Disney adult, mom of 6, vlogger for The Lee Crew. Find tips, tricks & inspiration for your Disney vacation no matter the size of your family or age of your kids.
Planning a trip to Disneyland? The sheer volume of information available can be overwhelming. As a mom of six, ranging from 13 years to 2.5 years old, I’ve experienced the magic (and chaos) of Disneyland firsthand. Here are the essential Disneyland tips with a toddler that you need to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for your family.
One of the best Disneyland tips with a toddler is to invest in the Lightning Lane Multi Pass (formerly Genie Plus when we were there). Before our trip, I read mixed reviews and hesitated, but it ended up being a lifesaver. Even during slower park times, we were able to significantly cut down our wait times. And waiting in line with a toddler is no fun.
Yes, it’s an additional expense, but the time saved from standing in long lines, especially with young kids, is invaluable. With Genie Plus, we could schedule our rides, allowing us to enjoy meals, smaller attractions, character meet-and-greets, and shopping in between.
Another critical tip for Disneyland with a toddler is to make a list of must-do rides before you enter the park. While Lightning Lanes will help, not all rides are included. You most likely will not have time to experience everything in the park.
We missed a few rides because we kept putting them off for later, thinking we’d get to them eventually. Prioritize your family’s favorite rides and hit those first to avoid disappointment.
When traveling with young kids to Disneyland, bringing your regular stroller is essential. I see this question often, and the answer is a hundred percent yes—bring that stroller.
We used the stroller to move through the airport with littles on it, bags attached to it, and drinks carried in the cup holders. You can roll it right up to the plane door, and it will be checked and brought back to you at your destination.
In Disneyland, the stroller holds everything—snacks, water bottles, purchases, sweatshirts, diaper bag, camera, and more. It’s also the perfect place for littles to sit and relax if others in your group are riding a “big” ride. If you’re lucky, your littles might even fall asleep in the stroller.
Double strollers need to be under a certain size, and my regular side-by-side double stroller was exactly 31″, which is allowed. They do not allow wagons, so don’t try to bring one. While there are strollers for rent, they are large and hard plastic, not as comfortable for little ones. While there are companies that offer stroller rentals during your visit, you can save yourself the extra cost by bringing your own.
As a photographer, I understand the urge to capture that perfect castle photo right away. However, one of my top Disneyland tips with a toddler is to wait. Early in the day, kids are excited and less inclined to stop for pictures. Plus, the morning sun can cause harsh shadows and squinting.
Instead, aim for a time after you’ve done a few things. Key in mind, if you’re going to be getting messy ice creams or treats, try to grab those photos before they eat their treat!
If you find yourself too far from the castle, don’t fret—look for alternative iconic spots, like Star Wars land, in front of iconic rides, for memorable photos.
For moms, comfort and convenience are crucial. My next Disneyland tip with a toddler is to wear leggings or bike shorts with side pockets. They’re perfect for holding your phone, making it easily accessible for quick photos, videos, or texts. Even more when you’re sitting on a ride, you don’t have to worry about sitting on your phone.
I wore leggings throughout our trip, which also proved handy for carrying my license and boarding pass at the airport. If you’re visiting during the summer, consider shorts with side pockets for the same convenience. You’ll be grateful for this tip later!
You’ll undoubtedly buy plenty of food at Disneyland, but another key tip for Disneyland with a toddler is to bring some of your own snacks. Consider stopping at a store or having groceries delivered to your hotel or Airbnb via services like Amazon Fresh.
We brought peanut butter and bagels, snack bars, oranges, and applesauce pouches. These snacks were perfect for keeping the kids satisfied and extending their patience for just one more ride before meals.
You can bring a soft cooler into the Disney Parks. If your toddler is anything like mine, they eat all the time and are picky. So save yourself some money and bringing in some food with you. Then splurge on fun things like Dole Whip and Bubble Wands.
You may be thinking, what?! An activity bag when you’re in the happiest place on earth?! But trust me. This is a golden Disneyland tip with toddlers (or even older kids). We had a tote that had a few things like coloring pages, a handful of duplos and our favorite LCD writing tablet.
We would pull the bag out when we were sitting in restaurants, waiting for the parade, or taking advantage of rider swap. It was even great when we were just trying to take advantage of the AC in a quick service restaurant. This offered entertainment for the kids, and even gave a little break from the craziness of Disneyland.
Disneyland’s Rider Switch program is a game-changer for families with toddlers and babies. This allows one parent to wait with the child while the other rides, then switch without waiting in line again. Utilize this feature to ensure everyone gets to enjoy the attractions, even if your toddler is too young for some rides.
Bonus: You get to go with two others. So I could wait with my infant while the others rode, then take two kids with me to ride again.
To take advantage, just inform one of the ride attendants, and they will scan your ticket. The first group can then when they get off you can ride without waiting in the line again. This also applies if you have children who don’t want to ride a ride and need an adult to stay with them.
The last of my Disneyland tips (for today at least) is to pack plenty of extra diapers and wipes. If you usually use four diapers a day, pack eight. If one pack of wipes lasts a week, bring two packs. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
Having extra supplies is a lifesaver if your kids get sick or have more diaper changes than expected. Better to have more than enough than to run out.
There is, of course, a baby care center in the Disney parks. However, they aren’t typically convenient. And, as you can expect, everything will cost more.
One of the most important Disneyland tips with a toddler is to plan for downtime. The excitement and stimulation can be overwhelming for young children, leading to meltdowns. Schedule breaks throughout the day for naps, quiet time, or just sitting and enjoying a snack in a shaded area.
This downtime helps recharge everyone’s batteries and keeps the day enjoyable. Utilize Disneyland’s Baby Care Centers for a quiet place to nurse, change diapers, or let your toddler rest.
Lastly, embrace the magic moments that come with visiting Disneyland with a toddler. The joy and wonder in their eyes as they meet their favorite characters, experience rides, and explore the park is priceless. Take plenty of photos, but also be present and soak in these special memories. You’ve spent time planning, once you’re in the park, just let the magic guide your day. With a few priorities, you can see what calls to your family. Disneyland is truly is a magical place.
Planning a trip to Disneyland with a toddler can be daunting, but with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a magical and memorable experience.
From using Lighting Lanes and prioritizing rides to bringing your regular stroller and packing extra diapers and wipes, these Disneyland tips with a toddler will help ensure your family has an unforgettable adventure. Enjoy the magic of Disneyland and the joy it brings to your little ones!
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