The Perfect Age To Bring Your Children...

Gonna say it again - you can't be sure a 2-year-old won't remember Walt Disney World. Most might not remember anything, but a few kids will retain at least some memory of an experience that huge and amazing and wonderful. Seriously.

But even if they don't remember a thing, I think the pertinent questions are, will they enjoy the trip? Will they have fun? And will it be a cherished memory for YOU? If the answer is yes, go for it.

crazycatperson wrote:

Gonna say it again - you can't be sure a 2-year-old won't remember Walt Disney World. Most might not remember anything, but a few kids will retain at least some memory of an experience that huge and amazing and wonderful. Seriously.

But even if they don't remember a thing, I think the pertinent questions are, will they enjoy the trip? Will they have fun? And will it be a cherished memory for YOU? If the answer is yes, go for it.

100% agree!

I also don't think it's fair to categorize all children under a certain age into the category of "they'll be overtired, they'll be crabby, they'll be screaming and crying and ruining the experience for everyone else." Yes, I absolutely understand that this can be the case and I also understand that some kids will just have this experience and there is not much you can do about it, but I also think that parenting is a big part of it and knowing your child's limits. If you're willing to go into the experience with a laid back attitude and knowing you won't get nearly as much done as on an adult trip because you have to take it slow and take breaks for food, bathroom, and naps when necessary, then I think it can be an awesome experience!

...I have been an educator for over 35 years and when I see the young children being hauled around the park in a princess outfit with shoes that were pretty but not good for the park, or they are crying because they are overtired, not eating the right food, it's just too hot, etc, I don't feel sorry for the parent;I feel sorry for the child....

oldtink wrote:

...I have been an educator for over 35 years and when I see the young children being hauled around the park in a princess outfit with shoes that were pretty but not good for the park, or they are crying because they are overtired, not eating the right food, it's just too hot, etc, I don't feel sorry for the parent;I feel sorry for the child....

I would feel sorry for those kids, also. I'm sure no one intended to suggest that we approve of people dragging hot, cranky children of any age around the parks to fulfill Mom or Dad's idea of the perfect Disney vacation. The needs of the children must come first, and if that means you ride Dumbo and Small World and then have to take a break, so be it.

Allie wrote:

crazycatperson wrote:

Gonna say it again - you can't be sure a 2-year-old won't remember Walt Disney World. Most might not remember anything, but a few kids will retain at least some memory of an experience that huge and amazing and wonderful. Seriously.

But even if they don't remember a thing, I think the pertinent questions are, will they enjoy the trip? Will they have fun? And will it be a cherished memory for YOU? If the answer is yes, go for it.

100% agree!

I also don't think it's fair to categorize all children under a certain age into the category of "they'll be overtired, they'll be crabby, they'll be screaming and crying and ruining the experience for everyone else." Yes, I absolutely understand that this can be the case and I also understand that some kids will just have this experience and there is not much you can do about it, but I also think that parenting is a big part of it and knowing your child's limits. If you're willing to go into the experience with a laid back attitude and knowing you won't get nearly as much done as on an adult trip because you have to take it slow and take breaks for food, bathroom, and naps when necessary, then I think it can be an awesome experience!

I have written this response at least three times and deleted it because I was tying not to let it get snarky. If someone doesn't agree, it doesn't mean their wrong, hey just disagree. I have been an educator for over 35 years and when I see the young children being hauled around the park in a princess outfit with shoes that were pretty but not good for the park, or they are crying because they are overtired, not eating the right food, it's just too hot, etc, I don't feel sorry for the parent;I feel sorry for the child.

There is massive research about the memory and while some retain some pieces of memory from the age of two, unless it's traumatic, at best it's bits and pieces. If the parents want to spend all that money (and I worked in high poverty area schools where money was tight) for a tidbit of memory, that's their choice.We chose to take our sons to many places during summer and school breaks and we had a wonderful time, but I can still feel sorry for the child and the people around who have to watch those kids who aren't having a "magical day". So, on to another thread and the rest of my day.

We're taking our little one for the first time when she is 2-1/2 years. At that age it is probably more for us since she won't remember anything, but I am ecstatic to have the memories of seeing her in the park for the first time and getting pictures with some of the characters. We also know we will need to be much more laid back and let her schedule dictate what we get to do and see. Now we are planning on taking her back several times as she grows up, so if this were her once-in-a-lifetime trip I'd probably wait until she is a little older.

Allie wrote:

We're taking our little one for the first time when she is 2-1/2 years. At that age it is probably more for us since she won't remember anything, but I am ecstatic to have the memories of seeing her in the park for the first time and getting pictures with some of the characters. We also know we will need to be much more laid back and let her schedule dictate what we get to do and see. Now we are planning on taking her back several times as she grows up, so if this were her once-in-a-lifetime trip I'd probably wait until she is a little older.

Allie--
We are planning to take our DD a couple weeks after her 3rd Birthday this coming March. And we have a Mickey's House Money Jar that she puts in all the money that she finds or we give her (sometimes finds at bottom of mommy's purse). And just like you it is being able to see her experenice the magic that we all love. My DN and DN both went to DL before they turned 1 and my oldest DD went right around 1 and we have never regreated taking them at such a young age.