How old were your children the first time you took them to Disney?

[Disney73]

I know this is a crazy question, but I'm curious. My husband and I recently found out we are having a baby. Even before we were married I would talk about the day that we can take our children to Disney for the first time, since I'm such a Disney fan.

So, how old were your children the first time you took them? What age do you think they appreciate it the most for the first time? What's too young? Thanks. :D

[Wish Upon A Star]

My kids were 9 and 5 their first visit.

We were only supposed to take them that 1 time . . .vacation of a lifetime . . .BUT . . .we've been back yearly.

I wish that we took them when they were younger than when we first took them because now at almost 15 and 11 it's not the same. The reason we waited so long was partly financial and partly we thought that anything younger than 5 was too young. I do not feel the same way now.

When we go I see all these little kids . . .wondering where the time went when my kids were little . . .If I had to do it over again I would of went when my youngest was 3 and my oldest 7. I probably would of taken my oldest before the 2nd one came along as well . . .

[QBUSH]

We took ds for the 1st time when he was 2. I don't think he enjoyed it nearly as much as we did - all he wanted to do was ride the monorail and swim in the Poly pool. Next trip he was 4 and seemed to get a lot more out of it - we continued to visit yearly after that. Now at age 12 he is totally and completely hooked!

:bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[CamColt]

My oldest was 15 months on his first trip, then we went back again when he was 3 1/2 and his brother was 8 months. Weve been back at least once a year since and the kids are now 7 &4.

IMO, at each age for each kid its a totally different experience. For example one year one kid will love the characters, the next year he wont, or one year one kid will be difficult(DS#1 at 3 1/2), but less than a year later he will be the happiest kid in WDW and love everything.

If you couldnt tell I feel no age is too young or old for WDW. ;)

[strawberryblonde]

My son's first visit to disney was DL and just for one full day. He was 12 months old and wanted to walk everywhere. We rode Dumbo first then went to ToonTown so he could walk around and explore. We went through Mickey's house and saw Mickey Mouse. My son was in love :lovestruc , he laughed and played with Mickey. I wish I had it on video tape :( but at least I have some photos.
We went to WDW the next year when he was 24 mths old. We went back to the room for a nap every day. We all enjoyed this vacation very much. My Daughter loved Mickey at 24 mths old as well. Something about him kids love. Neither of my kids liked Santa until 3 years old but they liked Mickey right from the start.
Congratulations on your baby and enjoy your future trips. Each trip is different depending on what stage you are at, each is fun in it's way.

[MycatlovesEeyore]

Katy took her first trip to Disney at 7 months. I know she enjoyed it as she was forever giggling and kicking with joy. Mom carried her in a chest carrier which was great for rides. She loved the carousel and of all things POC. She squealed with delight when she got a little spray in the face on POC.

What made it even more special was the fact that it was Mother's Day weekend of 2003. She was aperfect angel all day long on Mother's Day even though she was cutting her first tooth.

We went again in October 2003 and Katy really began to notice the shows and characters. We went to all of the 3-D shows and she loved each one. We would go in and sit down and she would start clapping on her mother's lap.

We hope to be going again in May for her third trip before two years old. It is just great to experience the World through her eyes.

[WDWLinda]

We took our son when he was 15 mo. because my husband had a business thing in Orlando and OF COURSE we couldn't let him go alone!

IMO, any age is fine for a little kid - hey, my son is thrilled to go to the supermarket, so he'd be happy anywhere. You're not going just for him or her, you're also going for yourselves. And I think when you fit the kids into your life, like taking them on trips and to restaurants when they're young, they adjust better.

Sure, there are attractions even in Fantasyland that at 2.5 yrs he's still too young for. We took him 2 weeks ago and he didn't want to do certain things cuz they were dark or too loud - but he still had a great time and we had a great time watching him.

I'd say don't wait til your baby is the "right age", just go whenever you can fit it in and you'll all have a great time...different way of doing it for sure with and without kids, but you'll have a ball.

Happy planning!

~Linda

[WDWMom]

DD was 2 1/2 and she was great and loved everything. Next trip she was all most 4 and DS was 6 weeks old. DD was great again and even DS was a piece of cake. Much better than when we was 18 months and we went. He wanted to walk everywhere and we also had a 3 month old who never left the stoller because we couldn't keep up with the 18 month.

By the time most kids are two they are a lot of fun. They know the characters and the kids themselves are a ton of fun. I have some great pictures of my kids seeing Mickey for the first time. They don't remember but I love going back and looking at those pictures.

[Desnik]

DD was 9mo and DS was 8mo. We have gone every year since DD first trip. On our last trip, DD was almost 6yo she was looking at things like it was her first time!! She said she didn't remember alot of stuff. At 3yo she would talk about her trips to people and remember everything!
I am not one of those people that would only take my kids once and it has to be an age that they'll remember everything. I love looking at my pictures of Micky holding DD at 9mo! I have video, pictures and wonderful memories of our trips. For me there is no perfect age or time, we enjoy our children and love making wonderful memories with them at every age!!

