If you had asked me three years ago, what is the best age to take a child to Disney World, my response would have been, “Do not take a child younger than four.” I was wrong. I had the above opinion before I had children of my own. My oldest daughter went to Disney World for the first time when she was nearly four. We did not take her sooner because we did not think it was “worth it” before the age of four.
My youngest has been going to Disney World since she was about seven months old. She got lucky as they say because she was able to tag along as we took her older sister. I have seen her transition to now an almost-three-year-old growing up in the world of Disney.
Here is what I have learned:
Take your child whenever YOU want to Disney World. Memories do not have age limits.
I thought my child would not “remember any of it,” and that could not be further from the truth. She engaged more with the rides and characters each time we took her. At two and a half, she is now an expert.
Regardless of how little she was, she LOVED seeing her song and dance friends come to life. From Mickey to Ariel, she danced with the music and hugged her beloved “friends.”
Seeing your child’s eyes light up at Disney World is priceless. Going to Disney World with children is an experience like no other. You see the wonder in their eyes. You see their imagination working overtime. You relive your childhood with them through every attraction and character interaction.
With all that said, I do still stand by the following:
Avoid Disney in the summer if possible. Your baby may love Mickey, but they will hate the heat and crowds.
Be sure to know where each baby care center is in every park. They are invaluable as you can purchase diapers, medicine, and baby food if you need to. They have AC, free water, quiet rooms to breastfeed, and even “toddler areas” for your older children to watch movies and color.
Take your child during the holidays if you can. The decorations in the fall and winter make Disney World even more special than it already is.
Plan for half days. Little ones will become very unhappy in the park all day long. They need a break. Go early in the morning to leave early or get there in the afternoon to leave early evening.
Take pictures of your child but be sure you take pictures WITH your child. I cannot tell you how many mothers I see take photographs of their children but are never in the photos themselves!
You can bring baby formula or your breast milk into the park.
If possible, use a baby carrier if you can over a stroller for less to contend with as you visit the park.
Pack raingear. Florida may be the sunshine state, but it rains often. Especially in the summer between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Finally, there is no right or wrong way to do Disney World.
There is no right or wrong way to make memories.
“Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.”- Walt Disney
Do Disney World as it works for you and your family!
Have a magical time!
Follow me on Instagram @shepensblog to come along with us on our Disney adventures!
