A young girl in Yuma, Arizona, confronted her parents after uncovering a secret about their recent trip to Disneyland. Nayeli Tirado, an educator and content creator, and her husband Orlando took a rare adults-only vacation, only for their daughter, Emma, to find evidence of their getaway weeks later.
Nayeli, 33, and Orlando, 36, decided to take a break from parenting and enjoy some one-on-one time at Disneyland. Nayeli described the trip as special, noting, “We don’t do this often, but it was really special to have that one-on-one time as a couple.” The couple has previously visited Disneyland with their children, stating, “The Disney love runs deep” in their family.
During their trip, they received special badges that declared they were celebrating their time “without kids.” Upon returning home, Emma discovered these badges in what they call their “Disneyland Box.” Nayeli recounted, “Her reaction was hilarious,” explaining that Emma, who recently began reading, spotted the “no kids” message. Nayeli recorded her daughter’s dramatic response, which has since garnered significant attention on social media.
In a video shared on Nayeli’s Instagram account, Emma, wearing a Disney-themed t-shirt, confronts her mother with the badges, repeatedly exclaiming, “How dare you?” The lighthearted moment showcases Emma’s personality, as Nayeli remarked on her daughter’s great sense of humor. The post has attracted nearly half a million likes, prompting varied reactions from viewers.
Responses to the video varied widely, with some viewers expressing outrage on behalf of Emma. One commenter stated, “I couldn’t fathom my husband and I going to Disney without our kids. That’s so weird to me I wouldn’t even have a good time.” Others, however, shared their own experiences of enjoying Disneyland without children, with one commenter noting, “As a bartender that works at Disney World, I pour extra heavy when I see pins like this.”
Nayeli addressed the criticisms, emphasizing the importance of adults taking breaks for their well-being. “It’s healthy for adults in general to take little breaks when possible,” she explained. She also noted that living close to the theme park makes such trips feel normal for their family.
According to data from Statista, in 2023, Walt Disney World in Orlando was the most visited theme park globally, attracting 17.72 million visitors, while Disneyland in Anaheim ranked second with 17.25 million annual visitors. Nayeli revealed that she and Orlando had planned a surprise trip for Emma just weeks after their adults-only getaway to celebrate her graduation from kindergarten.
The couple pretended to take Emma to school, only to reveal they were actually heading to Disneyland. Nayeli described the moment as heartfelt, stating, “Seeing her reaction was everything.”
Ultimately, Nayeli believes that parents should feel free to enjoy activities that bring them joy, even if those activities are associated with their children’s experiences. “When parents take care of themselves, they show up even better for their families,” she concluded.
Nayeli’s story emphasizes the balance between personal time and family responsibilities, highlighting that it is possible to cherish both experiences.
