Are you trying to decide what is a good age for a Disney trip? If you are considering taking a baby or even a toddler to Disney, people have probably told you that you are crazy (and I bet those people have never even been to Disney World themselves). So how young is too young for Disney?
My advice to parents who email me with this question is pretty straightforward. If you are only going to go to Disney World once in your life, don’t go when your oldest children are babies (unless you win the trip or someone else is paying or you have to go for business, etc).
This opinion does not apply to family with both older and younger children, obviously you don’t want the older kids to have to wait on the baby to get older.
If you are going to go to Disney World multiple times, go whenever you feel ready to tackle the World with your baby.
Jacob was 2 years and 2 months on our first trip to Disney World and he had a blast. Yes, we had to stop and change his diaper. Yes, we had to break for naps. But we knew that wasn’t going to be our only trip to Disney World so we didn’t hustle. We took our time, we saw everything our kids would want to see and we sacrificed the things that appealed to us as adults.
On the second trip, he was 3 years and 2 months and it was a completely different experience. He was potty trained and no longer taking naps. He wanted to walk more, ride more and could sit through more shows.
We took our youngest when she was 4 months old. That trip involved me doing a lot more people watching and more baby holding, but it was still a very enjoyable experience.
What age did you take your child for the first time? Would you take them at that age again?
Check out these tips on using a stroller at Walt Disney World.
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I went to Disneyland for the first time when I was 12. The first time we went as a family to Disneyland was my Husbands first time and he was 29. My oldest was 3 and our youngest at the time was 11 months. We are dying to go now however with four kids we have to wait until our now 2 year old is a little older he is much more hyper than his brothers and will probably have a hard time standing in lines. Im thinking another year or two. That would make our youngest 2 or 3. While we still had fun with our youngest being 11 months when we went I think it will be much more fun when they all can enjoy it. We didn’t expect to wait this long we had two trips planned between 2017 and 2019. Just life has made it not an option to go. I think any age is fun though and if you feel you can handle it take them at any and all ages!
We’ve decided to go see the grandparents and go to Disney World in October. My husband and I went 4 years ago and we will take out daughter again when she’s older, she will be 2 yrs 2 mo when we go. We are just going to MK and AK so I’m excited to see what she will think…start the Disney movies NOW!!!
I enjoyed reading these comments. My family and I are having our first Disney vacation in August. My oldest is 4 and my youngest will be 16 months. I’m quite nervous!
Our son was also 2 years and 2 months when we took him for his first trip. People did tell us we were crazy for bringing him when he was so young because he wouldn’t remember it, etc…but my husband and I just kept saying, “Yes, but we will.” We planned the trip around him in the sense that we pretty much bypassed rides/attractions that the adults would be interested in (except for a couple where we took turns with my parents staying with our son, particularly if he had fallen asleep in his stroller). We made a point of taking it slow, enjoying the ambiance. Doing things (like Playhouse Disney Live On Stage) that we would never have done in the past. It was utterly magical. Henry had such an amazing time, we’ve been back two months and he still asks if we can go to Disney World pretty regularly. And my husband and I have amazing memories of Henry’s first interactions with characters, the excitement on his face when he got to meet Mickey, Donald and Daisy (his favorites), the wonder on his face when he got to ride the monorail, the pure joy the experiences brought him, interacting with characters, cast members and other guests. Plus a really special interaction with Gi-Tar Dan in Animal Kingdom. I absolutely would do it again at this age! We are already planning when we’ll be able to go back!
We took our first trip to Disneyland when our oldest two kids were barely 3 and barely 1, after I had sworn since having kids that we would NEVER, ever take little kids. That trip totally changed my mind, the magic of Disney is best seen thru a 3 to 4 year old child, my kids at that age have believed that it was all real from the rides to the characters and that magic ends all too quickly. Not that we haven’t had fun with our kids as they have gotten older and if there was only going to be one trip I guess it would be better to wait until the kids are old enough to ride everything but the magic isn’t the same.
We booked a Disney cruise with Payton our 2 year old when we found out I was pregnant! So we had the youngest person on the ship in tow. Caleb was just 4 months old for his first Disney experience. The staff was great help. They even cut my food for me while I held the baby! Were planning our first trip to Disney world this December and Caleb will be almost 2 and payton will be 4! We can’t wait:)
We took our daughter to Disneyland at 10 weeks old for 2 days. I know its not quite the same thing but we probably wouldn’t have done it if we didn’t live an hour from there and go at least once a year. I had to stop frequently to nurse but it was still a blast since we had lots of family with us.
