What age is the best for a child's first time at Disney?

We took our son to Disneyland (Anaheim) when he was 3-1/2, and it was great. We thought we'd stay four hours and instead we were there about 8 or 9 hours. Obviously, there are rides he couldn't go on, so if you want to go on everything, you'll have to wait til she's older.

We first went when DS was 18 months and DD was almost 4. Both kids had a great time, but obviously DD knew a bit more about where she was. The only bad thing we encountered was that she was terrified of one of the characters...the step mother from Snow White. She screamed and ran, lol! Other than that, all was fine.

dh insisted on taking dd to disneyworld at 3 years for her 1st disney adventure. he wanted it to be big.
well, it was big all right!
quite overwhelming for a 3 yr old.
each year after that we went to disneyland.
magic kingdom was just perfect for that age. plenty of fun and excitement. familiar characters, shows and not so scary rides. not to forget the princess factor - just perfect for little girls.
if that is not quite enough, the california adventure is a nice add on. although, i have heard it has been closed for re-modeling and i'm not sure when it will re-open.

5 years old if you want to try all the parks at WDW.

MY

5-7 is a great age.

The first time we took our son was when he was 3. He just loved it. We did age appropriate activities. Some people said we were crazy to do it since he wouldn't remember it, but you can say that for any activity/vacation at that age. We went many times after that and I those trips were the best vacations we've had as a family.

From the experience with our children, I'd say 4 is an ok age. We took ours at 3, but many things were surprisingly terrifying. You could take your 3 -year -old if you are willing to modify the experience, but a lot of kids are really frightened by the Disney characters. Ours were out of their minds afraid in Pirates of the Carribean, which we had not anticipated. Age 4 ok, age 5 is better.

I agree w/SiteCer.....we took our son for the first time at age 6 and he was old enough to be excited but not overwhelmed by all of it.

However, all kids are different and only you can assess if your daughter is ready. Like you, I had never been and that added to the fun.

I am trying to think..I believe our daughter had just turned four years old. She really enjoyed herself, precious memories. I do know when she was six years old it seemed the "perfect" age.

Our son was 3 1/2 our daughter was 2. They had a great time. If you have the opportunity to take them now, it might not be a bad time. At her age being able to go when schools are in session is a big time saver.

When you have the chance to take her for the first time, I would suggest early May as a great time to go.

We took our daughter when she was four years old. It was a perfect age! Our trip could not have been any better! Seeing all the princesses was especially magical for her at that age, although she loved ALL the characters. They were like celebrities to her. We stayed at the Polynesian Resort so that was helpful being able to get to the parks so easily. We went to all the parks and she was never once overwhelmed.

I agree that early May is a great time. That was when we went...the weather was good and crowds were light.

I took my older kids when they were 5 & 7. They were completely ready for it. I suggest staying on premises so that you can take some time to rest in the afternoons and go back later. Also, take a day off between days in the parks. That if you go to the parks for 4 days book for 7 days, spend longer days with a day off in between is doable for little ones. Or when you go up in days its not much more for the tix, so you could pay for 6 or 7 days in the parks and then take partial days off to keep a nice pace for little ones.

Our son was four the first time we took him to Disney World and it remains the best vacation of my life. This was back in 1991 and we went on the Big Red Boat for four days and then Disney for three. He had the best time (and so did we). Everything was real to him. Character interaction was perfect at that age. We really had a magical time.

He is still a Disney lover and he's almost 22 years old!

Well, I was only a few months old on my first Disney trip but I'd agree with the posters who said four years old is a great age. A few general notes about taking littler kids to WDW:

1) Don't feel like you need to be in a park every day. A friend of mine takes her daughter on "monorail rides," "ferry rides," and to the character breakfast at Contemporary -- all free Disney experiences, and her daughter is just as happy.

2) Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are usually the most interesting to younger kids.

3) Stay on Disney property if you can...she'll love seeing the characters, going to the pool, and hunting for "hidden Mickeys."

