Too Young for Disneyland?

[DianeM]

I don't remember my first trip, but I do remember bits and pieces of early trips. I remember the anticipation as I stood by the height rods to determine if I was big enough to ride, and the celebration when I was. That had to be pretty early, since I was tall even as a child. I remember loving the Adventures Through Inner Space. I remember waiting in line a Loooooooooong time to ride the cars and to get onto the submarine. I remember Ice Cold grape joice in Fantasyland. It's all kind of merged together, though, so I can't sort out the early memories from the later ones.


I couldn't have said it better myself.

My first trip to Disneyland was in 1962. I was 3 years old and I remember LOTS! !

[lobotomomma]

MouseFaninQueue summed it up best by noting 7 pages (now 8!) were devoted to this thought-provoking subject. It is very much an individual decision and thanks for letting everyone voice their opinion on it! I think we can at least agree on that!! ;o)

[ToursbabeC3po]

The only time I have a problem with young children in the park is when I see New Borns there not because it bugs me I think they are very cute but it is dangerous to have them around that many germs that young in life. There immune systems are just not ready for that many germs.
They whole arguement about kids that can not ride certain rides does not make sense to me because there are several rides that I can not ride because of medical problems and I still have a blast. Child switches are great for parents with young children because they can take the child that is to small for one ride and take them to another ride they can enjoy until the rest of your party gets off then they parent that is waiting with the child that is too small can ride with out having to line up again. Soo with that said I think Disney has made it very easy for people of all ages to enjoy the park.
Jen

[JeffG]

The only time I have a problem with young children in the park is when I see New Borns there not because it bugs me I think they are very cute but it is dangerous to have them around that many germs that young in life. There immune systems are just not ready for that many germs.

That is largely a myth. In fact, most doctors will tell you that a newborn is likely exposed to more germs during those first few days in the hospital than they are likely to be at pretty much any public place.

-Jeff

[junglemom]

for those of you who think a child may be too young for Disneyland... :) He just turned 3 in that picture(gadgets go-coaster).

[WITron]

That is largely a myth. In fact, most doctors will tell you that a newborn is likely exposed to more germs during those first few days in the hospital than they are likely to be at pretty much any public place.

-Jeff
We asked our doctor before taking our daughter when she was 6 weeks old and she gave us her blessing.

[tmptink]

junglemom that is a great picture. I cant wait until my little one gets taller to go on more rides. Your child looks very happy.

[Crazy4DL]

for those of you who think a child may be too young for Disneyland... :) He just turned 3 in that picture(gadgets go-coaster).

Absolutely adorable! :)

[CandiBell]

I think a few people have mentioned this-

One factor in little ones at the park is if they have older siblings. Families travel together- it means sometimes that there is a little one along. Everyone can have fun. For those who have no connection to that little one, I think it's best to just lighten up (I mean this in the nicest way possible ;) ).

I have an 8 year old and a 3 year old. They both had a great time this last November when we were there. No melt downs, no stroller problems except the guy who tried to JUMP over the front of our stroller in an effort to cut through the crush of people leaving main street after the parade, not really our fault. Just lots of fun and time together as a family.

[DianeM]

I think the assumption is that the little one can be left at home with a family member. This can cause problems, though. We took my 6 yo nephew to DL last year, leaving his 2 yo brother behind. His brother was NOT happy, even though he has only been to DL once as a 6 month old baby, and he can't remember much. I'd like to take the now 7 yo back again, but I don't think we could without causing emotional scarring for his brother. We'll probably wait until the little one is a bit older and take them both. They are all going to Disney World this year anyway, so he'll get his Disney fix.


I think a few people have mentioned this-

One factor in little ones at the park is if they have older siblings. Families travel together- it means sometimes that there is a little one along. Everyone can have fun. For those who have no connection to that little one, I think it's best to just lighten up (I mean this in the nicest way possible ;) ).

