Disney land has been successful not only with kids, but also with those growing up watching the movies/cartoons. A dream land for all ages to have fun. :)

Posted By Jean - OurExplorer Tour Guide on May 24, 2009, 5:29 AM

Disney have done a great job of keeping fans from childhood into adult hood, especially with new parks like California adventure for the disney-pixar films.

Posted By family holiday parks on May 24, 2009, 9:30 PM

Disney is plenty big for both groups. We just got back and I felt sorry for parents when we had nothing but rain. My wife and I spent our 30th anniversary and we felt great at the mouse. There is room at many resorts for both-we stayed at the Animal Kingdom lodge and it was great for both groups.

Posted By politicalman on May 25, 2009, 4:16 PM

I have been to Disney parks alone, with other adults (of all ages), with teenagers, and with children (ranging from not quite 2 to pre-teen). If you plan your activities to be age suitable, you will discover magic no matter where you go. If you are sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of your age group (regardless of the age)as well as your own, you will have a fabulous time.

Posted By Marlene on May 26, 2009, 10:05 AM

I would LOVE for the Disney parks to have just one day a year for 18+ only. It could be on a Tuesday - I don't care! I would make the trek from Tennessee, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

Posted By TravellerMel on May 26, 2009, 10:13 AM

I have been to DisneyWorld as an adult 7 times...without children. I love going and feeling like a kid again. Whenever any of my friends are planning a trip, I'm the one they ask to help with an itinerary. Just enjoy your time there and if you don't get to do everything, then its a reason to go back!

Posted By Beth on May 26, 2009, 11:03 AM

We are an older couple without children or grandchildren and we enjoy watching children at Disney Parks get "transported" into a fantasy world. We do like to go to the Disney Parks when they aren't crowded such as in early January, that is a magic time for us. We spent our honeymoon at Disney World, go back every 5 years and were the Grand Marshals O1/01/91 - best thrill of our lives! Guess we are just kids ourselves in the "Happiest Place on Earth"
What are we going to do after 30 years of marriage - We're going to Disney World!

Posted By Macavity on May 26, 2009, 11:23 AM

The last time, and I definately mean THE LAST time I went to Disney World (December 2000) it was horrible!! TOO MANY people! They just keep letting people into the park without limit. There is a limit to how many visitors should be allowed, waiting over an hour for each and every ride was NOT family fun.

Posted By Jeff Harper on May 26, 2009, 11:38 AM

I have only been to Disney with a child once. And my first visit was when I was a pre-teen. So I don't think of Disney as just for children -- though many rides do appeal more to that age set.

I''ve been lucky the last few times I've been to the World. In Orlando, they have so many parks that while a few of them might be having peak crowds, others are having the low point for the week. I managed to hit every park's low-crowd day.

The secret to enjoying Disney (even solo!) is to engage with the experience. From the themed waiting areas and restaurants to the rides if you are simply *there* you can relax and chit chat with the people around you and have a good time.

Even if you have to wait in line.

Posted By Kelly on May 26, 2009, 1:05 PM

I would love for Disney to take into consideration to set one night a year aside for the 30+ age group without kids. It would be a big draw to those of us without small children anymore. They have special grad nights, etc....why not a grand night without children...I know lots of folks who would get reservations and come....come on Disney think about it....also maybe an adult only cruise -it could be a 4 night one, a 7 night even better. I think you'd be surprised at the number of grown-up-with-Disney adults who would love this. Even though there are 18+ areas set aside on the cruise ship, there are always parents with children who do not abide by these set aside areas. The only place I've been where it is effective has been at the adult beach on Castaway Cay....How about having some enforcement in the other areas, I don't object to children, just that I've raised mine and would like to enjoy some time away from unsupervised children or ones who make dining , a movie, show, etc. unpleasant for everyone around them and the parent doesn't take them out of the venue the way we did when our kids were not cooperative. Disney is full of wonder for all, but give some solitude to those that would enjoy this as well...thank you

Posted By Pat Rohm on May 26, 2009, 1:06 PM

I have been trying to go to Disney for the last 3 years. But when they advertise a family of 4 can go on $1500 in '07, $1600 in '08 and $1700 in '09, and it would cost me, as a single traveller, $1300 without air and most meals, can understand not wanting to be there with all those kids. Try travelling during their off-peak time, it will be cheaper and less crowded.

