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 think we should be more patient with one another before criticizing or judging someone because we don’t know what that person might be going through. There might be childless couples in the park that can’t have kids. Someone might be struggling with depression and going to Disney World helps them forget that. And parents that have kids in strollers at some point are going to be dealing with meltdowns and that is very stressful. I went to Disneyland as a teenager with my school choir and that’s when I felt the magic of Disney. There are many people that have felt that and deserve to experience it. I’m a parent and so I know how stressful it will be at some point during my first trip to Disney world and I hope others will be patient with me.
I go to Disney all the time and can’t stand kids. Disney needs to have days during the year when all these little monsters stay the hell out so we selfish adults can enjoy a day of peace without their little undisciplined ear piercing screams. Take them over to grandmas house that day and show up without them. For the real bratty ones, tell them when you get home that you went without them.
Crystal there are also many adults that enjoy disney world as it is. It is fun to go get away from real life for a while whether you have kids or not. Just because I don’t have kids or never wanted to doesn’t give another person any rights to look at me as a hooligan or a deviant. I enjoy the restaurants there I enjoy the extra mile the cast members go that make me feel welcome I enjoy going on thrill rides and the dark rides. I enjoy having some peace and solitude When I get back to my room on a solo trip because my job tends to be very busy. If anyone thinks I’m going to feel any less about myself because I never wanted the extra responsibility of having children they are wrong
Normally LOVE reading your articles, but this one – not so much. My husband & I are in our 60’s – no children – and go to (try to) Disney twice a year. We certainly don’t need a ‘Millennial’, ‘Gen-Xer’ or whatever/Whoever to advise on how to have fun at Disney World….they take our money the same way they take yours….by the bucket full!
Hi Katie,
Fellow boomer here, (with kids and grandkids). This article is a funny and clever response to the nasty NY Post article, which is disrespectful to all childless Disney fans and especially millennials. Tom’s article is clearly in good fun. 🙂
I think both groups should stay home !!! One group is to bratty, and the other group is to slow. No if we can get this done? It truly would be the WONDERFUL world of Disney.
About a year ago Disney posted the following video (8,654,924 views) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfaFfxXAKfg in an effort, I presume, to present the essence of the Parks. It’s 30 seconds long.
Age, family status, etc. are irrelevant. Disney Magic – it’s state of mind!
I am a baby boomer and love Disney with or without my adult kids or grandchildren, and the ridiculousness of the original post, as well as yours mentioning baby boomers is uncalled for. Why even respond to crap like that? You’re Just keeping the original post alive & well.
Because it is the baby boomers that are usually complaining about it and writing inflammatory posts. Not all boomers, just the ones that want to complain and act like the generation before them is killing everything.
Thank you for this, all of you. What dismayed me wasn’t the original, it was that publications such as the NY Post decided to pick this up and agree! I have been to Disney many many times since before EPCOT was open. WDW is far from perfect, but there are plenty of things for adults to do; back in the day they had Pleasure Island just for that purpose. For the writer of a newspaper to say that a trip to France is better than WDW just because that is what they liked is just awful. As for the original Facebook post it seemed to me that the mother just spoiled her kids and took it out on others.
As a (late) babyboomer I apologize to all of you 🙂
My husband and I are in our Fifties and this will be our first vacation without any kids or grandkids. I’m a Mickey fanatic. So I am retired and saved money to go. I can’t wait to see all the Christmas Decor. My theory is if you can’t afford to go and give your kids the happiest time. Then don’t take them or don’t go yourself. I always made sure when I took kids or grandkids they could get everything they wanted. Save save save!!
FYI – the post that has kicked off all the outrage over “Childless Millennials at Disney” was first posted TWO YEARS AGO, and was posted in a Facebook group that mocks stupid posts, and was created as a satire of posts by Disney mommies that get frustrated when things don’t go their way.
Now that group is merrily mocking everyone that has taken that post seriously.
There have been several times that my husband and I intentionally have left our kids at home when venturing to WDW. Both have their pros and cons, but all in all we love the freedom that going on our own allows us. Late nights out, less complaining and time to reconnect.
Pay your dough, go have fun, and if you don’t get everything done… plan for another trip. My wife and I are empty nesters and like others visit Disney twice a year.
Right on, brother!
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I love your articles. As an empty nester who raised a Disney Princess who is now 27 and fits this category. Her and her spouse go 4 times a year. They spend obscene amounts of money there. Considering she still only watches the Disney Channel and gets the beautiful child like joy still every time she goes. Why tarnish something that Disney Magic gives to everyone regardless of their age. At 49, I still sit on the couch and watch the newest Disney Blu-ray with her. She loves this brand enough to have Peter Pan tattoo on her shoulder. Close family friends go 6 times a year with their daughter who is now a Senior in high school! Again their home is seasonally decorated in Disney and Star Wars only. People need to remember that people like my generation went to Disney 4 times a year as a family and raised our children the same way. Who cares how old you are. If the Disney Magic makes you happy then shame on the haters! If Disney was just for children instead of being multi leveled for all ages, they would have died out a long time ago. People should appreciate that childless couples go and enjoy Disney and spend their money there. They have the resources to go elsewhere or spend their money on other things instead of supporting this wonderful franchise that is a multigenerational love in my family. My father is 75 and still goes to Disney 4 times a year with his wife. So THANK YOU for this newsletter and everything you do to keep the sparkle alive. We are currently planning a trip to Disney for Star Wars weekends.