[lobotomomma]

for those of you who think a child may be too young for Disneyland... :) He just turned 3 in that picture(gadgets go-coaster).
CUTEST ever picture of your son!!! I hope my 3 year old has as much fun!! I agree to CandiBells' comments, too. Yes, people need to lighten up--it's DL for Pete's sake! :o)
Tara "Lobotomomma"

[lobotomomma]

I think the assumption is that the little one can be left at home with a family member. This can cause problems, though. We took my 6 yo nephew to DL last year, leaving his 2 yo brother behind. His brother was NOT happy, even though he has only been to DL once as a 6 month old baby, and he can't remember much. I'd like to take the now 7 yo back again, but I don't think we could without causing emotional scarring for his brother. We'll probably wait until the little one is a bit older and take them both. They are all going to Disney World this year anyway, so he'll get his Disney fix.
DianeM-I totally agree with you! We contemplated leaving our 3 year old with her Nana and we quickly decided against it, knowing full well that the kid who would probably find DL the most magical is this one! It's true it is different for every family and you have to do what's best for you. If you can handle an infant or toddler at DL I say more power to you!!
Tara "Lobotomomma"

[junglemom]

The magic of watching 2 and 3 year olds meet their favorite characters, truly believing they are real is, is magical. I would never want to miss witnessing that.

[Osky]

Ella at 3 1/2

http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/35915240-M.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/20691023-M-1.jpg

Christopher at 2 1/2

http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/20830785-M.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/20980887-M-1.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/20982798-M-1.jpg
http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/21195459-M.jpg

[lobotomomma]

Cute kids,Grundler! Just reinforces what most of us have said about little kids at DL~just look at their faces! Wonderful!!

[Chadsgal]

My next trip will be spring of 2007 and I'll be brining my new baby who will be almost 1. I know he won't remember the trip but I am brining him for me! :D I want to take tons of pics and he'll be in his stroller and we'll hopefully have Grandma and Grandpa to do the kid switch with. I just could never imagine leaving my child at home while I am DL I would feel to guilty. LOL

[Osky]

Cute kids,Grundler! Just reinforces what most of us have said about little kids at DL~just look at their faces! Wonderful!!

Thanks. And, of course, my avatar is at DL as well.

[lobotomomma]

Thanks. And, of course, my avatar is at DL as well.
I thought so! The looks on your kids' faces are priceless!

[lobotomomma]

My next trip will be spring of 2007 and I'll be brining my new baby who will be almost 1. I know he won't remember the trip but I am brining him for me! :D I want to take tons of pics and he'll be in his stroller and we'll hopefully have Grandma and Grandpa to do the kid switch with. I just could never imagine leaving my child at home while I am DL I would feel to guilty. LOL
LOL about feeling guilty! I regretted immediately not bringing my 11 month-old son 8 years ago (the last time we were at DL!) and he's now almost 9 and going to DL for the first time next week! He is already consumed with what rides he is going on and I hope it's still a little "magical" for him! You just can't beat seeing an infant or toddler's face light up when they see "real" characters and the castle for the first time! I hope you have a great time!!

[sixwoofys]

it is dangerous to have them [newborns] around that many germs that young in life. There immune systems are just not ready for that many germs.


Our Doctor said that most hospitals probably have more germs than Disneyland! We still wait until the baby's are at least 30 days old though. Most times.

Also we nurse ALL our babies so their immune system is probably better than yours.

[MsYumiBr]

That is largely a myth. In fact, most doctors will tell you that a newborn is likely exposed to more germs during those first few days in the hospital than they are likely to be at pretty much any public place.

-Jeff

I refer you to my post #82. I would do anything to prevent having to deal with an infant that can't take fever reducers.

[ToursbabeC3po]

Well I guess it is a myth but I still don't think I would bring a newborn to Disneyland. But this is a personal choice becasue I do believe being around thousands of people in a single day would up the chances of them becoming ill. When I worked at the parks there were so many times I saw kids with Chicken pox in the parks and other things that could be dangerous for a newborn. Also it is very loud!!! Man if I was a newborn I would want to eat, sleep, and poop not go to Disneyland. I think it would be better to wait at least a month maaybe two.

I am not saying that parents that do take newborns to Disney are bad parents at all parents do what is best for THERE child. I just personally don't think it is right.

[lobotomomma]

I agree with you as that is also my personal opinion. Before I had kids I thought people were crazy to bring newborns to DL. They couldn't really do much except sit around with them all day since they couldn't go on many rides with them. NOW I figure if they are doing DL with family or not there to go on rides then whose business is it if they come with newborns? Me personally, I think it sounds like more work than fun. I would also be afraid of the loud noises and germs floating around. And the last time I was at DL with my-then 3 yr'old DD I saw moms going from character to character just to get shots of their newborns screaming hysterically with them. That I didn't get or enjoy seeing-- BUT it is a personal decision and I respect the difference of opinion.

