How Young is too young?

[minniemoomoo]

We had a family trip planned for this October. Included in this trip was our newborn son, after much consideration we've decided against it. So in this thinking I've wondered how young is too young for your first trip to WDW? Around so many folks from so many places, when was youngster's first trip to WDW? It's not that they will remember of course, but those with them do remember. So the question is really what's the earliest you've taken your child to WDW?

[BrerGnat]

Not WDW, but we took our oldest son to Disneyland once he was 8 weeks old. Younger son, 6 weeks.

I'd say under 2 months is too young. Disney parks are very stimulating and newborns need their sleep. Once the baby is even somewhat aware of the world, though, and spending some good time awake each day, it's a good time to start, as far as I'm concerned.

[darthmacho]

First off, I don't think any age is completely out of the question, but here's my general feeling on age at WDW. Take it for what it's worth, which is probably not much.

• In-utero: Okay, but follow those preggo advisories!
• Newborn to 1yo: Probably too young, too much stimulation.
• Terrible Twos: Possible, but at a slooooow pace, lots of breaks, and a lot of stroller/diaper bag hassle.
• Three: Similar to above, but potty trained?
• Four or Five: Close, but a lot depends on your child's maturity. Limited ride options, and you're probably still wheeling that stroller.
• Six to Ten: The perfect age in my opinion, though the younger ones will need a slower pace and may be too short for some rides.
• Ten and up: Disney says your kid is an adult, so now you're all set!

[rjmdds]

I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as too young. My kids were about 2 1/2 when we took them the first time and we found that age to be perfect.So many people thought that we were crazy and I could never understand why. Most of those people don't get the "Disney-thing" anyway so I didn't pay any attention to it. Most of it depends on you. If you are willing to bring a newborn and everything that comes with a newborn then that is your right. If you feel that bringing a newborn will detract from you having an enjoyable time then maybe you should think twice. But if you feel that having your newborn child with you will only enhance your trip, then I say go for it.

[sassafras]

The first time we took our sons they were 17 and 21--the perfect age! We could pretty much turn them loose and meet them for dinner.
Actually, I would say about 4-6 years old would be good. The child can really enjoy things and you don't have to lug as much stuff. Plus, they are still young enough you can tear up when they meet the different characters or have a "magical" experience. It's really just a matter of what you prefer.

[buzznwoodysmom]

If its a once in a lifetime trip, or you don't think you'll go back that often I'd wait till they are old enough to remember and really enjoy it all.

If you are like me and go about once a year then I'd take them as soon as your comfortable doing so.

We took our kids for the first time when our oldest was 2 1/2 years old, and our youngest was 9 months old. We had a fantastic time and there are times now that they are older that I wish they were babies again. Its great now that we can all ride the rides together, but there was something very special about those first trips with them when they were that young. After taking my baby at 9 months old I can say I'd probably feel comfortable bring a baby starting around 6 months old.

[gardenia]

We waited until our 2 older children were 3 and 4, but we couldn't wait with the youngest, so he went at 18 months. Ideally, though, they should be walking and talking. I personally don't like dragging (pushing, carrying, rolling) an infant around the parks, I don't think it's fun for anyone. Just my opinion.

[disneydeb]

Like my 3 year old grandson said, " I want to go to Disney World".... "NOW!"

We took him and his youger sister (age 1 1/2) to celebrate his 4th birthday!

[magicofdisney]

I'm in the camp of those that feel you're never too young. However, I think there may be exceptions. If you have one child, you may want to wait a few months until that child is more interactive. At that point, any thing goes.

My oldest was 4 before I took him. At that point his sisters were 2 and I couldn't deny them the joy of Disney! When my last was born we waited 9mos, simply because we were buying season passes on our annual trip and I had to get those before we could go again. Otherwise, he would have been there much earlier.

[Dulcee]

My parents took me at 4 months!

For our family the only limiting factor has been getting the all clear from the pediatrician that baby can be out and about in the world.

[tdk316]

Took my youngest at 5mo when my oldest was 2.5yo. Worked out great and he actually had a lot of fun looking around at everything. Never too young or old IMHO.

[akaDisneyDreamer]

The first time we took our sons they were 17 and 21--the perfect age! We could pretty much turn them loose and meet them for dinner.

The first time I took my daughters they were 18 and 21 and the three of us had the best time ever, so I have to agree that was the perfect age!

Personally I can't imagine bringing a baby (but that is me, not you! ) I would think maybe 6-8 years old is the youngest I would start if I had it to do over again! At that age they are big enough to walk the parks and remember the magic!

