You are always going to run across people that tell you they will not take their kids to Disneyland until they will remember it. After all, it’s a pricey and a long trip for many families. Not me. My son is almost three and he’s already been twice. No, he may not remember it when he’s older but, I say it’s totally worth it.
I can’t remember my first trips to Disneyland. I see old photos of me and my brother watching parades or posing with characters but I have no memory of that trip or any of them until I was 13 years old. That doesn’t make the photos or the experiences others had with us during those early years any less important or meaningful. Now that I am the parent taking my kid to Disneyland, I know the joy you get from seeing their faces light up at all of the magic. It really is worth it and something I plan on doing it all over again with my next child.
You see the thing is, my son does remember. We went to Disneyland a few weeks ago and each day he mentions the trip. He brings up seeing the fireworks go “Boom, Boom!”. He reminds me pirates say, “Rrrr” and you ride a boat down a slide. He tell me he wants to shoot Zurg with pew pews to help Buzz Lightyear. He’s always happy to retell his favorite events and rides to me over and over. Sure this will fade, but it won’t for me.
I will remember. My husband will remember and so will friends and family that have joined us on each trip. I know I am lucky that I can give my child such an experience. It’s not about the monetary value but rather the memories and sentimental value I get from the trips with my family and friends.
I have countless pictures, a first visit button, and souvenirs, but most importantly I have the experience and family time we all crave. That’s the point. I don’t need to shy away from experiences because my child may not remember them. I will continue to do things with my son and my next child that may not be a distant memory for them but a highlight and memory for us as a family. It doesn’t have to be Disneyland. It can be free. It can be hundreds of miles away or right down the street.
The great thing as a parent is you get to pick and choose what you explore and share with your kids. Don’t be afraid they won’t remember. It doesn’t matter. Family is what matters and you can’t go wrong with that.
