How old were your kids before you took them to the world

[SAB]

My wife and I have been going together to the world 2 times a year for 7 years. We always made fun of people who bring their VERY YOUNG children to the world. You know the ones who just carry a sleeping child around all day or deal with a crabby kid because mom or dad want to get their moneys worth and see everything.

Well, Our first child is on the way. (august 22)

2001 will be the first year in ages (see sig) that I have not been to the world. We have always said 6 years old before we take a child. Now I may be having second thoughts. how does 3 sound.

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[DisneyHumbug]

First time I went I was 6 months pregnant with #3 and the others were 2 and 4. They had a ball - it's not bad if you pace yourself, be flexible and don't expect to see everything!

FW 86,90,93,94
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CR 00
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OKW 01 can't wait!

[Goofy's Pal]

We have three children and went in '98 when they were 2,4, and 7. We had a great time but you do have to take breaks. We got up and went to the parks early ( at 7:00) and then left the park at lunch for the kids to nap for two hours then went back. We also took plenty of snacks and lots of water! The biggest reason you see a child crying is because they are tired, also because they are hungry. Take care of these two things and every thing will be A-OK! So, go and enjoy!! We are going in May and can't wait! :) :)

[mike80124]

we went in 98 with a 3 and 4 year old they had a great time but did not rember much but know when they look at the videos they remember went agian at 7 and 8 and it was much better they can ride all the rides plus they remember it all


allstar sports 96
dixie landings 2000
4/1/2001 dixie landings

[disneymommyof3]

I took my first DD when she was 4 and everyone said "she's too young", "she won't remember anything", well she wasn't too young and she does remember it (not all of course). It's not what she remembers that is important to me, it's the look on their faces that first time they walk down Main st., a look that only a preschooler or a toddler can have. It's that they think that the beautiful princess really IS Cinderella. I think that's the stuff that counts!
I am preparing to take my DD 4 and my DS 3 at the end of April and I am expecting it to be just as magical as it was when I took my first DD (now 9).
Hope this helps!

[GlennandAnn]

My son was 6 months old for his first trip. He is now 2 and has been to WDW 3 times.

They are never too young. The first time we went (6 mos) he loved looking at the fountains at EPCOT. The second time we went (1 1/2 years), he loved running around NY Street at MGM. The third time we went (2 years this past Jan), he loved recognizing all of the characters.

No, he won't remember everything, but neither does his 30 year old dad!!!! ;)

[Judy from Boise]

being Westerners, we took our DD to DL at the age of 4 and 5, and took her to her first WDW trip at the age of 6.

My DH and I did take a trip to WDW when she was 2, but we left her to have a great time at grandma's ! ;)

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[SAB]

I figure in Feb of 2002, the baby will be 8 months or so. Mom and Dad will be exhausted from being new first time parents, so we will take another trip to the world and let baby vist grandma and grandpa for a week.

Will you guy think i'm bad if i have to skip a year of visits in my sig??? just kidding...i know i am special going so many times....but we had to enjoy while we were un anchored and young

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[anut4disney]

My daughter was 3 when we first took her and we never had a problem.

At epcot we even used the World Showcase movies as a little down time. She would nap during these while we enjoyed watching them.

Shirley

"The Twins"
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[Snow Shoe]

The first time for our children was 5 and 8 years old.

[tinaluis]

My daughter was 2 1/2 mos. old for her first WDW trip. She's now 4 and has been back 3x more along with her sister who is 2. I think the trip when she was 2 1/2 mos. was the easiest (ha, ha). Actually, my daughters enjoy it now that they're a little older and I have no problem saying that the very early trips were for me. I'm a WDW fanatic, but each time we go back they remember more and more and we all have a great time. We've planned a November, 2001 trip and we'll have another baby daughter then, 2 1/2 mos. Hopefully, we'll all be able to make many, many trips as a family in the future no matter what our ages!

