Rediscovering The Magic and Wonder of My Inner Child at Disney World
I had the pleasure of spending an entire week at Disney World with my family. We went for my oldest daughter’s cheer competition, and we decided to make it a full trip by bringing the younger two kids and my husband along. It was our first time experiencing Disney all together.
I’ve taken each of the kids individually in the past, but never as a whole family, so I was really looking forward to it. At first, it felt like the usual excitement of going on vacation and getting a break from everyday life.
However, the moment I stepped onto Main Street in Magic Kingdom, I realized this trip wasn’t just about the kids’ joy, the character photos, or giving them memories—though those are all wonderful reasons to go to Disney. Somewhere between that first glimpse of the castle, the whimsical Peter Pan queue, and the familiar music from the movies we’ve loved for years, something shifted.
I realized it wasn’t only about their happiness. It was about mine too. I felt something soften. Something heal. I could actually feel my inner child waking up and taking it all in. I wasn’t just watching my kids experience joy. I was remembering what it felt like to experience joy as a child, too.
My inner child still believes in that magic—the kind that loves Belle and Jasmine and gets swept up in every little detail. She’s always been there; she’s just been buried under responsibilities, deadlines, and the constant pressure of adulthood.
In therapy, inner‑child work is all about reconnecting with those younger parts of ourselves. Some of those parts hold wonder and creativity, while others carry fear or unmet needs. We often don’t realize how deeply that inner child longs to be seen and connected with.
Other healing moments came from watching my children’s faces light up—whether it was from a wave or a big hug from a character, the thrill of a magical ride, or getting a stuffed version of their favorite character. Seeing the park through their perspective helped me see it through my inner child’s eyes as well.
I wasn’t analyzing logistics or thinking about the cost. I was noticing the sounds, the smells, the laughter, and the love. I was present.
So go ahead and call me a Disney adult—I’ll own it. I love it. I love how it helps me reconnect with my younger self, and I love watching my children simply be kids and soak in all that magic. Who knew that healing could look like a Mickey‑shaped pretzel, fireworks lighting up the sky, and holding your child’s hand while watching a parade roll by?
This trip reminded me that healing doesn’t always show up in the ways we expect. Sometimes it’s found in the places that reconnect us with who we were before life got heavy. Whether it’s Disney or somewhere entirely different, I hope you find moments that let your inner child breathe, play, and feel seen. We all deserve spaces where joy feels simple again—and where we can remember the parts of ourselves that still believe in a little magic.
Invitation for Reflection
As you consider your own life, I wonder:
Where does your inner child feel most alive?
What places, memories, or simple moments soften something in you?
When was the last time you allowed yourself to experience joy without analyzing it or earning it?
Perhaps healing is not always about doing more work, but about remembering. Remembering what delighted you. What made you feel safe. What felt magical before life became heavy with responsibility.
This week, you might gently ask yourself:
What would it look like to give that younger part of me a little more space?
Notice what comes up—with curiosity and compassion.
Written By: Cala Ochs, MSW, LCSW