[tgsapo]

Hi Gang!

Such an interesting, provocative thread! It's also very pertinent to me since my family (grandpa, husband, older son (9 y.o.), older son's friend (9 y.o.), and younger son (6 months) will be flying to Disneyland next month for my older son's birthday. I'd like to point out the reasons that we decided to take the entire family on a vacation...

1) Price--Alaska Airlines has the "Kids Fly Free" deal and DLR has the "Kids Play Free" deal, so our entire vacation (5 days, 4 nights, 3 days in DL) including airfare was about $1500.00. Has anyone pointed out that infants virtually travel free?

2) Experience--I am fairly certain that my family won't be returning to DL for a few years, and so I wanted to make this experience a special one... Since we are replacing any birthday parties and gifts with this vacation, I wanted my older son to really enjoy it (both by being 9 y.o. and experiencing it with a friend). Do I expect my younger son to remember anything? No. Am I taking him for his sake? No. I am taking him because we are a family, and, when we can, we do things as a family.

3) Memories--My husband has never been to DL, and I would like for him to visit once (so he can at least say that he's been there:) ). I want this vacation to be an extra-special memory for my older son and his friend... When he gets older I want to hear "Hey, Mom, remember that time we went to Disneyland?"

One of my requirements for visiting, however, was that we have a hotel room within walking distance so that if/when the kids get tired, we'll be able to have a quick rest and return to the park. Do I expect everything to go as smooth as butter? No. Will I attempt to be flexible and understanding? Absolutely! I'm fortunate that my youngest boy is such a good baby... He is quite portable and content. I am looking forward to seeing how he reacts to all of the bright colors and people! I have been to DL numerous times, and so going on rides is not as important to me; my objective is an enjoyable experience for everyone, especially my older son.

As for the discussion regarding strollers... Yes, I will be bringing one. Unless, of course someone is willing to carry my 20+ lb. squirmy baby and 5 lb. backpack for 12 hours??? (Though after reading some of these posts, I'll be especially careful not run over any heels!!):D

[adriennek]

But this is a personal choice becasue I do believe being around thousands of people in a single day would up the chances of them becoming ill. When I worked at the parks there were so many times I saw kids with Chicken pox in the parks and other things that could be dangerous for a newborn.

I know a doctor who would agree with you. But I have pointed out to her (as is my older sister duty,) that she's illogical, and here's why:

My eldest was 5-years-old and in Kindergarten when my youngest was born. In fact, the day he was born, my eldest came from the school directly to the hospital to meet the baby. And he brought with him every germ he was exposed to at school that day. M went back to kinder the next day. I didn't suddenly pull him out of school or lock myself and my newborn in a sealed off room until he was better. (And yes, my little sister says that newborns with siblings in school may as well be in school themselves for all they're exposed to. She puts babies in the "day care" category of children when they have siblings in elementary or preschool, even if their moms are stay-at-home-moms.)

Now, every kid is going to be different and some kids are probably more likely to catch everything than others. My nephew is a lot sicker than my boys have ever been. He's been hospitalized, has ear tubes, etc, etc and he was actually a lot more sheltered as a newborn than my sons were! I can count on one hand how many times my 7.5 year old has been sick enough to need antibiotics. Or his brothers.

If a 'newborn' has siblings or a parent in the workforce or friends and family who have come to visit, he/she is already being exposed to all sorts of germs. And by that theory, for the newborn to stay away from Disneyland, no other family members can go and just leave the baby at home.

M was 19-days-old when he went for the first time. S was 17-days-old. C was several weeks- it got harder when we had so many kids to drag to the park ;)

So I guess it's obvious what camp I'm in ;) We didn't take the newborns into attractions that were too loud. I wrapped up their little heads if I thought it was a problem. I changed them in Baby Care Center where the attendants spray and wipe the changing tables between babies. And I gave them lots of immunity in their breastmilk. They've turned out pretty fine and dandy so far. :D

Adrienne