A woman who chose to visit Disneyland without her children admitted she faced financial struggles and couldn’t afford it.
Sarah Reid, a 44-year-old mother from Bristol, made a difficult decision: she traveled to Disneyland without her children.
This bittersweet journey was motivated by her long-held desire to visit the theme park.
However, financial constraints prevented her from bringing her kids along during the school holidays.
Why Sarah traveled without her children
Sarah’s trip to Disneyland was made possible through a grant from the Danny Did Foundation, an epilepsy charity.
The grant covered the expenses for Sarah and her husband, Mark, 49, but unfortunately, it did not extend to their two children, Damian, 20, and Lauren, 12.
“Going without the kids feels bittersweet,” Sarah shared before her departure. “I’ve always wanted to go, but I’m sad they can’t join me.”
The hight cost of school holiday travel
Traveling during school holidays comes with steep costs. Sarah explained that the expenses are even higher when traveling with children during these peak times.
“If I took my kids, I would face a £100 fine per day for removing them from school,” Sarah noted.
Given these challenges, Sarah had no choice but to travel during term time. The timing allowed for a less crowded experience, which also helped manage her anxiety in busy spaces.
Sarah leaves her children behind on a Disneyland trip
While Sarah was excited for her trip, it was not easy leaving her children behind.
“My parents are looking after Lauren while I travel,” Sarah said. “Damian, who is at university, doesn’t need as much help.”
Though leaving her children was difficult, Sarah found comfort in knowing they were in good hands.
Additionally, Sarah shared that traveling outside of peak times also helped her manage her anxiety.
Crowded places are difficult for her, but traveling during term time meant less hustle and bustle. While it’s still a challenge, Sarah finds it easier to cope with fewer crowds.
Sarah struggles with her health and determination
Sarah suffers from several health conditions, including epilepsy, OCD, and a borderline personality disorder.
Diagnosed with epilepsy at seven, she has been managing her condition for decades with nearly 20 daily medications.
While her epilepsy was severe in the past, including up to five seizures a day, brain surgery in 2016 significantly reduced them.
Despite her ongoing health challenges, Sarah remains focused on her advocacy work, raising $23,000 for epilepsy-related charities.
Sarah is passionate about raising awareness for epilepsy. She wants others facing similar challenges to feel less alone. “Knowing that I can make a difference, even for just one person, keeps me going,” she said.
Sarah’s trip to Disneyland, though bittersweet, was also a milestone in her journey of advocacy and self-care. She hopes her story will inspire others navigating similar struggles.
Despite the challenges Sarah faces with her health and the financial constraints of traveling during school term, she is determined to make the most of her journey.
“My journey isn’t easy, but it’s important,” she said. By sharing her experiences, Sarah hopes to inspire and support others who are going through similar battles.