Posted By Tracy on May 26, 2009, 1:20 PM

From all the complaints, it sounds like children aren't the problem. It's the crowds of people and the long waits for a 60 second ride. Even if you managed to limit the park to an older age group, it will not make the lines shorter or the park less crowded. If you really hate children in general, why in the world would you go to Disney World in the first place????

Posted By Aliciana N on May 26, 2009, 1:24 PM

Disney Florida should have a child-free day once a week at each park. No one under the age of 12 admitted, period. The kids would be welcome at any of the other theme parks there. It would make it a lot more pleasurable for adults without children.

Why American kids have to be so undisaplined is beyond me. (We are native-born Americans by the way.) We have been to Disney Paris three times. Though there are always numerous children there (French, UK, German, Italian, etc.) they AND their parents are better behaved than the ones in Florida.

We were at Disney Orlando during the first week of December 2008, the week after Thanksgiving 2008. The parks were swarming with screaming kids, children running around unsupervised by adults, parents cajoling their kids to do this or do that, and practically run over by people pushing baby strollers obliviously to anyone else.

We stayed off-site at an all-suite hotel where the swimming pool was in the courtyard. Only American parents would let their kids swim unsupervised in the pool and allow them to scream at the top of their lungs from 9PM to 11PM every night.

Posted By Ricardo on May 26, 2009, 1:58 PM

Not sure why you'd assume Disney is only for kids or for people with kids. As an adult with no kids, I've been there five or six times. Hubby and I went for the Food & Wine Fest at the World Showcase last fall, but we also love Animal Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom, including a few kiddie rides, like Peter Pan's Magic Flight (though I wouldn't stand in line for an hour for it). I also love going at Christmas time and seeing all the decorations while enjoying the perfect weather -- a welcome change from back home in the Northeast. I've never been there with kids but hope to take my nephews -- hopefully many times -- once they're out of diapers.

Posted By Jennifer on May 26, 2009, 2:16 PM

My husband and I don't have children and absolutely LOVE the "adult" side of Disney! We are annual passholders and a short drive away, so we take advantage of all the off-peak hotel offers and crowdless parks. As beautiful as Disney can be during the holidays, its just not worth it in my opinion to go during those times. However, I strongly encourage those of you who have posted above claiming your LAST visit, to revisit the World during its slower times- September/October, once all the kids are back in school or even right after Christmas & New Year's in January/February. The experience is totally different. We're actually heading there later this week for a long weekend!!

Posted By Lourdes on May 26, 2009, 2:27 PM

I would fully support NO kids at Epcot on a couple of days per week. They act like animals and could care less about the educational parts so keep them and their behavior in the cartoon areas instead of at Epcot.

Posted By NickP on May 26, 2009, 3:09 PM

The biggest magic of Disney is that it fits all ages. I have been to Disney World for a wedding, spectacular, in only a way Disney could do it, With children and grandchildren....best part of it was that we could ride all the "kiddie" rides also, not like other parks where we watch machines go round for hours. And by ourselves, (50 year old couple) and had great fun, just the 2 of us. Also we went on a Disney Cruise with grandkids, which was great for all ages, plenty to do for all, Disney definitely gives you the best bang for the buck.

Posted By Arlene Zang on May 26, 2009, 3:13 PM

I really could do without the perfect parents of the kids- I find them to be soo annoying. The Hummer baby strollers are awful. And yes...i do think Disney should devote about 25% of its' time to adults only who just want to be kids again. That would be so much fun!!!

