2016 @ 6, 2017 @ 7, or 2018 @ 8?

[hodad]

My daughter, who is now 5, has been to Disneyland and DCA, but because we are on the east coast and have early December free every year, we are considering a week-long family trip to WDW sometime between now and 2020.

Based on her age, ongoing construction, planned openings and closures, and anything else that might be relevant, which year do you think would be the best year to plan what might be the only family vacation to WDW?

 

[Accident]

Yes there's been construction but attraction wise there hasn't been too much except a handfull of things at hollywood studios that is closed aside from normal periodic refurb work. 2016 is the new night show in animal kingdom, 2017 should be pandora, toy story land and star wars have no targeted completion dates. Now with that said, the recent orlando theme park news might spark a lot more work and new things but it's rumors at this point so you can't really plan for it.

If it's really going to be a once in a lifetime trip, 2021 will be the 50th anniversary year.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I took DD when she was 5 1/2 and it really was, to me, the perfect age. It was very magical for her. So I would go with 2016 when she's 6.

 

[gap2368]

I would wait until hollywood opens toy storyland and star words land, and how tall is she would she be able to ride every thing it would be a shame to go and she not be tall enough to ride something she is just a little to short for.

like accident said there is all ways reforms going on you know your daughter best and if you think she would really like the rides coming I would wait if you do not think she would like then then why not go when ever you would like.

 

[ChloesDaddy]

I don't see any reason to wait. There may be a ride or two for which she doesn't meet the height requirement yet, not many. You (and she) will have a great time regardless of how old she is.

 

[mshanson3121]

If it's really going to be a once in a lifetime trip, 2021 will be the 50th anniversary year.

I'll interject. Do/will they do special events etc... for the 50th year?

 

[mshanson3121]

My daughter, who is now 5, has been to Disneyland and DCA, but because we are on the east coast and have early December free every year, we are considering a week-long family trip to WDW sometime between now and 2020.

Based on her age, ongoing construction, planned openings and closures, and anything else that might be relevant, which year do you think would be the best year to plan what might be the only family vacation to WDW?

I would go now, in 2016, with the hopes of going back again later Rivers of Light and the Sunset Safari and new Frozen ride in Epcot will be open.

We took our daughter at 5, and it was very magical for her. She was very into the "fantasy" and princesses etc... I imagine it would be similar at 6.

 

[Hudson Hornet]

I'd say 6 is a perfect age for her to enjoy the magic. However, I might wait for 7 for Pandora in AK.

 

[ArwenMarie]

There can be a big difference in what they "believe" between 6 and 8 depending on the child, so I would lean towards 6.

 

[Ryansdad0727]

All three!!!!! Six years old is a great time to go. After that they start (boys anyways) getting embarrassed to do some meet and greets and other things that take magic.

 

[AngiTN]

I'll interject. Do/will they do special events etc... for the 50th year?

Take a look at what's been going on at DL/DCA to get an idea. It's their 60th. WDW's 50th will likely top that.
But technically, no one knows for certain what will happen.

 

[AngiTN]

If you are certain it's your only trip, I'd wait till 2017 and then see where they are on the construction of Toy Story Land and Star Wars land. If that is still far off at that point, book the trip for 2017. If they are near to completion book the trip for when they are finished.

I actually find our trips with DGD at 7 to be more fun for all of us than our trips with her at 5. She still believes it's all real also. As funny as it is, the only thing she doesn't believe is real is Tink flying at Wishes. That she said is fake. But she does think it's really Tink, just that she can't really fly. Kids are sure wacky in how they rationalize things in their minds

 

[ArwenMarie]

If you are certain it's your only trip, I'd wait till 2017 and then see where they are on the construction of Toy Story Land and Star Wars land. If that is still far off at that point, book the trip for 2017. If they are near to completion book the trip for when they are finished.

I actually find our trips with DGD at 7 to be more fun for all of us than our trips with her at 5. She still believes it's all real also. As funny as it is, the only thing she doesn't believe is real is Tink flying at Wishes. That she said is fake. But she does think it's really Tink, just that she can't really fly. Kids are sure wacky in how they rationalize things in their minds

That's so funny.

I remember when Talking Mickey burst the bubble for one of my kids. She could believe that he was a magical adult-sized mouse wearing clothes who was mute. But talking? Nope!

 

[bc7ate9]

I'll interject. Do/will they do special events etc... for the 50th year?

I'm hoping for an even gaudier looking castle.

 

[Accident]

I'll interject. Do/will they do special events etc... for the 50th year?

they've been doing a little something for certain anniversaries in the past so I can't see them not doing a little more for the 50th. Also disney tends to take 5 years to build anything so lots should be completed for that year at the latest.

 

[3Gsandme]

From a strict age perspective, I think 7 is the most magical age for Disney World. We've taken kids at different ages and stages and 7 has been the best. They're still little enough to be in the magic, but big enough to ride most of the rides and have some good stamina. I was convinced the perfect age was 4, but it's 7.

As far as construction and closures, it's really anyone's guess. In reality, some of the construction and new projects should be on line in 2017, but it's too early to guess whether or not you'll be affected by construction and closures.

 

[JaimeK]

I'd go when she's tall enough to go on more rides.

 

[mom2rtk]

I'll interject. Do/will they do special events etc... for the 50th year?

Based on how many bodies the 60th anniversary has brought through the gates at DL, I have to think the 50th at WDW will be an over the top extravaganza.

Oh, and I'm sure I'll go.

 

[toni nicole]

I agree, with going when she is 6. I work with kindergarten and they believe in so much and are always so shocked when I show them pictures of me meeting mickey or videos of the parade, it'seems crazy to see the 1st and 2nd graders around school be so much more grown up in just a one year time span breaks my heart

 

[Crystal824]

I vote for 6. While there may be more attractions in years to come, I have a 5 year old. I agree that is the perfect age for WDW.