A good age for little ones?

[normmo]

Hi everybody, I need some honest, brutal truth here. We went to Disney last November with my DS who was two and a half and had a great time. However, as you know, going with a toddler means not doing alot of the rides and having to go back to the cabin for naps since he only napped in the stroller one day. Plus, buffets were difficult due to the short attention span of a toddler BUT we did it and had alot of fun (stayed for ten days, rented a cabin, took grandma with us, etc.). My DH and I decided that we'd wait until our DS was five and a half so we could have longer days, do more rides, etc.. Now I'm thinking that we won't be able to wait that long.
How has anyone with a four and a half year old done in the parks? Were you able to have longer days or did they still nap? Were they able to do the bigger rides like Pirates or Haunted Mansion? I want to go when my DS will have ALOT of fun but still buy into the whole character thing and think that he's really meeting Mickey Mouse, etc.. If we don't go until he's five and a half that's okay but I was just curious what other's experiences have been and please be honest!
Thanks,
Maureen

 

[patrenoe]

Well I will be brutally honest. lol. Hindsight is 20/20. Dh and I brought our 4.5 year old neice to Disney last Feb and she loved character meals, shopping, toon town. She hated fireworks,haunted mansion and Mickey Mouse. She was scared of MM. If I had to do it all over again I would have waited until she was 5.5 years old. She had more fun at the resort than in the parks.

 

[beattyfamily]

I've taken my DDs ranging from 1 through current ages of 5 and almost 9.

One was the most difficult but we still had fun. Two was magical but still in diapers, can't do the BIG rides; one was afraid of the characters, but she also went with the flow. Ages 3 through 8 have been amazing. Yes, the 3 year old can't go on the BIG rides but there's still so much she can do. It's still magical. She still went with the flow. She was out of diapers.

I'd say my favorite ages so far are between 4 and 6. They can go on more, no more diapers, no more naps (except occasionally in the stroller) and just all round great fun.

I think 4.5 is a GREAT age. They can do quite a bit; just not Primevil Whirl, RnR, Space Mountain and MS at Epcot. I think they can do Thunder, Splash, ToT and TT.

I haven't been able to convince my now 5 year old to do Splash or ToT but I'm working on it. She LOVES Haunted Mansion, TT, MS, Thunder etc...She loves the characters and the fireworks and parades.

4.5 is much better then 2.5 if you are worried about diapers, naps and rides etc...

I say go for it! Good luck deciding.

 

[alloyd1170]

My dad and I took my then son just after he turned two, then the entire family went this past Jan when he was almost 3. I will say he got more out of it this last time, but did remember his previous trip. During the first trip, it was basically a get used to things-he was afraid of Haunted Mansion, 3d movies, and even the characters the first few days, but eventually eased into it (I had gotten the live Sing Along videos and the dvd planning guide to prep him and they helped since he was more at ease with the characters on the videos). This last trip, he knew where we were as we drove past DTD and got all excited. It was priceless! He remembered many rides and couldnt wait to get on them again. He understood the concept of waiting in lines much better too. He was so much more into it and excited too. He was able to ride more things this last time too since he wasnt as scared. We did skip Haunted Mansion and the 3d movies, but I think he wouldve been ok. Pirates didnt scare him at all. Now everytime he sees a DW commercial on tv he goes nuts and begs us to take him back. I also took lots of pictures and video during our trips and he loves looking at them (and it helps him remember).

alison

 

[Christy93]

We took our kids to disney last April and they were 1, 3 & 5. My 3 & 5 year olds had a blast and rode all that they could. They liked the characters, but we didn't do nor did they didn't care about an autograph book. We got to the parks after breakfast, rode the rides, ate lunch then went back to the hotel for a rest and a swim. We went back out late afternoon to a park. If the kids were really tired we stayed at the hotel and ate, otherwise we ate at whatever park we were in. They did ride Pirates, only my oldest was a little afraid of the drop. When we go again we're taking little glow sticks so they won't be totally in the dark. We're also going to try the haunted mansion. Our 2 year old will be too little to be scared and our 4 year old is fearless!
We're going back in Sept. with them again (2, 4 and 6) and can't wait. We haven't told them yet, we're trying to keep it a secret.

