Find out if a vacation to Disney World with a preschooler is worth the cost. It’s not cheap to take a family vacation to Disney World, so why go when kids are so young that they might forget the trip? See what this frugal living Disney loving mom has to say about spending money on Disney World with a preschooler.
Full disclosure, I participated in the #DisneyKids play date party and attending a Traveling Mom retreat in Disney. While we talked about this topic a lot, this is not a sponsored post, all opinions are my own!
A Disney vacation can easily cost a couple thousand dollars. When it comes to planning a family vacation on a budget, you can make a Disney vacation happen, but it won’t be easy. Going to Disney World on the cheap is something that take a lot of planning.
Since a trip to Disney World is so expensive, many parents wonder if it is worth it to spend that much money on a vacation that their preschooler might not even remember. Believe me, I get it. As a frugal living blogger and family travel writer I always try to get the best bang for my buck when I travel, especially when going to Disney.
Here are a few things you need to consider before you decide it it’s worth taking your preschooler to Disney World.
Kids only believe in magic for so long.
The preschool age is the most wonderful time to watch kids believe in the power of magic and make-believe. Since so much of Disney World is built on magic and make-believe, the preschool age is by far the most exciting. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who have said they regret waiting until their kids were 7+ because the kids weren’t nearly as excited (and cute).
The kids may not remember the trip, but you will.
Do you take your kids to the zoo at this age? Museums? Why do you do it if you know they won’t remember it? Most likely you do it because it’s an enjoyable outing for you and you love watching your kids’ reactions.
It’s the same with Disney World. Your preschooler may not remember every aspect, but you will. Take some great pictures along the way so you can both remember the magic.
Kids 3 and under are FREE
Here’s a fun tip: take your preschooler for the first time just a few days or weeks before they turn 3. This is a great age to take kids because they are still happy in a stroller and can easily walk if needed.
We’ve utilized this a lot! It’s a great way to see if you want to keep going back to Disney. Spoiler alert: you probably will!
Preschoolers don’t cost you much in the park
Don’t wait until the kids eat a lot to go to Disney World. Go when they are young and you can easily pack snacks and a pb&j sandwich to make them happy.
Disney Tip: you can bring your own drinks and food into the park!
If you wait until they are older they will probably realize that the candy, suckers, and expensive snacks are all for sale. Then they will demand them!
Young kids don’t always realize that you can buy things in Disney. If they do ask to buy snacks or presents, break out a cheaper option from a stash of goodies you brought from The Dollar Tree- check out my list of Dollar Tree must haves for Disney here.
Related Post: Turn Disney Celebration buttons into Christmas Ornaments
Conclusion
As a Floridian who only lives 3 hours away from Disney World, I feel like it’s definitely worth the cost to take preschoolers to Disney World. For us, it’s easy because we can drive there and stay only one night.
If you have to travel by plane and find an affordable Disney hotel, the costs add up fast. The good thing about Orlando is that flights are usually priced well, hotels are reasonable, and there are plenty of family friendly things to do in the area. Orlando is a great place to take kids. You can easily visit the area and only pay for one day in Disney World if you are hesitant to spend too much money.
What do you think about taking preschoolers to Disney?
I think, “nope.” This is hogwash. I’m a native Floridian and I don’t like Disney, really. It just isn’t my thing but the tourists and stepkids want to go, so I humor them. First, my stepkids don’t demand anything. We are the parents and we say “no” if something isn’t an option. Preschool kids are more likely to have meltdowns, get lost, can’t ride several of the rides and I’ve seen plenty of three year olds asking for stuff. What’s really sad is your point about magic and cuteness. My youngest stepchild is 11 and she wants to go back to Disney. Each age has its own bit of magic and I’ve seen plenty of kids who are super adorbs way past preschool. Preschool doesn’t make you cuter. It just means kids don’t get to enjoy the park as much and frankly, I’ll dish out more cash so the older kids can.
I love your perspective, Heather! It really only makes sense to dish out the cash if the kids like it. If your 11 year old stepchild loves it then it’s awesome that you want to keep taking her back.
Great article! We took only our oldest (7 at the time) last April and experienced the parks to the fullest extent. We loved every minute of it! This coming February, my husband has a conference in Orlando, and your article seals the deal on deciding to make it a family trip. We will have an almost 3 year old and a 9 year old and I loved thinking about it from the preschooler’s perspective. Thanks!
This is so good to hear! I am sure your 3 year old will love it. I have found that my kids tend to get tired and cranky more easily than big kids, so just go with the flow. Don’t push the 3 year old to do too much. Have fun!
We are headed there in October with a 3,5,9,and 12 year old. It will be my little kids’ first time. I agree that the preschoolers will be over the moon. My 12 year old thinks she is too big for the princesses and magic, but she is excited for the rides and showing her younger siblings around Disney! Thanks for the article Hannah!
She will love sharing the magic with her younger siblings!
I still remember the first time Robert saw the castle for the first time when he turned 3… He was so excited and jumping up and down… When he met Mickey even more joy… My mom didn’t have the opportunity to go to Disney or take me to Disney when we were young… She went for the first time at over 60…. For many the magic and excitement can be found from toddlers to grandparents… Never think your child is too young… Our 2 year old can’t wait to see Mickey again
Well said! You really are never too old or too young!