Ideal Age for a child to visit and minimum height requirements?

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I will be running the Disney Princess in March 2011, and my sister who has a just turned three year old son and my Mom want to make a trip out of it. I really am debating this for a few reasons. I worked at Disney and always stuck to the principle that I would never take a child until they were five or six years old. My reasoning was that they would be tall enough to enjoy most of the rides, and would be on a schedule that didn't require copious breaks for naps, snacks, temper tantrums because they were tired, etc.

I know plenty of families take their youngsters to the parks. But, it is really expensive and I always feel for the famillies where one parent gets "stuck" waiting with the child that isn't old enough, tall enough, etc. to go on the rides while everyone else in the family has a great time. Most of all, I always cringed when families would get so grumpy by the end of the day to watch the parade and children were being awakened because they had to see it when they were spending so much money on everything! I can't tell you how many times I have seen fights almost break out because some Dad doesn't think it is fair for someone to save a seat for someone in their party that is across the street getting refreshments, or parents nitpicking each other about any tiny little thing. The happiest place on Earth isn't usually that at the end of the night!

I want my nephew to go when he will truly believe in all the magic, love all the characters, be able to ride most of the attractions, and not be attached to a stroller. Does anyone have any thoughts on the ideal age? Also, any advice on talking my sister and Mom out of bringing him if they come? It is an ordeal taking him to the movies or out to eat as it is and I always love Disney, and I love him too, but I just don't want to be that family that has the screaming kid and not get to enjoy the parks because he is too young to even be there.

Any thoughts?

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't think there's a perfect age.

Parents being annoyed with each other doesn't have to do with the children being young; it has to do with Disney being a big vacation filled with things to do places to walk and sights to see. Vacations with a teen can be just as tantrum-filled as with a 3 year old. And parents of teens are probably the ones needing naps!

If you want to go solo, go solo. But don't make this about when you think your nephew should go, bc there's no perfect age.

 

[imthatgirl]

Well most of the rides don't have a height requirement, so they don't need to be 6 to ride most of the rides. Sure there are a handful of thrill rides they can't ride, but there is no gaurantee they'll even want to ride them when they are tall enough.
My husband and I took turns hanging back, but it's not like we just sat there and waited. there is surely plenty to do while the others ride something. My husband and I enjoy different things, so it was never a big deal.
I don't really think age has anything to do with grumpiness. I've seen plenty of adults with adult children arguing about where to go next. when my kids were 2-3 they were just happy to be there. I can't think of one time they had to be kept up or didn't want to be doing what we were doing.

You say you want your nephew to go when he truely believes in the magic...well then thats the age of 3. by 5 they know it's just a guy in a costume.
I think if your sister wants to bring him, and I really don't find it odd that a mom would want to bring their child to wdw...then you should back off and let her take her child on vacation. If you find that you're too tired to deal with the child you can always excuse yourself.

 

[kpm76]

Our DD will be 3 in a few weeks and she has been to WDW 3x, once at 6months, 18months and 2.5yrs. She was great at 6 months and 18 months but at 2.5 she really GOT it....she was totally into the characters, the shows, the attractions etc. We are expecting a little boy late summer and she talks so lovingly about taking her baby brother to Disney to meet the characters and see the Nemo show. There is no "perfect" age but based on my individual experience with DD, I would say taking a toddler is extremely magical.....

As for meltdowns and tantrums etc, we adjust touring plans to fit her schedule. She still gets her regular afternoon nap and goes to bed at roughly the same time as she would at home.....we only got to see Wishes once and no other nighttime shows, but that was ok with us. The things we did experience were great because everyone was well rested and in a good mood. We do NOT try to pack everything in because we are spending a lot of money. That's the wrong approach with toddlers and quite frankly, a recipe for disaster.

You seem like to don't necessarily want the burden of traveling with a toddler and that's fine. It's your trip and your decision but I would not try to talk your mom and sister out of taking your nephew. You can do your own thing if being with a 3 yr old is not your idea of a fun trip, but don't take the magic away from your mom and sister because a 3 yr old can most definitely enjoy WDW.......

