Reasons Disney Adults Should Give Thanks: Walt Disney World Edition

Amy Schinner and I thank our lucky stars for our neat jobs here at TouringPlans. Well, most of the time. When it’s below 95 degrees in the shade. And when we don’t have to count buses while fighting food poisoning. But, yeah, mostly joy. When we get upset at the rising prices around Walt Disney World, or we’re sad about saying goodbye to a favorite attraction, we remain thankful for a few big things. Have a peep at our lists and leave your “thankful” lineup in the comments so we can get weepy over your memories, too.

I’ll go first.

#1 The Teen Years

It’s trite, but the little years go so fast. One second you’re worried about whether or not characters will scare your sweet baby (they did not, btw), and the next you’re scared of unsettling the teenager skulking about. Store up all of the precious memories of your angel baby walking down Main Street, hugging Mickey Mouse, or thriving at the Bibbidi Bobbidi. Take all of the pictures and video. Save the costumes. Because one day you’re going to go from “Mommy” to “Brrruuuuuhhhhh” or even “Brooooo-I-didn’t-even-say-that!” and it’s going to hurt your heart.

#2 Memories of Everyone You Didn’t Birth

Every inch of Walt Disney World is full of memories for me. Our family trip in 1982 was the only vacation the six of us took while all four of us kids were young. I have memories of my Dad on Dumbo and Pirates with me, hilarious memories of my Gram upsetting all of Tomorrowland as she screamed while riding the Astro Orbiter. They’ve both been gone for a long time, but I get to have a bit of those memories every time I’m in the Magic Kingdom.

Sometimes we are gifted with a memory so sweet and so funny that the tale lasts for decades. The picture above is my niece, Katie, with Prince Caspian in MGM Studios. This child rounded the corner, saw Prince Caspian and his very shiny hair, and started to shake and cry! This meet and greet made her entire trip. Ok, so she’s now got her doctorate and is happily living in Scotland, but whatever. This is her, too, in my old brain.

Now let’s see what makes Amy Schinner’s list!

Amy has been coming to Walt Disney World since she was a kid. She started bringing her babies as soon as she was able, and we’re thankful she decided to move close to the Magic Kingdom just a few years ago! Here are some things that make Amy a thankful Disney Adult.

#1 A Safe Space

Amy is thankful that Disney creates a safe space for everyone. We always refer to Walt Disney World as “the bubble” but that’s exactly what helps make the magic. Teens, tweens, and guests with special needs are able to stretch past their comfort zones in a relatively safe space. For Amy and her family, Disney World has been a place to allow her kids to gain a bit of independence and confidence.

#2 Traditions

For Amy, Disney World is a place where her entire family comes to enjoy the same things. Outside of Disney, everyone has their own lives filled with jobs, sports, chores, and all of the other stuff that usually fill our time and our brains. In Disney world? In Disney World the entire family is one team focused on perfecting their poses, finding the best new snack, or rope dropping a favorite ride. It’s a fun way to bond over one mission no matter how different their lives back home become.

Let us know what’s on your Thankful for WDW list!! Happy Thanksgiving!