 

[plamp]

After our last trip I found its not so much what age, but really your child's personality or maturity level, which only you know, that will determine how much they will enjoy Disney. Kids ages 3-6 develop at very different rates. I think it evens out a little more in the first couple of years of grade school.

There are two couples we know that each have a 4 year old son. They could not be further apart in maturity level though. One talks and behaves more like a 7 year old (although can play like a 4 year old). The other acts more like he's 2 or 3, and cried thru Disney this summer.

Physically, I think nearly all younger children (under 10?) do not have the stamina to last all day at the parks. That approach can make for some tired and cranky kids and adults.

After waiting several years we made it back to Disney last month. We have 3 kids (14, 9 and 6) and while they were younger all we could handle werre shorter vacations closer to home. I felt that at 6 my youngest was Disney-ready, because my oldest (now 14) had a great time when he was there at age 6. Was I wrong! My youngest is shy, does not like to try new things and is very stubborn. He did not want to go on anything. We worked around that and still had a great vacation, but I have to say I was a little dissapointed. Then I figured I'll just get to share more of Disney with him when he's ready (hopefully next year).

 

[mrsbballref]

Well, I'll be able to fully answer this question in
a couple of weeks. My DD will be 5 in August,
so she is a little over 4.5.

These are my thoughts pre-trip...
I wanted so bad to take her last year, but DH
did not think she was ready. Now looking back,
I agree. I think it does go back to the maturity
level. She is very mature in her interactions,
but she was afraid of everything that even looked
a little scary. So, we took her to several
amusement parks like Carowinds and Six Flags
to "test" her out before we went for the big
kahuna.... WDW.

I think it is a great age. They are so full of wonder
and they understand how things work and for
my DD anyway, I can reason with her and explain
things. However, I think we may avoid A Bug's Life
just because she is still scared of insects and I think
she would freak out. So, with your knowledge of the
rides and attractions, you will be fine and have a great
time!!!!

I will report back in after our June 4-11 trip.
Lori

 

[2dogmom]

I think 4-1/2 is a great age. I have gone with my oldest DD at ages 2, 2-1/2, 4, and am going next week. My youngest went at 17mo. A lot does have to do with a child's personality. My oldest had no problem taking 2+ hr naps in her stroller when she was 2. At 4, we would go back to the resort so the little one could nap and 4yo would swim. She could definitely go on more rides and loved ToT, ST, and all the others she could go on and was crying to not be able to go on Space. I just love seeing all of the excitement in her eyes!

 

[Dani4girls]

We just got back on Tuesday after a 2 week stay. My 4 year old dd did not do as well as I hoped. She freaked out on all the rides except for Winnie the Pooh and It's a Small World!! The 3-d movies had her shaking in fear! As far as naps, she never took one, but we were there for 2 whole weeks so we went to the parks like every other day, and we slept in a lot. She loved meeting all the characters. Every child is different, but WDW is so wonderful, I think you should just go, and make as many happy memories as you can!

 

[Magalex]

We just came back from our DS first trip from 4/22-4/30 We even drove from Pittsburgh PA. He did a great job in being patient with every part of our trip. We waited until potty training was complete and he learn patience in preschool(standing in line and taking turns). That training helped alot
In the past years we did take him to zoos, festivals and local amusement parks as part of his WDW training. My DS is very calm tho with attractions. We took him on the Haunted Mansion(he loves Halloween and Scooby). All he said is I didn't like that ride Mommy. He covered his ears during Fantasmic but wasn't scared of the visual illusions. One day we left MGM at 4 because he became very tired/cranky. But the biggest tip with preschoolers is to stay onsite and get the park hopper. He loved POP and the buses. We went back to MGM another day to see the attractions we missed. It is a slower pace and be flexible. If you don't go commando style it will be less of a melt down in the middle of the day. We never did the EMH in the evening. Early morning was the best time. I also made MK the first day and last. Favorite park at 4 We knew Epcot wouldn't be a that interesting to him so we just took a stroll around World Showcase. He loved the Living Seas. We also went to Sea World. Loved that day! It is a wonderful park for a preschooler. We had great weather and less crowded(slower day).