[disneyfan551]

I agree with the above poster...any age is perfect! They go through stages and will enjoy different things each time! There is no wrong or right.

We took Kendall when she was 7 months old and she truly loved it. My dh who usually hates to go to WDW every year, now enjoys going just to experience it with her! No matter how much I love going, watching her is entirely the best part! :earseek:

She was 2y/3m for her next trip and it was even better. Now she shrieks anytime she catches a glimpse of Disney on tv, and says, "ME, ME!!!" (she has speech problems, so this impresses us! ;) )

She'll be 3y/3m for our next trip, and I don't know if I can wait that long or not... :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

Go and enjoy yourselves!!! You will NOT regret it! :teeth:

[tzvdmd]

DS was 2 when he first went. He has gone atleast once a year since. Now that he is 6 going on 7 I think he is the Old Pro of WDW.

[Vanryan]

Our first trip DD was 5 and DS was3 and I was 8 months preg with DS#2. We went back the next year, so 6, 4 and 10 months. Same phenomenon as mentioned earlier. DS#2 was afraid of the cast member at Restaurantosaurus, but not the characters! My girlfriend tells a great story of her son at 2 toddling up to Mickey and falling into his arms saying "I lud you Mickey!" ::MickeyMo

Her philosophy is take them at 2 for you, and again at 5 for them. I have a friend who keeps telling me that they're never going to remember it prior to 4 and I keep saying, but I will! Besides, the photo albums of them at Disney as babies and little kids is so wonderful, think of the great time my grandkids will have looking at them.
My SIL went when her littlest (who was a wild thing) was 18 months. Screamed in the stroller and wanted to run through crowds all the time. (You know how when they are little they can fit through the crowds so much easier?) So for her it was a true nightmare :( She could either worry her kid was going to get lost or listen to the screams. She also had a 5 and 7 year old with them too, so it was a lot of work.

I guess depending on the kids it makes a difference. My kids are a treat to spend time with in the parks, I just wonder if I'll have to fight to get them out of SAB to go!

[mickeymule]

Mine were 9 (on our honeymoon in '96) and the younger was 3 1/2 (2001) at that age she loved small world etc. We just went back for the first time all 4 of us in december, where he was 16 1/2 and she was 5 1/2. Had a ball...

[jody]

Our daughters were almost 3 and 5 the first time we took them. They had a great time. We're going back for the third time since then this spring. They will be 13 and 16. They still love it. Each age is a different experience and they're all fun. In some ways I think it's even more fun now that they're teenagers.

[EsmeraldaX]

Well, I don't have any kids, but I'm 27 and the first time I went to Disney, I was 6 and my brother was 1.

[disney4us2002]

The first time we took our oldest he was 2 and we went because I love Disney and missed it as our honeymoon trip was five yrs earlier.

The next time we went the oldest was 7, middle was 4 1/2 and baby was 14 mos. That time we went because I had to see the castle dressed a cake, lol! This was an awesome trip because the youngest was really not walking yet took two steps to reach Mickey's outstretched hand at MGM AND I have the whole thing on videotape!

The last time the kids were 13, 9 and 6 and remember it well and are now the biggest driving force in returning - yippee!!!!!!

Congrats on your new addition. I hope your love of Disney is passed right along to your new baby.

[DISNEYBIGGDOGG]

Being from Florida and having gone so many times my kids have gone since they were months old. Having 3 kids (10,7,2) they all go at different stages of their lives. This is my 10 year olds 7th trip, my 7 y/o 6th trip and my 2 y/o 3rd trip with possibly 2 to 3 more trips still to go this year.

[MaryKatesMom]

I'm not sorry at all that they were that young. If fact, it was because we were at Disney the 2 1/2 yr od was potty trained. Whenever we went, I put her on. By end of trip. She was done.

The oldest is now 6 and I can see that changes in the different rides that she likes. It was a little sad that Toon Town isn't as interesting but Space Mountain, now that she is tall enough, is a thrill.

I'm so grateful to have those toddler memories and pictures!:D

[liznboys]

Congrats!! :)

We took our kids for the first time last March, they were almost 3.5 and 17 months. I am also pregnant and on our next trip the newbie will be 11 or 12 months old. :)

Before we had kids, we always said we'd wait till our youngest was 4 years old to take them to WDW. BUT, last winter we couldn't wait any longer and HAD to go! LOL! It was a totally last minute trip, planned a month before we left. IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!!!!! Boy were we glad we decided to go while they were still so young-they both had a blast! We plan to go atleast every 2 years from now on. :)

[da disney fans]

We don't have any children yet, but I have been visiting Mickey (Disneyland) since I was an infant (actually, my first visit was in utero ;)), and honestly, I don't remember anything about it until I was about 5 or 6 years old. Earlier than that, I don't think kids get that much out of it. At that point, it's definitely a trip more for the parents than the kids, IMO.

My husband and I went to WDW on our honeymoon, and it was his first ever Disney experience, at age 23. He said he was really glad he hadn't visited before now, since he thinks adults get the most out of the experience.

