what age would you take your great grandchildren to Disney World?

[Bete]

Some background: We are the great grandparents. We want to take our twin great grandsons to Disney World before we can't do it. My husband just turned 81 and we went for it this year and with scooters it was an okay trip with an additional friend along, no kids. It was an adult only trip this past December. I'm a seasoned veteran of Disney World; so, I'm not concerned about the ins and outs of the trip.

I was able to schedule FP+ and optimize each morning in the park perfectly in our December trip. We did early entry every chance we could do it. We saw all the biggies across 6 days. We were even able to get a fourth fastpass on certain days and did stand by during the early morning entry hour.

I doubt I will be able to get our great grandchildren or their parents to get up early enough to do the same results. We'll be lucky to get to the parks by 10 am.

Anyway, we are only going to do this once in our life. Our great grandkids will be 5 years old next December. We want to do a trip right after Thanksgiving whatever year we do it. I think we will do 6 days in the parks concentrating on Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom with 2 days each in those parks and 1 day each in Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I'm not at all concerned about going when we can see all the new attractions coming, either.

When would you go? 2018? 2019? 2020? or 2021?

 

[wgeo]

Some background: We are the great grandparents. We want to take our twin great grandsons to Disney World before we can't do it. My husband just turned 81 and we went for it this year and with scooters it was an okay trip with an additional friend along, no kids. It was an adult only trip this past December. I'm a seasoned veteran of Disney World; so, I'm not concerned about the ins and outs of the trip.

I was able to schedule FP+ and optimize each morning in the park perfectly in our December trip. We did early entry every chance we could do it. We saw all the biggies across 6 days. We were even able to get a fourth fastpass on certain days and did stand by during the early morning entry hour.

I doubt I will be able to get our great grandchildren or their parents to get up early enough to do the same results. We'll be lucky to get to the parks by 10 am.

Anyway, we are only going to do this once in our life. Our great grandkids will be 5 years old next December. We want to do a trip right after Thanksgiving whatever year we do it. I think we will do 6 days in the parks concentrating on Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom with 2 days each in those parks and 1 day each in Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I'm not at all concerned about going when we can see all the new attractions coming, either.

When would you go? 2018? 2019? 2020? or 2021?

Well honestly, given the uncertainties that come along with aging - I would go next year. Are the parents going with too? 5 is a wonderful age and there are lots of things they would have a great time doing. I'm not sure about everything that is opening up with Toy Story land in HS but I bet it would be perfect for 5 year old boys.

 

[scrapquitler]

Some background: We are the great grandparents. We want to take our twin great grandsons to Disney World before we can't do it. My husband just turned 81 and we went for it this year and with scooters it was an okay trip with an additional friend along, no kids. It was an adult only trip this past December. I'm a seasoned veteran of Disney World; so, I'm not concerned about the ins and outs of the trip.

I was able to schedule FP+ and optimize each morning in the park perfectly in our December trip. We did early entry every chance we could do it. We saw all the biggies across 6 days. We were even able to get a fourth fastpass on certain days and did stand by during the early morning entry hour.

I doubt I will be able to get our great grandchildren or their parents to get up early enough to do the same results. We'll be lucky to get to the parks by 10 am.

Anyway, we are only going to do this once in our life. Our great grandkids will be 5 years old next December. We want to do a trip right after Thanksgiving whatever year we do it. I think we will do 6 days in the parks concentrating on Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom with 2 days each in those parks and 1 day each in Hollywood Studios and Epcot. I'm not at all concerned about going when we can see all the new attractions coming, either.

When would you go? 2018? 2019? 2020? or 2021?

Not to be crass, but your husband is 81. I'd take the great grandchildren ASAP because you never know how long your husband (and your) health and mobility will remain as good as it is now. Sieze the moment, there's no guarantee what tomorrow will look like.

 

[Bete]

I'm leaning towards next year myself. I hear you about my husband's age.

We would get there a little sooner and rest up some before the great grandkids would get there with their parents. I think we will have grandma come, too if she wants to go.

 

[Micca]

No time like the present! Hard to say if the kids will remember it, but you & your DH will. And who knows, you might get to take them again a year or two later!

 

[MolonLabe]

Anyway, we are only going to do this once in our life.

That's why I picked 7, they may remember a little more.

I think the first time we took our girls, at 4 1/2 and 6 1/2, was perfect. Princesses were still real, it was awesome. Other than pictures they remember virtually nothing, especially the younger one, at 11 and 13 now. It's not about that though, for me anyway. It's about the joy and wonder they experienced at the time and how much I enjoyed sharing it with them.

maybe I should change my 7 vote to 5, go earlier. I didn't think we've be back for years but we have done Disney 1-4 times a year since. You only live once!