My granddaughter was 7 weeks old on her first trip. She is now 6 and has been 5 times. The first trip was so easy. We carried her in a sling or pushed in a covered stroller. She was soooo easy to handle and I am sure people thought us crazy. It happened to be my niece’s wedding at the Wedding Pavilion and how could we have missed that?
We have been to Disneyland multiple times with kids of various ages. 9 months and under works great because you can pack them along on the rides with you and they can nap in the stroller. I haven’t taken my kids between the age of 9 months and about 18 months because they want to get down and run around and don’t want to stand in lines or be held all the time. Once they are over 18 months they seem to do better – especially if you go when the park is less crowded. Just keep your expectations low – realize you are there for them and you may not do everything you would do with older kids. They probably won’t remember it at a young age, but they will have a blast and that is what it is all about.
We took our son on his first trip this past December and he was 8 months old. I have been to Disney more than a dozen times and this was a first with a baby. He is our only child and we decided to take him along. I actually really enjoyed it and I would say its never too young to take a child. The plus is is that he was free! He was able to ride almost all of the rides except the roller coasters and he LOVED the characters. It is a trip that I will never forget. We also got his first hair cut at the harmony barber shop at Magic Kingdom. We never had to go back to the room for naps he just slept in his stroller or while I was holding him in lines. We used the baby centers. Those are by far the best things about having a baby and going to Disney. They were great for feeding and diaper changes. I used them several times a day at each park. We have our second trip planned with him for this September 2012 and cant wait to take him to the water parks. That will be a first for him. He will be a year and 1/2 when we go in September. They are never too young!!!!! :)
The first time we went was when our eldest turned 1 year old. We have had Ap passes since that time (she will be 12 this summer). We never stopped, and have had 2 more children since. Our yougest is just 1.5 years old, so we have a varied of ages.
The price of our AP passes is similar in cost to taking a once a year trip to DWorld. So we have choose this route instead. We are not stressed about not making it to a ride because of a nap, diaper changing or even meltdown. We space out our day and everyone gets at a say in what we do. If we dont make it to one section of the park, that is our first section next time we go.
Our kids have grown up in the parks. Some people ask if the “magic” is gone. For us, no way, for our kids, they still all (ones that can talk) still plead with us to go to dland. So I dont think its gone for them either.
The Baby-centers are a life saver, so are the famly restrooms. I (mama) take in all the kids, we change diapers and all use the bathroom, and back out to the races.
We pack all our snacks from waters, to juices, and all toddler friendly and big kid friendly snacks and of course at least one full meal is packed. We usually eat breakfast at home or on the road (breakfest burritos homemade) and than we pack a lunch for everyone, than we either eat one meal in the park or head home for dinner. Or we arrive right at lunch time and drive through taco bell and eat that in the park, and than have a meal packed for dinner to eat in the parks.. just depends on what time we plan our arrival.
We always do get a special treat, but if the kids want they can save up 2 special treats and on the 3rd day get a small trinket/toy.
We took our oldest when he was 15 months old and he did great! It was a wonderful time and one we look back at with nothing but good memories!
Our inlaws took all the kids and grandkids(13 of us total) in 2009. That was our daughters 2nd Christmas, she was 14 months old and I wouldn’t have done anything different! I have pictures up and did a scrapbook that she loves to look at. We plan on going back in 2013, she will be 4 and our son will be 17 months. We didn’t go back to the hotel to let her nap, we just kept going and let her nap in the stroller or in our arms. But we left the grounds after dinner and went back to the hotel for the night then. Our next trip we are going to go back to the hotel for a bit during the day and stay a little later at night to see some fireworks. I have gotten so many tips on here I can’t wait to use them all!
We are taking our daughter next month and she’ll be 2 1/2..I know she’s going to have a blast..she loves Mickey!
I have gotten a bunch of crap from people..they don’t understand why I would “waste” money to go now..thatvpisses me off sooooo much! She is going to have so much fun..she may not remember it but I know in thevmomentbshevwill be having the time of her life! We are also (obviously) disney people..no way is this the only trip there..lol..so I rather go now..especially since she’s free!!! :) I can’t wait to go!!
My daughter was 3 and my son was 6 months. It was Christmas…I love Disney at Christmas. It adds so much more magic to Christmas. I have that memory of my sons first Christmas was at Disney. I have the memories even though they dont remember, we had a blast and it was a gear experience . My husband had never been to Disney so it was truly a magical visit for the entire family.
