Good age to bring children????

[keddy]

 

[kilee]

I think every child/parent is different. I honestly don't think there is a set in stone right or wrong answer. The mother/father of the children need to decide what's in their families best interest and go with that.

 

[ehsween]

It also depends on the children. The 4 year old probably won't be a problem, but depending on the 2 year old's temperament, it may/may not be a bad time to take him/her. We first took our children when they were 6, 4, and 2 and they all did very well. They were all able to roll with the punches and always seemed eager to do the next fun activity.

As for the younger children's slower pace bringing everyone else down, well, maybe they'll have to split up sometimes from the rest of the group so that they can go at the slower pace that the kids need. They may possibly need to go back for a couple of afternoons for some downtime in order for the children to regain some energy to keep going for the rest of the day.

As far as attractions, there are lots of things the younger children can do. If it were me, I wouldn't bat an eyelash. I'd take them! Our trip went very well.

 

[April76]

We had a trip a few years ago with:

Great Grandmothers
Grand parents
Our Daughter and her 2 & 3 yr old children

Naturallyl there would be things we'd all enjoy together..... BUT there would be lots that would appeal to each age group.... (and don't under-estimate the value of "away from each other" time )

So -- I set an itinerary (being the compulsive planner that I am) and there were days we ALL went to the park together and days that were "off" days for each group

(ie - the kids had a day at MK while the GGM's stayed at the resort and "relaxed").... then there was a day that all the "adults" went to the parks and did shows and rides that the little ones wouldn't have liked... so their mom had a "pool day" with them.)

In the end it all worked out great (and of course there were some minor changes in the plans -- but everyone was happy).

Don't expect problems -- just plan on having fun!

 

[keddy]

1

 

[B3LM]

We've been taking our kids since they were 2 years old!

 

[decker96]

Our kids were 2 and 5 when we first took them. I loved watching them experience things for the first time and seeing what their reaction was. They had a great time! DD5 loved meeting all the characters, especially the princesses. DS2 loved all the shows and parades, especially the Festival of the Lion King at AK. They both still talk about the trip even though it was a year and a half ago. DS now 3 1/2 does not remember alot, but loves to look at pictures and watch the video we took. They both ask weekly when we are going back! However, if this will be their only trip, I would want to wait until they were older too. If they're planning on going back again I say take the free trip and go for it!

 

[4greatboys]

Every age we have taken our kids has been great. Now they are 16, 14, 4 and 2. My youngest has been 3 times at age 5 months, 18 months, 20 months and now is going on his 4th trip at 25 months. Each trip with him has been great, watching him see new things.

 

[wannabee princess]

You know, it really depends on the kids! We've taken ours at 2, and it was totally wonderful for us. But, we wanted to go and we wanted to take our 2 yo!

Is SIL just worried that the kids are too young to enjoy Disney, or is she against the trip for another reason? If you aren't planning on being on the go 24 hours a day (I mean that you will be taking reasonable breaks, not going commando) they are old enough to enjoy a lot of what they will see and do - jmho!

Is your SIL going to be put-out that her input about her own children is not being listened to? If my MIL planned a trip that I really felt was not right for my kids, and then guilted me into going, I would feel stressed out that the mother of the children in question wasn't being listened to! But if it was just a matter of my thinking that we needed to plan a little easier trip than what we would do without small children (and everyone is willing to help with the kids as needed) then I would be happy to have inlaws who were so generous as to take us on a wonderful trip!

 

[BethC1952]

DS just answered the question for me...he says 29 is the perfect age (yes, that's how old he is). We've been taking him since he was 3 1/2. Of course, we took DS, DDIL and 3 1/2 year old DGD with us in December, and we all had a blast!

Personally, I think the perfect age is 50+. That's why I'm headed out to WDW this week!

Beth

 

[Minnie Mi]

It depends on the children. It's a little easier when they are potty trained, I think. Something to think about: Disney will still be there to enjoy when they are older; the grandparents may not be.

 

[TwingleMum]

There would be alot of things to consider. If your mother(the kids grandmom) is overwhelming, I don't know. To take young children to WDW I think you need to 1.stay onsite - so its very easy to take the kids back to the resort to nap and rest for a few hours every afternoon. 2. go at the little ones pace. An adult can get exhausted trying to go at all the parks and go,go going all day. Small children don't respond that well to this pace. There maybe some night the kids mom & dad want them inn bed early. The main thing s if everyone can respect the parents decision as to what their children can handle and not try to bully or be offended. Then beinging small kids to WDW is a great idea. You get to see the wonder through their eyes. All the magic is very real for them. I have brought my children since their 1 yrs old and they were great and got such enjoyment my DH & I were thrilled. Good luck.