I love your articles too, Tom! I’m not a Millennial, wish I was when I RunDisney, am older but I think I enjoy Disney now more than I ever did even as a child. Thank God I really don’t care that much what other people think as I parade around in my Mickey ears. I just wanted to share an awesome moment I had while staying at Port Orleans Riverside awhile back. My husband and I were relaxing on the porch area in the rocking chairs just enjoying being there. Not so much about rides, or sprinkles on the ice cream, but just relaxing and being. I guess a toddler was making a fuss and a harried Mom looked at me while taking him probably to a time-out, or whatever, and she looked me in the eye and said “ Someday I’m gonna be you” I loved that, and secretly wondered how she could possibly want to be in her sixties (young sixties, guys), anyway, it made a perfect moment that much more perfect.
I read some of the articles you are referring to. My husband and I don’t have kids and go to Disney twice a year. I think the people writing these articles are upset with their life choices of having kids, bringing that young miserable tired child to Disney, and is extremely jealous and envious of the childless people having fun with out dragging a child around.
I have no issue with children being at Disney and Parents shouldn’t have a problem with me being childless and enjoying Disney.
Back in December- January we were there for new years, yes we had our children with us, mind you they are 28 and 24 along with their girlfriends. Does that make us inaddmissable to WDW being that we were all adults. Oh I almost forgot we had a great time!! In August my wife and I are going back to celebrate our 32nd anniversary without our little boys. Disney is for everyone even cranky pants mothers who feel that everyone should bend over backwards to make sure that their children our first, lady waiting is part of life and if you can’t handle your children while you are waiting may be it is the way they were brought up. Teach them young so they will know what to expect in life. Have a nice day.
I’m not childless, we have 2 tween kids who love Disney. But the FB rant sounds like a mom who never wants her kids to be disappointed yet can’t control the perfectly legal and respectful behavior of others.
I do draw the line at Millenials, or anyone for that matter, photographing or video-ing themselves doing rude, disrespectful, borderline illegal things with no thoughts for anyone else but to get views and likes in a post of some sort. Even if you don’t think it isn’t hurting anyone else, please don’t break the rules.
We are fortunate to be able to go to WDW 3 or 4 times a year. In January, we take friends or relatives (all adults), in March we take our kids (now in their early 40’s) and the grandchildren. Eight of us; that’s quite a hoot! However, the very best time is in summer when my wife and I go alone. We grew up with Disney on Sunday evenings, and Disneyland was something of which we could only dream. So now when the two of us go, we enjoy the parks (at least the ones that concentrate on things of which we think Walt would approve), the food (WONDERFUL), and mostly each other. We never had a chance to visit when our kids were small, so having them there now is special, but not as special as being there just we two.
I saw that post just the other day and thought of how horrible it is. I saw nothing but selfishness and the high expectation of instant gratification by this mother. I am a parent and went to WDW for the very first time with my barely 4 yo and a 7 yo. And I loved it! It was Spring Break, crowds were insane , and I found it a to be a wonderful way to teach my kids how to wait patiently in line, deal with the disappointment when an attraction was down (after waiting forever!) navigating through gullywashing storms and the 4yo getting lost once. We didn’t even use a stroller. Did they get tired? Cry?
Have meltdowns? Yes! But we used those moments as a learning tool. It may not be “as fun”’ but it is only a season and the trips since then only keep getting more magical. My kids are now 16 and 19 and am looking forward to our first adults only trip! Disney is magical for everyone
My husband and I play “Miserable Parent” when we visit Disney. If you spot a miserable parent and call it you get a point. I’d much rather be a DINC couple and be able to enjoy my life with just my husband doing every adventure we can think of, than be a miserable parent. Disney, unfortunately is for anyone who can afford it, and I have a feeling Disney is going to be way more supportive of the DINC couple dropping $$$ rather than the family of 4 on a tight budget, buying gifts prior to departure for souvenirs, and pack their own food all to save money.
Sounds like the game my wife and I play, “Satisfied Customer” where we point out the screaming, crying children know to us as satisfied customers
We went a few times just the 2 of us and as fun as when take our child.
You eat ice cream with sprinkles your ruining it for the kids omg
We have gone to Disney World for the last 26 years without the kids ( which are 55 and 46 ) It is such a joy to get away from our hectic life and have fun, I think Disney has made their parks enjoyable for every age…..
If going to Disney world makes you happy ( it makes me very happy) with or with-ought children , go for it. It’s like if your a grown-up and want ice cream in a cone with sprinkles ( if that makes you happy, in my case it does) . Go for it. There is no age limit on fun and happiness.
You eat ice cream with sprinkles your ruining it for the kids omg
Childless GenX-er here!
The last time I went to Disney with ‘kids’ was with my 13 and 10 year old nephews…21 years ago and that was my third time visiting Disney. The rest of the current 7 times have been adults only and we have had the BEST time!! Honestly, the lines that I’ve had to deal with were lines full of impatient, exhausted kids with a few adults without kids in tow scattered around so…really…the outrage is completely ridiculous.
I have friends and family who have talked about wanting to go to Disney and wanting me to go with them. For my friends with the 1 kid, I told them ‘not until he is at least 6 years old…and not in the summer’. For my family, the oldest niece is now 5 1/2 and the youngest nephew is 3 months old so I told them that I will not be going with them until the youngest is at least 6. Hopefully they’ll listen.
Haha this is hilarious! I’ve mostly been ignoring all the clickbaity posts about this since people are writing about it just to rile everyone up. But I did enjoy & laugh on your take on this… I did laugh out loud after reading the line we should instead be going to Applebee’s and reading up on the latest conspiracy theory