What age to take your kids to WDW ~ A Story

[SandraC]

Hi! The first time I went to WDW I was 11 years old ~ too old and too cool for Dumbo ride ~ so I think at the time ~ so I didn't get to ride Dumbo until I was 32 years old with my 4 year old dd.

So when folks ask me "At what age should I bring my kids to WDW?" I say, "As soon as you can afford to go!"

My dd has been 3x, ages 4, 7 and 8. ds has been 2x, ages 15 months and 27 months. All trips were magical!

So here is a story....we have dear friends with children that play with my children. For several years, I've been hearing this from my friend, "We can't wait to go to WDW ~ we are waiting until the kids are old enough to enjoy it and remember it." Last week we all were talking about Disney and her kids announced that they are too old and too cool for WDW and don't want to go. My friend was crushed. She's been really looking forward to WDW. Everytime they had the extra money to go to WDW, they'd play the 'logical game' and spend the money of new furniture, floors, carpets ~ really things they didn't need, but they saw $$$ and reasoned it on tables and chairs instead of parades and Peter Pan. Now it's too late, the kids don't want to go because they are 'too old'. The furniture my friend bought has worn out, the floors and carpets need replacing and they still don't have WDW memories. I am very sad for my friend and her kids. Now my friend won't see her dd's face light up at the first sight of Cinderella's castle, her son won't giggle as Goofy plays around before an autograph and a picture. When her kids announced they didn't want to go, I saw the "it's too late" look on her face.

The morale to my story.......you know. S

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

I completely agree with you. The first time we took our kids to WDW was 9 years ago when they were 4 and 2 1/2. They really don't remember our visit when they were little. But I do. I remember my daughter's face when she saw Ariel who she absolutely was in love with. I remember their excitement at seeing Mickey Mouse and all of the characters. I remember riding Dumbo, the tea cups, and all of the rides in FantasyLand and Not riding Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and all of the thrill rides.

We had not been to WDW since then until our visit last month and now my kids are 11 and 12. We had a wonderful time but our visit was completely different from our 1993 visit. This time we rode all of the thrill rides and only went on It's a Small World because I wanted to. We didn't wait in line for autographs because my kids think they are too cool for that.

I wouldn't trade either visit for the other. Each one was great for the age my kidsl were at the time. Is their a best age to visit WDW? No, all ages are the best for different reasons.

Elise

[BarbOKW]

This is exactly what I try to tell so many of my friends when they say they are waiting for their kids to get "old enough". I always say by then they are too old you've missed the best times. There is nothing better than when your child believes they are really meeting Mickey or the other characters. My goal was to take the kids (I have 4) every other year. We ended up joining the DVC so we could go every year. Now that my youngest is 7 we still go for a few days every year but we're also spending more time at Universal and plan on trying Sea World. But our Disney memories will always be my favorite.

I am pleased that I have at least two friends that I talked into not waiting and one of them has been twice the other is planning a second trip soon.

By the way we also tried the Disney Cruise this last spring break, the kids thought it was great...but I do wish we had tried it sooner. I waited before we went on the cruise because I was scared the little ones would fall off the boat. No need to worry, everyone had a great time and in fact we're going on the 7 day cruise in March 2004.

[SandraC]

We build foundations for our kids. My kids don't remember their 1st birthday. But they know they had a birthday party with friends and family who love them and wanted to share time with them. My dd can't remember when she learned the alphabet but she's getting A's in writing at school. What we do and don't do with or for our kids MATTERS!

I just can't imagine what it would be like to promise my kids WDW trips and never go ~ what does that tell them? What message are they getting from that? Don't truth Mum ~ maybe.

I don't mean to get 'heavy' about this. But I adore this family (in my original post) and my heart just broke for them. I wish I would turn back time so they could go to WDW! S

[kathy387]

The first time we took our girls to WDW they were 3 and 5. They're now 11 and 13. Each trip is unique but there will never be another time when they went for the first time and they still believed that everything was "real"! We never had a problem with not taking naps, although they crashed every night, no mid day hissy fits and nothing but great memories. And the pictures are priceless! Our first trip was to the Polynesian, we even did the character Luau the night before we flew home. Our favorite picture is our 3 year old sitting buck naked on the bed with the leis from the luau wrapped around her head and body and her arms crossed refusing to go home! They've loved Disney ever since. It's too bad your friend didn't take them when they were younger....they'd be as addicted as the rest of us!:rolleyes:

[poohlover]

We also took the kids when they were "too little to remember". But they do, they remember from the stories we tell them, and the pictures they see of when they were young.

