Best Ages For First Trip

[gila]

i realize many of you will probably say it's never too young, but....this won't be an annual event for us, and i want everyone to be able to enjoy the experience of the parks as well as the hotel pool. i've got 2 nephews--currently they are 8 & 4. while i'm sure a 4 year old would enjoy the trip, i'm not convinced that their energy levels are compatible enough or their heights equal enough to ride the same attractions, etc. i want to make the trip as stress-free and hassle-free for everyone involved as much as possible, so i was thinking waiting until they are 7 and 11. thoughts? go ahead, and lay into me....i'm ready

 

[Aliceacc]

We waited until our youngest was 5 for a variety of reasons: first and foremost, I returned to work last year and this wasn't remotely feasible before now. Additionally, we know it will be quite some time before we can swing it again, and wanted her to be able to put up with some long days.

That said, it's what's right for US, not what's right for YOU.

I keep saying, on a variety of topics: one big thing we learned from 9/11 is that no one is guaranteed a tomorrow, or a happy, healthy, economically stable one. So if you can afford to go now, go now. If you can afford to go again next month, or in a year, or in 3 years or 10, go again.

The things a 4 year old can't do (Space Mountain for example) are very likely to be offset by the wonder he will find in things we take for granted (like meeting THE REAL Mickey Mouse or Buzz Lightyear.) Traveling with kids brings its own challenges, but it's entirely do-able. It just takes a mixture of common sense (like stopping when they've had enough) and adaptablity-- the willingness to stop and smell the roses.

I know that my own mindset is often too practical. Life's too short to be that practical. Go when the time is right for you.

 

[ilovediznee2]

I personally waited until my girls were 5 before I took them. At that age, they were able to go on almost everything, and enjoy it. It is, however, really up to you. I have seen 3- and 4-year olds enjoy the park just as well. On the contrary, I have seen 9- and 10- year olds throwing fits... It depends on how you think your nephews would be.
My opinion is that at that age, they don't need afternoon naps, so they can go a little longer without tiring out. If you want to wait until your nephews are older, then wait. This will give you more time to save money, and maybe you can upgrade your hotel, do more extra things, etc. Only you know your nephews enough to make that call.
Whatever you decide, it will be good. They will love it.

 

[rt2dz]

OK, this is a story I’ve told many times. When DS#1 was 1 yo I was talking about a trip to WDW we were planning in playgroup. One mom kept telling me that it is too young, why bother? She had 1yo DD and a 5yo DS. She kept saying she was going to wait until her DD was 7 or 8; the kids would get more out of it. I said, well, maybe if you are only going once in a lifetime, but this would just be DS first trip; even if we didn’t go every year, we’d go every few years. Another mom in the playgroup agreed, but she was a Disney Specialist TA prior to being a mom.

Well the mom who thought I was crazy had a Step DD who had a big competition/show in WDW a year later. To say the least they we’re going and taking their kids. When she came back, she was so thrilled she took them. She was floored at how much they could do, how much they enjoyed it, and decided that they would just go back in a few years. She told me I was so right. That’s not the end of the story though; it used to be.

A little over a year later, three weeks before her DD turned 4, her DD was complaining of her stomach hurting. She took her to the Dr. The Dr sent them to the Children’s Hospital immediately. Her DD was in surgery a day later. She had cancer. They fought and she went into remission. Then it came back. She fought and went into remission. Then it came back. She fought and lost. The DD was buried three months shy of her 7th birthday. At the funeral she was saying how they learned to never wait for anything in life because you just never know what life is going to deal you. One of the things she specifically mentioned was being able to take her DD, healthy and with hair, to WDW.

OK, I have to go give a friend a call now. This is a tough mother’s day for her.

 

[Russian-in-Kansas]

We have waited until now to have a 6 and 7 year old to go, mostly because that is something we want them to remember and enjoy for quite some time. Before this year we have been to "adult" places--Barcelona, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Athens..., because it was so easy to travel from Germany and because that is something that DH and I enjoyed. The kids were a bit of an accessory since they didn't care much for whatever ruins or museums we visited. Last year though we went to St. Louis for a week and did a lot of kidddie things and they still remember and we figured this was a time for a kid-centered vacation. I am sure DH and I will enjoy it too, I love planning for it and love the boards for all the great tips, but it is not something we would spend money on and vacation time if the kids were much, much younger. But to me 4 and 8 doesn't sound all that young actually, probably also the perfect timing, especially considering the older child and that this won't be an annual thing just like for us.

