"But they won't remember it..."

[auntfrannie]

If I had to schedule my trips based on how much I would remember, I would never get to go! I seriously have a really, really bad memory. I went in May and I know I had a great time but I couldn't tell you any specifics. And I'm okay with that! While I was there I enjoyed myself and I have plenty of pictures to help me recall everything that I've forgotten!

Little kids probably remember just as much (probably more) than what I remember from my trips as an adult!

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Took DS3 in 2008, he had a great time! Fun in the restaurants, with the characters, many rides! And he remembers a LOT.... Coming back in 2009 and 2010, he could remember things he did with Pop-Pop and Grandmom when they came with us in 2008.

I would take a younger child too... but only if we had other adults with us so turns could be taken when we want to get on the "big rides". The nice thing about younger children is they still fit in the stroller... and we took a nice comfy stroller that DS3 could fall asleep in... and we could stay out later.

 

[iloman]

Doesn't it just seem odd people ask you why you're taking your family to a FAMILY destination!?

 

[pepe of ohio]

We just returned a few weeks ago, our granddaughter's first trip to wdw (11 months). We all had a great time (her mommie and daddy and me and the wife)...will she remember it, no but we had a great time watching her enjoy herself and interact with the characters (pictures and movies will prove ahe was there) and why not take them, they are free (no park passes). It was our 44th trip and her 1st but we got more enjoyment out of the last one than you can believe...she did alot, swam in the resort pool and no way was a hinderance. I've read too many post of guests who go and leave their children at home, no way could we do that......we enjoy Disney and want everyone to share in that fun.

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

I don't think there is anything wrong with people taking toddlers and babies. It all about making family memories.

But we waited until DD was 5. Mostly because she was terrified of costumes and crowds. She was very timid when she was younger. We would show her the planning DVD and pictures in books and ask if she wanted to go see Micky Mouse and she would answer, "NO, I don't like mice"

We live in the arctic and we thought it would be too overwhelming for her. But once her friends started going she came around. I'm glad we waited and we had a awesome first trip. We all loved it and now it is our annual winter vacation

If people don't want their children to do anything fun until they are old enough to remember, that's sad But I think alot of people just aren't interested in that type of vacation and just use that as an excuse

 

[MagicMe]

Personally, I really hate when people say that. I've been fortunate enough to travel to WDW many times and my two boys are now grown men. If I had to choose one memory that has stayed with me the most - it would be when my youngest was 3 and he rode Small World for the first time. The look on his face as we entered into the actual ride section was priceless. I would never had seen that reaction if he was older.

 

[Tanbellisima]

Ok - I know many of you bring toddlers to WDW. Did you get a lot of people giving you the buzzkill line of "Why? They won't remember it?".

I was just told that yesterday - of course by someone who has never been. I responded that *We* will remember it, and that they will really enjoy themselves, and we will enjoy watching them enjoy themselves.

Since when is WDW just about the kids anyway -- I'm sure some of you can relate that WE adults enjoy it ourselves, right??

Backstory -- last Dec our WDW trip included DH, me (pregnant), DS5, DS3, and DD1, and my parents. After the trip we all decided that DD1 had the most fun! While she did slow us down, we loved seeing her experience everything. This year, since we wanted to focus on doing rides all day, I just took my DSs, now 6 and 4, and my mom for a 4 day trip. Fantastic time and there is no way we could have accomplished as much with a toddler and or baby along (or my Dad & DH ). But I can't forget how much my DD enjoyed last year. So now I want to take just the girls for short, but slow paced trip with both of my parents.

When I've told people this, a couple have already started in with the "What? Why? They won't remember it! That's nuts!", etc. So I'm turing to you, the DIS, my fellow WDW addicts to vent. Surely there are some of you that can agree that even though a toddler may not remember the trip when they grow up, it's still worth doing? My parents are not going to be around forever, and giving them the joy of seeing their grandchildren enjoy Disney, to me, makes it worth it. It's not just about the kids memories.

First off, I agree with you. You birth your children so you get to enjoy your time with them. Carry on with the joy. The rest is for the naysayers. You naysayers have never been to a dance party with an 18 month old. Toddlers are way more into Disney than most adults. They turn out that dance floor.LOL!They can also eat adults under the table.

Molding a child starts in the womb. A baby needs stimulus. A toddler needs experiences to grow and develop. Children need love, attention, joy to become whole happy adults. What does a toddler need more than a hug and encouragement. What do we get at Disney World? Hugs and more hugs. Joy and more Joy. What else does a little guy need? Some good wholesome food. What do we get at Disney World? Yummy wholesome food. Some of it may be fried but so what? Babies need fat to be smart. It supports their myelin fatty sheath. Fat creates a better, smarter brain. Children learn by example. By taking our babies, our newborns, our toddlers to WDW or DL or DCL we show them their community. We show our children that the world is a place of love and sharing. We learn how to have manners. We get restaurant etiquette. We Share. Stand in line. Share our food. That the world and the human race is all in need of the same thing. Each other.

