Walt Disney once said, “It all started with a mouse,” but when it comes to planning your trip to a Disney park, it all starts with a question: When do I go?
Planning a trip to a Disney park is more like an endless stream of questions than a seamless, magical process. This series of posts aims to answer some of those questions and help you have the best Disney trip possible.
My first recommendation is to find a Disney Travel Consultant. They will help take care of these questions and be a resource before and during your trip. I’ve partnered with Disney Travel Consultants and park experts Kim Goldstein and Anna Swenson to give you the best advice possible when it comes to the “when” of your Disney trip.
The big question can be separated into two categories: what age do I take my kids and what time of year should we go?”
In regard to the first, I don’t believe there is a magical age that will make or break a trip. My parents’ first took me to Disney World when I was one-year-old. While I don’t remember my first two trips, my parents do and have always treasured the memories of their children experiencing “real” magic.
“Each stage and age of life comes with different interests, likes and attractions/events they can do, enjoy and ride,” says Anna Swenson. “Each stage creates precious memories that last a lifetime and can only be created once.”
Kim Goldstein, says that she’s taken her kids at various ages and each time it’s been a different experience. However, she does say that “if you’re only going to take one trip, then I recommend waiting until five years old.”
Once the time of life has been decided, the question of when turns into, “what time of year?”
I love the parks when they’re decorated for Christmas and Halloween, but if you’re looking to avoid crowds, September or January are the times to go. As a Cast Member, the least crowded week was the one following Labor Day. Once it was Tuesday, crowds dropped dramatically. Most parents don’t want to take their kids out of school during the first few weeks, but if they’re very young, it won’t make too much of a difference.
“As a rule of thumb, basically anytime school is in session, that is the best time to go to Disney,” says Anna. “This is both for lower pricing, lower crowds and typically discounts are offered as well. As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, one of the benefits to using me is helping my clients choose the best dates and park days to go that works for their schedule and by using crowd projections that I have access to.”
None of these tips are hard-set rules. Every family is different and has different needs. It’s possible to have a magical trip no matter what time of year or age you go. What will make the difference is a positive attitude and a lot of thought put into trip planning. Stay tuned to to find out how you can make your Disney Trip magical at any age.
Anna Swenson
Independent Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Destinations, All-Inclusive Resorts & Cruises
Journeys Inc.
anna@journeystravelinc.com
(803) 487-2234
Kim Goldstein
Travel Consultant Specializing in Disney Destinations, Sandals & Beaches
804-592-0188
kim@journeystravelinc.com
Annie Proctor 
Great and informative post!
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