How old was your child...

[Sgt Mickey]

We didn't take them till a little older but becasue of other reasons not becasue we didn't want to go,
I say go for it. She will have fun if she remembers it or not.
We do lots of stuff for our kids that we do for fun not just becasue they remember it you know

 

[Ashlander]

Mine were 4, 3 & 1. It was a great age and we had a great time. They probably don't remember a lot from their first time, but they don't forget anything now!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Our girls were 4 years and 21 months on our first family trip.

The trip was more for the 4 year old, but our 21 month old did enjoy some attractions in the MK and liked the princesses. I don't think I would schedule a trip FOR a 21 month old, but if you and DH are Disney fans and want to visit with a toddler, I say go for it - just don't expect to see and do anywhere close to what you did before kids!

We didn't have any major problems. There was some fussing/crying on the airplane b/c DD was overtired but couldn't fall asleep. We pretty much kept to our normal home routine at WDW - this really cut down on park time b/c we pretty much had to leave each park by 11:30am in order to get back to the hotel for our afternoon nap. DH and I usually took turns taking the toddler back to the room while the other hung out at the parks a little longer with the 4 year old. Dealing with a stroller and diapers was no big deal at WDW - I mean, we did the same thing for a trip to the mall or anywhere else, so not much different at WDW. We did have a kitchentte in our room (stayed in a studio at Wilderness Lodge), so having a fridge for milk, a microwave for some quick pasta dishes and an extra sink for washing all the sippy cups was nice.

 

[J&K'sPrincessMommy]

When or oldest was 15 months old we spent 4 nights in Vero Beach and 3 nights in WDW. It was so nice... Then our middle child was 4 months old on her first trip for a week in the World- then again when she was 16 months old when we were there for a week. My son was 18 months old when he first went with him this past December.

That said, my DH works- A LOT. So when we go away (even this young) it isn't even about where we are- it is about spending time doing things together we love to do without the stresses of everyday life at home. We have tried a few other "family" vacation spots and it just wasn't the same. The people (guests and CMs alike) just aren't as nice, the resorts/parks/rooms aren't as spotless, the food isn't as good- thus making the kids and their parents not as happy as we are in WDW or on DCL. So, if we only get to take 1 vacation every 12-18 months... I want to be happy and my family to be happier, and the only way to guarantee that is to be in the Happiest Place on Earth

 

[laceemouse]

Mine was 4. I flat out refused to do disney with a stroller and a kid in diapers.She potty trained completely at 3 1/2 we started "walking training" 6 months before our trip, and as a result....We had a great time, she remembered the whole trip, and it was a vacation for even MOM.

You obviously just have one child. Your strategy won't work for people with several kids. If you have to wait until the youngest meets your criteria you would be waiting forever!

 

[frtchr]

DE was 11 months on her first trip. The second trip, she was 16 months, and I was 4 months pregnant. The third trip, she was 26 months and DS was 6 months. We're going again in December. DD will be one month shy of 3, and DS will be 15 months. My daily life is filled with strollers and diaper changes, so why not do all that at Disney? At least I don't have to cook and clean the house.

 

[raven69david]

We took DD when she was 14 months and have since gone a total of 6 times. At 1 we took her to MVMCP and the look on her face when she saw Santa Claus and his reindeer coming was priceless. Her eyes and her mouth were wide opened and I will never forget that look of amazement. When I die and my life flashes before my eyes, that will be one of the memories that I will see before I'm gone and I will be at peace with myself knowing that I helped create the most beautiful/perfect person in our lives.

 

[nikkipowell1]

My DS was 2 years 2 months and my DD was 8 months. We decided to go because I got airline tickets for $18.00 roundtrip for each of us. Stayed at Pop. It was fun.

 

[laceemouse]

The youngest we ever took anybody was our son when he was 5 months old. We went in December and it was nice and cool. He was fine. But the trip was NOT for him, it was for his sisters who were 4 and 2 at the time. The 4 year old loved every minute of it!

Do you plan to have more kids? When? I would say go now if you plan to get pregnant again soon, maybe wait a while if you don't plan to have more. Also, if you plan to go again and again then go ahead and go now, the trip will be a little different at each age she is. A once-in-a-lifetime trip is better for an older child.

Don't go when it is hot and go at her pace, taking breaks and stuff.

