Good ages to visit WDW?

[hnfrisk]

I've been posting several questions the boards since we are doing our first trip to Disney in May and it's all a little overwhelming so I want to say thanks to all have replied and helped!
My next question is about your thought and advice on the ages you think are good to visit WDW. My DD will be 5, DS 3, and DD 8 months when we visit. My husband is agreeable to going but prefers to wait a year or two. He thinks the kids are too young. My reasons I think this is a good time are this:
1. They are in preschool and we can go at off times and not have to worry about pulling them out of school which I'm not a big fan of.

2. My daughter is really into princesses at this time.

3. They are still at that age where everything is magical to them. When the see Cinderella or Mickey they really think it's them not just some one dressed up like them.

4. The baby is still non mobile and won't really know what she's missing. She'll just enjoy hanging in the stroller.

I do know that from what I read we will be taking afternoon breaks for naps and recharging. But any other insights you have would be appreciated.
Thanks -
Heather

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

I would so go right now - especially if your DD is into princesses. We took my niece when she was 3 and she didn't get much out of WDW but my sister hadn't shown her any Disney videos (I snuck in a Cinderella one day) so she didn't really know anybody. I've seen other 3 year olds at WDW who are very much into it so I think that is why my niece, although she had a great time, didn't care about the characters. Fast forward a couple of years and we just went again this past May with my niece again at age 6 and our son at around 6 months. It was great! Our son pretty much hung out in the stroller and was a perfect touring partner while the rest of the group were able to do what we wanted. We did take him on a couple of rides (anything without a height restriction) some he slept on and some he loved - Pooh especially. My niece still loved meeting the princesses but I think had lost some of the magic with the other characters so again I would say definitely go now! Plus I had a friend take her daughter at I think 7 or 8 and was frustrated b/c all her daughter wanted to do was hang out at the pool.

We did go back to the room in the afternoons in part b/c it was so darn hot and I felt like my son kept getting too warm so it was nice to have some AC time.

 

[DisneyDizzy]

We took my DS 4 last year and it was magical. My favorite memory from the whole trip was when we walked into MGM, picked up a stroller (for when he got tired later), and he decided he would ride for a minute. I'm rolling down the main road and looking at the tip board. He sees something I don't and jumps out of a moving stroller, lands face first on the concrete, jumps up at a dead run yelling "It's Lightening McQueen, it's REALLY him!!!!" I'm telling my husband to RUN and tossing him the camera like a prize quarterback while I run behind them with the stroller.

Now that was a magical moment.

So, I think your kids ages are right on. My son remembers everything and still talks about all the characters he met and can't wait to go back.

 

[susykt4]

We took our kids for the first time when they were 4 and 2. We knew DD4 would love the princesses and everything else but were prepared for DS2 (a um, rather difficult child) to hate the trip and be a pain. We even preplanned who would take him back to the resort each day. He ended up loving the trip as much as she did and we never had to take him back to the resort (other than our daily breaks.) He was excellent the entire time!

We had such a great time we went back the following year when they were 5 and 3 and just got back a few weeks ago (kids now 6 and 4.) They're already talking about "next year."

It really is a fun and magical time to go! My son is very schedule-oriented and in three trips we've only seen fireworks one time (at 6:45pm) because he NEEDS to be in bed by 8pm or we pay dearly! I only wrote this because fireworks and nighttime shows seem to be a huge part of many people's trips but we've only done them once and have still had three amazing, magical vacations. There is soooo much for every age group and even so many rides that are age-appropriate for your 8-month-old! Unless money is a huge object and this is truly a once in a lifetime trip, I would definitely not put it off just because the baby is too young! The older kids will LOVE it and the baby will enjoy it as well!

 

[Oceana]

My first trip I was 6 months old

its been my favorite place in the world ever since

julie

 

[bless7ings]

Those will be good ages. You don't have one at my favorite age around 1 1/2 yrs. We have been twice w/ two differant kids obviously and they were so much fun to watch! Remember it for next year! The best advice is the afternoon breaks back at the resort!!!!!!!!!! Eating around 11-11:30 to avoid lunch lines. You didn't say when, but missing mid day heat! Oh yeah comfortable shoes. I would bring differant ones for the young ones. Our 3 yr old insisted on walking(she did great keeping up!) but the poor little thing got blisters! First aid was great and supplied us with bandaids and were so sympathetic and said to come back anytime, even if just for an airconditioned break! I am not sure, but I do think using differant shoes helps cut down on blisters at least for her. This time I would put my girls in airwalks from payless, but I will bring a few differant types of shoes just in case. Double strollers would be good if you think that would fit for your family. We had to fight the 3 yr old to stay in the stroller, I guess she got too much rest!! She wanted to be with her big siblings walking!

