My mom and I are HUGE Disney lovers and have finally (after 12 years of trying) convinced my brother and sister in law to take a family trip with us. So December 27th, 2013 the family (minus one brother and SIL) are checking into PORS. The traveling party consist of me, DH, DD 4, dad, mom, brother, SIL, niece 12 and nephew 8. My niece has been begging her parents to take her since she was about 4 and fell in love with the magic of Disney, and they refused. Now that you have a little back ground here is my question...do you think its possible that my brother and SIL waited a little to long to take their children and will miss out on the pure magic that happens when you walk through the gates of MK for the first time as a child as opposed to walking through as a 12 year old that could be too "cool" to wear mickey ears and let the inner child come out to play?
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Too old for Magic?!
- Thread starter KTaylor
- Start date
Disvillain63
Well-Known Member
They may miss out on the magic when a child still believes that the characters are 'real'; but there will still be magic because it is a new experience and your little one will be there. Maybe help the 12-year old be a part of the magic...let her play 'Tinkerbell' and deliver a special treat to her brother and cousin...just a small trinket to let them think Tinkerbell has been watching. Don't forget some 'magic' for her...look for ways to help her feel the magic. As for the ears, she may or may not find them 'cool', but maybe there will be something else...a pair of shoes or earrings...help her find the 5-year old in her. (You may need to remind her that it's okay, because her friends aren't there and she can act as young as she feels.)
BUZZCRUSH
Active Member
I guess it depends on the 12 year old. It sounds like she is excited to go, so I say she'll have a great time, especially since she has not been.
We've been going to wdw since our oldest was 8, now that he is 12 he is still excited to go just about different things. His younger brother is now 6 so he now experiences the "magic" through his brothers eyes just as we do.
I would plan all the "corny" things that you might think she is too "cool" for no matter what,[I made my boys go with me to breakfast at the castle], she will still enjoy it just as us adults do, but on a different level. It helps she has younger sibling to help her feel the magic and give her permission to enjoy it.
Our 12 year old really likes trading pins & playing the sorcerers game in MK and the Kim Impossible game at Epcot, his brother tags along so they both enjoy it. At 8 all he wanted to do was get autographs, he has grown out of that, but is willing to get them for his brother's sake. He points out the characters to his little brother. He also likes playing the hidden Mickey game. Maybe get the book so she can play and point them out to her family.
He still wears his mickey ears...
And no matter the age or how many times you've been there, you'll always feel that magic when you walk through the gates at MK, it's the happiest place on earth!
We've been going to wdw since our oldest was 8, now that he is 12 he is still excited to go just about different things. His younger brother is now 6 so he now experiences the "magic" through his brothers eyes just as we do.
I would plan all the "corny" things that you might think she is too "cool" for no matter what,[I made my boys go with me to breakfast at the castle], she will still enjoy it just as us adults do, but on a different level. It helps she has younger sibling to help her feel the magic and give her permission to enjoy it.
Our 12 year old really likes trading pins & playing the sorcerers game in MK and the Kim Impossible game at Epcot, his brother tags along so they both enjoy it. At 8 all he wanted to do was get autographs, he has grown out of that, but is willing to get them for his brother's sake. He points out the characters to his little brother. He also likes playing the hidden Mickey game. Maybe get the book so she can play and point them out to her family.
He still wears his mickey ears...
And no matter the age or how many times you've been there, you'll always feel that magic when you walk through the gates at MK, it's the happiest place on earth!
bearandbuzz
New Member
I first went to wdw when I was 16, I still loved having my hoot taken with all the characters, wore my ears with pride and was so excited about the trip. As others have said, when they are younger there is a certain kind of magic, but it doesn't stop at a certain ages just changes into a different kind.
Even if she may seem a little reluctant at first, once she is surrounded by adults and children who are all immersing themselves in it, I'm sure she will find it magical as well.
Have a wonderful time x
Even if she may seem a little reluctant at first, once she is surrounded by adults and children who are all immersing themselves in it, I'm sure she will find it magical as well.
Have a wonderful time x
Thank you both so much, and thank you for telling me of the little adventures we can do with her. I remember the first time I went to Disney and fell in love I just hope she has the same experience! Thanks again now I'm really looking forward to making her trip magical!
I think the biggest problem you are going to face is the time of year you are going. Thier first Disney experiences will be filled with park closures due to capacity. It is going to be hard for any magic to make it's way through the busiest week of the year.