We've talked about it, and we definitely won't be bringing any future kids to Disney until they're at least 5 years old. DH thinks 10 would be a better age to start... I can't wait that long between trips! :crazy:

[BobbiG]

With my first one, she was 5, I took her out of kindergarten and went in February...it was perfect! Great weather, no lines, and wonderful character interaction...she doesn't really remember that time tho... We went back a few times after that with her. She is now 16...and still loves to go there. My youngest was 2 when we took her...and she loved it! The carousel, dumbo, and of course, all the characters she loved. And she is very shy! She spent alot of time watching all the disney sing along videos...so she was really into the characters. I know she will never remember that time, and my husband and I knew it was more for us to remember then her...and we always will. It was so much fun. We did the things she wanted to do. As long as your happy and she is happy, then it doesn't matter how old she is. You've created a memory that will last you a lifetime! We're taking our youngest again next month...she'll be just shy of 3 years old. And she is soooo excited. Every time we walk out the door, she says "disney world!". I must have started the disney hype a little too early!:wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

[crazywig]

we took ds in jan '03 when he was 9 months. he'll be returning with us in june and he'll be 2yrs 2 months.

we are DVC now so he'll be going every year.

[mom2boys]

ours were 23 months & 3 yrs (plus 4 months) on our first trip. We justed returned from their 7th trip - they are 8.5 & 10 now. SInce it's been 3 yrs since our last trip, this is the first trip they actually have an independent memory of. (They watch videos & "remember" the earlier trips.) It is different at different ages. When they were younger they adored the characters. This trip they weren't interested in the characters - didn't even get autographes at the 2 character meals we had. They did pose for picutres with the characters & they interacted with them.

[KSgirl]

My kids were 9, 7, 6, and 2.5. We waited that long because of the number of children. The first three are all 18 months apart, and it was just hard keeping up with them all when they were little. It would have been SO much work to take them at a younger age, that I'm sure I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. As it turned out, it was the perfect age for all of them! The older three really loved it all, and enjoyed taking pictures with their disposable cameras and could ride all the "big" rides. The younger one tried everything he could (had to keep up with the older siblings) and also had a fablulous time. We returned a year later, in Dec 2003. My youngest was 3.5.....he was a little more scared of the rides with dark places and loud noises, but I have such precious memories of him from this trip. He would notice the picture on the inside of each ride vehicle which reminds parents to watch small children and take them by the hand and he would say (everytime), "Momma, we haf hoad hands..." and then he would put his little hand in mine and leave it there during the entire attraction. Every age is priceless.

[KaityBsMom]

My daughter was 4 when she went for the first time last fall. While I think 4 was a great age for her to go, I would not have been heartbroken to have taken her earlier if I could have talked DH into it. ;)

If you feel you want to go when your baby is very young, I say go. Especially as such a big Disney lover, you won't regret it. Even if your child doesn't remember the trip, you always will. :D I bet he/she would enjoy looking at your pictures from the trip in the future, too. :D

Congratulations on your pregnancy, by the way!!

[DVC@BWV]

We took our son for the first time in April 2002 when he was almost three; he loved riding the monorail and the Disney buses almost as much as going into the parks (or maybe even more!). We've been back twice since that trip and we still go at his pace and do the things he wants/likes to do. He's the boss! :D

[SuBeat]

My kids were 4 & 8 on our first trip. It was supposed to be the "trip of a lifetime" so we were waiting for DD to get old enough, and I had to work hard to convince DH that she was even then. What I never took into consideration is that while I was waiting for DD to hit that magic age, DS just kept getting older too. I truly regret never getting to really see him dazzled by it all in the same way DD was at age 4. Oh, he loves it as much as she does, but I do feel we missed something special by waiting.

But hindsight is 20/20 as they say. We had no idea we would ever return, much less have 4 trips in 2 years. We also didn't think we could afford it until we actually did either.

[MelessaG]

My oldest was 17 mos. and didn't get much out of it. Not to mention, she was difficult to hold onto while waiting in line, but I had waited all my life to go to WDW and wasn't waiting anymore. I knew the trip was more for me than her, but she did enjoy meeting Pooh and riding IASW and visiting Aunt Peggy in Tampa. I got bit by the Disney bug pretty badly that trip and I was back with my parents right after her third birthday when her little brother was 7 mos. old. Again, this trip was more for the grownups, but she enjoyed the characters and rides more this time. She really loved the Living Seas. In my opinion, a 7 month-old was easier to handle than a 17 month-old, though he did get an ear infection halfway through the trip. On our most recent visit, my oldest was almost 5, her little brother was 2.5, and baby sister was 6 mos. old. The five year-old remembers quite a bit about the trip and has been asking to go back since we got home. She loved all the characters and is excited that on this trip she will be big enough for Splash Mountain. Little brother doesn't remember as much, but says he does and also can't wait to go back "to visit Buzz Lightyear", and baby-who was mostly along for the ride-will be about three this time and just old enough for the fun. We will also have a baby #4 by then, who will be at that "magic age" of about 6 mos. and easy to handle, even if the trip won't be too memorable for her. At that age they are too young to be scared of characters and still enjoy being held by mom or dad while they wait in line once the stroller is parked. Four kids will be a lot of work, but still a lot of fun judging by our earlier trips. Congratulations on the baby!

