Age: What is the magical number?

One question I get a lot is "What is the best age to take kids to Walt Disney World?" Unfortunately, there is not one right number for every child or every family. Just like a lot of aspects of vacation planning there are a couple of factors to consider and I usually follow up that question with another question.
"Are you only planning to only go to Walt Disney World once?"
If the answer to this question is yes and your family will only be going one time then you should consider a few things. 

• Your child should be old enough to remember the trip

 Think back to the first family vacation or outing you remember as child. It may have just been a carnival in your hometown. How old were you? How much do you remember? If you are only going once you want to make sure your child is old enough to have those great memories last a lifetime.  

• Disney has certain height requirements for some rides

Even if your child isn't the adventurous type, you may want to wait until they reach 48" if you are only going to Walt Disney World once. At 48" or taller they can have their choice of any ride in the 4 main parks as well as the 2 waterparks. This way they won't feel like they were forced to miss out on the fun. 

40" height requirement for Tower of Terror. Probably my daughter's first and last time riding it, though!

• Go when they are still young enough to fully experience the magic.

Now don't get me wrong, I still get pixie dust in my eyes every time I see Cinderella's Castle and I was star struck when I saw Mickey Mouse on my most recent trip. But watching my 3 year old come around the corner on Main Street at Magic Kingdom and take in her first viewing of Cinderella's Castle is an experience I can't explain. And seeing my son at 3 give Woody and Buzz Lightyear hugs and beam with joy was pure Disney magic at it's best. 

You've got a friend in me... forever!

If you know your family plans to go to Walt Disney World multiple times, then you should consider other things. 

• Under 3 is free! 
  

There is plenty to do for toddlers and preschoolers! So why not consider going before they cost anything. Children under age 3 don't need a park ticket and they can also eat for free at any buffet-style or family-style restaurant with a paying adult. And if you want to go to celebrate their 3rd birthday just make sure you go before their actual birth date. No one gets older at Disney, so in their eyes, if your child checks in as a 2 year old, they are 2 years old for the remainder of the trip even if they celebrate a birthday. (FYI, the airlines don't abide by this- if you fly somewhere when your child is 23.5 months and fly back after they turn 2, you will be buying them a one-way plane ticket for their trip home.) 

• Knowing you will return, don't pack too much into your trip.

Taking young children is fun and magical, but with so much going on you will need time for rest! You should have a planned afternoon break every. single. day. Mandatory. Personally, I plan on seeing Disney this way forever. Mama needs her rest time! But it's even more crucial with young kids. Get to the park when it opens and do rides in the morning when the lines are shortest, then after lunch go back to the resort for a nap. For our first trip our kids were 1 and 3 and we ALL took hard naps in the afternoon and woke so refreshed and ready to get back to the parks to enjoy dinner, more rides and stay for the fireworks. Take cues from your kids. If you are trying to do too much and they get tired, scale back and enjoy a slower pace. 

• Consider getting help with baby brother or sister.   

If your oldest child is ready to get her fill of princesses, but you aren't sure how baby brother will handle the trip consider inviting the grandparents to come along. This way someone can head back to the resort with the baby for naps or hang back while he naps in the stroller. Or maybe grandma and grandpa can come stay with baby brother at home while you enjoy some time away connecting with your oldest. If you know your family will be returning this is a great option!

So, it's not a quick answer, but there you have it. Every age can be the right for Walt Disney World, but you need to weigh all these factors based on your family's wants, needs and expectations. 

XOXO
Mama