PP> I have a newborn son, and cannot WAIT to take him to
PP> Disney(world/land). I remember being awed as a child to see all the
PP> wonderous things there. My question is what is the best age to first
PP> take a child? If they are too youn they maybe cannot enjoy it for
PP> the wonderful place it is--if they are too old, then maybe some of
PP> the 'magic' of it would be tarnished. I know it real depends on the
PP> child, but what would a good range be?
Well, certainly after the diaper/stroller era. My first visit to DL was
at age 4. My earliest memories are of walking down Main Street and
riding the Freight Train and mooing like cattle.
Of course, I'm a Disney fanatic. Most kids will probably appreciate--and
remember--more if you wait until they are a mature 8 or 10. Surveys show
that most kids under the age of 10 think the most memorable attraction
is their hotel swimming pool. Little folks tend to have small goals and
find satisfaction in small pleasures.
        >>
Most of all, have a clear and honest view of *why* you are going to
DL/WDW and *who* you are going for. I've seen too many guests at the
parks behaving like their purpose is to take pictures of their bored
baby in exotic places. Be honest with yourself--are you going to have a
great time with your kid(s) and maybe learn a little something? Or are
you going to gather a crop of photos or videos that will show what a
great time you could have had if you had come out from behind the
camera? Are you going so you can feel good about your parenthood because
you took your kids to Disney? I know these are harsh questions, but I
think they are the sort of questions one should ask oneself before
spending thousands of dollars and a week or more of your family's time.
Camera? Sure. Buy a throwaway and stop when it's full. Ask a cast member
or another guest with a camera to shoot your whole family--don't settle
for a family album where either mom or dad is missing from every shot.
The disposable cameras are easy for others to use, and it's no big deal
if it's dropped, lost, or soaked. Buy postcards if you want shots of
Park attractions--let the pros do it for you. Try to remember that
you're a guest having a great time, not a reporter on assignment.
By waiting until you can travel without stroller and diaper bag, and
leaving most of the camera equipment at home, you free yourself to spend
time with your kid(s), and not incidentally, you make it easier to keep
a close eye on them. Nothing can spoil a day at the park like getting
separated and throwing everyone into a hissy fit. And if you have a
rambunctuous little one who needs a leash at the mall, it's probably too
soon for the trip (but don't leave the leash behind--even if you think
they've outgrown it).
        >>
I hope I haven't scared you off from making a trip, but my point was to
make sure you make the trip at a time when your whole family will
be able to enjoy *and* remember it. Despite the cute TV ads that show a
toddler taking her first steps to hug Mickey Mouse, the parks are really
designed for a slightly older crowd. Remember that Walt got the idea
while sitting on a park bench watching his daughters ride the carousel.
If your kid isn't old enough to ride the wooden horsies alone, they
probably aren't old enough to get maximum advantage from the parks.
Just my opinion, your kids may vary.
()_()
 (_)  Bruce (no more strollers) Metcalf
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