Age Appropriate Trip to Disney for Kids (1 Viewer)

[fantasycurse42]

Obviously any child whether 2 or 12 is going to have a blast at Disney, this is no secret...

The topic at hand though is what is the best age to take your children to Disney?

Assuming you take a 7 day trip, from my HW, a family of four being frugal will prob be all in around $4-5k (?) and not worrying about costs you could be talking about a $10k++ trip (?)...

$10k on vacation is a luxury trip in my book, so if I'm dropping that on a family vacation I want my kids to remember some of it on top of having a blast.

I also feel that a 3 year old child could have as much fun at a local amusement park or even a Chuck E Cheese kinda spot, they're 3, they have no ####### clue what they're getting involved with in a trip to Disney...

Curious if I'm in the majority or minority and the flip side of the coin for taking a young child to Disney (outside of they'll have fun, which we should all agree on could be had anywhere).

 

[johnnycakes]

Whenever they are old enough to go with a group from school, church, or community center, so the parents can stay home and have some peace.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

My biggest thing is getting past the nap stage. My three year old would be wiped out at Disney.

 

[E-Z Glider]

Total waste of money, IMO. You can take 3 trips for that kind of scratch that would be way more memorable than a pre-packaged, canned Disney trip. People seem to do this because they feel like they have to. No thanks.

 

[Capella]

Only have a 3-year-old? We took my nephew of the same age there a few months ago and he cried the whole morning, even when he got to meet Buzz and we pretty much all wanted to kill ourselves. But in the afternoon and night he had an amazing time and we got some great pictures.

I would do it if having the pictures means a lot to you. Kid probably won't remember a ton but I will say our nephew still talks about it. Even if he can't really comprehend it. Know what I mean?

 

[Capella]

My biggest thing is getting past the nap stage. My three year old would be wiped out at Disney.

Mid-afternoon hotel for sure. Most important thing.

 

[cstu]

My biggest thing is getting past the nap stage. My three year old would be wiped out at Disney.

Just before age 6 was the first time my daughter could walk around the park all day without getting tired. We were there 12 hours.

I say 6-8 is probably the best age.

 

[Thunderlips]

If you have the time/money/patience to do it whenever......do it whenever. If you're someone who needs to really save for a vacation like Disney......wait until they're old enough to remember it, enjoy it and get the most value out of it.

 

[Fennis]

I voted B-D-E and L

 

[eoMMan]

Never.

 

[chet]

I've done all of the above, and would do them all again. Sure, the kids don't remember every detail but that's true of everything. I guess if I were only able to ever take my kids once, the kids would be around 7-8. Right mixture of magic and memories IMO.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Took both of my kids to Disneyland when they were about 3. But we live less than 2 hours away. I couldn't imagine taking a kid under 5 to Disney World for multiple days/nights.

 

[fantasycurse42]

If you have the time/money/patience to do it whenever......do it whenever. If you're someone who needs to really save for a vacation like Disney......wait until they're old enough to remember it, enjoy it and get the most value out of it.

Do you know who I am?

 

[NutterButter]

We drove, stayed offsite but just down the road at one of those condo complexes and we were definitely under 4k for the week for a family of 4 (4 & 7 were the kids). Other than the drive which obviously stunk being in the car for 18 hours, it was pretty cool.

 

[Scoresman]

I went to Disney countless times as a kid. Only remember the ones from when I was about 4 on. My wife and I will sometimes go to Disney with family or friends who have kids and we've done it with kids as young as 3. Nap times are easy because they can just conk out in the stroller for a while or god forbid they go without one that day, but the biggest issue to me is that even the kiddiest of fantasyland rides can be scary for any child younger than about 4.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Took both of my kids to Disneyland when they were about 3. But we live less than 2 hours away. I couldn't imagine taking a kid under 5 to Disney World for multiple days/nights.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Several years ago, one of my partners took his two boys on a mega Orlando vacation - Disneyworld, Universal, Sea World, etc. - approx. 4 and 6 years old at the time. On the plane ride home, he asked one of them what the best part of the trip was, and the kid talked about playing with some toys in a kids area at one of the layover airports. We both had a good laugh, but I think my laugh was a bit more jovial than his.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Several years ago, one of my partners took his two boys on a mega Orlando vacation - Disneyworld, Universal, Sea World, etc. - approx. 4 and 6 years old at the time. On the plane ride home, he asked one of them what the best part of the trip was, and the kid talked about playing with some toys in a kids area at one of the layover airports. We both had a good laugh, but I think my laugh was a bit more jovial than his.