Posted By anne on May 26, 2009, 3:27 PM

My husband and I are in our 60's and have been to Disney dozens of times both with children, grandchildren, adult friends and by ourselves. We have passes and go at least four times a year. We have found the best times to go are in September right after school starts and right after a school vacation. Buy books on visiting Disney and do your homework. The book I like best is the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. I have used it many and it has been a big help in making our trip more successful. There are also free web sites where people write about their experiences. Or you can ask your friends who have been there many times for suggestions. Christmas and Spring Break are a nightmare if you don't plan ahead. If you have to go at those times, the most important thing is to get up early and be there when the parks open, do the rides you can before noon and then leave and go back to your hotel and come back later in the evening. We were there at Christmas this past year and were at the Magic Kingdom on December 31. We got there when the park opened and got most of our rides in before 11and and then got out of there. It was getting jammed packed when we left and later in the evening they closed the park because of the crowds but that morning was fine. That worked for us because we did not want to go back in the evening anyhow. If you want to see the fireworks, you can go across the lake and watch them from the grounds of one of the hotels. WE will be going again this July because we are taking a grandchild on her summer break but we have everything planed out and although we are sure there will be thousands of people, we know as usual, we will have a "magical time"

Posted By Karen on May 26, 2009, 3:35 PM

I visited Disney World as a child (ages 3, 11 and 14) and loved it. But I didn't really fall in love with Disney until I participated in the Disney College Program as an adult. I've been there with adult friends and my young nieces and nephew. There really is no age limit to the magic. But an adults only Disney?! Seriously people, get a grip. There's plenty enough room for parties with or without children! And the adult crowd can have just as much fun while the kids are there too. (Visit Epcot in the evening and you've basically got adults-only Disney.)
If you're traveling without children (or with, really), don't make the horrible mistake of travelling June through August. Those are just horrible months all around. As much as I love Disney, I refuse to go in the summer. Blame the heat and crowds, not the kids. As a Disney alum, my favorite time to visit is in the fall during the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. Just avoid Halloween (large crowds and special events that cost extra). Also a key to enjoying any Disney visit is learning to work the fast pass system!

Posted By Lindsi on May 26, 2009, 3:40 PM

We recently returned from a trip to Disney World/EPCOTand have the following comments:
Too expensive for what you get. To start off parking is $12 and single day admission is $80 per person. Food at the park is expensive, like $17 for two hot dogs and two soft drinks. We were there at a non peak time, mid week and not too many children and still the wait for most rides were over one hour. We were able to use fast pass on one ride, but still had 15 minute wait. The rides (4) we went on were interesting, but not worth the long wait. We'd hate to be there during a really busy time. This was our first and last visit to DisneyWorld. After leaving EPCOT on the way to Clearwater, we stopped at Fantasy Flights, an air museum and caught a ride in a real DH-5 barnstorming biplane which was significantly better than any ride at EPCOT.

Posted By oldefox on May 26, 2009, 3:43 PM

My wife and I have been to DisneyWorld 5 times with our children over the last 20 years, and we'll go back as long as their busy lives allow (two in college, one just graduated). But we are very excited to go to DisneyWorld by ourselves over my wife's birthday in September this year. We plan to spend more time enjoying long meals, skip some rides and parks, and make new memories for just the two of us. The off-season discounts in the September/October "rainy season" in Orlando make it extremely affordable--About $200 a day for hotel, Disney meal plan and park tickets for the two of us for five nights at one of the moderate level Disney resorts (Port Orleans).

We look at it this way--its about the price of a midlevel priced B&B or resort hotel--and this one comes with Disneyworld attached! What's not to like?

Posted By Todd Stockslager on May 26, 2009, 3:52 PM

I went the first time to Disneyworld with my daughters and their children. While it was really great experience it with the kids as they become enchanted by the magic, I saw many things that appealed to me in which the kids had no interest. I plan to return with a couple of my 50+ friends to see what kind of experiences the Mouse has in store for us as "adult kids"!

Posted By Cathi on May 26, 2009, 4:23 PM

The best times to go to the park are Sept-Feb (except the xmas holiday), and during/after the dinner hour, when most folks with young kids are back at the hotel recovering or having dinner. It's also cooler at night, short lines and magical atmosphere and lights.
We went in early December. two years ago just my husband and myself, and expected screaming obnoxious kids but were pleasantly surprised that most kids were well behaved. However many parents were annoying, pushy and loud. The worst are the ones who use their strollers like bullying tanks to intimiidate everyone out of their way without even slowing down for you to do so.

