Sunday Journal - How young is too young for Disney?

[ms.ojo]

Anyone see this article??

http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB115539788847734313.html?mod=sunday_journal_primary_hs

For our family, we started when ds was 2.5 mainly b/c dh had a business trip. It was a MAGICAL and WONDERFUL vacation.

We returned when he was turning 4 and dd1. And we discovered touring w/ a 1yr old was a breeze!!!! Not to mention she interacted so well w/ the chars...she brought lots of joy to many people around her which increased our happiness too.

Next trip dd was 2.5 and ds 5.5. This trip was a bit more tough. They both had alittle more input as to what they wanted to see and do...but there was much overlap, and any disputes were easily managed.

Just wondering what others think/feel. For us, Disney w/ young children has been a marvelous family vacation!!! We love the familiar....and yet we still seem to always be experiencing something new too!

Wait until when??? Disney is great for all ages.

 

[Rowlf]

I first took DS when he was 15 months old. We went again at 27 months and will be going again this September at 39 months.

Everyone scoffed at us, but we had a great time both visits, starting with the ducks on our patio at the Poly to the Beatles cover band in England. Dancing to the live entertainment throughout Epcot was a toddler's dream!

If you expect a little kid to ride Space Mountain? Yeah, you will be disappointed. But if you go with no agenda and look at the World through a little kid's eyes where everything is magical? You'll have a great time and make lasting memories for everyone. Seriously. DH and I felt a bit worn out by our fourth morning and stopped by the Tune In Lounge for a beer. DS LOVED the pink princess phone in the lounge area and kept us entertained for a half an hour "talking" to people. That totally turned our day around.

 

[Suzanne74]

This will be dd's 4th time and she is just turning 5. Her first time was one week before her 3rd birthday (she was free) and she has been in love with it since.

I can see how many people take their kids that might not be ready but dd was a strong self sufficient sociable 3yr old and I knew she would like it. My nephew, I wasn't sure about and although he liked it at early 4yrs old, he wasn't "into" it as much.

I love watching my dd's eyes light up as she see the characters "for real" and she is totally into it - all the magic. Our last trip looking for hidden mickeys was her highlight along with twirling her napkin at Chef Mickey's.

To me taking young kids to Disney is like Christmas when they are believing. It is just so much more fun.

 

[crl]

I can tell you that my most memorable and fun trip was with our then 18 month old DD. She was so amazed at the characters. We spent most of the trip just chasing down characters. But it was so much fun to see her light up at every sighting. Our kids are now going to be 3.5 and 1 yrs when we go this time. (And it'll be my DD's 5th trip.) So I don't think 4 is too young to have a great trip.

 

[mara61]

We took our 18 month down and had a great time, though it was even more fun when he was almost 3 We are taking our 17 month down this September along with his older Brother (former 18 month, now 3.5). I am not worried, I know we will have fun. DH and I went many times before they came so we take it easy now. We LOVE nap time As for too young, newborns! And yes I have seen a few down there...

 

[deekaypee]

I read the article, and it reminds me of several discussions which have taken place on the DISboards. I don't have children, but here are my thoughts on Opdyke's piece.

1) Opdyke presumes his DD will have the same experience as his DS did on his first trip, particularly that DD will not remember the experience or may have similar reactions to various attractions. I may not have children, but I do know that different children react differently. DD will definitely have a different experience that DS did, if for no other reason than the entire structure of the family has changed; they have moved from a family of three to a family for four.

2) Although Opdyke eventually gets around to acknowledging that the Disney vacation is about creating memories, I don't think he's really accepted the idea that parents who visit Disney for the pleasure they receive has its own value. I believe his buys into the idea that Disney is something you do/tolerate for your children, rather than being a family or group experience. At the same time, he seems to still be operating in terms of some sort of cost-per-ride mentality, where WDW is only worth it if DS experiences the E-ticket ride.

