Our family loves Disney! We took our first trip when my son was 2 years old and we've been back at least once a year since. When I tell people that we travel down to Disney World as often as we do, I get a mix of reactions. The ones I hear the most are either, "I'm waiting until my child is older" or "My child is too old for Disney". This always leaves me flabbergasted, because Disney is for everyone! With a few tips and the right travel agent, you can have a magical vacation at any age!
My family has been lucky to have a wonderful friend and travel agent, Amanda with Pixie Mouse Travel with Amanda. Many people don't know that hiring a Disney Travel Agent is actually FREE. A travel agent can help you choose the right hotel and often get you deals that you wouldn't be able to find otherwise. They can book your Fastpass+ reservations, make you dining reservations, and help you plan each day.
Do I have you convinced yet? Here are some tips to have a great trip at any age...
Infant (0-1)
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Yes, you read the correctly, even infants can have fun at Walt Disney World! The first time we ever took by daughter, she was 5-months-old and I tell everyone that it was our easiest trip ever. At this age, I suggest a stroller, a carrier, and a camera because you are going to get the cutest pictures ever! Book a character meal and let your little ones interact with some furry friends. At this age, they're often too young to be scared and they treat the characters like giant stuffed animals. Pack lots of snacks/ formula/ milk/ diapers too, because this age can also hang longer than you'd think. My daughter lasted 13 hours one day at the Magic Kingdom!
Another great fact: There are private Baby Care Centers in each park. These locations have private feeding and nursing areas, microwaves, changing tables, TV/playrooms, and air conditioning! It is a great break from the heat when Momma/Daddy and the littler ones need a break while big ones ride rides.
Toddler (2-4)
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This can be a tricky age with characters, because they're either scared or obsessed. My kids were obsessed with characters and we spent a chunk of each trip tracking down their favorites. At this age, book a character meal! It's the best way to see multiple characters and have lots of interaction time. The Magic Kingdom and Epcot are both great for characters. If you have a little one that loves princesses, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is a great option.
If your kiddos are not into characters, plan to spend extra time in Fantasy Land in the Magic Kingdom. Here's where you will find many great options for toddlers, including: Dumbo, It's a Small World, Mad Tea Party, and more! There's also a great splash pad area, so pack a change of clothes or a swimsuit!
Hollywood Studios also has an entire Disney Junior section of the park. You can go to Disney Junior Dance Party, visit your favorite Disney Junior Characters, or even book a Disney Junior-themed breakfast!
Little Kid (5-8)
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Does anyone else have kids that are obsessed with animals? Disney is a perfect vacation spot to let your little zoologists go wild. Animal Kingdom is home to an amazing array of animals from Africa and Asia, as well as an entire section devoted to dinosaurs! Kilimanjaro Safaris is always our first stop on any trip to Animal Kingdom (tip: Get in line for this one early! The line can get long and the animals are more active in the morning.). You can also see animals just by walking around the park. For an even more amazing animal-themed trip, book a room at Animal Kingdom Lodge and watch animals from your balcony or around the resort. This is our favorite hotel and we've already stayed there three times!
Epcot also has a huge aquarium in The Seas, with tons of great sea life for your future marine biologists! Take a ride on The Seas with Nemo & Friends for a fun ride through the aquarium with a touch of Pixar magic.
Kids aren't animal lovers? Don't worry! There's so much else to do in every other park! This is a great age to spend the day at Hollywood Studios! Toy Story Land is a delight, and this was the age my son was first able to get onto Slinky Dog Rollercoaster. Toy Story Mania is great at any age, and so is just walking around looking at the amazing decorations. Have a Star Wars fan? My son became obsessed with Star Wars around the age of six and was tall enough to ride every ride in Star Wars Land. The theming of this section of the park is amazing. I'm not a Star Wars fan, but even I walked around in awe at every detail.
Big Kid/ Teenagers (9+)
Here's where parents often start to question whether their child is too old for Disney World. Spoiler alert: They are not! Disney is perfect for older children and teenagers, with something to satisfy any interests.
For older children who like thrill-rides, there's Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, Splash Mountain and Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, Test Track at Epcot, and Slinky Dog at Hollywood Studios.
Thrill rides aren't your kid's thing? No problem! Your future traveler will love exploring the countries in Epcot's World Showcase. Your theater-lover can catch live shows throughout Hollywood Studios. Animal-lovers are never too old for Animal Kingdom. And, if all else fails, who doesn't love laying by one of the amazing pools at a Disney resort?
Adults (21+)
My husband and I are heading down to Disney World for our first adult-only trip later this summer and we couldn't be more excited! Disney is a great destination for the child at heart. The deluxe resorts have beautiful upscale theming that you can enjoy, and many also have a spa for an extra relaxing stay. Epcot's World Showcase is a great place to visit without kids, as you can walk around, enjoy a beverage, and spend extra time exploring each country. Each resort, park, and Disney Springs has a dining option for any foodie. And finally, you can ride any ride you want without having to worry about height restrictions!
Whatever your children's age, Disney World is the perfect vacation spot! And with the right travel agent, you can look forward to your trip without the hassle of having to plan every detail. Pixie Mouse Travel with Amanda made each of my family's trips amazing, and she can help you with your trip too! Why stress over finding the right hotel, fastpass+ reservation, or dining when you can have someone else do it for you for no extra cost?
If the relaxation of a cruise is more your style, or the adventure of the world is your next experience, Amanda takes care of all Disney Destinations including Disney Cruise, Adventures by Disney, and the World Collection of Disney Parks.
