When Should You Travel to Disney for the First Time?

I get asked that question on the playground all the time. Unfortunately in this article, there isn't a definitive answer. Some parents are ready to expose their babies to the World of Disney as soon as possible. Another comment I hear from parents is that "I'm going to wait until my children are older so they can appreciate Disney more". For what it's worth, here are my thoughts on the matter.

  "My child is too young to appreciate Disney" 

Often going to Disney isn't about the child (insert GASP), but about the parents.  That is okay!  While your child might not remember going on It's a Small World or know the difference between a sippy cup and Mickey Mouse...you will get to enjoy all those things.   Gummy little smiles at the parade with its colorful floats and songs.  Wobbly toddler legs, running over to greet Mickey Mouse for the first time.  Perhaps, running away in the opposite direction while screaming from Mickey Mouse.  Getting to purchase those exclusive Disney Park items made especially for babies. Disney is about making things easier for families.  Each park has a Baby Care Center with quiet spots for nursing, short naps and to stock up on baby necessities.

A surprising amount of rides are designed for the whole family in mind.  For example, Buzz Lightyear's Spin at Magic Kingdom is appropriate for all ages.  Put Junior next to you or on your lap and he may even get a higher score than you do!    Should you have an older child who meets a height requirement and a younger child that does not,  Disney has Ride Swap.  A family can wait in line with their child and one parent can ride with the older child.  After getting off the ride, the other parent who stayed behind can now ride with minimal to no wait.  Of course the parks are stroller friendly and rentals are available.

On the flip side, you do need to consider some things when traveling with younger children.  Bottles or nursing, baby food, diaper changing, pushing a stroller, planning a nap and the inevitable melt-down.  This blog will feature a lot of articles that help to deal with these challenges.  If you are ready to go to Disney, then your child is ready to go to Disney!

Devoted Travel Tip:  Children under 3 are FREE at the parks.  While you will have to pay airfare, there isn't an additional cost for them at Disney.  So fitting in that trip a week before their 3rd birthday is great timing.

"I can't afford to go to Disney every year, so when should we go?

 Not everyone has the luxury of going on vacation every year, or every 5 years.  Finances, school schedules and other obligations can get in the way of the Disney magic.  If that is the case, then plan your trip around the 4-9 age range.  While I hate to put an age limit, that is the time where your child will be able to enjoy almost all the rides and know all the Disney characters and films.  When you will be doing most things together as a family, instead of going your separate ways.  Also, at age 10 your "child" is considered an adult by Disney standards and priced accordingly.

 That being said, there is no reason why you can't go with teenagers.  Thrill rides galore to get the "bored" 13 year old out of their shell.  Riding Test Track until their braces come lose is every teens dream.   Disney's two waterparks or Downtown Disney's DisneyQuest are perfect spots to take the older children.  I don't care who you are, you still want to get your picture in front of Cinderella's Castle and seeing Mickey will stop you in your tracks.  Pixie Dust does not care how old you are! Disney can also be surprisingly affordable.

As a Travel Agent I know a lot of tricks to get the most for your money.  Traveling off-peak season saves significantly, and often your hotel cost is no different than the cost of the local Ramada Inn.  Disney also takes care of your transportation to and from the airport if you are a resort guest.  Once at the resort, no rental car required.  Depending on the resort; a bus, monorail or boat will take you to the parks with ease.  Purchasing a Disney Dining Plan allows you to pre-pay your meals for a savings.  While at Disney dining ala carte at one of the amazing quick service restaurants is not a hardship either.  While the cost of Park Tickets can be sticker shock, the longer your stay the more value you get from your tickets.  At 4 days your tickets are discounted as part of a room package.

 Disney loves to offer discounts to fill their resort rooms during the slow times. So if you are free to travel the first week in December, the deal may be there. Disney's discounts historically include Free Dining or Room Discounts. The room discounts range from 10-35% based on the resort category. The Free Dining will give you a Quick Service, Table Service and Snack per person, per night of stay. There are also discounts offered by different agencies. These are special that are exclusive to a Travel Agency that often room discounts or a perk of some kind. While there may be restrictions on the resorts or timing, a family can get a great deal that way.

Devoted Travel Tip: If you have booked your vacation and afterwards a special is offered by Disney, you or your travel agent can apply the discount in most cases. The great thing about a Travel Agent (like me for instance) is that we are notified of any deals and specials offered by Disney and can call and make the adjustments right then.

Maria is a mom to 2 boys, blogger and travel planner for Snapshot Getaways.  Her first trip to Disney was when she was 30 years old!  Be sure to follow her Mickey Mom page on Facebook.