In my house, we often talk about “dreaming big dreams.” In fact, it’s one our core family values. We love “big, hairy, audacious goals” because we’ve learned that when you commit to doing something that is challenging, it pushes you out of your comfort zone. And good things happen when you’re pushed outside of your comfort. You start changing the way you think. My husband and I always have a “big dream” that we’re working towards.
Recently, we were talking about the next spot we want to travel with our little one, and Hong Kong topped the list.
See, our little one has a favorite city, and it’s New York. She just loves the hustle-bustle of the city. So much to see, do and eat. And Hong Kong? Hong Kong is like New York on steroids. And we knew she’d love every second.
We told her about the famous escalators – and how she would get to ride the longest escalators in the world. Then, we described all the amazing noodle dishes and dumpling offerings. We told her about the Hong Kong fish market – an entire city block lined with pet goldfish for sale. She was mesmerized by all of this, but when I casually mentioned that they also had a Disney Land theme park in Hong Kong, her eyes lit up.
“Mommy! They have Disneyland in other countries?!”
When I told her they also had Disneyland theme parks in Tokyo, Shanghai and Paris, she could hardly sit in her seat.
“I know my big dream. To go to ALLLL the Disneylands in all the different countries!”
I thought that sounded like a pretty big, hairy, audacious goal and I just loved it. So we sat down and made a list of all the Disney theme parks around the world.
They are:
Walt Disney World – Orlando, FL
When we first started to think about visiting all these theme parks, it seemed a bit overwhelming.
But then we started to break it down.
She’s already visited Walt Disney World in Orlando. So out of this list of 6, she’s already checked one off.
And her cousin, a few years younger than her, recently moved out to California. We could easily picture ourselves doing a family trip to the Disneyland in Anaheim.
I studied in Paris when I was in college, and I’ve often thought of taking my family there to show them around and relive those fun memories, and it would be relatively easy to head to theme park for a day.
We’re already planning a visit to Hong Kong and could include a visit to Disneyland on that same trip.
So really, we’d just need to strategize a trip to Tokyo and Shanghai – both locations we’d love to visit anyway.
We’re giving ourselves 6 years to accomplish her big dream, so we can plan enough time to really enjoy the cities as well as visiting the theme parks.
Do you believe in dreaming big dreams? What are some big dreams that you’re working towards?
pin me!
I think the bigger the dream the better! Keep in mind that she is not yet at an age where she will have strong memories of the trip. My young adults look at me like I’m insane when I say remember the trip to blah blah? Sort of. Kinda. A little bit. The later trips from 8 and up they are clear on. Just saying.
That makes sense, and it’s a good point.
We’ve been traveling with her since she was born, and while I’m sure she doesn’t remember all of these trips, I will still continue to take them as I feel like travel is good for her – whether she remembers the details or not. Kind of in the same way that I’ve been reading to her since she was born. Do I think she’ll remember that her parents read to her when she was 6 months old? Or the details of the stories we read? Nope. Am I going to do it anyway because there’s still value in reading to your little ones? Yep! She’s learning to navigate real life and deal with time changes and eating weird food, and fighting off boredom creatively while waiting for long train rides and flights…learning how to fall asleep in unfamiliar places and learning that all people, regardless of which country, are the same. Invaluable lessons to learn, at any age 🙂
True, and a great way to look at it!
I want to be your five year old!! Hong Kong Disney is on my whole family’s bucket list! Wow!
I’ve started a pinterest board with Hong Kong Disneyland ideas and inspiration – I can’t wait! Do you have a date in mind for your Hong Kong family trip!?
Aw, I love this!! I live near Disneyland in Los Angeles so it’s obviously my favorite but I’d LOVE to visit the one in Hong Kong and Paris. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I hope you get there! We’ve only been to WDW – Disneyland in Anaheim is next! Let me know if you have any insider tips!!
I love big dreams when they come to traveling and cannot wait to see your adventures at all the Disney parks!
thank you!
What a great idea, dreaming with a five year old. A wonderful way to introduce travel at an early age and encourage us over the hill to dream as well!
Why not go to see all the Disneylands in the world?! Everyone should be inspired by something to travel!
Yes, totally! That’s my attitude about it as well!
I think it is always good to dream big and to set goals. One of my big dreams is to go on a 3-month road trip around Australia. We got a puppy last year so it won’t happen for awhile, but it is something I’d love to do.
that sounds amazing!
Your little one does really know how to dream big! And I love that you are finding kind of ” excuses” to bring her there…. the only problem is that you are creatng someone with a bug for wanderlust so big, that you wont be able to stop her in a few years! I loved that you share this!
yes, we’re in trouble with the wanderlust for sure!
What a dreamland <3 wow!
Your daughter and I have a lot in common 😛 How amazing that you’re making her travel dreams come true! Years from now when she’s caught the travel bug like the rest of us, she’s going to point to this as her reason why. So sweet!!
What a lovely dream travel destinations for a 5year old, I too loce Disneyland hope I can also see them all 🙂 Being a history buff mine are all historical spots so I feel her completely❤️
It’s fun to have big dreams!
This is SO CUTE! I love that this is her bucket list. Will be fun to eventually visit all the parks and compare them too!
Sounds like a great time! I hope you guys enjoyed it! 🙂