Best age for a child's first visit?

[MinnieGi]

We took our DD for her first trip when she was 14 months old and it was awesome! She has now been a total of five times at age 3 1/2. Her baby brother will be born in August and we already have a Feb. 2005 trip planned when he will be 6 months old.

Any age is the right age as long as you want to go! With little ones are trips are slower but that has also made them more relaxed and enjoyable. WDW is a wonderful place for little kids and for the mommies and daddies who take care of them. I know the restrooms will have changing facilities, the parks have baby care centers, the cm's in the restaurants are used to being around little kiddie diners, and there are rides and shows for young children. We have vacationed quite a few other places and no other place is as child-friendly as WDW, IMHO.

 

[pandamom]

We took our daughter when she was 9 months, 12 months (for birthday) and 17 months. We lived in Daytona Beach at the time and a few days at Disney every few months was easy to manage. It really was amazing how much she enjoyed each visit and how she interacted with the characters. From clapping along at the Country Bear Jamboree to giggling thru the pooh ride it really was amazing how much she did get out of it.

She is now 6 and though she doesn't remember being to wdw she still enjoyed it when it actually happened. Plus we all love watching the videos and looking thru the scrapbooks.

 

[sarahsmom73]

We took DD at 32 months... It was magical! We bought her a princess photo book which she shows everyone as well as her autograph book!!! We are planning our Christmas 2005 visit and she LOVES to watch the planning dvd... There is nothing like seeing WDW through the eyes of a child!

 

[swilphil]

My oldest son has gone at ages 6 months and 3 years. My youngest was 12 months, and we are planning another trip exactly one year later. We meet relatives in WDW or wouldn't go so often. Each age has advantages and disadvantages.

I agree with those who say it depends if you are going just once or plan on several trips over the years. The 6 month old was actually our easiest trip, and we've dealt with kids in diapers on all of them. I actually find this easier than having to worry about finding restrooms and having accidents. It's also nice to have a stroller to put all the stuff in and not have the kids whining about being tired of walking.

One of the great things about taking a 3 year old is that they really believe in the Disney Magic. Everything is real to them, and they get sooo excited to see a character, etc. I imagine they will still "believe" until about age 6.

The only problem with taking toddlers is they won't remember it. While they may have a meltdown here and there, they don't have the attitude of "I want to do this, but not that." They'd be having the meltdowns at home, so it's easier to get them to snap out of it at WDW.

 

[REH]

When ever you can go is a great time. Although it could be adviseable to try and avoid peak season to avoid the summer heat & crowds. Why wait?

 

[Terry S]

I agree with the once in a lifetime comment. If you are only going once, I would wait until the child is around 5 or 6, they still believe in the characters then. If you are going to be going back multiple times 2 is a good age to start. My daughter was 2 when we first took her and we have pictures of Cinderella holding my daughter and the smile on here face in those pictures was worth the trip. Does she remember it? No! But she had a wonderful time while we were there and she loves to look at the pictures. You just need to take it easy when they are small and remember that you don't need to do everything while you are there because you can alwyas come back. Every year we have taken the kids back there is more they can do, it is a totally different trip each and every year.

 

[ChuckGA]

I would suggest you get a copy of the UG and read what they say about "who's dream is it anyway?"- or something like that. Early in the book somewhere, don't remember exactly where....If you are going for you, take them when they are younger. If you are going for them- wait until they are old enough to walk the parks by themselves without getting tired and are at an age when they remember the trip.

I have not read UG but this makes no sense to me. If you are going for yourselves (adults), the last thing you should do is bring a 4 year old in tow. You will not be able to go on the big rides or possibly great but scary to a 4 year old rides. You will have to go at a slower pace and push a stroller. Unless that statement meant "go when they are younger and leave them at home" I just do not get it. You cannot take a 5 year old at an adult commando pace. We are commandos in the sense that we are there at opening and do not leave until we are done with the parks for the day. We do not race between rides and if one or the other falls asleep in the stroller then we sit down in a quick food restaurant or long sitdown show and relax until they wake up.

I am sure we will also enjoy WDW when our kids are between 8-12 and also when they are independent teens, each for completely different experiences. But I can wait for those times to come.

Chuck

 

[ChuckGA]

For those who think they will not remember it, they will remember it but maybe not the way you do.

Daddy, remember when we were at Disneyworld and these bears started chasing us around this HUGE fort. Then we got into this boat to try to get away and pirates started shooting at the bears. And then the Genie showed up with Magic Carpet and flew us over to Goofy and his airplane. We got on and it went really really fast whooshing and turning until we landed at this scary house with lots of ghosts. And then Peter Pan showed up and took us to Neverland where they had that great race car ride and then Buzz Lightyear asked up to help him fight Zurg. We were shooting lasers, POW POW and they were shooting back, ZING ZING and then you shot Zurg and captured him...