This really just brought some laughter and put a smile on my face.

This also goes to my point that a little kid will have fun as long as the parent puts them in the proper situation... Kinda why I feel the kids should be a little older for the Disney trip.

 

[Scoresman]

Several years ago, one of my partners took his two boys on a mega Orlando vacation - Disneyworld, Universal, Sea World, etc. - approx. 4 and 6 years old at the time. On the plane ride home, he asked one of them what the best part of the trip was, and the kid talked about playing with some toys in a kids area at one of the layover airports. We both had a good laugh, but I think my laugh was a bit more jovial than his.

They'll remember it a little better with time. My first memory from a Disney trip was wrapped around some stupid trinket I got as a souvenir, but looking back, Disney trips were a pretty awesome part of my childhood.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Total waste of money, IMO. You can take 3 trips for that kind of scratch that would be way more memorable than a pre-packaged, canned Disney trip. People seem to do this because they feel like they have to. No thanks.

I hope to never go with my 3 kids.

 

[gianmarco]

Total waste of money, IMO. You can take 3 trips for that kind of scratch that would be way more memorable than a pre-packaged, canned Disney trip. People seem to do this because they feel like they have to. No thanks.

Have you ever been?

 

[El Floppo]

I took my son when he was 3. he was nowhere near ready for it. but my son is an idiot.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Several years ago, one of my partners took his two boys on a mega Orlando vacation - Disneyworld, Universal, Sea World, etc. - approx. 4 and 6 years old at the time. On the plane ride home, he asked one of them what the best part of the trip was, and the kid talked about playing with some toys in a kids area at one of the layover airports. We both had a good laugh, but I think my laugh was a bit more jovial than his.

They'll remember it a little better with time. My first memory from a Disney trip was wrapped around some stupid trinket I got as a souvenir, but looking back, Disney trips were a pretty awesome part of my childhood.

I'm sure this is true. I went several times as a kid, and have some memories of the Magic Kingdom ("Its a Small World Afterall" on loop being one of the most prominent). But what I really remember now is driving to Florida and back (from Wisconsin) and camping at Fort Wilderness with my family.

 

[Ned]

Several years ago, one of my partners took his two boys on a mega Orlando vacation - Disneyworld, Universal, Sea World, etc. - approx. 4 and 6 years old at the time. On the plane ride home, he asked one of them what the best part of the trip was, and the kid talked about playing with some toys in a kids area at one of the layover airports. We both had a good laugh, but I think my laugh was a bit more jovial than his.

This really just brought some laughter and put a smile on my face.

This also goes to my point that a little kid will have fun as long as the parent puts them in the proper situation... Kinda why I feel the kids should be a little older for the Disney trip.

It's like kids getting a boatload of toys for xmas and then having fun with the boxes.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

I took my son when he was 3. he was nowhere near ready for it. but my son is an idiot.

An error occurredYou have reached your quota of positive votes for the day

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Taking my 3 boys in February (6, 3, 2)

We're doing a shorter trip though (4 nights, 3 days)

I realize it's not ideal for the younger kids, but I think it's a good age for the 6 year old

We'll probably go back in another 3-5 years for the younger ones

 

[Wrigley]

My twins just turned 4, wife and I have decided to wait a few years.

In the mean time I'm stuck watching frozen on a perpetual loop

 

[tjnc09]

I have had season passes to Disneyland since my daughter was one. For kids, there is nothing comparable (and we have been to practically every big park in the Southern California area - Knotts, animal parks/Sea World in San Diego, Six Flags etc) to Disneyland. She has amazing memories even when was younger and I didn't think she would remember anything from back then. If our location situation were different, I would absolutely make an effort to take her even if it stretched our budget.

A week long trip would be tiring on both the kids and adults. But Disneyland does have a hotel right next to the park - that's the only way I would do it. I assume Disneyworld is the same situation where you could stroll over there when they needed a nap.

But she loves it every time she goes. I could never imagine not wanting to take my kid(s) there.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Under 3 is free. 7-8 years ago we took a 4 year old and had him in a stroller when we went into the park, they didn't charge us for tickets. Don't think that would work with the magic bands of today, unless you fudged their birth date.

I had a similar experience to CM, on my boys' first trip, the younger one said his favorite part of the trip was riding on the buses between the resort and the parks. We think that is because he didn't have to be in a car seat so he felt free!