[nelle]

We took our 9 mo old and our five year old along with us in Dec and by far the 9mo old was the better of the two. You can take a baby on almost any ride or show except the thrill rides. We did all full service restrants and it was great. The characters were great with her we even had chip or dale spend about 20min with her and allowed her to touch his face :) . My DH and I agree that we would take a baby back before an older child. If you do go with baby take your own stroller ours would take naps in the stroller so we didn't even have to take a break except when our 5yr old got cranky.

[BeanoC]

Our kids were 8 and 10 years old the first time we went to WDW. Neither of us wanted to push a stroller around all day going "Excuse me please, pardon me"...

We wanted the kids to be able to actually DO things and remember them! We are glad we waited and really feel like we got our money's worth.
We were able to maximize our time because they didn't need constant 'breaks' for naps. We all took our breaks together to eat lunch, etc. and
it made for a great family vacation.

(I should mention that we are from California and the kids had been to DisneyLand at younger ages and did enjoy it...WDW is not the same though!)


'Beano' :cool:

CBR 11/00

[musical2]

One of my daughters was 3 months old when we went for her first time. She also went at 5 months old and twice at two years old. In May we are going when she is almost 4 years old and her younger twin sisters are 16 months old.

Bart

[Thumper's Dad]

OK, don't laugh and please don't yell at me, but we only have one child and we didn't take him to WDW until he was 16 1/2 years old. And it was great--hardly any whining, no diapers to change, and we never had to carry him.

Of course, there were a few times we'd have liked him to carry us ;)

Ted

[lisapooh]

My youngest went at 2 months.

Pooh Bear

[pentex]

Hubby & I have been going every year (sometimes twice). When we had our first child, we waited a while until we took her with us, and she was almost 2 when we went (23 months to be precise). That was by far one of the best times we have had in Disney. Yes, we had to stop more often to look at things she liked, but that made us see more of WDW we usually rushed by. She was just fascinated by every flower, color, character, ride, etc. It was such a joyous trip.

Now, by the time # 2 child came along we were already at ease with doing WDW with children. She came down for the first time at 4 months of age. And that year, we drove from NJ to FL, with the 4 month old and 4 year old and it was still great.

Taking our kids to Disney has made us see it in a whole new way. We feel like four kids who somehow escaped from their parents and found Disneyworld!

[TinkerbellRules]

Our DD had just turned 5 on her first trip. WE would have taken her sooner if we could've afforded it. I'll never forget the first time she saw Mickey and Minnie! The next trip (6) she finally got to meet Balou, her very favorite at that time. She was really excited. Our friends have been taking their daughter since she was 2 or 3. Another friend won't take his now 7 or 8 yr old DD because she won't ride anything. I believe that's just an excuse since our DD doesn't ride a lot of things either! There's more to WDW than rides! It's magical....

________________________
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Been there, done that, going back!

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[Peter_noPan]

She was 3 months and was not real problem (except on one cold wet evening. I stayed with here and the rest of the family went out.

When they are that young they really dont know what is going on. They are more like luggage, but you will have fun.

[teresajoy]

I went when I was 7 months pregnant with Arminda. Corey was three the first time he went, and we have gone every year since. The kids have a great time, no matter what age they are. We never have any problems with cranky kids. Arminda sleeps in the stoller, and we make sure we bring enough drinks and snacks with us.

I guess I must have been two when I went for the first time. I think you need to start them early in their love for Disney! It always amazes me when people ask how old a child should be to take them to Disney. It is so much fun with the little ones! :)

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[Brer_Papa]

Our first trip with the kids was when they were 11, 10 & 5. The 5 year old remembered the trip so well, that when we went 2 years later, my Father-in-law & Mother-in-law (who were our guests and this was their first WDW trip) found they had an unofficial tour guide in their 7 year old grandson.
My Granddaughter has been there 3 times. The first trip was when she was 3. She will be going in October for trip # 4. She remebers quite a bit from those trips.
Our 3 year old grandson has gone once. He was a year & a half old. He doesn't remember much. So, our October trip will be lke the first time again. maybe thats not a bad thing huh?
Great question! Thanks. Brer_Papa

1975 - off site
1983 - FW
1985 - FW
1987 - FW
1989 - FW
1991 - FW
1994 - WL
1995 - WL
1997 - WL
1/1999 - FW
5/1999 - WL
12/27/99 Contemporary
12/30/99- MAGIC
3/00 - PO
10/01 - AKL
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[zurgswife]

Take the baby....

