How has your Disney experience changes as kids get older?

[mom2rose&john]

I am curious at what age your kids outgrew Disney (if at all) or how your experience was with preteen and teen children.

Our family has been to WDW three times. The first time was when DD was 4 and DS was 2. Second time ages were 7 and 5 years old. And third time was 9 and 7 years. Each time was a new and fantastic experience for both kids and adults.

Now, I would like to save up money and stay at a deluxe in a few years when they are 14 and 12. However, I am wondering if they would even like to go to Disney at that age. To those that have preteen or teen children, what is your Disney experience at this age? How much time did you spend in the parks vs. doing other Disney activities? What activities would you suggest with children this age.

TIA!!

 

[Susiequsie60]

For us, the last time my now 20-something kids went was when they were both in h.s. They enjoyed it, but definitely not as much as they had on our previous 4 trips (between the times they were 3 & 4 to maybe 11 & 12 or so.)

I think we might be unusual though. I hear from lots of folks that their high school kids absolutely love WDW.

At this point they have no real desire to go back, so for now, it's just hubby and I (until the grandkids come along!) We're leaving on this Friday for our second adults only trip in as many years.

 

[JimmyV]

The only change we saw was the frequency with which we went to WDW, not whether we went at all. When my daughter was 7, when I asked her where she wanted to go on vacation, there was only one answer. When she was around 12, there were multiple answers, but one of them was still WDW. Now that she is days away from being 17, there are even more answers. But one of them is still WDW. In fact, last year when she turned 16, I asked what she wanted to do for her "Sweet Sixteen". Answer: "Some fine dining at WDW". She chose California Grill, bluezoo and Citricos. A couple of years earlier when I asked her what she wanted to do over her February vacation, she asked if we could go to Rome and Florence. When she was 15, she wanted to take an Alaska cruise. So things do change over time, but WDW is always one of the options. We used to go to WDW every year, sometimes more. Now, it is more like every other year. And from here on out, maybe once every 3 or 4 years.

 

[dandylion360]

From the other side of it I am a child who has grown up with Disney. First went aged 8, sister aged 1, went back again every year or two until I was 18. Absolutely loved it as a child and as I grew up. Now aged 25, and sister 18 we are going this year and are all as excited as we were as children. The way we holiday has changed but our love of Disney has not. We are all huge fans, and have never wanted to go anywhere else since the first visit!!!

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

My boys were 5 and 7 on their first trip--what we thought was going to be a once and done thing. We've now been five times--2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014! They're now 12 and 14 and can't wait to go back! Ask them both where they want to go and that's the number one choice. I think part of it is nostalgia. They've always been kids to like to go to the same places, like to talk about memories of previous trips, really into tradition. I think part is comfort. They know what to expect, they know they always have fun--they're comfortable.

Last year was the first time we let them go off on their own for a bit. They're really into the Sorcerer's game at MK and we got tired of just following them around. We gave them a few hours to go off on their own while DH and I got to spend time shopping and relaxing--something they're not interested in! We had very specific meeting times/places and everyone had cell phones. I think the independence and being off doing their own thing was one of the highlights of their trip! We'll probably give them even more space on their next trip.

We also want to try Disney Quest. Just something we've never gotten to, but something I know they'd enjoy. Honestly, they'll probably do that while DH and I spend time at DTD.

So I think that's one of the biggest changes as they've gotten older. We also tend to do some later nights than we did when they were little. And it's just much more relaxed now that they've done most of the rides, seen the shows--there's not that pressure to be sure we get it all in. We can take time and just do the things they want to do.

Every kid is different, but for us it's only gotten better as they've gotten older!

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

My DS12 has been 6 times. I asked him over Christmas break where he wanted to go for vacation...WDW or the beach. He looked at me like I had 3 heads and said "What is there to do at the beach that I can't do at Disney. And what is there to do at Disney that I can't do at the beach???" I thought it was a pretty good point so off we go to Disney in May.

 

[robinb]

I am curious at what age your kids outgrew Disney (if at all) or how your experience was with preteen and teen children.

Our family has been to WDW three times. The first time was when DD was 4 and DS was 2. Second time ages were 7 and 5 years old. And third time was 9 and 7 years. Each time was a new and fantastic experience for both kids and adults.

Now, I would like to save up money and stay at a deluxe in a few years when they are 14 and 12. However, I am wondering if they would even like to go to Disney at that age. To those that have preteen or teen children, what is your Disney experience at this age? How much time did you spend in the parks vs. doing other Disney activities? What activities would you suggest with children this age.

TIA!!

Between 7 and 12, my DD stopped dressing up and we started bypassing characters. She was interested in the thrill rides and wanted to pass on the kiddie rides. She was more independent so we let her go off with a friend and even let her go back to the resort alone.

