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Original poster

Not have done Disney

45 replies

pancakes222 · 20/09/2022 20:37

My 7 year old gave away all her dressing up princess dresses today and all I can think about is how I have missed the magic of seeing my little girl look up at the princesses at Disney. I always said to my husband that I wanted to take her to Paris when she was little but he kept saying no and that we would wait until they are older and take them to America instead and so now I feel both annoyed at myself for going along with him and resentful towards him that we haven't taken her in the young ages because he said not to. We will go to Disney in America but not until she is maybe 10. Can anyone reassure me that there still will be magic? I think this has maybe just been a realisation that she's growing up and what have I missed!

OP posts:
ClocksGoingBackwards · 20/09/2022 20:39

10 is a great age for Disney World and there is still plenty of magic to be had. Your dd might be more interested in all the other things rather than the characters, but it will still be fabulous.

Skiingwithgin · 20/09/2022 20:50

I’m very fortunate and have been to Walt Disney world at 4, 10, 16 and 23!
it’s been magical every time for different reasons. I’ve cried with joy on every trip!

4 I don’t remember much of to be honest but I’ve been told I loved it and spent lots of time meeting characters but few rides as I was scared, and fell asleep and missed the fireworks lol.

10 was my earliest memories of Disney! I have such happy memories, still waved at Cinderella and Minnie etc being exciting to see them (but pretending to be cool). Loads of Disney Adults cry at meeting characters and queue to see them so your daughter may do! But I was old enough to stay out all day and night to see the fireworks, could get on every ride and really enjoyed myself! We had a ball.

16 the same as 10 but older and “cooler” and more aware of what my fashion choices were but otherwise still hugged piglet and watched the parades!

ditto 23 but with all the memories from 10 and 16 to be excited about!

don’t feel bad! Just look forward to your amazing trip in a few years time!

DorritLittle · 20/09/2022 20:58

My kids haven't been to Euro Disney. My DM told me I 'must' take them while little but I just haven't had the time or money, or energy to influence my reluctant husband. I plan to take them still but they'll probably be both over ten by the time I do (one is already a teenager). And we'll almost certainly never go to US Disney! Don't feel bad. I think it is easy to feel you should do things other people are doing.

QueSyrahSyrah · 20/09/2022 21:00

I was 30+ the first time I went to Florida Disney and it was still very magical! Blush

I was 35 the last time I went to Disneyland Paris, and also magical.

Don't worry OP Smile

LT2 · 20/09/2022 21:01

She'll only be 10? I thought you were meaning she was a teen at first! Of course there's still time! I was nearly 9 when we went and I had an autograph book. I loved meeting the princesses and getting their autographs!

LT2 · 20/09/2022 21:04

Oh, and like PPs have said - I enjoyed going to Disney World just as much when I went at 27 years old than I did at nearly 8/9! Can't wait to go again when my little one is older.

BarnacleNora · 20/09/2022 21:06

I'm 36 and have never been to any of the Disney parks. I survived 🤷‍♀️ still loved the films and enjoyed the toys created my own versions of the outfits from various bits of dressing up clothes.

I'm unlikely to take my two to Disney as I simply won't be able to afford it. They're not mad keen on Disney. Quite like Pixar. They'll probably like Marvel when old enough.

I had three younger brothers so holidays had to be affordable. For some reason we went to Holland a lot (I think we went once and all really enjoyed it so kept going, various chalet type places similar to Centre Parcs but cheaper). Now that's somewhere I really want to take my kids because of the happy associations. I'd LOVE to take them to the theme park there, the story book place. I want to bring the grandparents along and recreate some really love Dutch memories. There are wonderful magical holidays beside Disney 😊

Cherrysherbet · 20/09/2022 21:11

We will hopefully take dd to Disney Florida when she is 13. We took her when she was just 4 and she remembers nothing about it!

We took her to Disney Paris when she was 7, but it wasn’t magical like Florida. I hated it, and would never go again.

You haven’t missed the magic with your dd. At 10 she will cope so much better with all the walking and long days. She will be so excited!

DorritLittle · 20/09/2022 21:30

BarnacleNora · 20/09/2022 21:06

I'm 36 and have never been to any of the Disney parks. I survived 🤷‍♀️ still loved the films and enjoyed the toys created my own versions of the outfits from various bits of dressing up clothes.

I'm unlikely to take my two to Disney as I simply won't be able to afford it. They're not mad keen on Disney. Quite like Pixar. They'll probably like Marvel when old enough.

I had three younger brothers so holidays had to be affordable. For some reason we went to Holland a lot (I think we went once and all really enjoyed it so kept going, various chalet type places similar to Centre Parcs but cheaper). Now that's somewhere I really want to take my kids because of the happy associations. I'd LOVE to take them to the theme park there, the story book place. I want to bring the grandparents along and recreate some really love Dutch memories. There are wonderful magical holidays beside Disney 😊

Is the theme park Efteling? My DH is keener on that when I bring up EuroDisney.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 20/09/2022 21:33

Honestly, 10 is fine. If Disney is your thing, the first visit is amazing no matter your age. Even DH loved it and he was determined it was going to be awful before we went. Grin

IScreamMonday · 20/09/2022 21:38

I was 6 when I went to Disney and hardly remember any of it so if you're thinking about making memories I wouldn't worry if it's hers you're thinking of

MimosaSunrise · 20/09/2022 21:39

It’s quite a feat that Disney have pulled off, making parents feel like they’ve failed their kids if they can’t or don’t take them.