Our family trip history is as follows:

Dec '95 3kids 2,3,4
Sept '97 4kids 3months, 3,5,6
Aug '98 4kids 15months, 5,6,7
March'99 4kids 22months, 5,6,7
Nov '99 No kids 10th Anniversery
Oct '00 4 kids 3,6,8,9
March '01 4kids 3,7,8,9

We got a late start but have begun to make up for lost time. The baby has enjoyed every trip. Yes, even as an infant. She seemed to enjoy all the shows.

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BWV Oct '00, Mar 01
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Visit http://badshoe.com

[robinb]

My daughter was 4 months old on her first trip, 8 months on her second, 11 months on her third and 15 months on her fourth trip. She'll be 23 months on her next trip and 28 months on the one after that.

Since you are twice a year experts at WDW, I think you'll be back a lot earlier than 6 years or even 3 years! Little babies, under a year are extra easy to bring to WDW. They usually just sleep and you can baby swap to go on the wild rides. Toddlers are a bit trickier. You just need to be in tune with your child and know when to cut the day short and go home. It really isn't rocket science to know you need to take things a little slower. I wouldn't let the age of your sweet baby-to-be stop you from enjoying your favorite vacation place :D.


-- Robin

[kimartyraye@att.net]

3! Both times! My kids are now 13 and 3 and the 13yo will be making his 4th trip and my 3yo, her 1st trip, in June! A video of their trip will help greatly! My 3yo thinks she's been there already because of tapes she watches from our previous trips! Big Help! And, she wants to see Indy because Daddy was an extra even before she was born and, 13yo brother loves Indy so, choice was already made! Video whatever you can so that the kids will try and remember what they saw "way back then"!.

My 13yo remembers more from '91 & '93, when we taped than when we went again (@8yo-'96) because we didn't tape in '96!

Best advice ~ Make a video tape, no matter the age! The kids LOVE watching themselves having fun! THAT'S how they remember!

(New to the DIS board-thanks for everything!)

[Tarzan]

We took our children when my ds was 22 months and dd was 11 months. We're going back twice before their next birthdays when they'll be 3 and 4. We've thought about going without them but just can't bring ourselves to do it! We loved WDW with them, didn't force them to stay awake or allow them to get cranky, yet got to do everything we wanted to do. Brilliant, and we can't wait until November!

[welovemickey]

Our youngest son was 6 weeks old when he made his first trip to Disney! My other two children were 5 and 9.

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[curlyjbs]

My DH and I always said that when our kids were all 5 and up. Well this year our youngest turned 5.
FINALLY! :D

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[Kevs mom]

The first time we took our children DS was 4 and DD was 2 (niece also came along that trip - she was also 2), they had a great time, mostly I think because we didn't overdo it, we did cut the days a lot shorter than we would've if it was just us but we all had a great time anyways! :)

[Emy'sMom]

We took her to WDW for the first time last September when we was 3. It was lots of fun! We're taking her again this October.

Debbie

[CarrieAP]

'98: Our oldest daughter was 2 years and the joy on her face and squeals of delight the first night when she saw Minnie in Spectromagic was priceless.
'99: New daughter 8 mo. and big sister 3 years. Who will ever forget Belle dancing with the baby at Cinderella's breakfast.

In May they will be 2 and 5 and we will have a whole new set of memories: for mom and dad as well as the children!

