6 years old - too OLD for Disney World?!

[Kahana-ri]

My youngest went for the first time last year...at age 6. My oldest had been a couple times when he was under 4 and has no memory. That's why we waited to bring our youngest. Now the boys are 7 and 10 and thrilled we are going again in November. Granted my oldest doesn’t want to wear Disney clothing to school. He is in the first year of middle school after all, so I can see where that could bring some uncalled for peer comments. I think 6 is a perfect age and unfortunately her classmates may not be as supportive. She just has to have a good time and enjoy your visit to WDW! I'm WAY older and get excited every time we go.

 

[wishing4PA]

My daughter is 6 years old and in the first grade. She is VERY excited about our upcoming trip to DW! She was excitedly telling friends in her class that she is going, one of the girls said, "disney world? Aren't you too old for that? It's so babyish."

Okay, so grad night is for really advanced 5 year olds, and we sure hope none of them get their tiny little hands on a wine list at BOG or in WS.

I am so glad to know DD10 and I are too old. It will save us a bundle of money!

PS: Best thread ever! But I feel bad for your dd6 dealing with that.

 

[MandiC]

I laugh at this because for me and my family 6 is at the low end of our 'perfect age for Disney' range. I would absolutely not bring a child under 4 (I know many people do and they love it but for us, nope, Disney isn't some place we plan on going yearly let alone multiple times a year so I'm sure it's different if you do)

 

[asmit4]

The first time I went I was 8yo....and get this....I HATED it. I was already a 'coaster freak' and when I got off Space Mountain- the best roller coaster at the time- I literally CRIED and asked if we could go to Cedar Point instead.

Honestly- I DO think some kids- even those who are 8yo do not like Disney. This is why we started taking our son at 1.5 years old. He's tall for his age and has already ridden some actual real coasters (he's 2.5 now). He LOVES them and talks about them all the time. I think that for us- by 8yo----he will want to go to Cedar Point or Six Flags instead.

With that said- as an adult my new found love for disney has really sprung. I see it for all it's beauty and simplicity.

At 8 I'd probably have said the same thing to someone who was going 'that place is boring' and really MEANT it. Different strokes, different folks!

 

[shoney]

When my ds was 6 and in first grade, he refused to wear anything Disney to school! It was not cool!!! He did still enjoy the parks.

After our last trip to WDW, the boys (then 10 and 12) along with DH decided that Universal is better...

 

[happymommy]

There will always be rude kids.

My DD is turning 16 on our next trip, and we're going because it's the place she wants to go for spring break. I'm 47, and have loved WDW since my first trip at 8! I spent my honeymoon there.

I would totally ignore the other kids' comments, and tell her to do the same.

 

[luvmy2babies]

Please! My daughter didn’t get there until she was 7.5, which is still young for some. She’s 11 now and just the other day when I mentioned possibly doing something else next year (last 3 summer vacations have been Disney), she looked at me like I had two heads.

The child was 6 too and probably just doesn’t know. I’ve read on here that most girls leave the princess stage at around this age because they are too old for them (although mine didn’t) so if she thinks it is just about Princesses, then she probably really believes it is for babies.

 

[stitchfan75]

Putting on my pediatric nurse hat...
The thing to remember with 6 year olds is that they tend to generalize things into "like" categories. In the OP's case the little girl was probably not trying to be mean, more than likely a relative or family friend with a baby or toddler went to Disney World. So in her mind...only babies go to Disney World.
Kids this age will also parrot what they hear from adults. I think the poster that said the child has probably been told or overheard that "Disney is for babies" (from either a parent or older sibling) will mimic that because that is the knowledge base they relate Disney to was on the money.
Honestly before the age of 8 it's very rare to find a naturally "mean" child and even those that are considered that have some kind of trauma that made them that way. Most early "mean girl" behavior is learned from the parent. Example...one of my daughter's does all star cheer. I can't count how many times a little girl has said something mean to another one about their skills because in the car ride home their mother is going off on "why is Katie in front when your dancing is so much better?!" So Susie tells Katie..."I should be in front because I'm better than you." She may not believe it but that's what she's been told.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Putting on my pediatric nurse hat...
The thing to remember with 6 year olds is that they tend to generalize things into "like" categories. In the OP's case the little girl was probably not trying to be mean, more than likely a relative or family friend with a baby or toddler went to Disney World. So in her mind...only babies go to Disney World.Kids this age will also parrot what they hear from adults. I think the poster that said the child has probably been told or overheard that "Disney is for babies" (from either a parent or older sibling) will mimic that because that is the knowledge base they relate Disney to was on the money.

Honestly before the age of 8 it's very rare to find a naturally "mean" child and even those that are considered that have some kind of trauma that made them that way. Most early "mean girl" behavior is learned from the parent. Example...one of my daughter's does all star cheer. I can't count how many times a little girl has said something mean to another one about their skills because in the car ride home their mother is going off on "why is Katie in front when your dancing is so much better?!" So Susie tells Katie..."I should be in front because I'm better than you." She may not believe it but that's what she's been told.

Nodding in agreement while wearing my School Counselor hat

 

[#1 Goofy Fan]

My DD 13 and DS 12 couldn't wait to go back to Disney (they even went searching for characters to have photos taken) - they have been there 4 times and are planning their next trip (probably will be a few years from now) - but in my opinion - Disney is for everyone. Hope you and your daughter have a great trip.

 

[Jarmo]

When Disney starts giving a senior discount at 5 years, 6 will then be too old

 

[Sparkly]

I didn't go for the first time until I was 9..still magical and got us hooked!

Mum went for the first time when she was almost 13. WDW didn't even exist when she was 6 years old!

 

[terynmsa]

Too old at 6 is crazy. Too old at any age is crazy!

 

[MimiOfTwo]

Too old at 6 is crazy. Too old at any age is crazy!

This! I'm 53 and heading down for Food & Wine with 2 of my sisters (62 & 64) before we go on our Disney Dream cruise! I went 3 times last year.