The best age is to take your children to Disney World really depends on how many times you plan on making Disney World your family vacation. For example, for us, the only vacation we take is to Disney World or a Disney Cruise. Therefore, if we take our kids at age 5, it won't matter whether or not that is the perfect age because we are also going to take them at 6, 7, 8, and for the rest of their childhood. If you plan on going to Disney at least every 3 years or less, don't worry about if they are too young or what age they are. Take them at 3 years-old and six and eight and twelve and twenty! (And, of course, there is NEVER a too old age to take them.) However, if Disney World is a trip you only want to take once or twice, age is going to be a really important factor when deciding when the best time to take your little ones will be. The best age to take your kids to Disney World is when they are old enough to remember it-- at least 12 years old. I know this might not be what you would have expected, but it is truly the best thing that you can do for them if you are only taking them once. Why? Because if you take them when they are 5 years-old because you think they will love the princesses at that age but won't love the princesses at 12, then this is only an experience for YOU not them. I have had so many friends say to me, "Yea, I went to Disney World once when I was like 5, but I can't really remember it." For your children to remember your Disney World vacation is one of the most precious things you can give to them. 12 or 13 years old is the perfect age to visit for the first time. They are big enough to ride everything, old enough to remember and young enough to still feel that special childhood magic of Disney. Believe me, I took my nieces at 5 and 6 years-old, and I did that for me more than for them. They loved it, but even with all of the pictures, they aren't going to remember what we did like I will. And they were just as interested in getting in the pool at the resort as they were in going to the parks! Disney World is a wonderful place for little ones. They LOVE it. But they won't remember it. Only take them at that age if you also plan on taking them when they are pre-teens and teenagers. Because that's when it will mean the most to them.
For everyone who has ever said to me, "Isn't Disney World for kids?" when they find out I vacation each year at DW, I always respond with, "You've obviously never experienced the dining or resorts at Disney World." Disney World table-service restaurants are one of the things I look forward to the most about our DW vacation each year. Here's my list of the top 10 one-point restaurants to eat at when you go. (One point refers to the dining plan points required to eat here. This means that without a dining plan, you can eat here for $30 or less per person.) You definitely want to choose a few off of this list and make advance reservations because you can't get a seat otherwise. (If you don't have reservations and have to try to walk-in somewhere, for food quality, your best bet is somewhere at Epcot or a deluxe resort.) Everyone has their own opinion about the best dining experiences. My top 10 are based on food quality, theme, guest reviews (including my own), and overall experience. #10 Sanaa
Sanaa makes the list mostly for theme and experience. You are engulfed in an African paradise with views of giraffes, zebra and other exotic live animals from the windows. Where else could you dine like this except Disney World? Don't get me wrong though: the entrees aren't too bad either: my favorite is the lamb or New-York strip. Sanaa is located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. #9 San Angel Inn
Want to dine under the stars (*fake* stars-- you're actually inside) in front of a large Aztec temple and a Mexican river? Epcot's San Angel Inn is the place for you. As far as food goes, loving Mexican cuisine is a must if you want to dine here. #8 Coral Reef
At Epcot's Coral Reef, you get to dine in front of a huge aquarium in an aquatic setting. It's really a neat experience. If you like chicken, steak, or, of course, seafood, you will love the menu here as well. #7 Whispering Canyon Cafe
If you love Western-style scenery and fixin's, then this is the place for you! With a log cabin setting and waitresses that like to holler, this dining experience will take you back to the Old West. I highly recommend ordering the Canyon Skillet, a bottomless skillet of yummy ribs, chicken, pulled pork and country sides. #6 Kona Cafe
Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Resort has become one of my favorite places to eat for the incredible teriyaki steak they have and their famous dessert-- the Kona cone. This cone is loaded high with ice cream and cotton candy and surrounded by various toppings you can add. The setting is the beautiful scenery of the Polynesian Resort, so a little less themed than some of the other restaurants, but the food definitely makes up for that. #5 Be Our Guest Restaurant
The scenery of this Magic Kingdom restaurant is remarkable. Venture into beast's castle with fake falling snow. Explore three different dining areas: Belle's library, the 2-story ballroom, and the West Wing where the enchanted rose is kept. Enjoy some yummy French cuisine for lunch or dinner. This is one of the most sought after restaurants, so reservations must be made as soon as you know you will be taking the trip, and even then you may not be lucky enough to book this one. #4 Le Cellier Lunch
Ahhhh, Le Cellier. The dinner here used to be one-point, but due to the extreme popularity, dinner has become two points. Fortunately, you can still experience the one-point lunch here, and I never leave Disney World without eating at Epcot's Le Cellier in France. The filet mignon is to die for.
#3 Cape May Cafe
I am normally not one to promote buffets, but Disney outdid itself with this one. If you like seafood, Cape May Cafe has unlimited crab legs and other mouth-watering dishes at this all-you-can-eat restaurant located at the Yaht Club Resort. #2 Teppan Edo
Epcot's Teppan Edo is number two on my list because this is the best Japanese steakhouse you will ever eat at, and this is my favorite type of food. Plus you get to watch the cooks make your food which is really fun. It's not exactly out of the ordinary-- you can find these type of restaurants in major cities-- but as for me, well I love it enough to do it in Disney as well.
#1 Ohana
Ohana is a unique Hawaiin-themed restaurant located in the Polynesian Resort. The food is the best you will ever eat. I especially love the pot stickers. It's a unique experience as well because you get to eat everything on the menu. They just bring out all the courses--chicken, steak, shrimp and pork-- in pans periodically and ask if you want it. You can ask for more of whatever you like. It's endless eating here. And every course is good-- appetizer, entree and dessert! This is another one that it's kind of hard to get reservations at.
