As Disneyland locals, Eloise has been able to experience Disneyland several times. Her first Disneyland visit was in the spring of 2021, when Disneyland reopened after almost a year of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Six months later, she spent a few days at Disneyland Paris! These tips will undoubtedly help your family have a great day at Disneyland with toddlers.
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1. Arrive early….really early
We aim to be parking a full hour before the gates open because this allows us to be inside the parks by the time they open.
2. Prioritize rides first thing
Because toddlers are not patient people, lines can be so hard. We focus on rides for the first earlier in the day when the lines are shortest. Afterwards, you can spend time having snacks, meeting characters, and watching shows when the crowds are larger.
3. Take a lunch break
Days at Disneyland are so long. If you are walking distance to your hotel, head back to the hotel when your toddler is ready for a nap. Because we visit for the day, we don’t have the option of a nap at the hotel. Instead, we take a break while eating lunch, allowing plenty of time for everyone to rest their feet.
4. Consider a character meal
Character meals are generally the best way to meet a lot of characters without waiting in line. If this is important to you, then schedule your character meal 60 days in advance.
5. Allow for a stroller nap
Once bellies are full, we walk…and walk….and walk. Eloise will generally fall asleep after lunch, so we make a few laps around the park while she naps. Using sleep cues, such as white noise and loveys, can help encourage this nap.
6. Don’t skip the shows
Eloise loves the shows, especially Tiki Room and Turtle Talk with Crush. These are attractions that we would usually skip, but they are a highlight for her.
7. Work out their wiggles
There is a particularly excellent playground in California Adventure for kids of all ages to run around. Without doubt, don’t miss the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
8. Bring a full size stroller
Don’t plan on renting a stroller for your visit unless you use an offsite company. The Disneyland strollers look so uncomfortable for kiddos and don’t recline. We bring our full size Thule jogging stroller because it has a great, smooth push. Because you will be pushing it all day, comfort is key. However, be aware that Disney has restrictions on stroller size and does not allow wagons. If you are considering bringing a double stroller, then be sure to check the size restrictions.
9. Pack some healthy snacks
Fortunately, Eloise is not a very picky eater. She and I will usually share a meal, with her nibbling off my food. While at Disneyland, we supplement her meals with healthy snacks that we bring from home.
10. Score a free ticket
Toddlers are free before their 3rd birthday! Plan your visit before their third birthday to avoid paying for their ticket.
11. Use the Baby Care Centers
Each park has a baby care center with baby supplies such as diapers, changing tables, feeding areas, rocking chairs, etc. When she was young, I preferred to find a quiet bench to feed Eloise, but it’s good to know that the Baby Care Centers exist if you need to heat a bottle or buy more diapers.
12. Watch out for dark rides
We assumed we would be spending all of our time in Fantasyland, but Eloise is terrified of the dark rides. In fact, these rides can be a bit scary, so be aware before riding.
13. Use Rider Switch
Disneyland allows parents to ride attractions with height restrictions while the other parent waits. The first parent will get in line and then tell the cast member you want to do Rider Switch. Meanwhile, the second parent and the child wait outside of the queue- get a snack, change diapers, etc. Once the first parent has ridden, the second parent is able to ride without waiting in line.
14. Get Genie+, or maybe don’t
Some visitors swear by using Genie+ to make the lines significantly shorter. We usually skip Genie+ because the attractions we are going on aren’t included. Before buying it, be sure to check the list of rides that use Genie+. At the present time, many rides that are appropriate for toddlers do not use Genie+.
15. Use mobile ordering
If you use mobile ordering at Quick Service Restaurants, then you can avoid the lines. For this reason, we like to order our meals in advance and then pick them up at the window.
16. Allow time to explore
Our favorite Disneyland memories are the times when Eloise walked up and down Main Street, smelling flowers and looking at the castle. Be sure to allow time to explore and wander so that you can experience this magic- it’s not all about the rides!
17. Bring a baby carrier
If you have a younger toddler, then bring a baby carrier for lines. Your arms will certainly thank you!
18. Stay charged
Bring a portable charger for your cell phone. The Disneyland App in particular drains batteries very quickly!
Protect Your Trip
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that insurance is necessary to protect our travel investments and keep our family safe on the road. Depending on the policy that you choose, travel insurance can protect your family in the event of medical emergencies and canceled trips. It also takes the sting out of minor trip mishaps, such as lost baggage and delayed flights. Check out Squaremouth to compare plans and choose one that fits your family.
Traveling for the first time with your little one? Check out these posts for tips:
- The Complete Guide to Flying with a Baby
- The Beginner’s Guide to Flying with a Lap Child
- How to Pack Light: Carry On Packing List for Babies