[elemusing]

Our Ds was 2 (2 months shy of 3) when he went for the first time. (See his picture at the bottom of this time.)

He just went back for his 5th trip this past June. He was 5 - getting ready to enter kindergarten. He absolutely loved it this time! 5 is a good age.

Angie

[SnackyStacky]

I don't have kids, but my fiancé and I have decided that when and/or if we do have kids, they won't go until potty training is complete. That goes for us as well as the kid(s). (And as I re-read, I meant that to say that my then-to-be wife and I wouldn't go without the kids....I assure everyone, we are very much potty trained! :jester: ) We don't want to have to lug around all the diapers and wipes and fun stuff that comes along with a baby.

I'm making headway. Before I said that nobody would go until any and all kids were 48 inches so they could ride whatever they wanted to, at whatever age that happened.

[angey77]

I do not have children, but I can tell you, my parents brought me for the first time when I was two years, five months, and that trip envokes some of the best memories I have. I will never forget seeing the MK Christmas tree for the first time, going crazy with all the characters on Main Street, or making my mom ride IASW over..and over...and over......

[disneyfan551]

Dan, I bet you will change your mind when the time comes! Don't worry about the diapers and wipes...that's what they make strollers for! It's truly an experience I would never change... :teeth:

[AmyTags]

My daughter was 9 months old. She is now 18 months old and will be going back in May. She absolutely loved it!! We are now in the DVC so she will be going every year.

[*Fantasia*]

Our kids were 18 months and almost 3 yrs old when we went Sept 2000. They didn't remember much...but my husband and I did. And I am so glad that we took them to Disney before their father died. I have a few pix of their Dad and them while at WDW.

[disneyfanz04]

We have been going every year in October since my daughter turned 1. She was 13 months when we took our first trip, and she had a blast!!!!!

[kbkids]

My DD was 3 1/2 on her first trip, and my DS was 18 months on his first trip. There is plenty for a child under 48 inches to do. In fact, they are missing very little at all.

[disney4us2002]

Dan, I also must pipe in about the diapers vs potty trained. Let me tell you, it is easier to change a diaper than to wait with a child who is just trained. When your child says s/he has to go, s/he means in about 2 minutes, lol!!! When we were potty training, I knew where every public bathroom was in about a 10 mile radius of my house. NO KIDDING!

[Maude4Disney]

Our oldest was 4 for his 1st time. DS #2 was just 2 when we went for his first time. We've been 4x over the past 6 yrs and will hopefully be able to buy into DVC so we can make it a yearly thing...soon!

[llp479]

Our older girls were 2 for their first trip, and our youngest was 4 mos. They are now 10, 10, and 7, and have been numerous times. They all seem to remember the trip when they were 3. Our youngest potty trained herself that trip. Said she had to go potty, and that was that. Went home with a ton of unused diapers!

No matter what age, you will have wonderful memories and photos. We've been fortunate to share some of these times with family and friends, and will treasure those memories for life.

[Tigger&Belle]

If you are talking about a once in a lifetime trip, I would wait until the youngest child was 5 or 6, maybe even older. My older 3 kids were 4, 7, and 10yo when we went the first time. We went again 3 years later, but then also had a 1yo. That second time we got annual passes and went an additional time that year as a family, and my husband and I went another time with the baby because my husband had a business trip. So that was 3 times in a year for the baby.

I just returned with my youngest, who is now 4yo. He enjoyed this trip a lot and could do most everything. We bought APs and will return as a family next January (my daughter will be a H.S. senior then and it might be her last trip down with us).

Bottom line, if you are a Disney nut and will be going on a regular basis I don't think that any age is too young. I wouldn't go in the heat of summer with a babe in arms since it's so hot to be outside for so many hours.

T&B

[DaveO]

My 3 yo has been 3 times my 1 yo 2x.

Quick story.. My DS had visited when we he just 2 yo it was a great trip. He enjoyed everything. This last trip he had just turned three. Our first day from the airport Hyatt we headed straight to Epcot. As soon as we rounded the corner from the toll plaza and DS saw Spaceship Earth he started literally screaming with delight and laughing. At first we thought something was wrong but realized he knew exactly where we were as was very excited. This lasted a whole 5 minutes - we had to hold him back from running to the gates. We had not even stepped into a park yet and the whole trip was already worth it to see him remembering and his excitement of the fun times we had already shared as a family.

My now 1 1/2 yo DS unsolicited says 'Dumbo' and 'Up' to my parents 'remembering' his first trip.

They are never to young if you can afford it.

Dave O.

