“Are you serious?!?!” This has been the common reaction from friends and family after I announced my recent trip to Disney World. It’s been two weeks since my journey, and messages keep flooding my phone. So, what made this trip—taken with my four-year-old daughter and her father—so noteworthy? Oh, right, we’re divorced. Divorced parents taking a family vacation to the happiest place on earth is not exactly a common sight, especially not for us.
My ex-husband and I split shortly after our daughter, Lily, turned two. While some may have seen it coming, it shook our lives to the core. Once the dust settled, lawyers began drafting intricate co-parenting agreements, dictating everything from visitation schedules to who pays for what. But one burning question remained unresolved: Who would take Lily to Disney first?
To some, this might seem trivial, but as Florida residents, it’s not unusual for parents to introduce their kids to Disney magic shortly after they’re born. By the time Lily turned three, some of her friends had already been multiple times, and she would come home from school, disappointed that she hadn’t yet experienced the thrill of meeting Mickey Mouse or riding the rides. My only response was to promise her a future trip, fully aware of the complexities that lay ahead.
When I realized that my little girl was growing up fast and her fascination with princesses wouldn’t last forever, I knew it was time to take action. Before I knew it, I had orchestrated an unforgettable trip—with my ex-husband tagging along.
Now, a bit about us: we’re not the picture-perfect co-parents you see in movies, who exude warmth and support for one another. Far from it. But I felt a strong urge to break down the walls between us—not for ourselves, but for Lily.
So, with our egos tucked away and Disney magic bands on our wrists, my ex-husband, Lily, and I piled into the same car for the drive to Orlando. Lily, blissfully unaware of any tension, was thrilled just to have both of her parents in the car. After two years of navigating life separately, the emotions were palpable.
The drive started off stilted and tense. We were both grappling with unspoken feelings, trying to establish a sense of normalcy for our daughter who was sitting behind us, taking in every moment. Almost four hours later, we spotted the “Welcome to Disney World” sign. Lily recognized it instantly, her delighted reaction filled us with laughter and joy. In that moment, the barriers we had built began to crumble.
Despite our differences, we both shared a common goal: Lily’s happiness. While we no longer shared the same love for each other, the love we had created together was now embodied in our daughter.
As for logistics, no, we didn’t share a hotel room. We even stayed at different hotels, despite Lily’s sweet request for us to tuck her in together. Our aim was to demonstrate harmony—not confusion.
Was the trip flawless? Absolutely not. Did we have moments that reminded us why we chose to go our separate ways? Yes, without a doubt. But would I go through it all again? Definitely. Lily deserved this magical experience with both her parents, even if we no longer share the same home.
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Summary
In conclusion, the trip to Disney World with my ex-husband was a unique experience filled with both challenges and joy. Our primary focus was ensuring our daughter had a magical time, showcasing that even after a divorce, parents can unite to create cherished memories for their kids.
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