Oops, I should clarify that the character breakfast isn't "free" -- it just doesn't require park entry, and it's only $12.99 for kids.

Ages 3-5 are the most magical ones to go to WDW because the characters are real to children, and they tend to love the Disney stories (the fairy tales, Toy Story, Cars, Monsters Inc., etc.) at that age. By elementary school, kids are usually more into the rides, and you could be at any theme park. There are surprisingly few rides that a preschooler can't go on, mostly the roller coasters. There is more than plenty for a preschooler to do.

I'm the oldest child and my parents took me when I was 2 1/2 and, being naive new parents, took me on Space Mountain (the ride probably has a height restriction now) and I was terrified. They then took me on "Small World" and when the boat dipped a bit down a little hill the entire boat was treated to my hysterics for the rest of the ride as I recalled my Space Mountain terror.

Just thought I would share a funny story about first-time parents and Disney. I wasn't scarred or anything--I only vaguely remember the Space Moutnain ride. Choose your rides carefully!

My sister took my niece when she was 4 (last summer) and she was absolutely terrified of the costumed characters. She would start crying and screaming to go home! Even now she talks about how she doesn't want to see "real Snow White".

Tracy

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and opinions. They are all appreciated!

I want to make sure that we go early enough that it is still magical for my DD, yet not too early so that she is scared.

I def won't take her till she at least turns 4. Maybe we'll wait until she's 4 1/2, but it would be great to go for her birthday!

We're planning a trip to WDW in the spring to take my niece, who will turn 4 in July. She already has theme park and costumed character experience, so I'm thinking it won't be too much for her. I think she can take it.

5-7 is ok to bring a child to amusement parks..

im planning to go also when my son is 7.. i'm still trying to save up for the expenses and all..

http://www.visitsierravista.com

emcash -- every four-year-old is different, and you know yours best Think about the last time you took her somewhere fun, like a museum or a zoo or a festival. Did she seem to "get it"? Did she still talk about it a few days or weeks later? If so, she's probably old enough to appreciate a Disney trip. If that's the case, and you want to do a birthday celebration there, go for it!

One suggestion. Don't make them stay all day. I see too many kids that have "gone over the edge" and have become terrors, for both the family and the other guests. Take a break - it will be there another day / time.

Mu daughter was 2 1/2 when she went for the first time and had was ecstatic at meeting the characters. Some will be fine, some will not. I would think you could tell by their personality before you go how they will react.

I can understand how some kids do get upset. But, that should not be a reason to not take your kids at a younger age if they are fine in those situations.

If there is a benefit to taking them at 2 or 3, it's that they are free to get in.

We took are daughter at 2,3,5,7,11. All great experiences. You might even want to consider doing a Disney Cruise now instead of the Park. It's still a great Disney experience at a much slower pace. Or even consider a 3 day cruise/4 day park event. Do not miss the waterparks at Disney. The two waterparks are our favorite attractions.

Every kid is different. Some little ones are really into the experience, and they do enjoy a suspension of disbelief that an 8-year-old does not, but on the other hand it can be overwhelming. Many young children are terrified by characters, or find certain rides overwhelming, and you see the poor things sacked out in strollers all over the parks. We actually waited until DS was nearly 12, and we were not sorry. He's not a terribly cynical kid, and he has a young personality, but he was young enough to feel the wonder and old enough to have the stamina and patience of most adults. I cannot imagine trying to spend 14 hours in the MK with a younger child. He was also not afraid of anything, even the Pirates of the Caribbean, which we had been a little worried about, since he DOES NOT care for skeletons.

We took ours at 4 and 5. For us, the big issue was that everyone was potty trained and no longer needed an afternoon nap. We ended up coming back to the hotel each afternoon for a short rest anyway but that allowed us to go later at night.

There were rides the kids couldn't or didn't want to go on but there was a ton for them to do. We look forward to going back in a couple years when they are older and doing a different mix of rides and maybe even some of the water parks.

Have fun.

