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

[WUVmyDISNEY]

I took my oldest DS the summer after he just turned 1. He doesn't remember it at all. I didn't expect him to. For me, I wanted to see that joy on his face of meeting the characters. I wanted that experience. He had fun while he was there and I was overjoyed seeing him laughing at this or that, being a little hesitant with Mickey and the characters and I remember him getting so excited seeing the ducks lol That's part of the "joy of parenthood"! It's not just for the kids, it is for us too

 

[Nicole276]

I took Dd3 back in March for just a short trip. It was jet her, my aunt, and I. Dh stayed home with our then 6 month old Ds. He didn't have the vacation time to go anyhow. We never dreamed we would take our kids this young, but after visiting the world with Dd, I knew we could handle it. We are all going in Jan. Dh has never been and all the guys he works with tell him it's dumb we are going and they won't remember, ya da ya da ya da.
Dd still remembers our last trip although it was less than a year ago, and Ds is now 15 months. Plus my response is that I don't care if they remember it, but seeing them enjoy themselves in the moment is priceless !!

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Our DS was 3 and 2 months when we first took him. He didn't talk alot at that age either (and hasn't shut up in the last year, its payback), so we were really concerned it was a waste but have an older DD so went for her and us of course! Let's just say he wasn't the brightest bulb out there either, very forgetful (but he is darn cute), distracted often and can barely remember to do things like eat his dinner when it is infront of him on the table (still at 5), but he remembers tons of the trip. And with suprising detail. Just the other day he said to me, remember that time we saw the bears singing and the moose on the wall talking at Disney? We havn't been back to Country Bears since and I never mention it, plus he was wore out and half asleep that day so I can't beleive he remembers that.

I don't let it bother me when people say stuff to us about taking the kids places when they were so young. I remember stuff from about 4 or a little before and regardless parents are still human beings even when you have kids. You don't have to stop having fun and be locked up until the kids are old enough to 'get it'.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Those who say that are just silly. While I personally wouldn't take my future kid(s) at such a young age due to having to take care of the kid's needs (feed, change diapers, etc.) and not being able to ride the rides and see the shows because I would be busy taking care of them, I don't think people shouldn't take their kids at such a young age. Not that I wouldn't want to take care of my kid(s), but I'd be on a vacation and I want to have just as much fun as my kid(s).

I just wouldn't want to feel like I'm wasting my money. I'd rather wait until they are out of their diapers and I don't have to worry about changing their diapers or breastfeeding them or taking them back to the hotel for naps, etc. It would take up so much of the day that I would feel like I didn't get to do anything and it would probably feel like I was back at home and not on a vacation. I commend those who can do it, but it would definitely not be for me.

I didn't go on my first trip til I was 9 and haven't been since and I'm almost 21. My siblings were 7, 5 and 3. While I don't remember the trip that much, I know I had a good time. I do remember not wanting to ride the Haunted Mansion (I was bawling my eyes out), when my youngest brother (the one that was 5) stomped his foot on Rafiki's foot, when my sister (the one that was 3) showed Woody her rubber toy snake, he pretended to take it out of his boot, which I thought was totally adorable and when my grandparents bought my a Piglet plush doll.

tl;dr - Take your children at any age you feel like! Some people can do it when their children are babies/toddlers and some people can't. Being too young is no excuse to not to take your children to Disney World.

 

[mousireid]

We first took our son before his Daddy deployed. He was one and we had THE best time just watching him, soaking up our own magic together as a family and I will never forget it. We have so many pictures over teh years and although he doesn't remember the first time he went we sure do! WE went again and again over the years and each time we brought a new little person to teh park it was like living the magic again through new eyes. I can't explain it, but with the little ones we saw things differently and have continued to do so each time no matter the age.

Santa Claus seems to add a little extra magic, as do tooth fairies etc. Its all about imagination and children do it so well, it is contagious!

 

[mjp12831]

Our just 5yo has vivid memories of or 2009 trip - people telling you this are full of it and either don't understand or are being downers. Plus, part of the fun is you watching your kids get immersed in it - that's a memory you wont forget.

 

[kathy884]

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.

I think people who react like that normally are ones who think of Disney as a once in a lifetime thing vs. your family vacation pick this year (What sounded the most fun to do within budget this year for you and your gang) // And probably that family that is only going once would want to go when their kids are a little older will remember it. I've heard people say similar things to people who take their babies / toddlers to Europe and National Parks. In fact, people in general think these people are much crazier than people who take their kids to family friendly Disney.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Haven't read the whole thread yet, but wanted to share a story.

My niece is getting married in a few weeks. As a gift for her bridal shower, my husband made her a "this is your life" video with all sorts of clips from her childhood. When we were looking through the home movies, we found three hours of footage from a Disney trip she took with her mom, sister, and grandparents (my in-laws) in the late 80s.

Well, this video is amazing. It has both girls (4 and 2 at the time, I think) with all sorts of characters, at the parades, character breakfasts, etc. While they were waiting on line for the rides, my FIL would do "interviews" with the little girls, asking them about the resorts and parks, all sorts of things. Very, very cute.

Both of my in-laws passed away in the past sixteen months. so obviously won't be at their granddaughter's wedding. But, those videos are really precious, and our niece was very glad to have the footage. Maybe she doesn't remember everything from that trip, but she can watch the movies any time and see what a great time she had.

 

[plutotek]

Whether you take your little one to WDW (or any other destination) is your right and prerogative. However, if you do, you need to keep your magical memory making within your own sphere of influence and out of everyone else's.

