Since beginning to write on Blissfully Domestic, Type-A Mom, and my own site about traveling to Walt Disney World, I have answered dozens and dozens of questions about Disney travel. Hands down, the question I most often answer is "What is the right age to take my children to Disney World?"
The short answer is that there is not a right age.
Walt Disney World is comprised of four theme parks, two water parks, downtown leisure and shopping areas, as well as a host of other Disney experience opportunities from miniature golfing to race car driving! No matter what your child's interest or age, there is something for him to enjoy at Disney, and most likely, there are many things that will make his vacation magical.
That said, there are certainly some things to consider when deciding the right age for your child's first Disney trip.
- Height Restrictions: At the tender age of four, my daughter enjoyed riding coasters with the big boys. We knew she would enjoy Goofy's Barnstormer in the Magic Kingdom, and hoped that she would try Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as well. Although she was very young to ride the latter, she met the height requirement. We checked those requirements while planning our trip by reading The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney.
- Willing Suspension of Disbelief: In literature there is a term called "willing suspension of disbelief." This is the wonderful part of our minds that allows us to enjoy science fiction and fantasy without batting an eye at the impossibilities. It was important to me for my children to experience Disney at least once before "Look, there's Cinderella!" turned into, "That actress isn't so pretty." When questions about Santa started to pop up on the way to soccer practice, I knew it was time to book the trip.
- Free Under Three: Walt Disney World is a magical place – so magical, in fact, that children are considered infants right up until their third birthday. In the World, infants are free. They stay for free, they enter parks for free, and they even eat for free! Because the only thing I needed to pay for to take my son to Disney was his very reasonably priced airfare, I did not let the naysayers who said he wouldn't enjoy it or wouldn't remember it hold me back. As you can see from my son's moment with Mickey, not only was his time there free, but it was priceless.
Loading ...
Great Post Amy! I've always wondered the same thing! I know who I'm talking to when we finally get to go to Disney!
Thanks, the free "age three" is a wonderful tip! I certainly remember some things from when I was 3, so I think our little guy will love it.
We took our kids when K was a tiny baby and the boys were probably six and fourish – it was fun just to see them get excited – they couldn't go on all the rides but enough that it was fun for them.
Thanks Amy! I'm actually taking a trip to Disneyland at the end of this month with my boys and this is very reassuring! My kids are 7, 4.5 and 18 mos. The baby probably won't get a lot out of it memory wise (pictures though!) but he's free for airfare and everything! We'll definitely go again (or go on a big trip to DisneyWorld) when he's older anyway, but you just can't keep waiting for the right age I think – the older two might not feel the same magic if I wait too long! So we're booked and going and super excited!!
Love your article! Disney World is a place I definately want to eventually take my family. Will keep an eye on your Disney World info and hopefully we will eventually visit from Down Under!