 

[Aliceacc]

Also, keep in mind: once the older child turns 10, he's an "adult" on the meal plan.

 

[rt2dz]

Also, keep in mind: once the older child turns 10, he's an "adult" on the meal plan.

And with tickets. Actually, at this point, they aren't supposed to order off the kids menu, but I highly doubt any server would stop you.

 

[gila]

i hadn't considered the difference in ticket/meal prices between a 9 and 10-year old....hmmmm....but i guess that's more of a secondary concern, as is the dreaded "where to stay" question. we've only been once before (took 10- and 13-year old nieces) several years ago and stayed in 1 room at the dolphin. it was a great trip, loved the dolphin's location, though a little cramped for 4. with the nephews, we'll be bring MIL along as well, so will need accomodation for 5 (cabin at ft. wilderness maybe, or POR w/ trundle, or 2 rooms at an all-star...) anyway, i appreciate all the candid replies and help from everyone!

 

[ElmerTinaRh]

We took our dgd last year when she was 4. I heard so many times that she was too young and we were waisting our money. Well, to see the magic from the eyes of a four year old is priceless. We went back to the hotel every afternoon for a nap, then she was ready to go again. They also said she would forget the trip. Well, we took tons of pictures and she talks about it all the time. We have another trip planned this year (9 days by the way) and I can't wait to take her again. She did the BBB last year and I would recommend this to anyone with a young girl. It was great. We hardly, if any, had times when she wasn't enjoying herself. Just remember it is very important for toddlers to rest in the afternoon. We planned our trip around her and I must say I don't know who enjoyed it more, her or me.

 

[JackJack08]

OK, this is a story I’ve told many times. When DS#1 was 1 yo I was talking about a trip to WDW we were planning in playgroup. One mom kept telling me that it is too young, why bother? She had 1yo DD and a 5yo DS. She kept saying she was going to wait until her DD was 7 or 8; the kids would get more out of it. I said, well, maybe if you are only going once in a lifetime, but this would just be DS first trip; even if we didn’t go every year, we’d go every few years. Another mom in the playgroup agreed, but she was a Disney Specialist TA prior to being a mom.

Well the mom who thought I was crazy had a Step DD who had a big competition/show in WDW a year later. To say the least they we’re going and taking their kids. When she came back, she was so thrilled she took them. She was floored at how much they could do, how much they enjoyed it, and decided that they would just go back in a few years. She told me I was so right. That’s not the end of the story though; it used to be.

A little over a year later, three weeks before her DD turned 4, her DD was complaining of her stomach hurting. She took her to the Dr. The Dr sent them to the Children’s Hospital immediately. Her DD was in surgery a day later. She had cancer. They fought and she went into remission. Then it came back. She fought and went into remission. Then it came back. She fought and lost. The DD was buried three months shy of her 7th birthday. At the funeral she was saying how they learned to never wait for anything in life because you just never know what life is going to deal you. One of the things she specifically mentioned was being able to take her DD, healthy and with hair, to WDW.

OK, I have to go give a friend a call now. This is a tough mother’s day for her.

EXACTLY. Don't ever put off tomorrow, what you can do today. The best advice I can give is, if you think the kids are too young and they won't remember. Just think of how YOU, will remember. YOU, will remember the smiles on their faces, the giggles, the awe of everything around them. Seeing their reactions to everything, is my fav. part of the trip.

 

[pjzkent]

I agree with the others in that what is right for me might not be right for you. That being said, we took our kids for their first trip at the ripe old ages of 2 (almost 3) and 4(almost 5). They loved all of it. Yes, there were rides they could not ride (but you can't really see what goes on in Space Mountain) so how do they know that they are missing anything?

Just keep in mind that what is exciting to them may not be all that exciting for you. My kids would have spent the whole day at the playground across from the Pooh ride, or playing in the water in Toon Town and never known there was anything else to do. We also rode on the Buzz Lightyear ride about 100 times. But to this day, they still talk about riding on the monorail, or that we had dinner with Cinderella, or even standing in the pouring rain to watch the fireworks in MK, and they are now 4 and 6. All in all we had a GREAT time.

 

[krkruger]

we took our two children to disney for the first time when they were four and five. They were not fast paced days but they sure enjoyed every minute of their vacation. It depends on the kids as well.....