 

[ajjollie23]

Well most of the rides don't have a height requirement, so they don't need to be 6 to ride most of the rides. Sure there are a handful of thrill rides they can't ride, but there is no gaurantee they'll even want to ride them when they are tall enough.
My husband and I took turns hanging back, but it's not like we just sat there and waited. there is surely plenty to do while the others ride something. My husband and I enjoy different things, so it was never a big deal.
I don't really think age has anything to do with grumpiness. I've seen plenty of adults with adult children arguing about where to go next. when my kids were 2-3 they were just happy to be there. I can't think of one time they had to be kept up or didn't want to be doing what we were doing.

You say you want your nephew to go when he truely believes in the magic...well then thats the age of 3. by 5 they know it's just a guy in a costume.
I think if your sister wants to bring him, and I really don't find it odd that a mom would want to bring their child to wdw...then you should back off and let her take her child on vacation. If you find that you're too tired to deal with the child you can always excuse yourself.

I agree with a lot of these posts. My kids have been going to WDW since 1 yr old. I think if you know your children you can have a fantastic time without any meltdowns. You just need to plan ahead, and don't try to do too much. We rarely go back to the hotel for breaks in the mid day unless we just want to swim at the pool a bit or do something else at the hotel. My kids took naps in the stroller and if they were asleep and missed a parade we didn't sweat it, we figured they will just see it next time. I think the problems you are seeing are with the parents who are pushing their children too hard, or pushing themselves too hard wanting to "see" everything. If you go in knowing you aren't going to get to do everything, have a plan on your absolute musts and let your nephew fall asleep in the stroller when he is tired or your sister bring him back to the hotel while you and your mom hang out.

When we go with a group we tend to say here is our plan you are welcome to join us, if you want to do something else and meet up with us later that is fine too just give us a call and we will tell you where we are. It seems to work very well with us.
As for the ride heights, a couple of yrs ago my children were 1 and 4...my one yr old was a little timid with the characters, my 4 yr old kept telling him not to worry they were just people in costumes..so much for the innocence of the young.
Ride wise last year my youngest was 2 and pretty much exactly 35" with shoes. He was able to go on pretty much everything in fantasyland, and majority of the other rides at MK, even Goofy stormchaser or that roller coaster in toontown. He also could go on a ton of rides at HS, Epcot, and AK.
My 5 yr was 42" and could go on majority of the rides everywhere...exceptions were space mountain, EE, Mission Space, but the shear number that they could both go on made all that ok. If we wanted to go on anyway we used FP's and child swaps. No problems at all with that.
Finally, I honestly think that around 2-6 is an absolutely wonderful age range to take them. You get to see their eyes light up when they see the characters, they can go on soo many rides, and it is just a wonderful experience being their when they are soo preoccupied with what they look like, and what other people would think, and who they could be hanging out with instead.

I think if you plan it all out and discuss with your mom and sister ahead of time what the game plan is you will have fun. If I were you I would love to be there with my nephew when he first experiences the magic..(my sisters were so excited to be there with my children the first time, but they are very close to my children, so I guess it really depends on your relationship with your nephew).

sorry about the babble, but I just really love this age and I don't want you to miss out on something so special because of some bad experiences that you witnessed.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

My question is for those that haven't had their children go to WDW until they were older. I think that there is a difference between your child going three times before they are three and going for the first time when they are five. I would be jaded too if I had gone all the time as a kid.

I didn't go to WDW for the first time until I was 17 and loved it. Sure, I knew the characters were just that, but I appreciated it! I went again for my internship and then waited 10 years to go back. I went to Disneyland as a kid quite frequently and it wasn't magical after a while. Has anyone waited until their child was out of the stroller for the first trip? I saw quite a few when I did my internship as it takes the average family seven years to save up for the trip, but I guess most people on this board go all the time?

Is there anyone that waited until their children were older for their first visit? He isn't going to go every year or every other year. My sister cannot afford that.

 

[tzolkin]

My question is for those that haven't had their children go to WDW until they were older. I think that there is a difference between your child going three times before they are three and going for the first time when they are five. I would be jaded too if I had gone all the time as a kid.

