You’ve probably searched What is the best age for Disneyland?—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions parents ask.
My guess it because you want to have the best Disneyland vacation, you want your kids to enjoy the rides and entertainment and you don’t want your money to go to waste.
In this article I’ll share my tips on the best age for Disneyland, including feedback from parents just like you!
Best Age for Disneyland Breakdown
I’ve taken my little ones at every age as they’ve grown. We live close enough to go often. And of course with a job like writing about Disneyland, you can bet they come along with me a ton.
But my reality isn’t everyone’s and sometimes Disneyland is a once in a lifetime trip. I know how much you want to get it right. Here’s the breakdown on ages with pros and cons listed so you can consider all options.
Babies and Toddlers Ages 0–3
I started taking my little ones very early. We’re talking infants. And you might be surprised how many others bring newborns and infants as well. Certainly babies in arms won’t remember the trip, and for this age it serves more as a special visit for parents and family, photo opportunities and “going along for the ride.”
What can babies even go on? Does bringing a baby mean the parents or caretakers are always sitting out?
You’d be surprised! Babies can go on more than 20 rides in the arms of their adult. Add that with things like Rider Switch and parents can truly plan their day to hit everything they would with a little extra help.
If you’re taking a child from 0-3 to Disneyland, remember these key notes:
- Children 2 and under are free, that means they can come along with you at no extra cost until they turn 3.
- Little ones might not always be into meeting characters, but this option is easy to skip if they’re timid.
- Toddlers have lots of places to play and explore, especially in Mickey’s Toontown.
- See my Toddler Disneyland itinerary here.
Kids Ages 4–6
- Ideal for seeing the magic come to life through their eyes.
- Strollers are still essential for this age group, even kids who have outgrown a stroller at home.
- Taller kids can ride more, but also may not be ready for bigger thrills even if they’re tall enough.
- Parents often call this age the sweet spot for making memories and experiencing it all.
Kids Ages 7–10
- Children 9 and under get Child Ticket prices, once they’re 10 it goes to Adult Ticket pricing.
- Kids this age will remember more.
- You likely don’t need all the extra gear and strollers.
- Great entry age into thrill rides, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
- Stay late for nighttime entertainment.
Ages 11 – Teens
- Some teens and tweens think they’re too cool for Disneyland, but with the right itinerary you’re golden!
- Enjoys and can handle a bit of independence like using Single Rider Lines.
- Can help you with tech and strategies like Lightning Lane and mobile ordering.
- Tons of spots for photos and social content if your teens are into that.
Parents Thoughts on the Best Ages
What’s the best age for Disneyland—parents share their thoughts on this highly debated subject. Now that you’ve read a few pros and cons for each age group I am sharing what my readers and followers answered to this very questions on social media.
Every age is great in its own way I brought even a three month old and it was great! -Skylar W.
Our kids and grands went at about 1 or so. We always just went!! My first grandbaby went along at about 5 months but just slept in her stroller! -Pam S.
3 is soooo perfectly fun and memorable for them!! Then every year after! -Annie J.
We waited until 18 months, but we live out of state. I know he wont remember his first trip, but I will. Some of my favorite Disneyland memories are his first trip. But honestly every age is magical and they find new things every visit. -Diana K.
We took our 18 month old and almost 3 year old twins. It was magical. Pack lots of snacks, and if they need a break,be ok with it. But they were rockstars all 3 days. -Sarah V.
I took my baby at 18 months, 2 years, 2.5 years, and this fall 4. I don’t regret a single age taking her. We never ran out of things to do and had a blast. Yes, every year is more fun than the next, I won’t disagree, but as long as you can let your kid lead the charge and know you will most likely miss something you want to do, it’s worth it. -Jennifer L.
1 and up has been great for us. Almost 3 is great because the child is old enough to experience and remember the trip but is still free. 6-8 has been wonderful because my kids were tall enough and mature enough to ride the more thrilling rides, and we don’t need to use rider swap and can enjoy everything together. -Anna V.