My daughter’s first trip was when she was 18 months! She didn’t talk yet, but she could say “Pooh”, so it was a wonderful memory went she went up to meet Winnie The Pooh.
Our son was 3 months when we took him for the first time. We had such an amazing trip just being with him and watching him try to take everything in. We have been several times since then and this will be the first time that my son knows who Mickey is (let me clarify: the first time that my son is obsessed with Mickey)!
We took our son for the first time for his third birthday. He then went for his fourth birthday and his sixth birthday. Each time was different because he was able to do more and last longer in the parks. We just knew that first trip that we didn’t go on the more adult rides and we focused on the rides that he wanted to go on. (That means, yes, we did ride on It’s A Small World many, many times!) We were at the parks early and left after lunch to go back to the hotel and swim in the pool. At night, when he went to bed, my husband and I took turns going back into the parks so we could ride the grownup rides. This is, of course, made easier if you are staying on WDW property. We had no regrets taking a three year old.
I say -5 is to young. I can’t imagine going to WDW PREGNANT! I get tired not pregnant. If I end up at WDW Prego i’ll be renting a motorized scooter!
It isn’t so bad :-) I’ve done it twice the one time I had a motorized scooter but that was because I was on modified bed rest I had permission from my doctor to go but only if I agreed to be in a wheelchair. Walking while pregnant helps labor go faster so your WDW training could double as labor training.
We just took our first Disney vacation as a family and my kids are 7 & 5. I am so glad we waited! We could ride almost every ride as a family, my youngest will remember it and it was a great experience. This will probably be a trip we only make once or twice, though, so we didn’t want to spend a lot of money for a vacation the kids wouldn’t remember. If I could go more often, I would have considered going when they were younger, but the timing was perfect for us this trip. It may be another 5 years before we can make a trip like that again.
I took my oldest son when he was 4…and I ended up finding out 2 weeks before we went that I was pregnant so I pretty much couldn’t ride anything. 2nd son came along and we went to Disney World when he was 6 months old – BEST IDEA EVER! It was a blast and we always said we’d do it in a heartbeat. We never realized that I would get pregnant ON that trip, and we were back at Disneyland when our daughter was 6 months old, and our son was 21 months old. Again, we had the time of our lives. We have always said that was our best trip. We put DD in the front pack & DS in the stroller, and our oldest usually pushed. We went on so many rides, and we are very happy we went.
I guess if you can’t go more than once, don’t go until your kids are like 5+. But for us, Disney is a yearly thing so we were not putting our trip on hold for a baby. Especially since they can ride so many rides, each of our 2 youngest kids rode Pirates at 6 months old. Whatever they can’t ride, that’s what the child swap tickets are for. And DS was always willing to go on the ride twice without having to wait in the long lines so we always had someone to ride with.
I like your take on this. I grew up in Disney fanatic family (and also lived in Georgia for a while as child which made trips much easier) and the first time my family went was when I was one year old. LOL. Obviously nothing stuck with me, but my brother was five years old so it was perfect for him!
We took our youngest daughter when she was 4 months… And we had a blast. It was 100 times easier than I ever expected. We of course had to stop for diaper changes and feedings… But, overall it was great. If we had a TS reservation and she was asleep, they would let us bring her stroller into the restaurant instead of disturbing her. That was very helpful! If you are comfortable and think you and your baby can handle it well, go for it! No matter what age!
Ours sons first trip he was 3 years 3 months and it was awesome. He has been two more times since and we have another trip schedule in December. Our daughter was 1 year 9 months her first trip and it was just as awesome, she definitely wasn’t too young. It’s amazing to see it through your young child’s eyes!
We have taken our children at various ages. Our oldest went for the first time when he was 2 and our youngest went for the first time at 9 months! I spent our first two family vacations pregnant as well, which became the running joke in the family. If we were planning a Disney trip, everyone assumed I was pregnant!
I agree that if your oldest child is an infant, that unless you plan on going multiple times, don’t do it. But if your child is over a year old, there is just something magical about seeing the world through their eyes for the first time. I am not a fan of the families who “wait” for their youngest child to be the “perfect” age to go (to most people that means 5 or 6), toddlers at Disney are a BLAST!
Plus even though our kids don’t take naps anymore, the best advice I ever got was go to the parks early, leave at lunchtime for a nap/break in the room and then go back in the late afternoon. That is the BEST way to tour Disney, no matter what your age is !