Do not apologize nor second guess yourself for being a loving parent who enjoys being with your children. Continue on. Take your babies to WDW and DL. For those who disagree please take a spoonfull of sugar and watch Mary Poppins. You have obviously lost touch with your inner child and need a good dose of living in the moment. The moment of joy. Disney World is never a waste of money. On anyone. Small or Big.

Well maybe a waste on the ungrateful but that is another topic and even then the Disney magic does wear off a little on the Grumpys of the group.

 

[Tyme4wdw]

I can tell you for a fact that children, no matter how young, remember Disney! I took my children since they were 8 months old. Sure there were things that they didn't remember, but, there were many things they did remember from one trip to the next. These were little things they noticed as well such as the twinkle lights in the trees, a moth that was flying around the light while in line for Peter Pan's Flight that my daughter (3 years old) swore was the real tinkerbell in which the next trip she kept looking at all the lights asking if I've seen tinkerbell. I see it in my grandson who just turned 4. I have taken him 6 times so far...starting at the age of 6 months. He knows where each ride is and if I'm going in the wrong direction to the ride he wants to go on. He has The Festival of the Lion King memorized and tells me which section he would like to sit in if there's room. As we walk around World Showcase he remembers where his favorite snack is and asks if we can stop to get one. Kids do remember, but most of all we remember each expression the kids make, the smiles on their faces, the pure wonderment and joy that shows in their eyes. Take your kids and enjoy!

 

[Disneyholic]

And on the opposite end of the spectrum is the people who think an adults only trip to WDW is crazy and thinks that we should move aside for the kids. We enjoy ourselves when we are there and remember it for now. Who knows what we will remember in a few years?

 

[Tanbellisima]

I don't think there is anything wrong with people taking toddlers and babies. It all about making family memories.

But we waited until DD was 5. Mostly because she was terrified of costumes and crowds. She was very timid when she was younger. We would show her the planning DVD and pictures in books and ask if she wanted to go see Micky Mouse and she would answer, "NO, I don't like mice"

We live in the arctic and we thought it would be too overwhelming for her. But once her friends started going she came around. I'm glad we waited and we had a awesome first trip. We all loved it and now it is our annual winter vacation

If people don't want their children to do anything fun until they are old enough to remember, that's sad But I think alot of people just aren't interested in that type of vacation and just use that as an excuse

Artic Disney Lover you are awesome! Your parenting skills rock!
I agree with you. I is so great that you communicate so well with your child. I have seen really timid children who are scared of everything blossom at WDW/DL. It only takes that one little moment where the magic is sparkling and the child opens up. My nephew was 3 and having a really tough year. He moved twice. Had 3 different preschools and he parents got divorced. Then he moved again to another state. He became sullen and withdrawn. We took him to WDW to try to give him something good in his little world. We took him around and he didn't seem to want anything. We sat 5 minutes at AK Colors of the Wind show on the 4th day. He was sitting on the bench with the rest of the kids then before I knew it he was back in my lap wanting to leave. He just sucked his thumb and didn't respond to playing. Then it happened. He saw Stitch. I had no idea he even liked Stitch. We had taken him to Chef Mickeys, CP, 1900 Park Fare, CRT and he did not want to talk to any characters. He was holding my hand when he broke free and started running through the crowd. I ran after him. He ran straight to Stitch who held his arms out and stood for at 2-3 minutes just hugging my nephew. There was a 20 person plus line for Stitch but everyone in line just clapped and smiled. The CM photographer took some great photos without being asked. The group in line have no idea how there willingness to let this happen and not complain and make my nephew get inline changed his life more than we can ever know. He played with Stitch for over 10 minutes. Lilo was there and my Nephew told her no thank for hugs. Literally he said,"No thank you." He hugged and hugged Stitch. The way Stitch reacted I will never know how the CM inside saw my nephew coming but he was soooo ready with his hugs. I never really told anyone else this story because the rest of our group went on without us and we had to find them later. But when I look at those pictures and then remember how afterwards my nephew asked to go to MK to go on BTR and Peter Pan again I cried. He also started eating again. And my nephew said,"No matter what, Stitch will always love me because Ohana means family." Tell me that doesnt just break your heart just a little?

 

[Tanbellisima]

And on the opposite end of the spectrum is the people who think an adults only trip to WDW is crazy and thinks that we should move aside for the kids. We enjoy ourselves when we are there and remember it for now. Who knows what we will remember in a few years?

RAOTFL! That is too true. Being a single adult female people think I'm nuts to want every vacation to be a Disney vacation. But they don't know magic. We Disney lovers know MAGIC. So when I can't get all my family to come along for the Disney fun I jump on a plane solo.