If you have any more questions please ask.oh yea juice boxes and cereal in little bags helped.

Maglex
POP 4/22-4/30

 

[normmo]

You guys have given me a lot to think about. My DS is really easy going and I know he'd do well at 4 1/2 or 5 1/2 but I guess I'll have to determine which age is good for us (the parents) lol! If we wait we'll have more money for the trip which is a plus but I may lose my mind waiting almost two and a half years to go! My sister will be coming as well to help out with the wee one so we could take turns taking him back to the hotel while two adults stayed in the park. See, I'm thinking out loud as I type so let me stop here and say thanks for the input and keep it coming if anyone else has anything to add!
Maureen

 

[pooh4evr]

We were there last week with our DDs 4,and 2. They both did great, we rented a side by side double stroller from Baby;s Best Friend so they could lay back and rest when they wnated to, we never left the park to nap it took too much time. The four yr old did all the rides she was tall enough for which is most except for RNR, MS,& SM, she tried ToT but got scared waiting in line for an elevator. We took both girls on haunted mansion, goofy barnstormer, dumbo, aladdin, pirates, jungle cruise, pp, teacups, winnie the pooh...
We had a great time, no one was afraid of any characters, ate at Pecos Bill, Noodle Station(reallyreally good!) and did 2 character meals without any problems! I think you'll be fine!!

 

[michvin]

We are going this Oct with three little ones, age then will be 19 mos, 4 1/2 and 6. However, we have never been to WDW, we do like to travel with them whether its day trips, long weekends, or week long vacations. I have to say that if kids are used to traveling around they should do pretty good on a weeklong, busy WDW vacation. BUT, even when we go to the beach for the week, we all head back to our hotel, take a nap, shower, then head back out for the night. We all need it, Mom and Dad included and it makes for a much happier day for everyone. I know that people think about the money they've spent and want to see it all but its a vacation...you are supposed to be happy and relaxed. As for the rides, our kids vary from year to year, location to location....sometimes they will do on a small rollercoaster other times they don't want anything to do with it. There is soooo much to do at WDW, try to think out of the box with the rides and experience the tons of other stuff they have going on. Good luck...and have a great time.

 

[Merriwind]

DD has been at many ages, starting just after her 2nd bday through now (Age 7). Four worked fine, but for a kid any age, you need to take their schedule into account. Each age has its special magic (and special challenges), if you're game it will work great.

A midday break is still essential for us. DD only actually napped once or twice last trip, but she needed them. Other days, we just had quiet time--reading, tv, pool, etc. Every trip before that one, she napped every day! Disney days are long, intense, fun, exciting, exhilerating, great--but exhausting.

Brutally honest, if you wait until your child needs no midday break to get through a day at WDW, you'll probably need one!

We all benefit from the midday break. Don't be too anxious to give it up, JMHO.

 

[DW2006]

and agree with the other posters. It is based alot on your individual child. And you only know how they react and respond. AND then sometimes you just learn by trial and error. Last Christmas the IL's suggested The Rain Forest cafe as a treat for the boys. I have a 6,4 and 2 yr old. I thought it sounded fabulous. The older two are very into wildlife/fish/crocodile hunter and the like. Well upon arrival it was ok...as soon as we walked into the darkened resturant and the thunderstorm started all three freaked. Looking back I can laugh. But I had NO idea they would respond that way. Yes there was a lot going on, lots of noises, activity, sounds and it was dark...but I just never assumed that reaction. So sometimes you just make your best decision. To me 4.5 sounds like a fine age as long as you allow yourself time to enjoy the park and not pressure yourself to adhere to a specific schedule and give him time for maybe a midday break back at the room (or at least that is our plan when we take our boys in Jan...they will be newly 7, 5 and 3 at the time with a 6 month old baby)

 

[rt2dz]

I haven't read all the posts, but I can tell you what it was like for us. We took DS#1 for the first time at 3.5 and are going back in a few days and he'll be just under 4.5.

