Welcome to another edition of Views from the Zone where two of our fabulous twenty-something columnists share their take on the theme parks. If you’re young and single, does Walt Disney World have something for you? They think so.
Mary is a college student who has looked into the jaws of a hippo, loves Figment, and recently had an unfortunate incident with a Mickey bar.
Florida native Nicole is our sparkly columnist who’s my hero for paticipating in the runDisney events and for visiting Walt Disney World a few times a month. If you don’t see her in the parks, you’ll find her on Twitter.
Character Meals – Good or Bad?
Mary: LOVE LOVE LOVE them. I even do them by my lonesome self! I do enjoy these much more when I’m with my family – they are great photographers, hehe! However I have gotten some pretty cool character interaction when I’m by myself. I usually have a family sitting nearby that I either had already made friends with (I’m a talker), or someone sees I’m by myself and feels sorry for me so they usually offer to take pictures for me.
Nicole: I think it just depends on which one. I’m honestly in it for the food. If it’s a fur character it’s cute to see them walking around and interacting but I would probably like face characters better because they’d actually be talking to you. This reminds me I still need to try 1900 Park Fare…
Do you usually travel solo, with friends, or family?
Mary: Typically, with family. I’ve started off a trip solo & had a friend join. I have a seriously fun family so I don’t mind going with them. It’s the one place we DON’T ever fight! Crazy, huh?! That being said, I did just embark on a 10 day solo trip. That trip has given me a new found freedom and urge to travel MORE by myself. Each have a different feel to them, but I enjoy all three!
Nicole: Because I live in Florida, I always go with my local/Orlando friends. Some times I go to visit friends that come in from out of town. Once a year I go with my family. Each experience is different.
What’s your secret favorite “kiddie” attraction?
Mary: Journey Into Imagination is my favorite, and I can sit on that ride over and over if they’d let me. I’m not sure it counts TRULY as a kiddie ride so with that being the case, I would have to say Winnie. I still love and miss Mr. Toad, BUT I am a HUGE Winnie fan. It’s like a time machine back into my childhood with those songs and that story of the rain storm and Piglet’s almost ruined birthday. Plus, it’s one ride my entire family rides and we TALK through it because it always reminds us of things from when my brother & I were small. I think that’s pretty cool.
Nicole:It’s no secret–I’ll ride Peter Pan all day!!
Are you in bed by 10 to be at the parks at rope drop or a late night out in the World?
Mary: I try to stay out til close or at least an hour til close if it’s EMH. I also am at the parks before they open! I don’t do it to make rope drop per say, but if you’ve read my posts, you know I LOVE early morning breakfast ADR’s. Sometimes I am fortunate enough to eat and snap photos with characters with enough time to make rope drop, but usually it’s about 15-20 minutes after the actual rope drop. SO if someone wants to count me being in the parks BEFORE open as making “rope drop”, then I DO BOTH! There’s no rest for the weary in WDW as far as I’m concerned!
Nicole: BOTH! I usually close the parks then get there early in the a.m. If I had to choose though I’d rather be at the parks late because the crowds are less dense and the lights are so pretty.
Best advice for the twenty-somethings to enjoy Walt Disney World:
Mary: At some point, TAKE A TRIP BY YOURSELF! I think my time alone in the parks helps me not only to connect to my childhood, but it’s also a chance to create memories I’m going to cherish one day when I have ZERO time to myself. The other thing I would say is, DON’T overlook the “kiddie” attractions. I still love them. What better feeling can you have in your 20′s than to escape reality and be a kid again? When you are in your 20′s, you are sort of in a limbo stage. You aren’t a kid anymore, but you aren’t always trusted and viewed as an adult. Hanging out in WDW or DL (or any Disney themepark!) gives you a chance to be a kid again. LIVE IT UP! While you are there though, if you drink, take advantage of the cultures that are featured in the World Showcase. If you don’t drink, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FOOD!
Nicole: I feel like a lot of twenty-somethings are experiencing the world for the first time as an adult. For example, maybe you go for the first time without your family, enjoy fine dining or maybe even adult beverages. There are so many great things adults can experience. Take advantage of the nooks and crannies, like lounges and places with views, that you may not have appreciated in your youth. Disney is not just a kid’s place…but it’s ok to act like a kid while you’re here if you want to. 
)
What brings you back to Walt Disney World as a twenty-something?
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Thanks for sharing….now I know I am not so old…lol.
Lots of great tips from two great ladies!
Great article and some very funny answers! I have only gone with family as none of my friends would A. be able to afford it or B. Think that Disney World is cool! Who cares if I like to take a ride on the Carousel everytime i visit, it’s a place where we can all be kids again.
My first trip to WDW was at age 14, then 16 and this summer at age 25. I’m so excited to go back! I appreciate all the detail, the cleanliness, and all the food and attractions. I remember last time I was there I wanted to work there. The people that worked at Coronado Springs Resort were so incredibly nice!