Taitai

We ended up coming back to the hotel each afternoon for a short rest anyway

Most years we went back to the hotel for a swim and a rest and returned to the park before or just after dinner. One year, we ran into hometown acquaintances and the kids just played on Tom Sawyer's island, which was a perfect release. But Tom Sawyer's Island doesn't exist anymore, does it?

YEs, Tom Sawyer island still exists.

Excellent question as I plan to take my little neice in SoCal to Disney. She's only 2 so I'm thinking 5 would be a good age. At age 5 she will be old enough to ride the kiddie rides but too young for Space Mountain. That suits me just fine because Aunt P_M doesn't do Space Mountain anymore.

BTW, I was 11 when I took my first trip to Disney and it was magical even them. That Disney trip is one of my greatest childhood memories and I hope it will be for my neice too.

Very good question emcash, thanks for posting.

My youngest was five when we first went(and her sister 8). I straight away realised how glad I was that she wasn't younger. Despite the fact that she had been out of a pushchair for quite some time she had never before kept going excitedly for 12+ hours. I noticed many parents with younger children in pushchairs who had just gone to sleep and so one parent was left outside with the sleeping child whilst the other took an older or more awake child in. This over a few days was a significant number of hours that one parent just hung around -over and above the queueing time.
My daughter also was terrified by the first ride we got to -was it Snow White or Toad of Toad Hall. Having looked forward for so many months to our visit(we travelled from the U.K.) it nearly all fell apart there.
She remained fairly afraid of the characters for some years, but I realised she had really enjoyed it when she was asked what her favourite holiday was and she replied "Disney" Then she was asked what her second favourite was and she said " Disney second time"!

Probably our least favorite time was when we stayed off property and the park was super super crowded. It is a little hard to predict the crowds. We went twice during the third week of october. The first time not crowded, two years later massive crowds. Going during the least crowded times with a smaller child is better that you don't have to wait in line so often. Use Fast Pass every chance you get. Unless your kids are scared of Santa or Chuckie Cheese, or costumed characters, you will probably have a great time. Even then, it is possible to avoid the characters somewhat.

Everybody takes a nap when the child is ready to take a nap was our rule. We got up early and went to the parks, took a nap, played in the pool, maybe returned for just the fireworks. Don't plan on getting 4 or 5 full days in a row in.

one more post sorry,

When I say everyone, we took went one time with grandparents when our daughter was 3. This worked out great as the grandparents or my wife and I could go and do what we wanted when our daughter took a two hour nap while someone took a nap with her. This also allowed for a night of nicer dining. We were together pretty much the entire time, but it was nice to get a break a couple of times and do what we wanted to do. I would probably go for about a 4-6 day trip.

We just returned from Disneyland (in Anaheim, CA) with our 3 year old granddaughter. She had the best time, and so did we seeing Disneyland through her eyes and being able to share it with her.
The parade in the evening was magical for her - it really created lovely memories.

emcash-Good point about the dark rides. My brother turned four right before we went to Disneyland. First ride was in the dark (maybe Snow White). He was terrified and from then on would only go on things like Dumbo or Teacups. He was also afraid of the characters. As an older sister I found it all annoying.

Might not be an issue for your daughter, but I would recommend just in case that your first dark ride is a non-scary one, like Peter Pan.

My youngest, however, had no real fears at Disneyland except when my husband took him on Star Wars. No return trips to Endor for him! He especially enjoyed Toontown and he was fond of Mickey's House.

His favorite days of the trip however, were at Legoland, hands down. If you were itching to go somewhere sooner, that would be my suggestion.

I haven't read all the replies, so apologies if I'm repeating others' ideas.

We took our girls at ages 3 and 5, respectively. Our theory was to take them once while they were still really into the princess thing. And, then we'll take them again when they're a little older and can do more rides and stuff. Of course, a preteen or early teen visit is perfect for the roller coasters/epcot/MGM stuff.

Our 3 yr old loved it. Even loved the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Of course, neither of my kids have ever been afraid of characters. They thought it was all real and very magical.

