What is the right age for children to enjoy the Orlando theme parks?

Is there a “right” age for children to enjoy a trip to the Orlando attractions? Do families have to wait until their youngest child is “old enough” to do Disney? The short answer is no waiting required; Walt Disney World is truly an all ages resort, but as kids get older they can definitely progress their way through the Orlando theme parks.

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is best suited families with very small children. You will see far more babies and toddlers here, and an impressive parking lot of strollers in front of such mellow rides as It’s a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean. Epcot’s World Showcase also works well for napping youngsters where the emphasis is on food and atmosphere instead of waiting in line for thrill rides. All of the Orlando theme parks have ample diaper changing stations and at least one quiet area for nursing mothers.

As those tots advance into school age and beyond, they can enjoy bigger rides like Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Once the strollers have been put away, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure is well suited for coaster loving kids. Keep in mind that the height requirements for most of the larger coasters are at least 48” or even 51” minimum.

Even though babies and toddlers can be seen at any of Orlando’s four waterparks—Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Aquatica and Wet ‘n Wild—these theme parks are probably best suited for older children who can swim fairly well and are tall enough to enjoy the larger slides. Swim diapers are required for any waterpark guest who isn’t potty trained.

Orlando’s theme parks can accommodate guests of any size, but the most important thing that parents of young children can do is to pace themselves, give the little ones a chance to nap in the afternoon, and keep everyone hydrated as they make their way through the parks.