Almost did just that. The wife decide against it.
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How Young is too young?
- Thread starter IndyDisney
- Start date
pinjim
New Member
My youngest was 3 his first visit and the 4 and then 5. He doesn't really remember much from those trips and at this point, I'm sure the trips have blurred together.
Regardless, he has enjoyed each trip as we have too. Each time it's exciting for me to see how the visit turns out because as the boys grow our experiences change. The next trip will be my youngest's 6th and the first time he's asked to ride all the coasters. Space Mountain was a big step last time, and now, he wants to concur Big Thunder and Everest.
Once is never too young to go to Disney, just make sure you visit often.
Regardless, he has enjoyed each trip as we have too. Each time it's exciting for me to see how the visit turns out because as the boys grow our experiences change. The next trip will be my youngest's 6th and the first time he's asked to ride all the coasters. Space Mountain was a big step last time, and now, he wants to concur Big Thunder and Everest.
Once is never too young to go to Disney, just make sure you visit often.
elizs77
Active Member
I agree with the rest of the posters that it depends on your family.
For us, it was awesome when our son was 3 and a half. We went in September when it was not quite as hot, still really hot but not dead of summer hot. It was wonderful, and it was perfect for him.
We're heading back tomorrow. He's now 5, and we're taking our 10 month old daughter with us. I swore never to take a baby, but we decided that we can't put everything on hold until she's old enough. That would deprive the older one. Our son is also fearless and wants to ride all the roller coasters (he's very tall) and even the "elevator ride," more commonly known as Tower of Terror!
We also like to travel a lot. My husband and I have a travel philosophy that we just put the kids in the car/plane and go. We've tried to teach them from a very young age how to just go with the flow. It's worked with both kids so far. Not to say we haven't had some bumps, but we just are trying to get them trained to travel early and to have an appreciation for travel as well.
But again, whatever works best for your family!
For us, it was awesome when our son was 3 and a half. We went in September when it was not quite as hot, still really hot but not dead of summer hot. It was wonderful, and it was perfect for him.
We're heading back tomorrow. He's now 5, and we're taking our 10 month old daughter with us. I swore never to take a baby, but we decided that we can't put everything on hold until she's old enough. That would deprive the older one. Our son is also fearless and wants to ride all the roller coasters (he's very tall) and even the "elevator ride," more commonly known as Tower of Terror!
We also like to travel a lot. My husband and I have a travel philosophy that we just put the kids in the car/plane and go. We've tried to teach them from a very young age how to just go with the flow. It's worked with both kids so far. Not to say we haven't had some bumps, but we just are trying to get them trained to travel early and to have an appreciation for travel as well.
But again, whatever works best for your family!
figment3258
New Member
We took our oldest daughter when she was 11month old. She loved it. we all had a great time. It was never a drag going from in the stroller to out. We took our time and did everything we wanted to do. We brought her again when she was two and a half and that was also great. With our second daughter she was 15 months when we went in December and she loved it too. Their eyes just light up in a different way when they are younger. My 5 year old light up differently now than when she was younger. At age one they don't really get it but they still light up. At this age they get it and believe all the magic. Its great whenever you go. I say go when they are really young and keep going.
progroupie
Member
I don't think there's anything wrong with taking a child that's "too young" to remember or know what's going on. When you take a child that's younger than school age or not even a toddler yet, you're really taking them for the sake of the memories that you as a parent will have of the experiance, not so much what they'll take from it. They may not remember but you will and that's a pretty important thing as well. It isn't all about the kids at Disney World!
And my opinion is this, they get in free so what have you really got to lose? Really going with a kid that's around one is going to be the cheapest trip to Disney you'll be taking for awhile so you should take advantage of it!
