What’s it like to enjoy Walt Disney World without kids? Contributing writer Chris Barry is going to find out this spring (Top 5 Things I’m Looking Forward to Doing on my Kid-Free Trip to Walt Disney World – Feb. 19, 2010), and many other readers wrote to share their own thoughts and experiences on the subject.
Mike writes:
My wife and I totally concur with your decision! Your relationship with your spouse comes first, and the children benefit from the time you share together alone. Our situation is different, though. All of our “kids” are grown up.
We savor the time together when we go to Disneyland. There are times we don’t even ride attractions. We just enjoy being there, with each other. On top of that, I’ve now gotten into taking pictures, so each trip I pick a different perspective of Disneyland to focus my camera on (when I’m not focused on my wife, of course!).
So, if someone accuses you of unfairness just say, “GTR!” (Guilt Trip Refused!)
Thanks for taking the time to offer your perspective. Sounds like you’re spot on. Happy couples make happy kids. I can’t wait for our trip. We’re looking forward to soaking it all in together.
A Disney park is a wonder to explore with a camera. You should check out MousePlanet’s own Frank Anzalone’s website. He takes some amazing photos of the parks.
Peggy H. writes:
I enjoyed your thoughts on what you will do on your adult trip. As empty nesters I can’t tell you how much my husband and I have enjoyed our last few trips without kids. Hopefully in a few years we’ll have grandkids and can relive the joys of taking little ones again. Until then we will make the most of our adult-only trips. You can also expect some strange looks when you tell people you’re going without kids, but I tell ’em try it, you’ll love it.
I get plenty of strange looks because we go each year as it is. I think we’ve all gotten the, “You’re going again?” comment from people we know. That’s fine. I’ll be grinning a silly grin when they look at me strangely; they don’t have to get why.
Mike W. writes:
First, let me say I always enjoy your articles. You and Steve Russo are must-reads for me on MousePlanet. Second, I hate you. You are taking the trip that my wife and I are really anxious to do for most of the reasons you have outlined. Our kids are older than yours and we are a family of four, so our resort choices have not been limited and going on rides hasn’t really been an issue. But, as with most families, everyone doesn’t agree on everything all the time, so there is always some negotiation going on.
Enjoy your alone trip and hopefully, one year soon, we will join the ranks of those adults travelling to the “kid centre of the universe” WITHOUT kids.
Thanks for the kind words. Steve is a must read for me as well. Sorry you hate me. You’ll get your trip in. I just made an impulsive decision and off we go!
Kelly from Saskatoon writes:
Chris, you did not sound mean at all. My husband and I just came back from a trip to the World without our three kids in January. It was wonderful. I, too, love my children, but we all need a break and time to ourselves. We enjoyed eating whenever we wanted to and just going at our own pace. It was also nice to do some shopping without the kids impatiently waiting to go to the next ride or attraction. Thanks for your article and by the way I LOVE your “top 5s.”
Orlando must have been a nice break from Saskatoon in January. Glad you had a great time. I once “lost” my son Alex in a store at MGM. He was hiding behind some clothes racks, but to me he was gone for a good 5 minutes. He’s grown since, but I still feel like I have to keep a watchful eye on the kids while I’m shopping. So, I’ll be taking my time in the shops on this trip and not wondering what kind of mischief the boys are up to.
Dana L. writes:
This is the first year we are going down with all adults. We have been going down every year, and sometimes two times in a year since our youngest was two. We are excited about the fact that we can see the “grown up” side of Disney without ruining the magic. We will be doing some of the tours and some of the activities that are geared for adults. The one that my husband and I are looking forward to is Cooking with Disney, where we get to take classes on cooking some of our favorite Disney dishes. That is something you might want to look into. There are a ton of things that are adult oriented.
You’re right. There are a ton of things to do that are adult oriented. My wife and I are going to sit down and plan some excursions together. I can’t wait. The cooking class does sound fun, although I already make a wicked Breakfast Lasagna from The Crystal Palace, my favorite Disney dish.
Amy writes:
Good for you going alone with your wife! My husband and I have gone a few times without the kids. We live in Arizona, and we LOVE taking them, but there’s just something different about going alone. We can be a couple again, go on the rides together, eat where we want, sightsee, people watch and browse the stores we don’t normally go in. I’m excited for you guys, have a great time!
Thanks so much. We’re beside ourselves that we’re actually going.
Pam M. writes:
Oh my goodness, I loved this article. I CRAVE a trip just like the one you describe. My daughters are 4 years old and 10 months old and we will be taking them in a year and a half for a princess-centered weeklong, spoil-them-rotten-just-because-momma-wants-to vacation. And I cannot wait.
But the adult-kid in me would just love to slip away for a few days with hubby and do exactly what your top five list describes. I want to get on the big rides with my favorite guy, maybe get a little tipsy on some margaritas in Mexico, linger over dinner ANYWHERE in the World, and this one time go to the parks with just a Key to the World card and a smile. No diaper bag, no stroller, no snacks, no line-waiting toys, no balloons, and no sore backs from carrying it all.
And the crazy thing is… I have a feeling I will miss our family-centered trip the whole time anyway. Thanks for the dream!
Keep the dream alive! I never thought I’d get there without the kids and my favorite gal, but here I am counting down the days. By the way, love the line,”just a Key to the World card and a smile.” I wish I wrote that.
Laura F. writes:
Good for you! Sounds like it will be a lovely time – and since you have children, you probably won’t be bothered so much by the inability to get away from other people’s children at Disney! I do have to tell you that I chuckled at your wish to finally walk through Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream – I think I have the only child who, at age 9, rated that attraction at the top of her list – in addition to the Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom! Julia’s always been a little different… Hope you have lots of fun and bring me back a tin of Mickey Mints!
You have to love a kid that ranks the Carousel of Progress at the top of her list. She’s a future writer for MousePlanet for sure!
Dawn L. writes:
I enjoyed this article (to be fair, I enjoy all your articles). My husband and I don’t have children, so every trip is like the one you described – just us, doing whatever we want. We’re in Disney Vacation Club, and our home resort is the Wilderness Lodge.
You apologized quite a bit in your article, and hoped that you didn’t sound negative towards your kids. I’m not sure how people with children feel, but I’m just here to remind you that you are your wife are still a married couple, and still adults. You are (more than) allowed to enjoy each other’s company without the children (and without apology!) In fact, it is essentially to a strong healthy marriage, which in turn creates a strong backbone for your entire family.
Hope your weekend is fantastic, and you two are able to get away to the World by yourselves again soon.
We’re looking forward to unapologetically flying away for the long weekend. We do sneak away every so often and it does reinvigorate you.
