Disneyland is great for kids over the age of 7. For my family, this meant that my oldest two (ages 9 and 10) could ride rides together while an adult rode with the younger kids (ages 2, 4, and 6). I don't mean just standing in line and riding alone, but sitting in the ride together alone.

At 8 years old, a child is actually at what many consider the "golden age" for a Disneyland vacation. At this age, most children have reached the critical 40-to-48-inch height milestones, meaning they are finally tall enough to experience thrill rides like Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Unlike toddlers, an 8-year-old generally has the stamina to handle a full day of walking without a stroller and the patience to wait in lines without a meltdown. Psychologically, they are in a perfect "sweet spot": they are old enough to appreciate the sophisticated storytelling of newer lands like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, yet they are usually still young enough to find the character meet-and-greets and the nightly fireworks displays genuinely magical. They can also participate in interactive elements like "Pin Trading" or building a droid at Savi's Workshop, which might be too complex for younger children. Far from being "too old," an 8-year-old is at an age where they will create lasting, vivid memories of the trip, making it one of the most rewarding times for a family to visit the parks.