“Are you out of your mind?!?!” This has been the typical reaction from everyone around me lately. It’s been over two weeks since I returned from our Disney adventure, and my phone hasn’t stopped buzzing with messages.
Every day, Disney World attracts over 50,000 visitors—so why did my trip with my four-year-old daughter and her father generate such a buzz? Oh, right. We’re divorced. And it’s not every day that divorced parents embark on a family trip to the happiest place on earth, at least not in our circles.
My ex and I parted ways shortly after our daughter, Emma, turned two. This separation might not have shocked everyone, but it turned our lives upside down. Once the dust settled, lawyers got involved, mapping out the complex rules of co-parenting. We navigated schedules, overnight stays, vacation splits, and financial responsibilities, but one question loomed large: Who would take Emma to Disney first?
To some, this might seem trivial. However, living in Florida, where many families introduce their kids to Disney as infants, it became a pressing issue. By the time Emma was three, her friends had visited multiple times, leaving her feeling left out. I kept promising a trip in the future, knowing full well it would be more complicated than that.
I completely understand how parents want to be there for their child’s first magical experience in the Magic Kingdom.
When it hit me that my little girl was growing up fast and her princess phase wouldn’t last forever, I knew it was time to act. Before I knew it, I was organizing a trip that would be unforgettable.
With my ex-husband along for the ride.
To provide some context, my ex and I aren’t the amicable co-parents you see in movies. We don’t wish each other well on a daily basis or hang out without reason. We are not that at all. But I realized it was time to try and break down our walls—not for us, but for Emma.
So, with our pride tucked away and Disney magic bands in hand, my ex, Emma, and I piled into the same car for the journey to Orlando. Emma, thrilled to have both parents in the same vehicle, didn’t even question our destination—proof that our togetherness was enough to brighten her day. After not sharing a car ride for over two years, the emotions ran high—on both sides.
The ride began with tension. It was awkward and frantic, laden with unspoken feelings. We were both trying desperately to grasp at some semblance of normalcy, rekindling a friendly rapport for the sake of our daughter, who was listening intently from the backseat.
After nearly four hours, we spotted the “Welcome to Disney World” sign. Emma’s eyes lit up, and her reaction was both adorable and hilarious, filled with a mix of laughter and tears. In that moment, the barriers between us began to crumble. We were ready to tackle the happiest place on earth together. Although our relationship had changed, the love we once shared created the most precious gift we had—our daughter. Her happiness was now our main priority.
Now, you might be wondering, did we share a hotel room? No, we didn’t even stay at the same hotel. Emma did ask if we could both tuck her in at night, but we decided to keep our accommodations separate to avoid confusing her. Our goal was to demonstrate harmony, not chaos.
Was the trip flawless? Far from it. Was it easy? Definitely not. Did we have moments that reminded us why we are better apart? Sure. But would I choose this experience again? Absolutely.
Emma deserved a magical experience with both her parents, even if we no longer share bedtime routines.
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Summary
This article recounts the experience of a mother who, despite being divorced, decides to take her daughter to Disney World with her ex-husband. The journey is fraught with tension and discomfort, yet it ultimately serves as a reminder of the love they share for their child. The trip, though imperfect, highlights the importance of prioritizing their daughter’s happiness and creating memorable experiences together, even as co-parents.
Keyphrase: Disney World with Ex-Husband
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