Is it normal to lose the thrill of Disney World? I feel bad.

[Smesc87]

Im 19 years old, and most years of my life Ive been lucky enough to go to Disney because my grandma is a member of the DVC and she takes us. Ever since Ive been about 13 or so, the thrill has kinda died out and I often feel lonely at the parks and usually get bored quick. The last time I went, I just enjoyed going to the pool and hanging out as opposed to when I was a kid and Id be at the parks all day.

I also hate flying because Ive have really bad emetophobia my whole life. When I was 10, I had a stomach bug the day we left to fly back home. And its a 3 hour flight between Disney World and where Im from. So I sat on that plane still feeling bad after I threw up before the flight.

Ever since then, flying has been a bit of a trigger at some point in the process, and my parents, especially my dad, get fed up with it quick. Also, when we land Im usually nauseous for hours after, so that really doesnt help my problem.

I feel bad about this because I make a point to be grateful for everything I have. The roof over my head, the food on my table, the place I can lay my head at night. The stable childhood. As Ive gotten older, the “extra” stuff in my life means less to me and my family and other people matter more. Im also just happy living my life as it is. Being in college now and not seeing all the people I got back home as much, Im particularly dreading it this time because I know Ill probably wanna relax during spring break.

This feels a little different though. I know that most kids dont even get the chance to go once in their childhoods, so I wanna find a way to truly feel thankful and not dread going, and also get in touch with my inner child again to enjoy myself more. And even if you dont have advice, is it normal to feel this way? You dont need to call me ungrateful, people on Reddit already did that. And I cant say I disagree. But if you could say something I’d really appreciate it.

 

[Karin1984]

Yes, changing hobbys and interests is normal when you grow up. Hardly anyone is the same person they were at 13 when they enter 'adulthood'. This is totally normal.

It is not about being grateful or not. Let's say when you were 4 you were really into dinosaurs and you got dinosaurs for every birthday. That's no reason to keep giving you dinosaurs for the rest of your life if you at a certain point find something else to do. If at age 19 you get some dinosaur plushies for your birthday you can still be grateful someone remembered your birthday and remembered your interests, but it's also time to start talking to the family that dinosaurs are no longer your hobby.

You have a stable home, so you probably trust your family enough to tell them how you feel. It might be scary, but honesty is always the best route. Your family might feel sad because things are changing, but the only thing constant in life is change.

Being constantly grateful isn't necessarily a healthy approach for all moments of your life. You come across as if you do not allow yourself to be dissatisfied ever, and you feel you have to live in the past.

I think you put the bar for yourself incredibly high to want to be able to be a kid again at age 19. Most people don't reach that stage till they are well into their thirties and have kids of their own. You can put the love for Disney you once had in the back of your head for a while, while you explore the person you want to be in your adult life. Disney can be a part of that, but it doesn't have to be. You have to try it to see what works for you.

Summary:
- You are normal
- Talk to your family
- Think of how much Disney you want in your adult life
- Go and explore what works for you.
- Don't be so hard on yourself.

 

[ajiuo]

I went to Disneyland for the first time when I was 4. Now I’m 44 and still get the same excitement every time I go… I could never get board at Disney parks/resorts, but…. That’s me.

Maybe Disney parks just aren’t your thing. There is nothing wrong with that. You really don't need to force yourself into to doing something that isn’t want makes you happy. I would say that most people in this world do not remain super Disney fans as adults. So you probably are more normal than most of us on here… if being normal is really important to you. The best way you can get in touch with your inner child is to find things that you love doing and be enthusiastic about it. If those things don’t include Disney parks, that’s okay. Don’t force it. Maybe some day you will get nostalgic and want to return, maybe you won’t.

 

[Chuck S]

At 19 you should have some friends about your age. If you have a friend that has never been to Disney, ask Grandma if you can take them, spend time with them at the parks, and see the wonder and joy in their eyes. That may restart the Disney magic for you.

 

[gavvy]

While we all Like Disney, they have not helped themselves in the last few years with the changes they have made. It's easy to forget there is a big world out there to explore, Even Florida itself has so much more to offer than the parks and attractions, Sometimes it's good to have a break from what you know and do something different, It's a discussion worth having with Grandma, she can rent the points to free up cash to do something different for you all maybe?

 

[Disneylover99]

It’s completely normal. You’re 19. Take a break from Disney. Do what makes you happy. Give it a try again in 10 years or so. See how you feel then.

 

[ak517]

You are not ungrateful! Like PPs have mentioned, as we grow and learn our hobbies and interests change. In six years you will probably have different interests than you do now. I’m definitely not the same person I was at 19, nor am I the same person I was at 25.

