Child care costs being what they are it would be more economical to take your child to a Disney theme park for the day ($100-$150/day) than to pay for (10-$20/hr) for a caregiver.
I grew up in Arizona, and didn’t get to DL until Grad Night. My mother hated theme parks (ok, she didn’t like fun at all), so even though we went to the LA area regularly to visit thier friends, we never got to go to DL. When my kids were little (4 and 7), we went for our first long weekend. There was no DCA then, and money was tight. We finally got more financially comfortable and began visiting once a year. My husband lost interest, so I took the kids. We got our first APs when they were about 9 and 12, and had them until 2016. I now have one, which I’ll activate this fall. I love the park as an adult. I get to look at all the amazing details most people miss, talk to CMs and just revel in the thought that Walt built this place.
I don’t like the thought of minimum ages, but wish people wouldn’t bring infants. It’s terribly stressful for them. And I hate strollers. But it’s a choice that no one else but the parents get to make. Enjoy the parks.
I was about 8 the first time I went to Disney, because my aunt was wealthy and could afford to bring my brother and I (and she’s still a big Disney fan). I wasn’t able to go back until I was in my 30s (on New Years!) And again 2 years later for a week, and I feel both age experiences were life changing.
I was 7 my first time in Disneyland, remember most of it. Pretty overwhelming. If you can afford to go more than once, do it no matter the age. If people can’t handle fussy kids in an amusement park which is designed to entertain KIDS and their families, then you are in the wrong place, not the kids.
We took my daughter for the first time when she was three (She even has mild autism which was not known at the time). She has gone ever year at least once, she is now 26. She remembers many things that happened on her first trip and each trip after. She talks about it all the time (you don’t want to get her started talking about Disney LOL). We would take the parks at her pace and if she got tired or over stimulated we would go back to the hotel for a few hours. I never regret taking her when she was small. Disney has become a HUGE part of her life. She is even working on her degree in software programming in hopes of working for Disney one day. I personally love seeing the little ones there and watching their reactions when they experience the Disney Magic.
We used to live in California so we went many times because DL was on the way to my grandparents house, or dad would get special tickets from work because they had a Disney night at the park. I was 2 when I first got to go to DL, all I really remember is riding around in the stroller in those days, I even have a picture of me in front of the Rivers of America which I actually remember mom or dad taking. I was 24 when we first went to to WDW for the 15th ann. of the park. So a person can say that we all grew up with the parks.
If Disney is for adults, and those adults love bringing their kids, OR if it’s for kids and adults both, is literally irrelevant. If not having children around you is a prerequisite for having fun…go to a bar. Did my kids have meltdowns at Disneyland? Yes, especially when it was time to leave. Usually, they fell asleep at nap time in their strollers and just loved the days we spent in Disney parks. The idea that it’s pointless to take children until they’re old enough to remember the vacation is bizarre. Why play peek-a-boo? Why take them for walks? The general sense of joy and happiness in early childhood is proven to be very beneficial to mental health. If taking children to Disney parks contributes to that sense, it’s a good thing! The problems facing the parks today have to do with massive overcrowding, not what age the guests are.
The first time I went to Disneyland ( CA) I was 8yrs old. Went for my 8th bday. I had the best time of my life! 2nd time I went was in FL. Disney World, I was 34. Had a very nice time, but not as much fun as when I was 8yrs old. I am planing a trip to CA and plan on revisiting Disneyland. I’m now 66, and I know I will have the time of my life!!! Can’t wait to see, hear, taste & enjoy my childhood memories & make new memories. Thank you Walt Disney for all my past & future enjoyment. And also for all the movies & TV shows through the years.
We moved to south Florida as a kid ( military), parents took us when DW opened. What a treat because we didn’t have a lot of money, but Mom saved every penny to go. It was fantastic! Over the years we went as each new park opened. I took my kids when they were young & again when they were teens. Now I’m in my 60s and I want to take my boyfriend who has never been to a theme park. I think we’ll have a blast!
Do what makes you happy…life is short so make it sweet.
I’ve been asked numerous times about a minimum age for taking a child to Disney. I always recommended not to take a child under the age of 5 because they most likely won’t remember the trip and it creates a lot for the parents. However, I’ve changed my stance on that recently when I realized that a Disney vacation is not just for the kid, but the adult as well. It’s not my child to take care of. If a parent wants that task, who am I to interfere? Plus, they are doing a vaca as a family.
I was at the grand opening of Disneyland in 1955 and because I was only 3, all I remember was how hot it was and getting on the Casey Jones rail way and the Dumbo ride. Went every year after that until covid, now the reservation thing is too much of a hassle, so I guess I’m done.
Comments for Age Minimum Need Confirmed by Disney Guests
Gary
Walt said a long time ago be you young or old you are welcome & Disney better not change that!!
HS
Please please please, just let people live their lives without judgement. Unless something is physically harming you, just live and let live.
.Really.