Between 12 and 14, the pool lost most of its allure. Her appetite and taste expanded to where she would eat more adult meals. She could stay up later and didn't want to wake up in the morning. Getting her to the parks was like herding cats.

She was 15 on our last trip. Her phone was her constant companion. Her friend came with us for half the trip and she was happier having her there than just hanging out with her parents.

We don't do a lot outside of the parks other than the water parks. I spend enough on my park passes that I don't see any reason to spend more on other entertainment. I think my DD loves Disney more than I do at this point.

 

[Laketravis]

For my DS, age 5-9 was pure WDW. Top choice all of the time.

This year, it became Universal Studios and then WDW.

In a few more years, I'm thinking Devil's Cove (below) will move to the top of the list, then Universal, then WDW.

And I'm going to have to hide the keys to the cabin cruiser.

 

[River Country]

For me my DD(8) first trip was on her 2nd birthday then we have been probably 12 times in 6 years maybe more I lost track, we bought a DVC membership and annual passes every year as well. This biggest change was what characters she wanted to see and what rides she wanted to go on. She used to hate things in the dark, now she loves ToT and RnR, BTM, Everest, Space, Splash, TT etc... And for the characters it used to be princesses and the fab five this year I asked her if we went for Halloween Party who she wants to see most and her response was "Jack and Sally....and then go to the Villains party. She BEGGGGGGED me for Villains Unleashed last year at HS, granted the party was a nightmare but she wanted to meet Maleficent, Cruella, Dr Facillier, and Jafar. This is a far cry from Belle, Jasmine, Cindy, Snow, and Ariel.

She is still a sucker for Frozen, but loves Olaf and Sven more than Anna and Elsa. But she still wants to go and when she doesn't want to go any more I am going with out her HAHAHAHA jk but no seriously

 

[JZCubed]

I am curious at what age your kids outgrew Disney (if at all) or how your experience was with preteen and teen children.

Our family has been to WDW three times. The first time was when DD was 4 and DS was 2. Second time ages were 7 and 5 years old. And third time was 9 and 7 years. Each time was a new and fantastic experience for both kids and adults.

Now, I would like to save up money and stay at a deluxe in a few years when they are 14 and 12. However, I am wondering if they would even like to go to Disney at that age. To those that have preteen or teen children, what is your Disney experience at this age? How much time did you spend in the parks vs. doing other Disney activities? What activities would you suggest with children this age.

TIA!!

I went about as often as your children, but before Epcot ever opened. Things change. I arrived at Epcot around the year it opened. Things change. I went on an adult-only vacation not long after Animal Kingdom opened.

Fast forward: Before we ever took our young daughter, I had read in Guidebooks that a typical child will say, "The hotel swimming pool," when asked their favorite part of their Disney vacation. The Guidebooks also suggested that most children will become tired of Parks after about 4 hours. I try to keep these guidelines in my focus when making our plans and it's worked out well. Obviously, teenagers pose different issues - I would look at some of those Guidebooks for Teenagers if I were you - like learning that Extra Magic Hours and nighttime FP+ would seem to be a consideration if your teens like to sleep-in. Having daytime fun away from young children - at places like Disney Quest, renting boats, sleeping, poolside, a movie, etc.

Since your children have gone to Disney, it seems to make some sense to include them in the planning. You may be surprised what they want to do. Maybe the hotel swimming pool, maybe water Parks, maybe Downtown Disney (with their own money) to see what's gonna' be all new in the next few years or what's new at Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom. Things change. And maybe they really want to go back to some obscure ride that will really surprise you.

 

[GillianP1301]

This is an interesting topic! My son is only 7 and we have our 4th trip coming up, so he's still very much Disney or bust and I'm hoping it stays that way! Right now, he's planning on growing up, getting a job at Disney and buying a house there for me so we can live together and visit WDW. If only!

I'm at least hoping that his interest in Disney remains because I'll keep taking him back for as long as he's interested in going.

 

[Indio]

We went the 1st time when my oldest 2 DS were 2 and 4 (21 and 23 now). We didn't go back for 6 years, when my youngest was 2 (now 15). We've gone every year since then - usually 2 or 3 times a year. All my boys still love it.

The way our touring has changed is that it's gotten a lot easier and a LOT more expensive! 3 teenaged/college aged boys don't want chicken nuggets every meal any more and adult ticket prices are outrageous!

 

[kangaroodle]

I have teens aged 16 and 18. They have been to Disney just about every year since they were born because we bought DVC 20 years ago, a few years after we got married. We have been fortunate enough to go on other vacations like a cruise, Alaska X2 (have an aunt who lives there and likes to spoil us), Hilton Head etc. But when I ask them where they want to go on vacation it's still WDW! We haven't gone in 2 years now and they feel like it's an eternity.

