You’ve probably heard it said that kids under the age of three are too young to bring to Walt Disney World. People will tell you that they won’t remember anything and it is just a waste of money and time.
First, let me say I firmly stand against this notion. I believe kids of any age can enjoy Walt Disney World. Whether they are one or 17. My now 4-year-old is able to recount events that happened when we took him to Walt Disney World at 2.5. Many of the events he still brings up almost two years later. There are definite pros and cons of bringing kids of any age to Walt Disney World, but don’t let what other people tell you hold you back from taking a wonderful trip. If you are wondering if it is worth it, it is!
Aside from creating wonderful memories with your family, there are lots of perks of taking your young children to Walt Disney World, especially those under the age of three.
1. Free to Enter the Parks
Children under the age of three are able to enter the parks free of charge. They do not need a ticket for any of the four Walt Disney World parks. Considering the ever-increasing price of Walt Disney World tickets, this is a huge money saver. Especially if you have multiple children under the age of three!
2. Free at Buffets
Children under the age of three are also free at buffet meals. Many of the character dinning experiences at Walt Disney World involve a buffet meal. Children under the age of three are also free at these meals!
I am the mom of two boys. Two boys who are notorious for being able to eat more than myself and my husband, sometimes combined! I always feel like I won the jackpot when the server at the character buffets tells me my young child is able to eat for free. I also always feel like they are going to come up after the meal and ask me to pay the full adult price for my baby’s meal once they see how much he eats.
If you are doing a sit down restaurant or a quick service meal, these are all a la carte. Your baby or little one can always eat off of your plate, but if you decide to order a meal for them, or even a side, you will have to pay for it. I’ve tried the method of feeding my babies from my meal. I usually end up hungry!
3. Rides
There are plenty of rides and shows at Walt Disney World that have no height requirements. Along with you, your little one can enjoy a fun ride and not have to worry about not being tall enough. This allows you to enjoy a great first ride experience. My personal favorite first ride is Dumbo. Something about this classic ride that makes it so special. Another fan favorite for a first time ride is ‘It’s a Small World.” Can’t seem to go wrong with that ride for the kiddos!
4. Character Meet-and-Greets
Giant Mickey and Minnie Mouse anyone? At such a little age, your little one is able to meet the coolest characters around. Regardless of their reaction, you know you’re going to get a priceless moment, whether it be crying or lots of smiles. With a little prep work, hopefully your little one has a wonderful first experience.
5. Timeless Pictures
You might feel like a paparazzi, or mommarazzi, as you follow your kiddo through the parks snapping shot after shot of your little one in the most Magical Place on Earth. Trust me, you’ll never be able to take enough pictures of your days. I probably come home from each trip with about 500-600 pictures and that’s once I narrow it down to my favorites!
Looking back I often think about all the in between moments that I might have missed. It just solidifies in my mind, you can NEVER have enough pictures from Walt Disney World. Plus, you can never have enough pictures of your little one. So, it’s basically a win-win situation, lots of little one pictures and lots of Walt Disney World pictures is always a good thing!
6. Flying
If you opt to fly to Walt Disney World and your little one is under the age of two, you won’t have to pay for a seat for him or her. He or she will have to sit on your lap, but let’s face it, even if he or she has his or her own seat, odds are he or she will be in your lap the whole time. Fly young and save yourself the cost of an extra seat!
There ya go! Having your little ones come to Walt Disney World with you is sure to present you with tons of great memories. If you’re still on the fence, know that there is a lot to juggle with little ones and travel, but you’re going to make great memories. That alone is worth it!