 

[Disneyforus]

We are going with a 7, 5, 3, and 18 month old in a couple months. We agonized for awhile about when was the right time. People say we are crazy to go when our children are all still so young...but I'm like the original poster...I want to go while things are still magical for my older ones too! We are totally psyched and my husband and I will always remember this trip even if our little ones don't....


______________

Countdown is on for our first family trip to Disney, and a complete surprise for our kiddos!!!

 

[bless7ings]

I agree with you. They have a blast, but might not remember it too much, but the memories for us are awesome!!! Just remember to take lots of pictures and a camcorder would be great!!! It's not fun to do, but the kids love watching themselves at the young ages. Then you can have them see themselves and how much fun they are having!! Also I recommend putting the photos in an album as quickly as possible so they can keep reliving the trip. This is harder but journaling and printing it out on a 4 x 6 card to stick in between your pictures is great! My children remember so much more that way, it jogs there memory. Also it helps us remember the little things or expressions or reactions. When I do this and then read it, it transports me back to that trip! I am amazed how much the kids remember, though we talk about it a lot and they look at the pictures. We went in Sept 2005. One was 1 1/2 she remembers the cake in Minnies house! Another was just under 3 and she remembers quite a bit! She is always saying she wants to go back to see Mickey and Minnie! Have fun!! Any age is perfect!! If you do some of my suggestions then you can tell people they will have memories of their great times!

 

[PrincessasMommy]

I think they are the perfect ages to really live the magic! You will cherish the photos/video forever!!!
Our girls were 9, 2 & 8 months when we went last time. It was soooo wonderful that we have another trip booked and our kids will be 12, 4, 3 & the newborn will be around 3 months at the time!

As for the 8 month old hanging in the stroller - don't be so sure , I have home video of mine dancing in the bjorn going through it's a small world, she was fascinated by Haunted Mansion (although her older sisters were scared), she LOVED Pooh, Pirates, Tiki Room, Dumbo and the Safari at AK! We never took a break, we did bring our own double stroller from home which was comfy for naps and a bjorn (for DH) and my sling (easier for me). Character meals were a huge hit for the babies too! We did watch lots of Disney movies before we went so they recognized the characters and really loved the trip! My then 8 month old, now 2 year old still wants to look at the pics once a week and wants to "fly to Pooh Mommy"!

 

[Princess Roo]

Ditto to what everyone else has said. If this is the only Disney trip you can ever take, I could see waiting until your youngest is older, but assuming you'll get back some time when she'll remember...GO!
DS had a great time at 15 mos and 21 mos Even if he doesn't remember, *I* will always remember the look on his face as he experienced all of it! And your DD 5 will have a BLAST!
There have been other posts here about keeping schedule vs. napping in strollers and all that stuff that you might want to take a look at for strategies.

 

[clownchk]

I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY!

We took our kids almost 6, just turned 4 and 14 months last year and are hankering to get back!

We were not sure how much the 14mo would retain, but we kept insisting its a fAMILY vacation and he is part of the family.

They all had a ball! I will NEVER forget the look on the girls' faces when the first saw the castle! Or the boy's face when he met Donald Duck! We have a "Magical moment" certificate for the BOy's First haircut a tthe barber shop and tons of pictures of the girls getting their "Princess do's" at Bibbidy Boddidy Boutque in order to meet Cinderella later.

Or a week after the vacation when we were watching a documentary about Disney Cruise Lines and the boy crawled into the room (HE was a late walker) and yelled "DISNEY!!!!!!' He only had a handful of words then.

Yes, take them young and take them as often as you can go! Each trip will bring a new memory and a new experience!

 

[twinspluscade]

I think it depends...is this a "once in a lifetime trip" OR are you planning on going back again in a few or several years?

If this is the first of a few trips while you have kids still at home, then I would by all means go now. Like you said, it'll be easier taking them out of preschool than elementary. If you miss out on things this trip...no big deal, you'll be going back again!

