Good age for first DL visit?

[DaddoJermz]

My son will be 3 in May, and I am getting very anxious to introduce him to Disneyland. Before he was born, my family and I would go every summer, or at least every other year. But now I haven't been in 3 years (since he was born), and I am starting to get that itch again. I don't want to hit him with too much at a young age, and end up "wasting" a trip so to speak, by bringing him when he is so little that a trip to the supermarket still excites him. And I know it's probably different for every child and every family, but what is a good age to bring him to DL for the first time?

I definitely want to bring him in the summer of 2010, when he will be 5 years old. But I was wondering if maybe I could push it up a year earlier and go bring him when he is 4. I have friends and relatives that have brought children under age 1 through age 3, but they never looked like they were having a great time. When did you all bring your child for the first time? What age were they and how was your experience? Thanks!

DaddoJermz

 

[bumbershoot]

We took our guy before he was 1.5. Then when he was 2.5. Then when he was 3.5 (that's when we got APs for all) and 3 months later. And we're going in May for his 4th birthday.

We have loved all the trips. Maybe at any given moment we might not have looked like we were having a splendid time, but we have unsplendid times even at home, and frankly, given the choice of a bad moment at Disney vs a bad moment at home, I'm choosing Disneyland!

If you go BEFORE his birthday, he'll have free admission. Just so ya know. It's why we were over the moon about buying the AP for him, b/c he had already had 2 'free' trips!

Check out my trip reports if you'd like to see a kiddo in action at DLR pre-4 years old.

 

[Dukland]

We took my older son for the first time when he was 19 months old. He had an absolute blast! That's when I got my favorite picture of all time, when he saw Woody for the first time. The look of shock and total amazement on my son's face was classic. I didn't even know that look was possible on someone so young. I will have to see if I can post it here. (It always take some work for me to post a picture here)

My younger son will have his first trip to Disneyland this June, when he is 21 months old. I am really looking forward to it. I am sure he won't remember it, and he won't have many words at that time, either. But he will really enjoy it, and he will treasure the pictures of that time forever.

My older son and my daughter have been twice, and they still both talk about Disneyland, even though we haven't been since August 2006, when my older son was 2.5 years old. They both remember many aspects of the trip, and the rides, character meals, characters and shows. My dd was 5.5 years old at that time.

So, first visit? I'd say a great age is when they can walk on their own, so they can run around after the characters, and play in the water area at California Adventure.

 

[goofy's friends]

We took our youngest when she was 19 mos. We took grandparents to help and that was definately the way to go. They would go back with her for naps and we would stay in the parks. We went back right before she was 3 for free entry for her. She was in AWE!!! I agree with the poster that said there is nothing more priceless than those early years and the looks on their faces!!!!! I would start any time if I were you!! There is so much taht he will enjoy. DD's favorite at that age was Jungle Cruise!! Loved the animals. There's all of Fantasyland, Tom sawyers Island, fountains, shows, character meals, etc. I really don't think you will be sorry!!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

My nieces were one month shy of their fourth birthday for their first trip. I must say it was truly magical! My own kids were 7 and 9 for our first trip and while that was nice, they were old enough to go on virtually everything, it was awfully fun to go with my nieces a few years later. They truly thought Cinderella was real and that was so neat and not something I had experienced with my own kids. I don't think there is ever a wrong age to experience the magic of Disneyland. Whatever works best for your family is the right age. Have fun, the sooner you take him for his first trip, the sooner you can go on his second trip!

 

[DevilDuckie]

One of my earliest memories is of Snow White leaning over my stroller and smiling at me. It has lasted me more than 30 years- I was 2 and it was my first trip to Disney. Maybe your kid won't remember anything, it's still worth doing! And for me that memory is just wonderful. Makes me smile when I think of it.

 

[CrAzY4DL]

My oldest we took when she was 3. My youngest she was 2 and a half and I will never regret taking her at that age!! Sooooo magical and worth it!! She never cried or threw a tantrum, was just so gung ho about everything. Have taken her a few times since then and the kid is a Disney-phile just like her mom. Go now and see it through their eyes!!!

