Disney World - Louisville,KY

No way are they too young to enjoy Disney World! I took my daughter there when she was 2 1/2, and she is still talking about it a year later! She was already familiar with a lot of the characters, so that helped a lot. The Magic Kingdom is a must! The Disney Hollywood Studios has some great stuff too: The Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Toy Story Mania are awesome for both 4 and 7 year olds! I would buy the Birnbaum Disney World guide; it's very good. It will tell you (among many other things) the appropriate ages for each ride/attraction. Also, just beware.....the Summer is VERY hot and VERY crowded in Walt Disney World. I would get to the parks a bit before they open and stay as long as you can (before any real meltdowns). The earlier you get there, the more you can do before it gets really hot and crowded. Use the Fastpass whenever you can. It really helps if you plan ahead well. If you have a smartphone you can get an app to tell you how long the lines are, too. As far as cheap tix to the parks....I don't think Disney is cheap anymore at all! However, I think it's well worth the price of admission. There's no place like it! (P.S. Don't miss "Soaring" in EPCOT.)

We just got back from doing Disney with our daughter, and she is 3.5. She did great and really loved it, but it helped that our expectations were realistic. Here is what worked for us:

1. Rented a house with a swimming pool. Took a break every day to head back for lunch and to swim in the pool (and a nap if possible!), then headed back to the park at night if there was anything to see (parade, fireworks, etc.). Renting a house with a full kitchen really helped on saving money on food by buying and cooking ourselves. Then when DD wanted the $4.00 ice cream cone or $10.00 Mickey balloon, I didn't really care.

2. Used a stroller. Even kids as old as 8 sometimes do better with a stroller - it's a ton of walking around and standing around and their legs can get tired quickly. We lucked out and found a stroller at a thrift store for $10 - then dropped if back off there when we were done (we did Disney parks for a total of 7 days, with 2 days worked in as "off days" so we all got a break, and just stayed "home" to hang around the pool).

3. Got to the park 15 to 30 minutes prior to opening. Was able to get in right when the park opened before lines got too bad. Hit the most popular rides first (Dumbo, Space Mountain, etc.). Was often able to ride multiple times without waiting much in line just because not as many people are there at 9 am vs. 11 am. By 1 or 2 pm, we had had enough, had been on many rides, and were ready to head back for a break (see above).

4. Use Fast Pass wherever and whenever you can. Saved us a ton of time waiting in line later for attractions like the Jungle Boat Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean.

5. Get the Unofficial Guide to Disney World - tons of great tips, including the ones I mentioned above. Also has strategies for which rides to hit in which order to again, minimize waiting in line.

6. Summer in Florida is HOT. We just got back and had some pretty warm weather - low 80s. By the time we were ready to leave for our afternoon break, we were sapped.

7. My favorites were Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, but all the parks have something wonderful for kids at that age.

8. Remember not to get too upset if your child does not like something as much as you think they should. My DD did well with meeting characters and taking pics for the most part but I know lots of kids don't, while the parents get very pushy about it. On the other hand, she really didn't enjoy many of the shows if they were too loud. She's sensitive about noises, but did a little better the more times we went, as she got used to it. Don't try to get your kids to do anything they really don't want to do, but also recognize that sometimes a little push can be a good thing, in that they realize what they are capable of and then are more confident the next time (scary rides, meeting characters, etc.).

9. If you are staying somewhere with a pool, try not to get too frustrated when they say, after visiting Disney, they say their favorite thing was swimming in the pool. It's their vacation too.

In the end, DD had so much fun, she didn't want to leave. She was distraught as we were packing up to come home - "I not want to leave Disney! I LOVE Disney! I want to stay!"

We went when my daughter turned 4. She wasn't interested in anything other than the Magic Kingdom and waiting in lines to visit characters, but she had a lot of fun. She doesn't remember too much of it though. We would start when the park opened, return to the hotel for lunch, have them take naps (even if they have given up naps, they usually need one at that age after all that activity), have a swim, dinner, and then maybe going to the parks or hanging at the pools. I know people that have their kids at the park from opening to close to get their monies worth, but we felt that having happy kids was more important than having tired ones and pushing them until they dropped. Rent a stroller there. It is a lot of walking for little legs and unless you plan on carrying her, a stroller is a must. Use Fast Pass whenever possible. We are going again very soon with my now 7 yo daughter and 4 yo son. He is a much different personality, so it will be interesting to see how he does, but I am sure they will have fun.

