How old should kids be, before you take them to DisneyWorld?

[Markstudy]

Our good friends want to come with us on our next Disney trip.
We don't have kids (just married). They have a 16 month old and a 3 year old.

I told them to leave the kids home (both his and her families are local, so plenty of grand parents to watch the kids.) They think I'm crazy! Disney is for kids.

My thinking comes from my mom and dad. They took us (3 kids) many times but waited till we were old enough to enjoy and remember the trip.
I was 6 , brother was 4 and we left sister home with family because she was 1

I think my mom and dad had the right Idea , but I see so many babies at Disney
I can see that my family was in the minority

How old do kids have to be to enjoy the experiance, be able to handle the long lines, long days, hot sun, and buses and travel?

I really can't remember any trips we took before I was 5 years old anyway.
When do kids start remembering?

I would guess most people take their babies to Disney because they don't have family to leave them home with?

If my friends take their babies, we aren't going to see them much. It seems to change the trip from a fun vacation to a logistics planning exercise. What should they do? They love Disney like we do as adults. But they want to bring the baby tour (and the truck load of stuff that goes with it)

 

[FionaLovesShrek]

We waited until DD was 5. She was really into the princesses then and I wanted her to be able to remember her very first time. It was perfect

 

[NC State]

We waited until my daughter was 7 year old and she still don't remember things that we did. We wanted to wait until we had no diapers and no crying spells. It was a great trip for everyone to enjoy.

 

[crzy4mickey]

I think it all depends on the kids. I waited to take my kids until DD was 4 and DS was 8. I know my DD would not have handled the long days at 16 months or even the characters. My DS was always outgoing and would have been able to handle it younger but we wanted to wait until they were both ready. I know some people take kids younger and babies even and that's fine but if they are coming with you who have no children yes, it does change the trip altogether. You have to take breaks for naps, diaper changes, feeding etc. We have gone with my best freind and her 2 DD's and it's even hard because my kids aren't whiners and her youngest can whine for all 4 kids and some! My kids aren't perfect but they just don't whine. It's very hard to listen to that but we are willing to put up with it because overall we have a great time together. You have to ask yourself if you are willing to put up with the kids. At the same time, there's nothing like seeing Disney through the eyes of a child! It's a hard decision to make but you'll have fun.

 

[LegoMom3]

Well, I think you are about to open up a can of worms with this thread, but here's my 2 cents!....

The first thing I notice is that you and your friends seem to have different expectations with this trip. You guys are looking for the adult experience (and that's perfectly fine - enjoy newly married life! ) and they are looking for that first magical experience with and for their kids. You are probably very right that if the friends bring the kids, you won't see them much. So what's the point in them coming along, really? I don't mean that in a nasty way, just something to ponder (more for them, I guess).

We have 3 kids. Took them on their first trip to WDW almost 2 years ago. Youngest was 2-1/2. He has a lot of memories, but any younger than that....? You are also 100% correct in the "logistics planning" thing! It's far more work to do Disney w/young kids than just as adults.

The choice in whether or not the kids come is ultimately up to the parents (your friends). I highly suggest you all really talk it out, but I will also caution you on how much you push for them to leave the kiddos at home. Unless you are VERY close, long-time friends, you may be overstepping your bounds. I can think of very few people in my life who, if they suggested such a thing, I wouldn't take offense to it! But maybe that's just me.

I guess to answer your original question, no I don't think their kids are "too" young to experience WDW, but each family is different in what they want (as you said your family waited until you all were older and left the 1-yr.old at home). Personally, while I love get-aways with my DH as much as the next wife, we love WDW too much as a family to go w/out the kids!

 

[mamaprincess]

Babies are fine as long as they are protected with sunscreen, a bonnet and a shady stroller, are offered plenty to drink and are given many breaks in the Baby Care Centers in each park. Someone definately should sit with the baby in Baby Care when it needs a break.

We took our 9 mos old and she really enjoyed it. She loved the Characters, the parades and the rides she could go on. My husband and I both took turns taking breaks with her in the Baby Care Centers and she was fine.

We brought our comfy shady stroller. She was fine and we all had a good time. It was our twin DD's first trip to Disney at age 6 and they had a blast.

 

[scanne]

Well, so far I'm in the minority.

I have two kids ages 31 /2 and 1 1/2. My DS's first trip was when he turned 1. No, he doesn't "remember" the WHOLE trip, but he does remember some things. During that first trip, we got him french fries at Casey's Corner and we sat on the bleachers inside and watch some sports. On his 3rd trip in October 04, he pointed to Casey's and said "french fries in there, mommy!"

My son has been to Disney 5 times so far - and trips 6, 7 and 8 are planned!

My DD who is almost 2 has been 3 times. She LOVES the characters - she can name almost every Disney character and she loves to watch our vacation tapes. She sings and dances along to the parades - especially the Stars and Motor Cars parade from MGM.

As far as taking kids being a logistics planning exercise, we found that everyone involved worked best on this schedule:

Up early and head to a park right at opening.
Take a nap/pool break back at the resort around 1-2pm.
Head to dinner around 5pm then back to a park for the night.

