How old were your children on their first visit to Disney World?

[bluezy]

We took our oldest sons when they were 14 & 12. We had wanted to take them a few years earlier than that, but life got in the way. We had a 1 & 2 year old at that time (see note about life getting in the way. ) but they stayed home with grandma and auntie (as well as a few other favorite babysitters) for that trip. We had planned to take those 2 when they were about 8 & 9, but realized about 24 hours into our trip, that we wanted to take them at a younger age. Our 14 & 12 year olds were enjoying the magic, but it was a totally different enjoyment than what we witnessed younger children having. We decided that for us, we didn't want to take the younger 2 until they were 40" tall so they could go on the majority of the rides (at that time); didn't need naps; were completely and thoroughly potty trained; and didn't need a stroller. We returned to Disney when they were 4 & 5 (and the older 2 also came on that trip). We figured we'd probably do one more trip when the younger 2 were in the early teens. And then 2 months before we went on that first trip for the 4 & 5 year old, I found out I was pregnant. So...when that caboose baby hit the 40" mark (also at age 4), we went again with all 5 kids. And we've been back another 7 times since then.

We now have 2 grandchildren (siblings) and their parents are big Disney World fans (all of our kids are. Can't imagine how that happened. ) The oldest grandchild made her first trip when she was 14 mos. While *I* don't want to take a child that young, it really was a fun trip for all of us (all 5 of our "kids" were on that trip). While we knew she wasn't going to remember *any* of that trip, we all have the memories of watching her face light up at so many different things. At that age, she sat in the stroller most of the time and didn't ask to get out. She was content to be pushed around while looking at everything. She napped well in the stroller and because there were 8 teens/adults in our group, there were plenty of us to help with her. We used child swap a lot on that trip. Grandchild #2 was 5 months old on his first trip. He slept most of the time. There were 10 adults/teens on that trip so, again, plenty of people to help. And by that point, DH & I had been at Disney enough that we were more than happy to take the baby (and the then 5 year old) and do something with them while all the other "kids" went on thrill rides. We went again when the grandchildren were 2.5 & 7. That trip had more challenges because the 7 year old was getting frustrated with being slowed down by the 2.5 year old. And the 2.5 year old didn't sleep well at all on that trip, so he was a bit cranky a lot of the time...because he wouldn't let himself fall asleep in the stroller for fear of missing something. While I've enjoyed the trips with our grandchildren, it did reinforce that we made the right decision for *our* family when we chose not to take our kids until they were out of the nap & stroller phase. But when you're the grandparent, you can just watch your (adult) child dealing with the cranky toddler who doesn't want to stay in the stroller and say, "We're going to go do something on our own for awhile. See you at dinner."

 

[Lhopper]

My husband and I have recently become first time grandparents, and can’t wait to take our grandson to Disney! I am wondering at what age your children first visited Disney World. My children were 10 and 6 on our first visit. My niece was 3 and seemed to handle it well. I am just curious about others’ experiences.

My fairer was 4.5 and she did fantastic!

 

[elvispursley]

My oldest DS was 15-mo and had his first haircut at the barbershop. It was such a special trip because je also really started walking. He loved all the water play fountains Epcot used to have 20-yrs ago. My youngest DS was only 4-weeks old. That was a much slower trip but both boys did great! The only way we could’ve done these trips was by bringing my mom to help!

 

[DalGal]

Our daughter was 4 on her first trip to Disney World in June 2022. We went to Disneyland when she was 18 months old but of course she doesn't remember any of it. Our upcoming trip at the end of May, she will be 7.

 

[MartyParty]

My husband and I have recently become first time grandparents, and can’t wait to take our grandson to Disney! I am wondering at what age your children first visited Disney World. My children were 10 and 6 on our first visit. My niece was 3 and seemed to handle it well. I am just curious about others’ experiences.

When we were young parents, we thought the ideal time to take our two daughters on a trip would be when they were old enough to remember it. For us, that felt like the ages you mentioned—5 to 10 years old. Plus, there were practical considerations: the expense, kids being able to walk on their own, and manage bathroom trips without assistance.