[Disneylovers]

We go every other year. Older DD just turned 6 on our first trip, younger DD, nine months old. DH, 36 (it was his first trip too! I had been to Florida in high school). That was 10 years ago. At every age, the excitement is still there. We leave in 38 days, and I'm not sure which one of us is more excited! My almost 16 year old is the one making up our "agenda" of "must see" attractions at each park, just as she's done for the past two trips. :wave2:

[decker96]

Our DD was 5 and DS was 2 when we took them. They both loved it and I thought both ages were great for different reasons. We can talk to DD about the trip and she remembers most things, plus she wasn't afraid of the characters at all. DS doesn't really remember much of the trip, but the looks of pure joy and excitement on his face when he saw things made it worthwhile for us. During the Festival of the Lion King at AK, we were sitting on the end of a row near the opening where Simba was and the actors in the show were laughing and smiling at him the whole time because he was so into the show. That's something I will never forget, a prime example of Disney Magic!!:D I can't wait until our next trip, although DH says our youngest DD must be at least 2 (she's 5 months) so we have a little while to wait!

[mikifan]

DD were 1 and 3 years old. We continued to go every year since then, (14 and 16 now).

Jeff

[Blueberry]

My oldest DS was 9, DD was 7 and youngest DS was 5 at the time...18 years later we are still going to WDW. Our kids now grown, go with us with their kids whenever they can...:)

[cheerdaddy]

the first time we took our daughter was for her 5th birthday and we thought at the time that that was the perfect age to take a child....she is now going on 13 and we've been back every year since....she actually doesn't remember alot of things from that first trip believe it or not, but as others have stated, her mother and I do, and the memories are incredable...she has truly grown up with disney and it's her favorite place(ours too) in the whole world....she plans on getting married there some day!!! maybe if we had taken her when she was 3, we might have thought that was the perfect age, who knows? I'm starting to think that any age is the perfect age for the disney magic....

[Alice28]

The FIRST time DS#1 went to Disneyland, he was about 6 1/2 months old. It was pretty easy- he slept in his stroller a lot, and was happy 90% of the time.

The second time DS#1 went, he was almost 4 and DS#2 was 4 months. This was about as good. DS4 loved Disneyland, was a little grumpy when he had to wait in a long line- esp when the ride was in plain sight, like Dumbo. He could see people getting on and off- why wasn't it his turn? But rides like Star Tours he was fine- distracted by the stuff to look at in line. DS#2 wasn't as mild mannered as DS#1 was as an infant, so he wasn't as content to just stroll, but still relatively easy.

We went to Disney World when DS#1 was 5 and DS#2 was 20 months. DS#1 was the perfect age IMHO- he was tall enough to ride almost everything, was pretty patient in lines and just loved every minute of the trip. 20 month old was kind of exhausting at times. He didn't like to sit in his stroller! He would try and stand up, get out, scream, etc. When we were actually on something, like Kilimanjaro Safaris or It's a Small World, he was great- getting there was a pain. But, he liked the rides and loved the characters- it was magical for us even though he was a poop about the stroller.

I'm hoping to go back to one of the Disney parks perhaps next year, when the younger one is at least 3 1/2 or closer to 4. Then he should be raring to go, and can walk with us if he so pleases. :D

[dvcfamily41801]

My son had just turned 1 about 2 weeks before his first Walt Disney World trip. It was incredible, we had such an amazing time. He did get sick and that was horrible, but the Cast Members were wonderful:D

[4greatboys]

Our first visit to Ds #1 was 10 and ds #2 was 7. Two trips later and 2 more ds :D ds #3 was 2.5 yrs and ds #4 was 5 months his first trip. We are going again this summer (3rd trip for youngest ds) and the boys will be 16, 14, 4 and 2.

[Aisling]

Wow, we are a late-blooming Disney family! My DSs were 7 and 13 the first time we went to WDW! Thank goodness theey were still open to the magic even at those older ages, because now they're as fanatical as I am about Disney!

[tinkerbell6]

DD was 3 the first time we went to DL, almost 4. Then we went again last year for her 5th birthday, and this year we will be in WDW very close to her 6th birthday. She was a bit tall for her age the first time we went, and made the height req. for most rides. It was hilarious seeing this little one laughing her head off on BTTR while some of the adults were shrieking. She loves the big rides, and the little ones. She doesn't necessarily remember all of her first trip, but still loves to pull out the pictures often.

Lisa
:earsgirl: :earsboy: princess:

[jaysue]

We took DS#1 when he was 3yrs, 4mos old and DS#2 at 5 mos old

DS#1 rode my shoulders most of the time on the first couple of trips and now walks and alternates on my shoulders

DS#2 is in our stroller (we take our own to the parks)

thanks
jaysue

[lindsey]

DS was 18 months old his first time to Disney. Like others, he does not remember, but we have video and pictures. Then we went back at 8 times including his 14th and 16th birthdays. We're going in June (he's 17 now)and he's taking 2 friends to share Disney with.

[princessariel]

My kids were 10, 9 and 5 years old on their first trip to WDW.

My son who was 5 at the time told me on that trip that one day he would work at WDW. And I said OK. Well, now he does and he loves it! It's his dream come true.