Posted By Elizabeth Alexander on May 26, 2009, 4:28 PM

My husband and I have been to WDW 5 times in the past 4 years, without our children. To experience the slower times, you need to go in Sept/Oct when the kids are in school. Disney is over whelming for small children and each trip we have seen little ones having melt downs and frustrated parents. Little ones need a break during the day and should be taken back to the resort for lunch and to swim in the pool. When my kids were little, we did this each day and never had a melt down nor had to try and resort to blackmail to them for good behavior. I have many friends, family and co-workers who ask me to help plan their trips to WDW and I also suggest the same time of year(also the cheapest as it is off season for Disney). You can enjoy Disney as adults only or with children of any age, as long as you plan accordingly. Disney is not a place where you can just "wing it".

Posted By Kim St John on May 26, 2009, 6:09 PM

I'm one of those 'childless' adults who's been to WDW several times, and on both Disney ships. I think a kid free event, maybe at Epcot (country-side) would be great, but doubtful the company would go for it. They do as someone else noted have a kid-free zone on the ships and people love it. I do strongly encourage anyone who does not have children but does love Disney to go - it's still magical each and every time. I do also wish, though, that Disney would offer some more incentives to the single and childless travellers - I think there are more of us than they may realize !

Posted By Beth on May 26, 2009, 6:17 PM

I am single & often travel alone. I wouldn't consider Disney World because it is so family oriented. I wouldn't feel comfortable going there alone.

Posted By Penny on May 26, 2009, 7:23 PM

I love going with my adult children and grandchildren as well as going sans children with my husband. But, we don't go in the summer or other holidays. It's not fun when you are standing in lines for rides, food, etc. for hours. But Disney wants to squeeze every dollar from us. I would pass on the character breakfasts - we were not staying in a Disney hotel and were pretty much ignored even though it was expensive. I would also recommend that parents do not take babies and tiny children - they do not have a good time and are scared by the costumed characters. I would also pass going on "Gay Days". I have nothing against gays but many must have thought that having PDA's while in line was their privilege. We didn't think we would have to have the talk at that time and place but it became necessary.

Posted By Leslie Bonner on May 26, 2009, 7:59 PM

I agree that both adults and children do enjoy Disney. I agree with the comments that many of us grew up with Disney and still feel the magic. I also agree with suggestions of adult-only days a few times per year. Other people hit the nail on the head - far too many children are not disciplined nowadays and it can really ruin your enjoyment.
However, one other comment I'd like to make about the observation that there are more adults than children there... Does Disney have any clue how many children have families that can't even come close to affording a visit to Disney??? It is unfortunate that more children cannot enjoy it. It would be nice to see Disney do something to significantly reduce their prices so more families can enjoy their parks...especially with the economy as it has been lately.

Posted By Michelle on May 26, 2009, 8:33 PM

Gotta say sometimes some places are better without the little kids running around. It would be nice as an adult to enjoy Disneyland without having to worry about kids running around screaming and causing a huge ruckus. Probably the root of the problem is the fact that some parents don't properly discipline their children.

Posted By scribbles on May 26, 2009, 10:37 PM

If Disney World offered a child-free day, I would definitely plan a vacation around it. One of the only reasons I don't plan on visiting Disney World/Land anytime soon is that my tolerance for screaming children is very low. I've usually had my fill on the plane ride alone!

Where I live, Portland, OR the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) - a very kid-friendly place - recently started offering one night a month as 21+ only. It is sooooo much fun to sip on a beer and play all of the mind-teasers and educational games. Plus, the event was totally packed - I think OMSI definitely gets at least three times the attendance on those nights than they normally would on a Wednesday night.

Posted By Jessica on May 26, 2009, 10:45 PM

As a former cast member for Disney and an avid fan, I typically travel from my Charlotte, NC home to Disney World once a year with my husband of four years. We participate in the Disney Endurance races and thoroughly enjoy the resorts, roller coasters, theme rides and restaurants. My husband and I do not have children yet. We love kids and look forward to the day when we start our family. However, I was extremely put off by a woman with two children last year at the Finding Nemo show. After allowing her child to deliberately hit me several times while sitting next to me, and smiling (I used to be a preschool teacher folks, I can take it) she didn't repremand him, but looked to me for a reaction. When, after several more times of this happening, I finally looked at her with a look saying "can you please stop your child from hitting me?" and she said loudly to her husband "can you believe people? this show is for children...not adults." I was so offended and hard as I tried to not let her comment bother me, I felt like it ruined the show for me. Parents who allow their children to behave poorly and blame it on others are dispicable. Disney is for children...and adults. It's for families, no matter if you have children or not. It's for friends, whether they are young or old. To say that it is for children only is not only wrong...it's biased.