But, as parents often learn, logic doesn't always dictate reality. When our girls were just 2 and 4 years old, we found ourselves planning a vacation. At the time, our youngest had just been discharged from the ICU. It had been a tearful and challenging period, but through much prayer and the incredible support of our neighbors, she pulled through. My wife and I were profoundly grateful, but also utterly exhausted. We all needed a break.

Our budget was tight, but I had some flight credits, and Walt Disney World was running a special on tickets, hotels, and dining. Although the girls were younger than we’d originally planned for such a trip, the timing and finances aligned, making it the best choice for us. So, we decided to go. We didn’t tell the girls where we were headed. I still vividly remember the looks on their faces as they walked down Main Street for the first time: a mix of bewilderment, awe, and tentative excitement. It was like stepping into a small town, but one that wasn’t entirely a town.

Fast forward—it turned out to be a magical experience. Their little eyes sparkled with joy, and their hearts were brimming with happiness. They may have been too young to fully remember that trip, but they’ve relived it countless times through the photos and videos we captured. Since then, we’ve taken many trips, but that first one holds a special place in my wife’s and my hearts. It was exactly what we needed at that moment—a beautiful, unforgettable memory we’ll always cherish. Sometimes we as parents need those moments as well.

 

[ngl]

We have lived in Florida 30 years now (about 1.5 hours from WDW) and we get this question a lot! There is no wrong answer. WDW can be enjoyed by "kids" of all ages. The first time I went I was 2 and it was 1973 We went every year thereafter through high school (grew up out state in the cold!) Those trips bring back such great family memories and was a time when WDW was not even close to being what WDW is now! We brought our kids the first time when they were 6 months. Again, we had the luxury of a short drive so completely understand people waiting who have to get on a plane, etc. As others mentioned, the reality is there is something for every age at WDW.

 

[Brob2132]

As everyone has said, every age has challenges and things that will melt your heart. I think the biggest item that can create frustration is alignment of expectations.

We took our middle daughter at 19 months, and she didn’t grasp the concept of waiting in line to get onto a ride. There were plenty of awesome memories but we just couldn’t do any length of line over 5 minutes.

Probably should have seen that coming. But we didn’t, and at first it was a bummer. Then we just enjoyed the ride and things were less stressful.

Other tidbit that sounds obvious but is worth mentioning. The problems you’re having at home will not only still exist on vacation, they’ll be worse because the schedule is changed. Sleeping, eating, listening, whatever, Disney Magic doesn’t transform.

 

[tinkerjo]

We are getting ready( we leave in 11 days yay) to take our grandsons for their 1st trip ages 10,9,6. (Without mom and dad) we wanted to be sure they could walk the parks, not get homesick, be able to ride everything they wish to ride. (Also for DS and DIL to say we can take them) DH does not have the patience he used to so we will see how it goes. DS 17 is going with us so he will be a huge help. The only problem I see so far is that they really can’t grasp how large it is and how many people there will be. They aren’t Interested in watching videos or assisting in planning. I really wish we would have started earlier. My own kids were 8,6,1,and 9 months their first trips (not the same trip obviously)

 

[disneycat321]

I love this thread. We’re getting ready to take our daughter on her first trip to Disneyland for her 2nd birthday. 3 day park tickets, staying at the Disneyland Hotel. We live in CA and DLR is a 7 hour drive away, so this is much easier than WDW. WDW will be in a few years since it involves a cross country flight and a much longer trip. All these stories are making me even more excited to experience her first trip!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

We took our son at 3 1/2, our oldest granddaughter at 22 months and our youngest at 18 months. We have never regretted our decision to take them so young. I will never regret the decision and have enjoyed many memories over the years. Granted, we go quite a bit, but if it's a 1 and done, I'd wait a bit. Take them young, because the magic is real to them. I remember my son rubbing his hands in anticipation and apprehension at meeting Mickey for the first time. I've had friends take their kids later, and after they have been to ordinary theme parks filled with thrill rides, they haven't been as impressed with Disney "magic". Others love it and embrace it though. No way to tell, but you can't put a price on memories!

 

[CP2013]

My husband and I have recently become first time grandparents, and can’t wait to take our grandson to Disney! I am wondering at what age your children first visited Disney World. My children were 10 and 6 on our first visit. My niece was 3 and seemed to handle it well. I am just curious about others’ experiences.

