What age for 1st trip - 3 or 4 yrs?

[Heckah]

We are here now with DD3 and DD6. DD3 is having a blast. She is 40 inches so she can go on everything except Space. I'm sure if she wasn't 40 inches we wouldn't be having as much fun.

 

[Aurora0427]

I have a 1 yr old niece and I want to bring her (and her parents) to WDW at some point. They live in the UK so it is likely to be a 1x in a lifetime trip (EDIT: a rare trip - most likely a couple of times through her childhood). I do want to bring her while she is little. Her parents are not big Disney fans but should enjoy it (they honeymooned at an amusement park). I am debating when to plan on it as based on my family's schedule, it will likely have to be a Christmas trip.

I think 2 years old (next Christmas) is too young so I am looking at 3 or 4 years old. I need a lot of time to plan and save so want to start thinking about it now.

What do u all recommend?

We took my daughter at age 2 and 2.5. We are going back in December and she'll be over 3.5. We had great trips at age 2 & 2.5, but I'm expecting this trip to be our best yet. She is totally into the princesses, the rides, and we are doing Bibbidty Bobbitty Boutique this trip. Last month she measured 38" at age 3.5.

I think if it's going to be a one time trip, I'd take your niece closer to age 4. She probably won't be napping and may be able to handle longer park hours. Plus she may be more into all the Disney "stuff"!

 

[leahlefler]

We are taking our kids on their first trip to WDW at ages 7 and 9, but we have been to Disneyland in California MANY times, and each age has its own merits. If I had to choose between ages 3 and 4, I would probably go with age 4 for my kids, as toilet training, temper tantrums, and naps were still issues at age 3. Age 4 was just easier overall with them - especially with regard to traveling (we live in Western NY and fly to California to visit family). Flying with a 2/3 year old was challenging, but flying with a 4 year old was much easier.

That being said, we took my oldest to Disneyland at the age of 15 months. We all had a good time. We rode Peter Pan, the carousel, the monorail, did the Tiki Room, etc. - of course he doesn't remember it, but we do. It was delightful watching him dance when a band was playing, and he LOVED Toon Town.

We took him again at age 4 (his brother was 2, almost 3) and it was wonderful. They both enjoyed MANY rides at that age. My older one could ride anything, and Nolan couldn't ride the thrill rides yet, but they both loved everything they could ride. At the Magic Kingdom/Disneyland, there are a LOT of rides without height requirements. They loved Pirates, the Jungle Cruise, Small World, Peter Pan, the teacups... honestly, we had a very full day and they loved all of it.

We went to Disneyland again when my older boy was 6 and Nolan (little one) was 4, almost 5. Both could ride ALL of the rides at that age. Our best trip yet. Some of the "magic" was gone for my older boy (he realizes the characters are people in costumes, etc.) but it was fun to jump on the Matterhorn, Space Mountain, and still enjoy the characters.

We're doing WDW with them for the first time in February.

I can honestly say that each age has its own merits and is fun in its own way. As she gets closer to age 3, you could really start to take a look at what you think would fit her personality more. If she's a late potty-trainer, maybe wait until 4. Or if she's really into the princesses and is past the toddlerish needs (diapers), take her at 3. Every kid is so different at these ages.. my boys were late on the maturity side, so I would have picked 4 over 3.

 

[leahlefler]

Just thought you might be interested - this was our trip to Disneyland when my older boy was 4 and my little boy was 2, almost 3. We were able to do a lot of things!

http://ohboylefler.blogspot.com/2010/08/disneyland-july-17-2010-day-1.html

 

[elaine amj]

I can honestly say that each age has its own merits and is fun in its own way. As she gets closer to age 3, you could really start to take a look at what you think would fit her personality more. If she's a late potty-trainer, maybe wait until 4. Or if she's really into the princesses and is past the toddlerish needs (diapers), take her at 3. Every kid is so different at these ages.. my boys were late on the maturity side, so I would have picked 4 over 3.

I like this. It would be a little hard as I likely have to firm up plans by 6-12 months in advance and I do have to juggle a bunch of things. Still, very good advice to keep in mind.

Was talking to my DH last night and am tempted to bring her under 2 yrs since she would be a lap baby in the plane and she would be free at WDW. BUT - I keep reminding myself that it really is too young for a rare trip.

I'm loving everyone's stories - really helps me to see the differences between 3yrs and 4 yrs.

 

[OasterP]

What's the average age a kid reaches 40inches? (I know every kid is different). I dont know that rides will be a major issue. We have plenty of adults to baby swap and neither my DH nor my brother do thrill rides. I just want to watch my niece experience the magic.

Like you said all are different but my son had just turned four at our most recent trip and he's 39.5 inches. And we tried to get him on a few rides (b/c we weren't totally sure of his height at the time) and he was not able to get on. We found out his height two weeks later at his Dr. appt. But I'd say he's on the shorter side for kids.

Also as far as age, I had a bunch of people tell me not to take my son at barely four b/c he won't remember, etc.... I don't agree with that thought. Maybe if I could only take one trip ever I'd agree, but if I waited a few more years I have no doubt in my mind that he would not have had the same trip. He loved so many of the characters and his love of Toy Story made our trip so fantastic. I really will never regret taking hi while he's young. We will go twice next year (AP bought this Sept) and then take a break for a few years at least. Then our next trip will be a DIFFERENT experience!

Have fun!!

 

[elaine amj]

Resurrecting this old post. Now that my niece is almost 3, we've started putting plans in action. Right now we are planning for next August when she will be 3 years, 8 months. She starts kindergarten in January so should be used to following instructions. She has some speech delays though and is non-verbal at this time. She is a good-natured child with a happy attitude. Not sure about how she reacts to characters or rides though...

I finally issued the invitation to my brother and SIL last month and they were excited and grateful. I sent them rough dates last night and they said it should work out. I am planning on 2 weeks in WDW - I know we need to take things at a very relaxed pace with a little one. The good thing about having so many adults (plus my kids are teens!) is that we can easily take turns to ride the big rides. She will be the only little one and all of us will be focused on our little princess Not sure if we will be onsite or offsite yet. Hoping for onsite at Values with free dining...but it all depends on the offers. I checked UK free dining offers, and found them to be much more $$ than our Cdn/US free dining offers. I've done some research into offsite and if the free dining offers don't come through, we'll likely stay offsite in a pool villa and just pay for food OOP (probably cook a fair bit to save $$). Also hoping my dad and stepmother can join us for even more family bonding time!

Suggestions/tips on planning for a trip with such a young child?

 

[Mousemommy1]

If it's once in a lifetime, you should probably wait until she's 4.

For us, we go every year, so our 15 month old has already been twice (3x if you count in my belly, lol).

 

[hiroMYhero]

@elaine amj ~ It would be best to pose your question as a new thread in the Disney for Families forum:
http://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-for-families.23/

There is a huge amount of outdated info in this 2 year old thread - many attractions no longer exist so closing the thread at this time.