And my opinion is this, they get in free so what have you really got to lose? Really going with a kid that's around one is going to be the cheapest trip to Disney you'll be taking for awhile so you should take advantage of it!
tigsmom
Well-Known Member
Kids live in the moment and don't necessarily need memories, its all about the here and now. Another thing is that with the way most people live nowadays (2 parents working, lots of activities, etc) its very important to spend time together and reconnect, who cares where that happens...the important point is that it does. If you guys like WDW then go, if you like the mountains then go, the beach then go...its all up to you, no matter what other people may think.
coltow
Well-Known Member
I too agree that there is not an age that is too young. DS was 9 months on his first trip. We only did MK and he did enjoy the rides and we made sure to have a character dinner so that he could met some without the wait. He has been back 2 times since at 22 months and 2 1/2 years. The best time we had was the last. He wasn't too cranky was able to split up stroller and walking time. He understood more and absolutely still remembers. That was almost 2 years ago. We watch our video every so often and we look at the pictures all the time because they are my screen saver. He talks about some things as if we went last week.
On our next trip he'll be 4 1/2 and our youngest will be on his first trip at 17 months.
On our next trip he'll be 4 1/2 and our youngest will be on his first trip at 17 months.
fauna
Active Member
I absolutely agree - it all depends on the child and your expectations of the trip. I would also suggest that you assure your DW that you will assume at least half of the schlepp factor - diaper bag(s), stroller, etc. And also take your fair turn with meal-times, diaper changes/potty breaks, fussiness...
If you're such a Disney Head she might be afraid that you're going to be going on all the rides and she'll be the one stuck with a cranky toddler.
If you're such a Disney Head she might be afraid that you're going to be going on all the rides and she'll be the one stuck with a cranky toddler.
fmingo36
Well-Known Member
My son's first trip he had just turned 5 (he's now 16). He remembers it quite well. Actually he remembers things about when he was five better then he remembers things from yesterday(like when I told him asked him to take the trash out-"Huh? When did you ask me to take the trash out?":ROFLOL
He still loves to look at the pictures.
My 3 1/2 year old dd first trip was when she was only 5 months old. It was a day trip. She pretty much just watched everything.
But we've taken here 4 more times since then and everytime was magical. She was so into Minnie Mouse when she was about 1 1/2 years old. When she saw Minnie thr first time she teared up. She was so excited.
She's now into the Cinderella and when we went to WDW last October, she was so excited to see the Castle. The express on her face was priceless.
If we had waited till she was older to remember we would have missed those special moments. And I have to admit I am AMAZED at what she does remember from her trip.
We are heading down in another month, and my baby will be turning one while we are there. No, she won't remember it, but she'll always be able to say she had her first birthday at the MK.
He still loves to look at the pictures.My 3 1/2 year old dd first trip was when she was only 5 months old. It was a day trip. She pretty much just watched everything.
But we've taken here 4 more times since then and everytime was magical. She was so into Minnie Mouse when she was about 1 1/2 years old. When she saw Minnie thr first time she teared up. She was so excited.
She's now into the Cinderella and when we went to WDW last October, she was so excited to see the Castle. The express on her face was priceless.
If we had waited till she was older to remember we would have missed those special moments. And I have to admit I am AMAZED at what she does remember from her trip.
We are heading down in another month, and my baby will be turning one while we are there. No, she won't remember it, but she'll always be able to say she had her first birthday at the MK.
WDW 3
Well-Known Member
You are the parents and are the only ones who can answer for your DD.
Our decision based on our DD was not to take her as an infant or toddler, we knew as a small child she would have been terrified by the costumed characters and if the princess isn't happy.....
When we did make the decision to go, it was perfect for us. She was old enough, tall enough and had the stamina of the Energizer Bunny!
We observe a lot of unhappy kids that are out of their element, overly tired and over heated so like others have said adjust your day to her needs. Unfortunately there are parents that don't take that into consideration and you can see that no one is having fun:hammer:
Our decision based on our DD was not to take her as an infant or toddler, we knew as a small child she would have been terrified by the costumed characters and if the princess isn't happy.....
When we did make the decision to go, it was perfect for us. She was old enough, tall enough and had the stamina of the Energizer Bunny!