We took our oldest two at 1 and 2 years, the other 2 were 2 as well for thier first trip to WDW. We have taken them to other amusement parks when they were little. Youngest was about 6 weeks at his first one. It was nice out and we were traveling with our family so we just took turns pushing the stroller around, if any of us thought we felt tired we went back to the hotel (which was right outside the park you couls walk to it) But you definately have to have a slower pace with the kiddos and rest time is IMPORTANT!! Even if you don’t have a napper (mine never napped past 18 months but at Disney everyone naps) that way they can last a little longer and are not quite as crabby at the end of the day (that goes for parents too)
Our oldest was 15 months last time went and this year she will be just over 3 and our newest will be 10 months. I know they wont remember the trips as babies but seeing their reactions and having the memories make it worth it. I just hope the baby is walking by then (odd was) that made it much easier last trip. I always joke that taking odd when she was younger was nice because she couldn’t ask for us to buy everything! lol.
I’ve never been with to WDW with an infant but all of my kids (except the oldest) have been as toddlers, (around age 2 1/2) or shortly before we started having to pay for them at Disney. (Coincidentally, we also always try to plan a trip before the next one hits Disney adulthood, aka age 10. :) They all napped happily in a fully reclined stroller and we made lots of stops at the wonderful baby care centers. We’ve always planned these trips around the older kids but the little ones have usually had a great time also. In fact, on our most recent trip just last month, I marveled at the fact that we now were touring without a stroller or any other little one paraphanalelia.
We took my daughters for the first time when our youngest was 9 mos and the oldest just 2 months shy of 3 years. We had an AWESOME trip. My oldest still talks about it, and although I don’t think the younger one remembers it, it was awesome to see her reactions and excitement. We took them again one year later and although they had a great time, it was harder because we had two opinions on everything :) There is no right answer for the right time, it all depends on your family. My kids will sleep in the stroller, and don’t nap every day – so that wasn’t an issue for us. I would agree with the past cast member above – you need to be flexible and know what your kids can handle for their and your sanity!
The first time we took our son was when he was 2.75. We took him again last summer at 6. He still remembers some of his trip when he was 2, but he and I enjoyed it so much more this time around. Although I have to admit, it was a long day, he got cranky with us dragging him from ride to ride. By lunch we could have headed home, but at $80 a piece I was determined to get in a full day. Way too expensive to sit around and waste time in a play ground or sitting on a porch to let him nap. I have tried to convince my husband to buy lifetime 7 day tickets, but he won’t budge. So, now we have a 3year old and I have a feeling it will be a while before she gets to go. My personal oppinon is that for the cost, it is best to wait till they can get something out of it instead of going for the sake of going.
My oldest was 2.5 years the first time we took her (2006) and my youngest was 3 months old the first time she visited (2007). My oldest has been 11 times and my youngest has been 10 – and we already have our trips planned for May and September.
I took my kids for their first trip when the oldest was 4 and the youngest was 2. We went the following year at ages 5 and 3 and are planning our 3rd trip for this fall, when they are 6 and 4. Both kids remember the trips well and I have no regrets.
And I saw that some people commented that they will take their kids when they can walk and won’t need a stroller. Neither of my kids (currently ages 3 and 5) use a stroller at all around home anymore, but we had a sit/stand stroller that we used for Disney and they both used it regularly last year and probably will again this year. It’s way more walking than they are used to – I would say that probably any kid under age 5 would probably appreciate having the option of a stroller to rest in, no matter how much they walk at home.
And just because my kid is in a stroller does not mean that I am going to run you over. You’re going to encounter rude people no matter where you go – I saw plenty of people who were not paying attention to where they were going and running into people, cutting people off, etc. – and plenty of those did not have strollers.
3 1/2 years and 13 months old. I will never forget when my daughter first asked if we could take her to DW and how excited she was when we told her we are were going. One great thing about kids being 2 or younger is they don’t need a ticket or to pay for airfare the downside is all the baby equipment! But it was so much fun to see my daughter’s excitment when she met the princesses.
My kids were 5 & 21 months on their first trip last fall. My oldest is a wonderful traveler, my youngest is horrible. No sleep, no naps, major attitude, but that’s life. There were screaming kids everywhere so if someone has a meltdown they just blend right in! We did learn (the hard way the first 2 days) that it was best to do our TS meal for breakfast or lunch. I sacrificed my own comfort & sanity when we decided to have kids, so might as well have fun while doing it! If you’ve gotta haul a stroller, diaper bag, snacks, & cooler, it’s much more fun at Disney!
