I couldn’t have been more surprised by the responses I got on Facebook to my post about all of the “Frozen” additions to holiday time at the Disneyland Resort. Although I figured the post would be met with enthusiasm and excitement by many happy parents, I never thought it would be met with disappointment by “Frozen” haters.  Apparently, unbeknownst to me, there are people (a lot of people according to a friend of mine), who greatly dislike the “Frozen” phenomenon. I literally had no idea that anyone would actually have an opinion so strong about an animated movie for children that they would be disappointed that those very popular characters were being added to elements of entertainment at the Disneyland Resort.

I will say that perhaps I can understand where they are coming from. “Frozen” is huge–the movie, the music, the merchandising, the characters. Kids can’t get enough of all of it–boys and girls. Disney got the magic right with “Frozen,” and Disney Parks and Resorts are giving the kiddos what they want: as much “Frozen” as they can possibly integrate into the resorts. All that together means “Frozen” is EVERYWHERE and for some people, it can begin to feel like a broken record. (How old am I?! Does anyone even know what a broken record is?)

As adults, every animated movie isn’t going to necessarily strike a chord. I will stand up and admit that I never liked the movie “Cars.” There. I’ve said it, and it feels kind of good to get it out there. Visually, I think it is well done, but the story just didn’t resonate with me and I wasn’t terribly captivated by the characters. That being said, I do “get” that my kids LOVE the movie and all of its characters, so I drink the Kool-Aid and get excited for Cars movies and cartoons, toys and, of course, Cars Land because THEY love it. Do I get sick of it? You bet! Do I hate it? No way, because it isn’t for me to like or not like, as I’m not a child and it brings my children (and many other children) joy.

I really enjoyed “Frozen” and so did my kids. With three boys, I don’t have quite the “Frozen” frenzy in my home that my friends with daughters have, but that being said, I appreciate the fact that Disney is giving fans what they obviously want: more “Frozen.” From the incredibly long lines for the “Frozen” meet and greet to the incredible sales of “Frozen” merchandise, it is clear that families are willing to indulge their children’s love for all things Arendelle, and I think it’s great. When our children are grown, they will look back at their obsessions with the Disney movies of their childhood with fondness–the way many of us look back at the popular Disney movies of our childhoods. They will talk about getting to see Anna and Elsa in parades, singing along with the songs at special movie screenings, dressing up as the characters at “Frozen” birthday parties and much more. For those of you without kids, please know that as parents we DO get sick of our kids’ Disney obsessions but we don’t tire of seeing their eyes light up or their imaginations soar, so we happily indulge them in their passions because we know these moments in time are fleeting.

When it comes down to it, it is important to remember that the animated movies are marketed at children–from the characters to the messaging to the subsequent merchandising. As adults, whether you have kids or not, it is also important to remember that Disney Parks were created to provide a safe, clean place where parents and children could have fun and be entertained together. That was Walt’s vision and inspiration for building Disneyland. “Frozen” in the parks allows families to indulge their children’s “Frozen” fantasies while having fun together and at the root of it all, that is what Disneyland is all about.

So, for the “Frozen” haters, I want to remind you to look at the faces of the children who see Anna, Elsa and Olaf with stars in their eyes and remember that their innocent, sweet hearts will only be young for a short amount of time and that Disney Parks, the movies, the merchandise and even the yearly television Christmas special (which is “Frozen” themed this year) are more for them than the rest of us. Let’s let them enjoy the magic and for their parents to savor the moments. There are plenty of nonFrozen experiences to enjoy at the parks and beyond without hating on something that brings children so much happiness.