Disney Trip with Two Young Boys - 2005, 2006, or Heaven Forbid 2007!?

[ArRzrbk]

Hello all,

We are planning our first trip "home" as DVC Members for either 2005, 2006, or heaven forbid 2007. Don't think we can wait that long though! Anyway, my question is... What is a good age to take two young boys to Disney for the first time? Thanks for your help.

Char

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

I'm confused, if you don't intend to go to WDW until 2007 why did you purchase DVC?

 

[madoug]

We took our two boys at 3yrs and 10mos in '93; 4 yrs and 2 yrs in '94; 6yrs and 4yrs in '96; 7 yrs, 5yrs and added 3yr/o sister in '97: 9, 7, & 5 in '99; DL '01. WDW '03.

Each trip was magical. Even the first trip, the excitement and smiles were terrific. We used a double stroller and they move at our pace. The first trip with them had us wanting to go back as soon as possible.

Any trip before 4 yrs, they do not remember specifics but from trip to trip they recogninized attractions. However, my ultimate favorite is the look on my little girls face when she first saw Cinderella's castle as a young 3 yr old. So the benefit of waiting til they are 3 or 4 is they can anticipate the trip a little more.

 

[Bexx]

Take them whenever YOU want to go - they will always find something to enjoy, whatever their ages. If you find them easy at home, you'll find them easy at WDW. If they're little terrors at home, they'll be similar at Disney - though possibly a little more distracted by things!!! Go with the flow, don't try to overdo it and let them set the pace!

As you're a DVC member, take advantage of the full kitchen and washer dryer of a one (or two) bedroom which will make life much easier than living in a hotel room.

I'm confused, if you don't intend to go to WDW until 2007 why did you purchase DVC?

I bought my contract nearly three years ago, even though my first DVC stay isn't until next Feb. That's just the way it happened, thanks partly to another baby coming along. I've used my points for a Disneyland Paris trip, a trip for friends and rented some out - they certainly haven't been wasted, despite my rather impulsive purchase.

 

[liznboys]

Well, we took our two older boys for their first trip in March 2003..they were almost 3.5 and 17 months. IT WAS MAGICAL and we all had an absolute blast!!! Both dh and I were SO glad we didn't wait to take them when they were older, as we originally planned. So, I voted for 2005!!

They grow up SO fast, and we want to pack as many family trips in as we can while they're young and still enjoy being with us! LOL!!!

 

[skippelm]

Why wait? I had the misfortune not to discover WDW until I met my DH. I want my DD to grow up a Disney Girl so we have already taken her twice and she is just 14 months old!

Go for it!

 

[ArRzrbk]

To your question about why we bought into DVC if we weren't planning to go until 2007...

Well, our plan was never to wait until 2007 to go. We sold back our first year's points (2003) to get a better price, had to rent out our second year's points (2004) to get a little extra cash on hand once our second son was born, and Gram and Grandfather really want us to visit them next summer (2005) instead of doing Disney. That leaves us with 2006 and 2007 as the most viable options, but who knows, we may get there sooner. Maybe the poll will push over the edge for this year or next

Char

 

[JimFitz]

We just came back from our first trip as DVC owners and it was great!!

We have twin boys that are 22 months and a newborn who is 4 months. All had a great time. We took my mother inlaw and her friend as well.

Go Now!!!! Enjoy yourself.

 

[Mainebound]

We took our boys to Sonesta Beach Resort in 2002 in Bermuda at ages .6 and 2.5 and were miserable (it rained, no kiddie pool, etc.). We took them to WDW in 2003 at ages 1.5 and 3.5 and had an incredible vacation (stayed at AKL). We took them again in 2004 at ages 2.5 and 4.5 and again had an incredible vacation (stayed at Swan and Hard Rock). So our trip for 2005 (ages 3.5 and 5.5) already booked (staying in a Kissimmee pool home and then the Hard Rock)! And each trip has gotten LONGER with a 12 day stay planned for 2005!

Send me a PM if you want any specific questions answered.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

You forgot to add a poll option for "all of the above" which would have been my choice. Every age is a GREAT age to visit WDW.

 

[DisneyIsMyShrink]

I voted for 4 and 2, but only because there wasn't a "All of the above" option. We took our DS 3, DS 2 and DS 5mo. last year and had a WONDERFUL time, it was the best time we have EVER had. My DH who stresses easily when it comes to taking the kids out NEVER stressed once, he had such a great time that we took them back this year at ages 4, 3, and 1 1/2. We did take my sister to help this time because I am pregnant and not able to help as much. We are planning on going again next year with the new baby who will be only 4 months. DM offered to watch DS who will then be 2, so we will still only be taking 3 kids. The kids always have fun, and my two older boys remembered almost EVERYTHING from last years trips. I think that if you take them young and keep going thorughout their lives, they remember the details from that young age, if you take them once never not again, they won't remember a thing.

 

[ArRzrbk]

Thank you so much to everyone who responded. I am going to take the advice about going as many times as we can as a family, regardless of age. Planner that I am, I know I can find plenty to keep us all occupied and happy regardless of when we go!

And I am actually now thinking a trip to Destin to see Gram and Grandfather AND a trip to Disney in 2005 will work just fine! I'n figuring out the logistics right now. When the boys are older, trips will be harder to take, and eventually, they'll be off on their own. Got to make the most of the time we've got. You all were so right!!! Thanks again.

Char