My daughter went to Disneyland for her first birthday (hubby was there for business) and it was a lot of fun. We went to Disneyworld when my son was 13 months and my daughter 3 1/2. We had the time of our lives and so did both of my children. My son had as much fun as my daughter and constantly was saying “Look! Look! See it?” (Obviously we were saying that to him a lot on the trip!) My son still laughs and instantly is in a good mood when we sing “It’s a Small World” four months later (the kids favorite ride.) My 3 yr old asks almost daily to go back to Disneyworld. We hope to go again this year when my son will be 2 and my daughter 4 1/2. It was such a great, magical trip that I am asking my hubby every day when can we go back! Oh, we went to Disneyworld for 10 days and I think that was perfect because we took breaks whenever we needed to, slept in or stayed up late as it suited the kids moods, and just did whatever without rushing or trying to stick to a schedule or agenda. We also took days off and just stayed at the hotel. It was actually a very relaxing trip and most people would say just the opposite with Disney!
our first family trip to disney my son was 2 yrs 11months and my daughter was 4 months. we loved it, disney has so many options availble to help parents with babies. we are planning on going in may this year and my son will be 5 my daughter will be 2 and 6 months and my newest addtion she will be almost 7 months. you have make sure you dont rush and just have fun.
We went for the first time when our middle was 18 months (she was the baby then) and our oldest was 3. For me three is the PERFECT age. We took Jake, our baby before he was one. Hopefully you can save enough and learn ways to go “on the cheap” so that you can go more than once. If you only have one child and you are only going once, I say 3. They can ride most rides, are typically potty trained, and yet everything is still real. My daughter went her first time in full Cinderella gear and when she finally got to meet her idol, she pulled up her dress to check for her glass slippers. Thank you Disney for having her in silver heels! I was sure Olivia would find Nikes! :)
The first time we went to WDW with kids, my oldest was 3 and youngest was 18 months. Honestly, I thought those were great ages. Yes, the 18 month old didn’t remember much if anything at all, but he was free. Plus we took plenty of photos and made an album for him. He’s older now and still loves looking at those photos from his first trip.
3 was really the PERFECT age for my oldest, because she believed in everything…the magic, the characters, everything about it. It was simply magical for her and it made it even more magical for us. We took her again when she was 5 and by then she was already somewhat clued in that the characters aren’t as real as she used to think. Thankfully, she still remembers a LOT from her first trip at 3 yrs old so for us, it worked out well and I’m very glad we did it.
The first time we took our oldest (now 16), she was 6 weeks old. We stayed at the Shades of Green and had a wonderful time. That trip also included my sister’s 4 year old and her 8 month old. We believe in getting our children to Disney as early as possible to enjoy the magic :) We are passholders and have been to Disney hundreds of times and we enjoy it with the kids at any age!
Our first trip as a “complete” family our kids were: 2 months, 13 months, 3 years and 4 years. We had a blast and everyone had a good time- our last trip we had 2 two-year olds (my youngest are 11 months apart and it was in the month their ages overlap) a 5 year old and a 6 year old. Two of our children also have special needs we just space out our time stay and don’t stress to see everything! Let your kids guide you- if they have a blast riding Spaceship earth six times in one trip- ride Spaceship earth six times :-). Disney for us is about creating memories. How my daughter’s face lit up and her chubby little baby legs ran to give Mickey a hug is worth all the diaper changes/bag checks/naps in the world.
I went with my son @ 4 it was perfect! I did however have a jogging stroller so he could rest his legs & i had a soft cooler underneath stuffed with drinks & snacks. We were there
for 10 days & still didn’t get to see everything. I’m still in the planning/debating stage if I should go in 12/12 bc then I will have 7,2 & 1. Your comments are very reassuring :)
I don’t have kids. I used to work in magic kingdom. So please hear me out
My mom took my brother when he was maybe around 3 mos old?? Im poaitive he was under 6 mos I was almost 5 and it was my second trip. We lived in FL. We knew it would be his only time. It was awesome for me. I got to do everything twice because one parent had to wait with my brother, and then we did the child swap. While waiting, my parents usually took the time to change him then, or feed him etc. yes, he mostly slept and that was fine. It actually worked out better because we were able to do the rides and not worry about him because he slept the whole time. But be prepared. Plan out your day a bit. Make sure you know that you will be on the go for a lot of the day, and judge it one YOU and YOUR child. What works for one family does not work for every family. My niece went at 2.5 and at 3 EVERYONE (all9 of us) would head to the hotel. I found this silly and inefficient at times, but it was what worked for my in laws who wanted to go swimming and for my niece, who would sleep for a few hours. This is what worked for them as she wasn’t able to sleep well in a stroller and would get too anxious and hyper and cranky. Then throw tantrums because she was over tired. My brother was usually mild mannered and would literally lay back and fall asleep anywhere when he got tired.
