Worried about 20-somethings not enjoying trip!

[KEadler]

We took our 3 kids to Disney 4 times when they were little, but we haven't been in 11 years! My son always said he would take me to Disney when he grew up - and this Christmas surprised me with news that we were going to Disney in March! I have been diligently planning since Christmas! I have fp booked for each day (and I was able to get everything we wanted - including fop and 7dmt (twice!). My concern is .... I'm worried that the "kids" who are now 20-somethings ()23, 25 & 26) won't be as thrilled with the magic of Disney as they were when they were small! My daughter is bringing her 25 year old boyfriend. I'm worried that he, in particular, will not have as much fun. Can Disney be as magical for young adults as it was when they were little?? Is there something else I should be planning for them? They have pretty much said that I am in charge of planning - because my kids remember what a great time we had before with the plans that I had made. But is it different now?

 

[FutureDisneyEventPlanner]

It depends on the person honestly. I love Disney (22 y/o), but that's because Disney is basically a constant fixture in my life every single day since I was younger. I'm constantly watching movies and reading blogs, and I just love it! But some people my age don't. Just try to do what they like to do and I'm sure it'll be smooth sailing!

 

[BrianL]

Honestly, for kids that grew up going, the nostalgia will usually be a powerful force and they will likely love it. It was your son's idea to go in the first place, right? They may enjoy some things differently at this age, but I wouldn't worry too much about them not having a good time at all. It sounds like a great trip!

 

[bashuck]

We took our 3 kids to Disney 4 times when they were little, but we haven't been in 11 years! My son always said he would take me to Disney when he grew up - and this Christmas surprised me with news that we were going to Disney in March! I have been diligently planning since Christmas! I have fp booked for each day (and I was able to get everything we wanted - including fop and 7dmt (twice!). My concern is .... I'm worried that the "kids" who are now 20-somethings ()23, 25 & 26) won't be as thrilled with the magic of Disney as they were when they were small! My daughter is bringing her 25 year old boyfriend. I'm worried that he, in particular, will not have as much fun. Can Disney be as magical for young adults as it was when they were little?? Is there something else I should be planning for them? They have pretty much said that I am in charge of planning - because my kids remember what a great time we had before with the plans that I had made. But is it different now?

I only have experience going as an adult and have had my young daughter each trip but I think everyone enjoys it if they go in optimistically. Dining will be more important than when kids are little and you'll likely enjoy the WS at Epcot more than with little kids.

 

[LYSE]

They just want to recreate memory's with you, so don't worry I'm sure they will enjoy it.

 

[Indio]

My 2 oldest are 24 and 26 and grew up going to Disney multiple times a year. Last year we took their girlfriends for the 1st time and they both loved it. I think it all depends on how it's presented to them. Since they have been before I'm sure they'll have good memories when they go back. Our 'kids' just love being there together as a group - what we do doesn't really matter. And we're that group that stays together for every meal and ride!

 

[sponica]

Let's face it on this forum, all of the 20 somethings are fanatics. And if they REALLY didn't WANT to go, they would have just sent you on your merry way.

Spend some time in World Showcase, play minigolf at Fantasia Gardens. Go to JellyRolls on the boardwalk. Relive their childhood experiences but also throw in some age appropriate new ones. (Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, Bongos, or other Disney Springs venues)


Be open to spontaneity, if you miss a fast pass, it's not the end of the world (but cancel it if you know you won't be using it).

 

[WEDWDW]

I would turn them on to World Showcase and the Bands in Canada and UK-things like that.

