Travel Florida or Hawaii with 6 Year Old

k2sealer

I only wear live fur
O.G.
Aug 30, 2007
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I have this dilemma. My Son turned 6 today but is still somewhat short. He is approximately 43" tall. I looked up online and found that he needs to be about 46" tall in order to ride the majority of the rides at either Disneyland or Disneyworld.

It gets more complicated. So, the Union that my DH and I belong to is negotiating their contract with the company we both work for. It comes up for vote in September. We have been saving money like crazy just in case we go on strike. If we do NOT go on strike then we can use that money to go on a trip. Ultimately, if we do not go on strike we probably take the trip around December of this year (2008).

So we are trying to decide between Florida with Disneyworld and Hawaii if we don't go on strike. I really want to go to Hawaii because I've never gone (and neither has DH or DS). My DH suggested Florida, but I'm not sure if it is worth it if DS can't go on most of the rides because of his height.

Suggestions? Recommendations? Advice?
 
Hawaii would be a wonderful vacation. My DH and I went to Kauai last Oct and loved it. Very beautiful and since our kids are grown, I enjoyed seeing the children everywhere. Hawaiians love their children, so they are welcomed everywhere. Have a great trip wherever you go!
 
My personal opinion, i would choose Florida. I have a timeshare in Florida and my husband and i go every year. My youngest child is 5 and she gets on all the rides, and she has always gotten on the rides ever since she was 3 1/2, whether it's disney or universal, so i really can'y comprehend what your talking about. However, i had also been to Hawaii, and i just can't imagine taking my daughter on that long flight. I feel as though your child would have more fun in FL, and when he gets older, consider a family trip to Hawaii.
 
I live in Hawaii well "Oahu" the main island it is lovely. But if you're planning to go somewhere in December idk if you want to come here. It's not cold or anything be we do have some rain. Whatever you decide i'm sure you guys will have fun!

Good luck. :smile:
 
I would really consider Disney World. Your child is six,and can still be enchanted with the magic and spectacle of everything Disney.

There is so much to do and see at Disney World; so many "lands" to explore.
Childhood seems to fly by in an instant; and the days of make believe are gone.

Disney, even with all of its commercialism, and expense, is an experience your family will remember and cherish.
Your little boy, will one day try to relive that memory with children of his own.
 
i've been to both oahu, hawaii and orlando, florida...

i'm not sure about the height requirement but i'm sure your son would enjoy disney even if he doesn't get to go on some of the rides. i mean, everything is just so colorful, youthful, and fun! you still have the fireworks, shows, parades - and outlets for you! :smile:

oahu is very beautiful but very pricey... i would save a trip to hawaii for just you and dh or when your ds is a little older so he can appreciate hawaii more..

good luck and have fun! i'm sure you'll love either one :smile:




jmo :smile:
 
My youngest child is 5 and she gets on all the rides, and she has always gotten on the rides ever since she was 3 1/2, whether it's disney or universal, so i really can'y comprehend what your talking about.

I just looked it up again on Google with the search words "disneyworld ride height". There are 12 rides that my son is too short for, he is about 43" tall. Although according to the site, they are all in different "Parks", whatever that means. I've only been to Disneyland in California and MGM Studios in Florida.

I just found a place in Florida, Discovery Cove, where you can swim with Dolphins. I ordered information from them. So, when I get it I'll find out if there are age restrictions.
 
Hi! What fun options - Hawaii and Florida. I'm from Hawaii and am a big Disney fan who spends every Summer in Florida, so I thought I'd weigh in.

I looked up the rides your son is too short for and come up with this list (excluding rides at the water parks and DisneyQuest - the huge arcade at Downtown Disney):


MGM - Rock'n'Roller Coaster (48 in)
Animal Kingdom - Primeval Whirl (48 in)
Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest (44 in)
Magic Kingdom - Indy Speedway (52 in)
Magic Kingdom - Space Mountain (44 in)

First of all, looks like you'll be doing in either September or December, right? (I got a little confused on that part). That's why I didn't include water park rides - probably a bit too cold then for them.

Also, by September or December your son could EASILY grow an inch to make the 44 inch requirement, right? That would count you in for Expedition Everest and Space Mountain, and you'd only be unable to go on three. As an aside, Rock'n'Roller Coaster is kinda a serious (by Disney standards) roller coaster - goes upside down and everything. He might be a little young for it anyway. (I got engaged outside Rock'n'Roller Coaster, so it holds a special place in my heart! Hehe!) Indy Speedyway isn’t that great, and I’ve never done Primeval Whirl.

Have you ever been to Disney ooc? There is a ton of stuff to do, and your son being too short for a handful of rides is no reason not to go. There are dozens and dozens of rides and attractions that would be perfect for him.

I vote for Disney. 6 is a magical time… I think he’d have a blast there.

Hawaii would be great, too… but I think it would be just as good when he’s a bit older (whereas the magic of visiting Disney when you’re 6 is irreplaceable!)