Which age is better for WDW: 17 mths or 2.5 years?

[lecach]

DS just turned 1 on Dec. 7. We're trying to decide whether to take him to WDW this May when he'll be 17 mths old or to wait until next May when he'll be almost 2 1/2. Can anyone tell me which age is better/easier?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Can't speak for 17 months, but we went this past fall with DS 2.5 for his first trip and he had a ball. He still talks everyday about it and all the things he did!

 

[pweyl36]

5YRS. OR OLDER,JUST MY 2 CENTS

 

[momsully]

I've taken mine at both ages and they definately remember more at 2.5. DS4 still remembers things he did when he was at Disney at that age. We had a great time when they were even younger as well. DS6 took his first trip at 14 months and we (DH and I) have some great memories of that trip. Both my boys are very tall so by 2.5 were able to ride alot of rides. I don't have any advice as to which is better as they both had there pluses and minuses. The biggest minus to 2.5 was we had just finished potty training so we spent alot of time in the bathroom!

 

[lecach]

I think after reading your replies we're kindof leaning towards taking a cruise (just me and DH - we're the kind of parents that occasionally leave DS with the grandparents to travel ) this year and then next year taking DS to WDW when he's 2.5. This year I dont think there are many vacations he'd really get a lot out of. We'll be at the beach a lot (Mom lives down there) so its not like we wont take him anywhere). Plus I think it would be good for my Mom to go with us to WDW and she is starting a new career soon and wont be able to go with us this year.

 

[skuttle]

We just returned with our 2 1/2 year old DS. He really had a great time! He was a little hesitant of things at first since it was all so new to him, but after the first day he loved everything! Any time he saw a character, we had to wait in line to meet them. He cried when rides/parade/shows were over because he wanted "more." lol! My mom also came with us and it was nice to be able to got out on our own a couple of nights.

 

[DVCJEN]

5YRS. OR OLDER,JUST MY 2 CENTS

I agree!!!

 

[paslea_pooh]

DS just turned 1 on Dec. 7. We're trying to decide whether to take him to WDW this May when he'll be 17 mths old or to wait until next May when he'll be almost 2 1/2. Can anyone tell me which age is better/easier?

but if you are flying you don't have to pay for a ticket for him. I would take him at 17 months old and then again at 3.5 and older...... Not sure what your plans are for returing to disney. We took our daughter Erin (now 9) for the first time when we was 22 months old and she was simply in AWE!!! It was wonderful experiencing Disney thru her eyes. Even though she doesn't remember going at that age just experiencing it with her was wonderful.

When he's 2.5 years old he still won't remember it as an older child.

Just my thought

 

[lillygator]

DD #1 went on DCL and the parks at 18 months as well as at 2 1/2....I found it was much easier on us the younger they are (DD #2 started going at a month).....of course she remembers more each time we go but 18 months is a little easier since she was still in a stroller (wanted to be) still in a high chair, etc....

 

[disneymom225]

We took DD at 18 months and it was great. The only downside was she was going through a rough phase of eating in restaurants. SHe hated it. Otherwise, she was perfect-we took her on everything and nothing really bothered her. She didn't like the characters but we expected that and didn't worry. I used to think that people should wait until the kids were older to go to WDW and if it will be your only trip, ever, I still agree but we love WDW and plan on going every year so we didn't have that "commando" mentality-we let her dictate the pace and just enjoyed it as a family vacation. Good luck!

 

[Leah and Emily's mom]

I don't think there is a "right" age. We took our DD at 13 mo, 2 1/2, and a month shy of 4. Our other DD was 5, 7, 8... Disney has something for all ages. Each trip has been as magical as the next.

 

[lgaston]

Like some of you, I used to think that I will wait till' my daughter is old enough (5+) to go back to Disney. I plan to go with her in the month of May 06. She'll turn 20 months during the trip. I think Disney has something for her age too (and maybe even for younger babies). I don't mind if my daughter won't remember a thing but to me having her on video, watching the magic in her eyes at that age is memory enough for when she grows up and she can watch it.

 

[mama22]

5YRS. OR OLDER,JUST MY 2 CENTS

I disagree. We have taken our daughter at 17 months, almost 3, 4, and 5. We just took our DD5 to disney and while she loved it, that "magic" and innocence that was there just last year was not the same. She is begining to realize the characters have people under there so the experience just was not the same as her brother, DS3, who was just in awe of everything and made the cutest comments. I am so glad we got to experience disney with my young kids, the memories (at least for me) will last a lifetime!

 

[Danaans]

Just returned on the 27th with a 1 year old, 3 year old, and an 8 year old....the only considerations for the younger ones, was naps....the 8 year old could hang....but the littlier ones needed the rest. I agree that it holds charm for the little ones also, but I believe its only momentarily for them because the younger they are the faster they forget.....Parents have to keep the "fairy dust" alive in the childrens hearts.....We made my 1 year old Grandson a memory book, to show him he was really there.....


here's the three of them...hamming it up....my daughter is holding grandson up for picture, but you can't see her

 

[we're all mad here]

We took our DD this past Sept and she was 2. She still talks about what she did 3 months later. She rarely naps at home and took a 1-2 hour nap in the stroller daily there. We used the time to ride the bigger rides while swapping her with my parents (major help having them there) It amazes me how much she retained. Now she is asking to go back! DH told her we can go when she learns to use the potty, I can't wait Take lots of pictures and video if you can, it will help him remember. We watch the DVD on a daily basis now that DH got it made last week.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

We took our daugter at 18 mths and 2 1/2 and 18 mths was easier. She was fine doing everything. At 2 some children start to have fears and my daughter was afraid of everything. I would vote for 18 mths. Free airfare is good too if you need it!

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

My kids were 2 1/2 and 5 the first time they went to Disney. They loved it! It was for Christmas and New Years. I enjoyed it so much with them. As for naps, they were taken right in the stroller. They have been many times since but that first time was the most special. I would have taken them younger also if the opportunity had come about. People said they wouldn't remember it but they did, and I remember it, we have videos and pictures. Christmas and New Years there will always be my favorite because of them.

 

[CanadianDisneyMom]

There is so much more magic when they are yonger. My DD was 8 months on her first Disney trip and my DS was 21 Months. They have since been
DD Now 7 1/2 has gone when she was : 8 months, 4, 4 1/2 and 6 1/2. DS Now 5 1/2 , has gone when he was : 21 Months, 2 1/2, and just shy of 5. I agree the older they get you lose just a little of the magic when they realize there is a person in the costume. My children love to look at video and pictures of all the previous trips, even if they don't remember all of it. I remember when we came back when my DS was 21 months and DD was 3 3/4. They played Disney everyday for months, packing, waiting in lines, sleeping in the hotel and riding the rides all in our living room. I say go for it now and make memories!!!

 

[DreaminDisney]

My youngest was 2 yrs 4 mos. first visit. She had a blast! First day there she spotted Mickey, ran up to him and clutched onto his leg saying "I wuv u" Was the BEST! On the other had if I could have taken them even younger... I would have!!
Have a great vacation and take your kids when you can!!