What is the right age to take a child to Disneyland or WDW?

[RMulieri]

I haven't read thru all the threads..But the right age is when you decide it is.For us that age was 4 yrs old, but that was because 1) my DD is an only so there was no other age groups to consider 2) we did not want to deal with diapers and strollers and 3) we wanted her to get the most out of the trip.We had a blast and do not regret waiting till age 4 at all

 

[AirGoofy]

HELP!!! I don't have my own kids, but have nieces and I am wondering from parents, as to what the right age is to start taking kids to the Parks, and the age that would really get something out of it.

My youngest dd was 14 months on her 1st trip. For the first couple of days, she was scared around the characters. We went to CP, and she was afraid of the Pooh characters, despite her room being done with Pooh characters. So, we were a little concerned. However, the 2nd or 3rd day of our trip, we went to the Princess Pavilion. Her favorite Princess to this day is Snow White. As soon as she saw Snow White, she sprinted right for her to give her a hug. From the time on, she was then fine with all the characters except Buzz Light year.

Now, I doubt she actually remembers any of that, but her parents do. I tell my friends all the time, those that have not been to WDW and say they are waiting for our children to be older, that WDW is like Christmas morning for a young child - that magic is real.

 

[MM27]

We told my niece, who is now 4, that she will go when she is 5. She turns 5 in December but we will go over Spring Break, so April 2011. She just went to the Princesses on Ice and she has been talking about it every day, so I can't wait to take her to WDW.

 

[djp0630]

We took DD when she was 3 1/2 in Sept. and it was very magical for her. She loved all the characters, hugged Belle for so long the first time she met her, jumped up and down at Chef Mickey's etc. She loved all the rides and still remembers stuff about it even now. Stuff that I didn't even remember or haven't talked to her about. Like I said "We didn't meet Prince Eric" and she says, "But we saw him at the Little Mermaid show", which I totally forgot about. We had such a great time, we are taking her again in May. DS1 was easygoing and perfect, in May he will be 21 months so I think he will be more difficult, so we will see!

 

[shellytc]

what is the perfect age? the age they are when you go!! and to the "will they remember it?" who cares!! YOU WILL. should you not have christmas every year because they don't remember it? NO!! You take pics, you video, you catalogue and you get to be amazed at your children.

I still remember my 3 year old, after coloring with Mickey at the Grille in Epcot.. Mickey was leaving, DS watches him leave, standing on the seat in the booth, leans over the back, head in hands and whispers "MIckey, your the King"...... does he remember it? Nope!! But I do. the same boy wouldn't do that at 7.... too cool for school at that age.

Plan your trip and enjoy. and don't listen to anyone but your inner child : )

shelly

 

[EKW]

I personally chose to take my children to Disney for the first time when they were about 4. Why? Because we don't go on big vacations that often, and I wanted it to be for them. Because we live far away enough from the coasts that, no matter where we went, it was a long trip for a little kid.

You might prepare the 4 year old by going to the library and getting (or buying) the book My First Airplane Ride. Be sure to pack a bag full of things like pony beads, pipe cleaners, play dough, a small etch-a-sketch, etc. Things that would be novel and will keep a small person busy for awhile.

Don't forget to pack snacks, too.

Hope you have a great time!

 

[Disneyadore]

I think there is no age limit at all.

A few years ago we visited MK in Paris on New Years Eve.
Waiting to get into SM I talked to a young woman with a very small baby.I asked her how old the baby was and she told me he was 10 days.
Yes ten days but he was obviously very happy and cosy warm that cold night outside.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

The first time we went as a family our kids were 2, 3, 4 and 7. We all had a great time. By the age of 4 our kids could and did ride most everything in the parks, including Tower of Terror.

 

[dawneg]

We just took our 7 and 4 year-old sons and I was so glad we didn't go last year, as originally planned. The 4-year-old JUST BARELY squeaked by the 40 inch limit for Test Track, BTM, ST, etc. all of which he loved. I don't know if your nieces will want the "thrillers" but for any kid, esp. one wants to do everything the older sibling does, the height restriction may be a good indicator. We lucked out...wasn't something on my radar 'til just before we left.