When you're in a show and little Johnny starts throwing a tantrum because you've been rushing all day, remove him so that we can enjoy it. And if Suzy wants to see the parade, make sure you find your spot in advance instead of thinking I'll give up my spot. Most of all, just remember that when you opt for a stroller that doubles as a battering ram, there are some that will push back when you try to run over them to get to the next princess.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

DH just brought up this "logic" the other day about our September trip. DS will be almost 3, will he really remember it? Ummmm....we took him to DL 4 times before he was 18 months old. He was recognizing Mickey (and saying his name) before his 1st birthday.

DHs biggest concern is this "may" be our only trip shouldn't we wait until they are big enough to enjoy it all....my point: it WILL be our only chance to go while they are little enough to marvel at the magic. The kids will be 9 (almost 10), 6.5, 4, and almost 3. After this trip my oldest will be starting middle school and I will be starting nursing school. We wouldn't be able to go again for about 5 years and then only for a short trip (instead of the 2 weeks planned in September) due to school, sports, etc. Besides by then, they'll all be Disney "adults" and it will be A LOT more expensive of a trip. We were lucky enough to get an RCI trade into DVC for 2 consecutive weeks....it must be PIXIE DUST!

 

[linzbear]

My first trip to WDW was when I was 10, and I don't remember it save a few meh memories (long line at space mountain, buying pens in EP, swimming in the hotel pool). That's mostly because there aren't any pictures - it's just impossible to remember things unless you repeat them or take lots of pictures!

Anyway, we've taken DS (22mo) twice now. I usually just say it's our yearly vacation and no one has given me flack yet.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

My first trip to WDW was when I was 10, and I don't remember it save a few meh memories (long line at space mountain, buying pens in EP, swimming in the hotel pool). That's mostly because there aren't any pictures - it's just impossible to remember things unless you repeat them or take lots of pictures!

Very true! I barely remember most of my trips to DLR (at least anything not captured in photos), even my trips as a teenager. Heck I apparently blocked an entire trip (I was 18) from memory until I came across letters I wrote to DH (was my BF at the time) while I was gone.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

My first trip to WDW was when I was 10, and I don't remember it save a few meh memories (long line at space mountain, buying pens in EP, swimming in the hotel pool). That's mostly because there aren't any pictures - it's just impossible to remember things unless you repeat them or take lots of pictures!

Anyway, we've taken DS (22mo) twice now. I usually just say it's our yearly vacation and no one has given me flack yet.

I remember all of our trips after I was four or so. So, you never know.

 

[LWatson]

I'll admit I havent read past page 1. But, we took our kids Feb 2009 for the first time. My oldest had JUST turned 3 the day prior and my youngest turned 1 a few weeks prior. I STILL enjoy that trip. We have been back 2x since and are going again in 10days. My kids LOVE it, and they DO remember it. My youngest loves Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, and Spaceship Earth and that's all we have heard about since he found out we are going. He turns 3 while there. My oldest can remember his first encounter w/ Mickey in the "safari" outfit (he calls it mickey's brown outfit) from 2years ago.

 

[AndyMcV]

...I was just told that yesterday - of course by someone who has never been....

I just love people that live life from their armchair. Um... how would they have ANY idea if a child would remember it or not if they have never been to WDW themselves to experience it???? Oh boy...

We went the first time with our 3 year old son. He literally had a smile on his face the entire 12 day trip. The experiences he and we had were absolutely priceless. Does he remember any of it (being 11 now)? Heck YES!! Even if he didn't remember it, he had so much fun at the time and so did we along side him.

I think some people need to keep their uneducated Disney comments to themselves.

 

[Albytaps]

My 2 year old loved WDW. I have some great pictures of her going on Dumbo and the Carousel. She went on many other rides as well but I didn't take pictures. I can safely say, she's a ride-a-holic.

 

[jpolak]

DD #1 made her first trip at 10 mos. DS was 6 mos for his first. DD #2 will 14 mos. for hers. Regardless of age we as a family have made great memories at WDW. It's great when we go back because we can show DD #1 what she used to love to do at different ages.

 

[mrsr2ro]

Whether you take your little one to WDW (or any other destination) is your right and prerogative. However, if you do, you need to keep your magical memory making within your own sphere of influence and out of everyone else's.

When you're in a show and little Johnny starts throwing a tantrum because you've been rushing all day, remove him so that we can enjoy it. And if Suzy wants to see the parade, make sure you find your spot in advance instead of thinking I'll give up my spot. Most of all, just remember that when you opt for a stroller that doubles as a battering ram, there are some that will push back when you try to run over them to get to the next princess.

Bad behavior and attitudes come from all ages.

You know, I didn't experience any of these things last week in WDW with my 4 and 6yo. Saw a couple of crying kids outside between attractions but nothing that ruined our fun. Walked into MK at 3:05 PM to find the area around the entry hub pretty much empty. Stood at a large empty area of rope and had front row seats to when the 3pm parade came by a few minutes later. Didn't have my ankles bumped by any strollers even at the times the walkways were crowded.

I left my little ones home with DH precisely because I knew the pace of that trip would be too much for them. That's why I'm planning a SEPARATE trip with just them to go at THEIR pace - which I expained in my OP. I don't need grumps like you to give me parenting / park touring advice.

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

we got this a few times, and still do when talking about going to disney to other young families about disney.

we went last year when our kids were 4 and 2.5. both of them remembered it and talked about it non stop for months until our next trip. and there was nothing like seeing their faces lite up when watching wishes over the castle.

 

[plutotek]

First, the 'you' was a generic 'you' to those posters with their elitist attitudes. I may not agree w/your choice, but I didn't have any issues with your point of view, either.
Second, there was no advice being given, but requests being made.

I will never understand the desire for people to bring infants/toddlers to any place like WDW or US or 6 Flags, or any other destination that is full of over-stimulation. However, as long as their enjoyment doesn't interfere with mine, I'm okay.