 

[2binak]

We took our DD at 8 months, 21 months & 33 months. We got (& still get) the "She won't remember anything" comments and we give the same answer - "WE will remember the trip and we'll have a great time seeing it all through her eyes and watching her enjoy it all."

And for those doubters, DD does remember the trip. Between the last 2 visits, DD continually talked about Pirates, the MK train, boats, the characters that she met & the animals at our hotel. She would bring things up out of thin air at times. In the car one day she said, "Mommy. The ground at Mickey's house is sparkly." I had to think back and then remembered that she spent a good amount of time in Epcot one night looking at the lights in the sidewalk in Future World. She may not remember these trips when she's older, but she remembers them now and we love remembering with her.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

My response is "But I'll remember it " and have LOTS of pictures to show her! My little 2 yr old went first when she was 20 mths, and then again at 27 mths, and when we get home she wants to watch Disneyworld.com videos of the parks. It's adorable. She says "Mickey castle!!!"

 

[solfan68]

We chose to wait until our son was five so that he could have memories of that first trip. THAT SAID, if someone wants to bring their infant/toddler to WDW at any given stage of the game - I've got no problem with that. Each family should do what they feel is right for their particular situation.

 

[GBBTomorrow]

I've heard this comment a lot, and I have just never understood it. Should I not have a first birthday party for my baby because she won't remember it? Should I not take her for walks, talk to her, go to the zoo or the aquarium, sing her songs or read her books? She will not "remember" any of those things either.

She will experience those things, though, and she will learn from those experiences. And like a previous poster said, I like the things she will learn at Disney, everything from the color, the motion and the music, to the happiness she feels in her family members.

My kids are older now, 14, 11, and 7, but we've been happily touring Disney parks since they were babies. I would not trade that time for anything in the world, whether they remember it or not.

 

[Pontifex]

Here is what I wrote in my pre-trip report (currently available in the pre-trip forum)...

Four, as it turns out, is the absolutest mostest bestest age to go to Disney World. Oh I have seen the debates against it, and I pity the poor children who parent can’t see this. The thing about four year olds, at least the ones that I want to associate with, is that for them it is all real. They have no trouble seeing the magic. There is no pressure or inhibition to giving yourself over freely to it and inhaling deeply of the pixie dust (yeah, I know I’m overusing this inhaling and breathing theme but it is my PTR so I’ll breath if I want to).

For me not taking my daughter to Disney World would be denying her a moment of sheer childhood bliss that could be with her for the rest of her life. In a world where the magic can sometime be hard to find giving her a chance to have this little bit with her and for always is a very precious gift and perhaps one of the best I can give her (think violins playing quietly in the background…or in my case violas since that is what I play).





Beyond that I went several times when I was "too young" and while I don't have a lot of specific memories from those trips it is what has established my love of disney and certainly was something I really really really enjoyed. I do have some half vague memories that are still pretty darn good. Heck half of my freshman year falls in that category (though for completely different reasons) and I was glad that it happened too.

 

[khertz]

If I had to choose one memory that has stayed with me the most - it would be when my youngest was 3 and he rode Small World for the first time. The look on his face as we entered into the actual ride section was priceless. I would never had seen that reaction if he was older.

That is so true! I never had the opportunity to go when I was at that stage. The first time I went to WDW, I was 9 and thought everything was "for babies." I didn't want to stand in line to meet characters because I knew they weren't real. Now, at age 26, I of course know they are real! But it's just not the same as when kids are at that age where everything is so magical and believable. I want my kids to experience that, and I want to experience it through them.

 

[cbg1027]

I went on my first trip during my 4th birthday. I don't remember the trip as a whole, but there are little snippets that I stand out in my mind 22 years later (like Mickey shaped butter at CRT).

If you enjoy taking a young child, do it. It's YOUR vacation. And they just may remember something.

 

[momejay]

My niece went to WDW with her mother & grandparents at 18 months old. She remembers her mother taking her there. (Sharing a Dole whip & riding on a pink Dumbo.) Her mom, my sister, passed away when my niece was 3. I am glad she has that memory.
My DD first sentences were "Have fun...Go bus..See Castle?"
DS first sentence was "Go pool at Mickey house?"
I think it is highly motivating for a toddler & so much fun for me as the adult to watch. I can't think of a reason not to take a toddler. It is the best time!

 

[Missytara]

RAOTFL! That is too true. Being a single adult female people think I'm nuts to want every vacation to be a Disney vacation. But they don't know magic. We Disney lovers know MAGIC. So when I can't get all my family to come along for the Disney fun I jump on a plane solo.

Ditto - I am an adult single female and just got back from a wonderful solo trip.

And people kept asking me, you went by yourself.

And you know what, I didn't even hit a single park and I still had a wonderful time.

Then they really look befuddled.

Disney is a place where I feel entirely safe going alone.