What are the best ages to take your children ?

[alexandra uk]

What in your opinion are the best ages ?
I'm thinking its probably between 4 and 7 years old.

 

[Danemom]

I think each age is special!

At 3 and 5, it was magic because they loved the characters.
At 5 and 7, it was magic because they loved the rides.
At 8 and 10, we are looking forward to exploring DisneyQuest and World Showcase more.

 

[BriarRose59]

My favorite time was when my oldest child (now 16) was 3 years old. She wasn't scared of any of the characters and was so excited to see everything. We let her nap when she needed to and never let her get too hungry. My youngest child (now 12) went for the first time at 16 mos. I wouldn't suggest that to anyone. I think 3 and up is great! I don't agree with those who say you should not take children until they are old enough to remember, unless it will be your only trip to WDW. I think as long as they enjoy the visit, why not take them. They may not remember everything, but that's okay as long as everyone has an enjoyable time.

 

[Hockeychic]

The first time we went my DS was 11 and DD was 8 and that was the perfect age for us as they were old (tall enough) for all the rides but young enough for the magic.

 

[Doc and Family]

We took our boys for the first time when the oldest was 4 and the youngest turned 2 while we were there.
The 4 year old was beside himself with excitement.
The 2 year old was almost as equally excited. A little afraid of some of the characters, but enjoyed all the rides he could go on.
Aside from the character issue, he had a blast.
Now, at the ripe old age of 4, he's a seasoned ToT, Splash Mountain, BTMRR loving expert.

 

[disneysteve]

My DD is 7 (almost 8). She has been to WDW 9 times, spread pretty evenly over her lifetime. Her first visit was at 5-1/2 months. She had a ball - she loved the lights, sounds, people, activity, characters, etc. Of course, she doesn't remember a moment of it, but mom and I certainly have wonderful memories of that trip.

Her next visit was at 1 year. This was neat because she was walking and could explore a lot more which she loved doing. She loved the characters and all the rides.

At 2, she really started to get into things more. By 3 and 4, memories started sticking and she still recalls things from those visits.

Before we had a child, we swore we wouldn't take one there until they were 5 or so. But once we had our DD, we weren't willing to not go because we had her. Every trip with her has been terrific in its own way. As she has grown and matured, we've gotten to see her experience the trip in a new way and on a different level. On our last trip, she got to ride the coasters for the first time and she was so excited and proud of herself. Also, as she is getting older, we're able to expose her to some of the nicer restaurants which is good for DW and I because neither of us particularly likes fast food.

I guess that doesn't really answer your question, but I really think that every age is good as long as you go at the child's pace and don't force him/her to go at your pace.

Steve

 

[kiddisney]

hi - i agree with danemom

we started taking our kids down when they were 18 months old - and have continued every year or two

at 2/3 years - they'll sit with you for the shows - it's not so scary seeing a show this big when you're out in the open

at 8/9 years - they'll go on almost all of the rides and still want to see the shows

at 11/12 years old - they'll be able to enjoy nice dinners and you can enjoy not having to just eat mac and cheese and chicken nuggets

so every age if a good age

 

[Mickeyhugger]

I agree w/so many of the other posts here.

There is something magic w/every age!

We took our daughter when she was 3 1/2, and she loved it. Since then, we've gone every year (she will be 9 in November.)

While we were in line to have our picture taken w/Mickey at MGM, we saw Mickey holding a 6-mos old baby boy who was awestruck. The look on that precious baby's face said it all! His parents took pictures and will be able to show him when he's older. He won't remember that moment, but his parents always will.

One is never too young (or old!) for WDW!

 

[PNO4TE]

Our children started going to WDW when they were 2 1/2 and 3 yrs. old. Now at ages 17 and 25 we find there are just as many new adventures to find and share with them. Some of the most wonderful memories for our family are of our trips to WDW.

By the way, I have yet to find the "best" age to travel there with kids!
Maybe none of us has gotten there yet...

Elin

 

[disneydave]

OK, I'm 30 somethingish and I think last year was the best...no this next year when we go in May will be the best.... I always love going to Disney and have since I was very young living in FL and my parents took me as a very young youngster. Now my kids both love going. My DS took his first trip at 2 and has been many times in his 9 years. Our DD took her first trip at 10 months and at the ripe old age of 5 will be taking her 4th trip next year. Both kids love going to WDW and I hope that some day their kids will love going with the parents and grandparents.

 

[Belle5]

I have 6 kids ages 4 weeks to 17 years. We have taken a baby as young as 3 1/2 mos. to WDW. I would have to say the only age that might not be a "perfect" age for the parks is any age where the child is going through a strong willed tantrum throwing stage. (A lot of that can even be helped by lots of rest/naps built into the vacation.) Every age is magical and I want to take my new baby as soon as he gets his days and nights straightened out!

 

[Ambassador]

In the first year we visited with our then 18-month son, we went to WDW twice and DL once. He freaked at the large characters; we figure his idea of them from books and video was someone more his size. He is 5 now, and thinks that going to WDW every year is normal. His brother went last year for the first time, at the ripe old age of 8 months. He loved it, and we have tons of pictures of him hugging the characters! In stark contrast, I never got to go as a kid, and now I dream almost daily of our next trip. My brother now joins us every year, because he loves seeing his nephews have a such a great time, and he leaves his wife at home. She hasn't been bit by the bug, and never went as a kid either.

 

[mommyflower]

My ds's first trip was at 18 months and we will be taking him again at 34 months in december. I think any age will work as long as you remember to go at the kids pace and that somethings in WDW can be overwhelming. At first DH and I thought we would have to stop going to WDW for a while once DS was born, but we decided that we did not want to go with no vacation. And what better place for a family to go then WDW! And my DS may not really remember our vacation, but he will always be able to look at the tons of photos and video we took in WDW. And he loves to see those pictures and videos! He pulls them out at least once week!

 

[MinnieGi]

I think that is the great thing about WDW - any age is a great age to visit!! It is magical for all. DD has been three times - at 14 months, 2 years, and 2 1/2 years. She just turned three and we are headed back at the end of Oct. All of her trips were magical to her and us. At 14 months she just soaked up all the scenes and loved to hug the characters - still does at 3!! At two and two and a half she knew the names of all her favorite characters and favorite rides. Now at three she tells us what she is planning on doing!! We're hearing lots of Dumbo, IASW, and Peter Pan rides are in order along with hugging the characters and eating with the princesses.

I started going as a little girl of five and still have a magical time each visit!!

 

[disneyatl]

I can't tell you how many people tried to talk us out of taking our DD when she was a few months away from being 3 but we did it anyway. I'm glad we did. She had a blast. I think she rode more than she did when we took her at age 5. At age 3, she wasn't afraid of any characters but afraid of some rides. She is now 9 and still remembers her first visit and I know that I have memories of her running ahead of us in the park saying, "come on, come on". I'm sure this next trip will provide even different memories!