Do You Love Disney More as an Adult, or a Kid?
As a child traveling with my family, I visited Disneyland once and Disney World twice. It goes without saying that our trips were fantastic, I had a wonderful time, and each made a lasting impression on me.
But I love Disney even more now, as an adult. Why?
When I did some soul searching on this topic, I found my answer to be two-fold.
First, it’s because I am now a parent. It was that first adventure of taking my own family to Disney World, shortly after my daughter had just turned 4, that fired up the current Disney addiction/affliction which I now suffer. (I say that because I cannot feed this obsession nearly as often as I’d like to. And it troubles me. Daily.)
Sharing that magical destination with your child is something I wish every parent could experience. From watching them get to meet characters with a shy twinkle in their eye, to seeing their wide-eyed wonder as they journey through living fantasy worlds, rides, and attractions. It makes your heart flutter with happy.
But it’s more than that.
Now that I’m all grown up, I know things I was oblivious to as a child. I know how hectic life is, leaving so little time to relax, play, and enjoy yourself. I know how stressful it can be on a daily basis to meet your family’s needs – financially and otherwise. I know the world isn’t always a happy, kind place.
So when I get a chance to go to Disney World, it’s my chance to take a reality break and step into a Happier World. That’s part of why we love to stay onsite, for total Disney immersion throughout our entire trip.
Disney has created a place for imagination and escape. For us grown-ups, it’s a reminder of our inner childish wishes and sources of joy. And that’s why as an adult, it’s even more precious to me than during my childhood visits!
What about you … do you love Disney more as an adult, or a kid?
*o* *o* *o*
I’ll be using this as a Disney blog post entry for a contest being held by BodyLogicMD through September – with a 2 night/3 day at Disney World prize. 🙂
Comments (4)
Steve Burns
September 14, 2012 at 6:47 pm
My first visit to Walt Disney World was when I was 12 years old, so even though I definitely wasn’t an adult at that time, I don’t know that I can say I ever really experienced it as a child, especially not a young child. But even so, I still enjoy it all the more now than I did then, mainly for the reasons that you mentioned above. But I also have always enjoyed trying to figure out how things work or how they do things, and these days I have an even better understanding of how everything there works together. Some might say that knowing stuff like that ruins the “magic,” but for me, it makes it all the more fun!
COMtnMom
September 16, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Maybe it’s a guy thing? I’m one that doesn’t want to know! 😉 Leave the mystery and magic in tact, my ignorance is bliss.
Thanks for stopping by Steve, always enjoy your comments!
disneykatrina
September 14, 2012 at 11:07 pm
First – I hope you win!!
I think I enjoy it more as an adult – seeing it through your children is magical. But I also LOVE to go with other adults. It’s such a different dynamic – and an amazing experience.
COMtnMom
September 16, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Haven’t had the opportunity to try going with other adults. Sounds indulgent and wonderful to me! 🙂