As other posters said, the main thing that has changed is their not wanting to waste time on the characters (although my 18yo DD is starting to like it again but just a few pics). They love the thrill rides at 6 Flags but when at WDW, turn into kids who love all things Disney.

And yes...it has gotten much more expensive to feeed them and for a while now we've had to get a 2 BR villa because it has 2 extra beds so they can each have their own.

You just have to feel your kids out, They'll let you know. If anything, it's gotten easier because they pack for themselves and can get around the parks on their own and feel very independant and confident getting around while they are at WDW!

 

[abner1776]

First visited WDW in '92 with the kids and have returned nearly 15 times since then. DW has outgrown WDW and would rather go somewhere else but DD#1 is a certified disney nut and DD#2 likes to visit as long as she is using my DVC points.

I am going in March for 6 nights and mostly playing golf, but once DD#1 heard about my trip she jammed in a 3 night "power trip" especially since I have a 1 bdrm at OKW.

Even if I pass on before my DVC contract ends, I have no fear that my points will go unused !!!

 

[ollyg]

We have taken DD every year since 2009 when she was 4. I will admit it is a different kind of magic. When she was younger she was all about the characters. Now at 9 she is more into riding and has been for the past 2 years. It's still magical, just of a different kind. We recently got to try different kinds of restaurants since we didnt do character meals and did more pin trading and shopping. It is also nicer that she can handle a longer day.

This year, we are going with my step-son and step-daughter and their kids in age range 4-7 and my DD has come around that she wants to do the character meals and autograph book again.

 

[Flamingeaux]

less character meet and greets.

 

[SuperTink]

Just got back from a trip with my 18 year-old twins. 4th trip over the years.

We had a blast--just different from when they were 5. They wanted to do one character meal for "old times sake," but boy was I glad there was no desire to see Anna and Elsa!!

That magical look in the eye has given away to inside jokes and hysterical laughter. Both are great, just different.

They do want to go to Uni next year, and I can't blame them. Uni has no real appeal to me since I'm not a ride person, but it will be fun with them.

Who knows they could change up on me and want to return to Disney in a few years. We'll certainly take the grand-kids in about TEN years.

 

[ajwolfe]

My oldest is now 11 and when discussing our vacation plans for this year his #1 suggestions was WDW and always is. Our 7 yo is the same way-which I would expect. I'm surprised that the 11 yo is still as in to it as he is, but I'm thrilled about it; he swears he will never outgrow it and he may be right. We are basically forcing them into a beach vacation this year instead (really only hooked them because we are staying on Disney property!) and have done other trips over the years but I have a feeling (at least for awhile) they will continue to want to go to WDW.

 

[Magpie]

Our last Disney trip with the kids was back in 2011. It was a wonderful trip, "magical" in many ways! I am SO glad we took the kids.

Our son, you see, was already very, very cool at just-barely-14. He was over six feet tall, ironic and hilariously sarcastic. And heavily into both hip hop and politics. During the trip planning, he was polite but gave the impression that he was humouring us with his presence. But once we'd arrived at Disney, all of that went out the window. I hadn't seen that ear-to-ear grin in years, but he wore it almost the entire time we were there. And the castmembers had SO much fun singling him out, even when he wasn't wearing his birthday button.

But, more than anything else, it was worth it just to see him play Pat-a-Cake with Pooh Bear.

After this trip, the kids decided they couldn't do any more, because of school commitments. They haven't ruled out another trip to Disney, but I think it'll be after they're done with university and they'll likely pay their own way. So, I really treasure that last Disney trip we had with them as kids.

In the meantime, my husband and I are happily enjoying couples trips, several times a year, with APs.

 

[MinnieGi]

My kids are now 14 & 10 and have been going every two years for the last six years. Before then we just to go once a year. Harder to fit trips in with more activities and school commitments...

New this year: UNIVERSAL! Harry Potter was amazing!! And this really pleased the 14yo especially!!

-All about the RIDES! We do in with plans to hit the "mountains" several times over especially EE and SM. THey do these over and over! We get there early so they can go on lots of times and then have FP's too.

-I have to BEG to get character pictures!!! And these were kids who used to want to hug and meet EVERY character in the parks!!!

-However they still like to do at least ONE character meal. Well, they don't admit to liking it, but I schedule one and then when the characters come up they happily pose!! LOL!! Mama gets her character pictures!!

-No parades, but will enjoy the night time fireworks shows.

It has been fun seeing how our trips have changed as they have gotten older. All the trips have been super fun.