[Georgesgirl1]

I wouldn't take a baby before they were probably 2 months old because of the lack of sleep, long nursing sessions (if breastfeeding), and the fact that I can't imagine trudging around the parks very soon after giving birth!
We took ODS at 6 months old and had a blast! We went again when he was 20 months which was still fun, but harder. The fact that i was 5 months pregnant probably didn't help any :-) We will be going again in January. ODS will turn 3 during our trip and YDS will be 11 months. I think Disney is great for all ages!!

[Buttercup]

Never too young. Took my kids at 4 months and 6 months. They're very portable at that age and they're very interested in everything going on around them!
Plus, nothing is cuter than seeing a 6 month old clap and laugh on the rides with their eyes as big as saucers!
Disney makes it easy with the baby stations as well. My favorite is the Magic Kingdom one. It's just like a little house with a kitchen, change room, dining room, nursing room with rocking chairs... it's even themed to match Main Street USA's old-world decor!

[Tink#64]

The first trip for all for of us, DS's were 4 & 6 & it was absolutely magical! They were potty trained, no naps or strollers & very much caught up in the magic of it all! We were able to ride everything that we wanted & enjoyed every little thing! DS's loved the characters, although we spent gobs of time waiting in those meet & greet lines! DS's are now 14 & 15 & still have those autograph books! Each trip is different and very special for our family, but those trips when they were young & the fantastic pics that we have of them on the rides & with the characters, etc. - Priceless! I miss those Dumbo days!

[GottaLvDisney]

We cancelled our trip last year when I unexpectedly found out I was pregnant with DD - she would've been 5wk at time of travel and for me, that was too young.

We took our DS when he was 10mo old and he had a wonderful time. It was perfect bc he wasn't walking yet so he was content to ride in the stroller and he loved all the rides, etc... This year he'll be almost 3yo and I can't wait bc he's very into everything Disney. Our youngest DD will be 13mo and I'm sure will have a wonderful time even if she won't remember it.

That's just a good excuse to have to go again and again and again.

[diz_girl]

For our family the only limiting factor has been getting the all clear from the pediatrician that baby can be out and about in the world.

That's my rule. Younger than 2-3 months of age, their immune system is still pretty immature. So wait until at least 3 months old. At that age, they're probably able to sleep through the night (at least mine were).

We took our oldest DS in utero and at 17 months. By that time (17 mo) he was eating table food, although we still had to deal with diapers. My favorite baby station is AK. He loved breakfast with Pooh and the riverboat and the safari. He's now 4 and he'll have an even better time, especially since he's tall enough for Splash, BTMRR and Soarin'.

Our youngest DS will be 10 months when we travel in November. We couldn't take him in utero due to high-risk pregnancy travel restrictions. He's the happiest baby that I've ever met and really easy to care for, so I'd expect him to have a blast on this trip. He'll laugh and squeal on an ordinary bike ride, so I can just imagine how he'll be at WDW.

[Joannelet]

Both sons so far have gone in utero Actually we found out we were pregnant with both of my boys in Disneyland and the other in Disney World! I consider my boys Disney miracles! My 1st son went on his first trip to the world at 7 months. It was great! He loved every minute of it. His smile lit up wherever we went! He is about to go on his fourth trip next month and he is only 2! My current son is still in utero and this will be his 2nd trip in utero. We are planning on taking him when he is out and about around 7 months old. The same as our first son did. It's whatever floats your boat. My son has had a wonderful time. This past trip in May was the first time he started to remember EVERYTHING. He still talks about this past trip and I cannot wait for him to go again next month with my entire family for a reunion. What a magical time that will be! The younger times we have pics of and he loves looking at them! He is grinning from ear to ear in all of the baby pictures and he still does the same thing now! It is whatever you want and when you want to bring them that makes it the right time, the right choice and the right age.

[2Epcot]

First off, I don't think any age is completely out of the question, but here's my general feeling on age at WDW. Take it for what it's worth, which is probably not much.

• In-utero: Okay, but follow those preggo advisories!
• Newborn to 1yo: Probably too young, too much stimulation.
• Terrible Twos: Possible, but at a slooooow pace, lots of breaks, and a lot of stroller/diaper bag hassle.
• Three: Similar to above, but potty trained?
• Four or Five: Close, but a lot depends on your child's maturity. Limited ride options, and you're probably still wheeling that stroller.
• Six to Ten: The perfect age in my opinion, though the younger ones will need a slower pace and may be too short for some rides.
• Ten and up: Disney says your kid is an adult, so now you're all set!

Almost my feelings exactly. I've decided to wait a while to take our son on a WDW trip. He is 27 months now. I took him to Disneyland for the first time last month.

[ginger19]

My kids were 3 and 18months when we first went and I would definitely do that again. It's harder with little ones but so magical to see their faces at every new wonder they see