I didn't go to WDW for the first time until I was 17 and loved it. Sure, I knew the characters were just that, but I appreciated it! I went again for my internship and then waited 10 years to go back. I went to Disneyland as a kid quite frequently and it wasn't magical after a while. Has anyone waited until their child was out of the stroller for the first trip? I saw quite a few when I did my internship as it takes the average family seven years to save up for the trip, but I guess most people on this board go all the time?

Is there anyone that waited until their children were older for their first visit? He isn't going to go every year or every other year. My sister cannot afford that.

Well, yes many people in this board go often so those will be many of the responses you will get.

Also, your first post made it seem like taking a younger child would unavoidably lead to a miserable trip filled with missed attractions, temper tantrums, and fighting with other guests. You must realize that this is not everyone's experience, so of course you're going to get all those who had wonderful experiences taking young children telling you that your depiction is not always accurate.


I have one child that is quite a bit older than my other two children, so in order to take her when she was still young enough our other children were pre-school aged. Older DD was 9.5 the first time we went. She had a wonderful time, but honestly it was a bit disappointing to see the little ones faces light up with wonder and realize how nice it would have been if we had the opportunity to take her when she was still little.

We have been twice for 10 days + and we have never had any meltdowns (adult or child ). I think the things you witnessed and attributed to the children's ages may have had more to do with other issues (that you also mentioned, like money, stress, and rude guests). I think you could still have these experiences even if your kids were out of strollers (plus, you may have more exhausted/whiney kids if you're expecting them to walk and not take a break all day because they're "old enough".)

 

[tjmw2727]

My dd was just over 3 on her first trip and she had a blast, knew all the characters, rode just about everything and loved that trip. She loved meeting the characters and everything about that trip was special to all of us.

For the height restricted rides you can just use rider swap. FWIW I never felt "stuck with" any of my kids - and there is no need to wait. One party can ride while an adult takes the child to do something else fun, ice cream, play area or favorite attraction and then meet up again. Later in the day the adult who didn't ride can return with the swap pass and ride.

Honestly it sounds like you don't want your nephew along but would like to have your sister and mom join you. If I were your sister it would make me sad to read your post

Yes taking a trip with a preschooler is different than a "girls only" trip but it can also be a great experience. What you describe in your post may have been just one minute out of that familes otherwise great day.

If you want time alone during the trip or are feeling overwhelmed by the 3yo then just take some time for yourself. Maybe sis takes him back for a nap while you and your mom ride some rides or have a nice lunch? Maybe your mom can stay back one night with him while you and your sister have a night out? I wouldn't feel comfortable asking my sister to leave her child behind so maybe you can come up with a compromise so everyone can enjoy the trip !!

 

[tzolkin]

Most of the height requirement rides are 40". (My niece was well over that at 2.5) Space Mtn, Mission Space, and Everest are 44" and RnR is 48".

So if you want to wait until a child can do every attraction they would need to be 48". (Although some kids are easily frightened, so you really never know. When I was little we lived near Disney and had season passes. My sister was fine with most attractions when she was very little, but when she got a bit older 5-7 she would randomly decide that she was terrified of attractions she never had issue with before like Pirates, Splash, HM, Malestrom, etc)

 

[GrumpyGoofy]

Took my 1.5 year olds and 4 year old last year. They both loved it. We are going again in June and they are both looking forward to it. They took some naps and my youngest fell asleep during the night time parade. Overall it went very well.

Here is an article from a Disney newsletter that may help

http://allears.net/ae/issue541.htm

 

[kidd_freeper]

Nine.

Tall enough and mature enough to go on every ride.
Old enough to remember everything.
Sweet enough to believe in the magic.
Strong enough to endure physical challenges of lines and walking.
Small enough so that the Florida heat is not a problem.
Young enough to get a child ticket rather than an adult ticket.

Other ages a great. But you asked for the BEST age. Nine.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

My son turned 10 last month so he was 9 for our WDW visit last Oct. my opinions are below.

Nine.

