that each child gets to go by themselves to
Disneyland with me on their 7th birthday. We have a large, busy family and this is a special, magical time where they get me all to themselves and are "large and in charge" for once. I picked this age as they are old enough to make choices (we can wait in line 2 hours for Splash Mountain or ride these three other rides), have enough energy to make it through a long day and yet still choose to believe. They will get this one trip and then one other shared one to WDW. We are a single income family of 6 and live far, far away so it is not really feasible to go more often. And by splitting it up, everyone gets to pick more of what they want to do.
At 7 they are starting to grow up so much and become their own person. It was so very special to dedicate some time to enjoying childhood again. Forget Britney Spears and rhinestone studded cropped shirts. Yes, my daughter did ask me if there was someone in that Mickey suit, but then when he got to our table she could have cared less. It WAS Mickey! She CHOSE to continue believing.
I did take the two oldest to WDW this May at 8 and 5. It was a lot to ask my 5 year old to handle and he missed the cutoff on a lot of rides. I am not sure I would take someone that young again. He enjoyed it, but some of it was too much. For instance WS was mostly lost on him, where my daughter and I would have enjoyed a little more time. And Dinosaur about scared the pants off him as he maybe believes a little too much (is this a bad thing?). And his decision making left a little to be desired. But at the same time the look on his face in the queue line at Buzz was so priceless I think I took an entire roll of film right there, and the look on his face when he realized I had gotten twice as many points as him was just as awesome.
So, since I have had to pick one age myself for the most part, I picked 7. Hope this helps!