We observe a lot of unhappy kids that are out of their element, overly tired and over heated so like others have said adjust your day to her needs. Unfortunately there are parents that don't take that into consideration and you can see that no one is having fun:hammer:
ProfSlim
Well-Known Member
I too had the same dilemma. My son was 23 months old...and we had two more (twins) on the way...I wanted to take the trip...my wife wasn't so sure. The first question I asked was "will I take my children to WDW more than once or twice in their lifetime ?" If you answer that question as yes, than I think it is OK to go with kids as young as you'd like. If your answer is no, then it's probably best to wait. If you are truly taking your kids, for [mostly] their enjoyment (and not your enjoyment of taking them...) then don't waste the one or two trips when they are too young.
There is no doubt that a trip to WDW will excite and enhance anyone's senses regardless of age but, quite frankly, at two years old they will remember nothing, be unable to partake in any meaningful activities, will put a burden on you (meals, sleeping, etc.), etc.
Now, that being said, I did take my 23 month old and he has been back 3 times since...and my previosuly mentioned twins also went when they were 24 months old and have been back 1 time since. We grin-and-bare it through the meals and naps, etc. and always have a great time...as we know we'll be going back !!
There is no doubt that a trip to WDW will excite and enhance anyone's senses regardless of age but, quite frankly, at two years old they will remember nothing, be unable to partake in any meaningful activities, will put a burden on you (meals, sleeping, etc.), etc.
Now, that being said, I did take my 23 month old and he has been back 3 times since...and my previosuly mentioned twins also went when they were 24 months old and have been back 1 time since. We grin-and-bare it through the meals and naps, etc. and always have a great time...as we know we'll be going back !!
progroupie
Member
I guess it would depend on your idea of "meaningful activities". Shows, parades, meeting characters, seeing the sights on rides like IASW are all pretty meaningful activities that a baby or toddler would be able to participate in and enjoy.
ProfSlim
Well-Known Member
Good points...I guess it depends on the child. All three of my children at 24 months unfortunately did not enjoy the parades, characters, shows, etc...as they were too loud, scary, etc. for them to really enjoy. Even though they were fans of many characters via the Disney Channel and DVDs..when they saw those cahracters in real-life...forgot it !! There would be certain points of a parade (such as Stars and Motor Cars) when everything would be OK...and then along comes Capt' Hook and watch out...my kids would run for the hills.
I will say at 24 months, the colors, the people, the background music, the toy shops, etc. were all wonderful experiences for the little ones.
!! There would be certain points of a parade (such as Stars and Motor Cars) when everything would be OK...and then along comes Capt' Hook and watch out...my kids would run for the hills.I will say at 24 months, the colors, the people, the background music, the toy shops, etc. were all wonderful experiences for the little ones.
Based on absolutly no real insight I would suggest that any child under 5 years old is too young to really know what's going on. They will probably enjoy things they see and do but they might spend half the time being scared by fireworks and the number of people. Younger kids (1 or 2) will probably have as much fun playing with a toy as they would in Disney World - it just doesn't mean as much too them.
As an uncle who want's to take niece and nephew to WDW someday I have to say that I wouldn't bother until I knew that they would be old enough to have their faces light up when they see the characters and enjoy the thrill of the rides.
That said, if you think you will be able to go multiple times and your ready to deal with the fact that a 1 or 2 year old might stop you having some of the fun you remember then go for it
As an uncle who want's to take niece and nephew to WDW someday I have to say that I wouldn't bother until I knew that they would be old enough to have their faces light up when they see the characters and enjoy the thrill of the rides.
