Harry and Meghan recently took their children, Archie and Lilibet, on a Disneyland vacation in June, celebrating Lilibet’s fourth birthday with rides, character encounters, and a Little Mermaid-themed cake.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, took a walk down memory lane this past weekend, recalling the sheer exhilaration of a childhood trip to Disney World with his late mother, Princess Diana, and older brother, Prince William.

Appearing alongside his wife Meghan Markle on the ABC 20/20 special *The Happiest Story on Earth:

70 Years of Disneyland*, Harry opened up about the overwhelming excitement he felt as an eight-year-old boy in 1993, vividly remembering the thrill of meeting his favorite Disney characters and exploring the sprawling amusement park in Florida.

The program, which aired on Sunday evening, provided viewers with a glimpse into the Duke’s fondest memories as well as a peek into the couple’s recent family adventures.

Harry recounted how the family’s trip decades ago left a lasting imprint on him, describing the moment as one where he “lost it” amid the joy of the park’s attractions. “I remember it very, very well. I remember losing it as a kid with all the characters.

Like, losing it,” he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. Meghan, who grew up in Southern California and was more familiar with Disneyland’s magic, added that while the park was more accessible to her as a local, it was still “the biggest treat in the world.”

The couple’s reflections offered a rare, candid view of Harry’s early childhood experiences and highlighted the enduring influence of his late mother’s warmth and attention during formative years.

In June of this year, Harry and Meghan returned to the magic of Disneyland, this time with their two children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, celebrating the youngest daughter’s birthday.

Harry shared the children’s reactions with infectious excitement, recalling how they had hardly contained their enthusiasm upon entering the park.

“They’re like, ‘This is amazing!’” Harry laughed, recalling the moment. “Like, ‘Guys, this isn’t even the front of it. Prepare yourself, you’re about to be blown away.’”

Watching their children immerse themselves in the joy and wonder of Disneyland reportedly rekindled a sense of childlike wonder in both parents, bringing the magic of their own youth to life once again.

The family’s two-day visit was filled with treasured experiences.

Clips shared by Meghan on Instagram documented highlights of the trip, including the children meeting Elsa from *Frozen*, riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Cars ride, and enjoying themed treats and games.

Lilibet received a specially designed Little Mermaid cake decorated with blue frosting and pink icing declaring “Happy Birthday Lili.”

The post also captured Harry and Meghan enjoying their own rides, notably riding Space Mountain together while seated at the front of the rollercoaster, delighting in the thrills alongside their children.

A short reel featured the family exploring Disneyland, encountering Star Wars troopers, and sharing genuine smiles, providing a rare glimpse of royal family life away from official duties.

The couple’s appearance on the 20/20 special followed a high-profile weekend that included a surprise joint appearance at Kevin Costner’s One805LIVE! charity event in Santa Barbara.

The event, hosted at the Yellowstone star’s oceanside estate, drew an impressive roster of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey.

Meghan wore a sleeveless dark navy dress paired with elegant pumps while Harry opted for a black button-up shirt with matching trousers and blazer.

The couple engaged with attendees, including first responders and law enforcement officials, reflecting their ongoing commitment to charitable work.

Harry also addressed the crowd briefly, sharing a few words before the couple took the stage together, offering an intimate moment of connection with attendees.

This Disneyland adventure comes on the heels of a period of reconciliation and personal milestones for Harry. Earlier this month, he marked his 41st birthday on September 15, celebrated by Meghan with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

Additionally, just weeks before the 20/20 special aired, Harry reunited with his father, King Charles III, in London for the first face-to-face meeting in 18 months, signaling a potential thawing of previously strained family relations.

The juxtaposition of reflecting on cherished childhood memories and creating new ones with his own children underscored the Duke’s enduring dedication to family, both past and present.

The 20/20 special itself celebrated 70 years of Disneyland, featuring appearances from other notable personalities including Jamie Lee Curtis, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jon Favreau.

For Harry and Meghan, the interview offered an opportunity to publicly share intimate memories and family experiences, drawing parallels between Harry’s childhood enchantment and the joy of witnessing their children experience the park for the first time.

Meghan remarked on how meaningful it was to see their children’s reactions, noting that Disneyland’s magic has a way of connecting generations and providing a shared sense of wonder.

The Duke’s recollections of his early Disney World visit illustrated not only the enduring bond with his late mother but also the importance of family traditions and creating lasting memories.

His nostalgic anecdotes painted a vivid picture of a young boy captivated by the magic of the park, supported by a mother whose love and care shaped his early experiences.

The parallels between Harry’s childhood visits and his current parenting approach highlighted the continuity of family values, joy, and engagement with his children’s lives, even amidst the challenges and scrutiny of royal life.

By blending personal anecdotes, candid reflections, and playful accounts of a family vacation, Harry and Meghan offered the public an intimate look into their lives away from the public eye.

The Disneyland trip, framed against a backdrop of historical significance and personal growth, demonstrated how experiences of childhood wonder can influence parenting styles and create treasured family memories.

For Harry, the magic of Disneyland spans generations—from the laughter-filled days with Princess Diana and Prince William to joyous excursions with Archie and Lilibet, ensuring that the enchantment of family bonds continues to thrive.

In sum, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s reflections on Disneyland illustrate a heartfelt connection between past and present, blending nostalgia, family joy, and the timeless magic of one of the world’s most beloved amusement parks.

From personal milestones to charitable engagements, the weekend painted a picture of a family cherishing both its history and the moments that make memories with the next generation.

Harry’s stories of “losing it” with Diana, and sharing that same exhilaration with his own children, reinforce the enduring power of family, love, and wonder in shaping a lifetime of memories.