My friend gets severe nausea on flights due to flying anxiety, and she asked her doctor about medication to help. After some trial and error, she figured out one that worked best for her and now she has no issues flying. Beyond medication, there are calming exercises you can search for and try. I say this not to be able to get to Disney but to be able to fly comfortably!

Finally, after years of going to Disney with my family, some time off as I was in college and grad school, and going frequently over the last few years, I can confidently say my touring style has dramatically changed. Am I okay giving up an afternoon at DHS for some pool time? For sure! Even if you’re at Disney, it’s okay if your take on a vacation there has changed. If you have to travel there with you family, suggest to them to have set meeting times (like a meal, show, or Lightning Lane), and otherwise the adults gets free time to do as they please. This always works well for me when traveling anywhere with groups.

Good luck, OP!

 

[Disneykate605]

Maybe in anticipation of your next trip ( spring break) you can do some research and find some things you have not done at Disney before. Going to Disney so often gives you the luxury of trying things outside the parks that most people don't get to do because they are laser focused on getting all the rides in before they have to leave. For example maybe explore all the different resorts on property.

 

[Smesc87]

I went to Disneyland for the first time when I was 4. Now I’m 44 and still get the same excitement every time I go… I could never get board at Disney parks/resorts, but…. That’s me.

Maybe Disney parks just aren’t your thing. There is nothing wrong with that. You really don't need to force yourself into to doing something that isn’t want makes you happy. I would say that most people in this world do not remain super Disney fans as adults. So you probably are more normal than most of us on here… if being normal is really important to you. The best way you can get in touch with your inner child is to find things that you love doing and be enthusiastic about it. If those things don’t include Disney parks, that’s okay. Don’t force it. Maybe some day you will get nostalgic and want to return, maybe you won’t.

Being “normal” isnt important to me, I just felt bad about not enjoying whats a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people. Everyones comments have made me feel a lot better though!

 

[davidhr]

Pretty normal. In my 20s I had no interest in Disney. It came back in my late 20s/early 30s.

And if it doesn’t come back, it’s also fine. Don’t force yourself to like something you have no Interest in. You also don’t have to feel bad about it. It’s part of growing up, interests change and that has nothing to do with being grateful/ungrateful.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Im a grandma and was worried about telling my grandchildren ( teens now ) That next years holiday tradition was not going to be same .
No DVC / BLT / MK NYE holiday week …
I guess they felt the same way cause they were NOT acting disappointed.
And I think you are correct…DisneyWorld has gotten kinda boring .
The new Guardians Attraction is fun and I expect Tron will be also .
Hopefully a break in tradition will be the answer.
I hope your family can find something different .

I also wanted to suggest you try carrying an apple or orange with you when you are on the plane .The feeling of holding and the smell helps a lot .
I have learned to train my mind to immediately think of something positive when it is wanting to think negative. It’s not easy and I don’t understand why our brain wants to be so negative unless it is trying to warn us to stop and be positive! haha
I don’t want to automatically take medication so try to look for simplicity in my life.
Sometimes just the sound of the faucet or water running helps to calm me too.
Keep us posted I know everybody understands and wants to help each other. Disboards is great !

 

[barb969]

In a few years when you have kids the thrill will come back. It’s like Santa Claus and Christmas.

 

[notatallmagic]

First of all, as the mom of a 20 year old and a 17 year old - your post is incredibly mature, kind hearted, and self aware. Please know that your articulate thoughts and feelings speak well of your character and maturity.

Everything you are feeling is completely normal. I certainly think your needs over spring break to relax are understandable, and Disney trips are often the opposite of relaxing! And once you've had a rough flight experience - again, totally normal to have some fear/anxiety over that. My son gets nauseous when flying (more when he was younger, but still sometimes), and he certainly doesn't enjoy traveling as much as my older kiddo. We just talked today about trips for the next year - and Disney really isn't on his radar. He talked about Alaska, southern Spain, out west, or maybe a driving/beach vacation with only 1-2 days at Disney or Universal.

Certainly talk with your loved ones about how you're feeling. If Disney is your family's tradition/gathering place, then I agree with some other posters - maybe look into other experiences, spend intentional time relaxing or enjoying nature, maybe resort hop and relax in some new places, and if possible, introduce new people to Disney and see it through their eyes.