That said, if you think you will be able to go multiple times and your ready to deal with the fact that a 1 or 2 year old might stop you having some of the fun you remember then go for it
DivineMadness7
New Member
Everyone will have different opinions. Most kids won't remember the trip if they are under 4 years. That was the age I first went and my brother first went. We both have a few memories of the trip. I'm gonna get flamed, but I hate seeing very young children (under 1) at the parks for things like Extra Magic Hours until 1 am. Those poor kids, sleeping in strollers with their heads crooked to one side, being flung around. Or to see them there in the middle of the hot, humid summer in that intense heat. Even if they are covered and sunscreened and all that. It's at that point that I begin to question if the parents are there for themselves or for the kids.
The problem is if you have an older child (around 4) and then a younger child (around 1), you don't want to keep the older child from going, so the younger child must go. I understand that. I say if you must take a younger child, be smart about it. Go at a cooler time of year and don't have them out until 1 am. It just isn't healthy. This is of course, my opinion, the twenty-something with no children :wave:
The problem is if you have an older child (around 4) and then a younger child (around 1), you don't want to keep the older child from going, so the younger child must go. I understand that. I say if you must take a younger child, be smart about it. Go at a cooler time of year and don't have them out until 1 am. It just isn't healthy. This is of course, my opinion, the twenty-something with no children :wave:
happymom52003
Active Member
Exactly. My youngest has had some pretty "meaningful" experiences at WDW, including the one in my avator picture.
Priceless memories for me and my DH and her brother. Who cares if she will not remember it? She EXPERIENCED it. Heck, even as an adult I can't remember single experience I have had in my life. But it is our experiences that shape who we are...whether we remember them or not.
ProfSlim
Well-Known Member
Funny you mention the toy situation. First trip with my 23 month old...we bee-line it to Tomorrow Land, figure BLY might be a good ride for him as he was a huge fan...on the walk over he sets his sights on a Zurg figure/doll at a toy kiosk right in front of BLY. We, of course, have to pruchase it...he proceeds to play with it for the entire three hours in MK :ROFLOL:
Wow.
Can open. Worms everywhere.
Lots of opinions, which is what I was looking for. To hit on a few points which I should have put in the OP:
We are planning on as many repeat trips to WDW as possible for us, hopefully once a year, maybe every other year. This wouldn't DD's only trip by a longshot. That is one of the reasons I'm all about taking the fam.
As of now we only have our daughter, but plan on having more children. Being the oldest child myself and having visited WDW for the first time when I was 10, I was the product of what happens when you wait for the youngest to be "of age" to go to WDW. I've always enjoyed Disney, just didn't get to at a young age. I don't want my oldest to not get to WDW because our youngest is always too young. That's why I'm pushing for a trip between ages two and four.
I do have apprehension about taking her at a young age, which was mentioned previously. I don't want to be "that family" that ruins an attraction for others because someone's cranky (could be me:shrug. I appreciate all the suggestions about going at "the little one's pace".
Again, thanks for all the input. now let the conversation continue.
Cheers,
Dave
Can open. Worms everywhere.
Lots of opinions, which is what I was looking for. To hit on a few points which I should have put in the OP:
We are planning on as many repeat trips to WDW as possible for us, hopefully once a year, maybe every other year. This wouldn't DD's only trip by a longshot. That is one of the reasons I'm all about taking the fam.
As of now we only have our daughter, but plan on having more children. Being the oldest child myself and having visited WDW for the first time when I was 10, I was the product of what happens when you wait for the youngest to be "of age" to go to WDW. I've always enjoyed Disney, just didn't get to at a young age. I don't want my oldest to not get to WDW because our youngest is always too young. That's why I'm pushing for a trip between ages two and four.
I do have apprehension about taking her at a young age, which was mentioned previously. I don't want to be "that family" that ruins an attraction for others because someone's cranky (could be me:shrug
. I appreciate all the suggestions about going at "the little one's pace". Again, thanks for all the input. now let the conversation continue.
Cheers,
Dave
bidnow5
Member
The first time we went my youngest was 18 months the following year she remembered more then any of us did. I think it depends on the child we went last year with my 17 month year old grandson he was great and had a lot of fun we are taking his again at the end of the month he is so excited he keep pointing to anything Disney and saying Mickey