I do agree that the ability to go back to the room in the afternoon is a must at that age. For that reason, we stayed on property and it was perfect. When they're older and can go a little longer, we may choose a cheaper option.

How difficult is it for you to get to Disney World? There is so much to do in Orlando that each trip can be a completely different experience.

My daughter went for the first time when she was around 3, but my son was almost 6. So couldn't go on many of the rides, but she loved the flowers and the characters, etc. The Magic Kingdom is the place you want to spend most of your time when they are that age. At young ages, a room on Disney property is a must...IMHO. We stayed at Caribbean Beach.

Went back a few years later and of course the youngest was able to do more. But Animal Kingdom was not there yet. I think if you take your daughter to the zoo, that would be an option...the Safari...but go early when it is cool as the animals are most active. Stayed that time at the Wilderness Lodge...a little pricey and off the beaten path, but we loved it.

I like Disney, but DH doesn't. So I took the kids back by myself when they were a little older...I guess around 11 and 14. That time we stayed at Coronado Springs. They had a great time and we were there in the Fall...played hooky from school a couple days around a teacher work day and had a great time...but, they kept asking about going to the pool...pretty neat with a pyramid and slide.

So the bottom line is...if you want to go...go for it. Every trip can be a little different. This time of year is perfect...not crowded and cooler. The parks close earlier, but with a 3 yr old that would be OK.

I"m going to be a spoilsport here - but kids not yet in 1st grade can be just as bewildered and have just as much fun at many many places close to home. There's no need to rush to give them thrills they will only partially remember. Why set them up with a "what's next, and bigger and better" expectation? How WILL you make the next vacation better?

I would say 7-10 yrs of age at the earliest, but probably no later than 14 when they no longer wish to be seen in the presence of their parents.

I just took my older son this past summer, at age 4. Left the husband and one year old at home. Husband kept saying he didn't think our 4 year old was ready for the big DW. But we were already going to be in FL and a friend with a boy the same age had a free room at the Contemporary, so it seemed the stars were aligned.

It went better than I expected. I hadn't expected much; as my child had been afraid of any carnival type rides before. We started with the Buzz Lightyear ride and went on it 3 times in a row.

We only did the Magic Kingdom, as I didn't think my 4 year old would be ready for Epcot or water parks. Animal Kingdom will be great for some other time.

Don't be afraid to go all that way and just do one park. It's still a big deal for your child and all the other parks will still be there in a few years.

Stay in a monorail resort if at all possible. If you need to get back to your hotel for any kind of break, the monorails seemed like they were more frequent than the buses to the other Disney resorts.

Don't expect that you will get your money's worth out of the ticket. Your kid won't suddenly become more agreeable because you spent a pretty penny to get in. How many of us get our money's worth out of cable TV? Exactly. Be ready to roll with the punches.

If you are on a ride that is turning out to be too scary, try laughing at it. Your child will take their cues from your behavior. And once you have a plan of action, don't spend time second-guessing yourself, wondering how you could have fit more in.

And I can't imagine going before the child is potty trained. I didn't think my kid appreciated it much at the time, but he keeps saying "remember at Disney World when XYZ happened?" It's pretty magical for a young child.

I would aim for mid-May (between the spring break madness and summer madness) while prices (relatively) low.

Enjoy.

I would say old enough to NOT need a stroller. Any time after that is cool. We took our son when he wasn't quite big enough for the good rides, which disappointed him to know end. He would sneak up on his tip toes just to pass. We go periodically since and just went a few months ago and he is 17. Of course now it is all about the rides.

thereyet

I suggest reading the "Agony and Ecstasy" section of the Unofficial Guide. It will give you an idea about what DW is like with kids.