3) I think Opdyke doesn't understand how family memories are made not only in the experience itself, but in the communal storytelling which goes on afterwards. DS may not remember everything about the trip, but as Opdyke and his wife repeat the stories over the years, a narrative that helps define DS and indeed the whole family will emerge. He acknowledges how events blur into a childhood memory with feelings and loose associations, but doesn't really talk about how he's an integral part of this contstruction.

A brief story about this. One of my closest friends and his family went with me on a trip to WDW when his daughter was 3 and his son not yet born. She doesn't really remember the trip, although the Dumbo-ride incident certainly seared in my brain. But her father and mother have told her stories about it multiple times and remember her reactions fondly. They have pictures of us. And when I visit my friend and his daughter, infrequently now because of distance, she "remembers" not only Disney but me. She's more at ease with me because we share this Disney bond. And I'm not even her relative! That, to me, is well worth the trip, even if she will never be able to give me a blow-by-blow itinerary of our time together.

(Side note: Some small part of me wants to psychoanalyze Opdyke. I suspect, based on this column and others, that the problem was that Opdyke himself was bored because he didn't get to go on the adult rides, and is now resistant to returning because vacations are still implicitly about Opdyke's pleasure. If you've read his column, Opdyke has this tendency to be rather self-centered, even when he's presumably compromising with his wife or taking into account his family's needs. He's particularly passive-aggressive with his wife's desires; while he may acknowledge her wishes or give her a voice in her column, he pretty consistently attempts to trivialize her values and decisions.)

 

[ilovejack02]

I have 9 nights booked in Jan for my family. My DS is 4 which is part of the reason we are going so many nights. I want to experience WDW slowly and not at a fast past which I know would upset him. My DH is worried its all going to be too much for him, but since I am the one with him every day all day and he is not, he going with me on this ruling lol. I dont think any age is too young, its just you have to lower your expectations on what your child will do and will not do. I just know im going to cry the first time he sees the Castle or a character. Lord i tear up thinking up it LMAO! I want to see his little face light up and if im the only one that remembers it in a few years then sooo be it. It will be a happy memory for me that no one can ever take away.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

Maybe he didn't read a guide book or online boards befor he went. As I understand it, there is a TON of stuff for young children to do!

 

[ms.ojo]

I read the article, and it reminds me of several discussions which have taken place on the DISboards. I don't have children, but here are my thoughts on Opdyke's piece.

1) Opdyke presumes his DD will have the same experience as his DS did on his first trip, particularly that DD will not remember the experience or may have similar reactions to various attractions. I may not have children, but I do know that different children react differently. DD will definitely have a different experience that DS did, if for no other reason than the entire structure of the family has changed; they have moved from a family of three to a family for four.

2) Although Opdyke eventually gets around to acknowledging that the Disney vacation is about creating memories, I don't think he's really accepted the idea that parents who visit Disney for the pleasure they receive has its own value. I believe his buys into the idea that Disney is something you do/tolerate for your children, rather than being a family or group experience. At the same time, he seems to still be operating in terms of some sort of cost-per-ride mentality, where WDW is only worth it if DS experiences the E-ticket ride.

3) I think Opdyke doesn't understand how family memories are made not only in the experience itself, but in the communal storytelling which goes on afterwards. DS may not remember everything about the trip, but as Opdyke and his wife repeat the stories over the years, a narrative that helps define DS and indeed the whole family will emerge. He acknowledges how events blur into a childhood memory with feelings and loose associations, but doesn't really talk about how he's an integral part of this contstruction.

A brief story about this. One of my closest friends and his family went with me on a trip to WDW when his daughter was 3 and his son not yet born. She doesn't really remember the trip, although the Dumbo-ride incident certainly seared in my brain. But her father and mother have told her stories about it multiple times and remember her reactions fondly. They have pictures of us. And when I visit my friend and his daughter, infrequently now because of distance, she "remembers" not only Disney but me. She's more at ease with me because we share this Disney bond. And I'm not even her relative! That, to me, is well worth the trip, even if she will never be able to give me a blow-by-blow itinerary of our time together.