Three of my grandkids went before they were a year old, I think. Now they are 10, 6 and almost 2 and we are taking them without their parents this Dec.

[kgforce]

Our DD was 14 months old the first time she went. DW was 5 months pregnant with DS at the time! The first time our DS went (outside of the womb!) was when he was 8 months old and DD was not quite 2 1/2 years old). We went back again about 6 months later, and then we went again in Dec 2003 when DD was almost 3 1/2, DS 22 months. So our DD has been 4 times and DS has been three times. And we live in Texas, so it's quite an excursion, but we've had great trips each time. You just have to take it easy and plan for naps with the little ones. The best thing about taking children under 3 yrs old is that their admission is free! And they also dine free at some buffets.

[kapica3]

My DD was 4 1/2 our first trip as a family. That was the absolute best trip of our entire lifetime. She was still thrilled to the point of jumping up and down when she saw something exciting. She danced in the parades, did the hula at the luau and was just in awe of the characters and princesses. The "magic" of Disney is so much more magical for a "little kid". She believed everything.... And best of all she was old enough to go all day without a stroller. Even though she is now 12 and each one of our trips are fun at different ages, and for different reasons, when I think of her at Disney it is still that little smiling 4 1/2 year old face I think of. It was the best trip of my life.

[Minniesotaluvsmickey]

CONGRATS!!!
My daughter was 4 the first time I brought her. It was magic! She believed in every character and I will never forget the look on her face when she met her favorites. However, it was hot, she got very tired and there was a lot of whining while standing in lines. She was fine in a stroller but you can't bring them into a line with you. I will never regret that I took her then because I had so much fun watching her. To be honest she enjoyed herself more when she was 6 and 8. She could do more things and had more stamina.
Whenever you choose to make your first trip bring lots of film and capture all of those special moments......you will treasure them always.
Best wishes to you!

[JVL1018]

We took our first at 3 months and 10 mos and 13 mos and 19 mos..then took a break and didn't go again until she was turning 3(while at WDW), and her brother was 13 mos.

[kadaten]

We celebrated her first birthday there! Kinda neat, actually. DH's parents took us for the baby's first birthday, both for our benefit and hers!! Celebrating her being one year old, and us being one year into that grand adventure called parenthood!!

We all had a fabulous time! She doesn't remember it much, but does look at the pictures :) She just went back in December having just turned 3, and was joined by her brother for his first trip at 16 months old :)

As far as I'm concerned, it's never too early! Your expectations just have to change with the age(s) of the child(ren) with you!!

Good luck with your pregnancy and here's wishing you and yours many happy trips to the World!!

Katie

[wwithers]

Took DD 1st time when she was 2 1/2. She loved the rides but was TERRIFIED of the characters.

2nd trip she love, love, loved everything.

What was the difference? When we came home from the 1st trip, we bought all of the live action Disney sing-a-long videos (Campout at Disney, etc.). Not only did she get to know the characters as "live acton" friends, she also saw lots of "big kids" playing with the characters.

Before we left we bought a cheap (okay, Disney cheap) princess photo album for her and when we got back I filled it with pictures of her with all of the characters. She loves this and frequently pulls it out to look at.

We are going back this year for her 4th birthday (we also went to Disneyland last year) and she is VERY excited!

[Luckymommyx2]

My son was 3 1/2 and my daughter 4 1/2. We're going again in a few days and they'll be 5 and 6. We're looking at doing more of the adult rides with them this time in addition to the ones we did last time.

[piglet33]

My daughter was 11 months when she went to Disney and on a Disney Cruise for the first time. We all had so much fun, that we're going back again this October. I loved the look on her face when she saw the characters. She loved them so much that she cried when they walked away! We've been to WDW several times before we had her, and I think we enjoyed ourselves much more watching her reaction to everything.

[Disney73]

Thank you all for posting your stories, they are all wonderful and now I am even that much more excited to bring our future children. I think I am convinced that whatever age they will be, someone will have wonderful memories, maybe just the parents, or maybe both parents and child. I can't wait. Thanks for all the well-wishes as well. I know my children will be huge Disney fans like I am. :D

[GlennandAnn]

Our older DS was 6 months for his first trip, and the younger one was 7 months. It was fine taking them, they were very portable at those ages.


Ann:earsgirl:

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Trip #1 with kid - My DD was 18 months (awesome age!)

Trip #2 with kids - Oldest DD was 2 1/2 and new baby was 8 months (2 1/2 was a great age to expereince Disney - 8 months was easy for us and she enjoyed it, but it made much more of an impression on my older DD at 18 months and 2 1/2)

Trip #3 with kids - Oldest DD turned 4 during the trip, younger DD was 2 1/2 and DS was 10 months. (From my experience, anything under 18 months is easy for the parents but probably doesn't mean *too* much to the kids. Mine had fun at 8 months and 10 months, but 18 months, 2 1/2 and 4 were great ages for Disney Magic!!!)