My kids grew up at Disneyland. There is no wrong age. Yeah, they won’t remember it really young but you will and you will see the joy in their faces. I have a great photo of my 11 month old with a huge smile while on Golden Zephyr. Admittedly we did a lot of child swap but it’s a great program. I also have an amazing one the Disney photographer took of my oldest at 5 going into Pixie Hollow to see Tink the first time. She doesn’t remember that either. -Jean G.
We were living in California when my son was born, and he went at 8 weeks, then 6 months and 9 months (when we moved back east). He has since been to Disneyland once a year and Disney world once a year and hes almost 4. Every age is a new experience. They are a completely different kid each time and the magic changes but its always magic. -Jessica F.
2-3 is absolutely pure MAGIC. And those you say” they won’t remember” are missing out. I will ALWAYS remember taking them at that age.No trip, especially to Disney is EVER the same and I enjoy it at every age and how it’s different and new experiences each time. But the 2-3 pure hearted bliss can’t be matched. -Heather A.
We’ve gone at 18 months and 5 years with 2 kids and previously [when the oldest was] 2 and a month shy of 3.
Almost 3 was amazing, 2 he was scared of the characters. 18 month was difficult but I feel that’s more because his brother was running the show, he was nervous with characters but loved most of the rides (Dumbo and the carousel were favorites).
5 was HARD because he’s got opinions now and wants to do the same ride 800 times in a row but it was so special seeing him interacting with the characters. -Marina W.
Took my kids all at varying ages, as young as 1 and everything from there on and they loved it and I don’t regret it. There’s something very magical about seeing young kids enjoy Disney. -Melissa C.
I took my son the first time when he was 3, then back at 5. He didn’t like the characters the first time but was fine the second time. If your kid doesn’t like sitting on Santa’s lap, or seeing the Easter bunny, they most likely won’t like the characters at Disney. -Misty A.
20 months was out favorite! We’ve been at 6, 20, and right before she turned 3. But every age is very magical. -Jessica B.
If this is a once in a lifetime trip I would wait until they are 9. They will be able to do all the rides and last the whole day, including the night stuff without meltdowns or strollers.We felt a big difference once they hit 5. They were tall enough for the majority of the rides and enjoyed more thrilling rides like Space Mountain. We took a midday break and could stay up later for fireworks. -Meghan W.
For me I don’t take my kids out in public until their first round of vaccines (outside of the hospital). That’s just what made me feel comfortable but I’ve taken my kids at every stage: wear them, stroller them, hold their hand, run after them. Anytime is a good time for Disney Magic. -Steph S.
I feel like 2.5 years old was perfect! -Josh F.
I believe 3 is a good age to start. -Mike T.
I love taking kids between 2.5 and 5. They might not remember it, but you will and everything is so fun and magical for them. Just don’t have high expectations of doing EVERYTHING. Go early when park opens, then, take a break/nap midday at the hotel and then go back and stay as late as you can. The next best age is probably 8-12. -Michelle
I’d take any age but about 2 is my favorite – it’s so magical to watch it through their eyes. -Meredith C.
2.5 was fantastic! -Kelli W.
Final Things to Consider
If I’m only going once, when should I go? If I was only going once, I think I would take my child at around age 5. But, if you have more than one child, sometimes it means a mix of ages. I hope all the comments and advice above helps you realize there really isn’t a wrong age to take kids to Disneyland.
And on the flip side if you plan to go multiple times throughout childhood, start younger. This way every time they visit Disneyland things become more familiar and you’re building those core memories.
In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Your child’s first visit to Disneyland might be based on family budgets, family goals—or maybe your little one has taken such a liking to Ariel from The Little Mermaid, you just had to take them as soon as possible!
While you’re there you might also consider:
- Character dining to meet some of your favorite Disney characters
- Get Free PhotoPass photos with purchase of Lightning Lane Multipass
- Staying on property at Pixar Place Hotel for immersive fun and perks
Add your comments below so more parents can decide the best age for Disneyland.
And remember, when you’re planning a trip be sure to save the MOST by booking with my partners at Get Away Today. If you happen to see a better deal, including gift card offers and other incentives—call 855 GET AWAY (mention The Happiest Blog on Earth).
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