Growing Up Disney: How Our Family Experienced the Magic in Three Trips
When people ask why we’ve gone to Walt Disney World three times in four years, I smile and say, “Because the magic changes as our kids grow.” What surprised me most is how different each trip felt—not just because Disney is constantly adding new rides and experiences, but because our children were different people each time.
Here’s how our family of four—two parents, two kids—discovered the parks at ages 6 & 4, then 8 & 6, and most recently 10 & 7.
Trip One: The Land of Make-Believe (Kids 6 & 4)
Our first trip was pure childhood wonder. The kids were still little enough to believe Mickey might really live in Cinderella’s Castle. When my daughter’s face lit up meeting Rapunzel, or my son squealed on Dumbo, I knew the trip was worth every mile.
Magic Kingdom was our entire world. We rode It’s a Small World three times in a row because, for them, the dancing dolls were as thrilling as any roller coaster. Parades were must-do events—we staked out spots early, armed with snacks, because seeing Elsa wave felt like the pinnacle of happiness.
The best part? Staying on Disney property. Being able to hop back to the resort for a nap or a swim meant fewer meltdowns and more energy for fireworks at night.
And thank goodness for Genie+. At this age, it was all about booking Lightning Lanes for rides like Peter Pan’s Flight (always a huge line!) so the kids could soak in the magic without the wait.
Trip Two: Brave Explorers (Kids 8 & 6)
Two years later, we came back with kids who were taller, braver, and more opinionated. Suddenly, they had favorite rides—and were ready to test their courage.
EPCOT was the big surprise. They loved Soarin’ and Test Track, and for the first time, the World Showcase started to catch their attention—mostly because of snacks, but hey, it counts!
Animal Kingdom stole the show. My son still talks about his first ride on Flight of Passage. He climbed off, eyes wide, whispering, “That was amazing.” And it really was—an unforgettable family moment.
At Hollywood Studios, Slinky Dog Dash became the star of the trip. It was their first real “big coaster” and it was just the right level of thrill for both of them.
By now, Genie+ was less about the little rides and more about juggling thrill rides with family favorites. Having those Lightning Lanes made it possible to do both without losing half the day in lines.
And once again, staying on property saved us—Disney buses after fireworks meant we could carry two very sleepy kids home without worrying about parking lots.
Trip Three: Confident Adventurers (Kids 10 & 7)
On our most recent trip, something shifted—our kids had become seasoned Disney travelers. They had lists of “must-dos” before we even boarded the plane.
This was the trip of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Watching my son pilot the Millennium Falcon and then all of us standing in awe on Rise of the Resistance was an unforgettable “we’re living the movie” moment.
Magic Kingdom was all about thrills. Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain were instant hits, and suddenly It’s a Small World was “too babyish.” (I may have shed a tiny nostalgic tear.)
At EPCOT, they loved the scavenger hunts in the World Showcase and even started trying different foods. Seeing them notice the details—and not just the rides—was a reminder of how much they’d grown.
Animal Kingdom gave us a milestone moment: Expedition Everest. Finally tall enough, finally brave enough. And once they did it, they wanted to ride it again. And again.
Genie+ became our survival tool here. By booking Lightning Lanes for the biggest attractions (Rise of the Resistance, Flight of Passage, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure), we avoided hours in line and could spend more time exploring (and snacking).
What We Learned
Disney grows with your kids. The same parks feel completely different at different ages.
Stay on property if you can. The perks—early entry, free transportation, easy breaks—are worth every penny.
Genie+ is your best friend. Use it strategically: little kid rides at first, thrill rides as they grow.
Let the kids lead. Each trip, giving them choices made the vacation theirs, not just ours.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I love that each trip told a new chapter in our family story. First, the wide-eyed wonder of meeting princesses and riding Dumbo. Then, the brave leaps into thrill rides and new adventures. And now, exploring the parks with kids who are confident, curious, and ready for anything.
Walt Disney World hasn’t just been a vacation spot for us—it’s been the backdrop to watching our kids grow up, one magical trip at a time.
Would you like me to make this first-person narrative (like a diary-style “dear reader” blog) or keep it more like this family-reflection style where it’s storytelling but still polished?