You would be hard pressed to find someone with more pixie dust in their veins than myself and even I do not really enjoy WDW during Christmas week.
You would be hard pressed to find someone with more pixie dust in their veins than myself and even I do not really enjoy WDW during Christmas week.
I completely agree with you. I tried everything that I could think of even emailing videos of the crowds and passed park counts of people to my brother and SIL and they wouldn't budge on their dates. I just hope that they fall in love with the little bit that we get to do.
MOXOMUMD
Well-Known Member
Gabe1
Ivory Tower Squabble EST 2011. WINDMILL SURVIVOR
Nope. But just because the children love WDW doesn't mean the parents will. I've lived this with my Sis, BIL and niece. Brace yourself, you are bringing them to the World at a peak crowd times and while we love it, this is more ammunition for those who are not totally onboard to start with.
What I'd suggest for the sake of the kids, is since you've been there many times, offer when (if) they start to get frustrated, offer to take their kids and have them go off and visit pool, dine on their own, shop DTD etc or go see Osborne lights on their own. Think up things they would enjoy as a couple, have them at the ready in your mind just in case they haven't found their inner Disney.
What I'd suggest for the sake of the kids, is since you've been there many times, offer when (if) they start to get frustrated, offer to take their kids and have them go off and visit pool, dine on their own, shop DTD etc or go see Osborne lights on their own. Think up things they would enjoy as a couple, have them at the ready in your mind just in case they haven't found their inner Disney.
coleandrachel
Active Member
I will say this... The first time I went to WDW was when I was 21. While we were driving down I kept thinking "I'm too old for this"..."It's going to be dumb because it is geared towards little kids"... I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG! I think any age group can find things they enjoy and love! The first time seeing the castle is THE FIRST TIME no matter how old you are (IMO). I'm sure they will LOVE IT!
Susan Savia
Well-Known Member
I believe you and your family will experience the magic of the parks no matter when you go or how old you are! I was 32 on my first visit and fell in love that very first day! It will be crowded around the holidays but arriving at rope drop and using fast passes will help some.
75disney
Well-Known Member
One of the wonderful things about WDW is that it offers things that appeal to people of all ages.
My DD (11) is making up a list of must meet characters even though she has already been there five times already.
Buy your niece the Birnbaum Guide to WDW fir Children. It is written by children her age and she can help with the planning.
My DD (11) is making up a list of must meet characters even though she has already been there five times already.
Buy your niece the Birnbaum Guide to WDW fir Children. It is written by children her age and she can help with the planning.
Hot Lava
Well-Known Member
I was 22 the first time I was able to go to WDW. So I say no, but it is all in your point of view. But I am sure it is a different experience going first as a child rather than as an adult.
I will echo what others have stated above: it may be big trouble with your brother and SIL going at the most crowded time of year. If they already hate the idea of going to WDW, that time of year will likely do nothing to change this attitude, and may only make it worse.
I do not know how much of a positive person you are, or how easy it is for you to keep your anger and/or frustration in check, but you are going to have to work very hard to stay upbeat and positive. Not only because of the crowds, but also to counter any negativity from the bro and SIL.
Good luck!
I will echo what others have stated above: it may be big trouble with your brother and SIL going at the most crowded time of year. If they already hate the idea of going to WDW, that time of year will likely do nothing to change this attitude, and may only make it worse.
I do not know how much of a positive person you are, or how easy it is for you to keep your anger and/or frustration in check, but you are going to have to work very hard to stay upbeat and positive. Not only because of the crowds, but also to counter any negativity from the bro and SIL.
Good luck!
Thank you for your response! I told my family that every park will have at least 200,000 people at any given time...I'm sure that's way more than capacity, but it prepares them for what they will experience. I am normally a very upbeat person, but I will be 5.5 months pregnant so I will be taking it really easy this trip anyway!
Hot Lava
Well-Known Member
And 5 1/2 months pregnant? So all those hormones, discomfort and no way to have a drink to take the edge off?
You are a far braver woman than me! Extra super good luck and a truck load of pixie dust to you! 
MOXOMUMD
Well-Known Member
Good luck from me too. If anyone is allowed to get irritated it's you.
DVC4bestvacations
Well-Known Member
real mad hatter
Well-Known Member
It's kinda strange with me...Was married first time and after 16 years, both of us decided to divorce,we had no children..Disney was never a vacation we ever considered..Then got married again in 1999 and have a son..Wasn't until he was six that we decided to visit WDW..By that time I was coming up for my 52 birthday...Too old...No way...
