Whether you're a Disney veteran who's been to every park a dozen times or a newbie taking your kids to meet the big mouse for the first time, there's a certain commonality to every family Disney holiday. And it goes beyond the long waits, thrilling rides, and high-calorie snacks. Will one kid always feel sick from a ride at some point? You bet. Will you bend their bedtime rules and let them stay up to watch fireworks? Duh. Will you get emotional when they finally meet their Disney heroes? Times ten. Keep reading for 20 things that always happen during a family trip to the most magical place on earth.
Once you find one or two accidentally, you're a goner. You'll just keep obsessively looking and looking and looking, even if your kids have lost interest.
2. You Lose a Member of Your Family to the Magic of the Single Rider Line
You can wait a short amount of time and go on Expedition Everest in Disney World or Radiator Springs Racers at Disneyland 20 times?! And even get in some alone time?! OK, see ya, family!
4. The Attractions Leave You With Some Serious Earworms
Someone will be singing . . . or humming . . . or whistling "Very merry unbirthday" after the Mad Tea Party, "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)" after Pirates of the Caribbean, or worst of all, "It's a Small World (After All)" after the namesake ride. All day long. Or possibly the entire trip.
6. Someone Gets Sick to Their Stomach After a Ride
The gut-dropping feeling of Tower of Terror? The jerky Space Mountain? Or heaven forbid — the infamous teacups? Yeah, someone is going to be nauseated at some point — and, let's be honest, vomiting is a real possibility on your Disney trip.
You promised yourself you wouldn't end up with all those souvenirs, but somehow you ended up buying a ridiculous amount of merchandise featuring Mickey Mouse. Damn you, adorable gift shops!
9. Someone Gives Up Walking, Because Disney Is HUGE
Someone in your party will undoubtedly say, "I can't walk anymore!" And, let's be honest – it might be you! The good news is there's a number of places to take a midday break at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.)
There are two camps here: the "Let's take a break in the middle of the day and go hang at our resort pool!" people, and the "Are you kidding? Why would we leave the parks at all?" people. And these folks do not get along.
Kids' bedtime? Your new diet? Regular meal times? Budgeting? Don't be ridiculous. You may start out with good intentions for your family holiday, but once you hit the parks, they won't last.
14. You Wait in a Really Long Line — With No Outcome
You wait for a really long time for an attraction — and finally are almost there — before someone in your party wants to leave because they're starving or have to use the bathroom.
If you're in Disney World, guess what? It rains. A lot. Chances are, you'll get caught in a rainstorm and find your solace in some pricey Disney ponchos.
It doesn't matter if you're one of the adults on the trip — you'll end up acting like a kid. Thrilling attractions, tons of treats, and MICKEY MOUSE — how could you not?