I just went to Disney with my 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 year old sons and they both loved it! We had so much fun. We went to the Magic Kingdom for 2 days because 1 day was just not enough to see everything. You don't see everything in 2 days either. While the price of admission is expensive, you don't have to spend a lot of money in the park. It is possible to find reasonably priced meals. We went during a slower time so the lines were not an issue. If you are going during a busy time, I believe you can pay extra and buy some type of pass that allows you to skip the lines. There is really something for every kid at all ages (even 38) at the Magic Kingdom. I had a lot more fun that I thought I would. Bring a stroller to allow your daughter to ride at times so she doesn't tire out. In reality, however, there are plenty of places to rest and the park is not that spread out that it is difficult for a 4 year old to walk. My older son did a lot of walking although one day he took a nap in the stroller (he was worn out). Have a great time.

I don't care for magic kingdom especially with young kids. The lines are so long, you sometimes have to wait an hour or more. Itys so packed. We just went to Animsl Kingdom 2 weeks ago, we took all of the kids ages 2,4,6, &7 and their was something for all of them. They all loved it. There were a lot more charecter encounters also. If you go there though I don't suggest doing the tree of life show for the little one as its 3D and scary for little ones, lights go totally out in one part. They all loved the Nemo show and the safari. The only thing is you want to get there early as the park closes at 6 and the animals are more active in the morning. Animal Kingdom was just much more enjoyable for the little ones and the older 2 also. Another option is sea world. They all love sea world and would go every year if we would take them.

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I don't care for magic kingdom especially with young kids. The lines are so long, you sometimes have to wait an hour or more. Itys so packed. We just went to Animsl Kingdom 2 weeks ago, we took all of the kids ages 2,4,6, &7 and their was something for all of them. They all loved it. There were a lot more charecter encounters also. If you go there though I don't suggest doing the tree of life show for the little one as its 3D and scary for little ones, lights go totally out in one part. They all loved the Nemo show and the safari. The only thing is you want to get there early as the park closes at 6 and the animals are more active in the morning. Animal Kingdom was just much more enjoyable for the little ones and the older 2 also. Another option is sea world. They all love sea world and would go every year if we would take them.

We went when my son was 4 and he did great. Many rides they have to be 40 inches tall to ride, so that's something to keep in mind (he was 41 inches at the time.) My husband carried him some so he did get tired, but the strollers looked to be a pain because you have to park them somewhere before you get in line. My nieces were the same age as your girls when they went and they didn't do strollers either. I can't believe some people said not to do the Magic Kingdom! That is the place where there is the most things for kids to do...especially the princess stuff. We stayed in a condo away from the park too because it was cheaper. We were able to eat breakfast and light dinners there some nights. Parking is $15-$20 at the parks though.

Hi E.,
I agree with everyone else - four is not too young. They will indeed enjoy themselves. I'm from Orlando and my children now, 20, 14 & 11 have gone at least once a year since they were born! (that's the advantage of having grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends all working there..lol) Of course since moving to North Carolina we don't go that often...we did manage a trip to Disney in January and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (though we stayed in the space mountain line for 2 hrs!) Magic Kingdom would be the best place as it is more kid friendly, then Animal Kingdom. I think Epcot would be too boring for them. I would suggestion getting the fast pass(no extra charge) which allows you to come back to rides at a certain time with minium wait. Only issue not all rides offer this service :( Not sure how long you're staying or if you're going to be able to visit the locate beaches, if not Disney has a beach called Blizzard Beach which is nice. As I stated before, I have several relatives who work there, you can email me privately if you're interested in getting discounted tickets. Enjoy your stay!

Love & blessings
L.

I think 4yrs is a perfect age. We took our son when he was 1,2,3,4,8. Our middle son was 6 mo then 4 yrs the second he went. Our daughter was 2 1/2 the first time she went. We are going this June our kids will be 11yrs, 7yrs and my daughter will bbe 5 yrs for one one month. They loved it at all ages. I would get the book on hidden Mickeys before you go there. If your husband is concerned I would et to Disney early. You ca actually arrive at the park at 8:30 am. Go early then go back and nap...if needed. Also the strollers they rent at Disney are the easiest strollers to push. You could always rent a stroller if she gets tired.

