How old were your children when they first started to enjoy Disney?

[HPotter]

How old were your children when they finially started to really enjoy Disney World?

 

[PrincessDadx2]

Define enjoy. DD2 had a great time at 8 weeks and got a lot of attention from the CMs. My kids are now 4.5 and 2.5 and talk about going everyday - is it your birthday yet daddy? They still can't go on the thrill rides, but they have a great time whenever we go.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

DS was almost 4 on his first trip & still talks about it to this day (he's now 10). DS #2 was 3 (now almost 7) on his second trip & still talks about things he remembers from that trip. His favorite video - the home videos we took while at WDW. His favorite book - our WDW photo albums.

 

[GEM]

My little guy has an WONDEFUL time on his first birthday trip! He laughed and giggled and pointed and smiled absolutely non-stop. He loved everything - the rides, the shows, the characters, the parades, the fireworks, riding the boats and busses, and especially the AKL swimming pool! I would definately say that he really enjoyed it, even at that age. You should have seen the look of wonder and awe on his face when he saw the Pooh characters up close and personal at the Crystal Palace breakfast. It was so adorable. He just babbled on and on to them and tried to pet them like he does our dog! You should have seen him dancing in his seat at the musical shows and during the parades! It was a great trip. I don't think he fussed more than 10 minutes the whole 8 nights.

 

[christianweecare]

DD was around 2 or so on her first visit. She had a wonderful time. Back then all there was the MK. By our second trip we had added DS who was just a toddler. Not a good trip! It was just a day trip to the MK on the spur of the moment because we were close. It was hot, miserable, and crowded! Big mistake! Our next trip with the kids DS was in first grade and DS was in the fourth grade. The beginning of more wonderful trips to come! We usually went every other year after that around Christmas time. We all have many wonderful memories. Now DH & I go several times a year and maybe the kids can go from time to time. DD is 24 with a DD of her own. DS just got married a few weeks ago. How the time flies! Enjoy every moment that you can!

 

[fun & fancy free]

My DD's were 2&4 when they first went. There is a picture of DD at 2yo that speaks a thousand words. In fact everytime I start talking about going again to DH I take out that picture. His exact words are for that is worth all the money I have. With that note I book ou next trip.

 

[newholiday]

DS went first time when he was 4
Again at 9yrs
and then again at 10yrs
disney cruise at 11yrs
and now he's going "home" at 12yrs

 

[The Sweetness]

DD(12) was 2 1/2. She totally got it

 

[PrincessTori]

GEM: This is O/T I know, but I just read your tag. Says you have a 1lb 7oz wonder baby. Was wondering how early your baby was? Is it the little cutie in the photo? My DD was born at 22 weeks, she was 1lb 4 ozs. She is perfect 4 year old now and only has her scars to let you know she was that premature. Always warms my heart when I see other preemies thriving! They have such a tough start.

Bless you,

On topic, we took her on her first trip to disney when she was a year and a half and she loved it! Of coarse, she doesn't remember it today, but she had a good time.

Heather

 

[GEM]

Heather -

Yep. That's my little guy in the picture.

He was a 27 weeker, but was very small for his gestational age due to placental failure, which is why he had to be delivered early. He spent 3 months in the NICU.

That picture was taken about a month ago. He's 16 months old now and doing absolutely great in every way, although he is still very tiny for his age - about 17 pounds now. He's walking, babbling, and just generally have a great time. Like you said, perfect except for the scars. I'm glad to hear about your daughter! I know a couple of 22 weekers, but not many.

Back on topic, as I said before, Paul absolutely LOVED everything on his first trip, which we took to celebrate his first birthday. (There were so many scary memories around his birth that we wanted to replace them with good memories!)

I really think even the youngest baby can find something to enjoy at Disney World, even if it's only the pretty lights and music.

 

[LYNSUE]

My two boys were 3 and almost 6. That was the only time we had to deal with a stroller. But you know, you don't think about the issues of travelling with young kids when your doing it. But as they get older you then realize how much easier it is.

 

[eaglesfan]

was May 2003. DS was 5 and DD was just under 3. Both of them can still remember their trip. My now 6 year old remembers things that I totally forgot about. We're going this November and it will be interesting to see what they remember. One thing they do remember is the bunk beds and have insisted we stay at the same place (WL).

 

[a Really Bad Egg]

Great question. I think my kids enjoyed it immensely everytime, but I do remember the "it's too hot" and "the line's too long" whines when they were little.

We always used the excuse that 'we need to go back because the kids are getting older and they may not enjoy it as much next year.'

Ha, what a crock. I think the older you get, the more you enjoy it! I know I do!

 

[baccarat0809]

My ds (now 34 months old - almost the big 3) started going when he was 20 months old - and has already been back four more times since the original trip. Yeah, I know, a 3 year old who lives in Buffalo, NY and has been to disney 5 times already sounds a bit spoiled (he is), but I travel a lot for my job and I had a string of conferences(5 of them in 1 year) in Orlando so we just stayed at WDW. Anyway, we're going back again at the end of september as he LOVES it soo much.

So you ask, how do we know he loves it so much? About 2 weeks before our last time to visit the mouse, my ds picked up his back-pack, put a few toys in it and his yellow blanket, and walked to the front door and opened it. Now, he had never done that before. Anyway, we ask him where he's going. His answer, and I'll never forget it, was

"Disney world. Mickey's castle"

That should demonstrate how much he likes it - and remembers - at least for now.

Finally, I tend to agree that most kids will get a lot out of it if it's done properly... starting your kid watching disney channel early on helps with the introductions so to speak - but i digress i dont want to get yelled at for lettin him watch some tv. Don't rush things. Go back to the hotel for nap. Go swimming. Only do rides if the child wants to. Only spend time with the characters if the child wants to. Watch out for the heat if you go in summertime.

 

[tmli]

My ds was 3 the first time and we have been every year since (he is now 8).

There is still alot of things we have not seen or done. Every year is a different trip because his interests have changed, he's a little taller.....so I think at any age a child will have fun if the parents are not Commandos trying to squeeze it all in to 7 days.

Don't treat every trip like it's your last!