There are plenty of Disney Adults who LOVE visiting Walt Disney World in their 30s (guilty!), but sometimes can’t face the harsh reality of how their aging is going to affect their trip (also, unfortunately, guilty).
Suffice to say, I’ve been visiting Disney World for 30+ years since I was a young child, which mathematically means yes, I am a Disney World visitor in my 30s. In turn, I know from where I speak when I say that while I still have a GREAT time anytime I visit the resort, there are definitely some things I — and most other guests in the same age range — must avoid.
Dressing for Fashion Instead of Comfort
During our younger years, many of us packed for our Disney trip with fashion in mind. Hip shoes and Disney Bound outfits. Now? It has to be all about COMFORT. Comfortable shoes to avoid blisters, foot pain, or aggravating plantar fasciitis, and lose, climate-appropriate shirts and pants to make sure making one’s way through the resort’s parks. Of course, comfort doesn’t mean ugly. There are plenty of comfortable, easy-to-wear options that still look stylish.
Riding Too Many “Body-Wrecking” Rides
While some theme park aficionados may not want to hear this, the reality is that as we age, the types of thrill rides our bodies can handle tend to change. Whether it’s becoming more prone to motion sickness or dealing with back or knee issues, some rides, motion profiles, and even vehicles become a no-go.
However, being in your 30s generally doesn’t mean you can’t ride ANY rides. It just may mean finding some balance. For example, you may be able to say the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (and you best believe I will be as soon as the muppets takeover), but that may in turn mean skipping the Tower of Terror that day.
Tryin to Eat and Drink Like They Did in Their 20s
Whether it’s gorging on salty foods and decadent treats, or drinking around the world at EPCOT, there’s no doubt that younger guests are better equipped to go “all out” eating at drinking at Disney World. Trying to do the same in your 30s likely means days of Tums and Pepto Bismol and upset stomachs. Now, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your favorites — I certainly do — but you may have to do so with a bit more pickiness.
Spend Money Frivolously
Speaking of going all out, thirty-somethings should probably rein in their Disney World spending a bit. Be more discerning about snacks, drinks, and especially souvenirs. Of course, that doesn’t mean not buying anything, just not buying EVERYthing.
Thinking their tolerance for Heat/Pain/Long Days is the Same as it was in their 20s.
Even if you cut down on body-wrecking rides and over-indulging on food and drink, it still doesn’t mean that your body can pull off the rope drop to park close grind of a decade earlier. Pace yourself and listen to your body, even if it means skipping some things you had planned.
Being Unprepared for How Different a Trip with Kids Is
If you are traveling with kids, channel your inner Scar (you’re in your 30s, you get that reference) and BE PREPARED. Nothing about the way you went about Disney World before — rope drop, long days, running to catch Lightning Lanes — will be the same.
Walt Disney World guests in their 30s can still have an amazing time at the “Most Magical Place on Earth… as long as they avoid these mistakes.
Remember EPCOT’s Millennium Village? This Short-Lived Pavilion Briefly Brought DOZENS of New Countries to World Showcase
How do you deal with Disney World in your 30s? Let us know in the comments below.
Dude really in your 30’s? I just turned 50 go to disney about once a year. We are going for wife’s birthday dec31 for a week and I eat constantly and drink around the world at epcot. Now yes the body part I’ll agree with but food and such im not so sure
My wife and I are both in our late sixties and just spent 5 days in the parks. 4 parks, all day and night. We loved every second of it.