Seriously though our DS went when he was 17 months and when we watched the videos and looked at pictures it was clear they he remebered the vacation but not well enough to articulate it.

Chuck

 

[lenshanem]

My kids are now 6 and 3 and have been numerous times. I personally love the 3 year old age. They still believe in everything! Nothing beats watching the wonder in their eyes when they met those characters!

Plus, my youngest last trip was able to ride some of the bigger rides, like Big Thunder Mountain railroad. (She is tall, though for her age and a little adventurous.)

 

[GADISNEYGIRL]

I agree, is it a one time trip, or the beginning of many trips? But also, it depends on the temperment, dispostion and personality of your child.

We swore we would never take our DS until he was old enough to "walk around all day by himself", etc... but at age 16mos, he developed a fascination with Toy Story, and soon after, all Disney animated films. At age 18mos, we decided to bite the bullet and take him. We just went for 3 days (we only live 5 hours away by car), relaxed the first day, had breakfast at Chef Mickey's (which was a wonderful warm up to the characters, by the way), went to MK and Epcot on day 2, and did Downtown Disney before driving home on day 3. He truly enjoyed himself.

In April, we did an impromptu trip (literally "planned" it 45 minutes before we left), and at 26 months, he loved it even more. The next weekend, we went back (did decide the night before, that time!), and it was the best trip yet. He remembered enough to not be nervous about the rides and the characters. Now, he talks about our trips constantly. Remember this? Remember that? We are going in September, and he can't wait! (We are also going in December, but he doesn't know that yet.)

DH and I haven't ridden Rock n Roller Coaster in 3 1/2 years, and I don't even care! Will I be glad when DS is old enough to ride it? Sure! But right now, our trips are about what he wants to do and see, and we have discovered that doing WDW that way is even more fun that being a commando thrill rider.

However~DS is very laid back and relaxed, and is accustomed to us dragging him around everywhere. He is able to go with the flow. He seldom has meltdowns and tantrums. I know many toddlers that I could not stand to be in a car with for 5 hours, not to mention carting them around the World all day. DH and I neither one deal well with tantrums, possibly because we've never had to!

All of these are things to consider. I am so glad we decided to not wait until he was older to take him... but we know we'll be there a couple times a year, so we will get to experience it through his eyes at every stage!

 

[ksc37]

We took our son for the first time when he was 18 months. We did it mainly because we wanted to go. He was too young and didn't get that much out of it. He did enjoy certain things, but probably would have been just as happy at the pool.

We took him again in February (at 3 yrs, 3 months... along with our then-11 month old son) and our 3 year old LOVED IT!!! He still remembers many small details and talks about going back all the time (so we are accomodating him and taking him back in September).

I think 3 is a great age (it's all still magical), though some things may intimidate them still (Pirates & Haunted Mansion, for example). I would recommend traveling during the value season (no lines), and staying close to your main points of interest (we are doing the Poly next time for one reason...LOCATION). I have wonderful video footage of both boys so wide-eyed during the SpectroMagic parade.

 

[mic_key_mouse]

Originally posted by ChuckGA
I have not read UG but this makes no sense to me. If you are going for yourselves (adults), the last thing you should do is bring a 4 year old in tow. You will not be able to go on the big rides or possibly great but scary to a 4 year old rides. You will have to go at a slower pace and push a stroller. Unless that statement meant "go when they are younger and leave them at home" I just do not get it. You cannot take a 5 year old at an adult commando pace. We are commandos in the sense that we are there at opening and do not leave until we are done with the parks for the day. We do not race between rides and if one or the other falls asleep in the stroller then we sit down in a quick food restaurant or long sitdown show and relax until they wake up.

I am sure we will also enjoy WDW when our kids are between 8-12 and also when they are independent teens, each for completely different experiences. But I can wait for those times to come.

Chuck

Ever hear of switching off??? I gather from your post you haven't. The UG talks about that, too. Might be time to consider buying one...

As for commando style touring- been there, done that- won't be going there again... We use the UG and TGM itineraries, so there is no need for it when you know where the crowds aren't going to be (just my opinion...)

Blessings

 

[michmouse]

We took our 2 dd (2 and 4) last year and they had a great time, and still talk about Disney. My DH thinks we should wait until they are older to go, but these are my memories (not just theirs) and I think that last years trip was wonderful. They may not remember every detail, but I do.

As for the stamina issue, rent strollers. We rented a double stroller every day and it was great, we were able to go at an adult pace, and they were able to rest. We are going the beginning of December with dd6, dd4, and two ds2, I am planning on renting 2 double strollers.

Another big benefit to going before they are 3 is they are free, and at the resturants they eat of your plate and there is no extra charge. The Character buffets are the best under 3 is still free and its all they can eat too.