Posted By Meagan on May 27, 2009, 12:53 AM

I'm a childless adult and have gone to WDW during the off-season and had a Blast! I was not ignored by the characters or cast members.
Part of the problem is the parents of the unruly kids.
I will be back to WDW in January and next September I'll be cruising from Europe to the US with Mickey and Minnie!
As was said before: pick the off season and have a ball!!

Posted By Eleanor on May 27, 2009, 4:57 AM

I live in central florida and I only fo to disney once a year for the epcot food and wine festival. while this is geared towards adults,I agree that one day a year or even one evening a year is not a lot to ask to not have to worry about strollers or undisciplined children. I am not anti-kid, but I think that it would definitely make me feel more like a kid if I didn't have to put up with them for a few hours.

Posted By jessica on May 27, 2009, 6:44 AM

The best time for adults is in the fall at the one week, Taste of the World, at Epcot (beer,wine and food sampling throughout the park)and many of the children are back in school.

Posted By Anne on May 27, 2009, 2:29 PM

I think that there are plenty of adult-themed attractions that are of the Disney World Experience. Having an adults-only night wouldn't be so bad and might be a good revenue generator for Disney. But come on, Disney's is for EVERYONE which includes KIDS(no matter how badly behaved they are, though from personal experience, the adults often behave far worse than the kids at Disney), so I don't understand some of the gripes about so many kids. I would be bitching about those parents who think that Mickey and the staff at Disney are instant babysitters and let their kids run amok in the park.

Posted By Neela A on May 27, 2009, 3:38 PM

I live near Disney and go to all the parks with my boyfriend. We are in our mid-twenties and do not have children. We enjoy going to Disney for the rides, friendly staff, and just to walk around the well-maintained parks. Yes, we were probably one of those childless couples in the line at Toy Store as well. :)

Posted By Chas on May 28, 2009, 12:51 PM

I've noticed that nobody has yet mentioned that Toy Story Mania is AWESOME! I am a 40-year old housewife, and was with my 5-year old daughter and 56-year old husband, who enjoyed it as much as I did! We rode it until the park closed.

Posted By Laurie T. on May 29, 2009, 12:48 AM

Now that my youngest is 18, I am not willing to give up on DisneyWorld just because my kids are grown. But I do get nostalgic for the times when they were little and completely believed in Disney Magic. So even when I am on an adults only visit, I look forward to seeing the excitement on the faces of children I don't even know. What I don't like to see are the exhausted faces of children who are pushed beyond their limits by parents who think the kids need to see everything. Naps make for better vacations!

Posted By Janet on May 29, 2009, 9:42 AM

As everyone has expressed it depends on when you go, I have been going to Disneyworld for over 20 years, my wife and I have traveled with and without childrn and Disney is what you make it. I wish they would have a adult only park, it would probably satisfy a few more people, or at least bring more people to Disney, yes I did enjoy the Toy Story Mania ride.....

Posted By ted on May 29, 2009, 6:33 PM

My husband and I have been going to Disney(both CA and FL)for 30-35 yrs. now, both with our 2 sons and now by ourselves, with sons and their families and with friends. For the last 10 yrs. we've been Disney Vacation Club members--a really better deal than owning a vacation home. I disagree with those who say avoid the holidays. We took both sons, their wives and 3 grandchildren the second wk. of Dec. It was great--decorated for Christmas, but no large crowds. We use fast passes if the wait is more than 45 min.(it's usually less), take advantage of extra magic hours at night(you must be staying at a Disney resort.) This yr. there is a great deal for military members. Active duty or retired person gets a complimentary 5-day parkhopper pass plus waterparks. They can buy up to 5 companion 5-day parkhoppers for $120ea. The offer expires 12/23/09. Combine that with stay at a Disney resort(All Stars is the lowest price)for 5 nights and get the Disney Dining Plan free--you won't find a better deal!