And thank you for sharing your concerns. You seem like an exceptional young person

 

[Rochester Disney Fan]

You are at the age where Disney could be Boring if you've done it the last 6-7 years with just your family. My kids ( twins) are 19 and last year like @Chuck S says, I let them each take a friend for the first time. This really made their trip better simply because they had someone to hang with other then their parents. At 19 your Grandma will know your mature enough that you won't get into an argument with your friend while your on vacation. This was also good for us ( the parents) because we could also do what we wanted to do. We did a few of the new attractions together and a dinner or two but for the most part we let them do what they wanted to do. One day they went to a water park without us. Just don't completely abandon your grandma and I believe she'll be fine.

 

[StarCruzer]

Some of it may be because as you get older, you find vacation means something different! Disney vacations (and other types of more active trips) can be tiring, when you'd rather have the time and space to recharge in a way that makes sense to you. Plus DVC is all about paying for the nicest resorts, so you still get your money's worth if you're spending a lot of time doing more relaxed activities in your resort. My husband and I have had days in Disney where we spend a chunk of the day cozied up in bed playing our Switches.

Truthfully, my parents had a great way of doing family vacations once my sister and I were in our late teens. We'd all meet to do meals together, but in between everyone split up and just did whatever they felt like doing., sometimes adding big group activities (mini golf, pool time, etc) that everyone wanted to do anyway. It was a really nice balance of family time and personal time.

So maybe it's worth having a discussion while vacation planning about what everyone wants to get out of the vacation, and what you can do as a family so each person gets a little of what they want.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

It’s totally okay to be done with Disney, especially if getting there alone if not fun for you. But if you want to look on the bright side, in 2 years you’ll be 21, and that opens up a whole new side of Disney.

Also, it’s totally fine to want to lounge by the pool and relax. As DVC members for ten years now, we typically spend our days resting and relaxing and head into the parks only for a few rides at night.

 

[LiDa]

Im 19 years old, and most years of my life Ive been lucky enough to go to Disney because my grandma is a member of the DVC and she takes us. Ever since Ive been about 13 or so, the thrill has kinda died out and I often feel lonely at the parks and usually get bored quick. The last time I went, I just enjoyed going to the pool and hanging out as opposed to when I was a kid and Id be at the parks all day.

I also hate flying because Ive have really bad emetophobia my whole life. When I was 10, I had a stomach bug the day we left to fly back home. And its a 3 hour flight between Disney World and where Im from. So I sat on that plane still feeling bad after I threw up before the flight.

Ever since then, flying has been a bit of a trigger at some point in the process, and my parents, especially my dad, get fed up with it quick. Also, when we land Im usually nauseous for hours after, so that really doesnt help my problem.

I feel bad about this because I make a point to be grateful for everything I have. The roof over my head, the food on my table, the place I can lay my head at night. The stable childhood. As Ive gotten older, the “extra” stuff in my life means less to me and my family and other people matter more. Im also just happy living my life as it is. Being in college now and not seeing all the people I got back home as much, Im particularly dreading it this time because I know Ill probably wanna relax during spring break.

This feels a little different though. I know that most kids dont even get the chance to go once in their childhoods, so I wanna find a way to truly feel thankful and not dread going, and also get in touch with my inner child again to enjoy myself more. And even if you dont have advice, is it normal to feel this way? You dont need to call me ungrateful, people on Reddit already did that. And I cant say I disagree. But if you could say something I’d really appreciate it.

Well, first of all, you sound like a good kid!

Before I started visiting, my 20-something uncle gave us a trip report: it was nice, but he wasn't 10 & he wasn't 35, so it was just nice. He thought it might be best for those 2 brackets. And, to be fair, I think he's right. You know when you see a 4-year-old there & all they want to do is eat & nap? The characters terrify them. Etc. They're outside the bracket.

So, no there's nothing wrong with you & it doesn't mean you're ungrateful. You may just need to take a Disney break for a few years. I used to go once or twice per year & always made a point of seeing & doing something new -- maybe a private tour, a new show, a different restaurant, parasailing, something off-site (Ripley's, mini-golf, etc.) If we didn't do this we would have become a bit jaded, too. I couldn't imagine just doing the same routine every time. Or maybe you can joining your family for only part of the trip.

As I said, you sound like a good kid, so please don't beat yourself up.

 

[bakerworld]

We have 3 kids and started taking them to WDW in the early '90's. The younger two don't really have a need to go to the parks. They'll occasionally come to enjoy the resorts and family time. Our middle has a 5D NEPH from 2013 with 2 days still on it. Our youngest will go for 4 or 5 days and buy a 1 day ticket. If she has a friend she's introducing to the parks, she'll get a 1DPH. The only one that enjoys WDW like me and my spouse in the eldest. That's OK. You do what makes you happy and then you'll be happy instead of one of those park goes that are all frowny and impatient.