Different aged kids will have different adventures at WDW, you too. You will spend more time in different areas of the parks when you go with kids of different ages. All can be fun, if done properly!

 

[johnnycakes]

We did Disneyland Hong Kong back in 2010... had a private tour guide, which made all the difference in the world... we went to the front of every line, had front-row seats for every show without reservations.... it was great. We had a girl in our office - not a high earner - go over Christmas break to Florida... she got the private tour guide for one day... said it was the best $$ she spent in her life. hth.

 

[Scoresman]

I have had season passes to Disneyland since my daughter was one. For kids, there is nothing comparable (and we have been to practically every big park in the Southern California area - Knotts, animal parks/Sea World in San Diego, Six Flags etc) to Disneyland. She has amazing memories even when was younger and I didn't think she would remember anything from back then. If our location situation were different, I would absolutely make an effort to take her even if it stretched our budget.

A week long trip would be tiring on both the kids and adults. But Disneyland does have a hotel right next to the park - that's the only way I would do it. I assume Disneyworld is the same situation where you could stroll over there when they needed a nap.

Disney might be expensive as hell, but they outclass everyone else in the theme park department. They really do a good job making you completely forget about everything else while you're there.

 

[shadyridr]

I was thinking about this year but im hesitant to go and my son will be 6. Just way too much money and id much prefer to goto obx. Going to disney isnt a vacation. It is exhausting.

 

[Dickies]

If you are just planning a single trip to Disneyland, I would suggest 8-10. They are old enough to remember, old/big enough to ride every ride, they will be young enough to get the real child excitement, but not so old that they want nothing to do with hanging out with the parents.

 

[kardplayer]

I've taken my kids 7-8 times. Part of the joy of going is looking at them while they are enjoying something - so that starts at any age. If you want them to remember it too for the experiences beyond "playing with the boxes", I would say ages 7-10 were the best.

In terms of exhausting, it is really only exhausting if you let it be. Just remember that you aren't in charge of what they are going to want to do AND that you don't have to do everything, and it gets much more relaxing. First time we went, my daughter (age 2 at the time) wouldn't go on rides at all - It's a Small World terrified her. So we spent the whole day at shows and taking pictures with characters, and had a blast. Next time (age 3), she was terrified of the characters and wouldn't go near them, but loved the rides. Had we demanded she do everything, we would have been miserable. Just gotta live by Hakuna Matata, and all will be fine.

 

[E-Z Glider]

Total waste of money, IMO. You can take 3 trips for that kind of scratch that would be way more memorable than a pre-packaged, canned Disney trip. People seem to do this because they feel like they have to. No thanks.

Have you ever been?

Yep, went as a kid. My kids have season passes to Hershey Park (amusement park), so they get their fill of rides anyway. We've taken them to Belize, Mexico, Alaska and numerous Carrib islands over the years for a fraction of the cost of Disney. To each their own though.

 

[Gator Shawn]

I have two answers for two different questions:

Question 1 - Is this the only time I'm likely to take them?

If so, then I think waiting until they are 8-10 is best.

Question 2 - What is the best age to START going to Disney?

I say 4 and up is fine.

That being said, i wouldn't let infant or toddler siblings prevent a trip, but bottom line is they just won't remember most of it and the logistics of young kids cuts into the fun for most everyone else on the trip.

We went 3 times in 4 years when my oldest was 5-9 and my youngest was 2-6. We live here now though so I don't count going to Disney World for a day as the same thing.

 

[NutterButter]

Total waste of money, IMO. You can take 3 trips for that kind of scratch that would be way more memorable than a pre-packaged, canned Disney trip. People seem to do this because they feel like they have to. No thanks.

Have you ever been?

Yep, went as a kid. My kids have season passes to Hershey Park (amusement park), so they get their fill of rides anyway. We've taken them to Belize, Mexico, Alaska and numerous Carrib islands over the years for a fraction of the cost of Disney. To each their own though.

What are the 3 trips that you take for the cost of disney that would be way more memorable?

 

[beavers]

I just returned from an 8 day Disney World trip with my daughter (turning 4 on Wednesday).

The night we arrived, we had a character dinner scheduled (Mickey's Backyard BBQ). She was overwhelmed and threw a tantrum.

