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Mom With Kids After RunDisney; Mickey Fantasia Hat; Donald Duck Hat; Goofy Hat
  • On May 2, 2008
    Emily from TN Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    My family and I are planning a trip to DisneyWorld next year. My youngest son will be four. My daughter, now seven, went when she was five and she did great. Is four too young to visit?

    The answer to that completely depends on you and your child. I will say that every parent on this panel has brought children to Disney World as an infant, toddler, and/or preschooler. We have obviously lived to tell the tale and enjoyed it enough to keep going back multiple times. In fact, I think four is one of the best ages for a Disney trip, because the child still really believes in the magic, but is old enough to have his own preferences and personality and can verbally communicate with you. Of course, there may be particular children for whom four is a particularly challenging age, and who might be better served by waiting a bit. Only you can be the judge of what will work for your family.

    I do have two ideas about how to maximize your chances of a successful WDW trip with a four year old:

    1. Prepare your child for the trip. Watch the vacation planning videos together. Go to sit-down restaurants where there will be wait. Go for long walks in your neighborhood to get his legs stronger for waiting in lines. Go to a local fair or carnival to get your child used to multiple sources of stimulation. The less that's unfamiliar about your trip, the better off you'll be.

    2. Keep your own expectations in check. Don't expect that a four year old will be able to handle non-stop park touring from sun-up until midnight. Take a nap in the afternoon (all of you). Splash in the pool. Stop and feed the ducks. Take the time to let your four year old choose the pace and activities at least some of the time.

    If you focus on enjoying your family, as well as the attractions, you're going to have a great trip!
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Meet the Panelist: Erin, New York

I have three teenage daughters. We're DVC members obsessed with Disney travel. We've been to Walt Disney World countless times and have visited Disneyland & Disneyland Paris. We've taken several Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise trips. Learn More About Erin

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