The first trip was when DD's were 4 1/2, 2 & my DS was 1, my DD's met the "REAL" Cinderella! "From the book!" they told everyone when we got home! It was so special. Now at 16 & 14 they STILL want to vacation there and see younger siblings make the same memories they have!

Another trip my 5th child, DS, was just 1 and we have pics of Donald Duck getting him to walk in circles after his pacifer! Another of him sleeping in Meeko's arms at LTT! No dinner for him that night.

We've had 6 trips and so very many special memories...I try to tell all my friends to do this early...but not every one is a Disney person, and some don't see my addiction for disney the way I do...I feel so bad for the family in the fist post.

[Steffi]

Very well said. The time we spend & memories we make with our families are priceless...no furniture or floors can offer so much happiness & magic. (At least not mine...maybe I have the wrong furniture & floors...)

[fraggle]

Thanks for the story. My DH and I always had said we would wait until the girls were "older" before we went to WDW. Luckily, my DH was accepted to present at a conference in Tampa and we both looked at each other and said "Let's go to WDW now!" Our girls will be 16 months and 3 years and I can't wait. My DD age 3 has told just about everyone in the state of Maine that she is going to Disney to see Mickey Mouse and she has practically memorized every part of the free tape that WDW sent. My youngest daughter actually requested the disney tape over Elmo yesterday and screamed in joy through the whole intro about the theme parks!

For now on when people ask why we are taking them when they won't remember it I will say, "I want to take them before they are too old to go to WDW with mom and dad and just because I want to go!":Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[jldriscoll]

I agree with everything said above!!!

I also want to say this story just broke my heart ! :(

The one thing we can never get back is time.

[SandraC]

Thanks for all your replies! And your understanding that you are never to young for WDW!

Some background: My dd is 8.5 years old. When she saw born, doctors said she had a heart murmur. After 9 hours of tests, the doctors announced, "We put your baby on morphine and the helicopter will be here in 9 minutes." They airlifted my angel to a special hospital. She wasn't suppose to make it. Well, she showed them! Three heart operations later, my fabulous dd plays softball, is on the track team at school, has great grades and a wonderful sense of haha!

Her first WDW trip was 1998, she was 4.5 years old, it was a MAKE A WISH trip. dh thought 4.5 was too young, but I knew better. The trip was so marvelous, I promised we'd go back and we did, two more times!

Having a sick kid immediately threw my priorities into line and WDW/spending fab time with my family, tops the list!

My dad says this, "On your death bed, no one says 'I should have spent more time at the office.'"

Same thing with WDW trip for us. I won't be an old lady saying, "I wish I bought a new car 50 years ago, nope! I want to say, I'm so happy I went to WDW 50 times with my family." S

[hygienejean]

I agree with all the above posts....It is amazing how many people think we are crazy for taking our 2 little ones in May. There are wonderful things to see and do at any age! I can't wait to go and see their little faces light up!!! 9 months to wait...too long!!!

Jean:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[SandraC]

I so excited for all of you who are talking for wee ones soon! My ds was 15 months old his first trip and he loved it! He often wants to watch our vacation home videos!

I guess my bottom line is, if you want to go to WDW and you can afford to go to WDW you SHOULD go to WDW ~ no matter the ages of your kids.

I'll been saving $$$$ for years from my PT job. We started calling the money, THE DISNEY ACCOUNT. We went to WDW twice with that money and now we use it for other vacations too. I will need a car sometime in the next year or two, but I don't need a 'keep up with the Jones brand new car.' a nice nearly-new-slightly-used-previously enjoyed car with be perfect! So lots of the Disney Acct money will go towards the car. I've become a very good saver, WDW is a fabulous motivator! My next car might be about $10,000, my next WDW trip will be priceless. S

[jldriscoll]

Originally posted by SandraC
My dad says this, "On your death bed, no one says 'I should have spent more time at the office.'"

Very profound!!! You have a wise dad!

