Why Disney is not just for kids.

When my mom turned 50, we decided we should all take a family vacation to her favorite destination to celebrate: Disney World. My family has traveled A LOT, especially my parents who have literally been EVERYWHERE. But for my mom, the best way to celebrate this big milestone was Disney World with her family. There were no children in this family. This was 8 years ago before any weddings or grandchildren were in the picture. Everyone was in college or beyond.

The trip was truly magical. We hired a private VIP tour guide (it’s expensive through Disney but there are many non Disney options as well that cut the cost by a lot – I can help you with this if you’re interested!), which couldn’t have been better. It allowed us to have unlimited fastpasses to every ride in the park (ironically except for Winnie the Pooh, so we rushed there first because Winnie the Pooh is VERY important. This has since changed – Pooh is now on the fastpass list). We were able to quickly travel between parks via back entrances and private vans. It really allowed us to maximize our time. And as I said, there were no kids. No naps to get back for. No early bedtimes. No toddler meltdowns because said nap or bedtime was missed. We were able to stay up and watch the fireworks which happen at a time that my kids are usually already in bed. We could sit down at nice restaurants and have nice dinners, which is VERY important to my foodie family. And while we didn’t have to wait on many lines, we also definitely did not have to entertain any small children on the lines we did have. This was ideal without kids and we had the guide – without the guide I DEFINITELY would recommend some childless Disney magic.

I feel the same way, if not even more so, about Universal. I have been to Universal twice in the last few years, also without children. Once was for a bachelorette party (for a very special bride who just birthed a human last week!! Hi Hayley!), and the other was when I was in Orlando for a wedding. Universal City Walk is probably great and all with kids, but not when you want a glass of wine or a margarita and you don’t feel like dealing with finding a babysitter to do this. And guys, let me tell you about The Hulk at Islands of Adventure, or the Harry Potter Forbidden Journey ride in Harry Potter World. These are not for 2 year olds or 10 month olds. But I still want to ride them and not have to think about where my kids are while I’m on them. Or how to entertain them while I’m on line for them.

I cannot wait to take my children to Orlando and see their faces and reactions as they experience Disney World for the first time. I’m so excited to take them on the Winnie the Pooh ride, at Disney, and the Sneetches ride in Seussland at Universal. Because some of my favorites absolutely ARE kid friendly. But I also can’t wait for my next adults only trip. You should try it too.