Posted By Karin on June 1, 2009, 1:25 AM

I have been going to Disney parks since I was 3 years old starting with Disneyland in 1955. Kids in the parks are fun and fine. I just hate the strollers.

Posted By Louis on June 1, 2009, 1:14 PM

I am saddened by all the people complaining about the children at Disney World. I took my son for his first time in late Nov. 2008 for his 7th birthday and my reward for finishing graduate school. It was the most magical experience watching him view Disney through a child's eyes. Epcot was his favorite park (he loves science and wants to be an inventor or astronaut). The man who complained about the crowd in Dec. needs to go at a slower time. Dec. is the biggest time of the year for Disney. It is not unusual for the parks to reach their limit by 10 or 11 am. Right before (not during or after) Thanksgiving when we went was great. Discounting our 1hr wait at Toy Story Maina, we never waited in a line longer than 15 minutes. And we rode EVERYTHING at least once.

Posted By Ami on June 4, 2009, 5:20 PM

Since Disney is all about preserving childhood, I wouldn't be in favor of removing the children.

We went on our first-ever family vacation this year, which was years overdue. Even though my youngest is 11 and my older children are both adults now, we certainly don't mind children being there.

It would be nice, though, if Disney offered a book, some type of primer on how both kids and parents should behave. I don't remember any specific behavioral problems at Disney World but did see a big argument on the DisBoards about whether people should blow bubbles standing in line to entertain their kids.

I love bubbles, personally, but even if my child were 3, I wouldn't think it appropriate to blow them standing in line since they're slippery if spilled, they make kids want to run after them (and into others) and pop on people's glasses, etc. But some moms on there were adamant that they didn't care about anything else but what would make their child happy (apparently, only bubbles had that "magical" ability).

My policy has always been to teach my kids how to behave (yes, even my hyper, impulsive kid), practicing in other places such as inexpensive restaurants before going to a place like a theme park. And then be willing to remove them if they're being too disruptive to everyone else's good time.

I'd like to see Disney help parents with learning and teaching this concept (like the kids at my son's recent concert who were literally standing on chairs the entire time, loudly talking. good luck when they're teenagers if you can't get a grip on the situation now!). Hey Mickey, how 'bout a movie on good manners?

When you're taking little ones anywhere, you need to realize your child isn't the only one in the world. And it's a great time to teach them to be considerate of others. Parents should lead the way, though. Maybe then the grown-ups wouldn't feel so strongly about banning kids from a kiddie's paradise.

Posted By eliewriter on June 4, 2009, 6:47 PM

So, a place that's all about kids should consider banning the kids so adults who can't cope with kids but want to enjoy kid stuff can do so....? There is something very wrong with this picture.

Posted By koalamama on June 5, 2009, 12:33 AM

I agree being near screaming children is not a fun situation. I think that there definitely is a problem with unruly children, but is it their fault for not being disciplined when they misbehave or for acting out? I believe the responsibility is on the parents! I have two kids under 6 and would never allow them to act like some of the children mentioned. Disney was originally founded for children as a fantasy land and adventure park. I think it should stay that way with some adjustments in the max amount of visitors allowed in the parks each day, and/or by providing a new adult only rides and restaurant area(s). Maybe that would solve some of the problems with ride lines if they could gear more of the adults with out kids towards an area just for them, and leave the kiddie rides open for the kids. =) All in all disney is a great experience you just have to plan ahead and try to go at non peak dates.

Posted By kt on June 10, 2009, 10:33 PM

My husband and I went to DisneyWorld in spring 2002 as a belated honeymoon trip (he had been deployed). It was awful! We finally had to leave Magic Kingdom after only a half day---it wasn't the happiest place on Earth. Adults were rude, children and adults pushing in line, strollers rolling up your legs, etc. If I go back, I'll stay away from Magic Kingdom and focus on Epcot and Animal Kingdom.

