Go with 3.5 yr old to WDW or wait longer?

[c8k6k]

Looking for opinions please. Here's the background: this weekend I made a reservation at Pop Century during free dining 5 nights/6 days end of Sept for my family of 4 (DH, DD6, DD3 and me). Haven't booked flights yet. DH thinks DS is too little, but is willing to go if that's what I really want to do. I was just there in May with DD6 (her first time), but for only 1 night/day. It was way too short (we were in FL mostly for reasons other than WDW), and now I'm obsessed with getting back to the Magic!

So it sounds like I'm all set, right? Well, DH and I decide to take the kids to the movie Cars yesterday. It's DS' first time at the movies. I'm thinking it will be fun because DS love cars and can easily watch 2 hours of Noggin TV at home (sorry to admit, but yes it's true). 10 minutes into the movie, DS is ready to go. Didn't help that the previews were 20 minutes long, but that's another story. I only saw about half the movie (very good!), and spent the rest of the time in the lobby waiting with DS for DH and DD, or taking DS to the bathroom. DS is not 100% potty trained yet, but I have to believe he will be by end of Sept when he will be 3.5! Our Cars outing has now made me wonder if DH is right, and we should wait until DS is older. Any thoughts out there? experiences of other people who have taken 3 yr olds to WDW? This board is a wonderful resource, I love reading it.

 

[kkevcamsmom]

I don't think he's too young to go.

I have a DS3.5 too. He can't sit through a whole movie in a theater either, but can at home. We are going to WDW for the first time in January but have been to Six Flags and other theme parks and he does well. Why??? Because he is moving and not sitting.

But you need to make sure you watch him for signs of getting tired, if you are not taking a stroller make sure you have plans to rent on if he gets worn down. Make sure you let him pick a ride or two.

Don't worry about the potty training, I am sure he'll be fine and if not just bring the pull ups. You may want to bring some anyway if he's just barely trained since he may be too excited to worry about going potty.

Most of all have fun!

Lori

 

[Lets go to disney]

Both of my daughters have been going since they were in the womb and every year there after sometimes twice. Disney is compleatly different than a movie theater. there is so much to do and see there is no time to get bored. If pople tell you they wont remember take my word when my oldest was two, she is now four, she remembered everything. She seems to even now tell everyoneabout Disney. We just returned in April and celbrated my youngest daughters third birthday. She loved it.

Go and check out the new little ones magic hours. I do not know if it why you are there but it does sound good. I know at some point the wiggles and doodlebobs are making an apperance but not sure of the dates.

IN the end it is your decesion but personally I have never regreted taking mine so young. They love it every time and can not wait to go back. ONe word of advice bring small things to keep the litlle one occupied while waiting for food. I had a goodie bag with small items such as crayons, paper, calculators, etc. I went to the dollar store and filled up. It really helps while waiting for food and it is a new toy to them.

Good luck and enjoy. they are only young once.

 

[WDWorBUST]

We took dd to Disney at 13 months, 23 months, 25 months and we're going back at a couple of months shy of 3. We also took her to see Cars as her first "real" movie. (her first movie was Princess Diaries II, but all she did was nurse through the whole movie since she was under a year old You cannot compare a movie to Disney. There is so much to see and do. You do need to take it slower, but it is so worth it. Those first three trips with DD were great - but I'm really excited about this upcoming trip. Go and have a great time!!

 

[Lets go to disney]

Remember there are baby care stations in all four parks. They are a great place to just chill. They have a diaper changing area and a place for the kids to watch some tv and get out of the sun. Best of all it is air conditioned really well. They also have a limited but sometimes needed baby supllies including baby sunblock and juice. the staff here is always great and cheerful. These babycare stions are not out in the open look on the map for them, they are well worth the trip to have room to change, feed and chill out. I hated using the public restrooms to change the baaby especially with two in dipers this way my husband and I can change them at the same time and it was not so crowded.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

I don't think he's to young to go. There is so much to do and it's nothing like a movie. You can't even compare the two.

Go and have a blast and take tons of pictures of your babies face when he sees it all!!!

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

I agree with the others that he is not too young. We have taken DS at 9mo and again at 1.5, and we have another trip planned this fall when he will be going on 3. There will be so much to see and do for him. Plus, staying on property will help, too. I suggest not over doing it and DEFINITELY bring a stroller so he can nap when he gets tired. Enjoy!!

 

[AC7179]

I say go now! Three is a perfect age to enjoy the magic!

 

[2poohbears]

We took 2 1/2 year old twin boys to WDW in late JAN this year. They AND we had a blast! This is a great age because it is all REALLY magical to them. My dh was like yours---skeptical at best, but went because I wanted to go. We even drove 12 hours to get there - the boys were good as gold. Now DH is excited about going again this coming JAN!

