Should we do a Disney vacation? Ages 3 & 5?

[Woodcourt]

Go!!! We have taken our kids at all ages and just got back in August with our 5, 3 and 20 month old! We had a blast. We planned naps into our day and the kids crashed. They are so tired, they sleep better at Disney then they do anywhere. Our kids had a wonderful time and we go at least once a year. We have taken them at all different ages and they talk about it non-stop. My three year old asks me at least once a week if we can go ride its a small world. We have wonderful pictures and memories!

I always get frustrated when people say "they dont remember it". What I say to that is:

YES THEY DO!!! They talk about Disneyworld EVERY day. Love looking at pictures and frequent the disboards looking at others pictures with us!

and....

ITS FOR ME! The memories are for me too! Not just them. Their faces when they see the castle, when they meet their favorite characters, when you ride Small World or Peter Pan!

So, YES.....go, plan some naps, have fun!!!!

If you have any more questions, send me a PM and I am happy to help!

 

[Carpool Candy]

It must be repeated- GO with the whole family! MY DD got pink eye on Halloween and couldn't go out with us around the neighborhood. I felt bad that she was missing this tradition so I can't imagine going on a trip w/o one of them. We took our littlest DS when he was 14 months and again at 25 months. It was wonderful! The first time he was better with the characters- he kept staring at them and kissing them. The second time, he kept his distance a little more but was still interested. His comments the two times he saw Mickey were, "Where's the Duck?" and then, "Where's Goofy?"....enough to give Mickey a complex! Plus...the benefits of baby swapping at the rides is totally worth it!

 

[disney4us91]

I have to say when I read the title to the post I was like WHAT? You have to go this is the prefect age, our kids went for the first time at 2 and 4 and it was great!!!! I could go on and on but one word sums it up GO!!

 

[nikolasmor]

We're leaving in 2 hours to drive from MD to FL with 3 DD's 6,4 and almost 1) Do it and enjoy it!!

 

[NewRocDad]

...but it won't be me!

GO GO GO GO! I mean, really. I think you might have suspected that the DISers would give you positive reinforcement. If you wanted to hear "Don't go" you should have posted in the Bizarro world Anti-Disney universe, wherever THAT is.

We're taking DS4 and DD2 in early Feb. Like everyone else says, I recommend having realistic expectations for what you can accomplish each day. Going in February CAN help because of the relatively low crowds, unless you go President's Week.

Good Luck!

 

[MiniGirl]

...but it won't be me!

GO GO GO GO! I mean, really. I think you might have suspected that the DISers would give you positive reinforcement. If you wanted to hear "Don't go" you should have posted in the Bizarro world Anti-Disney universe, wherever THAT is.

Good Luck!

It won't be me either, and yes, of course, everyone on the DIS will say to go. No matter what the scenario, people around here will tell you to go.

I will add some things to think about..... if you can afford it, seriously consider staying at one of the monorail resorts or Wilderness Lodge or the campground. It makes those mid-day breaks much easier. Also, get your children used to walking and staying close to you before you go. I know you'll probably have a stroller; but they need to know the rules for when they want to walk. I also wouldn't suggest going commando style. Take your time and enjoy. My dds love to go and watch the ducks. Honestly, you'd think we don't have ducks around here, but... "Mom, Disney ducks are so much prettier." Or so that's what they tell me. Also consider doing some character meals as a way to get pics and autographs. That will free up some time in the parks.

Like another poster added, these years are for you and your memories even more than your kiddos (well, your youngest anyway). I can still see the awe and wonderment in my youngest dd's eyes as she watched the fireworks at MK the first time. I can also still see the tears in my dh's eyes as he watched her watching the fireworks. In that moment, my love affair with WDW began. I had always enjoyed it before that, but that was when I first felt the "magic" that is Disney.

 

[StephMK]

Another vote to GO!! Of course, this is the disboards so what else would anyone say. LOL NewRocDad

We went twice when my kids were DD10/11, DS2/3 & DD4/5. They had a BLAST!! I don't have a way to really test it but DS still talks about our trips!! That is such a fun age and they soak up more than you'd think. Plus the magic is so real at that age. I regret that we didn't take DD#1 when she was younger because she's not a thrill rider so all the characters & "smaller" rides are right up her alley.

Have a fantastic trip & the kids will have a great time. Naps took care of themselves too. Either they catnapped in the stroller or didn't need one & slept hard that night. Enjoy!!

 

[afinnteach]

Before I say anything about you, first let me say that I am taking my 2 1/2 year old and 6 month old this February and I have NO PROBLEMS with people taking their toddlers! What everyone else has said is true, the looks on their faces, the pure joy they exude - I wouldn't miss it for the world! I would also say there is no way I could leave the little one at home to make the trip easier, my heart would break.

However, if this is your family's ONLY trip to Disney, then - and only then - would I consider waiting until they are older. While a 3 year old (and even a 5 year old for that matter) may have small memories of a trip to Disney, they won't really have lasting ones until they are a little older. If what you are taking is the family trip of a lifetime, then I would wait. If you know you'll have an opportunity to return in a few years when they are older then I say - what are you waiting for - GOOOOOO!!!!

Good luck,
A.

 

[loopner67]

I think it's amazing how many times I hear this! Everyone wants to give you advice, huh? ((((hugs))))

If you want to go now, then go and have a fantastic time.

My boys' first time at WDW was when they were ages 3 and 5. My 3 year old remembers so many things from that trip, especially because we talk about the trip, we look at the pictures together, etc... Sure, some kids might not remember as much, but it's still a wonderful experience for them.

They're only little once and the magic of Disney is so wonderful at their ages. Someone already mentioned, but the looks on their faces will be so awesome for you.