I remember the first time I went to Disney with my DD I told my Dh, Wow! You think Disney is cool as a kid, but it's so much cooler as a parent watching your child enjoy it!

Hope that helps. Have fun and enjoy your babe.

[georgina]

Mine were 8, 6, and 3.5. We wanted to take the oldest before she got much older, but I didn't want to take a child in diapers, so we waited until the youngest was well potty trained. That was my first trip to Disney World too! And I started planning our second trip as soon as we got home from the first.

[Ecdubfan]

My kids were 4 and 1. We've been back every year since. Its a family addiction.

[HookedOnDiz]

We took our son this past November when he was 6 WEEKS old... we enjoyed it and had no problems... but if not for the fact that it was a free trip through my job we would not have been so adventurous.

We'll be bring him back next month for his 6 month visit :p

[beattyfamily]

YOu've gotten many great replies but I still thought I'd chime in!

Although I think any age is great especially if it's NOT a once in a lifetime trip, my personal limit is age 1. I wouldn't take our kids under age 1 UNLESS I've already booked the trip and paid for most of it and then found out I was pregnant! Then I may bring an infant!!

Otherwise, I think over age one is good. I'd say the most magical was 2 to 4 though! Still love the characters and seeing the Castle etc...doesn't take much to excite them!:teeth:

[sgtpet]

My son was 12 months old on his first trip. My daughter was 5 months old on her first trip.

[kozmo]

My guy was 4 pirate: and he loved pirates of the caribbean!!!

[drewc]

Let's see, ours were 4, 3 and 4 months I believe.

Our second visit, they were 5, 4 and 18 months.

This time (Dec '04) they'll be 7, 6, and 3. The little guy will finally be fully on board and he's looking forward to it.

BTW, even though he was only a few months old for his first visit, he LOVES watching our home videos of himself as a baby in WDW. Our kids could watch those videos all day long.

[Snoopymom]

If you really love Disney and it's affordable, go as early and as often as you want!

From someone who spent 4 years on the black infertility rollercoaster, and then adopted... I say, GO and ENJOY every second, lol.

A great picutre of you and your newborn baby standing next to Pooh or Cinderella to hang in his or her new nursery maybe worth the trip alone, and when someone asks you why you would take a baby, tell them you deserve to have some wonderful memories too.

Plus, when your children are older and they drag out the photo albums, they'll get a kick out of seeing how little they were at Disney, and what an incredible feeling it will be for them when they see happy and excited you were to be new parents....that you couldn't wait to take them to Disney!

Ok, I'm a sap, lol, but if you go when it's cool and not crowded, it will be magical.

[candykisses]

On our first trip the boys were 9 and 2. It was a great trip.

[Spartan]

Our son was about 16 months his first trip. I was really great and we have unforgettable memories. He was walking pretty good, but not so good that he could wander off. He loved the "fuzzy" characters, and had no fears.

His second trip was at 22 months, and the trip was fun, but not nearly as much as the first one. It was too hot for one thing, which seemed to make him (and us) cranky. He also became scared of the loud noices (fireworks, fantasmic), but was still fine for the rides.

Third trip was this past December and he was 3.5. This was very good again. He loved the the fireworks and fantasmic once again, as well as any ride he could get on. He wasn't quite as much in awe of the characters though, other than his hero - Buzz.

[jgmklmhem]

Our first we took when she was 2weeks away from being 2. Our youngest we took at 4 monthes. We had a great time on all of our trips and enjoyed taking them both. Even though our youngest is definately not going to remember anything she always lit up when she saw characters.

[BrerMama]

Our oldest and our youngest both had their first trips when they were 10 months. Our oldest took his first steps in a cheap hotel room in Orlando! My middle dd was 2 1/2 when she had her first trip to Disneyland, 4 (almost 5) for her first trip to WDW.

[sm4987]

3 was my youngest child's age. Yes it was hard not being able to do some things, but the things she could do the whole family just loved.

[MyBoysMommy]

I probably win for youngest child to go to Disney World....DS#1 was 2weeks old on our first trip! LoL!

When ds was born, I had pretty bad post partum depression. To the point where I needed medication. My entire family was my support, but they were all going to Disney World for my little sister's 10th birthday 2 weeks after I gave birth.

Of course I didn't plan on going, but couldn't see myself sitting at home by myself for 4 days so I went! I only went to the MK one day for a couple of hours with him. He was in his big covered stroller with a lightweight long sleeve shirt and pants and a big floppy hat. So he didn't get any sun and it would have been hard for any germs to get in. LoL! Of course we heard comments everywhere we went about having a baby that young at Disney World, but oh well...I felt so much better by the end of the trip. My family was there and my Grandmother even helped me with the baby during the night. Like I said, I only went to the park 1 day for a few hours. The rest of the time I stayed at the hotel or went to downtown disney. It was nice....

DS#2 was 10 months old during his first trip. I pretty much carried him in a carrier the whole time and he LOVED it!!

