Best age for Disney?

I have a 20 month old DC, what age do you think is the best to take him to Disney? Trying to plan our vacations for the next few years and wondering if we should do Beaches Turks and Caicos next year or Disney. I am pregnant with DC#2 now so as long as everything is okay with this pregnancy we should have an almost one year old next summer. Thoughts?

Re: Best age for Disney?

We went to CA when DS was 20 months old for BIL's wedding. We took DS to Disneyland for the day. He had a great time. He even had fun on rides that were a little scarier (Snow White, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc). He doesn't remember anything from the trip, but loves looking at the pictures of him with the characters.

He's 3 now and I think he would have so much fun at Disney. We've taken a few of the same day trips each summer with DS and I find it gets better each year. The older he gets the more he enjoys things. I'll hopefully have a newborn this summer too so I'm not sure when will be the best time to plan a Disney vacation. I'm definitely looking forward to taking DS.

Re: Best age for Disney?

I think any age is good for Disney. Obviously the younger set doesn't remember it, but YOU will. Plus under 3 is free at buffets, and the parks.

Re: Best age for Disney?

ANY age!!!!

I don't have kids, but I'd try to go when he's still under 3 because he'll be free. Many people try to go right before the 3rd birthday. Old enough to understand and enjoy a lot, but still free.

Re: Best age for Disney?

I totally don't buy the whole - "they won't remember it stuff" YOU will and there will be TONS of pictures..and there is stuff that they will enjoy at 3 yrs..but might not think it is AS cool when then are 7 or 8yrs...PLUS I am sure a second trip could be made years later if people want their kids to remember it!

Anyway that being said:

I went when kids were a ~ 3 yrs and a few months shy of 2 and they both had THE BEST time! We still look at the pictures over a year later! I think my 4 yr old remember s little things here and there! AND they both were free at the parks and could share off our plates (no dining plan for them required) which was a HUGE savings! I already told my DH I want to go back before my DC#3 turns 3 (she is 7 weeks old - so I have time to sell it to my DH )

I think my ~3 yr old enjoyed it and "got it" and appreciated it more than my 20 month old! But he def had his own enjoyment since he knew most of the characters from his sister and from his own Toy Story obsession!

Message edited 2/2/2012 11:32:13 AM.

Re: Best age for Disney?

Thanks for the input ladies! We will definitely have a second Disney trip (and third, fourth, fifth I'm sure ) because we go to Florida about 4x a year to visit my family. I'm just wondering now which would be the better vacation with a 3 year old and an almost one year old. I have to say I'm leaning towards the beach vacation next year instead so the younger DC will be old enough to enjoy Disney the following year too.

Re: Best age for Disney?

I think any age is good - they all get something out of it just at a different level. DD#1 went her 1st trip at 15 months and loved it.

Our second trip DD#1 was almost 3 (turning 3 the next month) and DD#1 turned 1 on the trip. Both had a great time. DD#1 still remembers a lot about the trip and can tell us where she met Mary Poppins and that she ate dinner with the princesses.

The only thing is if you don't plan to go a lot or more than one trip you might want to wait for 2013 later in the year when they will have finished Fantasyland. Otherwise I would say anytime is a good time! There is so much for the little ones to do - and as long as you check in before they turn 3 they are FREE!

Re: Best age for Disney?

I disagree that any age is good for Disney. It's getting very expensive going there and most kids under 3 find it overwhelming. Better to just spend the $$ up here at a toddler friendly theme park closer to home like Dutch Wonderland...

I took DS to Disney at 2.5 yo and it was a nightmare on the flight! Then when we got there, he enjoyed being at the hotel playing in the pool more than going to the theme parks.

Of course, every child is different, and the trip could also be for you, but keep in mind, if it's just you, DH and the children, either you or DH will have fun while the other ends up watching the kids on the sideline...

Re: Best age for Disney?

Re: Best age for Disney?

I think your older DC will love it. We're actually leaving Sunday with my 4yo (well, 4 on Monday) and 2.5yo - can't wait

I personally wouldn't want to take a non-walking infant with me. 18 mos is the earliest i would go - for me.

Re: Best age for Disney?

We went to Disney and Beaches T&C in 2011.

When we went to Disney, my kids were 3.5 years and 13 months. Both had a great time. It was a pain having to lug diapers and stuff, but my younger DD definitely enjoyed herself

When we went to Beaches, my kids were 4 and 20 months. The both loved it and what's great about Beaches is that there is no age requirement for camp sesame, so even your younger DC can go.

It comes down to what kind of vacation experience you want. Disney was my DH's pick. I really didn't even want to go, but I had a great time - it was just A LOT of work with a 13 month old. At that age, Beaches would have been very manageable.

Re: Best age for Disney?

Re: Best age for Disney?

I've always heard 5 is the best age for Disney

Re: Best age for Disney?

It really depends on a few things I think. Are you planning on going down a few times in your DCs life....how does your child do with crowds and waiting....does your child like anything "disney".

We have a timeshare so we'll be going down alot and took our DD for the first time at 3.5. She loved it! She was and still is big into princesses and her face when she saw cinderella for the first time was priceless. I will say though that we knew her limitations and did not do everything in every park. We took long afternoon breaks and went to the pools.

If I was only taking DD once or twice in her childhood, I would probably wait until she was like 6 so she would appreciate the whole expereience and spend a longer time at the parks. If going multiple times, go now and enjoy!!

Re: Best age for Disney?

Any age! We took my1 year old and he had the best time!!! So did we

Re: Best age for Disney?

DS1 Has been there 2x. HE was 22months the first time and a week before his 3rd bday the second time.

Both times were GREAT. THe first time he was so excited about everything, loved the fireworks. But it was so relaxing. We werent running trying to get everything done We would go in the AM then go to the hotel for nap/pool etc. Then go back at night until the park closed. It was really a great trip.

The second time we went with BIL's family and his kids are alittle older, they wanted to get on every ride etc. It was alittle more hectic.

THe first time was my fave. DS may not remember it forever but its a memory I will never forget.

I would like to take DS2 for his first trip when he is around 2 and ds1 is 5

ETA: DS didnt find it overwhelming at all. And he was FREE. We didnt buy him an airplane ticket, we didnt buy him park tix, most meals he ate off our plates. (this was when he was 22m obviously at 3 we had to buy him a plane tix.) of course it does depend on the kid. my DS rarely gets overwhelmed though

Message edited 2/7/2012 4:39:16 PM.

Re: Best age for Disney?

we live in orlando, and have yet to take our 2 and 4 year old. disney is super expensive, so we'd rather wait until the kids are a little older (maybe 4 and 6) before taking them.

i never went to disney as a kid, and i turned out okay!

Re: Best age for Disney?