 

[Serenity]

My dtr is 2 now and has been 3 times. She has always had a great time and I really enjoyed being able to enjoy it through her eyes.

That being said, I was also the planner. That means that I made sure that I went at my dtr's pace. We always go with others (this December will be the first time we have ever gone with just my family - DH, DS - will be 8, and DD - will be 3). We usually have a number of children with us and it has always been important to me to tour from THEIR perspective. Meaning to go slow and take breaks in afternoon (we never leave the park but make sure they get a break from stimuli at the baby care center or a quite spot to just rest).

I think it would be important since your SIL is not doing the planning - to really include her ideas in what she thinks her kids can do. And to make sure everyone is prepared ahead of time that there will be times that you split up so the kids can have some down time.

I think 2 and 4 are great ages to go, you just have to plan for it.

 

[bajanswife]

Depends on the kids, the circumstances etc. In your family's case, if they plan to get back to Disney again when the kids are younger than teen age, then it really doesn't matter if they go now when the youngest one will likely not remember it much. Especially if it's a free trip, and esp. if it's a chance to travel with the grandparents who might not be around or in good health for that much longer. Your SIL must be able to plan to accomodate her kids though - it will mean splitting up for parts of the day. It will be no fun for anyone if you try to make everyone do the same thing. Small kids can enjoy Disney, but only at THEIR pace!

We are waiting til our youngest is 4 (or almost) (late 2006 or 2007) because 1) we don't think we'll be back in any hurry, and we want it to be a memorable trip for all, plus we want all the kids to have enough stamina to make it in the parks for hours at a time becasue we will be offsite for sure, 2) we don't want to deal with diapers, 3) we need to earn a few more FF miles to get our airline tickets for free.

 

[ihave4kids]

I dont think there is any perfect age,but my sis and I took my 4 7 years agor when they were 1.3.4,and 6 and had an absolutely perfect time.Just enjoy each moment as it comes.We spent a lot of time walking into corners ( I am not too good with maps) and still laugh about it.Go and have fun!!!!

 

[Terriw]

My DH took our kids first at ages 5 and 8. However, I don't agree that it depends on the kids; it depends on the parents! We have been numerous times and always see people with exhausted, cranky, crying children. The parents seem to be upset that the babies, etc. are not having fun, when in reality they are just overloaded and tired! Plenty of rest stops, plenty of naps and realistic expectations will go a long way to all having a good time. Don't expect to have 24/7 magic moments!

 

[brunoflipper]

my vote is when they 40" old...

 

[rabyoga]

We just got back from a fabulous Disney World Vacation. My daughter was 7 yr old. It was a great age to take her. She was old enough to ride most rides(She was too short for the Rock 'n' Roll Coaster.) But still got very starry eyed with Ariel and Belle... I watched and helped a few families with smaller children and strollers. It made me so happy she's potty trained and out of the stroller. I think that's the time to take them...

 

[Lesley]

I've done every age from 6mo to 8yo....and next week we'll be expanding that range to 2mo to 9yo!

Best ages for us have been under 2 and then 5yo and up. 2-5 are a bit more difficult....with peak difficulty at about 3 1/2. It also depends a lot on temperament. Some kids go with the flow better than others. I think any age is doable if the parents know their child well and are willing to adapt for them. Disney can be stressful without the right combination of planning and flexibility....and the key with the hardest age group is being adult enough to set aside your own wants to meet the kids needs. Easier said than done, I'm afraid.....and many parents would rather just wait until the kids are older. We just go and make the best of it....but for a once in a lifetime sort of trip I think I agree with waiting until the kids are all 4 or over...preferably 5.

 

[flipturngirl]

My parents first brought my sister and I to disneyland when we were 8 and 6. It was really fun since my sister could go on all the rides. You should check all the age/height requirments before going to DL or DW. It is always better not to get in a line and the little one is to short or something. It also just depends on the parents, child's matrity level and the rest of the members in the party. Just remember the things I said and it should be great!