I’ve seen parents with little ones who are fussy and cranky and they have a miserable time, and then their kids have a miserable time and everyone is mad.
Also, know yourself. If you like to have everything “just so” and baby on a perfect schedule and need food
At very specific times… Then bringing that your child/ baby to Disney is not going to be the best. But you have to know you and your
Kid in order to make the call.
Oh and plan on going very slowly and not getting as much done as you would if it was all adults. You probably won’t see every ride you want to see. :-)
Each of our kiddos was about 8 months old on their first trips to Disney World. They didn’t appreciate much, other than lights and sounds, and they slept through some of what we thought they would like (Winnie the Pooh, etc). They are tried and true Disney fans now, at five and six, and can’t wait to take their new baby sister next month, when, incidentally, she will be 8 months old.
The first trip we made with our twins was when they turned 1. They are the only children we have. We got so much out of it and have been back 4 more times besides the first trip. My husband and I had been to Disney 5 times before we had kids and even though it was different with kids, we still had an amazing time. You never know what life will bring you so my philosophy has been to enjoy every moment with my kids and yes, make magical memories at the happiest place on earth. It never mattered what age they were (they’re 4 now). Some people have criticized us for making the trip to Disney from Michigan with our young kids but I will never look back and say we didn’t do enough with them.
So, I’m trying to plan a trip to Disney. However, I have 2 kids that are 8 & 3. I am a single mom, I have a physical disability & both my boys have mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (which means they can be a handful at times!). I would love to take both of them, but I just feel like unless I can get someone else to come with me, my only choice would be to leave my little guy at home w/ my mother. I know he would have a blast, but How much will he really remember at that age?
My 5 and 6 year old remember quite a bit from the trip we took when they were 3 and 4. My oldest has autism so I hear ya there :-). In our experience- Disney cast members are some of the most fantastic when it comes to adapting to what is needed for kids on the spectrum. If your boys don’t have elopement issues I would say you could maybe handle it- depends on what all sensory triggers they might have as well. Ask about a Guest Assistance Card and I would suggest trying to go at an off-peak time we have found going in October, November (early) or January to be good crowd-wise.
If you haven’t yet read the article I worte on here about taking children with Autsim to WDW. There is a lot of good pointers in there and in the comments as well. Noah (my son who is on the spectrum) was 2 on his first trip. It was an OK trip but it was before he was diagnosed and after we had that diagnosis it helped us fit our vactions for him. He has been to Disneyland at age 5 and then also to WDW at age 7, and we are planing another trip in May. He still remembers the trip from when he was two,is it from looking at pictures…maybe but he talks about things that are not in pictures like the layout of the cabins, or a boat ride. He has an incredible memory though (as do many kids on the spectrum) Is there any way that you can get someone to travel with you? My parents are my secret weapon when I vacation. I have 4 children and we each get a kid for the day and that makes things so much easier. GOod Luck!! Any Questions let me know!
You need to go to guest services and get a pass. Tell them your situation, bring kids paperwork if u can. The pass will cut your wait by 75% and they special waiting places. I wouldn’t go in the summer because of the heat and crowds..everyone at wdw is great and your kids will have a blast! My daughter who is 7 remember her trip from when she was 5
We just got back and took a 22 month old. He loved it. He took naps in the stroller so I stayed with him while my husband took our older son (7) on rides. Hollywood Studios was great for both kids because we were able to see more characters than at MK. Both loved the Lights, Camera, Action Stunt Show and Muppets movie (in HS).
My kids were 8 & 4 yrs, my son (8) remembered so much more than my daughter (4). I agree w Susie, who is really benefitting from the memories of the trip?, the parents. Most of the toddlers will not remember a thing about the trip other than what is shown to them in pictures or videos. So why spend the $$ until its really a vacation for all.
