People are always asking me what the best age is to go to Disney if they plan a once in a lifetime trip.
For us- we wanted to wait until our kids were out of the daytime nap and were fully potty-trained. There is nothing worse than waiting in a line for an hour and then your child telling you he needs to go potty.
I think the sweet spot for age is around 5-6. They are old enough to have the stamina for it and are big enough to go on most rides yet it is still magical for them. Our four-year-old was terrified of all the characters. You would have thought that Tinkerbell was a one-eyed monster. He did have an amazing time and loved it. He even liked meeting the characters, he just didn’t want to go near them. I’m sure each kid is different- think of what they are like when they meet Santa.
My five-year-old, who actually turned six while we were there was just at that perfect age where he ran to each character and hugged them. We have three kids so we plan to take a trip each time they turn 5 or 6 so they can really experience the magic.
Our youngest is 16 months and we decided to leave her at home with family. Honestly, I didn’t feel guilty because she would have probably gotten sick from licking a railing, she would have had to nap twice a day and there would be so. many. tantrums. Each time I saw a Mother with a crying baby, I just wanted to hug them. I can’t imagine how overwhelming it would be.
We decided to make it a bonding trip with the boys and I’m so glad we did. I am always tending to the baby so it was so nice to be really present with them. I will go back with my girlie someday and do all the princess stuff with her.
Really- Disney has something for everyone and you could go at any age but if this is a once in a lifetime trip, wait until they are at least five. My son was exactly 44 inches so he could go on everything. If your child is under 40 inches, there are a lot of rides they won’t be able to do.
Disney does do a program called Rider Swap, so my husband could take our older son on a ride while I waited with the younger one. When they came out, I could go on the ride without waiting in line. Have I mentioned that Disney has thought of everything?
What do you think the best age for Disney is?
Related:
Everything you Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Disney
The Best Place to Stay at Disney World
The Best Apps for Planning a Trip to Disney
The Best Character Meals in Disney World
How to Tell Your Kids they are Going to Disney
Pin for later-