As far as the best age to go...I would say 3yrs old. DS#1 REALLY started to take it all in around then. He still comes up to me and says, "Mama remember so and so ride at Disney World?" all the time. He has vivid memories of the place.

My first memories of Disney World are from when I was 3yrs old as well. So I think 3 is the best age to start going!!

[Gadget Girl]

My eldest DD was only 6 months old for her first trip. We had a blast with her! She grabbed Mickey's nose and tried to suck on it! The pictures are too cute. It is so much fun to look back at the pictures of her next to the characters and see how much she has grown. Also, the baby care facilities are the best. When she was hungry, I could step out of the noise and chaos of the parks and into the quiet nursing room and it was like "a whole new world" (to quote from a favorite song).

[Gem85]

I don't have kids yet but my parents took us when I was 7 and my brother was 4.

[Planogirl]

Our son turned 1 during his first trip and he went for every birthday after that until he started school. I have wonderful pictures of a giggling baby because he loved it all from the beginning. :)

[Esmerelda]

I made a vow to take the boys only after they were totally potty trained and after the age of 3. I feel that after 3 they will remember some of it and they have. I can't imagine lugging a tiny baby around....it couldn't be much enjoyment. I saw all kinds of little babies in strollers in the heat last time we were there. I don't think thats fair. Babies have schedules and its hard to stick to them at Disney.

My no-diapers and over 3 rule worked out great for us!

best of luck,
Esmerelda

[ZuZugal]

My 10 yr old DS was 19mos old on his first trip.

My 8yr old DD was in-utero on her big brother's first trip, and 2yr old on her actual first trip.

My 14mo old DS will not quite be 2 on his first trip.

Take them young!!!! They will forever ask to go back and the magic will always be there for them.

[RedNeckChik13]

I was born at the end of August '86 and went for the first time at the beginning of December '86. My lil bro was born in May of 88 and went December of that year,

[aide4]

Our kids were 9 and 13 when we went for the first time 2 years ago....we are now saving for another trip....

[Nathan's Grandma]

Our son was 2 years 3 months and our daughter was 7 months.

We just took our first grandchild in July and he was ten months.

Kathy

[DVC-Don]

DD 2 years 10 months, DS 3 years 9 months. Those pictures bring tears to our eyes now.::MickeyMo

[christianweecare]

Our oldest was around two when she made her first trip. She is now 24 and expecting her own little girl in June! Poppa & Nana can't wait to take our first grandchild to WDW! I can't remember exactly how old our DS was when he made his first trip. I do recall that he was a toddler still in diapers. That being said, the first big trip that they both remember was when DS was 6 years old in first grade. DD was in fourth grade. That started our every other year trend for several years to come! This year DH & I will be making four trips! Our all time record!:hyper:

[wilderness01]

Our 1st son was a little over 4 and our daughter was 2.5 years old. Our 2nd son was 2 years old his first time, 1st son going on 8 and daughter 6 years old. We have been back yearly since. The kids enjoy different things at different ages. I don't feel there is really any age that is "too young". That being said, I also feel it is individual for each family. I didn't feel having the kids in diapers was any more of a pain in the rear than having to visit every bathroom on property because the youngest was pottytrained and had a special curiosity about bathrooms! To each his own, go and enjoy! :D

[summersfam4]

We have been taking DD#1 every year since she was 14 months, she loved it so much then (walked the whole day, never napped never cried, just happiness and giggles) she's 5 now and we will return for her 5th trip in September. DD#2 went for the first time when she was 4 months :eek: but she is a happy baby and loved the colors and sounds, she will be 17 months on this years trip and I hope she will love it as DD#1 loved her first trip! IMHO No one is to young or to old for WDW!! :teeth:

:wave2: Kelly

[poohlover]

Our first trip was with 3 kids when they were 5, 3 & just under 1 years old. Our 5 year old DD was sure she had meet the REAL Cinderella from THE BOOK!!

It was almost like one of the old disney comercials when my youngest one, a DS, walked NOT at disney but at the airport on the day we left , for his stuffed tigger! With a 3 hour delay we had LOTS of extra time to let him practice. We have always said it was because he was "strapped" in the stroller ALL week!

Now with 6 kids, and 7 more trips under our belts, we have been at almost every stage! They have all been wonderful!

It's wonderful to see our older ones enjoy disney "again" as a child (the 18 & almost 16 yo DD's think they are ALL grown up) through their siblings eyes!

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

i remember when my dd was 5 , we went and most of the time when she saw a character she would hide behind her dad. lol. she had an older sister, so alot of our pics. have older dd smiling and the younger one either looking like who is this or trying to escape the pic. lol. i still remind her of that to. my youngest is now 15 and i have to almost BEG her to get into pics. with me and the chars. lol. but she will with her cousins or friends.

[dmonroe]

Ds #1 was 2 1/2 on his first trip. He's now 4 and we've been back 3 more times! Personally, I think the first trip was the most "magical". He was just so awed by everything on that first trip!:D

Ds #2 will make his appearance in June and will make his first trip to WDW in December--so for his first trip he'll only be 6 mos!