Your kid is borderline aging out already. Yes, I would take him. You also don’t have to just do Disney. You can also go to Universal. My kids loved the Harry Potter land. They also really enjoyed Star Wars area as did my husband. I like walking around Epcot and animal kingdom.

Unless you're actually poor, why not go? It's fun. Relax, nobody will take away your cosmopolitan/sophisticated card because your were spotted there. I think part of what makes it so special for kids is that they get it (probably subconsciously) that the visit is all about them. You aren't trying to shoehorn them into your plans for a great vacation to visit vineyards in Italy where frankly, kids don't belong. It's all about the kids at Disney. My kid has the good fortune of having done all sorts of travel, from international trips to the South Pacific, Latin America, and Europe as well as camping in many national parks and even kitschy campgrounds domestically. He's been to almost every major US city with me because he often tags along for my work trips. His Disney trips have a special place in his memories. It isn't Disney OR something else. You can take them on lots of different trips.

Didn't read the thread, but we just got back with our three kids (13, 9,and 5). It was awesome and each of us had a great time.

We're not Disney people by any means, but each park in Disney World was very fun in its own unique way. The rides were high quality and the more recent ones were honestly amazing experiences. And if any of you are into Star Wars, Hollywood Studios is a must-do.

We went for a week but would have been satisfied with a day in each park. The app and Genie+ are worth it and are easy to figure out - the YouTube channels make it seem overly complicated.

I wouldn't go in the Summer or during a peak season, but I think it's an experience worth doing otherwise. Is it an enriching cultural experience? No, it's probably the opposite. But if you're able to abandon modern cynicism for w while, it's good fun.

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand questions like this. If you are curious (which it sounds like you are, considering you are posting about it on the internet) why not take one trip and see how it is?

One trip is not going to turn you into a Disney fanatic that goes every year.

And if it does, there are worse fates.

Anonymous wrote:We took our kids when they were 8&10. They had fun but they literally never ever mention it in their recollections and never asked to go again. They do talk about the Alaska cruise we took when they were 9 and 11.

The place my kids still talk about is South Dakota.

I don't understand questions like this. If you are curious (which it sounds like you are, considering you are posting about it on the internet) why not take one trip and see how it is?

One trip is not going to turn you into a Disney fanatic that goes every year.

I went when I was young. I was underwhelmed. It certainly wasn't a highlight of my childhood, and we only took vacations to visit family. This was literally our one non-camping vacation we took my entire youth. But I found it not that exciting or great. Unless things have changed significantly in the last 20+ years, I wouldn't go.

We took our 10 and 6 year old for the first time last month. It was very blah. The waiting and the walking overrode whatever fund the few rides were. I think its a very white people thing. Don't get me wrong. Its a good park. But it was not worth planning like you're planning a war strategy, spending $$$, flying just for Disney.

disney is fun and memorable, especially for kids. 10 is great for doing all or nearly all the rides. 9 is technically the age for the kids food menus etc. disney world is a large place to navigate where i actually think its better to go for a full week (or close to it) and try to slow down some (sleep in, eat in disney springs, also do the pool etc.). its expensive but flights to europe definitely run more and a hotel might run about the same or more in both a lot of european cities and the local ocean etc. avoid major holidays and mid-year school breaks that map to everyone elses. i think there are some limited advantages to staying on site (around the clock bus transportation included, nice pools with waterslides etc.). but skip add-ons like photo pass or character meals for a 10 year old.

Kids are young for only so long. You have one kid. Yes, I would take him to Disney. Why would you not take him to the happiest place on earth?

He can go to Paris, Iceland, Thailand or wherever else when he is a teenager or an adult.

Kids are teenagers now. We took them when they were younger and they loved it. At today’s prices, we are probably priced out of Disney. We’re not poor, but Disney prices, which have always been high, have seemed to have skyrocketed.

We took our kids when they were 8&10. They had fun but they literally never ever mention it in their recollections and never asked to go again. They do talk about the Alaska cruise we took when they were 9 and 11.

Yes, you will regret not going. Go!