Disney at age 3.25 or 4.25?

[MamaOfTwoPrincesses]

If you could only go to WDW once, would you rather take a child who is 3.25 or 4.25?

Our little one is our wild card. She is now 2.75, and we are contemplating another trip either in either fall 2008 (age 3.25) or fall 2009 (age 4.25). She is not yet potty trained and still needs a good 2+ hour nap every day. Our older DD would be either 6.75 or 7.75. She is a girly girl, still totally into her princesses, so I don't think it would matter one way or the next for her.

And no, we can't go twice!

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[EllaDisney]

If it were only one time, I would bring her at 4.25.

 

[Relish]

I would definately wait the extra year if you think it won't make a difference to your Dd1.

 

[auntie]

We've had them at both ages. Either is nice..as long as their trained. That being said, if it's a one time trip..make it when she's 4...she will retain and remember more of it.

 

[nessz79]

If you insist on it being a one-time trip ....

I'd say 4.25. They'll remember a little more and be a little more aware of things.

 

[stacy6552]

I voted for the younger one to be 4.25. However, I really think either is fine and the age of your older daughter might become an issue is 18 mos. What if she hits that, "Oh how embarrassing" thing before then? I'd change my vote to 3 if I could.

 

[mickeyfan0805]

I voted for the younger one to be 4.25. However, I really think either is fine and the age of your older daughter might become an issue is 18 mos. What if she hits that, "Oh how embarrassing" thing before then? I'd change my vote to 3 if I could.

I agree that the age of the older daughter is as, if not more, important than the younger. When you say you can only go once, is that in the near future, or ever? If the two will only ever make it back once in their life, I would wait the extra year. However, if a return trip when the younger is 6 or 7 is in the cards, I would focus on the experience of the older daughter while she is into the princesses, then do the same for the younger in a few years (at which point your older will be able to go with Mom or Dad on SM, EE, TT, Soarin, etc... while the other does the princess thing).

 

[EthansMom]

If you could go both years and were wondering if the 3 year-old would enjoy anything, I'd say, "definitely!"

Given the choice between the two ages, though, your DD is going to be able to do more and remember more at 4 than at 3.

 

[MamaOfTwoPrincesses]

Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate your comments.

We're talking now about maybe going this fall and then again in 2 years (when the girls are @ 5 and 8.5) My older DD is in kindergarten now, and she is sort of naive, which I appreciate. Some of her friends are already in Hannah Montana and High School Musical (nothing wrong with these things, but a bit much for a 6 year old, IMHO). She is content to dote on her princesses, fairies, and Wicked (yes, the Broadway musical!) Most of her friends have no clue about that - but she belts out "Defying Gravity" as well as Elphaba! My point is that she is still very young and super girly, and I don't see that changing any time soon.

My poor DH thinks that we've made a final decision not to do it, but *I'm* the one who keeps saying, "Well, maybe we could..."

Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts. We're still deciding....

 

[maxiesmom]

I would wait the extra year too. But I have to ask, why are you so sure you won't go back?

 

[MamaOfTwoPrincesses]

I would wait the extra year too. But I have to ask, why are you so sure you won't go back?

Oh, we'll go back again! It's just not something that we can do every year.

And I currently have a courtesy hold for this October!!

 

[maxiesmom]

Oh, Ok! I was reading it as you were never going back. I thought it a little odd that you were planning on going, but never going again after that! My bad!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I voted for waiting and this is why I said wait. We took DS 18 months ago when he was just shy of 3. He still needed the naps and wouldn't nap in his stroller unless he got to the point of pure exhaustion. He was afraid of the characters and wouldn't have anything to do with them.

When we go next month he will be just over 4 yrs and 4 months old and won't stop talking about meeting Mickey and the other characters. He is more mature than he was the first time and I think it will be a much more enjoyable trip for him.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

it looks like you have decided, but I am just getting on tonight and wanted to add to all the others that have said 4.5
Much easier time, some pre-school (ie- know how to wait and share), potty trained, most likely no naps, more attention span, more memberable

 

[design_mom]

I think it totally depends on the child.

We took DS when he was 3.25 and it was the most magical trip. He was totally into the magic and it was spectacular. (He had always been afraid of characters in restaurants, at festivals, etc. so I was afraid he wouldn't like the Disney characters, but the fear just melted away.) It was wonderful.

We said, "We must go back when DD is 3.25. It's such a magical age!" so we took another trip this year. While we still had a great time, I'm not sure that DD got nearly as much out of it as DS did at the same age. A lot of times she just seemed confused. I think she might have enjoyed it more at a slightly older age. Between our trip (last December) and now, she has totally fallen in love with Mickey Mouse, the princesses, etc. While we were there -- not so much.

So for DS, 3.25 was the perfect age. For DD I think 4.25 would have been better -- but you're the only one who can make that call! Good luck!

 

[MrsHerbie53]

You know your kids best. But I did vote for 4.25, simply because my DS was 4 on his first trip and it was great!! I actually wasn't sure about taking him then, but it worked great. He did have an issue with the characters that have a human appearance (peter pan, pocahontas, etc.), but he otherwise thoroughly enjoyed himself. He still doesn't remember many aspects of that particular trip, but that is largely because we have taken him 2 more times since then and he has fresher memories.

My other theory is go when you can and your children at whatever their current "stage" will enjoy themselves.

 

[HeatherinVT]

I voted for 4.25...
I took my daughter at 3.25-3.5 and she did a fine job! and i dont regret it one bit but i do think the extra year makes a huge difference on how much more they can tolerate as far as long days etc etc

My hubby and I both saw a difference in her maturity in just 6 months...

BUT let me just say she remembers EVERYTHING from her trip at 3!!

 

[MoniqueU]

Some of my best memories at Disney are when my kids were real little say 18 months and above. The wonder in their eyes is just great and outweighs any hassles brought on with the younger ages, so if YOU have the energy and stamina to keep up with your kids at that age I say go for it. I am not one for waiting until they are old enough to remember a trip or behave just right. With a little effort and flexibility a younger child can make a trip of a lifetime.

 

[MamaOfTwoPrincesses]

ETA: If we follow through and go at age 3.25, I think we could conceivably go again when she is 5 too!

 

[Us3]

Hello! I can only speak from my experience.... and I can tell you that 4 years old is SUCH a magical time for a child to go. We went twice with our oldest daughter when she was 4. She knew all of the characters and all of the magic was sooooo real to her. We'll be there in a couple of weeks with our now 9 year old, 3 an 2 year old dd's!!

Good luck with your decision!