This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Lindsay Daneen. Find her on Instagram at @_lindsay_daneen. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
We all know there’s only one place where dreams come true. That’s any place where Disney is. It’s the most magical place on Earth. Don’t argue with me either. And of course, it’s natural to want to share that magic with everyone you love. You share it with your friends, parents, grandparents, significant others, and especially your children. There’s no age limit when it comes to Disney! Or is there? A common question amongst Disney lovers and some haters is whether people really need to take their smallest children to Disney parks. They don’t mean toddlers. They’re talking about the newest additions to the family. Infants. Are Disney World and Disneyland for infants? Can they truly take in the magical experience or is it just a waste of money? Well, that’s truly up to the person paying for it to decide. But maybe after this article, they’ll reconsider.
Children
I went to Disney World in sunny Orlando, Florida when I was six years old. Do you know what I remember? Not much except for the fact that I could not do many of the things the older kids and adults who attended with me could do. There were rides for my height and age, yes, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I remember a Buzz Lightyear ride, a space ride, and The Teacup ride which made me dizzy and sick, Oh, and I have photos from a disposable camera that confirm I saw a parade at Animal Kingdom. Do I think it was worth it? I’m indifferent. I’m sure I had fun at the moment. How could I not? But I’d sooner ask the adults who attended how they felt. It was probably a lot more memorable for them.
I mention my experience to explain that as a young child, Disney World probably was one of the best experiences that I had by the age of six. I’m sure many people in my position feel the same. But the memories were short-lived. I’ll add that this was also in the year 2000 so I’ll take a lucky guess by saying this rip was significantly less expensive than it is in 2025, much like everything else these days. With that said, if I were to consider taking my young child to a Disney Park today, for the current price, just for them to feel they need a re-do as an adult to create lasting memories, I may need some convincing.
Adults
As a full-grown adult with my own time and money, I’d love to go to a Disney Park! Take the long lines, crowds, and terrible heat out of the equation and it sounds like heaven on Earth. It would be an escape from the stress of the world as I embark on the magic before my eyes. With the ability to make my own decisions and list all the exact parks I’d visit and rides I’d try out, it would be super memorable and worth every penny. I’ve heard the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is like no other. I’d love to eat and drink all day! Needless to say, I am 110% for adults attending Disney World and Disney Land. If anything, we need it more, right? Adulthood is not for the weak! Pack accordingly, put on a cute outfit, and have the time of your adult life!
Infants
Bringing a baby to Disney parks sounds horrific if you ask me. It’s like taking them to the local park but on steroids. It’s more germy, hot and humid, crowded, and the overstimulation the baby can experience sounds like more of a headache than it’s worth. And that’s once you arrive. Flying with an infant is no walk in the park. So add travel on top of the rest of the stress coming your way. I can only imagine how great the memories may be for the adults involved but your infant will not remember the experience. Instead, they’ll just be miserable in the heat as you try to eat your Lilo and Stitch-inspired snow cone or your Toy Story Pizza Planet slice. It just doesn’t seem worth it to me if everyone involved is not enjoying every moment of the experience or walking away with actual memories.
The Pros
It would not be fair for me to share my thoughts without playing devil’s advocate. There are some pros to taking your infant to Disney Parks. For example, children under the age of two typically fly for free if they sit on a passenger’s lap with most airlines. According to plandisney.com, “Mouseketeers who are under the age of three are Mickey’s special guests. This means they will not need a valid theme park ticket …” I’ll admit that’s convenient. They can even eat for free at certain restaurants! Aside from the cost they also provide other conveniences for families traveling with infants. You can rent strollers instead of carrying your own, there are Baby Care Centers with safe bathrooms, changing rooms, feeding rooms, and more. Disney has thought of everything to make your visit with your infant that much easier. So maybe it’s not such a bad idea after all.
Overall Experience
Let’s face it. Disney parks are supposed to be an amazing experience for everyone. I mean, how could you not want that at the most magical place on Earth? Regardless of your age, background, or status, you are supposed to feel the nostalgia that takes you back to your childhood or feel the happiness that any child would feel while seeing their favorite characters walking around. These places allow us to dream, reminisce, and be just as free as the characters and princesses we’ve idolized at some point in our lives. So, Are Disney World and Disneyland for infants? That depends. If bringing your infant to Disney parks will provide you with wonderful lifelong memories, then it’s totally worth it. It’s worth every single penny. Disney is all about happiness and making memories. And if you’re lucky, you’ll start new traditions. Only you can determine what your memories are worth.
Would you take your infant on a fun trip to Disney World or Disneyland? Do you think Disneyland for infants makes sense? Let us know in the comments below!
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