How old should kids be to have a good trip?

[girlfriend]

I am a Disney nut and converted my husband on our trip in '06. We have a new daughter and are talking about taking a trip to Disney World next year when she's 12-16months old. Will we have a good time? Do we wait until she's older? As we want to expand our family, chances are there could be another baby in the picture if we wait until DD is older. Thoughts?

 

[LynnTH]

I don't think there is any "right" age to take kids to Disney. I think all ages are great. We took our DS8 when he was 1, 2, 5 and 7. My DD6 was 2 and 4 when she went. All the trips were great and we have different memories with each one. When they were smaller we had a great time with the characters and just looking at everything. Now that they are older we can go on more rides and that is fun too.

So, not sure if I'm much help. But, if your going to take a trip anyway - Disney is one of the best places to go with kids of all ages. You will have a great time no matter what age your kids are...

 

[mousefanmichelle]

I was just there with my 3 kids for our first trip they are 8, 10, 12 and I think that they were the perfect age to go. I didn't have to lug around strollers, diaper bags, sippy cups or anything like that and they were old enough to walk the entire park and they didn't complain about their feet hurting. There were no meltdowns becuase they were over tired or missed a nap or were too hot or wanted to be held when it is really hot. They also really enjoyed the rides and could put the story lines together with the rides and whatnot.

I thought to myself when I saw all the people there pushing stollers or trying to hold onto toddlers hands how glad I was that I waited. I don't think that I would have enjoyed it 1/2 as much if I was doing all of that work. This is not to say that when they were younger I didn't want to take them - but in hind site I am glad I took them at the age they are and didn't do it when they were 2, 4, and 6. That would have been even more exhausting IMHO.

Whatever you decide I am sure you will have a grand time!

Michelle

 

[Memaw2Wm]

I took my kids for the first time when they were 2½ and 6 months. Back then MK was the only park. We had a great time.

I don't think there's a "perfect" across-the-board age. It depends on the child and the parent. I'm going in August with my DD and her kids ... 12, 10 and not-quite two. This trip we'll be moving at the baby's pace, or DD will take the big kids and leave me with Chase.

 

[mom2aredhead]

And he was there when he was 13 mths (for 1 day at MK), and then for a week each at age 2, 3, and 3.5.
I tend to agree with the "you're never too young" crowd.
Just because they won't remember the trip does not mean that they won't have fun - and you'll have the memories forever - picturing his little face lighting up while he sings the small world song on his 2nd birthday makes me smile every time i think about it.

 

[belle&beast]

I really think it depends upon the baby/toddler. My DD was so easy going we could have taken her anywhere. DS had reflux and cried all the time, so we would not have enjoyed it with him. We took our kids for the first time when they were 4.5 and turning 2. We celebrated DS's 2nd birthday in WDW and it was so much fun! Yes, we had strollers and diapers and sippy cups, but at the time that was all that we knew, so it didn't bother us at all. I have to admit, I am looking forward to not having to change diapers on our next trip, but I wouldn't have changed a thing!

 

[DisneyPhD]

I don't think there is any "right" age to take kids to Disney. I think all ages are great. We took our DS8 when he was 1, 2, 5 and 7. My DD6 was 2 and 4 when she went. All the trips were great and we have different memories with each one. When they were smaller we had a great time with the characters and just looking at everything. Now that they are older we can go on more rides and that is fun too.

So, not sure if I'm much help. But, if your going to take a trip anyway - Disney is one of the best places to go with kids of all ages. You will have a great time no matter what age your kids are...

I agree with Lynn. My girls have been to WDW many times (we bought DVC when the oldest was 9 months old.) Each trip has been great, and each trip the girls love it more and more.

If you are only going for the kids sake you might want to wait until they are 4 or 5. If you want to go to Disney go any time you feel comfortable taking a family vacation. Disney makes it great for families with young kids. Each trip they get more and more out of it.

Just to give you an idea. My oldest has been at 9 months, 23 months, 2 years old, 3 years old (2 trips I think) and then a few times each year. She is now 6. I loose track.

My youngest. 7 months, 9 months old, I think 3 more trips, she is not yet 3 years old. I guess I have to look at my sig to keep it straight. Any way each trip was great! I don't mind strollers, diaper bags ect... It is just part of life with young kids.

 

[stacy6552]

GO. Whenever. Our youngest was 11 mos old on our first trip. He doesn't remember it now, but he had a blast and I remember every moment.

