The Joys of Disneyland Without Kids

It’s an understatement to say my husband and I LOVE Disneyland. We don’t live in California, but still plan several trips to the park throughout the year. There’s no better feeling than walking through the gate, passing under the golden words of Walt, and into Main Street U.S.A. We bask in our Disnerdiness, grab a churro, and play all day long.

My husband and I don’t have kids yet so we get a lot of questions when we tell people that we go to Disneyland multiple times a year… by ourselves:
1. Disneyland is for kids. Isn’t it weird for two grown a$$ adults to go alone? (Usually with a little less profanity, but still.)
2. Don’t you get bored? There can’t be that much to do there.
3. Woah, Disneyland is expensive. How do you afford it?

Well today, I’m here to resolve those questions and tell you why going to Disneyland as adults without kids is the most fun EVER.

Before I get started, let me throw this out there. I think that allowing your children to experience Disneyland is AWESOME. They will cherish that memory for a lifetime. This blog simply to dives into the joys of going without kids and giving yourself a different experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
*Note, I’ve never had children, so I can only speak of my experience of going to Disneyland with adults.

1. Less Money, Less Problems
Yes, as we’ve been reminded by many people DISNEYLAND IS EXPENSIVE. We get it. But, this is just one of the many reasons that it might be good for you to leave the little ones at home. The less bodies you bring to Disneyland, the less money is spent on tickets, food, merchandise, etc. You’ll be less stressed about the cost of the trip and more likely to enjoy the park.

2. Stop Living Vicariously
Like I said, I’ve never had children, but I can imagine how warm and fuzzy it makes a parent feel to see a child laughing, smiling, and making memories. Lots of parents say “I’ve had my time. Let my children have the fun.” Parents will live vicariously through their child instead of enjoying the experience themselves. I’ve seen my own parents live vicariously through me and my siblings. Honestly, as an adult I feel somewhat guilty for it, because the adult world is hard. You deserve a break from your responsibilities and a time where you can relax. When you go to Disneyland with your kids, you’re still the adult. You’re still the responsible one and all the adult stress follows you through the park. There’s still a diaper to change or crying to console or a tantrum to tame. You deserve a little magic in your life. Try giving yourself a day at Disney that you can actually thoroughly enjoy.

3. Much Needed Time with Other Adults
If you do have kids, you may find it hard to slip away for some alone time with your S/O or other adult friends. You need time with other adults. There must be balance in all things. I believe it is very healthy for adults to spend time with other adults and without their children. I feel like it does a reset on life and reenergizes your mind. Everyone loves their kids, but a lot of parents spend so much time focusing on their child and don’t focus enough time on their own self care. Think of it like putting your own oxygen mask on before you assist others. If Disneyland is something you enjoy, try going with just your S/O or other adults. You deserve that time.

4. Endless Activities
Disneyland has never been boring for us. Every time we go it’s a new experience. There are endless activities between the parks. The best thing about going without kids is that you can do so much more in less time. Without kids there are less people to drag around, less stuff to carry, no strollers to push, no stopping for tantrums, etc. You can also do the specific activities that you like to do instead of the ones that your kids want to do.
Here are some of our favorite “to-dos” at Disneyland:

• See how many rides we can hit in a day – Single rider line is your BFF!
• Learn to draw in the Sorcerer’s workshop
• Get churros, ice cream, or any of the delicious treats at Disneyland
• People watch – Try to see who can spot the weirdest human behavior
• Catch the characters as they are walking through the park and take pictures
• Find “The Little Man of Disneyland” house – Near Indiana Jones ride
• Walk through all the shops to see the newest merch
• Listen to the live music around the park – We especially love the band at New Orleans Square
• Try to catch every show – Frozen, World of Color, Golden Horseshoe, etc.
• Watch the parades without having to campout for an hour
• Kiss during the fireworks show (No kids want to see their parents do that)
• Pretend we’re American Ninja Warriors on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Watch old cartoons in the Main Street Movie theatre
• Walk around the wacky houses in Toon Town
• Take lots of pictures!
• Make inappropriate jokes about certain things we see around the park
• Praise any villains we see around the park because we think it’s hilarious
• Stay at the park from opening to closing
• Get incredibly wrapped up in our childhood nostalgia

Like I said, I can’t speak to taking children to Disneyland. I can only speak to the fun my husband and I have while going to Disneyland as adults. So if you’re on the fence about going to Disneyland with just you and your spouse, trust me, you won’t regret it!