Then on Sunday, things were going well then saw Maleficent on the castle stage at MK. She was scared and kept asking to go back to the cabin. I took her to the Circus area (the Dumbo Elephant ride), then she warmed up to the park, but didn't want to go back near the castle. We went to Animal Kingdom on Monday and she enjoyed it - not as overwhelming. On Tuesday, we had dinner at Cinderella's castle, and my mom made her a custom dress. She truly looked like a princess and I watched her walk around MK gleaming. I'm not a fan of the "princess teachings" but it gave my daughter confidence. By the end of the week, she was crying because we had to leave.

I would totally do it again with an almost 4 year old, BUT not for 8 days.

And the best decision was staying on a Disney resort, renting a stroller outside of Disney, and packing snacks every day.

 

[tjnc09]

I have had season passes to Disneyland since my daughter was one. For kids, there is nothing comparable (and we have been to practically every big park in the Southern California area - Knotts, animal parks/Sea World in San Diego, Six Flags etc) to Disneyland. She has amazing memories even when was younger and I didn't think she would remember anything from back then. If our location situation were different, I would absolutely make an effort to take her even if it stretched our budget.

A week long trip would be tiring on both the kids and adults. But Disneyland does have a hotel right next to the park - that's the only way I would do it. I assume Disneyworld is the same situation where you could stroll over there when they needed a nap.

Disney might be expensive as hell, but they outclass everyone else in the theme park department. They really do a good job making you completely forget about everything else while you're there.

Agree 100% - I thought basically the same thing. I was at Knott's a few weeks ago and going up one of the roller coasters, I could see a couple arguing outside the park arguing on the street. And then an ambulance with screaming sirens drove by (not because of the couple lol). Once you are inside in Disneyland it's that and nothing else. I think that really is important for a child's imagination to feel immersed in the "fantasy" world of characters and princesses. Knott's has a section of Snoopy and friends, but it's only a small section and not the entire park.

It really is not just an amusement park like other parks with rides.

 

[AAABatteries]

I would have maybe split 11+ in to 11-13 and 13+.

It really all depends on what you mean by age appropriate. Are you asking if they will have fun or if you will have fun?

To me, the "magical" age is 5-7 but 5-7 year olds get worn out and can still be irritable and can't stay up late. Also, most can't ride everything because they aren't tall enough.

I think the best age range from your options is 8-10. They can pretty much ride everything, they don't want or need to be carried, they can stay up late, they qualify as a kid for the dining options (this can mean some serious money if you are doing ADRs).

My 4 kids are 6, 8, 11, 13 and we did a season pass last year - it was incredible - we had a blast and they ages were perfect.

NOTE - if you don't like Disney it really doesn't matter what ages they are because you will complain about the cost, the crowds, the cost, the heat and the cost and not enjoy yourself. I'm a huge Disney fan and a big kid and would be happy going on a trip without the kids so I enjoy it with them at any age.

 

[E-Z Glider]

Total waste of money, IMO. You can take 3 trips for that kind of scratch that would be way more memorable than a pre-packaged, canned Disney trip. People seem to do this because they feel like they have to. No thanks.

Have you ever been?

Yep, went as a kid. My kids have season passes to Hershey Park (amusement park), so they get their fill of rides anyway. We've taken them to Belize, Mexico, Alaska and numerous Carrib islands over the years for a fraction of the cost of Disney. To each their own though.

What are the 3 trips that you take for the cost of disney that would be way more memorable?

#1 - Caves Branch in Belize. Did 3 days at the lodge and then 4 days on Caye Caulker where our house was $80/nt.

#2 - Alaska inside passage cruise and tour of Denali National Park (this was more $$$ than the others, but still less than Disney).

#3 - Ivan's Stress Free Campground, Jost Van Dyke - $65/nt for a cabin.

3-4 years ago I also took the family on a 3 day canoe trip down the Juniata River. We swam, fished, and camped on islands along the way. Cost for that trip was $0 (other than food/gear). Sure, there were some bumps along the way, but they still talk about that one all the time.

Just dont see what's so "memorable" or unique about a trip to Disney that a million other kids do every day.

 

[tjnc09]

Also, if I had to plan a week long trip, I would definitely do it during a random week instead of summer or the winter holidays. Lines can get quite unbearable when it is really busy. We have gone on some off Tuesday or Wednesday and left after 4-5 hours because we got through everything we wanted to in such a short time.

 

[rascal]

Took my five year old son. He walked 90% with the 10% coming when we close the park at night, Xmas shows usually, and I would carry him out. Had one meltdown, but he was awesome. And none of that baby carrier crap either.