Tall enough and mature enough to go on every ride. ~my DS was a bit bored by a lot of rides, ready for bigger things.
Old enough to remember everything. ~I agree with this, but I remember trips when both my kids were younger ~ their innocence & belief in the magic were priceless and I have pictures/video for them to "remember"
Sweet enough to believe in the magic. ~at 9 a lot of kids aren't so sweet anymore
Strong enough to endure physical challenges of lines and walking. ~mostly agree, but last July at DLR DS missed Fantasmic cause he fell asleep in DD's stroller - it had been a long day.
Small enough so that the Florida heat is not a problem. ~strongly disagree, but DS is a sweater, he was as miserable or more so than me last Oct.
Young enough to get a child ticket rather than an adult ticket. ~yes but I had him down as a 10 year old ~ we had free dining and I knew he'd rather order from the adult menus at our TS meals. The cost to upgrade wasn't that much.
Other ages a great. But you asked for the BEST age. Nine.

OP ~ I think 3 is a great age, my DD visited DLR for the 1st time 4 months before her 3rd B-day ~ she had a great time and believed in the Magic.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Nine.

Tall enough and mature enough to go on every ride.
Old enough to remember everything.
Sweet enough to believe in the magic.
Strong enough to endure physical challenges of lines and walking.
Small enough so that the Florida heat is not a problem.
Young enough to get a child ticket rather than an adult ticket.

Other ages a great. But you asked for the BEST age. Nine.

Thank you. That was what I was asking. Not whether or not it would create memories for me, but for him. A 1 1/2 child is not going to remember this experience regardless if they are well behaved or not. I will remember it, may cherish it, but I would cherish a visit with him when he has a full day of having fun, no naps, a culinary experience that isn't just chicken fingers (his latest culinary requirement) and when he can recite the "remember when" stories back to me. That is the true magic of Disney. Remembering your visit when it is truly your first visit not the first visit of a series that you can just happen to remember.

 

[labdogs42]

Thank you. That was what I was asking. Not whether or not it would create memories for me, but for him. A 1 1/2 child is not going to remember this experience regardless if they are well behaved or not. I will remember it, may cherish it, but I would cherish a visit with him when he has a full day of having fun, no naps, a culinary experience that isn't just chicken fingers (his latest culinary requirement) and when he can recite the "remember when" stories back to me. That is the true magic of Disney. Remembering your visit when it is truly your first visit not the first visit of a series that you can just happen to remember.

Keep in mind that your opinion may change greatly when you have a child of your own. It isn't up to you when your sister takes her child to Disney. you only get to decide when you have your own child. Keep your opinion to yourself and enjoy the trip one way or the other.

BTW, I thought I would never take a child who "wouldn't remember" the trip to Disney world before I had my son. After he was born, I couldn't wait to take him there. He went on his first trip at 15 months old. H'e now 5 and has been to the world 8 times! And, he may not remember each trip, but he loves looking at the pictures and we talk about what happened, so he knows the "stories". And, he isn't jaded in the least. He's thrilled that we are headed back to the world in a few weeks! And he is looking forward to trying some new rides. Every trip to Disney will have some "firsts", not just the first trip.

Oh yeah, my first Disney trip was when I was 9 and that was too old for me. I thought I was too "cool" for the whole thing and I hated it. I didn't fall in love with the mouse until my second trip at age 13. Every kid is different.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Keep in mind that your opinion may change greatly when you have a child of your own. It isn't up to you when your sister takes her child to Disney. you only get to decide when you have your own child. Keep your opinion to yourself and enjoy the trip one way or the other.

BTW, I thought I would never take a child who "wouldn't remember" the trip to Disney world before I had my son. After he was born, I couldn't wait to take him there. He went on his first trip at 15 months old. H'e now 5 and has been to the world 8 times! And, he may not remember each trip, but he loves looking at the pictures and we talk about what happened, so he knows the "stories". And, he isn't jaded in the least. He's thrilled that we are headed back to the world in a few weeks! And he is looking forward to trying some new rides. Every trip to Disney will have some "firsts", not just the first trip.

Oh yeah, my first Disney trip was when I was 9 and that was too old for me. I thought I was too "cool" for the whole thing and I hated it. I didn't fall in love with the mouse until my second trip at age 13. Every kid is different.

Perhaps you are right about things being different when I have a child - but I have the second best thing - a nephew. The comment about keeping my opinion to myself is a bit rude and offensive. After realizing my own memories, I remember things when I was six as far as Disneyland goes, I loved it, and appreciated it and enjoyed the experience as a whole with my family. People can spend money any way they want to - but I would rather that $3,000 + spent on a trip to Disneyworld be put in his college fund or for trips to other countries, national parks, etc. than have annual trips. I just want him to appreciate it for what it is but not get sick of it. Disney is not like going to the Aquarium or to a Museum or the Movies.

