What Is The Best Age To Take Your Kids To Walt Disney World?

What is the best age to take your kids to Walt Disney World? As a Disney travel planner, this is a question I get often. There’s no single “best” age to take your kids to Walt Disney World, it depends on your family’s interests and what you want out of the trip. The first time my husband and I took our two girls to Disney World they were 3 years old and not quite one yet. They have traveled at every age since, and are now in their tween and teen years. Each stage carries its own magic and challenges. Below are what you can expect and plan for at each age.

Under 5 years old

Younger children can have a wonderful time, especially with character meet-and-greets and attractions designed for little ones, such as The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Disney Junior Play and Dance and Under the Sea, Journey of the Little Mermaid. There will be plenty of rides available for them to enjoy, but they may not reach the height requirement for all of them. Children this age may need more breaks and naps, so planning ahead for this is a good idea. Children ages 3 to 12 are able to book makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The magic is very much alive during the preschool age. Watching the wonder of children at this age is something very special. Consider a character meal such as Crystal Palace , Cinderella's Royal Table or Hollywood and Vine so favorite characters will come to you while you eat. Do plan on bringing or renting a stroller. While lugging a stroller on transportation isn't the funniest thing to do, you can bring them on the busses, skyliner, monorail and ferries. You will also have space to hold gear like, drinks, snacks and diapers. Disney World has complimentary Baby Care Centers at each park for families with infants and toddlers.

5 to 10 years old

Many families find that ages 5 to 10 are ideal. At this age, children are tall enough for most rides, have the stamina for long days, and are still young enough to experience the magic and wonder of meeting characters and character dining experiences such as Story Book Dinning at Artist Point . Don't underestimate the continued need for breaks and a stroller even for some older children. In addition to more adventurous ride opportunities, such as Avatar Flight of Passage or Space Mountain children at this age may enjoy some cultural experiences such as Kidcot. Children at this age are also old enough to enjoy experiences such as Droid Depot or Savi's Workshop.

Tween and Teens

Some families think tweens and teens are too old for Disney World and this is a HUGE misconception. Older kids and teens can enjoy all that Disney has to offer without limitations. Many do enjoy thrill rides such as Expedition Everest, Tron or Guardians of the Galaxy, but this is also a time when they really start to appreciate Epcot's World Showcase and festivals such as Food and Wine. We went to Food and Wine when the kids were 10 and 12. They got a passport with food offerings and planned out the food they wanted to sample from each country and lead the way. They were so excited to explore different foods as we traveled the world checking off their passport. At this age they are more independent and able to stay up later enjoying evening events such as extended evening hours and parties like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party or Hollywood Studios After Hours. Tweens and Teens are also old enough to be independent at offerings like Colors of Coronado Painting Experience. They will also sit longer for meals so you can get more out of experiences like Space 220. Older teens can enjoy Disney's Key's to the Kingdom Tour. Another huge plus is at this point you can ditch the stroller and extra gear. They can carry their own bag if they want to bring anything and you can travel a little lighter.

Ultimately, the best age is when your family is ready to enjoy the experience together. If you’d like personalized recommendations based on your children’s ages and interests, I’m happy to help you plan the perfect Disney vacation! I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and I would love to help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and budget! My planning services are free and I price monitor saving you time and money! Request a no obligation quote here.

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