 

[garate55]

As soon as they recognize things, that would be a good time. If your worried about them remembering anything Then don't take them till they are about 4 or 5. But almost never too early to start a Disney freak.

 

[ShawnaF]

We took our daughter for her first birthday - she was in awe and loved every minute of it and could do so many things (most actually!) It was an amazing experience for us and we've taken her numerous times since then, just turned 3 in October. My girlfriend took her son to meet us there when he was only 9 months old - no problems and they go frequently as AP holders in San Diego. Go!!!!

 

[only1mouse]

I took my son to DisneyWorld when he was 2 1/2; while he doesn't remember the trip we have great video and pictures that we look through regularly. I'll never forget that look on his face watching the Toy Story parade at MGM studios. It was amazing to see him interact with the characters, he wasn't afraid at all. I have to say we didn't ride all that many rides; but we certainly had, what I think, was our best trip to Disney. He's hooked now as is my daughter and my husband is "getting" on board slowly He's more of a cruise fan...

You will have a great time and I don't think it's ever too early.

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

My first Disneyland trip was two months before I turned three years old, and I still remember that trip as the most magical Disney experience of my life. My mother assumed that I wouldn't remember the trip, but she was mistaken. I know that I remember this trip because all of our Disney trips thereafter were to WDW until I was an adult.

I remember using the ticket book and going on the Storybook Canal Ride, screaming down the Matterhorn tucked in front of my big brother, and staring in wide wonder at Sleeping Beauty's Castle. I also remember loving the birds at the Tiki Lounge and nearly peeing my pants when the thunderstorm hit.

My mother also made sure we walked back to our hotel and took a nap in the afternoon while my father and the older boys did the "E-Ticket" rides which were too intense for me.

I took my children when they were small, but we didn't do the commando thing with them. We stayed on their schedule from home, and ignored the clocks in California. By following their internal clocks, getting plenty of rest, and allowing things to travel at "kids speed" we all had a good time. Yes, there was one afternoon that my kids spent over an hour throwing money into the wishing well, but they were happy, and I decided that rather than accomplish a ride, we would accomplish joy and peace in the little things.

My kids didn't see the fireworks for the first 8 years of their lives, but we all kept our sanity and almost totally avoided the melt down phenomenon which happens all too often at Disney when kids get over tired, over stimlulated, and overwhelmed.

If I could do it again with a little one I would fork over the extra money which would give me a fireworks view room at the HOJO, so that we adults could watch the fireworks. That would also be a great option if you wanted to leave, get a little one a bath and in their jammies, and then watch the fireworks just before going to sleep. That would be much easier than staying in the parks until the fireworks and then trucking back to the hotel only to face bathtime and pajamas after 10 at night.

 

[Padstack]

We took DD for the first time when she was just shy of her 2nd birthday. We had a great time, but I think it was too young as she will not remember the trip. However, we did get a fantastic pic in front of the castle that we have been unable to duplicate.

The second trip was on Father's Day and she was 2.5. She vaguely remembers the trip, but she had a great time with the characters and the rides. I would not have traded this trip for anything. I have posted a pic of her and Minnie Mouse at the character breakfast that is priceless to me.

We have been four other times since November and each time was fantastic. Once again, we came away with some great photos and memories of these trips.

We are going again on Friday and will be the first time that she needs her own ticket (turned 3 mid-January). We don't tell her that we are going until we are about a half an hour away because whe will not talk about anything else until we are there. She tells us what rides she wants to go on and what characters she wants to see. I don't need to plan anymore casue she does it for us.

At 4 years old, your DS will be more than old enough to enjoy Disneyland. The only caution that I would give is if you are only going ot be able to do a trip every other year or longer, plan your first trip with him when he will be 40" or taller. That way, he can experience most of the rides on his first trip. Our DD is 38.5" tall without (39" with) shoes so I figure we have at least 6 months until she can go on the big rides, but we are AP holders and only live an hour away.

 

[prncssmel]

We went with my SIL and her family when their son turned 1. He loved it. He was squealing and cooing and excited to see everything. He will be 2 this summer, and they are likely going with us again this year. They are not Disney people but based on how much their son loved it, they want to go again.