 

[frtchr]

We took DD when she was 14 months and have gone a total of 6 times. At 1 we took her to MVMCP and the look at her face when she saw Santa Claus and his reindeer coming was priceless. Her eyes and her mouth were wide opened and I will never forget that look of amazement. When I die and my life flashes before my eyes, that will be one of the memories that I will see before I'm gone and I will be at peace with myself knowing that I helped create the most beautiful/perfect person in our lives.

Ooooh, that's beautiful! You just brought happy tears to my eyes!

 

[maraki527]

My daughter is going to be 8 months for her first trip and celebrate her first birthday at WDW. We are DVC members so we go to Disney all the time.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

I couldn't post on the poll because our kids went when they were fetuses, when they were 4 months old, 8 mos old, etc...

I'll just repeat the advice I always give to people who ask about bringing teenie weenies into the park: Structure your entire vacation around making them happy and comfortable.

Work from that premise and you'll be fine

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

We have 4 kids. First trip our oldest was 8 and youngest was 6 months. We left the baby at home with grandma and were miserable the whole week with out him. We havent been back as a family since, but are gearing up for our trip in 10 days. We are taking everyone ages 12, 10, 4 and 10 months.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

My oldest was 11 months old on her first trip. She has since been 8 times and will be 3 in August. Each trip has been fabulous for different reasons. We have great memories from every one of those trips. Her little sister will be making her trip to the World this July at just 3 months old.

 

[DISNEYFOS]

We've taken both our children when they were 4 months old. And we've probably been every six months or so since then. Each age has its troubles and its wonderful memories. As long as you are realistic with your expectations and follow their lead it can be a great experience. If they are overtired, hungry, hot, well then..you know .....

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

We took ds when he was 4. We are quite far away in MA, if we lived within driving distance it probably would have been sooner. After my mom passed, we all needed something to lift our spirits. We had never been to WDW, and it seemed like an Orlando vacation would do it. We brought my dad, and it was just what we needed to move on. I didn't know about planning then, so I look back now and of course we missed alot -- but we didn't know it, and we were happy. If I knew then what I know now, I would not have hesitated to take ds at a younger age.

 

[Chelley00]

My youngest DS was 23 months when we took our first trip. He had a GREAT time! Just be flexible and take cues from them. DS would sometimes sleep in the stroller, sometimes not. If he didn't, fall asleep by XX time, we'd leave to back to the villa for naps.

He had even more fun last year when we went right before his second birthday. It was the perfect time to go for us. He was potty trained, could ride more rides and remembers the trip, but I wouldn't give up the memories we made from the first time, whether he remembers it or not (his first haircut, seeing Mickey for the first time, riding tea cups etc)

 

[DonaldDuckFamily]

We took our oldest when he turned 5 and our youngest (at the time) was 11months. Then when we had all 3 kids the youngest got to go for his 2nd birthday. I think no matter when you go, memories are made

 

[adventure_woman]

I voted 1 yr, but you didn't have an option for less than 1 yr. My DD was 8 weeks. I was on maternity leave and I didn't have to take vacation time. I stayed with my mom, who was already going. It was great, she actually enjoyed looking around at everything. Since then, we went when she was 23 months, 28 months and will be going in Aug, a month before she turns 3. I used to be a cast member, so I am a Disney fanatic. I love watching her experience everything. I have never had more fun at Disney than I do with her.

 

[abouley]

So much depends on the personality of your child. We live in CA my son was 13 months on his first trip to DL and 19 months on his first trip to WDW. My DD was 5 months on her first trip to DL and also went 2 other times before one and was 26 months on her first trip to WDW.

13 months was easy as he was barely walking and still didn't mind being carried. My son was a bit of a pain at 19 months...didn't want to be held, would not hold hands when walking, would run away if put down in line, etc. My DD was WONDERFUL though even as a toddler and always stayed close to us.

My favorite trip with my son was when he was 26 months...he was finally able to hold hands, stay close etc but was not yet potty trained (those runs to the bathroom annoy me) and was not scared of dark rides. Plus, he remembered it! That was why we did WDW when my youngest was 26 months and it was GREAT! So, around 26 months would be my suggestion based on MY experience with both my kids but not every child is the same!

So, I would look at your child and their personality and decide. Of course, if you are planning a year out it's hard to know!!! LOL! I would also consider whether or not this is a once every 5 years kind of thing or if you will likely go every year or two! If you're likely not to go again for 5 years, I'd wait a few more months and go around 2. But if you are like us and go often, I'd go when it's convenient for you!!