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!
Amen amen amen
I have 3 teenagers which I still take to Disney. But I also love to go with my girlfriend or my husband. It’s my favorite place to go! I actually love Magic Kingdim the best so take that a you haters.
Disney dedicated his parks to the ‘young of heart of all ages.”
My husband & I are going in a few months. By ourselves. To celebrate our 47th anniversary!
I guess we’re just stubborn & young at heart!
Don’t worry…. we’ll stay away from ‘meet & greets!’
We have been lucky enough to have been to most of the Parks around world (including all parks of that other group that has a globe 🙂 ) with our children, however last year on a trip to France my wife and I visited DLP together and loved the experience that was for us different than if we had our children (who are 15 and 18 BTW recently came to DisneySea in Japan last month with us). People who comment about who should and should not got to a particular place, event or location are perhaps a little insular in their views and need to embrace the experiences they have no matter whom they are with or where they are. Heck it is the happiest place in the world, correct?
First, I’m not sure what everyone is fussing about, because that is fairly certainly from someone trolling.
There are young (millennial?) parents who do give this generation a bad rap. The defiant no rules for us kind of behavior, etc.
But, I am a young end boomer and coached a cheer squad when my now 31 year old daughter cheered, and there were veerrry entitled acting parents and their kids. I only survived 3 years coaching because of the disrespect of (some) of the kids and parents. Some were a joy to work with.
My husband and I have already participated in “the circle of life” as Disney goers. We went as a young married childless couple, segwayed into the Disney parents of toddlers/teens and now…drumroll, have had the opportunity to go again as childless “old” people who will race any of you to Flight of Passage at rope drop!
Okay – you are the first comment on this I have seen that mentioned it might be someone trolling. My immediate reaction when I read it – it was fake!!
That rant was absurd on every level. For starters, anyone can do anything and go anywhere if it isn’t breaking laws. Childless people of any age can go to Disney. People with children can go into a liquor store. Old people can go to a KidzBop concert, and 10yos can go to the symphony. People can take their 3yo to Disney – which we’ve all seen plenty of “arguments” that such an age is too young, that age is scared of characters, they won’t remember, etc. One could say this parent is not setting a good example for their child in stressful situations which in turn is creating a child who throws tantrums and can’t be resilient when their expectations aren’t met, or perhaps it could be said the parent doesn’t actually parent and indulges and capitulates to the child instead. Maybe this parent is creating some else’s future “childless millennial” who, to spite what was done to him, runs around Disney buying armfuls of pretzels. And even if no childless people went to Disney, it would still be crowded. Someone else’s precious angel baby still might get the (apparent) only remaining Mickey pretzel in Florida. This woman’s rant was disgusting on every level, regardless of who she lashed out at and why. People need to have more humanity and understanding that we are all in this together. We have to coexist. No one should be lifted above anyone else because of age, gender, skin color, marital status, kids, or any other reason. We are all human and need to find enough commonality in that.
On another note, what really ruffles this gen-xer’s feathers…when you post a dessert photo, and I don’t know what it is or where to find it! C’mon man. Help your elder out. 😉
nice reply…and that dessert is the seven layer cake (for two) from contemporary resort’s Top of the world lounge on the roof…can have desert and watch the magic kingdoms’ fireworks on the roof…but you have to be a vacation club member, I think…may have changed in last few years. Have gone every year since ’98…best money I ever spent. Went with wife alone, later with kids, and probably take grandkids in next 7-10 yrs…everyone can enjoy, kids or not.
Cake for two. Pssssht. Get outta here.
I think the real issue – what really should be the topic of this conversation- is when the grown people/people without kids just on their own, stand in line for a meet and greet with a character and have a full blown conversation for minutes on end! I’ve been there with my child (who is now a teenager so I no longer do meet and greets) and have been totally annoyed by this. Not saying they shouldn’t have the same opportunity to meet a princess or whatever, but as far as taking to the character – really? This just hold up the line and makes you look ridiculous! Take your pic, say hi and move on!
Got news for you that maybe you didn’t think of. Most meets the characters talk to you and I’m not going to take pictures with someone I’m being rude with. If someone in the real world wants to have a conversation with me I’m not going to be rude to them. If I’m in a hurry I will politely let them know, I don’t know about you I’m not in a hurryvon my vacation
you should read the comments after your post by michael Harbuck…spot on…well said!
Rude!!!!!
So, like, the mom with the young kid who did the rant – she’s most likely a millennial, right? So how did this become a generation versus generation thing?
Just wait a bit and we can all start blaming Gen Z for everything.
