When we decided to take Everett to Disney World over the summer, I didn’t waste a minute when it came to planning our trip. I immediately booked our stay at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, coordinated Fast Passes, and made dining reservations. It had been a while since we had been to Disney and I was extremely excited, to say the very least. As I discussed our upcoming trip with our friends in the weeks before we left, I kept getting the same response – “Why take him there now? I’m going to take my kids when they’re older.”
Older?
I heard it time and time again, and it just didn’t make sense to me. After all, Disney World is for kids of all ages. A few people tried to explain their reasons to me, but when we actually made our trip, all I could think of were the reason why you shouldn’t wait to bring your kids to Disney World. I’m so very glad that I got to experience Disney World with Everett when he was 2 years old. Here’s why:
There’s a ton for them to do. Unlike so many other theme parks where height restrictions limit activities for the youngest visitors, the Disney parks offer a full day of activities for little kids. We visited 2 parks during our trip to Disney – Magic Kingdom and Epcot – and there was no shortage of attractions for Everett. 
He simply adored his ride on the Prince Charming Regal Carousel, begged to ride the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover again, and was totally in awe of the aquariums that housed the Finding Nemo ride. 
Even the monorail was exciting for him! There wasn’t a single ride that he wanted to go on but couldn’t due to his age/size. As a mom that’s a huge relief!
Naps can happen. My kids aren’t huge fans of nap time when we’re at home, but after a few hours in the Disney parks? They’re more than willing to curl up and take a nap in the stroller! This is a huge perk and won’t continue when they’re older.
The magic is real. For Everett, every part of Disney that we visited was real – the characters, the rides, the shows…everything! You don’t get that kind of belief in magic for very long (trust me, I’m quickly watching it dwindle in my 7 year old), take a moment to enjoy it!
You can’t beat the price. Kids under 3 get into Disney Parks for free. Yep, you heard that right – FREE. You can’t beat that! And if you need to travel by plane for your trip, you probably won’t have to pay for their airline ticket either. When you consider that you can also bring your child’s favorite food and drinks into the park with you, the total cost of their trip to Disney could be pretty minimal.
There’s always something new. With Disney’s Awaken Summer event, came new rides and attractions – Star Wars Days at Hollywood Studios, the new Frozen themed ride Royal Sommerhus at Epcot, longer nights at Animal Kingdom, and more – but there’s always something new at Disney World. Fall will bring pumpkin decor and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and winter will bring a huge decorated tree and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party. Bottom line is: There’s always something new at Disney World!
They will remember. Our trip to Disney World was just over 6 weeks ago, and Everett definitely remembers. He’ll tell you he’s met Mickey Mouse. He remembers the castle and points frantically when he sees it in commercials on television. He’s asked to see the pictures of our trip on my phone. Fact is, little kids do remember. I’m so glad we got to experience such a magical trip with him while he’s small.
So what about you – Did you (or would you) wait to bring your little one to Disney World?
I wish I would have been able to take my kids when they were younger but it would be quite costly coming from Canada. I’m sure we would still enjoy it even though my kids are older. You are never too old for Disney.
I would love to take my girls to Disney. We just don’t have the funds for it right now though. They would end up being older if they did go. I really wish I could bring them soon.
I want to go really bad! For us Disney is one of those trips that we will have to save for! It looks like such a fun place!
We’ve been holding off on a Disney trip for so long and now that I’m pregnant, we have to wait a little bit longer. This post is reassuring that I don’t have to wait too much longer, though! Thanks!
I have never been to Disney before..shocker! I am like the only person who never has been to FL in my family!
I think this is just what I needed. I’ve been fighting the urge to go to Disney world because my kids are so young. Guess I don’t really have a reason to wait.
Disney is great at any age. I am planning a trip again for the spring. My kids love it.
It is always amazing to see Disney through the eyes of a little one. My kids find it so magical I wish we could go all the time.
I took my oldest when she was three. She had a blast!
The flight alone is killer! We are waiting so we can give the kids a once in a lifetime experience. There is A LOT to do for younger kids for sure, but if you’re only going to go once in your childhood, I hope you should remember it!
We are headed to Disney next month for our first trip and I’m so excited. My boys are 7 and 8 and we waited mostly because that’s just how things worked out. I would have loved to take them a couple years ago though.
I agree with you completely! When your kids are young they have an innocence and excitement about the world of fantasy and a trip to Disney is pure magic! and I love your pics so much!
I 100% agree with you. People said, “They won’t remember this” When we took our toddlers. They might not remember, but I will and It was MAGICAL!
I can’t wait to take our family to Disney! I remember going when I was little and it was a blast so I’m sure my kids will love it.
Disney is great for ALL AGES! Can’t wait to take my family back again!
Whoa! I didn’t know kids under 3 get into Disney for free. That is a really big draw! Especially since there are so many rides and attractions for them.
I totally agree! My son is 12 and still enjoys it, but it was a different experience when he was little! I’m glad I took him at age 4!
We went with 3 kids ages 6, 3, and under 1. We had so much fun and even the baby could go on a lot of things. A baby carrier and stroller made it easy.
I love this perspective. I don’t have kids but I have always said to myself “I’ll take my kids when they’re old enough to appreciate it” – now you have me thinking I just have to go LOTS of times as my kids grow up 🙂