I have taken my boys when they were each 11 months old and we had a blast. Yeah they don’t remember but who cares. Seeing there expressions for the first time when they met Mickey was priceless. My son is 6 now and he has been there 5 times….well make it 6 next week.
My boyfriend and I plan on waiting until our children can walk and don’t need a stroller. When we there twice last year, these parents brought big bulky strollers and it just looked like a pain the butt to take a stroller especially on the transportation buses since some of those get really crowded at times. If we need one, we’ll just rent one but we don’t plan on needing one. My boyfriend and I don’t have children. This is for when we do have them.
We took our son when he was 15 months old… and then again at 2, 2 and a half and 3 year old. each time it was completely different, but all fun of heart warming memories. It dont regret it, that’s why we are going this October, and our baby girl will be 16 months
I will always cherish our first family trip with our 2 daughters, then ages 3 and 15 months. NOTHING can replace the memories of my 3-year-old talking and talking about meeting Mickey and the wonder in our baby’s eyes at riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant and it’s a small world. I know it’s not for everyone but we had the time of our lives…and have been many times since. Now they are 11 and 9 and LOVE everything about WDW!
My daughter is 20 months and she will be taking her 5th trip next month. Her first trip was at 11 weeks :) I wouldn’t change a single one of the trips. Each one was totally different and we had to cater to her more, but it was worth it. Plus we go twice a year normally, so she will have plenty more trips to actually remember :)
My oldest was turning 2 on her 1st trip to WDW. By far it will be one of the most memorable moments for me as her mommy seeing her light up and run towards “her castle” and experiencing everything through her toddler point of view. They recognize and understand so much even at such a young age…it was a totally worth it trip. We took our second child during her first birthday…and she did so well and had so much fun in her own way. I’m all for any age child going!! WDW is truly where dreams come true for our family! We are going back this October during their 3rd and 6th birthdays…and we can hardly wait!
I have never been to Disney, and am planning mine and my childrens first trip for next year, my oldest son will be 6, and my youngest 3 1/2. I want them both to be able to remember the trip in case it ends up being our only family trip there. Although I plan to go again, you never know. My husband went at 4 and remembers alot of it. I am concerned about my youngest because characters petrify him, but I am sure we will alll have so much fun and mickey wont mind being cried at:)
My youngest turned 4 months old during his first trip to WDW. My oldest was 12 so there was some serious juggling to do, especially because I was still breastfeeding and my husband doesn’t like roller coasters (but my oldest and I both LOVE them!). Some people thought we were nuts taking such a small baby on such a big expensive trip but we had a blast. He may not remember it, but we all do and we have lots of stories and pictures to share with him when he gets older.
The Baby Care centers are an incredible resource. While utilizing the nursing rooms I met a mom with a 6 week old! (I was still recovering from delivery at that point!) I think your baby is only too young if you are uncomfortable with the idea.
Mine was 11 months old the first trip. He had a blast with the characters. However, his brother at the same age was terrified. I think you should look at your child and how they handle being out of a routine. I love the wide eyed excitement in the 2 1/2 to 5 age range. Even if they have been before, it is magical. One caution, if you do take small children, be very careful in the heat of the summer. My nephew dehydrated quickly.
Our daughter had just turned 2 when we went to Disney for her first time. We didn’t hesitate one bit when we decided to go and booked the trip! We drove down (a 6 hour drive) and she was wonderful in the car! We even made it a point to stop at every state line and get her pic with the sign! Now, keep in mind, she had never ever been before, so she obviously had no idea what “Disney” really is. When we pulled onto the property and drove under the “Welcome to Disney” sign, she started yelling and clapping and screamed “I so cited! I so cited Mommy! It’s Disney World!!”. I lost it, and cried for a solid 20 minutes! She had a blast! We kept our schedule, and did exactly everything we wanted to do. We did try to do it all, and we didn’t do a marthon. We even ventured over to DD for dinner at TREX one night-a first for all of us! We are sooo excited to book a trip and go back!
I may not be very popular for saying this, but for the comfort of your child and everyone else, your child should be able to be aware of what’s going on around them. What is the point of sticking a baby in a stroller, and walking around all day? The baby cries, doesn’t know what’s going on around him or her, and needs changing, not to mention all of the germs the baby is being exposed to, and the traffic jams with the strollers. I have gotten run into by way too many strollers. I say leave the tiny ones at home.