Our kids were 9, 8, 8, 6, and 4 the first time we went back in 2018. Our 4 year old absolutely loved it. We stayed at All Star Movies resort and he took full advantage of the splash pad. We rented a double stroller for our 6 and 4 year olds and it was a life saver. They both took naps in it so we were still able to let the older 3 kids enjoy the parks. If you're going to take a toddler/preschooler, I definitely recommend having a stroller, a fan if it's during the hot season, and a cooler bag with some cold drinks in it.

 

[marmentrout85]

We took our daughter at 14 months and thankfully she was a breeze to travel with. She seemed to really enjoy the parks and LOVED meeting Mickey. She's about 2 and a half now and we've been back twice and she keeps having a better time each time the older she gets.

 

[ak517]

We took our first to WDW at 4 months! I really wanted to do it as a way to rip the travel band-aid off in a familiar place, plus we brought my mom which helped DH and I get to ride the big kid rides together. We've taken him back at 13 months and again at 19 months, with a trip to DLP at 15 months. By far my favorite age with him was 19 months, he was enamored with Mickey and had a lot of fun on the rides.

 

[mary_jones]

I don't have children yet, but I'm sure as soon as they start to get interested in the Disney world, I'll organize a trip for them.

 

[HopperFan]

Child #1 now 41 = 14 mos old (consistant AP holder for about last 18 years)
Child #2 now 36 = 3.5 years old (off and on AP for last 10 years, currently one)
Child #3 now 32 = 4 mos old (and at 10 mos old and 14 mos old ... eventual DCP)

We are pretty regular visitors so my kids have been many times. I think for a first time that is not going to be a constant regular visitor, 3-4 years old is perfect. Mine that went at 3 years old was completely WOWED by Disney. I remember him seeing the castle and yelling "There it is, there it is."

Old enough to be potty trained, able to walk a good bit, enjoy the rides and characters but young enough to be completely mesmerized by it all.

 

[tjmw2727]

Older DD, just shy of 3, younger dd 1 & 1/2 -

First trip was my oldest dd and I for a mommy and me trip when she was just shy of 3. My dh stayed home with our youngest who was just over a year, and we both enjoyed the 1-1 time.

We had such a great time we decided on a family trip shortly after in conjunction with visiting family in Clearwater when they were 3 and 1 1/2. It was a wonderful time and my youngest dd's language exploded during the trip with all the things she needed to say. All rides to her were "boats" and she was constantly asking for "more boats"! We took it slow and enjoyed the family time without worrying about getting in every ride or attraction.

Younger dd went on to be a CP after college and both are AP holders a young adults.

One word of advice I have is to make time/allow time for the playgrounds, splash pads and pools even though it seems counter intuitive!

 

[UnderneathAMagicMoon]

Took my sensory sensitive and maybe (too young to tell) hyperactive son around his third birthday and it was something of a nightmare. We’re a Disney family though so we’ve been back annually and he gets a little more out of it each time. He loves Disney but he definitely needs some modifications to have a good time. More so than age, I would say look at the following:

- How is the kiddo with sensory input? We didn’t notice anything major with my son until Disney - he didn’t like loud sounds, was very cautious on playground equipment, and was afraid of the dark, but all that seemed pretty typical for a toddler. Disney magnifies sensory experience to a level 11 so it can be like a stress test in that area.

- Can they wait in a line? When we started 5-10 minutes was our absolute max before DS would charge like a bull trying to get to the front of the line. That improved dramatically around three and a half.

- Can they deal with their routine being disrupted or will they be a different child if they miss a nap or usual bedtime?

I don’t think any of the above are dealbreakers for Disney but you’ll want to modify depending on where your child is developmentally. Some two year olds are having conversations and can be reasoned out of fears. Some are just learning to talk and may be really prone to meltdowns. There’s a huge range of normal development in the early years so it will vary quite a bit from child to child.

 

[jtopp]

We took our children at about 9 months, and our first grandson at 2 years. Say what you want, but those early trips are for the benefit and enjoyment of the adults, and I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. So worthwhile.

 

[robinb]

Our daughter was 4 months old.