The One RULE Gen X Always Follows In Disney World

Gen X — those born between 1965 and 1980 — will always have a special relationship with Walt Disney World, as they were the first generation to truly grow up with the resort as it opened in 1971.

Cinderella Castle

A lot has changed in their lifetime at Disney World. So we wanted to ask our Gen X readers, what is one thing you ALWAYS do in the parks — and we could all do more of their answer!

The overall theme to the majority of their answers is RELAX. That’s right, many of our readers say they are now taking it easy at Disney World. Which, honestly, is something we can all do more of. It can feel harder these days to slow down at the parks with the Lightning Lanes, rope drops, and the MyDisney app. But we’re taking notes from them and what they had to say!

Hub Grass

Ron wrote, “Take breaks. I don’t run from ride to ride anymore. It’s more enjoyable”. How many of us get caught up in just trying to ride as many rides as possible? I know I’m guilty of this, but when we do that, we can miss out on the beautiful theming or the magic happening around us.

Animal Kingdom

Trixie H. said, “Give me all those OG rides and a Dole Whip or 6”. Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s something I could get behind — 6 Dole Whips! Traci also agreed, writing, “Give me a nostalgic slow-moving boat ride every day! Carousel of Progress, PeopleMover, actual people watching. And I love a good parade – but you’ll never find me staking out a spot hours in advance.”

PeopleMover

Others also suggested seeing a show to help you slow down and enjoy more. Karen says, “Go to shows midday for a rest”, and Ernie wrote, “Plan our day to include 2-3 rides then a sit-down show. Repeat all day. When possible, plan a sit-down lunch around 2:00.” Great idea, Ernie! This plan would allow for a great mix of rides and rest throughout your day. Bonus points for planning for a later lunch outside of that peak lunchtime rush.

Festival of the Line King

Scott seemed to be along with Ernie in having a table service meal as he wrote, “ Have a midday meal at a sit down restaurant in the AC.” This is a great way to relax and take a break and it also might be easier to snag a dining reservation for a mid day meal instead of a dinner reservation.

San Angel Inn

All in all, we love this idea. Thank you to our Gen X readers for reminding us to slow down and enjoy the parks. There is so much more to do than just rush around, and it’s good to set expectations in advance of your Disney World trip to help you find a good balance.