We went in Feb. No crowds. Our 4 month old was the happiest I’ve ever seen her. She kicked and smiled all day long. We kept her diapers cleaned and we stayed better hydrated (every time we stopped to change her at a baby station, we filled up our water bottles). She got plenty of vitamin D and her brain was better challenged than laying on a mat all day.
She never got sick either.
I have had wonderful experiences taking my son (now 7 with 5 trips under his belt) and my daughter (now 27 mos with 2 trips already). She was 3 mos her first time and was lovely! I was nursing and everything was quite easy and convenient, they even let us stay in the Captain EO ride for another show because she wasn’t done nursing! I always changed her often and she never was sick on either trip. As for the stroller jams, this is Disney World, that is all I need to say about that. Also babies are very aware of their surroundings, even if they aren’t sure what it is. lol My daughter is not afraid of the characters at all, she couldn’t get enough of them at 16 mos. and I believe this is because she was exposed to them early on. Our next trip is Dec 2012, and she will be 2 1/2. Look out princesses!
Do you have children? My kids love to ride in the stroller, look around and absorb everything. All of the colors and sounds are wonderful stimulants to a babies system not to mention exposure to fresh air and the outdoors is good for them! What is the difference in the germs they are exposed to at disney and the germs they are exposed to everywhere else, every day of their lives? Do the children you know live in bubbles and have no germ exposure whatsoever? and children need changing, it’s true *gasp* but it’s a pretty simple process the whole changing a diaper thing and most of us parents have it down-pat. It sounds to me like you are bothered more by the fact that there are stroller traffic jams which impeed your own trips to disney than anything else!
Our Daughter was 8mo for her first trip. Second at 22mo, third at 3.5yrs forth at 4.5 (only a weekend trip) and now fifth trip at 5 yrs old. We had such a positive experience we brought our son for his first trip at 7mo old He will be going back at 2 yrs old. Our kids got so much out of all of their trips. I laugh that the people say that children don’t get anything out of it at that age. Even at under 1 yrs old they adored the characters, the exciting parades and the people all around them. They even enjoyed the rides we put them on. I think Disney is great for any age. We can’t wait for our next trip, next month.
My daughter was 4 yrs old in 9/07′ & the perfect age. No naps were needed, potty trained,etc. we have gone in 9/09′, 12/10, 12/11 & prayerfully 12/11′
My husband and I went. We got a LOT bcck on our taxes and decided to use 1400 of it (including air fair, food, resort stay, etc) to go to Disney for 4 nights. We did not get park hoppers. I was breastfeeding our 4 month old and there was no way I could pump enough for the whole vacation so she came with us. And you know what? It wasn’t that bad at all. The stroller was soothing so she fell asleep easily. I get motion sickness so the scariest rides I ride are soarin’ and space mountain. So most of the other rides, I’d slip her in the Bjorne.
I figured if we were going to be up in the night (she didn’t sleep through the night), then we might as well be up in the night at disney!
Our first trip as a family my kids were 6 1/2 and 2 1/2. We loved it and they both did great! We totally went with the mindset that we were going for the kids and it didn’t matter that we weren’t going to see everything. (Husband and I went ourselves before having kids!) Our second family trip was 5 yrs. later (wanted to go sooner but ended up getting pregnant and needed to wait for the little one to be old enough.) So the kids were 11, 7 and 2. We love going for the kids sake and love seeing how the two year old reacts to everything and especially the characters!!! I think two is a great age to start as long as they are not frightened by costumes etc. We talk about going back but know that it won’t be for a few years….so worth the wait though……some day maybe we will be able to go every year!!!!
We took our daughter at 11 months and 2 1/2 years. Both were fantastic trips. This September we will take our 4 year old daughter and 11 month old son. Can’t wait!
Our oldest was 18 months the first time we took her to MK at WDW. It was the most magical experience! To see MK through her eyes was priceless. The next time we went she was 2 1/2, and we had our six month old twins. Again, magical! My Hubby and I took our double stroller and two baby sling/carriers. When the twins slept, he would take our oldest on a ride. If our oldest was napping, we sat on the porch at frontier land. I think if you go expecting to see absolutely everything and staying from opening to closing of the park, having little children is going to seriously hinder you. We are extra lucky to be annual pass holders for the last three years, so we have made minthly trips to WDW since the twins turned 1, and i t just gets better! Every time we go, we ALL see something new! But I truly don’t find Disney difficult with little ones. In our opinion, it’s all about the kids! I’m just lucky that hubby and I love WDW, too!