We took our oldest 2 girls at the exact same ages, 4 and 7, for their 1st time ever to Disney. It was the BEST!!! They LOVED it! We now live in Florida, and go all the time, but that trip is the one that they still to this day talk about the most, even the 4 yr old. We did all 4 Disney parks, as well as the Universal parks and Seaworld too, but the only Disney park that I would avoid if I were to do it again with kids that age, would be Epcot. They were bored out of their minds there. We actually only stayed there for a couple hours and went back to the hotel to swim in the pool. They LOVED Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and MGM, which I believe has a new name now. LOL! Not sure how many days you are going for, but we tried to plan a day at a park, and a day off to lounge at the pool or visit small area attractions in between so the kids didn't get to overwhelmed. Also, if we didn't finish up at a park in a day, we could go back the next day and stay for part of the day if need be, and then do the pool or whatever we wanted. Our theme park tickets were "park hopper passes" that we could use all of the days we were there, at any of the parks, so we could basically come and go as we wanted. It was the best bargain for us. (gave us the most freedom that way, so if it rained and we left we could go back later or another day) My girls still have their autograph books from Magic Kingdom that they used to get all of the charactor autographs in, and we took pictures of them with each charactor too. WOW! The memories are so fun! They are 17 and 20 now! Such a great time! I am so excited for you! Have fun!

We have decided we will NOT take our children to Disney before they turn 5, or we would at least do it in an off season where there are fewer lines. Disney is a lot of fun but it can be exhausting too. I would also plan on taking the kids to the parks in the morning, then go back to your hotel during the heat of the day for a nap or a swim in the pool, and then go back in the evening.

You'll have an amazing time! 4 is not too young. We took our daughter (2) and son (7) and they loved it! Make sure to bring a video camera, plenty of recordable discs and a charger. Also, if it gets wet out there, you can purchase rain panchos. TIP: If they get damaged, you can go to any of the stores and exchange for a new one. You didn't say when you were going. Even though we loved the water park, there's not much for the 2 year old to do. When she's at least 45", don't miss the water parks. Awesome!!
You should buy a park hopper, a little pricier, but worth it because if you're not enjoying one park for any reason (ie lines, closed rides), you can hop on the monorail and go to a different park. We loved the Magic Kingdom, but the park with the animals and humongous tree was slow going, mostly walking, tours and conservation info. Make sure to bring a stroller, snacks and water each day as they are allowed. OH! Stay for the fireworks and light parades no matter how tired your feet are. It's magical.
Characters walk around the park in certain areas for photo ops. Buy a couple of Autograph Books and Mickey pens as soon as you get there. The pens are expensive but large and easy for the gloved characters to use.
Enjoy and take lots of pictures!

Yes, get the double stroller
4 and 7 are the perfect age for Disney.
Go to Magic Kingdom and The Animal Park~~can't remember the name of that one.
Get the dinner or breakfast with chararcters. We've done POoh and Tigger twice, Mickey once, and Puto and the Chipmunks once. My 4 year old could not stay in her seat she was so excited to eat with Pooh. THe characters come to the tables. You need reservations.
You can get a lunch with Princesses too.
They can get their hair done, you have to have reservations, ask your travel agent. THe girls are turned into princesses, over the top, but so worth it. And way too much money but how many times do you do Disney when they are little.

Lines are long but get the Power Passes. Go to the front of the line, get the pass then come back at the alotted time and go straight in.
Take in some of the shows when they get tired, Country Bears Jamboree, Lion King, Tiki Room
Get the meal plan!!! This was the best thing next to power passes. YOu get your choice they have a couple packages. I think we got two snacks and a meal. It was quite enough food.
We just did everything we could. I had saved the money for a year and we DID Disney. I went through base to get the tickets, we're military.
Packages can be sent to your hotel as you buy them throughout the day, or you can pick them up at the gate when you leave..
Get the rain coats from the park, they're $6-$8 but well worth it. Very lightweight, easy to shove in the packs.
Use backpack day-packs and or a fanny pack for your wallet and such, cameras, phones, rain coats, sunscreen, Take pictures of the kids the moment you get into the park with your phone. That way you have a most recent picture for police if something should happen.
Wear shoes that will not blister your feet.
And above all HAVE FUN!!!!!!