 

[cdrn1]

We have taken DGD at 11 months, 15 months, and 2.5. Each trip has been wonderful. (She is a very easy little one, will eat anything, sleep anywhere, and afraid of nothing). We are going to try taking her (now 3.5) and her much-higher-maintenance little brother in September/October (he will be 1) and hopefully that will go as well!

 

[JenEeyore]

I say go when you want to go.

Our DS went at 8 months for first trip - I think that age might have been easier than the 1 yr age in that he didn't walk yet, so no wandering incidents and he did well in the stroller and front pack. We also went again when he was 14 months and that trip went fine too, but we also had a grandma with us, so that helped - she could let him stretch his legs a bit if we wanted to catch a ride and didn't want to baby-swap. The baby care stations there are very helpful. We thought it was easier to bring our own stroller with basket underneath to lug the extra stuff you need with a little one, but the trips at that age went just fine, and he loves to look at the pictures of himself with the characters from when he was a baby (he has been there multiple times since then also).

If you are planning on having more kids, this time will be easier for you to just have to watch out for one, and then maybe for the next time wait until the 2 of them are at easier ages, or else when 2nd one is small enough to be super portable. I agree with the poster that said if you are going for your child to remember, then you are better off waiting, but if you are going to enjoy the parks for yourself too, then go when they are small - it is easier. Just go and HAVE FUN and make sure to bring the camera for the darling photo ops!

 

[rmjkharrisfam]

We took DS for the first time at 18 months. He's now 4 and we just got back from a trip. It was DD's 1st trip at 2. We had a great time - you just have to be prepared. It's definetly not the same as an adult only trip but in some ways it's a lot more fun. Our strategy was to pick the top 3 things we wanted to do that day - anything more than that was bonus.

They may not remember the trips but I sure will. Seeing DD's face when she saw Cinderella the first time was priceless. I'll treasure that memory forever.

 

[tink_about_it]

I think it depends on the child. My DD4 went at 11 months and although at times it was exhausting holding her in a line, she was very good. I know she doesn't remember it at all, but we do. My DD2 also went when she was 20 months. She was very well behaved and liked the character interaction (even gave Stitch a kiss on the nose.) She won't remember...but again...we will and have the pics to prove it! I say go when you want to go!

 

[Maggi May]

Congrats on your new daughter!

It reallly does depend upon how adaptable your child is. Disney is not the place to take your first long car trip, hotel stay or trip away from home. By the time we stayed at Disney our then-18 months-old DS had been on many road trips and hotel stays, and was very comfortable sleeping in a pack-n-play.

Every child is different, but I really am happy that we've taken these trips while DS is young. He may not remember everything, but we've had some wonderful family moments, and DS absolutely loves looking at pictures of our vacation.

 

[teresajoy]

I am a Disney nut and converted my husband on our trip in '06. We have a new daughter and are talking about taking a trip to Disney World next year when she's 12-16months old. Will we have a good time? Do we wait until she's older? As we want to expand our family, chances are there could be another baby in the picture if we wait until DD is older. Thoughts?

The absolute without a doubt, no question about it best age to take a child to Disney is........however old they are when you go! I have taken a 4 month old, a 1 year old, a 1 1/2 year old on up to a 15 year old. Each and EVERY trip has been magical and memorable. Our 4 month old had a blast!

I personally dread the day when the kids outgrow the stroller. I love it to hold our stuff. So, if you were feeling sorry for ME while I was lugging around my toddlers and stroller and gear, I was feeling sorry for YOU for having waited so long to take your children to Disney World! I often apologize to my oldest for not taking him until he turned 4 His sister have been going yearly since before they were even born!

Look at my little saying there to the left, it says it all.

Here is a picture of Lydia at 4 months on her first out of the womb trip to Disney World. This was towards the end of the day. She was having a BLAST! and so were we watching her! She had just met Timon before we took this picture, and was still laughing about it.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think if you want to go, then go. She will have a good time living, as babies do, in the moment, and YOU will have a great time watching her.

You'll be caring for her anyway...might as well take a week caring for her at Disney.

My guy was a few months over 1 year old on his first trip to Disneyland, and he had a great time, and so did we. I wore him in my mei tai (traditional Chinese style baby carrier) most of the day, and it was terrific.

The next year we went again, I wore him on my back in my Ergo baby carrier, he was in the stroller for a few minutes, and he walked a bit. Again, it was great! He had a fabulous time. We had a really good time.

