Best age for Orlando, personal experiences?

Question

What do you think the best age would be to get the best experience out of Orlando?

We're looking to take our daughter but due to when her birthday will be, and the UK Summer holidays, she'll be either 6 or 7.

I know there's pros and cons for both ages so just wondering if anyone has any experience around that age.

Answer

Taking your daughter to Orlando at 6 or 7 years old is a great age! At both of these ages, she’ll be able to enjoy a variety of attractions, but there are definitely some nuances to consider for each age. Here are some personal experiences and thoughts on what the best age might be to visit Orlando:

At age 6, your daughter is likely to be full of wonder and excitement, especially when it comes to characters and shows. She’ll be tall enough to enjoy many of the more family-friendly rides, such as Dumbo, Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World, and many others. At 6, kids are often thrilled by the magic of Disney and the immersive environments in places like Universal Studios. She will also have a more vivid imagination and will appreciate the fantasy elements of the parks—characters will feel more "real" to her, and she'll likely have a magical experience meeting them.

At age 7, your daughter might be more independent and able to handle longer days in the parks, which can be a big plus. She might also be ready for a wider variety of rides, like those in the Magic Kingdom or even some more adventurous attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, or even the Harry Potter attractions at Universal (if she's ready for a little more excitement). Seven-year-olds can generally be more patient and engaged with the whole experience, and many 7-year-olds are tall enough for most of the rides.

At age 6: Many rides will be suitable for her, but some of the more thrilling rides might be a bit intimidating. Character interactions and parades are big highlights, as are kid-friendly rides in places like Fantasyland.
At age 7: She’ll have a slightly longer attention span, and could handle bigger rides and attractions, making the trip more well-rounded. She may also be interested in the more immersive experiences, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal.
Shows and Parades: Both ages will enjoy these, but younger kids (6) might be more captivated by the parades and fireworks at Disney, while a 7-year-old might appreciate the storytelling and spectacle in a more mature way.

In terms of personal experience, I’ve found that kids in the 6 to 7 age range are fantastic for Orlando because they are still young enough to be totally enchanted by the magic, but old enough to appreciate the fun, excitement, and even a bit of thrill from some of the bigger rides. At this age, they are also not yet at the point where they might outgrow the more whimsical experiences that make Disney so magical, like meeting princesses or experiencing shows like Mickey's PhilharMagic. The parks are designed for families with younger children, so you’ll find plenty of options for both ages.

Overall, both 6 and 7 years old are great ages for Orlando, but if I had to choose, I’d say 7 might be slightly better if your daughter is adventurous and ready for more variety in attractions. However, both ages will have an unforgettable experience with a little planning!

Enjoy your trip to Orlando!