 

[KEadler]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone! I'm thinking along the same lines! I've made some plans for each park, but I'm certainly open to change them! They are excited about the prospect of "drinking around the world!" lol so I've planned a "rest day" for after Epcot! Most of my days have us finished around 3-4:00, and then returning to the park for the night shows, so I'm thinking they could even go off on their own for a while (if DH and I need a rest!) or go back to the pool for a swim! I think I'm just worrying because it's such an expensive trip for them! My son is paying for the tickets and flights for me and him and one of our 2 rooms! DH and I got another room. And my DD and her BF are each paying for their own flights and park tickets. We'll probably pick up a couple meals for everyone, but they are also getting most of their own food and drinks. I know how expensive it is, and I just worry that they will regret spending so much money on Disney when they could have gone somewhere else for that much money. :/

 

[KristinU]

Disney can most definitely be fun and magical for 20-somethings! I grew up in a Disney family, but my DH not so much. I convinced him to go to WDW for our honeymoon when were both 23...you can take one look at my signature to get an idea of how well that 20-something liked it

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

My twenty-something's love it even more now than when they were kids!

 

[Lovetherodent]

I took my 19 and 21 year old for the first time in 7 years. Great trip. We finally ate in the castle with the princesses. Believe me, both were the envy of their college peers for that spring break trip. We're going again (we leave SUNDAY!) and now everybody is solidly in her 20s. Except me. I'm solidly way older than that. Disney is wonderful for young adults, just in a different way than it was when they were little. Mine are WAY more into taking pictures now. We skip things more readily than we used to. And we're all of age, so there may be more booze.

 

[Hatbox]

I suggest that it's crucial that you build in a few windows of flex time when everyone can do their own thing (even if you ultimately choose to stay together). When I went with my family in my 20s (twice), they insisted on staying together practically 24/7 and that was a terrible mistake both times. Even if you're close-knit, it's a LOT of time to be together once you've gotten used to living your own lives. When we finally got back to MCO, my husband pounded a martini to wash the taste of all that togetherness out of his mouth.

 

[pillowbook]

My best friend and I are both in our mid-20s and this will be our second time going. Her first time was when she was 18. This might be taboo, but you want to remember is that it may not be about being "magical". You just want to have fun and enjoy yourselves, but I wouldn't put too much stock into trying to make anyone "feel like a kid" again. I enjoy Disney much more as an adult than any of the trips I took as a kid. If everyone is on board, I wouldn't stress too much about it.

 

[AFwifelife]

Disney is awesome as an adult. I might even dare to say that after going to Disney with kids, having an adult trip every once in a while is more fun. Even though we are both Floridians, my husband only went a handful of times before we started dating. He was strictly in the Universal only camp. After showing him how much Disney offers for people of all ages, he was hooked and where we have gone since.

 

[AFwifelife]

Oh and I guess DH would still be considered a 20 something. I aged out of that group last year

 

[Texans_loyal]

My siblings and i go multiple times a year and we have a blast. (23,25 and 27)
The best part about going to Disney as an Adult is you get to buy everything your parents wouldn't allow you to get as a kid.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I first went when I was 20 and I loved it.

I took my SO for his first trip at 32. He LOVED it. Especially Epcot. He wants to go back but he wants to go back without kids. He thinks Disney will be absolutely perfect as a kidless trip. So I'm going back with just DD and one day we will plan a F&W adults only trip.

 

[Rowlf the Dog]

Similar situation, but different: I (30+) invited my mother for her first and only WDW-trip (she only was at DLP with me 22years ago). I loved my first time at WDW 3years ago and now going tomorrow with her for my 3rd visit. As I think, your kids are in the same position like me in 2015 - remember our Disney-visit as a child and grown up with the best Disney-movies - I'm sure they will really enjoy it. Have a magical time!
I'm quite unsure, if my mother will love it like me, but try to not overplan and probably miss a day in the parks, if she wants to visit other things outside the "Disney bubble" (any suggestions???)

 

[sullyfam]

Typical mom worrying about everyone else before herself (sigh ... I'm sure many of us can relate )

It sounds like your son wanted to surprise YOU and wants to make sure YOU have fun! So go and have fun with your kids - I'm sure you'll all have a blast.

Some of my best memories are going with my family when I was a young adult. Disney is fun for ALL ages and there's something for everyone!