How old was your kids when you started taking them to DisneyWorld?

[Kelcat9494]

Hello,

What the title says really, DH and I usually go every year but with a baby due in January I don't really want to spend all that money when they won't remember or enjoy it, what did you guys do? Or what do you guys think?

X

I went for the first time with my parents, sister and grandparents over my 3rd birthday. My sister was 18months old. We the went every year until I was 18. Whilst I don't remember my first couple of times my parents do and they love those memories. Plus we have some lovely photos from those trips.
We took my son for the first time last November when he was 2 1/2. He loved most of it (too scared to get to close to the characters). I loved seeing his face light up watching Elsa turn the lights on the castle and the parade go past. He waved at every single character in the parade.
My sister (who lives in America) is taking her son for his first trip next January just before he is 1.

DD is 7. No plans to go, she doesn't seem bothered.

Since before my eldest's 3rd birthday. We took my son just after his second birthday. We've been most years x

Presuming you live in the UK? If yes, I wouldn’t book a trip to the US right now because no one has any idea when the travel ban is going to be lifted and even if it were domestic travel I would still avoid Florida like the plague because of how poorly they’re handling the pandemic.

However, if it were under normal circumstances, a young baby won’t cost much to take along given they won’t need a seat on the plane and will sleep in a travel cot. If you have a relatively easy baby that is content with pushchair naps then long as you’re realistic that you’ll cover less ground, have more early nights and will have to take turns on rides then it should be doable. The baby won’t appreciate it or have much of a clue but that’s true of anywhere when they’re tiny so you may as well go wherever you want.

I would personally plan to make a decision next year when you know if you can travel or not, and once the baby is here so you have a better idea of what you feel is manageable.

I went at 11 and my sister was 8. I remember a lot of it. My sister doesnt remember much. We did absolutely love it, we all agree it was the holiday of a lifetime, but we probably would have been able to do a bit more ride wise if my parents had waited a year or two more. We plan on taking ours when our kids are 10 and 12.

We have never been. I doubt we will go. It is such a huge amount of money. It would be a waste to take a baby or a child that won't remember it.

DS was 9 and DD was 13. It was the holiday of a lifetime for us, so a once-off only. They were both a great age to do it as they had the stamina for full days on their feet walking, plus the spare energy to enjoy the evening fireworks.

Took mine to California at 1&3, to Florida at 3&5. We liked it, they only liked story time with the princesses to be honest

Ps we lived stateside!

Wouldn’t go before 8

Eldest was 4, youngest was 10mths. We have family there so it was a holiday to see them predominantly. We've been 3 times since then. It's still my 16yo's dream destination! Memories are for you as well as them 😊

I took DD for her post GCSE/16th birthday. Once was enough for me.

I don't understand people who go every year.

If you're going to go just once, I'd wait until the youngest is at least 8 years old, otherwise they won't remember it. We took ours earlier than planned, because the ILs were desperate to go. Our DC were 4 and 7 and we all had a great time, but neither DC really remembers it now. We went to Disneyland Paris with my parents when they were 6 and 9 and that was better and to Universal in FL when they were 7 and 11 and that was better still. I didn't go to Disney until I was 17 and I loved it! If you can afford to and want to go multiple times it really doesn't matter, if it's going to be a once in a lifetime type trip, I'd wait.

Youngest was 4 eldest was 11 they loved it struggled a bit with the humidity tbh but it was fine youngest still remember s we took them again just after dc1,left school which was great.

It’s not about them remembering it really, it’s about you seeing them enjoy themselves. If you can afford it and you would also enjoy it (I realise it’s it for everyone by a long shot), and you are likely to go again frequently, then you won’t regret taking a little one. If it’s going to be a once in a lifetime thing then probably 8 onwards.

We went 3 years ago, youngest was only 2. Had a brilliant time. Was due to go again next year but haven't booked yet as unsure what's happening with the virus

Our youngest was eight. I wouldn't do it when they are younger. The next time they go will be under their own steam. I've done it once and have no desire to do it again!

The youngest child I've taken to Disneyworld is 11 months but my other children were 16 and 8. I've also taken children when 3, 5, 7/8, 9 and older. The best age is 7+ in my opinion but I've loved every time. At 7+ you don't need buggies and kids can do most/all rides.

I went for the first time when I was 3.5. I don't remember much but my parents have some wonderful memories they said.
We had our first DC June 2020 and plan to do Disneyland Paris just after she turns 3 (hoping to have another baby by then) but going with brother and sister in law with their DD (9 months older than ours) so we can child share when going on rides. Wouldn't be doing Florida till youngest is at least 4 so they remember at least some of it. Each to their own though! You know your own baby better than anyone

@tootiredtothinkofanewname

What do you mean 'started to'

Disney is a one off special holiday surely?

Not for everyone, before getting pregnant we went every year. Each to their own :) some people can only afford and/or tolerate once whilst others go as much as they can

First trip was with a 9 month old & 4 year old

Second trip with a (just turned) 3 year old & 6 year old.

That trip didn’t go to plan as both girls were diagnosed with flu in the middle!

If Covid hadn’t happened we would probably be looking at trip number 3 already to make up for the last trip but as it stands we’re thinking of waiting a few years till the girls are older.

We went when our daughter was 4 and that was a great age. She was completely awestruck by the princesses, and big enough for some of the more interesting rides. Plus she was old enough to manage the flight well and to cope fairly well with a lot of walking.

There’s just too much to do for it to be a one off trip for us. We love it.

20 years old