here's our experience, and I realize every kids/family is different.
We've done 3 trips, and this one by far as been the most taxing. Our kids are now 9,9,8 & 2.5.
1st trip:
Was a cruise(I know, way different) but kids were in kids club from sun up to well close to midnite most nights.
Kids were ages 5,5 & 3.5.
They all went full force, 3.5 yr old with no nap (or, the one day he just crashed on woody's bed in the club, staff just left him there said he was to cute so they didn't call us. Lol) no tantrums, nothing. 4 day cruise.
2nd trip:
Disney World. Kids were 6.5,6.5 & 5. Went from park open to park close 4 days straight plus a day at SeaWorld, and they did pool time at the resort until closing most nights. No strollers and took advantage of all EMH's and some PPO ADR's. Beginning of August trip at that. No tantrums, meltdowns or anything.
3rd trip:
Kids are 9,9,8 & 2.5. First trip for the LO.
My older 3 have been fighting, complaining about rides, waking up early (tho we didn't wake up any earlier than at home.) The LO didn't go to bed until late, wouldn't take naps no matter what I tried until he just couldn't fight anymore (usually around 5 pm), and he insisted on being carried as opposed to being in the stroller.
I haven't gone with an infant under 1, it seemed like those babies were napping happily in their strollers. I also haven't gone with kids aged 6.5-7 so can't vouch for that group either.
But it seems to me that between the ages of about 3-7 would be the best age to take kids. At least for our family. lol I think we might stay away a couple more year and try when the LO is 5-6 and the older ones teens and can be cut loose on their own for a few hours.
We've done 3 trips, and this one by far as been the most taxing. Our kids are now 9,9,8 & 2.5.
1st trip:
Was a cruise(I know, way different) but kids were in kids club from sun up to well close to midnite most nights.
Kids were ages 5,5 & 3.5.
They all went full force, 3.5 yr old with no nap (or, the one day he just crashed on woody's bed in the club, staff just left him there said he was to cute so they didn't call us. Lol) no tantrums, nothing. 4 day cruise.
2nd trip:
Disney World. Kids were 6.5,6.5 & 5. Went from park open to park close 4 days straight plus a day at SeaWorld, and they did pool time at the resort until closing most nights. No strollers and took advantage of all EMH's and some PPO ADR's. Beginning of August trip at that. No tantrums, meltdowns or anything.
3rd trip:
Kids are 9,9,8 & 2.5. First trip for the LO.
My older 3 have been fighting, complaining about rides, waking up early (tho we didn't wake up any earlier than at home.) The LO didn't go to bed until late, wouldn't take naps no matter what I tried until he just couldn't fight anymore (usually around 5 pm), and he insisted on being carried as opposed to being in the stroller.
I haven't gone with an infant under 1, it seemed like those babies were napping happily in their strollers. I also haven't gone with kids aged 6.5-7 so can't vouch for that group either.
But it seems to me that between the ages of about 3-7 would be the best age to take kids. At least for our family. lol I think we might stay away a couple more year and try when the LO is 5-6 and the older ones teens and can be cut loose on their own for a few hours.