At what age...?

[leahannpen]

I know this has probably been on the boards before, but I didn't find the post when I looked for it. My husband and I disagree on what age is a nice age to start taking children to WDW. I realize all children are different, but I just want to get a general consensus as to what people's experiances were. At what age do you take them for the "FIRST" time? Is 1 1/2 too young? Is 5 or 6 too old? What does everyone think? As many responses as possible, please, so I can state my case with lots of back up

(that's assuming the majority thinks the way i do... and i'll wait to state what i think... i'm going to try to keep an open mind and listen to all the facts from both sides)

Thank you all!!!!

 

[LKS]

It depends on the child and the parents and what they want out of the trip. I think almost all ages have their benefits. We took our kids when they were 5 and almost three (read: still free.) I have recommended taking kids at almost 3 for that reason. Sure, they can't ride everything, but they are free and my daughter rode many things and had a wonderful time. Our youngest went at 3 months and 7 months and since I was nursing, he was no trouble. Obviously, he didn't get a lot out of it, but he remained happy, and the rest of us still had fun. We are planning a trip next year and they will be 10, 8, and almost 5. I think those will all be great ages. The youngest should be tall enough to ride most things this time, but unfortunately, we will be buying an adult ticket for the just turned 10 yo. Oh well.

I have seen relatively big kids scream, cry and refuse to ride even Dumbo and I have seen small kids thrilled with everything. The hardest age for me would be from about 1-2, because they are just getting mobile, and often can't be reasoned with. I have a friend with a 1.5yo who refuses the stroller. In that case, I wouldn't go. Otherwise, I say infants are easy and older than that, you need to evaluate your own child.

 

[Jaimee]

I took DS at 18 mos, and we went again just before he turned 3(still free). We had a much better time on the 2nd trip. He was at that crazy stage at 18 mos when he wanted to run around every where, and did not like the stroller. I also found that some of the attractions were really loud and bothered him, but both trips had their good points. He took longer naps in the stoller at 18 mos which allowed us time for a nice relaxing meal, but at 3 he was so excited about everything it was great to just watch his reactions. I don't know that I'd enjoy myself if I had an infant along because you have to worry so much about feeding times and bottles and diapers and stuff, but I'd say about 1 year old is an ok time to start. Now some people will argue that they aren't going to remember the trip, but who cares!! If you have fun, and the kids enjoy themselves while they are there, thats all that should matter!! Good luck in your decision!!!!!!

 

[disneyag]

My child is 4 1/2 and she has been to WDW at 6 months, 2 years, 3 years, and we are going in 2 weeks. The benefit of taking youg kids (2-3) is that they still believe the magic. My 8 year old now knows that the characters aren't "real" and it's kind of a bummer. He still enjoys WDW, but some of the magic is gone. I say take 'em early!

 

[KiminChicago]

Our son was also almost 3 when we took him the first time. It's a great age because you don't even get charged for the character breakfasts. Our daughter was 7 months old on that trip and even though she doesn't remember it, she was very interested in everything going on, so it was worth it for me. We're going again for our son's 5th birthday in November because this will be the last time we can go in the off season without pulling him out of school. That's another thing you need to consider -- do you want to go at a less crowded time of year? How do you feel about taking children out of school for a vacation?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

My husband and I took our 4yr son in 1996. He believed in the characters and rode the rides in Fantasyland among other things. This year my son is now 9 and not interested in the characters or Fantasyland anymore. Im very glad we took him at 4 and Im looking forward to this Oct trip of course. I booked 3 character meals but we may not be waiting in the lines for autographs.

 

[luvmy2sams]

Our daughter was 21 months when we took our first family trip to Disney last October. She's a pretty laid-back kid, and we went with the idea that we would never forego the afternoon nap at the hotel. Watching her interact with the characters and seeing her expressions as she experienced the rides and shows for the first time was something I'll always hold dear. We had a marvelous vacation and can't wait to head back next year. We're buying annual passes and plan to return in mid 2003 with (hopefully) an infant. I don't think you're ever to young to make that first trip!

 

[Terry S]

Our first family trip my daughter was 2 yrs 2 mos and my son was 3 yrs 6 mos, we had such a wonderful time we decided then to go back every year. This October will be our 3rd year. When we went back last year my DD remembered only a few things and my DS remembered quite a bit. This year I have asked them some questions and I am surprised at how much they remember. Even if they didn't that would be okay, because each year they can do something new and different based on their age, height and level of bravery. Last year we got in the fast pass line for Space Mountain and when we got to the front they told my 3 year old daughter she was too short. But, they gave a a certificate that said space mouse in training and told her when she was tall enough she could come back and bring the certificate right to the front of the line without waiting with all her family. She is now 43" and needs to be 44" she is so excited that when we go back in October she should be tall enough (with shoes) to ride space mountain. By, the way my 4 year old son rode last year and loved it. Sorry this is so long.

 

[Planogirl]

We took our son for the first time when he had just turned 1 and it was a surprisingly easy trip. He liked the stroller and was content to just look at everything. He wasn't scared of things yet either. He was much more difficult when he was 2 and into the "grab everything" and "run away" stages.

The best age IMO was right at 5 though. He still believed in the characters and was old enough to do most everything. He was also real curious which made looking at exhibits and movies easier.

I can honestly say that I've enjoyed each age. Every trip is different with different discoveries and that's nice.

 

[Super Mom]

Our DS's were just 5 & 3 on their first trip and it was wonderful! We are heading back in 50 days. They are now 9 & 7 and have a 3 yr. old baby brother. I think 3 is the perfect age for a first trip. They can do so much and the Magic is still very, very real.

 

[padams]

on our first Disney trip (tied into DH's business trip to the area). I had a great time. DSs don't remember that trip but they love to look at the pictures, and they both enjoyed being there. We have been back at ages 1 and 3, 2 and 4, and 3 and 5, and it's so magical to see DSs really believe that Mickey is Mickey. Older DS is starting to figure out that the characters are not "real" and I am sad. Each DS seems to recall the trips starting when they were 3. Hope this helps. Pamela

 

[Tiger Fan]

In my opinion it all depends on how often you will be able to visit WDW. If it's a "once in a lifetime" vacation, I think you should wait until they are early elementary age (5-8). If you can arrange to go every few years I suggest starting at 3 or just before. We took our DD just after she had turned 3 and it was wonderful. Have fun.

Lisa

 

[cgcw]

We took our oldest when he was 3 - almost 4. He had a wonderful time. Last year we went and he was 1 week short of 6. He remembers both vacations -- maybe not as vividly as we do, but he remembers. Last year, we also took our 7 month old. While he won't remember any of the trip, he did get somethings out of it. The look on his face when he saw the characters was priceless (SCARED!). He enjoyed some of the rides -- especially Winnie the Pooh. He wasn't too young...I think it depends on what you want to get out of it keeping in mind that a child will get tired out quicker. Next trip we're waiting until the youngest is 3 -- he'll then have the desire to go and maybe he'll start to retain his own memories.

 

[pnelson]

Oh No! Your 9 year old does not like the characters? My son will be 9 on our next trip and I was really looking forward to getting autographs? I wonder if this varies from child to child. Anybody else have experience with that age group?

We took our son at 3, 5 and 7. We will go again when he is 9. He has always been very into the characters. Our best trip was when he was 5. he wasn't scared, was tall enough to go on things and pay attention at shows, and he loved the characters. He still loved the characters at age 7. Hopefully, he will still want autographs at 9. I guess it varies by age.