Posted By Debora on June 24, 2009, 1:41 PM

My husband and I have been to DisneyWorld 16 times as adults...without children, in the past 35 years. As the eldest of 5, I never really got to experience a "normal" childhood, always helping with the little ones and never got to go on vacations. So I made sure that every 2 or 3 years we would go visit Mickey & friends & just enjoy. We've co-celebrated with WDW all of our important anniversaries for our 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th & 25th over the years which made it extra special. WDW offers so much for everyone and there are always places to get away when "too many kids around" get to us. For me, its a great culinary experience to enjoy different cuisines all in one place and a reason to go back & see how the restaurants have changed over the years.

Posted By Donna on July 9, 2009, 1:52 PM

What about the wonder of PIN TRADING? The last time we were there a few months ago, we were initiated into the world of Pin Trading. We met a great set of Grandparents, wearing their lanyards with lots of pins. When they saw us trading with park personnel, they came over and asked "See anything you like here?" It became a great photo op too. Next time I go, hopefully in October, 2009, I intend to be that Grandparent with a loaded lanyard, letting kids make trades.

Posted By Jane Perron on July 9, 2009, 3:36 PM

I am surprised that so many people go during the busy season and complain that there are too many people. We have taken our children a number of times starting from early 2's to teens, as well as our church youth group. I would not necessarily want to be there with little children during the busiest times. But now as an adult some of those occaisions have a certain allure because I don't need to go on all the rides anymore.

It is a real joy to watch young families with their children enjoy the park. (Unfortunately there are too many parents who don't have the ability to discipline their children and that does take away some of the joy.) I wish it wasn't so costly for these young families who don't have a lot of money. But next year I get to take grandchildren for the first time (they will be 2 & 4) but I understand that the park will be busy and if I didn't want people around I would go enjoy a different location for vacation.

Posted By The German Shepherd on July 9, 2009, 3:39 PM

In April my boyfriend and I and his two sons Trenton 25 and Jason 27 took a trip to Disney World.The boys had grown up going to both Disney Land and Disney World
they were very familiar with how to plan our day.So like good parents we followed along behind them enjoying every minute of our day.I have been to Disney World 4 times and only once with a child in tow.My grandson when he was almost 4. April is a great time to go before it gets to hot and school is not out for the summer yet.During the week days was the least amount of people.Fun was had by all.

Posted By Maxine on July 10, 2009, 8:23 AM

I'm a Disney adult, went to Disneyland first when I was in my early twenties, have been back 7 or 8 times since then, and go to Disney World usually twice a year since the mid 70's for a week or more. I love the mixed ages of Disney families, but agree it isn't the crowds or children who make it an unpleasant experience, but rather the parent who, heaven forbid; should correct or remove an unruly child from any area where others are impacted. Take your child out, no one can enjoy the show/ride with a child who is misbehaving - this is how I was taught parenting, and neither my child or grand children were allowed to continue inappropriate behavior at home or in public without taking them some place quiet to talk with them about why thier behavior was unacceptable. It does not hurt them to set limits and teach respect of others. I love Disney and will continue to be a fan, I'm nearly 60 and hope to have many more years of enjoyment in the parks and on the cruise ships which I absolutely adore, but would love an adult only period sometime during the year, make it an evening, a day, or a regular occuring event like the Food and Wine Festival, it will be a huge draw as would an adult only cruise sometime. I love the cruise ships, have been on them 9 times and the adult areas are appreciated. I love watching the kids, but am happy mine are adults with teenagers! My last trip there was in May this year and will go again in December and on the Magic for seven days in early January, I look forward to the magic that all ages experience and hope some day our American parents become more attuned to thier chidren's behavior, it is after all a reflection on their parenting skills or lack thereof....

Posted By Pat R. on July 10, 2009, 8:54 AM

I used to take my kids to both US Disneys often a long time ago. They are now adults, and I just retired. I would love to vacation there with my husband once a year because I have so many fond memories. My kids, frankly, didn't seem to appreciate the trips anything near how I did. I wish they would offer packages for senior adults. They seem to only want families with young kids and weddings there.

Posted By Jenny on July 15, 2009, 9:05 AM