out west, and we’re waiting until the toddler is a little bit older. (Though we’ve discussed saying screw it and being miserable so our oldest can get kids prices, lol. And since she’s 8 and a half we’re pushing adult Disney with her.)
When you say “NOT FOR CHILDREN” I assume you mean young children. If that’s what you mean I agree 100%. There is nothing more miserable than pushing, carrying, dragging a young child that can’t go on many of the attractions through the park. To me the age to start bringing kids is 6-8. They can walk on their own, don’t wear diapers, don’t need to be fed every 30 minutes, and don’t need naps.
But I know your problem with the oldest getting screwed out of fun. We have a 6 year gap between our kids so we had to do most of the things I said above so my son (now 13) could see Disney while it was fun to him. Our bottom line was diapers. We did NOT want to ever change a diaper in the park so we waited until our youngest was out of them before going.
I have read Walt Disney’s biography and in it he says “Going to the park on a Sunday morning was boring so I wanted to create something that adults would enjoy as much as children!” Enter: Disneyland then later Walt Disney World! He was right – it helped me through a terrible divorce at a time I needed to take my mind off things. Magical place which to be honest (even though I took my own children) they didn’t appreciate the attention to detail as we adults. They are now 21 and 24 and shrill can’t wait to go! And will no doubt take their kids! We live in England and love Disney!
“Old” (30’s, probably close to your age) millennial checking in, no kids, who loves solo Disney trips. And having beer on those Disney trips. And doing whatever the eff I want to do, because I love adult Disney World. Great article, Tom. Disney is for everyone, for whatever reason.
Well, me and my hubbs have been on both sides of the coin. We didn’t have any kids and visited Disney parks alot. Now we have a toddler and have been taking her since she was one. I have no problem with people without kids and people with kids. What pisses me off is when we go to a Disney restaurant (that allows kids and is somewhat noisy) and people without kids gawk or stare at you because your kid is loud. Oh brother! God forbid a child should be noisy in a Disney restaurant. If you don’t like it, then try Universal. We do try to keep the noise level down, but what about people with screaming babies. It is Disney, for goodness sakes, which, by the way, was created for families with families in mind. Can everyone just tolerate one another for a change.
Gen X
No Kids
I’ll darn well do anything I please! The assumption that because my husband and I don’t have kids we are selfish or should allow those with kids before us is laughable. I’ve done three Disney trips with my nephews – and I never once thought that those without kids were “in my way”. I’m looking forward to a childless trip to Disney with my husband. We wait in lines just like any other person and pay our way. Disney is inclusive to all – young, old, married, single, etc etc.
Thankfully, the only people I’ve seen sharing the tweet are people who are appalled by it. I haven’t seen anyone who actually agrees with it!
I don’t think bans across the board is ok but really parents should be aware enough to know at what age waiting in endless lines are appropriate. I had two kids one would melt down if there wasn’t immediate gratification and the other was born with patients for two. Walking around and blaming other people ahead of you in line is crazy! It does not sound like DWD is the right place for you or your kid.
I am not a millennial either but my husband and I have visited Disneyworld several times since our kids have grown and left th he best. I had the pleasure of taking my grandchildren for their first time this past year. I also celebrated my 36th anniversary last year and went 2 additional times. Disney is for all ages… young and old. Its magical and deserves to be enjoyed by all! Great article!
First we : Too young to appreciate it . ( summer of 1973, Florida)
2nd: No kids why are you going?
3rd: 5 kids? Too many kids to go?
4th: Again?
5th: You have 5 teenagers, they want an age appropriate destination.
6th: You’re empty nesters, why go back?
7th: You’re grandchildren are too young to enjoy it.
After almost 200 days of vacation magic…
The circle of life of ignorant comments about my vacation destination is complete.
Amen I too have done the circle of life and my husband and I are not going to stop enjoying something we love.
I love your comment on the 5th “you have 5 teenagers, they want an age appropriate destination.” what the freak is “age appropriate” for teens? High school? cause that is what the get! oh the beach? they are too young to drink and too old to be babies making baby sand castles… but they are still kids and will make teen sand castles. Europe? that is expensive but so is Disney! Oh wait, DISNEY! DISNEY! DISNEY!!! Disney is for all ages. at the Teens age, they are old enough to not need a diaper, or a nap, or a stroller. or mommy to watch their every movement. Slap a watch on them give them $20 and say “meet us at this pre set point at this pre set time and enjoy your vacation” … that is age appropriate and Disney does that best. rides, food, people, magic and parades. Disney was built for all ages and is ONE OF THE MOST AGE APPROPRIATE THING FOR TEENS. Such a safe environment for them to be alone and responsible and still be a kid all at the same time. I’m glad that you were able to give your kids that kind of joy.
As a single, childless woman I bought my first house. I recall an article where some woman – online, of course – was “outraged” at all the childless people moving in and diminishing the number of kids in these areas for kids like hers to play with. She said we should all stay downtown in lofts or apartments – we didn’t belong out in the suburbs. I told her I had to pay taxes for schools my kids would never attend and how dare she tell me where I could live because I wasn’t a “breeder” (yes, that was mean but I was mad). I’m not a millennial but trust me – I get blame for stuff like that too and about 12 of us are going to DW this winter.