I can't see things through his eyes and won't pretend to. I have better things to spend my money on than annual trips that he won't remember. You may say your son loves hearing the stories about his trips through your eyes but as someone that worked at Disney, I can tell you the best guests were those that saved up for those seven years, with kids that truly appreciated the trip, came back with their autograph books from their first trip and told me about all the signatures and experienced it for what it is. A close second were those kids that never had been there but chose it as the last trip they would ever go on - for make a wish or several other organizations. Those children are the ones that truly appreciated Disney and that is what I want for my own children and my nephews. To realize that they are lucky for being on the trip, and that there are plenty of other kids out there that will never see it or experience what they are. It isn't a themepark to me - it is a legacy created by Walt Disney. A person most kids don't even know about.

 

[imthatgirl]

Perhaps you are right about things being different when I have a child - but I have the second best thing - a nephew. The comment about keeping my opinion to myself is a bit rude and offensive. After realizing my own memories, I remember things when I was six as far as Disneyland goes, I loved it, and appreciated it and enjoyed the experience as a whole with my family. People can spend money any way they want to - but I would rather that $3,000 + spent on a trip to Disneyworld be put in his college fund or for trips to other countries, national parks, etc. than have annual trips. I just want him to appreciate it for what it is but not get sick of it. Disney is not like going to the Aquarium or to a Museum or the Movies.

I can't see things through his eyes and won't pretend to. I have better things to spend my money on than annual trips that he won't remember. You may say your son loves hearing the stories about his trips through your eyes but as someone that worked at Disney, I can tell you the best guests were those that saved up for those seven years, with kids that truly appreciated the trip, came back with their autograph books from their first trip and told me about all the signatures and experienced it for what it is. A close second were those kids that never had been there but chose it as the last trip they would ever go on - for make a wish or several other organizations. Those children are the ones that truly appreciated Disney and that is what I want for my own children and my nephews. To realize that they are lucky for being on the trip, and that there are plenty of other kids out there that will never see it or experience what they are. It isn't a themepark to me - it is a legacy created by Walt Disney. A person most kids don't even know about.

I think the problem here is in the OP you didn't say that you were paying for this trip. Of course if you don't want to spend your money on your nephew you shouldn't. If your sister chooses to pay for his trip then it really isn't any of your business. If you want to gift him a trip, do it when you're ready, that makes sense.

 

[tjmw2727]

Now I am confused - your first post has him at 3 closer to 4 by the time of the trip and a subsequent post he is 1 1/2 ? That's a big difference and I can see your reluctance about a toddler. If he will be almost 4 by the trip he will be tall enough for most of the rides and definately remember and enjoy alot more then you think. You will be surprised at how much they change in just a few months at this age

I think the problem here is in the OP you didn't say that you were paying for this trip. Of course if you don't want to spend your money on your nephew you shouldn't. If your sister chooses to pay for his trip then it really isn't any of your business. If you want to gift him a trip, do it when you're ready, that makes sense.

Agree, it sounds like its "your trip" and if so then by all means you can choose whether or not to invite your nephew. However, if you invite your sister I think she has the right to bring her son. Sometimes the vacation isn't all about the kid, its for us parents too. Your sister may be ready to experience Disney through your nephews eyes even though you may not be.

We had a chance to visit Spain when my oldest was 5 - not ideal and definately not something I would have planned but it was a great trip and she does remember. I weren't willing to bring her I wouldn't have gone.

I understand your stance on the best age to bring a child but he isn't your child and your sister may feel differently. If your paying then I guess you could resind the invitation if your sister decides she wants to bring your nephew. That may also mean you do miss his first trip if she decides to bring him to Disney before he turns 9.

Oh and my kids did not do well at the movies until 7/8ish but they did very well at Disney.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I think it is your sister's business and not yours.

The ideal age is when a parent is ready to take their child and I'll never understand the postings where folks feel inclined to influence another parents decision based on their own paradigm of the "perfect" trip with children.