I went at 12, and only because we moved near one of the parks. There’s no way we’d have made a special trip there (and we spent a few days there, not a whole holiday). I really enjoyed it, so, no, she’ll still love it at 10. I’d also have been fine if I hadn’t gone at all!

Abraxan · 20/09/2022 21:41

pancakes222 · 20/09/2022 20:37

My 7 year old gave away all her dressing up princess dresses today and all I can think about is how I have missed the magic of seeing my little girl look up at the princesses at Disney. I always said to my husband that I wanted to take her to Paris when she was little but he kept saying no and that we would wait until they are older and take them to America instead and so now I feel both annoyed at myself for going along with him and resentful towards him that we haven't taken her in the young ages because he said not to. We will go to Disney in America but not until she is maybe 10. Can anyone reassure me that there still will be magic? I think this has maybe just been a realisation that she's growing up and what have I missed!

We have taken dd at a variety of ages from 18m to 20y.
She loves it even now and always did.
Each age brought different 'magic' and memorable moments, all lovely to look back on.

Personally I've enjoyed the years when she's been older best from when she was tall enough to join in with every ride.

We took one of DD's friends with us when they were 15y. It was the first time the friend had been to any Disney park. She was blown away and it was lovely to see it a new with someone who'd never need before. It didn't matter than she was older, it was still fabulous for her.

TheMildManneredMilitant · 20/09/2022 21:44

We went to Florida when ours were 3.5 and 5; and then again when 6 and 8. First time round we did characters and it was nice, but second time was so much better because they could go on more rides, had more stamina, were better behaved in restaurants etc. 1st time was a chore at times despite the lovely couple of hours with characters. 2nd time was 2 weeks of fabulous fun. Age 10 would have been even better.

Really don't sweat it :)

Climbingthelaundrymountain · 20/09/2022 21:50

Dcs were 10, 8 and 4 when we went to Disney World and they absolutely loved it. I think 10 is a great age.

Rosebud1302 · 20/09/2022 21:53

I am very fortunate to have been many times with my parents. The first time I was 8. Next time 10 etc etc. I can say it never lost its magic and I can't wait to take my own son. I promise she will love it!

SimonaRazowska · 20/09/2022 21:56

I’ve never taken my kids to Disney, they are 18 and 20 now so unlikely we ever will

nobody is sad about this

bit I guess we never got what was so “magical “ about Disney, just a massive exercise in being ripped off (or maybe everyone just has more money than me)

it’s not a necessary rite of passage is what I am saying, so don’t sweat it and just go when you go

Tacocatgoatcheesepizza · 20/09/2022 21:56

10 is a great age to go. You do need a bit of stamina to get through a Disney holiday.

the magic never ends!

minipie · 20/09/2022 22:04

It’s quite a feat that Disney have pulled off, making parents feel like they’ve failed their kids if they can’t or don’t take them.

Goodness me THIS!!

I haven’t taken my soon to be 10 and 8 yr olds because they are terrible with queues and the little one has been too short for some of the rides till now. Oh and covid! No regrets. It’s just a theme park…

melchim · 20/09/2022 23:39

The princesses are a very small part of the Disney parks. There's tons more exciting and magical stuff to experience!

earsup · 20/09/2022 23:51

I always seem to be the odd one out on disney posts....about 12 years ago, took our students to paris disneyland for an animation conference on site so inc admission to the park etc....everyone looked miserable....over priced junk food, awful heavy security searching bags etc....have never been to such a soul less drab place....we joked that they should put ectasy in the drinking water to cheer everyone up....avoid the place...!!!

LT2 · 21/09/2022 09:14

@earsup never been to Disneyland myself, only Disney World. Definitely overpriced but the atmosphere at Disney World is far from miserable and drab! I can't imagine Disneyland is as good as Disney World though..

AnnaMagnani · 21/09/2022 09:38

Efteling is very magical. Also from a parent point of view, it's about the park, not selling you piles of merch.

I went when I was 10, it's a very happy memory and I loved it so much I made DH come with me on our Holland holiday in our 40s. He loved it too!

If your only option is Disneyland Paris, I'd seriously consider Efteling.

Original poster
pancakes222 · 21/09/2022 11:23

Thank you very much everyone for your reassurance. You have definitely made me feel more excited for taking them in the future. Think it's just hard sometimes letting go of the time she was a sweet little toddler twirling around in princess dresses!

OP posts:
updownleftrightstart · 21/09/2022 12:00

I went to Disney when I was 10 and I think that's the perfect age, I'm glad I didn't go much before then.
I'm planning to take mine when they are about 8 and 10. I know they'd love it now but I'd find it hard going with young kids and realistically we will only be able to afford to go once and I don't want them to be too young and unable to go on lots of the things there.
Also finding it amusing the number of Disney World adverts on this page (can't just be me, right?)

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