[carone0318]

Since the invention of the camcorder, the reason of "they won't remember that trip" is no longer valid. Our dd's first trip was a couple of months before she turn 3. She remembers everything because she watches herself all of the time on video. She will be 6 next month and has been to Disney 3 times and is going back in May. This past June we took our 16 month old ds with us, this was his 1st trip. It was magical. When we were in the airport waiting for our flight down to MCO, he stood up on his own for the first time and just took off, there was no stopping him. Once we got to Disney, he would squeal and run up to the characters and we have all of this on video. These trips are not just for my kids but for me too. I just love to watch them every minute we are there. And as someone else said, we are creating the next generation of Disneyfanatics..... and proud to say so ;)

[SandraC]

My dd has been three times, each time dh video tapes her face as she sees the castle for the first time per trip! I've editted them together and it's beautiful!

My ds was 15 months old for his first trip and he adores characters!

I am playing the 'should we go March 2003' game in my head. I figure since dd has been 3x's and ds 2x's, we would wait until ds was 40 inches tall for Spc Mtn etc.,. But WDW is calling! If we don't go March 2003, we will definately go 2004! S

[fraggle]

We were debating about taking the camcorder, but after reading all the posts we are definitely bringing it!

[jldriscoll]

Yup! There is nothing better on a rainy day than watching an old WDW family video! In fact... its raining here now....I think I'll pop ours in!:p

[SandraC]

We bought a new camcorder especially for WDW trips! dh always questions bring it, but I wouldn't leave it home for the world!

June 1998, 3 hours of tape, edited to 30 minutes

April 2001, 4.5 hours of tape, edited to 30 minutes

April 2002, 3.5 hours of tape, edited to 48 minutes

We often watch the LONG versons for ourselves. The edited versons are for friends and family.

I'd say we watch our video's 5-6 times a week. My kids love them! Even if for only 5 minutes! My 2 year old ds calls the last video BALL, he means Epcot, his fav park!

S

[marli]

I totally agree that waiting to take your kids is a mistake! We went to Disney with DS(4), DD(2) and our 4 month old- everyone thought that we were nuts, but it was something that I know I will always treasure. My kids were in awe of just about everything they saw, from the characters to the castle, the parades. I know that I will never forget my daughter's face when we saw the electric light parade and cinderella's coach came down the street- words can't describe her expression but I will forever remember that look-priceless! My 4 month old slowed us down a little but that also worked to our advantage- we were able to take in more of the things that you tend to overlook when you are so busy running from one ride to the next- Disney offers a lot of entertainment aside from the rides, you just have to slow down enough to enjoy it.
I am now planning our next trip for november- december 2003, and I am sooooo excited- it is so important to try and grab happiness when and where we can! :D

[susy]

Sandra, what a sad story-really.

I am kind of laughing because if you saw our condo with our old "hand me down" furniture that we've had since we got married, you would think "Why are these crazies spending three nights at AKL???" Never mind all the sit-down and character meals..... This is our fourth trip this year.

Well, our DS was three when we first took him and got to be gatekeeper on his first ever time at MK! Even though he doesn't remember it that much, I think the certificate will be treasured when he is older (along with the pictures and video). Our house is plain ,but filled with framed photos of him with every character.

Furniture (and the like) is just stuff....
Disney is.... well, Disney!

[SandraC]

LOL ~ next month is our 12th wedding anniversary and we still have the furniture we bought with our wedding gift money! I traded off new furniture for lots of WDW trips! I call our furniture VINTAGE LOL! It might even come back into style soon. I just painted my kitchen today and bought NEW accessories, the total cost of the kitchen face life $30! My car is a 1991 Tempo. I got so fed up with looking at the rust on my car, I just spray painted Temgled on the rust spots. I love my house, my furniture and my car. My house is full of Disney photos too! We had kind strangers take pictures of us in front of each of the 4 parks centre attractions (castle, spaceship earth, tree of life and the scorsocers hat at mgm) I bought a really nice frame and it looks great~ Chat soon! S

[HeatherT]

We took our twins to WDW when they were only 6 mo. old and we're going back in Oct. when they'll be 19 mo old. People thought we were nuts :crazy: but we have some great pictures of our ds feeling Goofy's wiskers and our dd biting Minnie's nose. It looks like she's kissing her! We were given a lot of special treatment b/c they were so small, and it created some very magical memories for dh and I. I've been a little worried about dd and ds being afraid of the characters this time, but after reading all of you're posts, my fears have subsided. We'll make sure we have the video camera this time!