Love this post!! Love your blog!! Keep “killing” it!!
As a full time nerd – I love this “Not everyone has to approve of our interests or hobbies.”
I do have a kid, and he’s been to Disney since he was 3 and has been going ever since (he’s now 13). But I go without him, and will keep going even when he goes off to college if he doesn’t want to. I love Disney, and I like to think of all of us Disney fans as part of my tribe. You spend the money, you have the right to enjoy it – how much you enjoy it is up to you though.
I’m fine with the childless millennial, but how about banning stroller aged children? Those strollers really get in the way of regular foot traffic, and then there is the fiasco that is stroller parking, and the crying toddler who takes forever to take a character photo. While we’re at it, let’s kick them all off airplanes too!
Banning stroller aged kids….. Sarcasm I hope.
You should try the new revolutionary cryositter. It’s a portable cryogenic machine that freezes your children (for up to 12 hours)* so you can enjoy your adult life while they are suspended in ice.
** Side Effects are: Freezer burn, itchy skin, hatred of you when they grow up.
But!!!! But!!! What about us old fogey childless Gen Xers that are RUINING WDW??????? We deserve some hate too! 😉
And us childless Boomers, too! We’re even older and fogey’er’! We totally deserve some hate!
I’m a millennial with kids so I can tell you we are not immune either. I can’t tell you how many social media posts I’ve read ranting about how strollers, kids in signature restaurants, kids on parents shoulders during fireworks, and kids with bubble machines are “ruining” disney world for older childless adults. It’s all just some variation of “kids these days.”
For the record, as a childless adult, I am absolutely DELIGHTED by children with bubble machines. It means I randomly get to walk through bubbles, which makes me happy. 🙂
My family and I were there in December. We have 2 girls, 15 and 13. We walked through bubbles a couple of times and each time the parents apologized. Nothing to apologize for…. we all still love bubbles and seeing young children having fun!!
Yes, there is a lot of hate for kids, and especially little kids on shoulders. People who are 5’10” complain that they can’t see over a kid who is 6’6″ (height of kid when sitting on someone’s shoulders). But if a child doesn’t sit on his parents’ shoulders, then he is like 4’0″ trying to see over a crowd of people in the 5’10” range. I’d rather an adult have to look around a kid than a kid not be able to see at all.
I saw the post and laughed as last time I was at Disney I thought they should have a day at each park as a dedicated no stroller day. I have grandkids, and I love them. I’m not a kid hater. Just thought it would be a nice thing for us adults. The only bad experience I had at Disney last time was I waited 2 hours holding my space for the Halloween Parade. A guy with three kids thought he should just walk up when the parade started and us adults should move so his kids could see. What!!!! Then one of them proceeded to step on my foot. I jumped and he accused me of trying to push his child. No, she was just hurting my foot. Then we had words on the first night of my vacation. I explained to him that I stood there for 2 hours and I paid to get in just like him. If he wanted his kids to see, then someone should have spent the time like we did to hold some space.
Amen! I refused to take my kids when they were in strollers. One they would not remember it! Heck, I went when I was 6 and barely remember it! And Two I HATE STOLLERS LOL, I never wanted to deal with the extra ‘baggage’ so we waited till they were 7&9 and each could carry their own sling bag. It was great! No meltdowns, no stollers, no diaper bags, no carrying lol.
My husband and I waited 1 hour in a good spot to see the parade and then a couple with 2 kids asked us to move so their kids could see better! We just ignored them and stood our ground! The NERVE!
Tammy, I had a similar experience. My sons, DIL, two small grandchildren and I waited for about an hour in 95 degree weather in the burning sun to secure a good spot for the parade. Last minute, a women pushes her two taller children in front of my grandchildren. When I confronted her she said, “well, it’s all about the children”. I said yes, if they had waited 45 minutes in the sun like we did. I made her move her children (yes, I’m an ogre). The verbal exchange almost came to fisticuffs. Same thing happened in HS. Some people are just nasty and pushy.
We usually camp out to get a parade spot or fantasmic spot. The last time I can remember a similar situation, a large group of us brought a blanket, and we took turns getting dinner (quick service) and brought it back to our front row spot. We said that come parade time people would try and sneak in any available space to edge us out. We placed all our bags in a barrier to maintain our space and sure enough when the parade started, a family tried to edge our group out. A child tried to sit in front of me and my six month old daughter, leaning against her and I told him to move. We all sat really close together and it was frustrating that we had been there for hours and people seconds before the parade started tried to push past rows of people to get any possible space. There was a family next to us and the rest of the family tried to edge them out and the mom went OFF, and said they needed to move, they had waited a long time for their spots and these people needed to get lost! We all cheered her!!
A basic sense of etiquette is sometimes missing from park guests. Some of the rudest encounters have been from other guests. That’s just how it is.