Growing Up Disney: A Decade of Magic, Milestones, and Meaning
- Christina Fox
- Jul 26, 2025
- 3 min read
"From the child who met their hero for the first time, to the parent who saw their teenager smile like a little kid again, each story and each memory is unique." – Thomas Mazloum, President of Disneyland Resort
There’s something about Disney that weaves itself into your family’s story without you even realizing it.
For our family, it started with a lightsaber.
Ten years ago, my son—then just five years old—stood on a stage at Hollywood Studios, lightsaber in hand, taking part in Jedi Training. His face was full of awe, his heart wide open. In that moment, I knew this was more than a vacation. This was memory-making at its finest.
Since then, we’ve built a life full of Disney moments. My middle daughter met her very first character at just five months old. It was December 2016, and we were having breakfast at 1900 Park Fare when Mary Poppins floated into the room. She gently scooped my baby into her arms, and for a moment, the world stood still. That photo—my tiny daughter cradled in Mary’s lace-covered arms, gazing up with pure curiosity—is one of my most treasured Disney memories. It wasn’t just sweet; it was the start of a lifelong love of magic. My youngest took her first steps at my favorite resort in 2020—wobbly, determined, surrounded by the sound of music and the smell of popcorn. Just this past year, she hugged Jasmine for the first time, eyes lit with that same Disney magic we’ve come to know so well.
Watching My Children Grow Up at Disney
Now my son is 15—taller than me, quieter than he used to be, growing into his own person. But when we visit Disney, that guarded teenage shell fades away. I see the little boy again. He smiles bigger. He laughs louder. He reaches for my hand on a dark ride. And in those moments, I realize how precious this tradition has become. We haven’t just gone to Disney. We’ve grown up there.
We’ve celebrated birthdays and first lost teeth. We’ve taken sibling photos in front of Cinderella Castle each year like a living flipbook of time. We've danced through rainstorms, watched fireworks light up sleepy faces, and held each other close in moments I’ll never forget.
Our Next Chapter: The Story Continues
In May 2026, our family will step aboard the Disney Destiny for our very first Disney Cruise together. And at the end of this year, we’ll ring in the new year together at Walt Disney World—welcoming 2026 from the place that has given us so much joy.
These trips aren't just about seeing characters or riding rides. They're where we reconnect, where our kids come alive, and where we—as parents—get to hold onto their childhoods just a little longer.
Why I’m Sharing This With You
I work with so many families who wonder if Disney is really worth it. If the kids are too young. If the magic will still reach their teenager. If it will be overwhelming, stressful, or just another theme park.
But here's what I know: Disney isn't one-size-fits-all. It's a feeling.
And for my family, that feeling has become part of our story.
If you’re a mom thinking about booking your first trip, or wondering if it’s still “worth it” now that your kids are older, let me reassure you—there is still magic waiting for you. And I would be honored to help you find it.
From first hugs to fireworks finales, your family’s Disney story deserves to be written. And there’s no better time to start than now.
Ready to plan your Disney vacation? Whether you’re dreaming of Walt Disney World, a Disneyland holiday getaway, or your family’s first Disney Cruise—let’s make the magic happen together. 📩 Get in touch here or email me at christina@tmvtravel.com
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