My biggest recommendation is that you work some "down time" into your trip. If he still naps, then let him nap at his usual time. This is what we did and the boys were in great moods. The only tantrum we had was when we stayed late for the fireworks at MK...they were not happy waiting for the bus afterwards. When we go back this JAN I think we'll drive on the afternoon we plan to go see the fireworks...that way we can get back to the hotel faster.

One of my boys was afraid of all the 3-D movies, so I had to take him out every time. The other loved them. Every child is different. Just go realizing you are bringing a young child, you won't see everything, and you may have to step out of an attraction if you find he's afraid or uncomfortable. My 2 are still talking about the trip and want to watch the video at least once a week.

Have FUN!

 

[Disnelson]

We just got back from Disney with a 3 and a 5 year old. Would trade it for the world!!! Sure it's a little more difficult than taking older ones, but the look on their face when they see the characters they know is incredible. Other arguments I've heard is that they won't remember it. So what!!! Live for the moment, not the future. Have a great trip!!!!

 

[4chitlins]

I also have a 3.5 daughter that we took in Feb. for a week. She also can't sit through a movie but was fine at Disney.We had a stroller and anytime she got cranky we put her in and let her nap.It was just fine. I think the actual sitting in the movie is just too much for my DD so maybe it's the same with your DS

 

[disneyfreek1]

my niece first went to disney when she was still 2. she wasn't potty trained yet but she was tall for her age so she passed the 40 in. height requirement.

she loved it! she wasn't afraid of any of the rides and had a blast! we (me, her, my sister and my brother-in-law) go back every year because we enjoy it so much! except this year we are going to universal.

 

[Ub_Iwerks]

We took both our sons to WDW when they were around 3. I actually prefer that age to 4 or 5. They don't want to buy as much junk in the gift shops and are fairly happy to go with the flow. I would recommend starting out with the easy rides like Pooh and Dumbo, so he's not scared to go on everything.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Our twins were 3 1/2 on their first trip. We had a blast!! I say GO!!

 

[labdogs42]

I took my 15 month old and he had a blast! I'm sure a three year old would, too. I say take him and have fun!

 

[MightyMom]

I say GO FOR IT!!!!

We just got back from a trip with our boys ages 2.5 and 7. The little one has just as much fun as his older brother.

Oh... and yesterday my DS7 and DH went to see Cars. I stayed home with the little one because I knew he wouldn't sit still the whole time.

 

[lauritagoddess]

I say go. My DS was 3.5 when we went and had a blast at WDW. He loves everything Disney now. That said, we left about an hour into Cars, he couldn't sit still through it in the theater, even though he'll watch a movie at home. I think it's just hard for some kids to sit still for that long, but not an indication of how much they might love the World.

 

[mommyceratops]

I have 2 DS My DS who is 3 now and LOVES Disney LOVES the car toys, says his name is Lightning McQeen, would NOT sit through the movie either. It is an age thing. Sitting at home watching Noggin is different than a new place. Loud, dark etc.

The first time we took my son he 9 months there is nothing like the magic of watching him watch the light parade. Next time he was 2 it was the thrill of racing to meet each character. He didn't like the rides but he LOVED the characters. No he wont remember but I will I have the memories. (he still talks about playing Power Rangers with Chip and Dale!) He will be 3.5 when we go in Dec I can't wait to see new magic.

My other son is 6 now, when he was 3 we took him and my fave memory was sitting under the monorails in Epcot watching them go over our heads he loved that. Another moment I would of missed as an adult.

My theory is the parents that wait until their children are older to enjoy WDW are robbing themselves of magical memories.

Go with the idea of seeing Disney through a three year olds eyes. Plan to do nothing but enjoy the magic. It will be the best trip.



HAVE FUN!!!!

 

[2poohbears]

Go with the idea of seeing Disney through a three year olds eyes. Plan to do nothing but enjoy the magic. It will be the best trip.



HAVE FUN!!!!

Very well put! I completely agree!

Also, starting in Fantasyland is probably a good idea since those rides are geared toward the younger children. Mine also loved riding the train and climbing on everything in Minnie's house at Toontown! Their eyes have never been quite as wide, nor do I think they've ever been quite as excited as when they saw the first float in the Spectromagic parade - Mickey Mouse! I will NEVER forget the looks on their faces at that moment and the breathless "wow" that escaped their mouths! I have tears of joy just thinking about it now.

 

[pperfectmom]

We have scheduled our first trip to WDW with DD who will be 3.5 and DS who will be 19 months for Sept. and free dining. We are planning to go at the kid's pace and just do as the poster said by trying to see it through their eyes. I can't wait to see their little faces at the first sight of the castle!!!My mother is one of those who thinks we are crazy by taking them when they are so young. My response is that #1-DH and I want to go. We're not doing it just for the kids. #2-Who cares if they don't remember. Are they going to remember trips to the zoo?Birthday parties?Playing outside?You don't do fun things for your children just so they can think back on it later. Have fun in the moment. Memories are what you drag a camera along for.