Every time I’ve discussed taking toddlers and preschoolers to Disneyland I’ve always been met with the same type of response. The concern with taking little kids to Disney Parks is that you’ll spend all that time, money, and effort to create a magical experience they won’t even remember. To make things worse, young kids have higher needs while travelling. I’m here to tell you why you should take your little kids to Disneyland (well any Disney park).
“I’m not sure I want to take my kids when they’re not even going to remember.”
As I am writing this we are 30 days away from our own trip to Disneyland, this time with 3 (they will turn 4 during out visit) year old twins. Four years ago I brought my then two year old daughter to Walt Disney World, so I already have some experience travelling with small kids. (Not to mention I did 15 hour plane rides to Australia with a 4 and 2 year old…)
Why you should take your little kids to Disneyland:
The argument that they won’t remember might be true but the truth is that you will remember everything about the trip. You’ll have photos and family memories, bonding time, and experiences together. Even if they don’t remember everything what happens to young child shapes them and this trip will be part of their childhood regardless.
The other thing about small kids is they still have their sense of magic. Watching a bright eyed toddler soak up the parks is a lot more rewarding than a moody pre-teen. Preschoolers still believe the characters are all real! When I had a 2 year old in Walt Disney World I couldn’t get over how she was the most fun to have around.
Oh yeah, and they ride in the stroller.
Should you take toddlers and preschoolers to Disneyland or wait?
Take your kid to Disney!
- If you are able to go back again when the kid is older and can remember.
- If you want to spend some quality time with your toddler or have older children who are the perfect Disney age.
- You are just as excited as your small children to go to Disneyland!
- When you are looking for a more laid back vacation where you’re willing to accommodate the needs of a young child.
- They are particularly obsessed with certain Disney characters.
- You want to go on the young-kid friendly rides together that older kids may not enjoy.
You might want to wait until they’re older…
- If your child is very high needs, special needs, or requires something that you think would be impossible to accommodate at this age but would be better managed as they got older.
- This is the one and only Disney trip you can do during their childhood and want to make sure everyone remembers it.
- If you want to make it a short trip, do everything, or have highly scheduled days in the Disney parks
- Your toddler doesn’t have any interest in Disney characters or rides.
Given the choice I would elect to do two trips every time, once with your young child and once again when they’re older. Travelling with ages 2-5 is a different kind of trip that 6-9 or 10+ and it’s important to realise that. Waiting might be the right or only option for some families and that’s OK! But if you can take your littles to Disneyland, do it.