at what age??

[KimK2006]

We took our daughter when she was 2 1/2. This was a great age because she knew many of the characters. She LOVED Minnie Mouse. We went during a less busy time of the year. We made sure to go back to the hotel for a "rest", even though she usually wouldn't nap. These really made the trip "easier" with a little one. I think 2 to 3 are good ages. I, personally, wouldn't take one any younger, though.

 

[CamColt]

My DSs first trips were at the ages of 15 months and 8 months and I have never regretted it. The memories, pictures and video of those trips are priceless. The only thing I found tough was when the 8 mo old was still on an eating schedule...and eating baby food and formula. But we got through it and still managed to have a great trip.

My oldest turns 10 today and will be going on his 9th trip to WDW in 3 days. Youngest is almost 7 and this will be his 8th trip. They both have done 3 Disney cruises and been to DL twice too. Seeing how they are at different ages is a lot of fun too.

 

[disneymama73]

DD #1 was 6 mos old. DD #2 was 4 mos. DD #3 was 3 mos. I loved those trips.

 

[DonnaDuck]

I also say 2 or 3. We took our oldest son's first trip during the week of his 3rd Birthday. That was such a magical trip. Everyone told me to wait until he was older, I heard so many people say he wouldn't even remember. My son is 7 now, he still remembers that trip! Standing on Main Street and seeing the look on his face the first time he ever saw Cinderella's castle was one of the greatest moments of my life. That is a feeling you will never forget. Seeing Disney through your child's eyes is something that will stay with you forever.

We went back to Disney when I was pregnant with his brother. And then we went again when his brother was 2. So I got to experience seeing those eyes of wonder and amazement through him also.

I say that's a good age. They are so full of wonder! Just make sure they get lots of naps and stay hydrated. We always go to Disney during the slower times and the Winter. So I don't have to worry about the crowds and my kids getting too hot.

Gotta agree about it being "free" for them at that age. That's another bonus. Congrats...have a great time planning for that "first" trip!!

 

[darlene9947]

We took my grandson in June, 2003. He was 18 months old. One of my most treasured rememberances is Sean sleeping in his stroller after the fireworks in MK during on the the E-ride nights. We happened to be passing by the castle forecourt and Mickey was coming down the steps. He stopped and kissed Sean goodnight!! I will never forget that moment. I have a brand new baby granddaughter ( 2 weeks!) and we are planning a trip for next December. I am hoping we can get a pic of Mickey kissing her goodnight also!!

Disney and babies are truly magical!! Go and have a great time and treasure all the memories you will be making. And congratulations on the new little one!

 

[finster]

Do what your gut tells you.. Everyone's expereince is different, and every child is different. What works for us, may not work for you, and vice versa.

We have one son, he's 14 months old. We're actually at the Boardwalk as I write this, he's in the other room with my wife taking a nap.. He's been on 3 Disney trips already, and we've had very good success with the trips.

His first trip was this past January when he was 3 months old... Everyone thought we were nuts - it was a piece of cake to be honest.. Our son is VERY easy going, so that might be part of it. The hardest part was slugging around all his "stuff" (baby carrier, formula (he was on a special formula that didn't come powdered), etc.). He actually handled it very well, and had no problems sleeping/etc., at the resort (we stayed at Old Key West).. we requested a crib isntead of the standard pack and play, and he did well in it.

His second trip was the Cruise this past August, we did the 4 because we weren't sure how he would handled the 7-day. We're glad we did it, it was just enough time..

His third trip is going on right now.. we came down Saturday and are leaving tomorrow (Tuesday).. My wife never saw WDW decorated for the Holidays and we had some points left to play with (we're DVC members)..

I have to say, out of all his trips, this one, at age 14 months, has been the most "maintenance" for us as parents. He's not walking on his own yet (he'll walk if we hold his hands) but loves to crawl around.. There's a lot going on, and he seems like he wants to get into the middle of all of it. The flip side is that this is the first trip where he's -really- interacting with the characters, etc. We did the Cape May character breakfast this morning, and he started giggling like crazy as soon as he saw Chip n Dale..

Again.. follow your gut, you'll know better than anyone when a trip's right for you and your family.

Hi All,
I need your opinions.....
I am pregnant and our first baby is due in 8 weeks... My husband and I are having a debate over what age we should be taking the baby to DW. I would like to take the baby next year and he wants to wait until the baby is older...(walking/ talking age). I am looking for opinions on the ages that you brought your kids and what your experience's were...

Thanks so much all!
Happy Holidays!!

 

[DisneyKidds]

We've taken our kids as young as 4 mos old. We travel as a family, so I'm not going to let the youngest dictate for all of us. Heck, that even went when we had our first child. Mom and Dad count too you know .

Actually, any age is a great age to bring a child, for different reasons. I always cringe when someone say "we're going to wait until they are old enough". Old enough for what? They don't know what they are missing. The kids and the parents.