My wife and I are Disneyland AP’s (conscious to not become passholes though) and have taken our 3 & 5 year old daughters MANY times. We also have gone a few times just the two of us and had an absolute BLAST! The only issue I have with childless people going to Disneyland is their annoyance with kids and kid related things (yes strollers.) At whatever age you go, with or without kids, worry about yourself, be kind, and pack your patience.
Well said!
I LOVE going to Disney as an adult who’s kids are all grown and on their own. Most of them also love Disney and are childless Millennials! I often will even go by myself. I grew up on Disney and raised my kids in it but find I enjoy it more now. I can appreciate all the little things and not rushing around or dealing with cranky toddlers! I personally enjoy seeing childless Millennials at Disney. They radiate all the fun and magic that Walt himself intended. I love the outfits and hats/ears that both men and women will don! Once my childless adult millennial explained to me what “Disney Bounding” was, I appreciated their efforts even more.
My husband and I are baby boomers who go to Walt Disney World every year without kids. People ask us if we brought our grand kids. We will someday. They are still pretty young. But we really enjoy our trips. By ourselves. Better than marriage counseling or therapy. It helps keep us happy and healthy. WDW is magical no matter your age.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! WHEW!! Your guide is a lifesaver!!
I’m a childless millennial. This whole thing has been extremely amusing and ridiculous, but mostly amusing. I particularly like your “death of” list too… particularly the doorbell. I read it aloud to my husband and we were in tears… well done 😉
I clicked and took the bait but that’s because I love your writing . We are the boomers who are empty-nesters and annual passholders and having the time of our lives . And seriously I have three Disney Dooney and Bourke bags. I don’t consider $300 a kiddie toy. But they do bring me great joy Like the Japanese cleanup lady talks about Keep only what brings you joy Get rid of the rest of your stuff For me it’s grand kids and work so I can go to Disney And even better when we can all go together !
Mr. Bricker and Beautiful Wife, Thank you for your Blog. Never got involved in reading Blogs until yours popped up one day . Have been coming to Disney for years and agree much of the time with your Blog and enjoy your insights you have brought a breath of fresh air to a Baby Boomer. We come to disney to mouse out. My husband is a retired businessman and I am a carving artist who will never retire. Thank you for your diligence, look forward to your insights!
this made my day!
Thanks for your “analysis” of the current zeitgeist of Disney guests. What I’ve not seen anyone point out is that today’s millennials were the children visiting with their boomer parents 15 years ago. Where did Manic Mama think they came from? Out of the woodwork? Outer space? No. They came with their parents, possibly over and over (as my own children did) and when they became old enough to “do Disney” on their own, that’s exactly what they did. For senior trips, to get engaged, possibly to get married, and Disney steps up to the plate every time, with packages, discounts (well, some…), “bounding weekend,” and don’t forget, alcoholic drinks with fancy Disney-related names, and smoke and mirrors. (literally). Disney is NOT just for kids, and Manic Mama needs to get a grip. On her own parenting!
Very well said. As a 65 year old Disney addict for almost my entire life I always enjoy your blog and am proud of your stand against the haters.
Im not a millennial and im not childless, but i find it great that people of all ages can enjoy the most magical place on earth. I had kids early and couldnt afford to go before when they were young. But now they are adults i can afford it and have no problem going with my adult childless kids. Im also taking my 90 yr old father in December to enjoy the magic. My 21 yr old is excited to drink around the world.
I SUPPORT THE CHILDLESS MILLENNIALS
I’m a member of an even more nefarious and evil group: a Boomer who is unmarried and childless… AND I go to Disneyland and World. I mean.. someone of my age should know better, right?
I do put on the makeup to dye my hair darker and I put on the wig.. and luckily when I do that most people think I’m 40… not quite millennial, but at least Gen X. Still, I do have to watch our for the Boomer Patrols who stop everyone younger than 50 who don’t have children in much the same way as Stormtroopers do people wandering about Galaxy’s Edge without visible intent to ride the Millennium Falcon.
To be honest, I’m considering renting a child or two next time I go so I fit in better.
I’m not a millennial…closer to a boomer and VERY excited about my upcoming first solo trip to Disney World in September!! I feel there are so many different things to see and do and I’m really looking forward to enjoying Disney “at my own pace!”
I “clicked” the bait and loved your article. Personally, I’m far too old to be considered annoying but I enjoy regular Disney trips (both Disneyland and Walt Disney World) completely solo. Some comments I’ve gotten are along the lines of “Oh, how sad!”. I have to laugh at that! Sad? NOT!