What is the ideal age for Disney Land Florida?

[mummyofgirls]

Debating when is the best time to take DD's aged 2 and nearly 4. Wondering whether it's something we should do before DD1 starts school next September to avoid school holiday rates in the future? Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

We went last year when dd's were 6 and 4, they really enjoyed it. I think Florida, especially the disney parks has something for all ages. I'm glad we went when we did, it was great that both dd's really believed the characters were real. We are planning to go again when in 2009 when dd's will be 9 and 7.

Thanks for that kslatts. Do you think 2.5 and 4 (by then) would have been too young for your DD's?

We have been the last two years and going back next year. DS1 was 9 and DS2 nearly 7 the first year. The first year we took DS's out of school for the last 10 days of the summer term and this year we went May/June half term so they were out of school a week. Next year different story as DD1 now in year 6 and he has sats so we have to go in summer hols which is costing us £1000 extra on flights.

Personally, I would wait a couple of years as Florida is not a relaxing holiday as such - it is very tiring walking around the parks and believe me they are vast. You can rent single or double buggy/strollers at all the parks so your children will be able to get some rest walking round.

When we went in May/June this year we did not realise it was the love bug season and although they do not bite you they are constantly landing on you. Apparently this was one of the worst years for them. The weather at that time of year was a lot better than in July - not humid or as hot.

The children will be in absolute awe of the characters at Disney etc and it is really fabulous. A lot of the rides in May we did not queue long for but in July you could be queuing for 90 mins plus. (Friends of ours usually go Oct half term and this is another good time to go).

We stay at the Sheraton Vistana Villages on the really quiet end of International Drive. We have a 2 bed apartment with a full kitchen washer and drier. On the days you veg out you can just pop down to the supermarket (2 mins away) and get something really quick and easy to do. In fact when we go, we do not take any toiletries etc as we go straight to the supermarket and do a shop loading up on big bowls of fresh melon and tropical fruit and drinks for the kids (beer for DH, wine for me) cereals and treats.

Next year we are going to swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove.

I think the key to success of going to Florida is do 1 day park, 1 day by the pool so you can recover for the next day. Always take snacks for the kids to the parks as they are expensive. Have a good scout round on the web for park tickets as we got buy one get one free from Universal this year. Get into the parks early. Hire a car. Fly Virgin - they are the best!

Hope this helps.

That's really useful scrummy - thanks muchly!

DS was 3 for his first trip to Florida - he loved it.

There is so much more to Florida than Disney but the Disney parks are more geared to under 10s than say the Universal parks or Busch Gardens which have more extreme coaster type rides with height restrictions -better for teenagers. On saying that, plenty of Disney guests are well over the age of 10 -you're never too old!

Avoid Easter and check the USA bank holidays before you book. Be aware of the hurricane season - June thru' October - we were in Orlando when Hurricane Charlie hit and it was no joke.

It is a holiday which requires a bit of research/planning and if it's a once in a lifetime type trip then it's worthwhile doing some homework to get the most out of it. Definitely agree it's essential to factor in some chill out days. We've been four times now and we still haven't done everything we want to.

Unless you stay in a Disney hotel it is difficult (but not impossible) to manage without a car - take a sat nav. We always have a villa and book flights and car separately - much cheaper. A villa gives you plenty of space to relax and recover from a hectic day at the parks. Plus you have your own private pool. DS (now 6) does miss meeting other kids round the pool like you do on a med holiday but your two would have each other, although thinking about it an appartment complex would probably be better for you (and us!) as the communal pool would be more child friendly. Book for 3 weeks if you can. We always buy park tickets in UK but check the internet for deals nearer the time and keep an eye on the exchange rate.

Despite all this advice which might make me sound super-organised I have to admit that we always book at the last minute - once booked Florida 2 weeks before departure - but we always have a fantastic time. Hope you do too.

DD has been twice - ages2y4m and 4y2m. She has loved it all both times She is really into rides and even at 2yo was able to go on loads of rides including the first stage roller coasters. At 2y she was mesmorised by everything about her and the characters - she believed them all to eb real forst time round. At 4y she loved the rides even more but also still adored the magical bits.

Age 2 good as free still
Age 4 good as can go out of school holiday times still.

We are planning to go again summer 2009, DD will be 7yo then and again will no doubt love it, but maybe in a different way again.

I personally think Disney works for almost any age, just on different ;evels.

Disney is great for all ages. We have been 3 times, first when they were 2y & 4y then every 2 years since. Each time they loved it for different reasons. But, the first time they just walked around with a magical grin on their face all day long which we will remember forever. We look forward to our next visit. Have fun HLX

just to add..... your never too young or old for Disney and thats how it should be!