06/18/2025
"We'll take the kids when they are older. They won't even remember the trip if we take them now."
This is something I hear SO often. And while a Disney vacation is anything but cheap...and I do understand wanting to maximize the 'bang for your buck' mentality...please know that taking your young tots on a vacation, particularly a magical one like Disney...is SO worth it. Why, do you ask?
Kids under 3 are free! Yep, that's right! Kids under age 3 are totally admitted FREE into Disney's theme parks and water parks. If a grown up has a Lightning Lane, they enter it too. For FREE. If a grown up books a character meal, they eat FREE. Huge savings there. As long as your tot is under 3 at check in, they are free for the duration of your trip. What a fun 3rd birthday idea!
No, they won't remember, but you WILL remember. You'll remember the giant smile on their face when they see Mickey in real life. The wide eyes as they enjoy the attractions, fireworks and pixie dust. The photo op with them demolishing their ice cream in front of the castle. As much as we'd like to encourage our older 'cooler' kids to immerse themselves in the magic, toddlers are just easier to impress at Disney! Their childhood is also your parenthood.
YES your toddler CAN ride the rides! Most attractions at Disney have NO height requirement, which means even babies and get in on the action safely. They simply accompany a grown up rider on a lap or in a seat, depending on the ride. They won't be able to ride Space Mountain in the dark, but they'll have a BLAST on nearly everything else! My daughter's first ride at Disney was Under the Sea with Little Mermaid at 16 months and I will never forget the look on her face. There are 51 rides at Disney World across all 4 theme parks, and 29 of them have NO height requirement. This isn't even counting shows which little tend to LOVE. They also welcome guests of all heights. If other members of your party want more thrills, Disney has a great Rider Switch service that limits waiting while one grown up watches the little(s).
There are so many 'firsts' to be had here too. First theme park ride/coaster, first big vacation... you can even get your kiddo's first hair cut right on Main Street! Pictures and videos will capture the magic for years to come.
TAKE EM! You won't regret it.
