Why We Do Disney

Hot buttons. You know, the subjects that bring out the passionate opinions in all of us? The amoral topics for which we have stronger convictions than we do about actual morality? Food. Social media. Parenting. Disney.

Yes. Disney – and specifically Walt Disney World (WDW).

In my experience, there are 2 common responses to any mention of visiting WDW with young children:

1) encouragement and bonding from those who've done it or want to or plan to, OR

2) mild scorn from those who think you're crazy or over-indulgent to even consider it.

Since I’ve gradually been dragged from camp #2 to camp #1 by my loving partner-in-crime, I’ve decided to explain a few of the reasons I've consented to tackle this particular beast multiple times...and secretly learned to love it.

But first, I think it needs to be said that I do NOT believe everyone has to visit WDW or that your children will be deprived if they never go. Mine will never do many amazing things, and I’m not worried. My goal here is to encourage those contemplating a visit (camp #1) and help those in camp #2 understand the freaks-like-me in camp #1 a little better (or if that freak is your partner...ahem…).

Reasons I Love Taking My Youngins to WDW

1. It IS magical for young kids. They don't think it's corny or fake or overpriced - they think it's miraculous. Where a young child's age can be a liability on any other kind of vacation, it is an asset here. 

2. Every activity tells a story using art, music, characters, etc. No ride is just a thrill or just an educational objective - it conveys the thrill or lesson as part of a bigger narrative. It's not just an aquarium, it's "The Seas with Nemo & Friends." It's not just a log flume, it's Brier Rabbit's Splash Mountain. It's not just a tree-house, it's Swiss Family Robinson's. Here, the world is a tapestry of contexts and characters and stories. Which is true in the real world, but a lot less obvious.

3. There are perky, helpful, indulgent staff EVERYWHERE. It is the anti-Walmart. While checking-in to our hotel, there were 2-3 staff gathered around my kids giving them stickers and balloons and explaining the seahorses in the chandelier (hippocampuses, turns out). When I couldn't find our stroller after dinner, I stopped an employee who looked like he was getting ready to go home -- he stayed with me until I found it. When my son asked if the Peter Pan he was about to meet would fly, the line-guard replied, "No, this is a no-fly zone because of all the fireworks." And it hasn't been one time or one park - it's been everywhere. The staff cannot all love kids as much as they pretend to, but I don't care. 

4. There is entertainment for every early childhood developmental stage all over the place. If you have multiple kids, you have multiple stages in your family. That actually works here. For 0-3yr olds, the parks are littered with street performers and outdoor shows and character statues and character meet-and-greets and parades to keep even the youngest set entertained. I spent a lot of time with my sensitive 2-yr-old this visit while Josh took the 44" and 48" boys on every ride (not a sacrifice for me - I'm no fan of fast rides either). Isaac could handle some rides, but WDW is also the king of serendipity. Just today we happened on a butterfly house, Beauty and the Beast sculpted from plants, a magician, and an impromptu dance lesson. Then we got creme brûlée from France and walked home for naptime.

5. The facilities are designed around children and their parents. For example, the pools at Disney resorts have giant statues of Disney characters, slides, toddler life-vests, and numerous lifeguards. There is a baby care center in each park for nursing or buying diapers, diaper-changing stations in every restroom, and water fountains all over. Even viewing windows for animals/fish/etc are just off the ground or above a bench so really short people can see. You can roll a stroller everywhere (including the monorail or boats) or they provide an attended stroller lot if you can't (except the buses, which I studiously avoid). And all the table service restaurants are kid-friendly (loud/busy enough to cover your kids’ antics, coloring menus, kids’ meals including drink+entrée+sides = $6.50). 

6. As adults, we love it too. I honestly can't tell how much of this is because we grew up coming, because we know and love so many Disney stories, or because we aren't big camping/beach people (and those seem to be the major alternatives). But I can say we spent a week at WDW around our 1^st anniversary, and it was awesome. Now, we love it for all of those reasons PLUS the real kicker: watching our kids’ wonder and happiness as they discover each attraction. I mean, just look at that face...and his, too! ;)

Common Objections

I know these well because I’m pretty sure I’ve uttered each of them at some point. Here’s how I’ve come to think about them now…

1.   They won’t remember it.

I remember very little of my childhood – including international trips when I was a teenager – but research and common sense continues to prove that all of our experiences shape who we are, no matter our age. Besides, Josh and I remember our trips with our kids, and we have no problem admitting that we go as much for our joy in taking them as for their joy in being there. Which brings up the next one…

2.   Wouldn’t they be just as happy with ____[something smaller].

Maybe. But Josh and I would not. We can tell the difference between WDW and anything else. And I’m pretty sure they can too. They also refer to and ask for WDW far more than anything else we’ve ever done. Which is not to say everyone has to do it! Just that it’s not interchangeable with any other outing. I also do not find that it diminishes their ability to enjoy other/smaller things. My kids seem to recognize that WDW is a WHOLE OTHER THING. They still love spending the night in any hotel or seeing a show at the local library.

3.   It’s too expensive.

It is expensive. No doubt. Any vacation for a family of 5 that does not involve a tent or grandparents is not gonna be cheap. But it can also be tailored to your budget. We’ve figured out where to save and where to splurge for our family – those preferences are probably different for everyone. Perhaps the biggest blessing/curse of planning a trip to WDW is that there are SO MANY CHOICES a.k.a. ways to personalize it for you.

4.   I want to relax on my vacation!

You can choose to do WDW in 2 days and run yourself ragged, but WDW doesn’t recommend that and neither do I. Still, if you just need R&R to recover from a stressful season, I’d recommend something kid-free (“Grandma!”). I’m not sure I’ve heard of a completely relaxing trip that involved small children.

Okay, so now that we’ve covered the "Why" we can get to the "How"! Tomorrow.