We just took our 5 year old to Disney last month and it was AWESOME! She walked the whole time (we did 3 days at Magic Kingdom and 1 at Animal Kingdom) without any complaint at all. I think it was the PERFECT age to take her because everything was just magical. She was a little scared of some of the rides at first because some of them were kind of dark inside, but she got over it and rode everything over and over again (even Thunder Mountain!). One of the days at Magic Kingdom, we were literally there for 12 hours. She fell asleep while waiting for the bus back to the hotel, but she made it the whole day at the park. We did a breakfast with the princesses at Cinderella's castle. That was absolutely her favorite thing. All of the princesses come around to your table and you get a photo op and they sign the book and talk to the kids. SO fun!

Bottom line, I think they would both love it. I think 5 years old is probably best, but if you're going to be there, I certainly don't think the 4 year old is too young. We left my 2 year old with my Mom when we went because that would have been a bit of a nightmare, but 4 is fine and I think they will both just love it! Have fun!

The kids will love it and so will you!! We started taking our kids when they were 2 and they loved it. As far as lines go, you will most likely have to deal with them in the summer months. Get to the parks early and take an afternoon break for nap and then head back for the evening (night time shows and parades are not to be missed). Get aquainted with the fast passes, they help a lot with waiting to get on certain popular rides (I think you can get 2 at a time). I would definately visit Magic Kingdom as well as Animal Kingdom and don't miss the Animal Kingdom daytime parade. Have fun!!

My oldest daughter has been at age 11 months, 1 1/2, 2, 3 and we are going again this summer (She will be 4) she has loved it at all ages. My youngest was 10 months the first time and will be almost 2 when we go. Magic Kingdom has the most rides for them to go on. We also love Hollywood Studios. We are doing Epcot this time also. I agree with previous post about the strollers. When we went last summer we had 2 strollers (1 for each of my daughters) and we were with my 7 year old nieces. We suggested their parents rent a stroller (they didn't) and by the end of the day my nieces were asking my daughter if they could ride in the stroller.

Your girls will have a great time at this age!

I took my 4 year old to Disney & he loved it. Magic Kingdom is the best. Also, dont try to do all the parks back to back. We did that two parks in a row & the second day was awful. Take a break inbetween parks & have a relax day of just swimming & hanging out. Also, Epcot has a character spot where they can meet mickey, minnie, goofy, donald, daisy, & pluto all at once.

Rent a double stroller at the front gate! That is what we did when we went. Our daughters were 4 & 6 and even though our oldest snubbed the stroller at first at the end of the night she was in it! I wanted to be in it too! LOL! Also, Animal Kingdom and Epcot we great for them. Also SeaWorld. Universal is too old. There is stuff for them to do, but not as much as the others. Try AAA for tickets. I know they usually have discounts.

Another great thing to have is a book called Birbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids and Birnbaum's Walt Disney World Expert Advice from the Inside Source. Great resources!!!

Have fun and wear comfy shoes!

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Rent a double stroller at the front gate! That is what we did when we went. Our daughters were 4 & 6 and even though our oldest snubbed the stroller at first at the end of the night she was in it! I wanted to be in it too! LOL! Also, Animal Kingdom and Epcot we great for them. Also SeaWorld. Universal is too old. There is stuff for them to do, but not as much as the others. Try AAA for tickets. I know they usually have discounts.

Another great thing to have is a book called Birbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids and Birnbaum's Walt Disney World Expert Advice from the Inside Source. Great resources!!!

Have fun and wear comfy shoes!

I agree with the double stroller. Buying them online will be cheaper than waiting til you get there. They have a planner type thing that will help maximize your time and plan out rides and meals, it's on their site but I can't remember what it's called. I definitely think the stroller is a must, if not keep them within a finger's length, that place attracts some odd people. I think they would love the disney characters and dinner with the characters. You can always have little fun games you buy before the trip that they don't see until your waiting in the line so they are occupied from waiting.

Oooh I would rent a house like DVMMOM said. That would be awesome.