Please don’t put off a Walt Disney World or Disneyland trip just because you’re waiting for the “perfect time” or for your kids to be old enough to remember it. The truth is, you only get so many years where they truly believe in the magic—where Mickey is real, where the castle is home to a princess, where fireworks over Main Street, U.S.A. feel like the most incredible thing they’ve ever seen. Those moments aren’t just for them—they’re for you, too. Seeing the wonder in their eyes, watching them light up as they meet their favorite character, holding their tiny hand as they take in the magic for the very first time—these are the memories you’ll cherish forever.
And yes, I get it—traveling with little ones isn’t easy. Pushing a stroller through a crowded park isn’t fun. Dealing with midday meltdowns and disrupted nap schedules can be tough. Getting them out of their routine can feel like an overwhelming challenge. But you know what else is hard? Parenting at home. You’re already navigating tantrums, snack negotiations, and bedtime battles—why not do it with a Dole Whip in hand? Why not push through the tough moments knowing that in between them, you’re watching pure joy on your child’s face as they experience the magic of Disney? And if all else fails, there’s always the promise of a violet sake from EPCOT or a quiet moment during stroller naps to remind you that yes, this is still a vacation.
For many families, Disney is a big investment, mine included, and the idea of waiting until “they’ll remember it” feels like the practical choice. But I promise you—you will remember it. You’ll remember the way they gasped in awe on their first ride, the way they squeezed your hand when they met Mickey, and the way they danced along to the parade without a care in the world. And when they do grow up, these early trips will shape how they see Disney, how they see family, and how they see the magic in the world.
I’ve seen families wait for that elusive “perfect time”—when everyone is tall enough, when schedules align, when it makes the most logical sense. But time has a way of slipping by. Suddenly, those little ones who would have been mesmerized by the magic are now teenagers with packed schedules, commitments, and no real attachment to the idea of Disney. The trip that was always on the horizon never happens, because the magic wasn’t part of their childhood to begin with.
Yes, Disney will always be there. Yes, it will always be an incredible experience. But if you wait too long, you might miss out on the kind of magic that only exists when they’re little. And that’s something you’ll never get back.
Go when they still believe. Go when their little feet dangle from the ride seats. Go when they think the castle is home to real princesses. Go when they want you to hold them in line, even if your arms are tired. Go for them, yes—but also, go for you. Because those are the moments that will stay in your heart forever.