'83,'84,'88 off site
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6/98 Dolphin
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5/99 DL
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[cgcw]

We took our son for the first time when he was 3 -- highlights he remembers from that trip were the Poly pool and Ice Station Cool at Epcot. Could not wait to go back to both when he was 5. When we returned with him at 5 - he also loved the Poly pool and Ice Station Cool plus a whole lot more. Even rode Dumbo which he refused to do when he was 3. Also took our 7 month old the second trip. He took it all it, was wonderful waiting in line, became a crowd watcher and little flirt with people but screamed when we saw any characters. Eventually warmed up to the character idea but took several days and several encounters to get to that point.

[jiminy]

he will be 1 year old in October. But the people here convinced me that it's great to go with young children, as long as you're flexible. We are staying on site and bringing my mom with us so she can take him back to the room whenever she needs to! I can't wait...we'll let you know how it goes! 6 more months :(
Tammy

June 1985--WDW--offsite
April 1987--WDW--offsite
May 1992--WDW--offsite
May 1994--WDW--offsite
April 1996--WDW--offsite
March 2000--WDW--POLYNESIAN
Oct-Nov 2001--WDW--GRAND FLORIDIAN

[minnie mouse]

My oldest daughter was one the first time we took her. We are going again in October and this will be her 7th trip and she will be 5 at the time.

I think every age holds something special for the child and well as the parents.

We always stay on site so it is easy for us to go back and take breaks when needed. And I like and need the breaks as much as the kids do.

[neen]

The first time we took my daughter she was 4. We will be taking her for her second trip this year and she will be 7. I was surprised at how much she can still remember from our first trip. Can't wait to take her back this year to watch her enjoy the MAGIC again!!

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[Simba]

This will be our families first trip to WDW and we are so excited that we can't wait. Our DD is 12 but will be 13 when we go.

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[Moliphoenix]

My cousin, Colleen, was 2 years old on her first time, and my other cousin, Chrystal, was 3. They both had a great time. Colleen is 6 now and has been there 7 or 8 times. Chrystal is 4 and is going again this summer. There's stuff in Disney for people of any age.

Molly

8/93-Port Orleans
4/95-Port Orleans
8/98-Port Orleans
11/98- Carribean Beach
4/99-Carribean Beach
8/99-Old Key West/Boardwalk Inn
2/00-Disney Institute
8/00- Coronado Springs/Old Key West

[diaman]

We took our first DS when he was 6 months old. Then again our second DS, we took at 6 months. They were no problems as we took things slow and just enjoyed everything. Granted they may not remember, but we are from the northeast and always go during the winter months. It's just nice to go outside and not be locked up inside the house. The kids enjoyed the change and being outside. Even if we did not go on a lot of rides, they got a chance to run around. Also, it's nice for us to relax, since we are not gun-hoe gotta-do-everything people. But, when they turned 2, they started to realize what was going on. The looks on their faces are priceless!!!

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[b]<font color="#FF0000" face="Comic Sans MS">Boardwalk DVC Member Since 2000</

[gingajane]

We took my oldest daughter when she was 5, my middle daughter when she was 4, and will take my youngest daughter when she is close to 3. Our kids will cry and whine a bit here and there, but they do that at home as well, ya know? Most of their time will be joyful and full of excitement. Some things are just worth it. MJ

[Jenn]

My little Disney freak (and I mean freak in the best way possible - she takes after her Mommy) has been been at the following ages:

9 months (June 1998)
14 months (October 1998)
20 months (April 1999)
2 1/2 (April 2000)
3 (September 2000)
3 1/2 (March 2001 - with me 3 months pregnant)

And, we leave in 6 weeks for another trip with me 5 months pregnant.

I can honestly say that each and every trip has been awesome! She LOVES Disney - everything from the characters, to the rides, to the monorail. Plan, plan, plan and go at the kids pace and you will be all set.

You are obviously big fans given how often you go, so it is totally normal to want to share your love of Disney with your child despite your logical side saying "we should wait a few years". Why wait? If you can afford to go, want to go, then GO!

