When you think of people who love Disney, we often think of small children who have large smiles as they meet their favorite characters. We think of Moms and Dads who have saved enough hard-earned money to finally take their children to the most Magical Place on Earth! We think of grandparents who sit back and watch their entire family enjoy a magical vacation together. But we don’t really think of young adults. Whether it’s the Universal/Islands of Adventure factor or that young adults may not care as much as the fantasy, magic and imagination that comes with a Disney vacation, we don’t typically think of young couples as the prime Disney audience. But that’s why we’re here today:
Welcome to Believe Vacations’ Weekly Post where today, we are going to focus on Young Couples at Disney. Meet Annah Williams (soon to be Annah Billings). Anna is in her early 20s and has been with Believe Vacations for a year. She is engaged and will be married in December of 2021. With a history full of Disney memories, she is the perfect choice to interview about young couples at Disney and she was gracious enough to answer our questions…
Why is it important to still go to Disney at your age?
It’s all about nostalgia. At this age, I have a mortgage and pay bills and go to work. At Disney, those bills don’t eixst and there is a nice sense of escapism and sometimes it comes with a Mickey bar. It’s really an excuse not to grow up so fast but enjoy every day.
What differences are there when planning for young adults?
Whenever I plan for kids, they’ll want to meet the characters. And young adults love that too but we don’t make the whole trip about that. Kids love meals with those same characters and young adults may instead prefer a bar or nicer restaurant. Plus, kids won’t enjoy Mexico in EPCOT as much as some young adults do.
Is the magic still there?
Just because I have certain memories of movies and pictures that we once took in certain spots, it’s still magical. I grew up on The Little Mermaid so that ride is always special to me. Happily Ever After will forever be special to me because that will be our first dance as a married couple. So it is still magical but from a new perspective.
Is there a big difference between your family trips and young adult trips?
Very different! My mom is a huge planner and will have down what she is eating, where and what time. I’m the kind of person who just knows the park I’m going to and that’s it. Luckily, Seth is the same way so while having a plan is nice, the flexibility at this age is nicer.
Are you doing the Disney bounding for your outfits?
It’s a fun way to include my favorite outfits but not be a little princess anymore. And since I’m not a middle-aged mom yet, I still love to feel creative and express myself through the wardrobe choices I choose.
Has it been tough getting Seth to love Disney like you?
It’s been a lot easier than expected. He’s a firefighter and has a weird schedule but when he has a long weekend off, we take advantage of it. Like taking a quick trip down to Disney. He only went one when he was little and was preferring Universal. But now he’s wearing mouse ears and joining in my obsession. Truly magical!
Are you an early riser or night owl?
I love to sleep in and would prefer to stay out late. We get in the parks about 10 or so and then stay until park close. I would love to be a rope-drop person at one point but I’m not ready for it yet!
Lightning Round
As a young adult, what is your favorite….
Attraction? – A lot! Tower of Terror is number one. I ride it all the time and I love being scared. I enjoy Soarin’, Dinosaur, Flight of Passage and of course, Country Bear Jamboree! Plus I sing the entire Ariel ride.
Character? – I have so many I enjoy. Darth Vader, Ariel, Belle and Pocahontas, Flouder, Olaf and Miko, Doug, Nemo and Mike Wazowski.
Restaurant? – Table service would be Hoop-de-Doo Revue and quick service is Casey’s Corner and Ronto Roasters.
Snack? – The fried rice at Yak and Yeti and the corn outside of Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Resort? – Animal Kingdom Lodge and Art of Animation because of the Little Mermaid rooms.
What is one piece of advice you wish all young couples knew?
Have a general plan but don’t sweat it if it doesn’t go the way you want. Go with the flow, roll with it and enjoy your time in the Disney Bubble!
