re: Was Disney always this bad?

If you are only planning to take one trip, I think 12/13 is probably the best. At that age they can ride things themselves that maybe you as parents might not be interested in. They can handle the miles and miles of walking without need of a stroller or being held. they can carry their own backpacks if they need. They are tall enough to ride everything in all parks and depending on then time of year, would likely enjoy the water parks and shopping at Disney Springs as well.

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For the pros with kids. If I'm only planning on going once what would you say is the ideal age to go

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We took my son when he was 6 and left my 18 month old at home with grandparents. He was just over 48” tall and able to ride every ride. We had a fantastic time but he couldn’t have cared less about the character stuff and just wanted to ride all the rides.

Fast forward, we are heading there in 2 weeks with him (now 9 and my daughter who will be turning 5 while we’re there). She is not tall enough for the big rides but she is so excited about the characters, and we will just be splitting up when my son wants to ride the roller coasters.

This will likely be our last trip but that is TBD. But my daughter is PUMPED about all the different princesses/characters she will get to see/meet, so I’d agree with others that 4-5 is probably the best age if you’re just going to be one and done.