What is the best age to take your kids to Disney World? Are my kids too young? These are questions I’ve seen over and over again across the internet. From Facebook groups to online forums, parents really want to know, “are my kids too young for Disney World?”
My original idea for this blog was going to explore the very best age for a Disney trip. However, after some thought, I realized that I have only personally taken my kids to Disney World from infants to age six.
While I haven’t taken older children to Disney World yet, I have taken our very young children year after year. If you’re on the fence or maybe even a bit scared about taking the leap and bringing your babies, toddlers, or preschoolers to Disney World I’m going to tell you why I think it’s the best!
Three Big Reasons they are not Too Young for Disney World
Taking your young kids to Disney World is the best and here’s why:
- The memories! They may not remember – but we will!
- Disney Magic is really real for your preschool aged kids and younger.
- Disney World is truly for everyone! Watch how they learn and grow with each trip!
They Wont Remember – But We Will
The argument can be made, and has been made over and over, that it’s best to wait until children are old enough to remember the trip. While I agree that if you are only going to travel to Disney World once in your lifetime it can be beneficial to wait until your kids are a bit older. They will be more likely to remember the trip, and can even help with planning. With that being said, there is something truly special about watching the littlest ones experience the magic.
We have been fortunate enough to drive down to Disney World every year since Will, our first child, was just a year old. We honestly couldn’t wait to experience Disney with him. While we knew he wouldn’t remember, we knew that we would.
Selfishly, I didn’t care if my children remembered their first Disney trips. Memories of my babies experiencing “Disney Magic” are some of my most favorite – and my memories are important too!
It has been so much fun watching Will, (and now Alice) experience Disney World from infancy until now. Next year we will even be heading back with our 7 month old (watch our special announcement here).
The Magic Is Real!
Up until our most recent trip, we have been able to completely immerse our son into the fantasy and magic of Disney World. We have quite literally lived in the fantasy ourselves alongside of him.
The image of Will strolling around Hollywood Studios in his Woody hat, with Buzz and Woody tucked safely under each arm is forever etched in our memories. We even still talk about his tiny toddler voice saying, “how bout Baymax” while waiting in line to meet Baymax from Big Hero 6.
This year as a smart 5 year-old, he began to ask questions about which parts are real and which parts are fantasy. While we knew this was inevitable, it was so special when he truly believed what he was seeing was really real.
Disney is for Everyone!
Disney is truly for everyone! For the youngest travelers there’s lots for them to see and do! Many of the rides are appropriate for young children and they can participate in all of the character meets, shows, and of course magic!
Some of my personal favorite activities are the ones geared towards preschoolers. We love meeting all of the characters – especially during character dining, and the Disney Junior dance party at Hollywood Studios is my jam! Aside from roller coasters there’s not much that they can’t do!
Why Wait?
There are so many benefits to taking your small children to Disney World. With each trip we have watched our children grow and learn new skills. They have walked away braver and more adventurous with every new experience. They have tried new things, and even overcome fears!
We are so grateful to have beautiful and precious memories of our children in Disney World. As a family we have bonded during these special times together and look forward to keeping this tradition going as long as possible!