 

[rascal]

$10k for a week? Holy hell people. Stay at an all-star and save yourself the money. Do u go to stay in your room or at the parks?

 

[tjnc09]

Total waste of money, IMO. You can take 3 trips for that kind of scratch that would be way more memorable than a pre-packaged, canned Disney trip. People seem to do this because they feel like they have to. No thanks.

Have you ever been?

Yep, went as a kid. My kids have season passes to Hershey Park (amusement park), so they get their fill of rides anyway. We've taken them to Belize, Mexico, Alaska and numerous Carrib islands over the years for a fraction of the cost of Disney. To each their own though.

What are the 3 trips that you take for the cost of disney that would be way more memorable?

#1 - Caves Branch in Belize. Did 3 days at the lodge and then 4 days on Caye Caulker where our house was $80/nt.

#2 - Alaska inside passage cruise and tour of Denali National Park (this was more $$$ than the others, but still less than Disney).

#3 - Ivan's Stress Free Campground, Jost Van Dyke - $65/nt for a cabin.

3-4 years ago I also took the family on a 3 day canoe trip down the Juniata River. We swam, fished, and camped on islands along the way. Cost for that trip was $0 (other than food/gear). Sure, there were some bumps along the way, but they still talk about that one all the time.

Just dont see what's so "memorable" or unique about a trip to Disney that a million other kids do every day.

You don't see how Disneyland can be memorable for kids?

 

[fantasycurse42]

$10k for a week? Holy hell people. Stay at an all-star and save yourself the money. Do u go to stay in your room or at the parks?

I was pricing them online out of curiosity.... With a good hotel, food plans, park passes, airfare, and misc costs it added up fast... This was also for a 7 night stay.

I'm sure there are quite a few people in here who have prob cracked well over that on Disney trip.

 

[Godsbrother]

I started taking my kids at 3 and took trips up until college years and we have always had a great time. We are planning one with my kids & grandkids for Spring 2016 and can't wait.

I don't think I would want take kids before being potty trained and deal with diapers and all but any age after that is great.

 

[Brony]

I stole some garbage bags from a fast food restaurant so we didn't have to pay for a tent. Camped for 7 days in a forest preserve near our house. Very memorable. Kids still talk about that one.

 

[NutterButter]

Total waste of money, IMO. You can take 3 trips for that kind of scratch that would be way more memorable than a pre-packaged, canned Disney trip. People seem to do this because they feel like they have to. No thanks.

Have you ever been?

Yep, went as a kid. My kids have season passes to Hershey Park (amusement park), so they get their fill of rides anyway. We've taken them to Belize, Mexico, Alaska and numerous Carrib islands over the years for a fraction of the cost of Disney. To each their own though.

What are the 3 trips that you take for the cost of disney that would be way more memorable?

#1 - Caves Branch in Belize. Did 3 days at the lodge and then 4 days on Caye Caulker where our house was $80/nt.

#2 - Alaska inside passage cruise and tour of Denali National Park (this was more $$$ than the others, but still less than Disney).

#3 - Ivan's Stress Free Campground, Jost Van Dyke - $65/nt for a cabin.

3-4 years ago I also took the family on a 3 day canoe trip down the Juniata River. We swam, fished, and camped on islands along the way. Cost for that trip was $0 (other than food/gear). Sure, there were some bumps along the way, but they still talk about that one all the time.

Just dont see what's so "memorable" or unique about a trip to Disney that a million other kids do every day.

I honestly down see how you can compare any of those to disney for a 7 year old girl. All those things are cool and could certainly be on the list but they're more adult cool than anything. #1 and #2 are definitely in the disney price range when you take travel into account. I don't see why all those trips couldn't be on the list besides. Calling it a waste of money just makes you seem like a disney hater which is funny since you haven't been since you were a kid.

 

[rascal]

$10k for a week? Holy hell people. Stay at an all-star and save yourself the money. Do u go to stay in your room or at the parks?

I was pricing them online out of curiosity.... With a good hotel, food plans, park passes, airfare, and misc costs it added up fast... This was also for a 7 night stay.

I'm sure there are quite a few people in here who have prob cracked well over that on Disney trip.

Wife and our kid went Dec 12-18 last year. Flew from dfw and stayed at all star, got park passes each day, park hopper, and mid tier meal plan (snack, quick meal, and sit down) and we spent under $4k.