And at the end of the evening, as we walked to the trams to take us to the parking garage, I was wearing him on my front in the Ergo and he was facing me...he looked up in wonder at the twinkle lights in the trees...threw out his arms, and said/sighed..."Diz-neee-waaaaand..." Oh man did that make it ALL worth it!


From the time DS was less than 3 months, we were traveling. We stayed at a hotel after taking the train south for our first anniversary, and walked quite a bit around Portland, OR. We stay at local-ish hotels often, just for fun. Heck, for Thanksgiving two years ago we stayed at a new hotel up near Seattle, just to get away from the traditional stuff we usually put up with (we're vegetarian, so there's not much food for us at traditional dinners)! We're always traveling. Disneyland wasn't our first trip. Then again, on our first trip there he was teething HARD, had teething fevers 3 nights in a row, kept me up most of the night taking tepid baths with him (reduce the fever naturally since I knew it was only tooth related), nursing him, comforting him...and yet we had a great time on that trip (only a little bit of it was Disneyland, full disclosure).

AND we used cloth diapers, so we got to lug the used ones around the park, for washing later! If THAT can be done, ANYTHING can be done.

Regardless, you would be doing those parenting things anyway! Might as well go to a more-fun-than-your-home place for a week!


Good luck!!!!!!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I think traveling to Disney with little ones is perfect. There is lots of fun to be had no matter what a kids age. I'd say go for it.

 

[QueenGoblin]

AND we used cloth diapers, so we got to lug the used ones around the park, for washing later! If THAT can be done, ANYTHING can be done.

Wow, you are hard core! We use cloth diapers too but not when traveling. You are braver than us!

To the OP, we took our DD when she was just over two and had a great time. Bolstered by all the posts I have seen here, we are taking everyone next January when DD#2 will be just over 1 yo. I think she will do great because she is a very easy going little one and she really seems to enjoy soaking up her environment. That being said, I know my mom had a horrible time with my little brother when they took him as a 1 yo (over 25 years ago, YIKES!) He just came completely unglued...but that was (and still is ) his personalitiy. Maybe take you child on a "test run" a a local zoo or amusement park and see how they do? It is not the same, but you might get a feel for their personality when in that kind of situation.

I don't think there is a universal "perfect" age for Disney. I think if you go into it with reasonable expectations and a realistic view of your particular child's personality you can have an awesome time at any age.

 

[mjkaferle5]

I am a Disney nut and converted my husband on our trip in '06. We have a new daughter and are talking about taking a trip to Disney World next year when she's 12-16months old. Will we have a good time? Do we wait until she's older? As we want to expand our family, chances are there could be another baby in the picture if we wait until DD is older. Thoughts?

Our youngest son was 11 months old when we last last June. He had a lot of fun.

Sure he may not remember, but we sure will!! And it is not like we aren't going back!!

Bringing a baby also has its perks. Characters would give us "extra" attention, just to see the baby!!

 

[mariettadisney71]

Okay, here is my take on it. Keep in mind that this is my opinion and what we did. I understand why people take their kids when they are so young, that's great, memories are a wonderful thing. However for us, we waited until DD was 42"(age 5 and 42" was the magic height for most rides at that time 94'). This way she was old enough to remember everything that happened and she was able to go on most rides. We also went the following year and left DS, 6month home with MIL. DS was 48" when he made his first trip to WDW, 5 years later. WE had to go through Disney withdrawal for a few years until DS reached 42-48”. It would be tough for me or my DW to have to separate the family to go on rides alone while other family members waited outside. I realize we left DS home when he was 6months but it gave us more time to enjoy WDW with our DD. This way, for us, waiting until they were are tall enough, we all can enjoyed more things. Good luck, have a great trip whenever you go.

 

[teresajoy]

I know most people know, but don't forget about the child swap when you are doing rides that the little one can't go on. Don't stand in line twice. The best place for the child swap is Splash Mountain, because they have a playland for the little kids to play in while you wait. While at Space Mountain, go on the People Mover while you are waiting. Little kids usually love that. (so do I!)

My kids ages on their trips, we go every May, so ds and dd9 go right around their birthdays every year.
Son: 3-15
DD9: -2months (7 months pregnant), 1-9
DD4: -7months (2months pregnant), 4months, 16 mnths, 28mnths, 3, 4

We've always had fun, so have they.