(Side note: Some small part of me wants to psychoanalyze Opdyke. I suspect, based on this column and others, that the problem was that Opdyke himself was bored because he didn't get to go on the adult rides, and is now resistant to returning because vacations are still implicitly about Opdyke's pleasure. If you've read his column, Opdyke has this tendency to be rather self-centered, even when he's presumably compromising with his wife or taking into account his family's needs. He's particularly passive-aggressive with his wife's desires; while he may acknowledge her wishes or give her a voice in her column, he pretty consistently attempts to trivialize her values and decisions.)

I agree w/ you 100% Especially on your OT comments on Opdyke!!! LOL

Our dd LOVED looking at the photo album of when she went at age 1...and hearing all the diff't stories that involved her. She has created her own "memories" of that trip and loves to share them now w/ family & friends. \

She also looks through the photo albums of our 2 trips last year. DH may not be the the disneyaholic I am...but he appreciates all the planning I do and enjoys the experience fully when there. Who wants to have to "endure it" for the kids sake. Better to have the mindset of take things slowly (at least while kids are young) and emerse yourself in the family experience. It truly is wonderful. And these young years go by so quickly....

 

[Honeymooner04]

I took my daughter to DL when she was 3 months old, am taking her again when she's 8 months old, and we're introducing her to THE WORLD in Dec when she'll be 10 months old. Not to mention the two trips we have planned to WDW next year. When we were in DL in May we got a lot of "She'll never remember this" but I brush those comments off because I WILL REMEMBER. You have to have realistic expectations about not only Disney but any vacation you take with young kids. And I'm living proof that you can have a fun vacation with a 3 month old.

 

[PeachesDoesHair]

We are taking our three year old daughter and our one year old son the 23rd of September. My dh and I don't expect our one year old to come home with amazing memories, but we expect him to have fun. We expect to leave with memories of our own. As for our daughter, I suspect she will be excited to meet all of her favorite characters and to ride the rides. I think she will be able to do more at WDW when she is older, but I don't think that lessens the fun she will have now.

 

[pixiewytch]

I am one of those minority people who waited longer than most to take my son. Disney has always been a part of my life and I wanted to enjoy the last few adult only experiences there that I might have with DH while DS was too young to know the difference. He stayed with grandma and we did get a lot of comments like, "you aren't taking him to Disney?", but I just didn't see the point in burdening all of us with the extra stress and overstimulating him for something he would not remember or even know we did. Every child is different but I knew that our 2 year old would have more fun at grandma's house than a crowded theme park strapped to a stroller all day.

As a comparison though, the first time we brought him he was almost three. He was barely communicating due to a speech delay and he seemed to have an enjoyable time. I don't recall any major upsets aside from when I first put him in the stroller and he couldn't see me.

For contrast, we just went to MK last month and he is almost five now. I wouldn't say we had a horrible time but there were a lot of bad tantrums over what attractions to go on at what time and there were times I wish I had left him at home. So it seems from my experience that younger ones are probably more agreeable despite probably never remembering anything and the slightly older ones are harder to deal with behaviorally.

So if I were to put an ideal starting age for my own comfort level it would probably be five. First and foremost, I say this because I don't care how young your little one is, it costs money for them to go....for food, for stroller rental, for souvenirs, snacks, whatever. That is one good reason for me to wait to bring them if I have that luxury. I also pick five because they are typically tall enough to ride everything and able to voice their concerns about riding certain attractions. My parents forced me on potc when I was three and I was traumatized, kicking my father the entire ride. I don't remember enjoying anything about that visit or any visits we had prior to that.

