WDW with a 3 or 4 year old... this year or next?

[Grendalynn]

I am looking for some insight as to what could be a better age than another to take the kids back to Disney....

While we generally have a 3 year plan (Disney World every 3 years) we have flirted with the idea of going this year.... our youngest will be 3.5 in April. My question is this... What are the advantages/pros & cons of going this year when he is 3.5 compared to next year when he is 4.5....

The one thing I can think of right off is the height thing and the Terrible 3's as a whole. Where can I find a list of height requiremenets for the rides? But I also think about the things he would really enjoy at this age - Toon Disney, Preschool live on stage, characters.... a little insight please mom and dads out there!! Thanks...

 

[happymommy]

We started going as a family (went a few times before we had children) when DD was 2 and DS was 4. We thought it was a great vacation! The kids enjoyed everything, and we brought our double stroller, so they took a nap in it every afternoon (it was a very good tandem one).

I think it's great for all ages, so I wouldn't hesitate at all with a 3 year old. My kids had so much fun, and so did we! They loved all the parks equally, not just the MK. They loved Epcot, as they had room to run around (MK gets more crowded), and they did the masks a couple of times in the countries as well.

 

[kohlby]

I wouldn't do a 3.0 year old. I went with a 40" barely 3 year old and it was a tough trip. (He was/is a bit more spirited than most though). We went again when he was 42" and 3.5 years old - it made a HUGE difference. You know your child best. I now will avoid going until a child is at least 3.5. As for 3.5 vs 4.5, both could be the same ease if - your child no longer needs a nap. Planning around a nap makes it harder. And if you're fine with missing some rides if he doesn't hit 40". We're going on our next trip with an almost 4 year old and she's a smidge under 40" but it fits into our every 3 year plan as well! (Luckily her baby brother is tall like our first so he'll hit 40" easily before our next trip).

*I'm not too worried about the 40" now because there's only one child taller than her. But if you have three or more kids, then the logistics are a bit tougher. For that reason, I'm glad our next 3 year trip will have the youngest at 40".

 

[Grendalynn]

Barefooted he is 41" tall. He has always been tall for his age... Thats with no shoes or the growth he will have in the next 4 months.... (thinking to go about the 3rd week of April)... Is there a website out there with the height requirements for all the rides?? Thanks!!

Found it! http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/height.htm I just put in 42" (assuming his shoes will bring him up an inch and what he may grow) into the calculator and these are the rides he is not tall enough for... i don't think its anything he would really be manic about:

Blizzard Beach Summit Plummet 48"
Animal Kingdom Primeval Whirl 48"
Blizzard Beach Downhill Double Dipper 48"
DisneyQuest Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam 48"
Magic Kingdom Tomorrowland Indy Speedway 52"
Typhoon Lagoon Bay Slide 52"
DisneyQuest Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlaster 51"
DisneyQuest Cyberspace Mountain 51"
Magic Kingdom Space Mountain 44"
Typhoon Lagoon Humunga Kowabunga 48"
Animal Kingdom Expedition Everest 44"
Epcot Mission Space 44"
Hollywood Studios Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith 48"

 

[mjkacmom]

If you are going to be on a every 3 year schedule, a 4 year old will be easier, and able to go on more rides most likely, than a 3 year old. A 4 year old would also be better potty trained, and less likely to need a nap. I say just wait.

 

[fireflymedic]

I would waite if I could stand it.

I couldnt and took my 3 and 4 yr. old. They had fun but I think every yr. they will like it more as they get older.

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
I don't think it makes a big difference between 3 and 4. My daughter really enjoyed all the characters last year at 3 and is very excited to go back again in April (she's now 4). I found 2 to be the toughest age. She really didn't understand enough. We always call that the "bathroom trip year". She was toilet trained at exactly two and that year we saw every bathroom in Disney. She was more thrilled with the automatic toilet than any ride in Disney!

Your son is tall and should have a great time. Corinne at 4 is still only 39 inches so she sits out most rides but still seems to have the time of her life every year! We;re keeping our fingers crossed that she grows in the next three months. Either way, you'll have a great time!

 

[hillview]

We took DS when he was 3.5 and he is 4.5 now and remembers it. That said he is SO MUCH more excited to be going in a couple of weeks (gets it) vs last time. I'd wait if you aren't going to go again next year.
/hillary

 

[lizzysmom]

I took my daughter when she was 18 months, 3, 4 ,5 and 8. Every trip was good and enjoyed different things. Some things are more magical and different ages. She was able to ride more rides at 4 and not have the stroller. However when she was 4 she asked to go back almost every day.

 

[tam626]

We took our ds at 3 & 4 and both years were great. Some things that he is tall enough to get on, he won't. Alot depends on your child's temperment & I don't see that changing drastically in a year. Sorry, that was'nt much help.