I go to WDW a couple of times a year and I don't have children, but I have observed many families. My advice is the best age doesn't depend on the child as much as the parent. A child of any age can have a terrific time, if the parent is about making the trip good for the child. If you can envision yourself saying any version of "This is expensive start having fun right now." Then this is not the right time for you to go.
I know anyone can have a bad day, but I can't count the number of parents I've seen yelling at very small children about the cost of the Disney vacation. The worst was a father trying to get his pre-school kids to pose in front of a Christmas tree for their family Christmas card. He said, "You get a smile on uyour face or I'll come over there and beat your butt until you do smile."
At any age, Disney World is a magical place that can offer wonderful memories.

honestly all ages are a great time many kids always love it great trip for the whole fam.

First, it's great to take them before school starts because then you can go in an off-time when crowds are smaller.

Second, I differ with the assumption above that only the Magic Kingdom is appropriate for the youngsters. Plenty to do at all of the parks for a 4 year old.

Third, as stated over and over, every kid is different. Both of ours are adventurous types and were never spooked by the characters, and rode everything that they were size-eligible for at 2 1/2 (including Haunted Mansion, Pirates, etc.) without incident.

Fourth, don't wait for them to be out of a stroller (or pushchair)--with all of the walking in WDW, it's not only acceptable but perfectly appropriate for even 5 or 6 year olds to be in a stroller. I've spent plenty of enjoyable time sitting around Disney with a sleeping child, it's a great place to people-watch. And if you learn the baby-swap system you can ride plenty of rides without duplicating your waits.

Fifth, certainly don't spend 14 hours at Magic Kingdom with a 4-year-old. Move at the kid's pace and take breaks and you'll be fine.

Sixth, I don't agree with the idea that because they may not remember you shouldn't take them. Why wouldn't that apply to any stimulating activity? And I wouldn't worry about how do you top that? issues.

I agree with Dancing Bear on several fronts...

Although I think the Magic Kingdom is where you should spend most of your time, I wouldn't necessarily eliminate all of the others. Epcot's countries of the world section has lots of neat things to see and sometimes bands. That is where my 3 yr. old was so enchanted with the flowers and music. They also have a great show on the lake in Epcot that most kids would enjoy. One trick is to book a late lunch at the Great Britain area and ask to sit outside. Time it to the show schedule and you have front row seats when the show starts.

Also...strollers are a must for most kids under 6 and you will be sorry if you don't use them even if the kids don't normally. Don't bother with your own...just rent one of theirs. Bring some sort of scarf or ribbon to help you identify yours from the millions of others, and don't worry about your stroller disappearing. Keep your receipt and if your rental vanishes, they will just give you another one.

The parent swap will let the two of you enjoy some of the grown up rides in a much more reasonable amount of time. Basically you wait in line together and when you get up to the ride one parent goes by themselves and stays with the child...the employees move you off to the side. When that ride ends the parents swap and the other one gets to have fun.

One more thing...the Unofficial Guide to DW is invaluable. It has maps, excellent advice and sample itineraries for all ages and trip durations.

OH...and one more thing!
Unless things have changed, the Park Hopper Pass is your best bet. That way you can come and go from one park to the next as you please. This will allow you to spend most of a day at MK, but then pop over to Epcot for the show on the lake and lunch, and then end at MGM for a character parade...or whatever.

Thanks everyone- your advice has been really great. I hope i get to post a trip report next october!

Ooh!! Deb15's post about the great light show at Epcot (Illuminations) reminds me -- you may want to avoid the Fantasmic show at Hollywood Studios. It's an abolsutely amazing show, but a little intense for young kids. LOUD explosions and they set the entire lake on fire. Every time we go there are several screaming kids!

The first time we took our kids to Disney, my youngest was only 18months old. He had a BLAST. He is 8 now, does he remember it? I'm not sure, but I don't think he remembers his first bithday or Christmas either, but we still celebrated it. He loved the rides, he loved the character. Most of our memories of that first trip are of him backing into character getting ready to get his picture taken. We had two kids in diapers at the time, and it didn't hamper the trip at all. The little guy just napped in a stroller. We went to DW two years ago and still took a stroller, great for packing things around the park! My kids will be 16 and I will STILL take a stroller!