Jenn

[erica_mutterer]

our daughter is 4 and our sone is 2 and she has been 4 times and he has been twice and going again this year!!! can't imagine it without them!!! Always had good experiences, always stayed on sight, always brought the stroller (they nap well in it) they always enjoyed it too and my daughter and son both talk about the trips and enjoy looking at past pictures..... we are however, sneeking away for a long weekend at universal without them next week. we'll prob take them there soon too!!!

[tampafan]

My son was 7 months his first trip, but it was just a day trip over to MGM. He was 2 and a half when we went for an actual stay. My daughter was 3 months her first trip, my son was 3 and a half on that trip. We have found it very helpful to break the day in half at the resort with our children. A quick nap at the resort does wonders for their disposition.

When we went for New Years Eve last year we were told that if you get in the park you had better stay because they fill up so fast. We choose MGM and had a blast. We arrived at 8:30 am and left after 9:30pm. We let our children take about 45 mintue naps in the middle of the day in a sunny spot near the lake.

[honeybees]

We took our DD when when she was 18 mos old. I spent two months priming her for the trip. We watched lots of videos and looked at a dear friends photos of her and her children with all the characters and pictures of them on the rides. I wanted to make sure she wasn't going to be scared of the characters. When we got there, there was no holding her back, she went running towards piglet, pooh, would hug and kiss mickey's nose. I will say deffiently make sure you prime your child for the visit. DD loved the tea cups so much we tode them twice and she wanted to go again. She love Chef Mickey and Cape May Cafe Bkfst. We are getting ready to go back again this June and our DD will be 3 and our new DS will be 6 mos. We can't wait......

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****Remember it all started with one little mouse****

[BostonTigger]

The first time I went, I was 2 and the MK was only a year old. I didn't remeber much at the time...only that it's a Small World scared me. I think kids shouldn't go until they are at least 5-6.

[wdwnutze]

My DD was 14 mos when I took her for the first time. The big thing is to know your child and what might scare or bother them. Be prepared to slow the pace and bring a comfortable stroller so they can nap on the go. As long as the parents are relaxed, the kids will be fine. We are taking DD again in Aug for her 2nd visit(she's 2 1/2now)My other DD will be going for her 3rd trip(4y.o. on 1st trip)and celebrating her 9th b-day and my DS(17y.o. now) will be going for his 4th trip(1st trip when he was 5y.o.) It can be done! :cool:

'75 off-site
'84 D.D.
'89 off-site
'96 CBR
'97 off-site
'99 Poly
next rip 8/01 at Beach Club

[Rodrigo]

My kids are 3 and 1yo by now, and I know that they could have a lot of fun in WDW at their age.

But it is not possible for us to afford every-year trips to the World. (I don't know why, but the air tickets are extremely expensive in Mexico, last time I went to Orlando it was about $750!)

So if you could only do a trip every 4 or 5 years to WDW, what are the best ages for your kids to go?

I'm thinking in 2004, when they will be 4 and 6, or 2005, when they will be 5 and 7. After that, maybe we will return when they turn 10 and 12...

Rodrigo Silva

Disneyland 91
Disneyland Paris 93
WDW Offsite 97
Dixie Landings 99

[Jane E.]

I didn't take my children until they were three years old. We also never used strollers and didn't stay a full day. When my eldest was three we went to DL. We left the park at about 3pm. When my youngest was three we went to MK at Disney World - and we left at about 4pm. In fact, my children had never seen MSEP or the fireworks until this year - because we would always leave early!!Now that they are teens, Dh and I are the ones who get tired and want to leave. At approximately 1pm - look around the park and almost every child three and under is crying!! They miss their naps! I'm serious!The first time I ever noticed this I was at DL with ds and I noticed all the little ones crying. I thought, "Thank God, mine isn't crying." Two minutes later mine was also crying. We immediately stopped, bought lunch, relaxed for 30 minutes and he was fine.