I went to WDW when I was 2. Even though I don't remember it, I am so glad my parents took me. I have a ton of cute pictures of me, and I look like I am having a blast. I think going that young instilled in me this huge obsession/love of Disney, so beware . . .

 

[DLovinFam]

Our youngest was 3.5 his first trip. We had a blast and he had a wonderful time! It probably does depend on the child somewhat. Our son has always been real easy going and even tempered, so he was perfect the whole trip. Now my second born, on the other hand, was a very strong willed child at age 3, so I don't know if taking her at that age would have been as fun for all of us. We waited until she was five when she out grew her fit throwing. Lucky for us, she is a very even tempered 12 year old now!

So our first trip with kids they were ages 5 and almost 9 - Wonderful trip

Second trip with kids they were 13, 10 and 3.5 - another wonderful trip

Next trip they will be 16, almost 13 and 6.5.....anticipating another wonderful trip!! It better be, because it will probably be our last family trip with my oldest while she is still a kid!

 

[AngLuvsDisneyland]

I took my youngest son to Disneyland when he was 3.5 years old. He LOVED it. My son is a little on the short side so he was 38 inches tall and could not ride all of the rides, but we still found plenty for him to do. We are now going for his 5th birthday and he is now 42 inches tall and so excited about all the "new" rides he can ride. I say go for it. Just make sure not to "schedule" your whole day out and have time to rest. Also, dont count on doing everything that you love to do in case he doesnt meet the height requirment. Have fun!

 

[Brady's Mom]

We took our little sons when they were 4 and 2. We went in Oct. 2006. We took our double stroller and our 2 year old napped in it for 4 hours one day. But our 4 year old was able to ride all the rides in Bug's Land in DCA for those 4 hours. He had a blast. When the 2 year old woke up, he wanted to ride all the rides again, so we did.
We took it slow and easy. We brought plenty of snacks and water for "treats". We saw the parades, missed the fireworks (they were cancelled) and took turns on the big rides. Fast pass and stroller pass what a beautiful thing. My little kids didn't stop talking about how much fun they had at DLR for months afterward. Also, my DH bought me a digital picture frame for Christmas and my kids (now 3 and 5) love to watch the DLR pictures go on the frame. It helps them remember and they still talk about it.
My little son (3) had me measure him so we could see how tall he will be when we go back and he is excited to be tall enough to ride the bumper cars in DCA. He was too short last time. So we just did Heimlich instead.
Hope you have a really great time.

 

[Jenn1116]

I took mine at 2.5 yrs and she loved it! She especially loved the characters and remembers the tea cups specifically! She doesn't know that's where we're headed on Friday :dance: for her second trip. She's 4 now and I'm looking forward to taking her on some of the bigger rides!

 

[lillybug]

We took our 15 month old dd in November. She had a blast, and she still gets excited when she sees a picture from our trip. She was all smiles the four days we were there, and she especially loved meeting tigger, and laughed on almost all of the fantasy land & bugs land rides.

I'm so glad we took her. Even if she doesn't remember the trip when she is older, dh and I sure will and I'm glad we have those memories of all threeof our dks (ages 5, 3,1) and how happy they were there.

 

[tkitty]

My daughters first trip was at 5, mant years ago But we took my grandson on his 4th bday and he loved it. I did make the mistake of taking him on BTMRR for the first ride and he was afraid that everything would be to fast. It gave us an idea of what rides to take him on. He still says that HM is too scary, too.
We also did WDW before his 5th birthday. He was more ready to try new rides.
Next month we are back to DL and bringing his 15mo old little sis for her first trip! Grandma, (me) DD, DGS, DGD only, so we plan on doing all the little rides, no 'scary' ones! If we need to, we'll try out the child exchange thing.

 

[brenda1966]

I took DD for the first time when she was 2 3/4 years old. It was PERFECT! She loved it. She was mezmerized by the characters, had to see them and touch their fur. She was old enough to understand about waiting in line to see them and get their autograph. She loved the fireworks and the music. She loved all the rides and was young enough that she didn't realize she should be scared of Pirates or Haunted mansion. So I think around age 2.5 to 3 is a perfect age!