Eight Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World Before Your Child Turns Three
One school of thought about Disney vacations is that you should wait to take your child to Walt Disney World until they’re old enough to remember the trip, typically about eight years old. There are, however, numerous advantages to visiting Disney World when your children are much younger, specifically before they turn three years old.
1. Free Admission: The Biggest Perk
The most significant advantage of visiting Walt Disney World with a child under three is that they get free admission to all four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Given that a single-day ticket costs well over $100, this represents substantial savings.
Consider this: A 5-day ticket for a child aged 3-9 can cost around $700 (prices vary based on season and ticket type). By visiting before your child’s third birthday, you’re essentially getting a $700 discount on your family vacation. This savings alone can cover a significant portion of your travel expenses or allow you to extend your stay.
2. Free Dining at Buffets and Family-Style Restaurants
Another major cost-saving benefit is that children under three can eat for free at buffet and family-style restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. This includes popular character dining experiences, where your little one can meet their favorite Disney characters while you enjoy your meal. Some of the restaurants where your under-three can dine for free include:
- Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom
- Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Garden Grill Restaurant at EPCOT
3. Age Appropriate Entertainment
Walt Disney World offers a wealth of experiences suited for children under three. At this age, children are often enthralled by colors, sounds, and movements – all of which are in abundance at Disney parks. Gentle rides like it’s a small world, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends are ideal for this age group. Young children are welcome to experience any attraction for which there is no height requirement, which includes dozens of rides and shows.
Moreover, toddlers and young children often find immense joy in simple experiences that older children might overlook. Watching a parade, meeting a favorite character, or simply exploring the themed environments can be magical experiences for little ones.
And if the adults in your group want to partake of the thrill-style attractions, Disney’s Rider Swap service allows parents to take turns enjoying attractions that might not be suitable for little ones, without having to wait in line twice.
4. Stroller-friendly Environments
Disney parks are stroller-friendly, with wide pathways and designated stroller parking areas near most attractions. This makes it easy to transport tired little legs around the park, carry all your essentials, and even provide a familiar place for your child to nap. You can also bring your stroller onto all forms of park-to-park and resort-to-park transportation.
And if you don’t want to bring your own stroller, there are rentals
5. Off-Season Advantages
Families with children under three have the advantage of visiting during off-peak times, without being worried about school and sports schedules. This can mean lower crowds, cooler weather (particularly advantageous in Florida), and potentially lower prices on accommodations and flights.
6. There’s Less Pressure to “Do It All”
Little kids nap. Little kids go to bed early. Guess what? That means that you have built-in permission to nap and go to bed early too. Sure, shutting down the parks at midnight can be fun, but getting a good night’s sleep and being refreshed on vacation is AMAZING!
7. The Baby Care Centers Have Everything You Need in One Place
Every Walt Disney World theme park has a Baby Care Center that’s designed specifically for the needs of families with younger children. They have changing tables and toddler-size toilets. They have private nursing areas. They sell diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, pacifiers, bibs, and other essentials. They have a microwaves and bottle warmers. And they’re quiet and air-conditioned. You won’t find this level of accessibility to baby care items at many other vacation spots.
8. You’ll Remember. And They’ll Remember More Than You Think
Your child may not have specific long-term memories of an attraction, but they will create episodic memories – feelings of family togetherness and fun. Spending quality time together on vacation can build a foundation for strong relationships in the future.
And while your child might not remember his first experience meeting Mickey Mouse, you will. That shy smile that warms into a cheesy grin will become part of your memories – and that’s important too.
Bonus Reason: The Photos Will Be Priceless
Seriously. Priceless.
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