Heather :earsgirl: :earsboy:

[c&m]

SandraC, I think you have your priorities in the right place! With so much chaos in the world, it's just so refreshing to hear someone proclaim that family is so paramount. Like everyone on this thread, my DH and I love seeing our 2 DDs eyes light up at DL. The looks on their precious little faces will last a lifetime in my memory--absolutely priceless and cannot be topped by any material goods in this world.

Our oldest DD was 2.5 when she first went to DL, the youngest DD was 15 months. Oldest DD will go on her 4th trip to DL in Sept 2002, 3rd trip for our youngest DD.

[vicb]

Just my 2 cents but I think people should take their kids as early as they want too! I really think if you travel with your kids at a young age (WDW or non-WDW) they become aclimated to traveling. It becomes second nature to them and to your family as a unit. And if you go to WDW, as the kids get older they can help plan where to stay, what to do and where to eat there. That is half the fun! My DD will be 11-1/2 next time we go and I am not worried at all about her having a "not cool" attitude. She loves to travel, we will just let her have more say in the planning!

[doggy]

We waited with all three of our kid until they were at least 4 years old and never have regreted it....The older kids enjoyed sharing their experiences with the younger ones and when we were at the parks the older ones were like they were little again...The older ones had just as much fun taking their younger brothers or sisters around to the rides and best of all at about 4 years old they can ride almost everything with there older brothers or sisters....This to me is Real Family Vacation!!

Any younger than 4 they simply can not handle all the walking and riding....They need their rest just like a baby does and babies still do need naps and not in stollers. We need to think about what is best for our children first and then consider which will work for the family as a whole...

[SandraC]

c&m, we took our ds when he was 15 months old too! It was an amazing trip for the whole family! I was shocked at the amount of things a 15 month old can enjoy at WDW. And you are right, since we started travelling with our kids young, they are pros and now have a 'worldly' way about them. I think it comes down to ecomonics to many folks. But if a family has a desire and the cash to go, I say go before it's too late. S

[booh]

Although we don't have kids, if we did (or ever do), I'm sure we'd not stop our yearly (or more) trips to wait until they were older - I've seen so many babies at WDW having a ball!! Not to bring anybody down, but my best friend planned a trip when her daughter was a little over 2. As the time got closer, they started making excuses - she's too young, we need this for the house, daddy would rather go hunting, etc, etc. So they "postponed" the trip. A month after they would have gone, my dear friend was suddenly diagnosed with cancer and died within a month. It breaks my heart that her poor baby won't have those precious memories with her mother! I love to look at the pictures from my early trips with my recently departed mother - what great memories! So take the little ones and have a great time!!! Life is too short to not make all the memories you can while you can!

[SandraC]

booh, my heart brakes for your friends family.....


Tomorrow is my dd's annual Sick Kids appointment (Sick Kids is Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children). I'm scared to death. My dd has complex heart defects and lately she's been complaining of racing heart. She used to go to Sick Kids every 6 months and another cardiologist in between. She's just been put on 6 months with both dr's.

We try not spoiling dd, but we also want to give her the best quality of life we can, since we don't really have quantity on our side. She's been to WDW 3x and she's 8.5 years old. I'd like to go again March 2003, but 2004 would be better for many reasons. I can see tomorrow's appt playing a big role on our next trip. S

[booh]

SandraC - a prayer has been said for your precious daughter! May God bless your family and hold your daughter in His loving hands and heal her!

[SandraC]

Thank you booh, I really needed that. I'm sitting here, 10 hours away from the appt and I am starting to freak out quite badly. I've been pacing and computing and braiding my hair. All the horrible things about the hospital are swimming in my head. I dread having to hide my fears from dd. I did tell dd that sometimes I get sad at the hospital because it reminds me of a time when she was an infant and we were scared because we didn't know of understand her heart defects. I reassure her that I trust she'll be fine tomorrow, it's just Mommy memoried that haunt me. She's cool with it. Before she went to sleep, I reminded her that McDonalds has new Barbie and Hot Wheels Happy meal toys tomorrow, so we are both trying to concentrate on that and other happy thoughts. Sorry to ramble, I'm pretty freaked out right now. I'll be better tomorrow afternoon. S

[Katiebug]

We brought our oldest dd last year. She was almost 2. Everyone told us she was too young and wouldn't remember anything. My dh and I took her anyway and she had a wonderful time. We watched the vacation planning video before we went and she loved and recognized all of the characters, especially Mickey, Minnie and Pooh Bear.

