What’s your favorite childhood vacation memory? Maybe it’s visiting Disney World for the first time or piling into your parents’ minivan every summer for a road trip to the beach. Whatever it may be, nostalgia is a powerful feeling, and new data from Expedia suggests travelers are looking to recapture a little of that childhood magic in 2027.
In its Unpack ’27: The Trends in Travel report, Expedia identifies “Un-Adulting” as one of the travel behaviors to watch. The concept centers on playful getaways that bring back the carefree joy of being a kid, and plenty of travelers are ready to embrace it: 57% say they’re likely to book this kind of trip in 2027, with that number climbing to 71% among Gen Z and Millennial travelers.
But this trend isn’t just about reliving the good old days. It’s about trading everyday responsibilities for a little more spontaneity, making time for play, and enjoying experiences that remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. From theme park adventures to nostalgic attractions and good old-fashioned fun, here are some places in the South where you can embrace your inner child.
Southern Getaways That Make It Easy To Feel Like A Kid Again
Dollywood is the largest theme park and has the largest water park in Tennessee.
Credit: Dollywood
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Walt Disney World Resort, FL: Of course, Disney World made Expedia’s list of top Un-Adulting destinations for 2027. From revisiting childhood favorites like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean to exploring EPCOT’s World Showcase, there’s no shortage of ways to reconnect with your inner child. Adults can also enjoy a more grown-up side of the magic at GEO-82, an adults-only lounge overlooking EPCOT’s World Showcase Lagoon.
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Dollywood, TN: Dolly Parton’s beloved theme park is practically an invitation to let loose. Between its record-breaking roller coasters, carnival games, and whimsical Wildwood Grove, there’s plenty to keep the kid in you entertained. Make a long weekend of it by booking a cabin through Vrbo, where you’ll find everything from cozy mountain retreats to larger properties.
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Tropic Falls at OWA, AL: Located in Foley, this entertainment destination combines an amusement park with an indoor water park, making it easy to spend an entire day playing. Race down waterslides, float along the lazy river, or challenge your travel companions to a few rounds of arcade games.
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Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, LA: Inside New Orleans’ City Park, this charming amusement park offers a more old-fashioned take on childhood fun. Its historic Flying Horses carousel, miniature train, and collection of classic rides make it nostalgic at every turn.
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The Track Family Fun Parks, TN: Sometimes the best childhood memories involve a little friendly competition. At this Pigeon Forge attraction, you can race around elevated go-kart tracks, challenge each other to miniature golf, or revisit the arcade games you grew up playing.
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