Child care costs being what they are it would be more economical to take your child to a Disney theme park for the day ($100-$150/day) than to pay for (10-$20/hr) for a caregiver.
JoeBryant
And double that if you have twins, I had to quit my job to take care of my kids while my wife goes to work. (She makes significantly more than I did).
Teddy Gingerich
I grew up in Arizona, and didn’t get to DL until Grad Night. My mother hated theme parks (ok, she didn’t like fun at all), so even though we went to the LA area regularly to visit thier friends, we never got to go to DL. When my kids were little (4 and 7), we went for our first long weekend. There was no DCA then, and money was tight. We finally got more financially comfortable and began visiting once a year. My husband lost interest, so I took the kids. We got our first APs when they were about 9 and 12, and had them until 2016. I now have one, which I’ll activate this fall. I love the park as an adult. I get to look at all the amazing details most people miss, talk to CMs and just revel in the thought that Walt built this place.
I don’t like the thought of minimum ages, but wish people wouldn’t bring infants. It’s terribly stressful for them. And I hate strollers. But it’s a choice that no one else but the parents get to make. Enjoy the parks.
Aubrie
I was about 8 the first time I went to Disney, because my aunt was wealthy and could afford to bring my brother and I (and she’s still a big Disney fan). I wasn’t able to go back until I was in my 30s (on New Years!) And again 2 years later for a week, and I feel both age experiences were life changing.
J
I was 7 my first time in Disneyland, remember most of it. Pretty overwhelming. If you can afford to go more than once, do it no matter the age. If people can’t handle fussy kids in an amusement park which is designed to entertain KIDS and their families, then you are in the wrong place, not the kids.
Glenda
We took my daughter for the first time when she was three (She even has mild autism which was not known at the time). She has gone ever year at least once, she is now 26. She remembers many things that happened on her first trip and each trip after. She talks about it all the time (you don’t want to get her started talking about Disney LOL). We would take the parks at her pace and if she got tired or over stimulated we would go back to the hotel for a few hours. I never regret taking her when she was small. Disney has become a HUGE part of her life. She is even working on her degree in software programming in hopes of working for Disney one day. I personally love seeing the little ones there and watching their reactions when they experience the Disney Magic.
Abby
We used to live in California so we went many times because DL was on the way to my grandparents house, or dad would get special tickets from work because they had a Disney night at the park. I was 2 when I first got to go to DL, all I really remember is riding around in the stroller in those days, I even have a picture of me in front of the Rivers of America which I actually remember mom or dad taking. I was 24 when we first went to to WDW for the 15th ann. of the park. So a person can say that we all grew up with the parks.
Eva
If Disney is for adults, and those adults love bringing their kids, OR if it’s for kids and adults both, is literally irrelevant. If not having children around you is a prerequisite for having fun…go to a bar. Did my kids have meltdowns at Disneyland? Yes, especially when it was time to leave. Usually, they fell asleep at nap time in their strollers and just loved the days we spent in Disney parks. The idea that it’s pointless to take children until they’re old enough to remember the vacation is bizarre. Why play peek-a-boo? Why take them for walks? The general sense of joy and happiness in early childhood is proven to be very beneficial to mental health. If taking children to Disney parks contributes to that sense, it’s a good thing! The problems facing the parks today have to do with massive overcrowding, not what age the guests are.
Frances Garza
The first time I went to Disneyland ( CA) I was 8yrs old. Went for my 8th bday. I had the best time of my life! 2nd time I went was in FL. Disney World, I was 34. Had a very nice time, but not as much fun as when I was 8yrs old. I am planing a trip to CA and plan on revisiting Disneyland. I’m now 66, and I know I will have the time of my life!!! Can’t wait to see, hear, taste & enjoy my childhood memories & make new memories. Thank you Walt Disney for all my past & future enjoyment. And also for all the movies & TV shows through the years.
M
We moved to south Florida as a kid ( military), parents took us when DW opened. What a treat because we didn’t have a lot of money, but Mom saved every penny to go. It was fantastic! Over the years we went as each new park opened. I took my kids when they were young & again when they were teens. Now I’m in my 60s and I want to take my boyfriend who has never been to a theme park. I think we’ll have a blast!
Do what makes you happy…life is short so make it sweet.
MickeyMouse3
I’ve been asked numerous times about a minimum age for taking a child to Disney. I always recommended not to take a child under the age of 5 because they most likely won’t remember the trip and it creates a lot for the parents. However, I’ve changed my stance on that recently when I realized that a Disney vacation is not just for the kid, but the adult as well. It’s not my child to take care of. If a parent wants that task, who am I to interfere? Plus, they are doing a vaca as a family.
LinnyB
I was at the grand opening of Disneyland in 1955 and because I was only 3, all I remember was how hot it was and getting on the Casey Jones rail way and the Dumbo ride. Went every year after that until covid, now the reservation thing is too much of a hassle, so I guess I’m done.
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