Now we are planning to go back and take our youngest dd who is 15 months as well as our oldest who is almost 3. Our oldest asks to watch the Disney video every day so she can show our youngest where we are going.

Does she remember? I would say she does!!! But even if she forgets when she is older, I will never forget the look on her face the first time she saw the castle and met Cinderella.

I say Good for us All!

[scanne]

I just had my 1st baby on 8/8/02 and my DH and I are already planning his first 2 trips! One is for Oct. 2003 and the 2nd is for his 2nd birthday in Aug. 2004.

BUT, I'm starting to think DH won't be able to wait more than a year to go......we may end up there next August when Chase turns one. I want him to have his first haircut on Main Street!!!

I can't wait to make our Disney memories abd family traditions!

:p :earsboy: :earseek: :earsboy: :p

[Magic2000]

We have three daughters, and all three had been to by the time they were 15 months old! I love being at Disney with the little ones - their faces the first time they see a character or the castle or whatever is just priceless!!!! Now my oldest two love going off by themselves, but we always meet up for lunch and dinner and see what everybody's done and what we've bought and which characters we met! They also like standing in all the different lines so their little sister can meet the characters!

I wouldn't trade all my memories of our family vacations for anything!! My oldest two (one graduated from high school, the other is in 11th grade) still love going to Disney. My six yr old loves Disney too - this Dec will be her seventh visit!!!

[booh]

SandraC - I've been thinking about you and praying for you! How did the appointment go at the hospital? Hope all is well. Just wanted you to know I care!

[disnaholic]

I agree not to wait. I struggled with the decision for a while whether or not to take my kids to disney until they were older. Finally I decided when they were 4 and 6 to take them. I am so glad we did! We have wonderful memories and I love it when one of the kids says "Do you remember at Disney World..... ' It was worth it to hold off on getting a new computer or redoing the bathroom.

I got a new camcorder for the next trip and I can't wait to put it to use!

[drewc]

I agree with everyone posting here. When your kids are young, you get just as much enjoyement and memories by re-experiencing everything through their eyes.

Will they remember every minute? Probably not. Will they have a wonderful time? Absolutely.

And don't be too quick to think that young kids won't remember. My daughter, who was 4 when we went last year, will casually mention minute details of our trip from time to time out of the blue - stuff that I have long forgotten. She happens to have a better than average memory (not sure where she got that - definitely not from me!), but the whole Disney experience is so vibrant and intense at that age, that it has to be indelible on some level.

Life is too short, and as many others have pointed out, kids have a way of growing up too quickly. Will they ever have as good a time as when they truly believe in the "magic"?

[ASFCurly]

About remembering a trip, it is not the next year necesarrily that it will be forgotten by, but by a couple of years down the road, there will very few actual memories. I went to Disneyland when I was 4 and my brother was 1. He doesn't remember anything, I only have one actual memory, and it wan't even really at DL, we were staying at my Mom's aunts house and we had bought plastic cups from DL for some cousins back home and her dogs chewed up all but 1, I was so upset, and it was right before we were leaving so we couldn't get another, I remember going home and giving the cup to them but being so upset, because they had to share the cup.

I am not saying that you should wait till the kids are old enough to remember, that it is still magic, and you will have the memories to share with them, and tell them about it, but it will be more for you then them, which isn't bad.

I think that what some people are trying to say is that if you can only go on one trip to WDW with your kids that you might want to wait a little. If I could only go on one trip with my kids (when I have them) I would wait till they were say, 5 and 7, it is still magic and they still love it, but they will remember more than if they were like 2 and 4.