 

[westie55]

No time like the present. While some 80+ year olds can be very vibrant, active, and healthy, others are not. Even a year can make a big difference in an older person's health and mobility. My family went to Disney last December and again this November. My grandmother's condition deteriorated quite a bit in those 11 months. You just never know.

 

[arminnie]

I say ASAP because of my own personal history. I am 71 - less than a year ago I could easily walk 4 miles and climb 3-4 flights of stairs. Today I can barely stand up to take a shower. I cannot walk more than a short distance - and that's with a rollator. I did not have an injury, I have no orthopedic issues, but a major nerve just died for some unknown reason.

For years I always parked far away and never minded walking. I always said "I'm just glad I can walk." Glad I took that attitude and did so much in the past. I am just thankful that I have no pain and that ALS and MS have been ruled out.

I took my niece at 8. It was perfect as she wanted to stay near me so there was no issue about her wandering off. But she also had to fly alone across the country to meet me there. Five would have been too young to fly alone for that long of a trip. But I think you greats will have a ball at 5.

 

[tink89]

If it were based on only the kids age and when they would remember most it I would say 7 or 8. DD has gone at 3, 5, 8, and will be going again in one week at and will be 10 in Jan. She does not remember the first two trips obviously i do and the first trip was very memorable and special but she does not remember.

But given your ages I would say as soon as you can. Are their parents coming along also?

 

[Bete]

Parents and grandma will be present besides us.

I don't see my hubby, great grandpa, spending more than a 6 hour day in the parks and that's with a scooter. If we can go early to the parks and he can get in an afternoon nap then maybe a few nights he could go to the parks for a few hours for fireworks. That will be a wait and see situation. We did it this year as three adults and this plan worked.

Also, it will depend on the willingness of the great grandkids to take a nap whether we will be in the parks in the evening at all.

We will not approach this trip as a must see everything trip.

 

[kreckl]

We took our son for the first time when he was five- it was a perfect first trip. You already know the parks and how to get around and manage the whole thing, and you know to pace and enjoy and to not try to do everything. Have a great time!

 

[QueenIsabella]

I would go sooner rather than later, due to your ages, rather than the kids'. If your luck and health hold out, perhaps you could go with them again when they're older--that would be fabulous. My MIL used to take us every year when my kids were little, but once she got close to 80, that was no longer an option for her. So from my perspective, you're already living on borrowed time. I would go next year, and not worry about what's not finished, what they'll remember, or which rides they might miss--just enjoy your time with your great-grands. And hope that you can go back with them in a couple years and make more memories.

 

[jo-jo]

I would go sooner than later.

You mentioned you'd do early morning and the family probably wouldn't get there before 10 I'd get there a little early, get a coffee, relax and people while waiting for the rest of the family to show up. Be waiting at the first FP ride for them. Since the whole family is there, I'd do morning and evening with the family. Rest when YOU need.

I don't know if you'd be staying at the same resorts or what transportation you'd use.

 

[CrazyHare]

Honestly, if I were to go on this trip, I would do my best to do what you (the great grandparents) would need to do. Especially if this is the only trip you think you will be able to do together.

We are earlier risers so, maybe they will surprise you and do rope drop with you.

We took our daughter this year, for the first time, she was almost 5. We had a great time. Even is she doesn’t remember it all. We have tons of photos. And I came home and put them in photo albums for her to look at. So she will remember a few things as she ages.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I vote 5! It's what I consider the magic age to go - young enough to still believe in everything and big enough for some of the coolest rides. I know people will say they won't remember it all, but they have many more years to go many more times. This trip is about your memories of seeing their enjoyment. Go for it!!

 

[MinnieGi]

5 is a fantastic age to go to WDW!! The will have memories from the trip especially with pictures being taken!! I have memories from my first trip to WDW with my grandparents and I'm well into my 40's. What precious memories and photos they will be with their Great-grandparents, Grandma, and parents also!! Wow!! The timeframe after Thanksgiving sounds wonderful too - nice weather and not packed in the parks. Happy Planning!!

 

[Crystal824]

I usually tell people if it is a one and one trip, I would wait until age 7. Given your situation, I would take them next year. 5 is a great age too. We are DVC owners and go almost every year. My oldest is 7, but 5 was a great age too.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I am w the go now group. Tomorrow is a gift we may never receive. Heck even w December, that is an entire year away. You don't what shape you will be in, never mind in 2 or 3 years. Go now while you can

 

[Pooh2]

Go now!!

 

[NotUrsula]

Better to do it while they are still not in grade school, because then you can go at a less busy season when the crowds are more manageable and the lines are shorter.