 

[The6Mousketeers]

Go! Last yr for my 2.5 yr old was so magical. The castle was "her's" and she bawled when we said goodbye to it.

Comments like they won't remember it, blah, blah, kill me! For that matter they won't remember alot of things. Christmas presents, Birthdays, the zoo, etc, so should we skip those? It's about living in the moment, not what will be remembered later.

IMO, you would regret leaving her at home.

 

[evenpar4me]

Think you will have fun,but ages 6-8 would be better,but who know,just go for it!

 

[TJA]

I feel very strongly about this topic. We started taking our twins to WDW when they were 7 months old and I treasure each and every trip we've gone on. Kids are NEVER too young to go to WDW (unless they are newborns.....). Take a comfortable stroller from home that reclines and has a sun canopy, your child's favorite stuffed animal or doll, some snacks and toys and plan to have her nap right in the stroller. We used to bribe our kids into the stroller with a snack and then they'd eventually nod off for a rest/nap. If that doesn't work, then plan some afternoon breaks back at your resort for some resting/swimming time.

Age 3 is definitely not too young, by the way. That is the age my girls started to retain and remember things and look forward to doing and seeing things in Disney. I do not know what it's like with kids of different ages in Disney (I have twins), but we loved each trip we've taken from the time they were 7 months old until right now at 4 years old. I treasure all of our memories together in WDW and it has also been great family bonding time!

I say to go, go, go!

 

[Dawnie]

Our first trip to WDW was back in 1992. At that time our kids were DD8, DS7 and DS2. We went with other family members and it was decided that our DS2 was too little for the trip. Now part of me was glad that we didn't bring him. First we live in WA state and the flight there and back is a killer. Second we went during the first part of October, and it was SO hot and humid, NOT what we are used to. The 8 and 7 year old had a hard time with it. I KNOW that he was probably much happier at home with Grandma and Grandpa.

Okay, now you probably think I am writing this to discourage you in bringing your little one right? Well you would be wrong! I knew the second day as we were sitting and waiting for the Idiana Jones show that I was in BIG trouble. The cutest little blond haired, blue eyed little darling sat down next to me and smiled...that was all it took, I was in tears! I missed my baby so much. I cried off and on for the rest of the trip!

So...since you are going in February the heat should not be a problem, and since you are not going with other family, keeping up will not be a problem...so GO! Set a pace that works for your kids, don't expect the Disney "Magic" to work all the time (if your kids throw fits at home, they will throw fits at Disney...maybe even more often due to the stimulation!), and take LOTS of pictures! The 3 year old might not remember when they get older, but with pictures you will have proof of how much fun they had.

Oh, and DS2 is now DS17 and will be going with us for his 4th trip in January. This trip will be the first time since the first one the all 5 of us will not be going again though. Our DD23 is now teaching and can't get the time off...somehow I don't think I will be quite as emotional leaving one behind this time!

 

[NHDisneyKid]

I'm with everyone else - definitely go! We took our son for the first time when he was 10 weeks old, and we were back this past September when he was 14 months old! He defiintely remembers the trip, we look at pictures all the time, and he has umpteen stuffed Mickeys that he drags around the house. At Grandma's, he even walks around with her water bottle carry strap that she got at MK, on his shoulder.
I really feel that we're creating memories and family traditions that will last a lifetime - and he'll have that many more to look back on than if we waited until he was 6 or 7

 

[DisneyG8TR]

Some of the most treasured memories I have of my DD9 and DD7 were from our 3 trips to WDW, all in the matter of a year in a half (this was 2002 and 2003 when they offered INCREDIBLE military specials). DD9 was 3 and 4 and DD7 was 2. I still get tears in my eyes when I watch the videos of them running up to the characters yelling their names and giving them huge hugs. I am tearing up just thinking about it now! My youngest at the age of two was the BIGGEST Minnie fan. I can still picture her just standing there staring at Minnie and then not wanting to leave her - not a meltdown, just kept staring back at her. She was in complete awe!

I agree with the everyone that you have to be realistic and you know your children best. You know when they have reached their threshold and need a break. Our girls mostly napped in the stroller, we went back to the hotel maybe once in 5 days. Going in February is a good idea as far as the crowds - will make a big difference on everyone's patience. This is the time where the magic really comes alive to kids!

GO and have a wonderful time and enjoy the memories of a lifetime! Now if I can just convince my DH that we need to go in Jan!

 

[DawnM]

GO!

We have always gone with little ones.

Do these same nay-sayers never go anywhere with their kids because they won't enjoy it? No beach, no museums, etc????

Honestly, people just need to stop giving out their nuggets of "wisdom."

Dawn

 

[teilla]

If you haven't gotten the message yet... I'll add another... GO!

I went last year (June '06) for the first time as an adult (the 1 time before that was when I was a teenager...). I actually did the planning. It was a mini family reunion, dad, mom, both brothers (adults), sis-in-law, nephew (9) and neice (2.5). My neice still talks about it. Of course her memories are more on the characters she met, some of the rides. Well, 2 months before that my Brother and his family (including the 2.5 y/o Neice) flew across the world (18 hour flight) to the Philippines to pick up my nephew. Being his overplanning self, my brother got a bunch of toys and stuff to entertain the 2.5 y/o, but she ended up sleeping most of the flight anyway.

We're going again next week, neice is almost 4. This time for a bigger family reunion. I have a 5 y/o cousin and a 6 month old cousin. Sure the baby will not remember anything, but when she's bigger, she'll see that pictures of her there and that she was included with a big trip/occassion.

BTW, when we went... I originally figured in a break time in the middle of the day back at the resort for my neice to take a nap... but once we were at the park... she just slept in her umbrella stroller whenever she was tired.

Have fun!! and Treasure all these times... they grow up too fast.