We had no problems at all on the last trip. He was a little scared of Pirates waiting in line, but once we went on the ride, he wanted to go again. He rode Haunted Mansion, but again the queue put him off a little. He does want to ride again on this upcoming trip. He rode Tower of Terror with no problem--had a great time on it and the line was no big deal. He was just shy of space mountain in height and can't wait to get on it this time. He rode Dinosaur multiple times. Basically, anything he has tall enough for, he rode--happily.

We took breaks from the parks mid-day. Not naps. He doesn't, nor has he in a LONG time, nap. We found a ride on the RR or an mellow indoor attraction (hall of presidents/carasol of Progress, etc) really did the trick. As did getting out of the heat and eating a meal (late sit-down lunch, early sit-down dinner, or just letting him run around at his pace somewhere like Pizza Planet). Just riding in the stroller while we cruized the park (Epcot & AK) also worked wonders.

 

[Miller1412]

My 4 1/2 y/o did great. IMO...I can't imagine not taking her at that age. We did go back for rests, she probably could have gone without it, but not our 2 y/o. I think the afternoon siesta was good for everyone, then we were recharged and ready to go and be out later at night. Plus we were avoiding the most crowded part of the day.

She loved the rides, did them all. In fact, ToT was her favorite. She loved the characters best of all. My DH was very apprehensive about taking the kids and being too young, but I thought it was amazingly Magical.

The best part for me was the "Tinkerbell visits" every night. Tink would come and leave a little trinket under the pillow for the kids. It was so great to see them so excited...Then we get home and lo and behold, Tink has appeared on my DD's hand in the photopass photo. Just amazing!! There aren't too many more years that the kids will just unquestionably accept this! Wish it could go on forever!

If you're like us...you'll find that you want to go EVERY year while it's magical to them! You come back on a Disney high and find yourself doing everything you can to plan that next trip.

 

[kpk89]

We just got back with our dd 4.5, and ds who turned 6 while we were there! Dd surprised me by not being interested in many of the rides -- but she didn't mind (mostly) waiting while either myself or dh took ds on the rides. She loved Small World, the Carousel, Indy Cars, and PhilharMagic. Hated Pirates -- she didn't freak out or anything, but was frightened and clung to dh the whole time. We skipped HM. I was surprised, because usually she is quite bold and fearless. I guess just being so far from home, in a totally unfamiliar environment, did her in. She LOVED Soarin' though.

I was also shocked by ds, who can sometimes be timid -- he did RockNRoller (2x) Test Track (2x) Space Mtn, and Splash Mtn. I'm sure he would've done Tower of Terror, but neither dh or I were willing to do it!

Bottom line, there is really something for every age, every personality to enjoy. You just have to be flexible and try to figure out what will best suit your little one.

 

[AlexTina]

I personally think that any age is a great age. My dd has been going to WDW every year since before she was born literally. LOL.. Her very first trip was when I was 7 months pregnant over July 4th (I don't recommend this BTW), then when she was 7 months old we went with my grandparents. This was a super easy trip, sure she had no clue where she was but we took her on every ride that did not have a height requirement and she napped in the stroller and was perfectly happy the whole time, her second trip was when she was 1 1/2 and again she napped in the stroller and rode everything, third trip 2 1/2 she still took naps in the stroller and we also went back to the hotel for naps and swimming in the afternoon and once again she rode everything but this time she was a little leary of the haunted mansion and the pirates but she just took her blanky with her and she was fine (no screaming or freaking out). This will be her fourth trip and my ds's first trip he is 5 months old and she is 3 1/2 and we're leaving in 3 days . She says that she is going to go on all the rides and is very excited that she will be tall enough to go on some of the rides she hasn't been able to before and as far as the 5 month old is concerned he will nap when he pleases and will ride everything that does not have a height requirement. We will also make it a point to go back to the resort for naps and swimming in the afternoons primarily because DH looks forward to this even more so that the kids.

Tina