BUT if this is a once in a lifetime trip--I would recommend waiting--at least two years until your youngest is 2 or even 3. That way the "baby" would be old enough to really get into the characters, too. You'd probably be able to go at a faster rate and see more if the kids are a bit older--which is a huge plus if this will be a one-time trip!

Kelly

 

[Dis1978]

My eldest ds took his very first steps in CBR at 15 months old. He was a big baby and couldn't be bothered to walk until then but it was so exciting at disney, there was no stopping him. Only disadvantage we found was that he never wanted to go back in his stroller again and never did! One determined child.
Have taken my kids nearly every year since, eldest in now 16. Best place in the world to take kids- just so easy.

 

[mericletwins]

I've been posting several questions the boards since we are doing our first trip to Disney in May and it's all a little overwhelming so I want to say thanks to all have replied and helped!
My next question is about your thought and advice on the ages you think are good to visit WDW. My DD will be 5, DS 3, and DD 8 months when we visit. My husband is agreeable to going but prefers to wait a year or two. He thinks the kids are too young. My reasons I think this is a good time are this:
1. They are in preschool and we can go at off times and not have to worry about pulling them out of school which I'm not a big fan of.

2. My daughter is really into princesses at this time.

3. They are still at that age where everything is magical to them. When the see Cinderella or Mickey they really think it's them not just some one dressed up like them.

4. The baby is still non mobile and won't really know what she's missing. She'll just enjoy hanging in the stroller.

I do know that from what I read we will be taking afternoon breaks for naps and recharging. But any other insights you have would be appreciated.
Thanks -
Heather

Go now! For all the reasons you stated!

 

[pezpam]

I took DD for the first time when she was 5 and it was perfect! She was old enough to do a lot and get around on her own, but young enough to Believe. It was really wonderful.

If this is going to be your one and only trip ever, you will have to decide if you want to wait until all 3 kids are old enough to experience things. If not, then go for it now and plan to go back! (Maybe when each is about 5 )

Either way, have a great trip!

 

[TJA]

YES, go now. You listed all the reasons why. We have been taking our twins to WDW since they were 7 months old and have very fond memories of every single trip.

 

[las3888]

DS's first trip was at 8.5 months. It was a little nerve-wracking, but it was great. Honestly for us the only bad thing is air travel, but that's another story. Disney really was great for him and he really blossomed. He started waving, crawling, and a few other firsts while we were there. He has gone 4 times since and we going again in May. I swear everytime we go, he really just seems to have a huge developmental spurt! I don't know what it is!!!???

We have DVC so we knew we would be going with DS as a tiny tot, it has been a great experience. He often says "go back Disney World" totally out of the blue. I know he may not remember his experiences when is is older, but he seems to remember going now and seems to want to go back!

Good luck and have a great time!

PS - we did a bit of prepping DS for going--introducing him to various Disney characters and stories, different music, different rides (i.e. "Small World" by playing the song), etc. It helped him be more comfortable on rides and with various characters.

 

[Zoesmama03]

I think every age is a good age to go to Disney.

We went in Sept 2005 our first trip as a family and DD's first trip. Dh and I had gone separately him once or twice and me many with my dad.


DD was 2 years and 3 months when we went and loved it and had a good time, such a good time she fell asleep and missed some rides. I loved seeing her face when she first saw Mickey while walking in.

 

[gianna2006]

My son's first trip was at 5 months and we have wonderful memories of it ...he was so easy that year. He's now 8 and my daughter is 4 ...every age will give you a different experience and a different perspective, and every age is fun!!! This being said, I think the absolute MOST MAGICAL age to take a child is ages 4-5 because everything is so real to them and their eyes light up for every little thing (bringing that warm, fuzzy feeling to your heart as well...beware the addiction! ). We can't wait for our next trip!!!

 

[SnowWitch]

The boys were 2 and 4 on their first trip, now they are 17 and 14. They still love it as much now as then but for different reasons. We got a little tipsy one night and started our family over again and we also have 2 DD's now, 22 and 3 months old. Anna was 2 months on her first trip, easy as pie.....she sleep. Last summer at 14 months, was one of the best trips we ever had we sat back and enjoyed watching her chase ducks at the MK, she fell in love with the characters, especially Pooh and Tigger, everything was so special seeing it through her eyes. The simple things, her chasing the lights in the concrete at Epcot in FW or watching the fireworks and these are her words "ohhhhh lights". Priceless.