When kids are very young (one and under) there is so much stimulation for them to take in. Will they remember it? No, but who says that is what's important? Heck, who even knows how those neural pathways form and mature....so maybe they will in some way. But maybe the trip at this age is more about Mom and Dad than it is about baby. Why should you have to wait another 4 years because that is when so and so says little Jane or Johnny will be "old enough" to remember the trip? Sure, babies need diapers, and feeding, and lots of stuff......but we found our trips when our kids were younger to be almost easier. Young kids travel well, sleep a lot, and are pretty predictable. Mom and Dad can have a great time. So if Mom and Dad are ready for a trip why wait?

How about year and a half to two year olds? Are they going to remember how they squaled in delight the first time they saw Chip and Dale? Probably not, but Mom and Dad sure will. Oh, and they'll enjoy a lot of the attractions designed for the younger set. Kids are highest "maintenance" at this age, IMHO. Three year olds have fully caught on, and they'll remember a lot more than you think....and now they are starting to ride more rides. Out of diapers I guess is a help here. I wouldn't consider evlauating an age older than that.

So, if the trip was only about the child, and I was going for max convenience for Mom and Dad......maybe I'd put the age between 3 and 4. But I hate to do that because there is so much the whole family can get aout of taking a trip together with younger kids. And what do you do if you have more than one kid? If you wait until the youngest is 3, maybe your oldest is 9. That doesn't seem right.

So forget the age. Decide when the whole family can use a magical experience away together and go......regardless of age.......and you'll all get something lasting out of it.

 

[Eeyore2003]

It really depends allot first of all, how many times do you plan on going to WDW and second, how "easy going" of a parent are you.

If you plan on going to Disney World all through their childhood, let's say, at least more than once or twice. Then I would take them whenever YOU want to go. If this is once or twice in a lifetime for them and you, well, wait until they are old enough to enjoy AND remember.

Second, if you can "roll with the parenthood" punches in a day and not worry so much about how much you accomplish in a day, but only care that you're having a great time no matter what you're doing at Disney, even sitting on the deck or by the pool relaxing for a much needed break. Then it's allot easier to handle a very little one.

We took our kids severals times when they were anywhere from 2 to 16 and did fine. Now the hard part, trying to talk them into coming again now that they're in college.

 

[photobob]

I agree with Finster, I depends on you and what you want to do. If pushing a baby around WDW and having the babies needs dictate your trip is fine with you then go. I've seen people there with VERY young infants and it is 95 degrees outside which seems a little much to me. Our first trip our daughter was four, almost five and our umbrella stroller was a lifesaver. Personally I think 5 or 6 is a good age to start.

 

[conniehar90]

We took both our kids when they were between 1 and 2. Neither of them remember a thing and it was stressful on us because of naps, diapers, and tantrums. We love WDW, so I wouldn't say I wouldn't do it again, but it was definitely more stressful. Our last trip was when they were 7 and 4 and it was absolutely perfect. Their temperaments were better and they still remember a lot of what they experienced. It was the best vacation we have had yet with them.

 

[linskypens]

We took my DD10 when she was 2.5. It was by far the most horrifying day of my life, and I recommend you wait until they can walk and talk and aren't in diapers before you waste your money.If its you that wants the memories, leave them with Grandma and go by yourselves.
She has gone every year since that time after she turned 5 and it has by far been awesome every time.Do yourselves and your child a favor and wait until they can remember it.
If you do not heed my advice...heed at least this piece of it.Do not put sunscreen on the backs of your childs hands.When she got tired and rubbed her hands on her eyes....oh boy.Stop at the wrist!!!!!!

 

[PeachesDoesHair]

We recently took our 3 year old and 1 year old. Many people did not think we had any business taking kids that young, but we had a great time!!! My three year old still talks about the trip 3 months later. My one year old may not remember any of it, but he had a great time. He loved getting out of the house (in this case the hotel room) to go to the parks every day. He really liked the rides and the characters.

 

[golden1]

I think it really depends on what you want to get out of your vacation and what you personally can handle. I waited until my youngest was 2.5 before going. I am glad I waited because I think that it was less stressful and more enjoyable.

I saw a lot of families at WDW in the past week and I can tell you that the most miserable looking people were the ones with babies and toddlers between 6 months and 2 years old. MAny of my friends that brought toddlers that age report having a difficult time at WDW as well. A child that age requires a lot of energy under normal circumstances let alone with the added fatigue that WDW can induce. If you are breastfeeding, it is probably easier to bring an infant under six months old than over because you don't have to worry about carting around baby food and the baby is small enough to be worn on the body which can make life easier. Toddlers between 1 and 2 years old can be difficult to handle and are more prone to fatigue and overstimulation.

So in your case, I'd go a few months after the baby is born and then wait another 2 years after that before going again. However, this is just my opinion and based on observation and how my own children were at those ages. If you think your child can handle it and you can handle it then go for it!