[mommystieg]

My dd's were 9 and 2 when we went to WDW for the first time this June. Everybody thought we were wasting our money by taking a 2 y\o but she loved it!! She looks at the pix from the trip and sings "Hoop de doo, hoop de doo" when she sees the pix from the HDDR. She also sings "Yo ho, Yo ho" when she sees the PotC pix. She recognizes the pix from IASW as well-so I know she remembers her visit. My SIL keeps saying she is waiting until her kids older so they can enjoy it more-they are 12 and 11 now. Ya'll are right-there is nothing more magical than when your kids meet their favorite characters for the first time!! I will never forget the look on my youngest's face when Cinderella tickled her cheeks-you won't get that kinda reaction from a 12 y\o. I truly believe that you must live today because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

[Pookey]

Too old? Too cool? I didn't read all the posts, but can hardly believe it. We went to Disney for the first time ever when my oldest was 17, my daughter 13 and my youngest (son) was 6. We all had a blast! My kids never thought they were too old or too cool. We had never been able to go before and never thought we would go again. But luckily we are planning a trip with our whole family again, plus a family of good friends. My oldest is now 20 and a junior in college and when I asked him if he wanted to go and told him I would understand if he didn't, he didn't hesitate. He will be 21, my daughter - 17 and the youngest - 10. The kids in the other family will be 17 and 14. And everyone is thoroughly excited!
If you always value family time together, even the small tihings like suppers together, sporting events, etc., they should value it too. I realize I am very lucky, but I know others can have the same experience. Remember, the kids may think it's cool to say they're too old, but not really mean it. I would still plan a trip with their input and I bet they would get into it and end up having a blast. Never too old!!!!!!

[BarbOKW]

Hi Pookey,

I think the point of the post here are not that the kids are too old to go...but that some people wait until their kids are "old enough". My oldest is now 14 and we've been going pretty much every year since he was 2. We now have 4 kids with the youngest being 7. We still go every year. Because of a different discussion thread, I recently asked him what he thought of going to WDW now that he's a "teenager". His response was why wouldn't I want to go? I love WDW!

When you take very young kids, it's amazing how people think you're nuts because they are too young. What the people here are saying is take them when they're young, it's wonderful. And go have a great time when the kids are older too.

[Scottish_Maleficent]

I have so enjoyed reading everyone's little stories of taking their kids to WDW.
We live in the UK, so going to WDW involves a bit more travelling than you all in the US. The flights themselves are usually the most expensive thing.
We have 2 DS's, now age 3 and 4, with less than 11 months between their two birthdays. Their first trip to WDW was in 2000, when the younger was just one day old. We had been once before as a couple and we couldn't wait to get back. We were due to go in 1998, but had to cancel because I cebcame pregnant.
Anyhow, next year will be their third trip to WDW. The older DS talks about it all the time. He knows all the rides, all the characters. They watch our home video of all our trips every day, and the planning video has worn out!!!!!
I must admit that when we were taking them for the first time in 2000 I kept thinking to myself 'Am I mad doing this????' I will admit it's a lot of work especially in 95 degree heat and we are used to a cool 65 in the summer!!!!! But after the first character meal at Garden grill and Mickey, Chip n Dale, and they gave the kids a hug. It was magical. I was almost crying!!!!!!
Our neighbours have kids aged 2 and 6 and she says they wouldn;t appreciate going a vacation like that. um excuse me, but this is kids we are talking about!!!!!

So, now we are going next year too, kids will be almost 4 and 5. As they get older they will enjoy different things at WDW. Hopefully be tall enough to go on some more rides, but still young enough for the magic!!!!

[SandraC]

Hi Pookey, (love your name btw) perhaps you should read all the posts to get the wonderful essence of the thread. I support all the comments and remarks without judgement. My friends, "story" is common. I hope some day they do get to go. I'm waiting with extra park maps for them! ;) S

[my2boys]

When we brought our older son for the first time he was 4 1/2 and I was six months pregnant. I figured let's go now because we'll have to wait some years before we'll bring the baby.

Last year my dad had a conference in Disney last November and we decided to go because he was able to help get us a great deal.....why not? My little guy was almost 2 1/2. I thought with my head "he's too young" but in my heart I just went with it.

Video is the best ever. Before we went, my little guy watched "DJ Mickey Mouse" (our video from when I was pregnant) Over and over until we left. (DJ is our older son). There is actually a part on the video where DJ says "next time we come here we will have another member in our family"

When we got home from our trip last year all my little guy wants to watch now is "Christopher Mickey Mouse". Video helps him to remember all he saw!!!

I have to admit, I was definitely one of those people that said don't bring them when they are too small BUT after seeing the look on my little guys face when he saw the castle for the first time (caught that on video) I have definitely changed my mind!!