I guess at the end of the day it all depends on the parents. Many families don't have the luxury of leaving their children with sitters to begin with. Some that do have terrible separation anxiety or just feel guilty for whatever reason if they don't bring them. We are expecting our second child in December and we are taking our four year old this summer to his first memorable onsite stay at WDW before the baby comes. If we have the luxury of a sitter with this baby I wouldn't do anything differently than I did with my son. I don't think there is any reason to feel bad for waiting until you feel your child is able to enjoy as much of the magic as possible before taking them.

 

[lauritagoddess]

I don't make any pretense at all, I'm taking my DS to WDW for me. He had a great time when we went in March and I'm hoping he'll have a great time in a couple of weeks, but if he doesn't remember any of it when he's older, so what? I'll remember it. If we all operated on the premise that you only take kids places when they're old enough to remember the experience, we'd never leave the house for the first several years of their lives.

 

[becky7953]

We have taken my DS 2 times (1st when he was 18 months, then when he was 4) and my DD once when she was 2. We are planning another trip for 2008. The trips were fun..... as long as you understood they wouldn't be able to do all the things (but with parent swap it was fine). My kids do not remember too much about the trips until we get out the scrapbooks and look at the pics and talk about it.

I would say if you are only planning on taking your child to Disney 1 time.... then wait til they are older. If you are like me and will be taking several trips.... then woohoo Disney here we come!

 

[va32h]

) I think Opdyke doesn't understand how family memories are made not only in the experience itself, but in the communal storytelling which goes on afterwards. DS may not remember everything about the trip, but as Opdyke and his wife repeat the stories over the years, a narrative that helps define DS and indeed the whole family will emerge. He acknowledges how events blur into a childhood memory with feelings and loose associations, but doesn't really talk about how he's an integral part of this contstruction.

I can totally attest to this, especially the bolded part. Our family went to Disneyland every year until my parents divorced. My brother and I instinctively chose Disney as our family vacation destination of choice as adults, even before we had children, and without ever even discussing it with each other.

When asked why, we'd both give the same answer, without knowing it - "I'm just really happy when I go there", and neither of us can name more than one or two specific incidents of any one trip.

 

[glass slipper girl]

I take these things with a grain of salt. We get the comments too. My kids are 6 and 4 and have been 7 times now since their first trip when they were 3.5 and 21 months. Our next trip is in January and they will be 6.5, almost 5 and we will have DS #3 who will be between 3.5 and 4 months depending on when he is born. We're getting a lot of comments on bringing the baby. I've explained to friends, family and strangers alike that no, we can't leave him with Grandma for a week because I will be nursing so that won't work (not to mention that Grandma will be joining us for much of the week). That, no, this trip is not "about" the baby; that I expect he will sleep through most of it but I also expect he will enjoy being outside (barring rain!) and the family time and attention. Our older boys are excited about introducing him to their favorite characters. DH and I said the other day that our kids totally blow the "they won't remember it" thing out of the water. Christmas week of 2004 we took them to do the pony rides at Ft. Wilderness. Last weekend they rode horses at a local event. While they were waiting their turn they were talking about riding the horses at Ft. Wilderness. They even remembered the names. I had to look back at the video to remember the names of the ponies but they had them right! Tonka and Blueberries. DH and I might have said something about the names to them but it would have been in not more than a month after the trip so they remembered that on their own. That's not the only thing they remember but it was the first that THEY remembered what I didn't! If I could only take them once during childhood, I would have waited longer but we knew we'd be back so it wasn't an issue and I'm SO glad we went when they were that young and the magic was so completely alive and completely real for them! On our last 2 trips my oldest has started saying "you know that's not REALLY Mickey, it's someone in a costume." I will always be thankful that the first time he met these characters they were REALLY REAL in his eyes.

My other thought was that the author must be short. He seems to have short kids if his son at 5 / 6 (at one point he says DS was 5 and at another 6), wasn't tall enough for "most" of the rides. Since only a couple of things have a height requirement of more than 40", I am assuming he meant he didn't meet the 40" requirement. My oldest had passed it on his first trip at 3.5 and my youngest met it at 33 months! I have tall kids but under 40" at 5 / 6 is short.