 

[zurgswife]

Originally posted by YCFAN
I guess I'm the wrong one to respond to this because I think the right age is whatever age they are right now. Then continue to take them at least every few years. Each age is different and is a unique trip in itself. I wouldn't trade the memories of when my son could only sit in a stroller but would light up when he saw a Mickey balloon and the first time he hugged a character or how crazy he was about the pool slide or even how his first ride on Rockin' Roller Coaster left him saying how cool that was and wanting to buy Aerosmith CD's!!! There's never a right or wrong time. It just is what it is. Enjoy whatever makes them happy at that age and you will find the real magic in WDW.

Also, my opinon....my youngest has gone every since she was 3months...and I remember that trip more then any of the rest..it was truly magicial for me..

 

[tink2]

I'm on the 'go as soon as possible' side here. My children both went at 6 months, then 2 1/2, and the last trip DD was 4. All 3 trips have been magical. As infants they were so amazed at everything- and I must say probably easier to deal with. BTW, we are kind of commando type and they slept in the strollers wonderfully. 2 1/2 is magical b/c they are so curious about everything. Though DD and DS had different experiences at this age. DD at 2 1/2 was scared of the characters and it took a few character meals before she warmed up- but when she did she was 'attacking' them with hugs! DS at 2 1/2 ran to them at first sight! DD was 4 this last year and it was wonderful! She squealed with delight the entire trip. She loved everything, had pretty good stanima, and really 'believed' everything. My niece, who was 7 this past trip, was beginning to figure out the characters, etc. and while it was still great for her, not nearly as 'magical'. I think it depends on you, the child, and what kind of experience you want. If it is a once in a lifetime trip, I say wait until they are around 3-5. However, once you go to WDW, you will be itching to get back asap!!!

 

[bytheblood]

My opinion is 5 or 6. I think all children and adults alike deserve a trip to WDW, however I believe 5 - 6 is a perfect age. They are old enough to not be afraid of characters, however they are yound enough to believe each of those character are just who you say they are. In addition, they have reached the age where they will always remember that trip.

 

[Clare]

Thanks everyone! Even though our daughter is only 3 months old & we will definately wait until she is at least 2, I know now that I won't wait much beyond that! Before kids, my husband and I went to WDW frequently and will continue to do so once our little one is old enough.

When I told my husband that some people thought we should wait until she is 5 or 6, he told me I was crazy and that there is no way we're waiting that long to take her. I think he'll be as excited about seeing her there as she will be to go!

Thanks for sharing your opinions with me!

 

[G&J's Mom]

We just got back from our first trip with DD 4 and DS 2. DD is mildly autistic, so I really had to prepare myself for a whole different set of challenges. She did wonderfully as did DS. DD talks non stop about the trip and DS talks about the Tommies at AKL. Just seeing their big bright eyes take in all the excitement was more than worth it.

We just arranged our schedule by taking ques from them. When they got tired, we took breaks, left the park, swam, just relaxed.

Have a good time whenever you decide to go.

Denise

 

[Autumngirl]

I have to agree with a couple of points made already....

1. Once in a lifetime trip or going again?

2. Are you going for you or for them?

3. Depends on the child.


If it's once in a life time...I would wait until they were a little older so everyone can enjoy the trip.

I can't tell you how many times I seen kids hit, slapped and screamed at because they were tired and cranky. If I had a dollar for everytime I heard "Do you know HOW MUCH this trip is costing us?!?!" I could vacation FREE in WDW every year...and how many adults I've heard gripe because they can't go on a ride because their child is too small. If you are going for them... then you GO FOR THEM... you rest when they rest...you eat when they are hungry, potty breaks when THEY have to go...even if it means leaving a line you've been in for an hour and you don't force them on "scary rides" that they don't want to go on.

If this trip is for you... then leave the kids home with Grandma or Aunt Betty until they are older.

I don't think you lose the magic, just because you bring an older child...We went in December with my 11 year old Neice and Nephew. I thought it was the PERFECT age.... old enough to keep up the pace, feed,dress and clean themselves, BUT young enough to enjoy the magic!(Do you EVER outgrow the magic, I know I haven't!) My neice is completely addicted to the "Princesses" now and everything is about "Disney".... she can't wait to go back with us in October.

As DVC memebers, my DH and I have already discussed it. When we have kids... She/he gets to stay with Grandma & Grandpa for some quality time until they are at least 3. Again... it will depend on the kid. JMHO

 

[decker96]

I also agree that there's no "right age" to take them for their first trip. Our DD was 5 and DS was 2 when we took them. They both had a great time and ask continuously when we are going back (gotta wait until youngest DD is 2, DH's limit!). It was great watching them experience everything especially since they had such different reactions. DD5 was enthralled with the characters, wanted to get as many autographs as possible. DS2 would watch the characters, but didn't want to get too close. He loved the shows, however, while DD was more into the rides although they enjoyed both. Taking young children is not a pain, if you're prepared to tour on their schedule. We took breaks every afternoon and knew we would never get through everything in every park, but that was fine with us. As long as you plan accordingly, I think any age is a great one.