There is nothing like seeing Disney through the eyes of the young......I am so thankful that my dad had that conference. I would never have the memories I hold so dear!!

[SandraC]

My ds doesn't talk ~ just one of those kids who is delayed with speach. TODAY he points to Mickey Mouse and clearly said MOUSE! Then points to Donald Duck and says UCK. I love it! Never too young! S

[SilverL]

We went on a big family trip to Disneyland when I was about 3 or 4. My cousin was a year older than me, and my other cousin was one.

We went back when i was about 7. This time my sister, 3 yrs at the time came, so did my other younger cousin who was quite little.

Went back at age 9, and finally went to WDW last year.

The day after we got back to WDW (it was just me, my parents, and my sister) I started telling my mom "We have to go again with all the cousins and grandma and grandpa and everyone" and I basically started planning the trip then. Finally talked them all into the trip in April.

This time there's gonan be TEN of us.

Jessica (6) Katie (8) Jennifer (9) Victoria (12) Danielle (14) then, my parents, and my grandparents.

I'm probably going to like it a lot more than my last trip because Danielle and Victoria will be there and they're my age.

Only problem is, Jessica is afraid of auto flush toilets and we want to get her a stroller for later on in the day when we get to the parks, but she's at that age where she thinks she's like the older girls and any indication that she's younger makes her upset. And she's a pretty outspoken stubborn little girl.

Hopefully everything will go according to plan.

Can't wait 'till january! :bounce:

[Sammy]

Basically, the bottom line is that you have to do what is best for you and your own family. For my family, that meant waiting until the youngest was at least 5 (the oldest was 10 at the time). DH and I had been to WDW just the two of us and we saw so many parents dragging hot, tired, cranky children along (BTW, I am NOT making a generalization that ALL children in the parks are hot, tired, and/or cranky!! ) that we decided to wait until our kids were a little more self-sufficient, ie: out of diapers, could be held off between meals with a quick snack, and did not have to be on a rigid schedule of naps/bedtime. It was the right decision for US as a family and we had a <b>fantastic</b> time in 2000. At the time, I approached the vacation as the possibility of being once in a lifetime, so I wanted to "make it count" with everyone being able to remember the trip. Of course, we went once, and now I'm addicted! I am hoping to get a quick trip just DH and I in November, and then a second family trip in May.

I think there are a lot of people for whom Disney is just a once or twice-in-a-lifetime (family) trip, so they too want to "make it count" as far as everyone being able to remember it.

Just my .02 worth!

Sammy :D

[MrsPete]

My husband and I wanted to go to Disney World, so we took our barely-two year old daughter. We knew that we would be "trying" for another baby soon, and we wanted to go before we had two. The trip was really for us.

Did she have fun? Sure. In the pool. We rode nothing and we spent a great deal of time in the hotel room, which was okay -- we expected it. Does she remember it? No, but she likes to look at the pictures. Would I do it again? No. Does that mean you shouldn't do it? No.

[DisneyPhD]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, everyone for this thread. I actually got in a fight with some men about this topic on another board and it had to be closed it got so heated!!!!!!! Needless to say this thread has made me feel better knowing there are others we agree with me.

My husband and I have taken a trip to WDW for the past 7 years. Last year we had a baby and didn't let this stop us. We spent a week at Poly in early Dec and had a wonderful time. (she was almost 9 months old.) We enjoy our annual trip so much we just joined DVC. This year we are going to stay at BCV and our DD will be 23 months old. While I think we may be crazy for taking a almost 2 year old, we know the parks and trip so well, that if she doesn't want to do anything we won't. Not a problem to live acording to her needs, that is what we do at home anyway!:D

She loves pictues and looks at the photo album from the trip we took daily, event talks about it. She also likes to look at pictues from trips we went on before she was born.

We really look forward to being able to share the "world" with her again and again.

[Krisu]

I agree that this is a very personal choice. You know your kids better than anyone. My DS was 9 on our first trip. Perfect for us. The only thing I hate to see also is tired, cranky kids who should be napping or at a pool. We were on the boat from MK to FW and it was filled with kids, some sleeping, some crying and some just out of sorts. I was thinking well they have had a long day at MK now they can go back and rest. Wrong!! Most of them were headed to the 5:15 Hoop-Dee Doo show:(