My kids are ok sleeping in their stroller. We bring their pajamas and change them in the baby care centers. We rarely in the 5+ trips with our kids have had meltdowns. We keep them well hydrated and let them play in the sprinklers and fountains. We take them into air-conditioned attractions and sit and watch shows like Cinderellabration. My kids LOVE Disney - like my DH and I do. Someday they may not. So I want to go as often as I can before I hear them say "Can't we go someplace else, Mom?!"

BTW, we travel in July/August most of the time and have these neat fans that clip on to the stroller - built in air conditioning! I've received many comments on those fans!!!

So, I say take the kids. They're free under 3 anyway and YOU remember the magic in their eyes and that is a priceless memory for any parent!!!

 

[Robo]

This question gets asked very frequently.

Let me give you my "mini" version of the answers you will be getting:

1. We took Snookems when she was 2 days and 4 hours old, she doesn't remember, but WE do.

2. Alfonso was 5 when he rode Splash Mountain. He was scared at first, but now he loves it.

3. Pookie was 23 months when we went the first time. She slept during the day, but was happy to see the fireworks at night.

4. Brutus hated the princesses when he was 6, but his sister loved them.
But on that trip, Cinderella kissed him and now he's her biggest fan.

5. Our Darnatella was only 7 months old when Mickey Mouse tickled her chin. She smiled so big. We have that picture on our food-compactor to this day.

6. Seven-years-old, is when we took Potsticker for his birthday. He rode all the coasters, but he refused to ride ToT. He's 9 today and says he's ready to go on it now.

7. Our whole family went when Petunia was just 14 months. I loved to see her giggle at all the other guests. I let everyone ride while 'Tunia and I sat and people-watched. Or dozed.

8. Crafthonna was 2 years old, and not happy to be in her stroller all day, so she fussed most of the time. I'm glad we waited until her new little brother, Snorky, was 4 and a half to go again. Now she and he can have fun together (when they aren't fighting.)

That's enough for now... let's see how my predictions go.

 

[Desnik]

I totally agree with LegoMom3
We go every year and have been taking our kids since they were 8 months old!! It really sounds like you both want different things out of your vacation. You want a fun adults only getaway and they want a family trip. Completely understandable because you are in different places in your life. I really wouldn't push for them to leave their kids home, and accept that you may not have that type of vacation you want with them. How about planning a short adult only trip with them some where else and then they can have their WDW trip their way and you can have yours your way?
Personally I could never go to WDW without my kids and would really be offended if my friend told me to leave them home! That's just MHO!!

 

[ReggieB]

When we first had our DS5, we were very much of the opinion that we wouldn't take him until he was 6 or 7. As you can that didn't last! We took him at 3, and have gone each year since then. As for him not remembering? Complete rot, he remembers an awful lot. Perhaps it's just him, but he has amazingly detailed recall of all sorts of things. The trips haven't all merged into one either, he is able to tell you which trip was when. I am very glad we didn't wait to take him.

I have to say we waited until he was out of diapers, we didn't have to cart around a ton of things with us. He has never wanted to go in a stroller, so a lot of the things parents have to struggle with, we have avoided. I see plenty of parents at WDW with very young kids having a great time, I see plenty of parents with much older kids looking like they would rather be at home!!!

It's a personal thing. I can see from what you have said that it does change the dynamics of your trip, so perhaps it would be best to go on your own. It's your vacation, so you should do what you want, same goes for your friends too. I agree with what LegoMom3 has said.

 

[WaltD4Me]

While I totally understand you wanting to take an adult trip with friends...that aside, I understand taking very young kids to Disney.

I used to think a little like you...take them when they are old enough to appreciate and remember it, but we took my two year old nephew in 2004 and it was a wonderful trip and he was a big part of the reason. He was just in awe of everything and SO excited. He loved the characters and the rides and he is STILL talking about it all this time later. He loves looking at the photo album from the trip and will say things like "Look, that looks like the castle! I saw the castle when we went to Disney World!" -- I mean, I doubt he'll remember the trip when he's in college, but it seems like we've instilled a love for Disney in him and how is that not a good thing?

 

[ehstrojette]

My kids will be 4,6, and 18 on their first trip to WDW

 

[mickeymousemom]

I think it depends on the kids. Mine are 16, 12, and 2 1/2. My almost 3 yo has been 5 times since she was born: at 3 months, 10 months, 17 months, 2, and 2 1/2. She has recognized anything Disney since the 2nd or 3rd trip. She's a fanatic now(but also loves Blue and Dora and Max and Ruby). I think the thing about waiting until they remember things is hooey. At some point, on a future trip, they'll remember things. BUT...WDW is not just for kids. Our youngest did well even at 3 months. We have never had a problem. I'd have went with her at 3 months even if we didn't have our two older ones, just for DH and I.
With that said, I think the question here is whether or not this should be an all adult trip. With the little ones along, your friends will want to do different things than you sometimes. Is this such a bad thing? I really doubt I'd want to spend every waking moment with friends or relatives other than my immediate family. You all can go your separate ways and meet back up. This also allows for you and your wife to spend some time ALONE at WDW and it allows your friends to spend some wonderful time seeing Disney thru the eyes of a child. When my DD was 10 months old, she got so excited seeing the characters and taking it all in. She's been that way ever since.

