Is it still Magic at 9?

[Dakota's Mom]

My daughter is 8 1/2, still loves princess-anything, never been to Disney. We could make a quick, short trip (3-4 days) later this month (rushed planning), or we could go for a longer trip (week) for her birthday in January when she turns 9. My rational self wants to wait and really plan a special, long trip, but I'm afraid she'll miss the "magic" if we wait much more.... Your advice greatly appreciated.

 

[AmoDolphin]

IMHO, a longer trip is better...and a few months won't make that big of a difference.

My 10yo and 12yo both still LOVE WDW. It's different than when they were small, but still very magical. Hey, I'm 43 and it's magical for me!

LOL here...I just asked my 10yo, "Is Disney still magic at 9?" and she said, "Well, the castle changes color." Turns out she thought I meant 9PM!

BTW, I'm logged in as DD. This is really Barb D.

 

[diztone]

We are taking our almost nine year old DD in August and she is so excited. She is still very much into the princess and dress up thing. The only problem I am having is finding princess dresses to fit her that do not cost a fortune. She is very tall for her age. I would vote for waiting the few months and planning the longer trip. Hope you have loads of fun whichever time you go!

 

[AmoDolphin]

This really is AmoDolphin.

I am ten and I still love Disney. I went when I was nine and it was still VERY magical. I have been about eight or nine times. We go once every year (roughly). Last year, when I was nine, it was in November and I faced my fear and went on Splash Mountain!: If you are going in Jan, you still have time to make res. to the Castle for a meal. You might not have any chance, though. The best things to do (if you are nine) are:
The Mt.s (mabey not Space. I don't know her personality)
Also, Buzz Lightyear, Micky's Philhar Magic, and Pirates of the Carabiean. She might still have fun on: It's a small World, Peter Pan, Dumdo, and Aladin. Dumbo and The Carasal are always magical too.

For Epcot, There isn't much. I have not been on Mission:Space yet, but Test Track is a must see. I remember a Norway flume, but I haven't been on it for a while.

MGM, This year, Jan, I faced my fear and went on Tower of Terror. I ABSOLUTLY HATED IT!!!!!!!!! If I was nine, I would probibly screem and yell and push against the door. In other words, no. I would rate it PG-13. Also there is scarry atmosphere. Then there is Rockin' Roller Coaster. I have never been. (Note from Amo's mom: this is Amo's preference. She's not a roller coaster fan. Her brother started going on these rides at 8, and has always loved them. It depends on the kid.)

We didn't go to Animal Kingdom. For the whole park, unless you must, don't go. go for another day at Magic Kingdom. The have some nice rides: Kali River Rapids, It's Tough to be a bug, and Kilimanjaro safaries. Other than that, It's mostly trees and animals (African, Asian, Rinos, birds...etc....) (Another note from Amo's mom: We go frequently, but usually only for a day or two. Animal Kingdom rarely gets squeezed in. Next trip I want to stay for 4 or 5 days, and we WILL do AK.)

I have never been to the water parks, but they sound fun. In Typhoon Lagoon, they have a place where you can swim with sharks, but I think you have to be ten or eleven.

 

[Dakota's Mom]

Thank you so much for your kind advice!! I am feeling much better about waiting for January -- (slower season, cooler weather, better planning, longer trip)! AmoDolphin -- I can't thank you enough for your detailed suggestions! And Congratulations on facing your fear -- no matter how that turns out, you always learn something about the world and yourself, and if you survive it you get stronger for it.

I will probably share your post with Dakota (I think she is a kindred spirit when it comes to roller coasters).....

Just curious -- are you a dolphin lover? I am thinking of spending a day at Discovery Cove where you actually swim with the dophins. Curious about your intriguing name.

 

[AmoDolphin]

Amo in Latin means I love so I love dolphins. There is a Discovery Cove board on here. You can go to the table of contents and under the Universal boards there is a Discovery Cove Seaworld board. I went to Discovery Cove in January and I just posted "My Day at Discovery Cove" and I'll post Seaworld later. Bring Dakota to Discovery COve sometime!

 

[ValerieK]

My DS is turning 11 in June and is begging to go for his birthday.

 

[marcyinPA]

My DS is turning 9 on our trip in May. He is very excited about going! There are so many things to do that interest so many different ages!! He's not much of a thrill ride person, but he asked if we could see "O'Canada" 360 movie in Canada because he "just loved it last time!"

I highly recommend Birnbaum's Disney for Kids by Kids...you can pick it up at the Disney Store. I bought it for him for Christmas and he's read it cover to cover!

Have fun!

 

[cruisnfamily]

My kids are 8 & 11 and LOVE Disney! We go every year for 3-5 days(we live in FL) and they can't wait!

One big highlight of our trip last year was the Family Magic Tour. They were 7 & 10 then and just loved every minute of it. They're begging to do it again this year. Here's a link to a good thread about the tour:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=516990&highlight=+family++magic++tour

Other highlights for them were Disney Quest and Fantasmic. I asked my son(8) his favorite thing at Disney World and his response was "Ellen's Energy Adventure" at Epcot. My DD(11) says "innoventions" at epcot. They actually both said they love everything at Disney world but when pressed, these were the absolute winners.

Anyway, to answer your question, wait and go in January (lower crowds, longer trip, more planning time).

 

[HaleyB]

To OP- It is still magical at 35!

My son is 9 and is so excited about this trip. He loves to study the map and the Unofficial guide tour plans.

To AmoDolphin, you are such a well spoken 10 year old. I am impressed.

 

[CDoobee]

We are a family with ages of 49, 44, 31, 19, and 12, and we all still feel the MAGIC!!

My then 15 year old DS, my then 8 year old DD and I did the Family Magic tour 4 years ago and LOVED it! It was hilarious!

So, I agree with the others. Wait until January and plan a special week-long trip for her birthday. She'll love it! It will make her birthday all that more special to have it at WDW!! And it will give you a lot more time for planning!

Debbie

 

[thumperjr9]

I think 9 is a perfect age to go. We have been several times with my DS (now 16) but I think the best, most magical trip was when he was 9. He even enjoyed the characters still, loved going to Chef Mickeys. At that age they can last much longer at the parks and you can really do alot.

 

[karylrocks]

9 is definitely a great time to go. I had been planning to go later this year but DS just turned 12 and seems to be "growing up" more each day, so I decided to go sooner before its too late and he doesn't want to be with me anymore, even at WDW. We went when he was 10, just the two of us, and it was great.

 

[riopooh]

My SIL just got back and stated "she's never going back" (yikes)! - They visited Universal , SeaWorld & MK - each one day, each VERY crowded. But my too cool nephew (age 10) said the MK was his favorite (he's always been my favorite!) and my DS, who is already a veteran of two trips, is on my case to plan another trip!

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

I have four DDs 15, 13, 9 and 7! Each ABSOLUTELY LOVE Disney!!

It doesn't matter how old your daughter will be, she will LOVE it!!! Have fun!!

IMO, you are NEVER too old for Mickey!!

 

[magicalmoments]

Its still MAGIC for me at 32



Stacy

 

[Vavasmon]

It is still magical for our 8 year old DD and I (we) are taking our niece a week before her 10th birthday in August. The look on her face today was pure magic when she found out.

Wait until you have the time. You will be able to enjoy it and not be rushed. Let her help with the planning (but include a few suprises). The magic will be there a few months later.