When would you plan your next trip?

[Mikie]

So, my family doesn't go yearly, but we always know/hope we've got another trip coming some time in the not-too-distant future. Every 3-4 years probably fits our budget and our desire to see at least some of the "real world" too.

Hubby and I first went in college just before graduation, a break for a few years, then started going just before each of our 3 kids turned 3 years old, so they'd be big enough to remember, yet still be free tickets and dining plan. Most recent trip this October was designed to be after new Fantasyland was fully opened, but not within the first 1-2 months of opening.

Our youngest is 6 now. If you were me, would you plan to go before he's 10 and turns into a Disney adult? Wait for Avatarland expansion to open? Any other known refurbs coming down the pike? Wait for a milestone like my oldest graduating high school in 4 years?

 

[Bektasmic]

Yes for sure if you can swing it! We went when our older son was 6 and not again until our upcoming trip in Feb when he will be 12. It's making me sad that it's not going to be the same kind of thrill as even 2-3 years ago over certain things like meeting the characters. Don't get me wrong, I know he will still enjoy it plenty, but I wish we could have gone when he was 9.. There is a weird thing that happens as kids-and I think boys-get older. Society expects them to be more aloof and "tough." As sweet as our boy is, there is a different awareness of all of that and independence from us that just makes the trip a little different.

We will find lots of awesome ways for him to experience the parks, but it's more about being "grown up" and going on big rides. Wish we would have had another trip where he was just a silly little kid, oblivious to the world around him. Not that your situation is necessarily like mine, but I sure didn't see all the changes coming when he was 6...or even 9 for that matter. Big shifts at age 10.