I’m sure by now you’ve all read or heard of the rant that went viral from the mom who stated that childless millennials should be banned from Walt Disney World. When I initially read the story, I assumed it was generated purposefully by someone just to get attention. After all, there are millions of us who enjoy Disney (WDW, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line and all of the other Disney parks around the world) with and without children. I brought my first child to WDW when she was five, and we continue to travel there regularly together (both adults now) 35 plus years later.
Regardless of what this one individual’s thoughts regarding this issue were, I know (and will always believe), that Disney is a place for everyone, without or without children. But I must admit, one aspect of visiting Disney I have dramatically changed my opinion on, is visiting Disney with very small children. I mentioned already that I took Shel to WDW when she was five. She was a very mature five-year-old and I thought the visit went great. But I couldn’t even imagine taking my younger two children there at that age. The four of us took our first trip to WDW together when the kids were around 6, 7 and 9. As a single mom, this was still a challenge, but we had a great time, and it reinforced my opinion that children had to be beyond the toddler stage to truly enjoy themselves and make the trip worthwhile.
Fast forward to becoming a grandmother and being surprised on two separate occasions now by Shel, my son Mark, and my wonderful daughter-in-law Missy “appearing” magically on an adult-only trip with grandbabies. I am so in love with Reese and Cam, that I didn’t for a minute think about my past opinion on babies and toddlers being too small to be there. We quickly rearranged all of our pre-planned arrangements (those sometimes very difficult to get ADR’s and fast-passes) and dove head first into visiting the parks with small children. The first time really surprised me, Reese was just under three and Cam just under a year. Although Reese didn’t quite meet the requirements for all the attractions, she was able to go on quite a bit. Cam, at still under a year mostly could only go on attractions mostly sitting on an adult’s lap. Reese was crazy excited about everything and surprisingly well behaved. She patiently waited in lines; something we never would have expected. My biggest surprise was seeing the joy on Cam’s face though. I didn’t think a baby under a year of age would be able to enjoy any aspect of the park, but boy was I wrong. Cam was mesmerized by everything! The joy I felt watching Cam and Reese’s reactions to everything was amazing!
This year for my birthday recently, they surprised me again! This time the kids were about three and a half and one and a half year’s old. Cam was able to do a lot more this time around but was still too small for many attractions. It didn’t matter what they could or couldn’t go on though because everything was just so exciting to them; and consequently, to us as well.
So, here’s a heartfelt apology to anyone for my previous misconceptions. I am so happy I’ve been able to experience this wonderful opportunity to enjoy Disney through a child’s eyes. I truly didn’t know what I was missing!
Jo Scholl is a long time Walt Disney fan, grateful Disney Vacation Club (DVC) owner, and proud mom to three amazing adult children, one of whom is fellow columnist Shelley Scholl. Jo is also Grandma Jo to new Disney fans, Reese Ann, her new baby brother Camden Joseph, and now grandchild number three, lovely Ophelia Elaine! Life is good!! Jo also resides with a small black dog named Mickey Mouse!