 

[Magic2000]

I have three girls, and they had each been to Disney by the time they were about 15 months old. We loved going with them at a younger age - they had such a good time, and we did it at their pace. Well, once you've stopped and smelled the roses at Disney, it makes you realize that you don't have to go commando to have fun! Now that the kids are older, we still like to take our time and see the "little things". We do have our "commando" days, but its a good mixture of the two, and really makes for a wonderful Disney vacation!

 

[higgy66]

We took our DDs to Disney Paris when they were 4 & 3 and they loved it. We took pleanty of phots and a camcorder and they still talk about it now and what they loved about
it.

We're taling them to WDW next year when they will be almost 7 & 6 but we know that this will not be our only trip so plan to just do the Disney parks this time with plenty of breaks, early nights etc. Just taking it at their pace.

To be honest the only reason we've waited this long is due to the 9 hour flight - not the parks. I wanted to be confident they could sit for that length of time.

If it's a once in a lifetime trip then your decision is harder but if not then go for it when ever you can afford it.

Good luck planning

 

[Patti_C]

rt2dz, I got goose bumps from reading your post, it is so sad, and I really feel for that family.
On another note, I am taking my (will be 17 mos.) when we go, 3 and 5 year old grandaughters in Sept. My friends also think I am crazy for doing it, my thoughts are the same as other posters, we don't know what tomorrow will bring! Also, even if they don't remember it they will have fun while they are there! Uh by the way, I don't remeber things I did yesterday.

 

[mom2aredhead]

I'm firmly in the "you're never too young" camp...we brought my son when he was 13 months old...

BUT, it this is a once in a lifetime type of trip, the only suggestion I'd have is to make sure the younger one is 44" tall so there are fewer ride restrictions...that's the minimum for Space Mountain, Everest, and a few of the other bigger rides.

(Someone correct me, but I think RnR coaster is the only one that's more than 44" - maybe 48?)

 

[ElmerTinaRh]

I'm firmly in the "you're never too young" camp...we brought my son when he was 13 months old...

BUT, it this is a once in a lifetime type of trip, the only suggestion I'd have is to make sure the younger one is 44" tall so there are fewer ride restrictions...that's the minimum for Space Mountain, Everest, and a few of the other bigger rides.

(Someone correct me, but I think RnR coaster is the only one that's more than 44" - maybe 48?)

For some reason I thought I read somewhere about a height resctriction of 41" for some rides. Does anyone really know what the height restrictions are or where I can find out?

 

[mom2aredhead]

For some reason I thought I read somewhere about a height resctriction of 41" for some rides. Does anyone really know what the height restrictions are or where I can find out?

Here you go...I looked it up - I didn't want to guess and give out wrong info...


Dinosaur - Height minimum is now 40 inches (102 cm).

Expedition Everest Must be at least 44 inches (112 cm) tall to ride.

Kali River Rapids - Must be at least 38 inches (97 cm) tall to ride.

Animal Kingdom Primeval Whirl Must Be at least 48 Inches (122cm) tall.

Body Wars (Wonders of Life) Must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall

Mission: SPACE Must be at least 44 inches (112 cm) tall to ride.

Epcot Soarin' Must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to ride.

Test Track Must be at least 40 inches (102 cm)tall to ride

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall

Goofy's Barnstormer 35 inch (89 cm) height requirement

Space Mountain Must be at least 44 inches (112 cm) tall to ride.

Splash Mountain Must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to ride

Magic Kingdom Stitch's Great Escape Must be at least 40 inches (102 cm)

Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland Speedway Children under the age of 12 months should not ride. Must be at least 52 inches (132 cm) to drive. Persons who do not meet the minimum height requirement of 52" (132 cm) must ride with a responsible person who meets the requirement.

Rock N Roller Coaster High Speed (3 inverts) Coaster; Must be 48" tall

Star Tours Must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall to ride.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Must be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall

The list is an edited one from the allears website - here's the link.

http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/rr.htm

There are a lot that are 40". I guess I had 44" in my head because my son really wanted to go on Space Mountain and was about 42.5" at the time.

 

[ElmerTinaRh]

Thanks Mom

 

[Dallas_Lady]

We took our 12 month old and had a lot of fun, but, we also plan to go every few years. So we don't mind that she couldn't get on everything (though she got on a lot of things) and that she won't remember.

If it were more of a once in a lifetime trip, I would wait until 40 inches so they can do more and be old enough to remember it.