I've taken my 3yo to the Louvre in Paris. I could have waited until she was older. But I didn't. I didn't take her to appreciate art. I took her so that WE could see 2 famous art pieces. And I wouldn't change it for the world. She loves the story we tell of how we kept her busy in the art museum locating these pieces.

Any trip is what you make of it--and I don't believe in waiting until my "idea" of "perfect" can be met. For "perfect" is something that can never be guaranteed. Just ask my brother--"still afraid of Mickey Mouse" at age 7 or so who later recovered nicely from his trauma, worked for the mouse and has taken many a photograph with the costumed characters. ETA: And the same man who didn't get over his fear of Splash Mountain until adulthood. He didn't go on it until he was a teen and hyperventilated on the drop. He did NOT enjoy it at all. So a magical height of 40 inches is no guarantee that a "child" is going to enjoy it based on your own experiences.

 

[kpm76]

Perhaps you are right about things being different when I have a child - but I have the second best thing - a nephew. The comment about keeping my opinion to myself is a bit rude and offensive. After realizing my own memories, I remember things when I was six as far as Disneyland goes, I loved it, and appreciated it and enjoyed the experience as a whole with my family. People can spend money any way they want to - but I would rather that $3,000 + spent on a trip to Disneyworld be put in his college fund or for trips to other countries, national parks, etc. than have annual trips. I just want him to appreciate it for what it is but not get sick of it. Disney is not like going to the Aquarium or to a Museum or the Movies.

I can't see things through his eyes and won't pretend to. I have better things to spend my money on than annual trips that he won't remember. You may say your son loves hearing the stories about his trips through your eyes but as someone that worked at Disney, I can tell you the best guests were those that saved up for those seven years, with kids that truly appreciated the trip, came back with their autograph books from their first trip and told me about all the signatures and experienced it for what it is. A close second were those kids that never had been there but chose it as the last trip they would ever go on - for make a wish or several other organizations. Those children are the ones that truly appreciated Disney and that is what I want for my own children and my nephews. To realize that they are lucky for being on the trip, and that there are plenty of other kids out there that will never see it or experience what they are. It isn't a themepark to me - it is a legacy created by Walt Disney. A person most kids don't even know about.

Based on that line of thinking, you would never do anything with children until they are 5 yrs old or so because they "won't remember it." I'm not going to try to change your mind, but please don't offend those of us who are parents to small children and choose to take them on trips. As I mentioned in a previous post, my DD is almost 3 and while she may not remember the trip we took in Dec in a long-term sense, she talks about WDW constantly and has fabulous short-term memories of her autograph book, staying at the Boardwalk and swimming in the "clown pool" etc. Going to WDW often and traveling in general is the right choice for our family. You may not agree and that's ok but this is your nephew, not your child, so if your sister chooses to take him and pay for him, you have to decide if you want to go along with that and go on a solo trip. Traveling with a group can be challenging but it can also be tons of fun. We always travel with extended family, some with kids and some without. We never hold the ones back that don't have kids....we always tell them to do their thing and we will catch up....

Honestly, it sounds to me like you have decided that small children should not go to Disney and you are looking for people to support your opinion. There are plenty out there who will, but you are probably not going to find many of them on the Family Board

 

[NJR]

We were there last June, when my older son was 3y4m. One night, we went to Turf Club Bar and Grill for dinner, as we had done on a previous trip 7 months before. As the hostess was leading us to our seats, DS made a beeline for the exact table we had been seated at 7 months prior and tried to sit there. Several minutes later, he blurted out, "Hey, this is the place with Donald Duck and the water!" (the Donald Duck figure in the splash area at the main pool at SSR), and we had actually gone nowhere near the pool on our way to Turf Club (but we had stayed two nights at SSR on the previous visit). So OP, it can be very surprising how much and what a 3yo will remember.

As for your situation - if you are paying, then you have every right to not invite your nephew along. Just as your sister will have every right to turn down your invitation. Otherwise, if she is paying, you really have no say in the matter. Quite frankly, if my sibling invited me on a trip to WDW but made it clear that my child was not welcome because THEY arbitrarily decided my child was too young, I would very politely but firmly tell sibling where they could stick their invitation. But that's just me....