I say that ALL of you should go. You will have time to spend with your friends AND they can have a family trip at WDW. Another thing to think about...there are babysitting services in the area that will come to your room and charge by the hour. I can't remember the name of it, but there is one service that I have heard nothing but good things about for several years on this and another board. They do wonderful things with the children...it might be worth looking into as this would allow the four of you a night on the town without the kids. I do know they aren't your average everyday sitters and from what I understand, they're so good you'd think they were straight outta the Disney School of Childcare Magic.


Just some thoughts for you

 

[pdarrah]

DH and I are WDW fans and have been visiting twice per year for well over a decade. When DS came along, we continued our trips. His first visit was at 6 WEEKS! The next ones were 6 months, 1 year, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, and so on. Of course, he doesn't remember those early trips, but we sure do! OUR memories are what are so special about those early trips for him . He is now as fanatical about WDW as we are (maybe more so). The easiest trip with DS was the one at 6 weeks - he happily slept in his stroller a lot and when he was awake there were all sorts of bright colors and lights to look at. We just carried him onto rides either in our arms or in a baby sling thingy. Even at that young an age, he was fascinated by IASW - he stared at everything with his mouth hanging open. It was a family joke that IASW evoked the same reaction until he was 6! The hardest trip was when he had first started walking/running (the two were about 5 days apart) - he didn't want to stay in his stroller, but since he still fell a lot we didn't want him trying to run on concrete and we didn't want him to get trampled or get in other guests way. We found a few areas for him to play (Donald's boat area, play area at exit from Splash) but this is a difficult stage. However, this trip had one of our favorite memories - it is when he fell in love with Minnie. We took him to his first character meal and although he wasn't scared of the characters, he wasn't certain he wanted to get too close - until Minnie came into the room. As she headed toward our table, he suddenly ran toward her - she saw him coming and knelt down and he ran straight into her arms - definitely a Kodak moment.

Sooooo - I agree with the earlier poster who said that you and your friends are probably looking for different vacations. They are probably looking to make some family disney memories - and that isn't your thing yet. If you end up going at the same time, maybe you can just pick a few times to meet up and chat and share your experiences. Maybe a sit-down meal (or a character meal) or some time at a pool or water park.

pdarrah

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I just wanted to leave a comment just for you. If your DF takes her kids (which we took our youngest at 6 months and DS at 2 and loved it) you need to be very upfront with her about how much you want to "help" with the kids. As you have said little ones are very much work and it is all about their schedules and needs.

You need to tell her that you will want to be on your own to do the things you and your DH would like to do. Suggest meeting for a meal or something each day.

While I LOVED having my kids there so young and I could care less if they remember those trips, they will be back and that worked great for our family, we went knowing that we would only do what the youngest was up to and when she needed to leave we were fine with that. You have a good understanding of the trip that YOU want and the trip it will turn out to be with little ones along. Just be very clear with your friend what you are willing and not willing to do.

 

[Markstudy]

I say take the kids. They're free under 3 anyway!

I didn't know that.

Now I understand why everyone brings the babies.

 

[Raevyn_Wolfe]

what age to bring your kids is a personal choice every parent has to make for themselves.
How I look at it. . . .
A child is never to young to take to Disney, even an infant can enjoy the bright colors, excitement in the air, etc.
We took our son for his first time (he's taken a few more since) when he was 2, he had a GREAT time, he LOVED everything he was tall enough to ride, he LOVED the character breakfast we took him to, and he had a great experience.
You know what, he doesn't remember a THING about it! (He's now 4) BUT I DO, and it's something I can hold on to, and show him pictures of later.
Just because a child won't remember it isn't much of a reason (again, in my opinion) because it doesn't mean he/she won't have a great time while the're there.

 

[Markstudy]

Thanks everyone for the help and ideas.

If they do bring the kids ..... we will just plan to meet them for some meals and start each day in the same park together, but then go our own way.

 

[Kick Save]

Our eldest made his first trip when he was three, our youngest when he was 23 months...both had a great time, and still ask roughly every day when we're going back.

If your friends do take the kids, you'll probably split up some. But like you said, you can have a few meals together and ride some things together and still have a pretty good time.

 

[cobbler]

When our family was just 3 members, (me dh and ds) ds was just over 3. He remembers a ton about that trip. Looking at pics also sparks those memories.

When we added another family member (another ds) he was 10 months old when we went. Those times were priceless, he did fine and didn't fuss. Pics with him and the characters are so cute! I wouldn't have traded it for the world.

Oldest son has been 6 times and remembers lots of things from different trips, youngest has been 5 times and remembers things as well.

It really is up to each individual family. If we were to add another member I wouldn't hesitate to bring them at a young age.